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.

Columbia Falls bell ringers, which included city staff and councilmembers, raised $1,780.50, plus a $500 matching contribution from Smith’s Food and Drug for being the outstanding bell ringers. Columbia Falls rang bells from morning until night.

Next best community was Evergreen with $1,534, Kalispell with $1,002.97, Lakeside, $565.20, Whitefish, $518.98 and Bigfork with $437.43.

“Thank you to all who rang.  God Bless You and Merry Christmas!” said Major Steve Svenson of the Kalispell Salvation Army.