Ellington

Study: 24 percent of C-Falls students considered suicide, most drink booze

Tax Time Is ID Theft Season; Get Your Credit Report

(NAPSI)—It’s tax time again. The Federal Trade Commission notes that one-third of all ID theft complaints it receives are tax related, three times as large as any other type of ID theft. So tax season is a good time to review your personal financial records and ensure they are accurate and there are no unknown or erroneous data in them.

C-Falls graduate publishes first novel

Columbia Falls graduate Bret Kamrud published his first novel, “Landslide,” this fall. It is a dramatic romance written for a female audience. The story is about a veteran railroader Steven Lange who wants to have a son to carry on his legacy, but he faces a crumbling marriage and a worsening alcohol addiction.

Bigfork Eagle moves to digital delivery next week

Publisher plans to introduce new print version later

Bullock appoints Mike Cooney as lieutenant governor

Former C-Falls teacher wins national award

A former Columbia Falls High School teacher and graduate recently won a national award for her University of Montana anthropology doctoral dissertation on magic and archaeology.

Swim records fall in Great Falls

2015: A year of fire, drought

The year 2015 will long be remembered as one of drought and fire. In addition to the numerous wildfires in Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, 12 fires damaged homes, businesses and outbuildings. The fires disrupted people’s lives in Columbia Falls, Evergreen, the North Fork, Martin City and Coram. Two Columbia Falls residents died in an August fire and two pet dogs died in fires in February and May. Here is a month-to-month look at the major headlines of this past year.

Glacier Park proposes new housing in East Glacier and Swiftcurrent

Snowpack still below average

Annual bird count tallies 81 species in Bigfork

On Saturday several groups of bird enthusiasts scoured the Bigfork area during the 42nd annual Bigfork Christmas Bird Count.

Bigfork ranger station oversees collaborative projects on Blacktail Mountain

There’s a stack of bound documents in Rich Kehr’s office that’s about five inches tall.

Board studies policy on drug abuse

The Bigfork school district is addressing how it should communicate to the community when illicit substances are found at school.

Montana's Outdoor Legacy Foundation continues to make an impact

Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation continues to make an impact on keeping Montana’s outdoors accessible and safe for all of us to enjoy.

Bigfork students make contribution to the Crown Guitar Festival

While most of Bigfork High School’s students sat in class the first week of September, three students put what they’ve learned to the test at the Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival.

Collaboration not a solution for wilderness protection

As a Montanan I am blessed to live in a place of incomparable beauty and wealth of natural resources.  In appreciation of that I find myself moved to make a plea to thoughtful citizens to resist the corrosive effects of growing threats to the quality of life we enjoy.

Little Jon Apartments in line for possible improvements with tax credits

(EDITOR’S NOTE:  An earlier story about the Little Jon Apartments contained information that was not correct. We are running the following story to clarify the situation involving the ownership and management of this low-income housing development.)

Feds eye $200 mil upgrade of Hungry Horse dam

Staying Fit After 50-In The New Year And Beyond

(NAPSI)—Two years ago, 66-year-old Barbara Scott weighed 208 pounds and wasn’t happy with not only her appearance but her health. After giving up on other weight loss methods, Scott decided to customize her approach.

Glacier Bank snaps up $9 million in Bigfork bonds

Christmas is coming a little late to Bigfork schools, but by Dec. 29 there will be a nice little stocking stuffer in the school district’s bank account.

How to Take Action in Tough Times

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5 Tips for Better Financial Health

(Family Features) As the calendar turns over a new year, it’s a good time to take stock of your finances. Evaluating what missteps you made with your money in the past year, determining how you can correct those errors and setting a realistic budget will put you on your way to better financial health in 2016.

Manage Diabetic Pets at Home

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3 Steps to Kick Off a Year of Good Health

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Easy Ways to Manage Your Whole Home in Zones

(Family Features) You’ve been taught from childhood to turn off the lights when you leave a room to save energy and money. Now, technology is allowing homeowners to apply those years of training to managing energy consumption – and comfort – on a room-by-room basis throughout the house.

Tips to Help You Weather the Snowy Winter

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Car Care: 5 Smart Buys to Beat Winter

(Family Features) Rain, ice and snow during the winter months can take a toll on your vehicle and jeopardize your safety. Outfitting your car or truck with the proper equipment and tools can help ensure your vehicle operates in top condition to get you to your destination without incident.

Top Wine Trends of 2015 Unveiled

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School District 6 meal program in the red, again

Residents weigh in on Trump's 'muslim ban'

Republican front-runner Donald Trump recently said that he wants to stop all Muslim immigration into the United States, at least temporarily. Trump made the remarks after terrorist attacks in San Bernardino, California.

Log truck smashes into rig at Swan River School

One person was ejected from his vehicle in a collision between a loaded logging truck and pickup truck in front of Swan River School Friday.

Dam transfer explained

Many misconceptions about the interventions in the sale of Kerr Dam during the last year have been in the media.  My interventions were not on the sale of Kerr Dam.

Basketball teams beat Eureka and Libby

VIKING BASKETBALL

Bigfork native retires from Navy

Ann Quarles celebrated her retirement from the United States Navy on Nov. 20.

Kerr receives nurse degree

Megan Kerr of Bigfork is among the Flathead Valley Community College’s newest classes of registered nurses to graduate.

Small schools see surge in enrollment

Two of the smallest schools in the north Flathead Valley have seen a surge in enrollment. West Glacier school now has 71 students, up about 20 over last year and Deer Park is up 26 students to 126.

Glacier changes reservation system for backcountry permits

Glacier National Park has changed the way it takes advanced reservations for backcountry camp sites. A little less than half of all backcountry camps in the Park were held by advanced reservation last year, said Brian McKeon, who runs the backcountry office for the Park.

Despite losses, Cats beginning to gel as a team

After getting hammered on the road against Glacier the night before, it would have been easy for the Columbia Falls basketball team to fold against Frenchtown at home Saturday. 

Cats swim well at Great Falls

Kats keep rolling, drop Wolfpack, Broncs

The Columbia Falls girls basketball team extended its unbeaten streak to six  as they downed Glacier on the road 56-47 and dispatched conference rival Frenchtown, 43-31, the next night at home. The girls then hammered Bigfork Tuesday at home, 69-39.

Gravelin takes second at Holiday Classic wrestling

Matthews named class A volleyball coach of the year

Columbia Falls varsity volleyball coach Jessy Matthews has been named the 2015 Montana Coaches Association Class A volleyball coach of the year. Matthews led the Wildkats to a state Class A championship in her first season as head coach. Matthews had been the freshmen coach prior to this season. She was one of several coaches across the state recognized for their fall sports accomplishments.

A Nostalgia Trip

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Winter road conditions are here

Winter may not arrive until 10:45 a.m. on Dec. 21, but it sure seems like it on The North Fork. Snow, below zero and slick roads translate into winter to me. My last two trips to or from town have been what Ollie Terrian used to call real sphincter tighteners. Saw where people had slid off the road, one at the devils elbow that required a tow truck. Except for stress I had no trouble. It is mostly a matter of keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road and avoid too much accelerator or too much brake and allow inertia to aid your forward progress. All in all the road is good and you just have to expect winter driving conditions in December.

The $35 check that changed his life

Forty-five years ago I had just received a graduate degree from the University of Idaho and was teaching and coaching in the small town of Ritzville, Washington, an hour west of Spokane.

Federal spending bill boosts Park Service budget

A massive spending bill that passed Congress last week will give the Park Service a boost in its centennial year, but didn’t get support from Montana’s senators. The $1.12 trillion spending bill for 2016 includes a 4 percent increase for the Park Service, a $94 million increase.

An interview with Mr. Claus

Santa Claus took some time between toy building and packing his sleigh to talk with the Hungry Horse News last week.

Columbia Falls 'Shop with a Cop' celebrates 16 years

Andrew Matlock spent nearly two hours at Target picking out gifts for himself last week. He and four other boys participated in the 16th annual Shop with a Cop sponsored by the Columbia Falls Police Association.

A Delightful Dozen Of Presents For Your People

(NAPSI)—Whether it’s for the holidays, a special birthday or anniversary, or just because, you can find great gifts for the auto enthusiast, the

Shining A National Spotlight On Neighborhood Restaurants

(NAPSI)—If you’re like many Americans, you have a favorite neighborhood restaurant where you can enjoy delicious food and an attentive staff—and now you can give

From the field to the classroom, Bigfork's Christina Relyea has a career in education

Christina Relyea might be away from education for a while.

Always the Adventure: Finding the good in goodbye

Winter weather brings wrecks

Snowfall since yesterday has left hazardous winter road conditions for motorists to navigate this morning, causing several accidents.

Three Pinterest-Worthy Cleaning Hacks

(NAPSI)—The snow is thawing, birds are chirping and winter's effects on your house are more noticeable than ever. Muddy shoes, holiday parties and Christmas crafts are coming back to haunt you as new stains and odors. That's why you'll love these hassle-free spring-cleaning hacks to make your house shine again.

Rocketry Eggs Students On To Studying STEM

(NAPSI)—Some clever kids will win a share of $100,000--for not breaking eggs.

Millions Of Americans To Celebrate School Choice In January-15,000 Special Events Planned Across All 50 States

(NAPSI)—Schools, organizations and individuals from across the country are planning more than 15,000 events to celebrate National School Choice Week 2016, NSCW President Andrew

Columbia Falls Community choir starts soon

The Columbia Falls Community Choir will begin practice Jan. 10 for the 2016 concert season. The concerts will be Saturday and Sunday, April 16 and 17. Practices will be from 2-4 p.m. on Sundays at the Columbia Falls Junior High School. Sign-in and music pickup will be from 1:30-2 p.m. on Jan. 10, with practice following promptly at 2 p.m. 

A Crafty Storage Solution

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High-Tech Clothing Helps Overcome High Stress

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Get More Out of Holiday Entertaining this Season

(Family Features) The holiday season is a time of year meant to be celebrated with friends and family. It is also a time for entertaining, whether you are hosting or attending as a cherished guest.

5 Tips to Smarten Your Phone Purchase

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City wins kettle drive again

The Columbia Falls Community came through again as the city won the annual Salvation Army city and chamber kettle competition. The traveling trophy will remain at Columbia Falls for another year.

Councilman spruces up downtown with Ruder mural

North Shore purchase adds to public ownership along Flathead Lake

Slowly and very surely, the north shore of Flathead Lake is being protected for future generations.

Fees will help improve facility at playhouse

The Bigfork Summer Playhouse has signed a 10-year lease for use of the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts that enables the Playhouse theater program to continue but requires a $1-per-ticket fee for building maintenance.

Bigfork artist wins Hockaday award

Sally Vannoy of Bigfork captured first place this year with her oil painting, The Patriarch in the Hockay Museum of Art’s 2015 Winter Members’ Salon.

Community of Bigfork stepped in when it was needed

In December of 2014 my Daughter and Son-In-Law along with my Father-In-Law came to visit for Christmas.  My Son-In–Law, Chris was raised in Georgia and had limited experience with snow.  He was hoping to be able to see what real winter might be like; little did he know what he had signed up for.  During their visit there was lots of coming and going, work, shopping, sightseeing, tons of shoveling, and finally, blissfully, the warmth of the home fires.

BHS grad presents project on bioterrorism

Britnney Amos recently presented her research project on “Pandemics and People” in the Flathead Valley Community College’s honors program.

Vikings basketball win three straight to start the season

VIKING BASKETBALL

Blacktail Mtn. to open this week

Blacktail Mountain Ski Area announced it will open Dec. 18.

A 'Garden of Smiles': Young illustrator, author collaborate on new book

Columbia Falls resident Kelly Potter describes herself as a “freak about Dr. Seuss,” and would love to be called the new Dr. Seuss.

New book highlights humorous tales from daily law roundup

Volume 2 of “Only in Montana,” with all new content, is now available. This is the second compilation of humorous anecdotes from the “Law Enforcement Roundup” of the Daily Inter Lake, and it introduces readers to some of the best from the past.

Leo Renfrow

Happy, kind, active, strong, gentle, fun-loving and playful Leo Edgar Renfrow, 93, passed away at Beehive Homes in Columbia Falls Dec. 11, 2015. Born March 3, 1922 to Clyde Merlin Renfrow and Ruby Ruth Robison in Greeley, Iowa, where he and siblings Leila, Dean, and Lyle enjoyed hard work and hearty play on the family farm. Leo once sneaked away from chores to race his pony at the country fair. With bare feet and bib-overalls Leo took home prize money for first place, and a blue ribbon for Best of Show.

Calamity's their name, but singing is their game

Back in 1991 some fine-tuned folks in Whitefish thought it would be fun to get a group together and sing carols on a horse-drawn wagon through town.

James Noble Toavs

James Noble Toavs, 79, of Columbia Falls, went to be with the Lord on Friday, Dec. 11, 2015 at his winter home in Sun City, Arizona under the care of his family.

Richard Knapton

Richard William Knapton, 78, passed away in San Antonio, Texas on Dec. 9, 2015, surrounded at home by his family.

News from the Citizen's Advisory Committee

The regional volunteer Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC) meets six times a year to hear updates from Fish, Wildlife and Parks department managers and to offer advice and comments.

Behind the scenes of a coffee table book

It was just a quick e-mail from Nikon, but it was pretty bad news.  The 300 mm whiz-bang autofocus lens I had sent them could be repaired, they said, but a part was on hold and it would be at least a month before they could get it fixed.

A modest ego explanation

At the end of this column each week there is an editorial statement saying “George Ostrom is a prize winning columnist who lives in Kalispell.” Once in awhile I am asked about that word, “winning” and around three years ago a newer reader brought up the subject by asking me “when and where?” That set me to wondering why this personal weekly bit of opinion had not won a professional newspaper award for several years.

Seven selected for Wildcat Hall of Fame

Kats win a pair at Tip-Off tourney

They’re making it look easy.

Cats drop a pair at tip-off tourney

The Columbia Falls boys basketball team had a tough time at the Northwest-Southwest A Tip-Off tournament over the weekend, as they were walloped 82-45 by Hamilton Friday and edged by Anaconda 67-57 Saturday.

Cats drop Polson, Dillon, Sidney in duals

They didn’t make the championship round, but the Columbia Falls wrestling team made its mark against AA schools at the Mining City Duals over the weekend.

Swim team has another strong week

Forest planning salvage sales in Trail Creek Fire area

Local businesses, individuals receive C-Falls Chamber awards

C-Falls duck hunter pleads not guilty to shooting boat, hunters

Newman recognized for years of service

Peggy Newman received the Chamber of Commerce Community Pride Award last week for her 30 years of dedication to the Nights of Lights. 

Judge argues against legalization of marijuana

A high school friend recently asked me what I thought of legalizing marijuana.  In all candor, I voted for the state referendum legalizing marijuana for terminally ill patients several years ago. My thought was if people dying of a terminal illness can get some relief from their pain, what can be the harm?  I still believe that.

Always the Adventure Love for travel begins and ends with perspective

Bigfork gets bus service

Eagle Transit is now offering expanded bus service for Bigfork.

New law could put anglers on the hook for reporting walleye

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is proposing a “mandatory kill” regulation for walleyes in Swan Lake after two of the invasive fish were found to have been illegally introduced into the popular fishery.

Shoreline damage case plods through district court

Teams of attorneys were back in court this week to create a timeline for a jury trial that could be the grand finale of a long-running disagreement over whether former operators of Kerr Dam should be held responsible for property damage allegedly caused by varying levels of Flathead Lake in the 1990s.

Postal worker rescues injured woman on road

Cay Dee Reynolds sees a lot of unusual things on her daily route as a mail carrier.

Civic leader Renfrow passes away

He was always quick with a smile and a funny story. He was also a civic leader, volunteering his time and expertise to build the grandstand in Marantette Park and the original arch over Nucleus Avenue.

As Osweiler wins, rookie card demand skyrockets

Tony Sibert has been stocking up on Brock Osweiler rookie cards over the years.

Local man pleads guilty to burglary, drug possession

A man who stole a car from a Columbia Falls garage and crashed it in Whitefish has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge.

Murdoch's opens, quietly

For the first time in decades, Columbia Falls residents won’t have to drive to Kalispell or Whitefish to buy a pair of jeans. Murdoch’s quietly opened the doors to its store at the corner of Highway 2 and 40 on Wednesday.

Sign code changes spark discussion at council meeting

Changes to Columbia Falls’ sign code sparked discussion at the city council meeting Monday evening.

Big wind hits Canyon, again

Residents in the Canyon are cleaning up fallen branches and trees after a windstorm Wednesday, the second one in less than a month. The storm came after a windstorm rocked the valley in mid-November leaving many trees uprooted, a garage destroyed and people without power for several days. The remains of fallen trees are still visible in Coram.

Diving artist takes aim at Glacier National Park's watery world

There have been plenty of artist-in-residence at Glacier National Park. Chris Gug is the first to dive right into his project, however — literally.

Terri Daun O'Neal Boyd

Terri Daun O’Neal Boyd, an angel placed on Earth to offer love and support, and affirm God’s love for us, passed away in her home on Dec. 1, 2015, after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. Throughout her journey, she never complained or felt sorry for herself. She always had a smile on her face and a sparkle in her eye, a beautiful soul inside and out. Terri was an inspiration to everyone she met. She was caring, generous and loving. She devoted herself to always finding the good in people and to help others in need.

Shorthanded MatCats take third at Polson Invite

The Columbia Falls wrestling team took third at the Polson Invitational Saturday. The MatCats were led by Brandon Thomas, who took first at 126. Other notable performances included Austin Nelson, 2nd, at 113, Kaleb Gravelin, 3rd at 138, Troy Meyer, 4th at 160, Colton McPhee, 2nd at 170 and Jake Freeman, 2nd at 205.

Babcock by a whisker in Kalispell

Colton Babcock won two events and the Columbia Falls boys swim team took fourth overall as it opened its season Saturday at the Kalispell Invitational.

Kats cruise over Blue Devils in opener

The Columbia Falls girls basketball team dispatched Corvallis at home Saturday in its season opener, 57-41. The Wildkats were led by Peyton Kehr with 18 points and Kiara Burlage had 10 points and eight rebounds.

Bad quarter dooms Cats in Corvallis opener

The Columbia Falls boys basketball team had a rough opener to their season Saturday, losing to Corvallis on the road 62-41. The Wildcats had 19 turnovers, were out-rebounded 48-38 and shot just 26 percent from the floor in the loss.

Darsow bowls 300 at Glacier Lanes

Deven Darsow joined a rather elite club at the Glacier Lanes bowling alley recently. Darsow bowled a 300 on Nov. 10.

Boyd makes grizzly pic into art

I am so old I often can’t remember how long ago certain things that I remember clearly actually happened. This week’s story started about 30 years ago. I am pretty sure it was before the Red Bench Fire in 1988.

Wondering about local weather?

With new settlers coming to the Flathead all the time and many local-born folks growing up in weather ignorance, it seems reasonable to review area weather records. If for no other reason than bar room betting. I have not made in-depth studies of official U.S. Weather Bureau records for 15 years but most of the figures given here are still accurate.

Gift guide for 'outdoorsies'

Here’s some ideas for the  Fishful Faithul who have outdoorsies on your Christmas lists.

Glacier National Park breaks visitation record

When it doesn’t rain in June, people flock to Glacier National Park and this year they did just that, breaking an all-time attendance record in the Park for the year.

Highway bill should be good news for Glacier National Park's Sun Road

Congress passed a five-year highway bill last week that should be good news for Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road. While the bill doesn’t specifically have an earmark for the highway, as other bills have had in the past, it does set aside more than $1.7 billion for Park Service roads over the next five years, including $260 million in 2016.

Grizzly bear population estimated at about 960

Grizzly bear populations in northwest Montana continue to increase, prompting Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks to prepare for the possibility of the bears being removed from the National Endangered Species List. Added to the list in 1975, the grizzlies in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem are estimated at 960 in 2014. The NCDE includes areas around Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. The NCDE subcommittee of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee held its fall meeting in Kalispell last week to discuss grizzly bear recovery.

25th anniversary photos: Stempin, library trying to identify CFAC employees

Gary Stempin and the Columbia Falls ImagineIf Library are looking for people who know the names of the original employees of the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co., formerly the Anaconda Aluminum Co.

Lost Beetle project on tap

The Tally Lake Ranger District of the Flathead National Forest is seeking public input on the proposed Lost Beetle Project, located approximately 10 miles west of Kalispell just north of Ashley Lake.

Always the Adventure Getting a taste of travel, literally

Local fundraiser gives to Northwest Montana veteran's food bank

The war on drugs: Black lab helps sniff out drug offenses at high school

Mary Poppins flies into the Flathead Valley this week

The Whitefish Theatre Company presents the family classic “Mary Poppins” as their holiday show at the O’Shaughnessy Center.  

Annual Messiah performances to be held in Bigfork

By DAVID REESE

Gianforte might have the guff to run for govenor

Bigfork actor part of FVCC arts week

Bigfork actor James Vale will be among the artists performing over the next week at Flathead Valley Community College.

Stream flows affect number of bull trout spawning sites

Bull trout populations appear mostly stable in Northwest Montana, although Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ annual inventory of spawning sites showed an overall drop from its 10-year average.

Extended seasons to start for elk hunters

For Montana elk hunters who didn’t get their quarry this year, they’re not out of luck.

Bigfork authors release two new books for the holidays

Two Bigfork writers will read from their new novels as the holiday season aproaches.

Soroptomist campaign against violence

Soroptimist International of Whitefish is joining the international campaign, 16 Days of activism against gender-based violence, which takes place annually and runs from  through Dec. 10 (International Human Rights Day).

FWP will move forward on Stoltze easements, but bike paths out

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is recommending the completion of the South Whitefish Range Conservation Project, which includes conservation easements that would preserve more than 10,000 acres of F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber Co. property from development. 

Freezing rain makes for treacherous driving, especially on Highway 2 near Marias Pass

Freezing rain overnight has resulted in treacherous driving conditions. Many side streets in Columbia Falls and other towns up the line are ice-covered.

C-Falls fly fisher recalls fishing in Estonia

Hilary Hutcheson’s work trip to Finland last year ended with a more than unusual fly fishing trip with an Estonian stranger.

C-Falls author publishing second in Bigfoot trilogy

Columbia Falls resident Misty Allabaugh loves and believes in Bigfoot, regardless of what people think.

The South Fork a bastion for bull trout, anglers

They can grow to more than three feet long, weigh up to 20 pounds and live for 10 years. For many anglers, they’re the light-tackle thrill of a lifetime.

Always the Adventure: Backpacking is the best way to learn how to balance a budget

Bigfork graduate Amber McDaniel shares her adventures from a semester abroad at Oxford University and four months of backpacking across Europe.

Settling the Flathead

Through formation of a new “Pioneer History” club locally by Ron Beard, writings by John Fraley, plus many others, including talks at FVCC, there is an upsurge in interest about Flathead’s past. Ron asked me months ago for a copy of an outline I did years ago and I have just found it:

A great Thanksgiving

This week North Forkers celebrated Thanksgiving at Sondreson Hall for the 40th time. It was tremendous to have Jon and Pat Elliot at this celebration to recall that first Thanksgiving dinner in 1975. They were among the 27 folks who attended. At that time, the Elliots were a young couple with small children who were newcomers to the North Fork and I don’t know of any others who were there and are still involved on the North Fork. The second year 40 people attended and thanks to those folks in 1975 and 1976, a great tradition was born.

Ronald A. Speer

Ronald A. Speer, 74, passed away on Sunday Nov. 29, 2015 at the Montana Veterans’ Home. He is survived by his sons:, Clint Speer and Cory Speer. A memorial service for Ronald is Thursday Dec. 3, 2015 at 1 p.m. at East Haven Baptist Church, with a luncheon following services. Columbia Mortuary is caring for Ronald’s family.

John Bolles, Sr.

John R Bolles Sr., 65, passed away on Sunday Nov. 29, 2015 at his home in West Glacier of natural causes.

Anderson impressed with work ethic of players

Coach John Anderson may have only been at the helm of the Columbia Falls boys basketball team for a few weeks now, but already he’s impressed with the work ethic of the players.

Girls should be in the postseason scrum again this year

The Columbia Falls girls basketball team should be right in the mix this postseason again this year. While the team lost key seniors Winter Kemppainen and Ciera Finberg, it returns a host of both young and veteran talent.

MatCats should be strong again this year

With several returning wrestlers and a host of upcoming talent, the Columbia Falls wrestling squad should be solid again this year. The Wildcats have won three straight divisional titles and took third at state for the second time last season. While they lose a host of seniors, including three-time state champion Shonn Roberts, they still have a solid core of returning talent, including Winfield West, Storm Kemppainen, Mason Fetters, Colton Sweeney, Hunter Peterson, Ben Windauer and Kaleb Gravelin to name a few.

Swim team numbers way up, veterans all return to squad

Academic all-state athletes for fall announced

The following Columbia Falls High School athletes were named to the academic all-state list. They include: Chance Adams, Cortnee Anello, Kaylee Ash, Bryce Bennett, Trista Cowan, Genevieve DeLorme, John Gilk, Raychel Hoerner, Kyla Johnston, Ryley Kehr, Holly Bennett, Hannah Callender, Ava Chisholm, Genevieve Devitt, Hayden Falkner, Alex Garate, Hannah Gedlaman, Austin Green, Madeline Jarvis, Gabe Knudsen, Logan Kolodejchuk, Lowell Panasuk, Logan Peck, Danielle Schwalk, Ben Windauer, Keavyn Baker, Kiara Burlage, Annabel Conger, Mason Fetters, Cydney Finberg, Trey Gates, Kendra King, Meghan McCallum, Anna Nicosia, Colin Norick, Haylie Peacock, K.J. Schweikert, Madison Snyder, Morgan Stenger, Mikayla Thomas, Sage Wanner, Winfield West, Tavia Bechtel, Cassidi Bowman, Charlotte Ellis, Allyson Gimbel, Sydney Grilley, Katherine Hawes, Ellie Johnson, Kerry Lanners, Stephen Lindsey, Miranda Livingston, Ashley Miller, Glenn Morden, Nicolas Ream, Daniel Skinner, Tristan Steinwand, Alexandra Strouse, Bryce Arneson.

All state, all conference football announced

All-state football selections from Columbia Falls included:

Tired of turkey? Try salmon loaf instead

My recipe for awesome salmon loaf

C-Falls couple, pets escape house fire

Firefighters quickly responded to a house fire on Grand Fir Lane, north of Meadow Lake Golf Resort Friday morning, saving the structure from complete ruin.

Columbia Falls teenager charged with raping 12-year-old Coram girl

Hunters had better year than last year

School Christmas programs are coming up

There’s a host of Christmas concerts and programs on tap this month. Ruder Elementary has a holiday fair Dec. 3 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Ruder also is having Christmas programs in the gym. Kindergarten and first grade present Dec. 21, 1:30-2 p.m. Fourth and fifth grade and choir perform Dec. 22, 9-9:45 a.m. and second and third grade perform 10:30-11 a.m.

Veterans Home tree at Kalispell mall for 20 years

The Montana Veterans Home has a Christmas tree set up at the Kalispell Center Mall for the community to buy gifts for veterans until Dec. 21. More than 100 tags hang on the tree for each resident and a few extra tags for items that the home needs such as batteries or clocks.

Growing up in Bigfork: Dockstader sisters remember Bigfork childhood

Monday morning Bigfork Community Center board Vice President JoLynn Yenne introduced the fourth speakers in the Growing up in Bigfork oral history series. The Dockstader sisters’ reputation made them a must-have in the series and Mary Sullivan and Maureen Hein laughed at the idea of their reputation.

Trial date set in clerk firing

A trial date for next August has been set for Emily Feller, who is suing the Bigfork School District for wrongful termination.

Duck hunter arraigned

A duck hunter who shot at two brothers on Fennon Slough near Bigfork will be arraigned Nov. 25 in Flathead County District Court.

Holiday classic Messiah performed in Bigfork Dec. 11

In two weeks you’ll have the chance to hear a gift that has been passed down for over 250 years.

Stene, Chamber, part ways

Anna Stene is no longer the director of the Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce. Stene resigned from the post earlier this month.