Friday, September 30
No headline
70 years ago
Thursday, September 29
No headline
Richard “Dick” Lundstrom
Kats remain unbeaten on the season, face Corvallis at home
The Columbia Falls volleyball team continued its winning ways last week, dropping conference rival Frenchtown in straight sets, 25-14, 25-10, 25-14.
Council OK with Superfund designation
The Columbia Falls City Council Sept. 21 discussed the recent Superfund designation of the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. plant. Councilman Dave Petersen suggested that the council be responsive, with a letter written to Sen. Jon Tester.
Youths lend a helping hand to homeowner with MS
Thanks to a host of students from Columbia Falls junior and senior highs, Pamela Griffin’s home has a fresh coat of paint.
Wednesday, September 28
Lawsuit settled in tree well death
For the Hungry Horse News
A little poetry
Seek the high places, because truth is up there.
Sigurdsson ices Stillwater under the lights
In future years it will be a Columbia Falls trivia question. Which soccer player from Iceland was the first to score a goal under the new lights at Flip Darling Field?
Kats thump Lady Loggers, 7-0
The Columbia Falls girls soccer team got back on the winning track Saturday, thumping Libby 7-0 in a Northern A conference matchup. The two Hannahs — Callender and Gedlaman, did all the scoring. Gedlaman had four goals and Callender had three in the lopsided win.
Wanner, Peacock lead harriers at Mountain West
Sage Wanner ran a personal best time of 15:51, good for 21st at the Mountain West Classic cross-country race in Missoula Saturday.
Three Cats headed to state golf tourney
Wildcat juniors Logan Lybbert and Lowell Panasuk earned all-conference honors with 7th and 12th place finishes respectively at the Western A Divisional Golf Tournament in Hamilton. Lybbert shot 83 while Panasuk shot 85 on the challenging, par-72 Hamilton Golf Club course, which will also be the site for the Class A State Tournament this coming Friday and Saturday. Junior Logan Peck also qualified for state shooting 104.
No answers, just concerns
Many changes have taken place on the North Fork in the 69 years I have been here. Probably the most profound change has been the North Fork Road. In the late 1940s and early ‘50s, the Inside Road in Glacier Park and the North Fork Road were nearly identical. Both were just barely better than the wagon roads built by the homesteaders and Flathead County.
Pullen's pulling for candidate Taylor Rose
Supporting American, Montana, and Columbia Falls values:
Williams wins meet in Bozeman
Columbia Falls native Derrick Williams won one of the biggest races of his collegiate career earlier this month in Bozeman. Williams, a junior at Colorado State-Pueblo, won the 40th running of the Montana State University/Bozeman Running Company Invitational on Sept. 17.
Sheriffs support concealed weapon law
Montana has some of the least-restrictive gun laws in America, which is good. Carrying firearms in Montana is free of many restrictions unless the firearm is concealed. Even Montana’s concealed firearm laws are some of the least restrictive in the nation, which is also good.
11 become U.S. citizens in naturalization ceremony
Glacier National Park painted the backdrop as 11 people from seven countries took their oath as new U.S. citizens last Wednesday at the Apgar campground.
A fall shooter's project
Fishful Faithful know I’ve never regarded the month of September as one of the best months to catch fish.
No headline
70 years ago
Legals September 28, 2016
No. 1605 Notice is hereby given that regular* registration for the Federal General Election(s) to be held on November 8, 2016 will close at 5:00 p.m., on October 11, 2016. *NOTE: If you miss this regular registration deadline, you may still register for the election by showing up at the county election office: 40 11th St W #230, Kalispell Montana up to and including on Election Day. Between noon and the close of business on the day before Election Day, you can complete and submit a voter registration card, but you will need to return to the local election office on Election Day to pick up and vote a ballot. All active and inactive**electors of Flathead County are entitled to vote at said election. Inactive electors may reactivate by appearing at the polling place in order to vote, by requesting an absentee ballot in any election, or by notifying the County Election Administrator in writing of the elector's current address in the county. Persons who wish to register and who are not presently registered may do so by requesting a form for registration by mail, by downloading a form from the County's website or by appearing at the county election office. If you have moved, please update your registration information by filling out a new voter registration card and submitting it to the county election office. The website address is http://flathead.mt.gov/election DATED this 9th day of September, 2016. Flathead County Election Administrator Debbie Pierson Election Administrator September 21, 28, and October 5, 2016 MNAXLP
Tuesday, September 27
100 years, 100 miles, a celebration of the Park Service Centennial, Glacier style
By CHRIS PETERSON
Memory bears keep people connected with loved ones
Remembering deceased loved ones often means keeping sentimental belongings. It is the sentiment attached to that favorite old shirt, fur coat or sweater that inspires Sherry Attard of Columbia Falls to create “memory bears.”
Monday, September 26
Grizzlies, captured, moved; FWP reminds folks to secure attractants
An adult male grizzly bear and a sub adult female grizzly bear were captured on Sept. 21 in northwest Montana. Both bears were fitted with GPS radio collars and released into the North Fork of the Flathead drainage.
Friday, September 23
International cooperation highlighted at summit
Last week, 29 representatives from conservation initiatives across the globe convened at Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier to participate in Hands Across Borders: an International Workshop for Transboundary Conservation Practitioners. Representatives from six continents were present.
Thursday, September 22
The Glow Run: In pictures
Columbia Falls man faces drug charges
A Columbia Falls man is facing drug-related charges following his arrest in August. Jasper Howell, 39, was charged Aug. 31 with criminal possession with intent to sell, a felony, after allegedly being found in possession of six individual baggies of methamphetamine.
Encouraged to vote
There was a time when Jesus and family went forth to be counted in the census.
A Republican voting for Clinton
I am saddened to write this opinion piece, but after much thought, I must. In my long life I have never voted for a Democrat for president. That will change this year.
Columbia Falls school year begins with optimism
On Sept. 6, Columbia Falls High opened its doors to students for the 2016-17 school year. Summer break is a time for reflection and rejuvenation, giving students and staff the energy to begin again. We begin this year with optimism, intending to build on the many successes of last year and also to honor who we are in Columbia Falls. Our community is long recognized for its strong work ethic, and this is also on display in the students and staff at CFHS.
Homecoming is next week in Columbia Falls
Next week is Columbia Falls High School’s Homecoming week. Here’s a schedule of events:
No headline
Donna M. Hamilton-Mast
Glacier's big crowds good for business
The big crowds in Glacier National Park this summer may have meant a few more people on a favorite trail, but they’ve been good for business.
SPIRIT OF THE RADIO
The alarm at George Ostrom’s home goes off at 5:30 a.m. every weekday morning. Ostrom is usually awake about 15 minutes before that. For the better part of 61 years, Ostrom’s voice has been on the Flathead Valley’s airwaves, giving folks his unique brand of news and commentary on KGEZ 600 AM radio in Kalispell.
Beer and Wimmin' First
Two weekends ago my daughters, Heidi and Wendy, took some of their family members and a group of close friends for a weekend at our beloved hideaway, Moose City, on the Canadian Border where the North Fork flows out of Canada. Upon their return I asked for my usual report of events and they said one of the highlights was floating the river with wonderful fly fishing. I asked, “What did you use for a raft?”
10th Mountain Division Reunion in Missoula
I know I did not write a column last week, but I appreciate all of the calls, cards and emails reminding me of my failure. At least they confirm that at least a few people read it. Sometimes there just isn’t anything to write about. People don’t need to be told multiple times that summer is ending, the leaves are turning, and the road is really getting rough.
Spikers remain undefeated
The Columbia Falls girls volleyball team remains undefeated in Northwest A action with a sweep over Polson last week, 25-15, 25-14, 25-11.
Wildkats fall in pair of close matches
Columbia Falls girls soccer let a pair of early leads slip away last week against top Northwest A opponents.
Boys soccer on top in Northwest A
Wildcat soccer stands alone at the top of the Northwest after a pair of impressive conference victories last week.
Wildcats rough up Browning
Columbia Falls football is undefeated heading into its bye week after a 56-0 victory at Browning on Friday.
Wednesday, September 21
Legals September 21, 2016
No. 1605 Notice is hereby given that regular* registration for the Federal General Election(s) to be held on November 8, 2016 will close at 5:00 p.m., on October 11, 2016. *NOTE: If you miss this regular registration deadline, you may still register for the election by showing up at the county election office: 40 11th St W #230, Kalispell Montana up to and including on Election Day. Between noon and the close of business on the day before Election Day, you can complete and submit a voter registration card, but you will need to return to the local election office on Election Day to pick up and vote a ballot. All active and inactive**electors of Flathead County are entitled to vote at said election. Inactive electors may reactivate by appearing at the polling place in order to vote, by requesting an absentee ballot in any election, or by notifying the County Election Administrator in writing of the elector's current address in the county. Persons who wish to register and who are not presently registered may do so by requesting a form for registration by mail, by downloading a form from the County's website or by appearing at the county election office. If you have moved, please update your registration information by filling out a new voter registration card and submitting it to the county election office. The website address is http://flathead.mt.gov/election DATED this 9th day of September, 2016. Flathead County Election Administrator Debbie Pierson Election Administrator September 21, 28, and October 5, 2016 MNAXLP
Tuesday, September 20
No headline
70 years ago
Monday, September 19
Serving country and community
Joan Ortmann never planned on joining the military. But, all these years later, through her involvement with the American Legion, she is glad she did.
Friday, September 16
Documentary focuses on battle to stop oil, gas leases
A new film, “Our Last Refuge” explores the 30-year battle to stop oil and gas leases on the Badger-Two Medicine just south of Glacier National Park.
Culinary program a second career
Louie Bertino didn’t discover his passion until a little later in life. Now, the 45 year-old Columbia Falls man is thriving in the Culinary Arts program at Flathead Valley Community College. Originally from Rochester, New York, Bertino said in a recent interview that he and his wife have come up to the Flathead every summer since the mid-‘90s, and love the area.
Thursday, September 15
Grizzly bear DNA database grows by the day
This summer, grizzly bears have been confirmed in the Big Hole River Valley of Montana for the first time in the last 100 years.
Wednesday, September 14
A collection of recent favorite photos
Rainpants
I was sitting next to my soaked pack next to the St. Mary River sleeping when I heard the splashing of hooves in water. I sprung up, looked around and was able to get off a half-dozen photos of a momma moose and her two cows as they crossed the river from south to north.
Gerald Allen (Jerry) Hammer
Gerald Allen (Jerry) Hammer 82, of Kalispell passed away Sept. 10 at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. Jerry was born Aug. 22, 1934 to George and Anna (Erickson) Hammer of Velva, North Dakota.
Cecelia A. (Sis) Moser
Cecelia A. (Sis) Moser, 96, “entered into eternal life” Sept. 7 at her home in Martin City. She was born in Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania on Dec. 2, 1919; the daughter of Stanislaus and Mary Moleski and spent her last days surrounded by family and friends.
Clair Johnston
Clair Johnston, 90, of Columbia Falls passed away August 22, 2016 at his home. He was born Oct. 6, 1925 in Kalispell to Sadie Radabah Johnston and Jack Johnston.
Otis S. Hard
Otis S. Hard, 71, was born July 17, 1945 to Otis and Nellie Hard, died at his home surrounded by family on Sept. 5, 2016.
Marion E. Fairbanks
Marion E. Fairbanks, 83, passed away Thursday Sept. 8, of natural causes at Brendon House in Kalispell.
James Leon Tuten
Memorial services for James Leon Tuten, 71, of Cairo, Georgia, were held May 7 at Pine Park Baptist Church, Cairo, Ga.
Kats spike Lady Dogs
Wildkat volleyball dropped rival Whitefish in four sets Thursday for a key conference victory on the road.
Girls soccer shuts out Park High
The Wildkats dominated Park High on the road Saturday in a 6-0 nonconference soccer victory.
Peacock top freshman at Flathead Invite
Columbia Falls freshman Kimberly Peacock clocked a 19:42.57 on a challenging course at Rebecca Farm to place 12th overall at the Flathead Invitational on Friday in Kalispell.
Columbia Falls soccer tested on road trip east
Wildcat boys soccer settled for a 2-2 draw Saturday in a tough nonconference match at Livingston.
Wildcats buck Broncs 35-21, stay undefeated
Columbia Falls football remains undefeated after grinding out an impressive 35-21 road victory at Hamilton (1-2) on Friday night.
Ruis work on park Merc begins
A crew for developer Mick Ruis has begun working on the facade of the former Park Mercantile building on Nucleus Avenue, but whether it will be a pie factory, as first envisioned, remains to be seen.
Recalling Cassieri's Car
I will not soon forget a night in 1951 when the Missoula police called the Smokejumper barracks to tell me they had “one of my men,” Al Cassieri, in jail. They said he had been arrested while chopping open a car down on Woody Street in front of Spider’s Maverick Saloon. I drove into town for Al’s side of the story at the police station.
Sparrows Nest now open
It is with great humility and gratitude that Sparrow’s Nest of Northwest Montana announces the opening of their first home for unaccompanied, homeless, high school students in Whitefish. After 3.5 years of very dedicated, hard work from many, many volunteers, recently hired Sparrow’s Nest employees, AmeriCorps Vista volunteers, a working Board of Directors, and our executive director, students are living in our home.
What is Weyerhaeuser's business plan?
The sale of Plum Creek Timber Company to Weyerhaeuser was completed February 19, 2016 for $8.4B. Shortly after a Weyerhauser spokesman stated that manufacturing operations “will remain in Montana and the jobs associated with manufacturing will remain.” In June, 2016 Weyerhaeuser announced the closing of the lumber and plywood mills in Columbia Falls and the loss of 100-plus jobs. The stated reason was a shortage of logs for the mills. Apparently the preservation of mill jobs and mill operations were not a legal requirement in the sale contract. I wonder how long the promise to allow the public on Weyerhaeuser property in Montana permit/fee- free will be good.
Tuesday, September 13
No headline
70 years ago
Friday, September 9
Dakin sells real estate office to Whitefish partners
Longtime Columbia Falls real estate broker Bill Dakin has sold his Re/Max Mountain View office building and business to Bob Foley and Brian Murphy, who own Re/Max Rocky Mountain real estate office in Whitefish.
Thursday, September 8
No headline
A Columbia Falls woman has been charged with six felonies for allegedly running a Ponzi scheme worth more than $1.5 million.
Anello and her horses rack up the ribbons
Cortnee Anello of Columbia Falls had an impressive showing at the Northwest Montana Fair this year.
Wednesday, September 7
CFAC will get Superfund designation, EPA announces
The Environmental Protection Agency Wednesday announced it is adding the defunct Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. smelter to the Superfund program’s National Priorities List.
A Wonderful lousy memory
Late summer 1985 was too long ago for most to remember, but I shall never forget it. Yup! It was exactly 31 years ago when an unusual huckleberry year brought a never before seen migration of grizzly bears to West Glacier. They saturated the entire area. For this year’s Labor Day week, I am recalling a rare adventure that situation produced:
Bullock to blame for state surplus evaporation
When Gov. Bullock took office he inherited a general fund balance of $537 million, now he has spent it down to an expected $100 million and the next legislative session faces a deficit where revenues will not exceed expenses.
Montanans deserve education choices
School is starting in many parts of Montana as we say goodbye to summer. Sadly, Gov. Steve Bullock didn’t request any funding increases for this year’s special education students in his budget proposal in 2015.
Snyder Ridge
The Snyder Ridge Trail in Glacier National Park won’t go down as a favorite, which isn’t to say it’s unpleasant. It is very pleasant. It’s a nice walk in the trees as it rises slowly, but surely, above the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Despite the heavy traffic on the road over the Labor Day weekend, the forest quickly absorbed the noise and soon, you can’t hear the road at all.
Smalley's Canada adventures, or lack thereof
I made the trip across the 49th Parallel into Canada last week. Actually, I made two trips.
Thanks from FFFA at the Veterans Home
Dear Editor,
Signs of fall on the North Fork
North Fork Views
Cats run well in Cut Bank wind
Sage Wanner took third and Kimberly Peacock was fifth at the Cut Bank Time Trials cross-country meet last week.
Spikers gut out three wins
The Columbia Falls spikers had a stellar week, dropping three solid opponents on the road. The volleyball team opened with Flathead Thursday, dropping the Bravettes in straight sets 25-14, 25-20, 25-18. Kaitlyn Casazza led the Wildkats with 11 kills as the team racked up 39 kills total to Flathead’s 14.
Soccer teams stay unbeaten
The Columbia Falls girls soccer team continues to roll over its early season opponents, dropping Frenchtown 5-0 away and Bigfork 5-0 at home last week to go 3-0 on the early season.
Cats drub Stevensville, 70-21
Dakota Bridwell threw for seven touchdowns and Braxton Reiten ran a kickoff back for a touchdown in his second straight game as the Columbia Falls football team beat Stevensville, 70-21, Friday night at home.
No headline
Lois M. Beach
Columbia Falls student numbers up
School District 6 enrollment at the elementary level is holding steady with 440 at Ruder Elementary and 495 at Glacier Gateway. Superintendent Steve Bradshaw said there is no more classroom space in either school at this point — even classrooms in the administrative annex at Gateway are full.
Xanterra turning food scraps to flowers in Glacier
Picture this: You’re eating dinner at the Lake McDonald Lodge. You leave a slice of lettuce on your plate, maybe a bit of tomato, or carrot, all of which were grown by local farmers.
Monday, September 5
Glacier Park documentary to air later this month
Seven years in the making, a Glacier Park filmmaker has finished a documentary on Glacier National Park history and the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
No headline
70 years ago
Friday, September 2
Indiana man dies after fall on Mount Jackson in Glacier National Park
A mountain climber died Tuesday while descending Mount Jackson in Glacier National Park. The Park Service reported that two men, a father and son, were descending the east face when they slipped and fell on a snowfield. The son was able to self-arrest and had injuries, but he could not locate his father, Dann R. Pilipow, 56, of Portage, Indiana.
Ed DeReu recalls the '50s and beyond, in Columbia Falls
Ed DeReu remembers a much different Columbia Falls.
Thursday, September 1
Grinnell's distant cousin keeps his memory alive
George Bird Grinnell, the “Father of Glacier National Park,” left a legacy across much of the American West. For the last several years, that legacy has lived on through George’s distant cousin, Hugh Grinnell.
Glacier Glow Run coming to Columbia Falls
Columbia Falls will trip the light fantastic Sept. 16 as it hosts its first ever Glacier Glow Run. Glow runs are gaining popularity across the country as runners complete a 5 kilometer run in the dark wearing glow-in-dark accessories and then they’re sprayed with colors in stations along the route that also glow in the dark when lit by blue lights.