Ellington

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70 years ago

Football coach explains why he wasn't named 'Coach of the Year'

For Wildcats fans wondering why coach Jaxon Schweikert was not named the Montana Coach’s Association 2017 Football Coach of the Year, the reason is simple. Schweikert is not a member of the organization.

Glacier National Park: Some favorite photos of 2017

Man dies of natural causes while on snowshoe tour in Glacier

A 64-year-old Miami, Florida man apparently died of natural causes while on a snowshoe tour in Glacier National Park Dec. 26.

Another big snow headed this way

Powder lovers delight. The Flathead Valley is expected to be pounded by a snow storm beginning Thursday night into Saturday.

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Oscar Clifford Caudill

Wildkats survive Bigfork, cruise past Maidens

The Wildkats picked up another pair of wins last week as they survived a close game at home against Bigfork Thursday before opening conference play with a 73-40 victory in Ronan Friday.

Pike, bloody fingers and fishing derbies

My first ice fishing trip this winter was early last week on Smith Lake, near Kila.

Gianforte touts tax bill

Santa came early for hardworking Montanans. Republicans have kept their promise to the American people and delivered tax reform that will let you keep more of what you earn. In just a couple of months, you’ll see more of your hard-earned money in your paychecks, families will have much needed relief, and small businesses can grow, invest, and create more Montana jobs.

Bi-partisan audit committee does good work

News from the Capitol in Helena unfortunately often emphasizes the partisan nature of modern politics. But today, we—a Senate Democrat and a House Republican—want to share something we both strongly support, a bi-partisan success story that has been quietly improving state government for decades. It’s a function that helps state government serve Montanans by making sure state agencies obey laws and accurately balance their books, saves taxpayers money by finding efficiency in state programs, and protects sensitive information held in state computer security systems.

Wildcats lose overtime thriller to Ronan

It was another tough week for the Wildcats on the basketball court as Columbia Falls dropped a non-conference matchup in Bigfork Thursday before dropping its conference opener in overtime to Ronan at home Friday.

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Dec. 19

Remembering a very good year

From a news person’s perspective, there didn’t seem to be all that much real good stuff to recall at this year’s end and I, personally, did not accomplish anything to enhance my reputation for great modesty. Therefore, we are taking the fun but lazy road of nostalgia to the year of 1986.

Gianforte supports bill that would allow bikes in wilderness

Montana Congressman Greg Gianforte said he supports a bill that would allow bicycles and wheelchairs in designated wilderness areas.

Drilling company claims it wasn't informed of sewer drain

A drilling company that’s being sued by the City of Columbia Falls claims there’s a simple reason why it put a city water line through a Montana Department of Transportation storm drain — it didn’t know the storm drain was there.

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Road Camp on the Going-to-the-Sun Road is not a place most stop. Sheltered from avalanches, it’s a place where road crews park heavy equipment while plowing the highway.

Hellroaring Crossfit gives new life to bank building

The old First Citizens Bank building in downtown Columbia Falls has new purpose.

Legals December 27, 2017

No. 1627 COLUMBIA FALLS CITY-COUNTY PLANNING BOARD AND ZONING COMMISSION There is one (1) county vacancy on this board. Applicants must reside within the planning jurisdictional area but outside the city limits of Columbia Falls. The term will run two (2) years beginning January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019. TO APPLY FOR ANY OF THIS POSITION: Letters of interest (please specify which board/committee you are applying for) including name, physical address, mailing address, daytime phone number and qualifications should be submitted to: Mary Fisher Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office South Campus Building 40 11th Street West, Ste. 220 Kalispell, MT 59901 All letters of interest should be received by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2018. For additional information and specific qualifications please call 755-8200. December 20, 27, 2017 MNAXLP

The man behind Glacier's 'Bark Ranger' recognized for his work

Glacier Natural Resources Program Manager Mark Biel has earned the 2017 National Park Service Intermountain Region Director’s Award for Professional Excellence in Natural Resource Stewardship.

School will see budget shortfall after state cuts

Columbia Falls School District 6 will see large cutbacks in state funding for at least the next two years.

Chamber awards businesses, organizations

Columbia Falls business and community leaders were recognized at the Chamber’s annual Christmas luncheon last week.

Wildcats to honor 10 at annual Hall of Fame game

Ten Columbia Falls athletes will be honored Thursday as the school hosts its annual Hall of Fame game.

Cats swimmers compete in Great Falls

The Columbia Falls High School swim team was in action over the weekend as the Wildcats competed at the Great Falls Invitational.

MatCat pair take fourth in Great Falls

The MatCats earned a pair of fourth place finishes in Great Falls over the weekend as Ben Windauer was fourth in the 170-pound weight class and Colton McPhee was fourth in the 182-pound division. The team finished 11th overall at the meet.

Council hires Whitefish attorney to be new judge

Columbia Falls has a new city judge. On Monday night, the city council unanimously approved the hire of longtime Whitefish attorney Kristi L. Curtis to the position.

Holiday Form Letter!

Greetings and salutations!

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Galen Carlson

Wildcats win in Stevensville, fall at home to Flathead

It was an up and down week for the Wildcats as they picked up their first win of the season on the road at Stevensville Thursday before falling at home to Flathead Saturday.

Columbia Falls speech and debate team needs volunteers for home meet

Columbia Falls’ speech and debate team got back to its winning ways at the Hamilton Invitational last week. With their full team on hand, the Wildcats notched a solid victory with multiple placings in every event, beating Whitefish 219-114.

Wildkats blow past Stevensville, down Flathead

The Wildkats picked up a pair of wins at home last week as Columbia Falls defeated Stevensville by 26 Thursday before picking up a 49-41 win over Flathead Saturday.

Planning Board OK's RV Park; onto commissioners

The Flathead County Planning Board last week voted to forward a recommendation of approval for a new RV Park west of Columbia Falls to the Flathead County Commissioners on a 5-2 vote.

Old plywood plant coming down

Cranes and bulldozers can be seen hard at work near several Weyerhaeuser facilities as demolition of the structures continues in Columbia Falls.

State's first 'White Man Christmas'

The following is a rerun column from December, 1986:

Holiday events plentiful up the North Fork and an unwanted 'guest'

Like most places, the North Fork has multiple cycles that repeat themselves year after year. The biggest are the seasons, spring, summer, fall and winter. Each season, in turn, activates cycles of human activity: fishing season, hunting season, tourist season. Each activity gives a columnist something to write about.

Grizzly bear recovery comments sought

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking input from scientists and the general public on draft criteria for the eventual recovery of the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem grizzly bear.

Smalley says Merry Christmas

I’m sitting on a white plastic pail, staring at a tiny red and white bobber, waiting for a 12-inch perch to eat one of the maggots off my Rat Finkie.

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Dec. 13

Legals December 20, 2017

No. 1627 COLUMBIA FALLS CITY-COUNTY PLANNING BOARD AND ZONING COMMISSION There is one (1) county vacancy on this board. Applicants must reside within the planning jurisdictional area but outside the city limits of Columbia Falls. The term will run two (2) years beginning January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019. TO APPLY FOR ANY OF THIS POSITION: Letters of interest (please specify which board/committee you are applying for) including name, physical address, mailing address, daytime phone number and qualifications should be submitted to: Mary Fisher Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office South Campus Building 40 11th Street West, Ste. 220 Kalispell, MT 59901 All letters of interest should be received by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2018. For additional information and specific qualifications please call 755-8200. December 20, 27, 2017 MNAXLP

Kayaker gets boot caught in animal trap at Hungry Horse Reservoir

A local kayakers’ group is proceeding with more caution after one of its members got her foot caught in a shoreline animal trap.

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70 years ago

Winter should arrive with a vengeance this week

Snow lovers will rejoice. Travelers, not so much. Winter will return in a big way this week, the National Weather Service is saying.

Glacier superintendent Mow takes detail in Denver

Glacier National Park Superintendent Jeff Mow has taken a 120-day detail assignment as acting Intermountain regional director for the next few months, Park spokeswoman Lauren Alley said Friday.

They're learning the codes that make the world run

Behind every web site, ever app, every video game, there is lines and lines of code running in the background, sight unseen. Codes are the computer languages that makes the digital world go round.

Forest plan final draft released

After four years of meetings, field trips and more than 33,000 public comments, Flathead National Forest Supervisor Chip Weber Thursday released the draft record of decision and final environmental impact statement for the Flathead National Forest plan.

Station 8 has familiar face as new owner

It’s all different, but everything is the same.

Smalley's gift ideas

Got an outdoorsy on your Christmas list? Here’s some ideas… Prices are approximate.

MatCats go 2-4 at Mining City Duals in Butte

It was a busy week for the Columbia Falls MatCats as the team was on the road at the Dillon Mixer Thursday and in Butte for the Mining City Duals Friday and Saturday.

Wildkats open season with wins in Missoula, fall to Glacier

The Wildkats opened their basketball season with a pair of wins in Missoula over the weekend as they defeated Dillon and Frenchtown at the Northwest A Tip-Off Tournament at the University of Montana.

Wildcats fall to Dillon in OT to open season, fall to Frenchtown and Glacier

Strong defense and double-digit second-quarter lead were not enough for the Wildcats Friday as they opened the season with an overtime loss to Dillon at the Northwest A Tip-Off Tournament in Missoula.

Loss of funding to Flathead Basin Commission disappointing

I am very disappointed that Montana has cut funding to the Flathead Basin Commission. That commission has generated more funds and done more good than most state agencies, so we should probably not be surprised that it is easy to dismantle.

A free law lesson

There is ongoing talk around the Flathead Court House about adding another judge, partly because of the increasing amount of civil lawsuits. A big percentage of the non-criminal court battles involve “breach of contract.” To help cut down on this growing problem, I’ve dug out a past column written as an “absolutely free lesson in law.” I gladly repeat it here to help people who lack basic legal knowledge in avoiding future trouble.

While shrinking Utah monuments, Zinke calls for new one for Badger Two Med

Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke last week recommended national monument status for the Badger-Two Medicine region of Glacier National Park, while President Trump, in turn, ordered that national monuments created by former President Barack Obama be shrunk.

Speech and debate take third among ABC in Kalispell

The streak is over.

Band of Brothers

They’ve been friends since grade school. Earlier this month, they all graduated from Marine basic training in a rare feat — they went through boot camp together in the same platoon.

Sprague Fire results in a Christmas silver lining

Glacier National Park’s Sprague Fire had a sliver lining for some less fortunate folks in the Flathead Valley and Browning. Xanterra Parks and Resorts this week donated about $75,000 worth of clothing, blankets and plush toys that had slight smoke damage from the fire.

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Robert (Bob) Greer

The Mount Cleveland Five: A mountain and a tragedy make for a great read

In mid-September, 1976, three young men in their 20s, Terry G. Kennedy, Jim Kanzler and Steve Jackson, made a first ascent of Mount Cleveland’s north face in Glacier National Park.

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Dec. 6

Some Montana moose just fall over, dead

Several years ago, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks began hearing from sportsmen that there didn’t seem to be as many moose in the woods as there used to be. So FWP decided to embark on a 10-year study of moose in Montana.

Rotary says thanks

The Rotary Club of Columbia Falls would like to extend thanks and gratitude to everyone that assisted us in putting on yet another successful Brunch With Santa fundraising event.

Night of Lights parade winners

The winners of the Night of Lights parade are as follows:

Legals December 13, 2017

No. 1626 PUBLIC NOTICE Notice of Application for Air Quality Permit (Pursuant to Rule 208, Section 5 of Flathead County Air Pollution Control Program, OPEN BURNING, Flathead County Road/Bridge has filed or will file on or about 12/07/17 an application for a conditional air quality open burning permit from the Environmental Health Services Division, Flathead City-County Health Department. Applicant seeks approval of application to open burn trees, stumps & brush, at Gladys Glen Pit, section 20 Township 31 Range 19. Any Member of the public with questions or who wishes to receive notice of the Department's determination, and the location where a copy of the application and the Department's analysis of it can be reviewed, or to submit comments on the application, must contact the Flathead City-County Health Department, Environmental Health Service Division at 1035 1st Avenue West, Kalispell, MT 59901, Phone (406) 751-8130. Any comments on the application must be submitted to the Department within 20 days after publication of this notice or filing of the application. The Department's decision to approve or deny an application for a Conditional Open Burning Permit may be reviewed by the Board of Health according to the following procedure: When the Division approves or denies the application for a Conditional Open Burning Permit under this section, a person who is affected by the Department's decision may request a hearing before the Board, within 3 days after the Department renders its final decision. The Department's decision on the application is not final unless 3 days have elapsed and there is no request for a hearing under this section. The filing of a request for a hearing may postpone the effective date of the Department's decision. December 13, 2017 MNAXLP

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70 years ago

Coram home destroyed in fire

A home off Gladys Glen drive in Coram was destroyed by a late afternoon fire Tuesday. No one was home when the fire started, said Coram-West Glacier Fire Chief Matt Cox. The house was completely engulfed when the call came in — a passing train saw the fire and reported it.

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City snow removal reminders

The City of Columbia Falls reminds everyone of the snow removal requirements within the city. Sidewalks are to be cleared of snow and ice by the owner, tenant, occupant, or lessee by noon on the day following an accumulation of snow and/or ice. If a property is adjacent to a sidewalk, you are responsible for the snow and ice removal. Snow and ice removal from the sidewalks ensures pedestrian and motorist safety. Please get the snow and ice removed from your sidewalks as quickly as possible. Failure by any person or entity to perform this responsibility may be subject to a penalty and/or lien.

Six apply for city judge position; hire expected later this month

The Columbia Falls public safety committee began the process of going over applications for city judge in an executive session Monday night.

Possum news

The big news this week is that an opossum in Florida broke into a liquor store, cracked open one of those little single serve bottles of booze and got drunker than a skunk.

FWP traces illegal walleye back to Helena

Biologists have been able to trace walleye that were illegally introduced into Swan Lake back to a lake near Helena by analyzing the fishes’ ear bones.

Wildkats win pair at Stillwater

The Wildkats froshmore and junior varsity teams opened the basketball season with wins Saturday as they defeated Stillwater Christian School in Kalispell.

Wildcats open basketball season with two wins

The Wildcats opened basketball season with a pair of road wins Saturday as the Columbia Falls junior varsity defeated Stillwater Christian School’s varsity squad, 29-22, while the froshmore team defeated the Cougar junior varsity, 44-6.

Swim teams compete at Kalispell Invitational

The Columbia Falls swim team opened the season at the Summit in Kalispell over the weekend as the girls earned eighth place at the Kalispell Swim Invitational while the boys were ninth.

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John Ryan Francis

MatCats wrestling finishes fourth in Polson

The Columbia Falls MatCats opened the wrestling season with a fourth place team finish at the Owen Invitational in Polson over the weekend as wrestlers took home one first, three second and a pair of third place individual titles.

Study suggests fee increase could price people out of parks

A new study by the University of Montana Institute of Tourism and Research argues that while an increase in weekly fees to large national parks like Yellowstone and Glacier will result in more funds for the Park Service, it could mean less money to neighboring businesses.

Revisiting forbidden territory

We have a sort of “show and tell” at our Over the Hill Gang coffee sessions. Needless to day, when you have a group of guys pushing 90 years of age and who have led long careers, including high education, military service, world travel, vast mountain climbing and many other wild and varied adventures, it gets to be a problem coming up with something “new” to pass around.

Smalley says increase in Park fees no big deal for him

“That’s it! There’ll be no more discussion on this topic in this house!”

Cats edge Bulldogs to keep winning streak alive

The Columbia Falls speech and debate team edged Whitefish at the Whitefish Invitational Saturday by just nine points, 165-156.

School saving big bucks on health costs by using firm

Columbia Falls School District 6 has seen significant savings by using a separate company to negotiate healthcare rates with out-of-area health care providers.

Homegrown ranger, wilderness manager, says good-bye

Ask Kyle Johnson what his favorite place in Glacier National Park is and a broad smile comes on his face.

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Nov. 28

Christmas concerts coming up at schools

A host of local schools will have Christmas concerts coming up this month. Here’s a look at what’s on tap:

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Raymond “Ray” Nicklaus

Hawkinson and Gilley married

Kala Renee Hawkinson and Jason David Gilley of Columbia Falls were married Aug. 18 at Glacier Meadows in Coram. The ceremony was performed by Deacon Doug Cordier.

Gilley, Perry to wed in August

Mark and Laurie Gilley of Columbia Falls announce the engagement of their daughter, Danielle Nicole Gilley, to Tanner Dean Perry, son of Dean and Jody Perry of Columbia Falls.

Montana's untapped resource? Renewable energy

Montana has a wealth of clean, renewable energy, it just has to capitalize on it. That was the gist of a recent panel discussion envisioning Montana’s clean energy economy recently held in Columbia Falls, hosted by Climate Smart Glacier Country.

Forest seeks input on Crystal Creek trails

The Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District of the Flathead National Forest is asking for public input on management opportunities on Forest Service lands north of Columbia Falls and west of the Flathead River. This area includes Crystal Creek, Cedar Flats, Spoon Lake, Blankenship, and Teakettle Mountain.

Legals December 6, 2017

No. 1624 NOTICE TO PARENTS OF CHILD FIND OBLIGATION School District Six has a procedure for the referral and evaluation of all children, ages birth through 21 years of age, who may be suspected of having a disability. All children, who reside within the boundaries of School District Six, who may be suspected as having a disability, may be considered for identification, evaluation and services, if eligible under the regulations established in Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). School District Six will respond to requests for information regarding the evaluation of children suspected of being disabled in accordance with Montana Administrative Rule (10.16.3125) and Federal Regulations (34 CFR 300.561). Notice of parental rights and other policies and procedures will be provided in the native language of the individual concerned, and shall include: 1. Information on the eligibility criteria for categories of disability under IDEA. 2. Types of information gathered for eligibility consideration. 3. The location of personally identifiable information and how it is communicated to the state. 4. The district will comply with all regulations under The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act for storage, disclosure, retention and destruction of personally identifiable information, insuring the confidentiality of this information. Any questions regarding this Child Find obligation may be directed to: Terri Burghardt, Director of Special Services, Columbia Falls, School District Six at 892-6562. December 6, 2017 MNAXLP

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70 years ago

Griz shooting marks at least fourth by a hunter this year

Wildlife officials say hunters shot and wounded an adult female grizzly bear north of Bigfork on the last day of hunting season, Nov. 26. It marks the fourth grizzly shot by hunters in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem and the third known female grizzly.

Columbia Falls Night of Lights, in pictures

RV Park planned for rural Columbia Falls

A Columbia Falls couple is proposing to build a 13-acre RV Park south of Highway 40 off Kinninnick Lane. Robert and Geraldine Rupp are proposing 77 RV lots, called Whispering Pines, to be built in two phases by the fall of 2023 or within five years of approval of their application.

McCready has a love of the railroad

Flathead historian Kevin McCready has spent 14 years digging through historic newspaper articles, conducting interviews and sifting through old family photo albums.

After 30 years, judge Gordon saying good-bye

Thousands and thousands of tickets. Hundreds of trials and umpteen phone calls that woke her up in the middle of the night. Columbia Falls City Court Judge Susan “Tina” Gordon will say good-bye to it all at the end of the month after 30 years on the bench.