Ellington

Glacier to tourists: Logan Pass is very crowded, consider other regions of Park

Glacier National Park officials are asking folks to consider visiting a different region of the Park other than the Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan Pass.

What's hot, what's not, in Reynolds Creek Fire

After a tour of the interior of the Reynolds Creek Fire, the Hungry Horse News can give people a more definitive view of what’s burned over and what it isn’t.

Forest doc draws 20,000 comments

The Flathead National Forest received about 20,000 comments on its proposed action for a new Forest Plan. More than 19,000 of those comments were form letters, urging the Forest to do more to conserve grizzly bears, or to expand wilderness areas of the Forest.

Fire officials say Reynolds Creek Fire will likely burn all summer, unless there's a big rain

Drawn by spilled salt, moose gets 'stuck' at MDT

A wayward cow moose found itself inside the perimeter fence of the West Glacier Montana Department of Transportation facility at Nyack Flats last week.

Local trails and parks receive grant funding

Lake County has received a $10,000 grant for improvements at the Rainbow Drive river access in Ferndale and Mellett Point access on Flathead Lake.

Elk mount serves as a reminder of Matt Edwards

Two years after Matthew Edwards’ death, a shoulder mount of the first elk he shot is now with his family.

Limited hay growth in Northwest Montana has ranchers prepping for hard fall

A mix of weather conditions limiting the summer’s alfalfa and grass growth is creating variable hay harvests and possible feed shortages heading towards fall. Low snowpack, late spring freezes and a lack of moisture created poor pasture land and abnormal hay harvests, a problem that leads to potential hay shortages and decreased cattle numbers in the fall.

Lunch in Afghanistan: Rotary Club of Bigfork hosts international aid speaker Budd MacKenzie

By the time the Rotary Club of Bigfork finished lunch Wednesday, they were 7,000 miles away from their cozy lakeside town. 

DREAM adaptive helps people with disabilities get out on the water

The boat drove forward slowly. The rope pulled tight, and the boat’s driver began to put on speed, pulling the water-ski onto the surface of the water.

Forest plan draft to be released in January

More than 20,000 public comments were submitted to the Flathead National Forest on its draft revised forest plan along with a proposed grizzly bear conservation strategy including four other national forests in Western Montana.

Station cruise attracts hundreds of people

The Flathead Lake Biological Station Research Cruise set sail out of Lakeside with over 100 passengers Tuesday.

High school facilities in need of improvement

As a trustee of Bigfork public schools, I have the benefit of being a part of the school's regular business and success. 

Mystery author to sign books at the Festival of the Arts

After more than two decades of working fraud cases for the government, Marilyn Jax knows a thing or two about how a lengthy investigation unfolds.

Investigators: Evidence points to human cause of Reynolds Creek Fire

Fire investigators are saying the initial evidence suggests the Reynolds Creek Fire in Glacier National Park was human caused and the Park Service is seeking help from the public in tracking down any sightings of people in the area at the time of the fire.

Peter Hubbard Keller

My husband, best friend, true love and constant companion passed away on July 7, 2015 by accidental drowning in Hackensack, Minnesota.

The Blotter: Residents almost shoot mountain lion

July 20

Twins take second in divisional tourney

The Glacier Twins 'A' run to claim the Western A District title came up just short last week after falling to a hot Bitterroot Red Sox club twice in the double-elimination tournament at Polson.

Swimmers take third at divisonal meet

The Columbia Falls swim team took third at the western divisional tournament over the weekend. The team responded to hosting the meet with one of its best showings in weeks. Coach Mike Nelson said 36 of the team's 56 competitors qualified for the state meet in Roundup this week.

3-on-3 results

The Columbia Falls Heritage Days basketball tournament saw another successful run this year. Here's the results:

Bell competing in national MX

Columbia Falls motocross racer Brad Bell was headed to the the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at the Loretta Lynn Ranch in Tennessee this week.

Mundel wins Boogie

The Glacier Bank Boogie to the Bank, with its downhill glides is always a quick race and Saturday's event was no exception. Marshall Beatty of Missoula won the men's 5K with a time of 15:24.6, while hometown girl Samantha Mundel won the women's 5K handily with a time of 17:12.5.

CFAC open house next week

The Environmental Protection Agency will hold an open house about the Columbia Falls Aluminum Plant site investigation and cleanup Aug. 5.

Dealing with skin cancer

A quick glance.Then a slightly longer confirmation glance. Then looking totally away from me.

Hungry Horse gift shop gives trolls a happy face

Happy Trolls Gift Shop in Hungry Horse gives the old troll a facelift. The log cabin gift shop is the place to find prints of trolls frolicking in scenic mountains. Trolls are usually considered scary and don't frolic, but these trolls are happy creatures created by noted artist Arvid Kristoffersen. The shop opened earlier this month.

When I was 57

Am writing on July 23, 2015, the day before my 87th birthday and a planned party at the Central School Museum in Kalispell. It has been a busy hectic week for me so decided to grab an older column from 30 years ago to see what was going on then. Have at it:

North Fork still crispy

Yes, it is still very dry on the North Fork. Cooler weather and a few showers have helped, but every bolt of lightning makes us wince and distant thunder gets us up to watch for lightning.

Logan Pass will see west side opening tomorrow

It’s official, Logan Pass will reopen from the west side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road Wednesday, though no overnight parking will be allowed and rangers may turn away people if crowds get too thick.

Reynolds Creek Fire seeing badly needed rain

The Reynolds Creek Fire was seeing rain today, sometimes heavy at times, said fire information officer Lisa Keibler.

As fire eases, Logan Pass should see west side access Wednesday

Logan Pass in Glacier National Park is expected to open from the west side on Wednesday, superintendent Jeff Mow said Sunday evening. The pass has been closed since July 22 due to the Reynolds Creek Fire. The east side of the Sun Road will remain closed.

Reynolds Creek fire size reduced; Lake Ellen Wilson camp opens

With better mapping, the Reynolds Creek Fire in Glacier National Park has been officially listed at 3,158 acres. The fire is now 20 percent contained and saw rain on Saturday.

Hope for rain over Glacier Park fire by Sunday night, Monday

The National Weather Service is predicting rain and cooler temperatures over the Reynolds Creek Fire in Glacier National Park late Sunday into Monday.

Tester: Hire Blackfeet firefighters

Montana Sen. Jon Tester wants to see Blackfeet Indian firefighters put to work on the Reynolds Creek Fire if need be.

North Fork Road sees dust control

The North Fork Road is getting much-needed roadwork to smooth out its washboard surface. Deep blading is planned to start this week and be finished by Thursday, Ovila Byrd, Flathead County Road Bridge supervisor said at the North Fork Interlocal meeting last week.

Reynolds Creek Fire grows another 1,000 acres; but weather could help this weekend

The Reynolds Creek Fire in Glacier National Park grew another 1,000 acres on Thursday, but there may be favorable weather on the horizon this weekend.

A sad report on the death of a cub

The combination Community Firewise Meeting and summer Interlocal meeting makes for a long day at Sondreson Hall. The Firewise Meeting started at 9:30 a.m., and lasted until noon, followed by a great lunch with brats and hamburgers provided by the North Fork Trails Association and potluck side dishes. Lunch was followed at 1 p.m. by the Interlocal which lasted until 4 p.m.

Many downtown buildings bought by single person

Several key buildings on Nucleus Avenue have a new owner. Developer Mick Ruis recently bought the former First Citizens Bank, the Davall building, the Park Merc building and two vacant lots behind the Merc. Ruis was apparently on a three-week vacation and could not be immediately reached for comment. The buildings have all been vacant, or used for storage, for years. City manager Susan Nicosia said Monday night that Ruis plans on meeting with city staff once he returns from vacation on his plans for the properties, which will reportedly be a blend of housing and retail. Ruis is in the large-scale scaffolding business. He has lived in Columbia Falls in the past and owned commercial property here, but moved away and has since returned.

Reynolds Creek Fire doubles in size, frying Rose Creek

The Reynolds Creek Fire in Glacier National Park doubled in size on Wednesday sending a stream of smoke over the plains of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.

Reviewing Antler Antics

e haven't heard much news the last few years about the National Park Service vigorously prosecuting people who remove deer, elk and moose antlers from the parks. Maybe this is due to tighter budgets; however, that has not always been the case. Following is a rundown on the situation back in 1995:

Rising Sun employees evacuated quickly; staying in tent camp in Coram

Staff and guests at Rising Sun Motor Inn were able evacuate in about 15 minutes Tuesday as the Reynolds Creek Fire blossomed in Glacier National Park.

On the Kutenai Trail with Duke Hoiland

Duke Hoiland doesn't just run his 80-acre spread up the North Fork, he also gives folks free tours and a history lesson on the old Kutenai Indian Trail to the eastern plains.

14Us take title, too

The Glacier Babe Ruth 14U baseball club - the same team that earned a trip to the Babe Ruth World Series last summer as 13-year-olds - is making another deep post-season run.

Swimmers fifth, again

The Columbia Falls swim team took fifth at Fort Benton last week. The team hosts the divisional tournament at home this weekend. Sadie Cheff continues to swim well for the girls. She was second in high point honors in the 8 and under age group. Conner and Tristan Crane also swam well, said coach Mike Nelson.

15Us win state title

The Glacier All-Stars won the Montana Babe Ruth 15U baseball State Tournament on Sunday by defeating rival Kalispell 6-2 in the championship game.

Twins go 18-3 in league play

The Glacier Twins A squad secured the top record in the conference after a strong finish to the regular season last week.

Pints for Paths thanks

Thanks to everyone who attended the 5th annual Pints for Paths Brewfest at Heaven's Peak. This fundraiser for Gateway to Glacier Trail hosted a record number of attendees more than 550. If you missed this year's event watch for the sixth annual Pints for Paths to be held next July. Check our website to keep updated on our activities; www.gatewaytoglaciertrail.com.

Fire closes big section of Sun Road, no through traffic

A wildfire in Glacier National Park Tuesday has forced the closure of the Going-to-the-Sun Road from Logan Pass to St. Mary. On the west side, the road is now closed at Big Bend. The fire was first reported near Grizzly Point, about six miles east of Logan Pass about 3:45 p.m.

FWP proposes lease extension on North Shore Wildlife Management areas

Piggybacking plan development with lease logistics led to the recently proposed lease extension for two North Shore Wildlife Management areas. 

First Paddle for Clean Water benefits Flathead Lakers

The first-annual Paddle for Clean Water took place on a cool Sunday morning at Flathead Lake’s King’s Point. Over 100 people participated in the event, which aimed to raise money for the Flathead Lakers, a conservation organization in Polson. Even with the chilly start, nobody backed out. In fact, they had a few extras. One of the organizers, Dana Johnston, said she was happy with the turnout.

Coal is part of the answer, not the problem

There are those who believe that wind and solar are the only way forward for energy in a carbon-constrained world. They want to stop coal production and use. That nearly 40-percent of America’s electricity comes from coal while after decades of development and tens of billions of dollars in subsidies, wind and solar contribute 4.5-percent of our electricity is an inconvenient truth for them. Their campaign against coal further ignores the truth that in seeking to address climate change, stopping coal use should not be a goal. Surely, what we should do is reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Community discusses site for larger Bigfork library

A larger library for Bigfork is on the horizon.

Colorado swimmers take on Flathead Lake

Mark Johnston may not have had the best of luck during his attempt to swim the length of Flathead Lake three weeks ago, but last Friday, he guided two of his friends though 15 hours of a grueling swim on the lake.

U.S. forest bill may require bonds

The U.S. House of Representatives on passed a bill on Thursday that would, in some cases, require groups and individuals to pay bonds before filing lawsuits against timber projects.

New species adds to fly problem

Long before the cherry harvest begins, fruit flies have moved in. 

Cherry harvest gets underway almost two weeks early

Flathead cherry season is in full swing, almost two weeks earlier than normal.

Melodee Bahr shares her love of singing in Bigfork

When Melodee Bahr’s phone rang with an invitation to travel from her home in Rochester, Minn., to Bigfork to sing at Rising Mountains’ Getting to Know You series, she didn’t hesitate.

Marcia (Bennett) Thomsen

Marcia (Bennett) Thomsen

Frederick "Fred" William Reese

Frederick "Fred" William Reese

John Andrew Gagnon

John Andrew Gagnon

Blackfeet keeping an eye on boats

Local boaters have no doubt noted that there is no longer a boat inspection station near Coram.

Motorist accidentally runs over person's ankle in GNP

Glacier Ride raises more than $100k for the Park

Bicyclists traveled 250 miles last week to fundraise over $100,000 for the Glacier National Park Conservancy. They rode for six days through Glacier National Park and into Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada.

CFAC negotiating with EPA, but ARCO won't

The Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. has agreed to work with the Environmental Protection Agency on an administrative order on consent to clean up its plant here. The order, when finalized, is a legal contract that sets required corrective and cleanup actions for the plant.

Six running for city council

The Columbia Falls City Council will actually have a race this election cycle.

Drought conditions influence dam operations

Kerr Dam operators were able to raise Flathead Lake to its required level by June 15, but the lake could start dropping by up to a foot under a drought management plan.

Montana Open Land Month recognizes all kinds of land conservation efforts

Anytime you travel from Bigfork toward Kalispell you see it — open land.

Open land is in our blood

Montana open land: it defines who we are and what we are. We – the authors of this article – are connected by blood, a grandfather and granddaughter, and we are connected to Montana’s great outdoors through affection, appreciation and admiration.

Whitefish attorney to coach Wildcat basketball

A Whitefish attorney with a passion for basketball has been tapped to coach the Columbia Falls boys basketball team.

Backpack program needs support

If I have learned anything in my career, it is that some children are far more fortunate than others. I grew up in, what would be considered by many, a poor family. However, looking back, I realize how wealthy we were as a family, compared to what I see on a frequent basis working with students.

Bob Gesek

Bob Gesek, 88, passed away July 8, at the Columbia Falls Veterans' Home. Bob was born in Spokane, Washington March 28, 1927 to Arthur Gesek and Agnes Brinks. Bob had three younger sisters, was raised on a farm where he "surely got up at 4 a.m. every day and milked 100 cows before walking 10 miles to school and in the snow!" Three days after turning 18 he signed up for the Coast Guard "against his father's wishes," to represent the family.

Edgar Allen White

Edgar Allen White, 81, of Kalispell, passed away on Wednesday, July 8 2015. He was born Sept. 1, 1933 in Covington, Kentucky.

Ten Commandments Park vandalized, again

The Ten Commandment park on U.S. Highway 2 was vandalized last week. The park is a collection of over 20 large billboards setup in a horseshoe shape with quotes from the Bible's Ten Commandments and America's founding fathers.

Swimmers take fifth at Conrad

The Columbia Falls swim team took fifth at the Conrad Invitational last week.

Twins win Sapa-Johnsrud in sweep

The Glacier Twins A squad hammered the Spokane Cannons 9-1 to take the title at the Sapa-Johnsrud Memorial Tournament in Whitefish.

Record crowds in Glacier

The dry spring wasn't all bad. Glacier National Park's visitation zoomed to record levels in June as the Going-to-the-Sun Road opened nearly a month earlier than last year.

River idiots, this time in Canada

The rant continues!

Grizzly plop golf, revisited

One of our Over the Hill Gang members, Ron Beard, is an architect engineer living in Washington D.C. but spends much time in the Flathead where family roots go deep. He also plays regular golf in West Glacier. At coffee last week we found Ron didn't know about my famous golf game with our late close friend, Dan Lundgren, 30 years ago.

Hoilands know their trees

I think nearly everyone is aware that Duke and Naomi Hoiland were honored as Montana's Tree Farmer of the Year. State winners then advance to a regional contest. Montana winner is judged against state winners from Oregon, Washington and Idaho. The judging at this level is quite complex with judges flown in who actually visit each of the state winners' tree farms to see for themselves what has been done and to interview the tree farmers. In the case of Hoilands', tree farm judges flew in from the southeast region and went from here to the Portland, Oregon area to view that state's winner. This took place earlier this summer.

Winds caused plane crash

The small plane that crashed at the remote Schafer Meadows Airstrip on June 23 was coming in for a landing when it caught a wind gust that led the craft to go past the end of the runway.

Glacier Rim Fire 100 percent contained

The Glacier Rim Fire is now 100 percent contained and is in patrol status. Firefighters were pulling the last of the hose off the line early this week.

Teacher drowns in Minnesota Lake

A popular teacher at Columbia Falls Junior High accidentally drowned in Minnesota last week.

North Forkers tend best tree farm in the West

For a half-century, Duke and Naomi Hoiland have been tending their forest up Trail Creek in the North Fork with an eye toward stewardship, wildlife and conservation.

Park flies water tank to Granite Park

Glacier National Park is known for its cascading streams and sky blue lakes. But even the Park isn't immune to the abnormally hot and dry summer of 2015.

Kids Marathon training coming up

A training session for the Two Bear Kids Marathon Program will be held at Pinewood Park in Columbia Falls on July 15 from 6-7 p.m.

Author Sherwood dies

A noted West Glacier author has died. James Webster Sherwood III, 79, a lifetime summer resident of Glacier National Park and West Glacier died in his sleep Dec. 25, 2014, his wife, Karyn told the Hungry Horse News.

12U travel team doing well

Last January, the Flathead Valley's first 12-U travel baseball team was formed. Some of the top players from Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls were selected and the Montana Regulator 12-U program began an intensive winter workout schedule. Head coach Trevor Kjensrud set the foundation for success by focusing on the life lessons of playing baseball and what being a good teammate was all about. Once the snow melted and local fields became available, outdoor practices sessions began in preparation for the tournament schedule which began May 1 in Spokane, Washington for the Cinco De Mayo regional event. The boys faced some of the top travel teams in the Northwest and came away with their first team victory over Spokane. They continue to improve -at the Father's Day Tournament in Helena, the Montana Regulator 12-U team beat the Missoula Osprey Jr. and Lethbridge AAA team to advance in tournament play to the championship game. At the annual Jack Zerr in Whitefish, the team finished with a 6-0 record while scoring 72 runs and only allowing 10 runs. Highlights of the tournament included a team batting average of .353, four home runs (two grand slams), strong pitching performances and solid defense.

City council talks Kreck Trail solutions

The Columbia Falls City Council Monday night talked about some possible solutions to the Kreck River Trail.

Red Bus painting wins pass contest

A watercolor painting of a Red Bus driving up Going-to-the-Sun Road will be on next year's Glacier National Park annual pass. The artist and first place winner of the annual park pass artwork contest is Turner Haugen, seventh grade student at Whitefish Middle School and Stumptown Art Studio in Whitefish.

Enthusiast pens iBook on Glacier wildflowers

Shawn Coggins put in 240 miles and climbed 36,000 vertical feet last year hiking the trails of Western Montana. He's seen a lot over those miles, but one thing can stop him dead in his tracks - a wildflower.

Trout Unlimited worried about Canadian logging in Flathead

Members of Flathead Valley Trout Unlimited are worried about potential timber harvest in the headwaters of the Canadian Flathead.

Pining for lake whitefish

Remember when schools of lake whitefish in Flathead Lake in July were so thick, you could almost walk across the boats at Woods Bay Point and the mouth of the Flathead River?

Music at Many

Emily Hackethorn sits at the piano surrounded by musicians as they practice a John Denver tune in a hallway of the Many Glacier Hotel.

Park flies water tank to Granite Park

Glacier National Park is known for its cascading streams and sky blue lakes. But even the Park isn't immune to the abnormally hot and dry summer of 2015.

Two arrested for Essex burglary, theft

Two men face charges of burglary in Essex and Pinnacle. A variety of items were stolen from the burglarized properties. The items, stolen May 16-18, included tools, sports equipment, electronics, and food and liquor with a combined value greater than $1,500 according to Flathead County court records.

County gets PILT payments

Flathead County has received just over $2.2 million from the federal government under a long-running program that compensates local governments for nontaxable federal land.

Swimmers take third at Plains

The Columbia Falls swim team took third at the Plains Invitational last week and coach Mike Nelson said the team is showing great progress.

On carbon footprints

Summer in Northwest Montana is off without a bang thanks to one of the earliest hot, dry seasons on record. Unfortunately, it seems this is the new normal. The 10 warmest years on record globally have occurred since 1998 and 2014 broke the global record for warmest year in recorded history. As 2015 now appears destined to break that record, it seems certain that people's awareness of climate change will continue to grow.

A great Fourth

We could not have improved much on the Fourth of July weekend on the North Fork. OK, it was a bit too warm but that did not dampen enthusiasm for the parade. I really have no idea how many people attended, but parking was crowded. Vehicles filled every space around the Merc and the saloon, spectators and vehicles lined the road on both sides of the road from the store out to the main road and on the main road vehicles were parked on both sides of the main road for several hundred yards north and south of the Polebridge Junction.

Fireworks restricted in county

Agnes L. Sunell

Agnes L. Sunell, age 89 passed away on Friday July 3, 2015 at her home in Columbia Falls. She is survived by her son Conway Sunell. A graveside service will be held for Agnes on Friday July 10, 2015 at 2:00 PM at Woodlawn Cemetery. Columbia Mortuary is caring for Agnes's family.

Ilse Knight

Ilse Knight, 87, passed from this life on June 27, 2015 after complications from a fall. She was born Dec. 12, 1927 in Neviges, Germany to Ernst Erich Tang and Friederike Murach Tang. In 1951 she moved to Wildflecken, Germany where she lived and worked until she married May 4, 1959. After that she moved to Olympia, Washington where she operated a hair salon. She moved to the Flathead Valley with her husband Ralph Knight in 1980. They purchased a little home by the river where they enjoyed fishing together. Many fishermen who passed by their home became lifelong friends. She and Ralph successfully hunted deer and antelope in eastern Montana. She was especially proud of the Boone and Crockett ram she bagged in the Thompson Falls area.

Jack Woodsen Dorlarque

Jack Woodsen Dorlarque passed away June 24, 2015 in Boise, Idaho after a brief illness with leukemia. He would have been 89 on July 11.

Ronald J. Thamert

Ronald J. Thamert, 81, passed away Friday, July 3, 2015, at the Brendan House in Kalispell, Montana.

About that log

What is most unique about this photo? Is it the fact a squirrel and a white tail buck are eating bird seed together off a log? Well! Maybe? Perhaps because it was taken only 25 feet from our front door? Most unique to me is that log has been lying there for 40 years and Iris and I are the only ones in our neighborhood with a 10,000-pound hunk of tamarack wood on the lawn, that close to the house and is well over six feet in diameter.

Farmer's markets doing well in C-Falls

Farmer's Markets in Columbia Falls are doing well this summer, organizers say. O'Brien Byrd heads up the Columbia Falls Community Market next to his liquor store and a second market, called the Columbia Falls Farmer's Market is next to Pinewood Park.

Glacier Rim fire 70 percent contained

Stoked by high winds the night of July 4, the Glacier Rim Fire slopped over containment lines on its south and southwest flank, growing another 15 acres.

Glacier Rim fire in mop up mode

Crews continue to mop up the Glacier Rim Fire west of Glacier National Park. The fire is listed at 82 acres and is burning in the old Robert Fire burn of 2003 in downed timber and brush.

Open burning suspended for rest of summer

Flathead County bans all fireworks, even commercial shows

By LYNNETTE HINTZE

Study examines putting wild bison in Montana

Lake trout biggest threat to bull trout recovery

Genetics take lead role at National Bison Range

Tribes to file claims: Placeholders sought until fate of compact is known

Seasonal Sweetness: Heat speeds cherry harvest

Swim team takes fifth

The Columbia Falls swim team took fifth at its meet in Chester last week.

Twins beat Twins for Ed Gallo crown

The Glacier Twins A squad beat the Glacier Twins B squad to win the Ed Gallo Memorial wood bat tournament. The A squad beat the B squad 18-1 Sunday for the title. Pitcher Jonny Sapa held the B squad to just one hit.

Fire crews have spot fires in Glacier Park "dead out"

Fire crews on the Glacier Rim Fire now have several spot fires in Glacier National Park “dead out,” according to the Forest Service.

Park holds Instameets

Glacier National Park is hosting a new "Instameets" program where participants go on a hike and then are encouraged to share their photos on social media like Twitter and Instagram using #Glacier NPS. The hikes are all short, but scenic.

Raft for Glacier Institute

Montana Raft Company and Glacier Guides will be hosting one of their annual "Rafting for Charity" events on July 5th to help purchase scholarships for The Glacier Institute's Big Creek youth programs. Half of the proceeds from the special rafting launch at 2:45 p.m. on July 5 will go directly to purchasing scholarships for Big Creek's youth programs.  This is a whitewater rafting trip on the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork of the Flathead River.

Fire season cooking

The worrywarts can stop worrying about whether or not we will have a severe fire season. It is now almost a certainty. Not only have we had a very dry June, normally one of the wettest months, we are experiencing hot drying weather not usually seen until late July and August. Today (Friday) is expected to reach into the 90s and we may have 100 degrees on Saturday and Sunday. Never before has Flathead County had 100 degrees in June.

Shop to promote local, handmade items

On Nucleus Avenue is a new store that you may have missed because it is tucked in next to The Barber’s Chair. Indy’s Shoppe opened May 5. The store, owned by Cynthia Geer, has a variety of items including clothing, shoes, cowboy hats, purses, jewelry, paintings and wall hangings.

Store features sports cards

A store selling sports cards and DVDs opened June 2 in Columbia Falls in the Falls Station of U.S. Highway 2. Tony Sibert, owner of Sports Cards Plus, is an ironworker part time at RBM Lumber, Inc.

New variety store on Nucleus

Randy Beach has been collecting items for the past six years with the plan that he would open a store. He opened 406 Northern Finds on Nucleus Avenue with his wife, Ruby, in May. The store is caddy corner to the post office and next to the video store.

Fire destroys Hungry Horse home

A fire destroyed a home on Fourth Avenue South in Hungry Horse Tuesday night. No one was seriously injured in the blaze, which started in the second story of the house, Hungry Horse Fire Chief Clifford Nelson Jr. said. Firefighters got the call about 10:30 p.m., Nelson said.

Glacier shuttle service is now available

Glacier National Park’s free, optional shuttle bus system that provides shuttle services along the Going-to-the-Sun Road starts today (July 1) and runs through Sept. 7.