Friday, August 31
Howe Ridge still stubbornly burning, as each day gets a little drier
The Howe Ridge Fire continued to skunk in the trees in Glacier National Park in the past week, while most of the park, aided by a brisk breeze, stayed relatively smoke free, at least during the day.
Wednesday, August 29
Stage II fire restrictions rescinded
Stage II fire restrictions will be rescinded beginning Friday morning, as the area has seen wetter and cooler weather. That means people can once again have campfires and use charcoal grills, but people are still urged to use caution, as the fire season has yet to come to an end.
City's valuation basically flat, and that's problematic
No one would dispute that the city of Columbia Falls has seen a building boom in the past year, with several new buildings either under construction or completed in the downtown district, not to mention the new houses going up in subdivisions.
Rising Sun Campground in Glacier goes to hard-sided camping after bear rips into tent
Camping restrictions are in place at Glacier Park’s Rising Sun Campground after a suspected bear ripped into the side of a tent on Friday and pulled out bedding and pillows.
Fires in Bob Marshall close key trails as hunting season nears
Three fires in the Bob Marshall Wilderness have closed several trails in and around them, as hunting season approaches.
Two Forest projects set to move forward on east side of reservoir
Two Forest Service projects are set to move forward on the east side of the Hungry Horse Reservoir.
Wildcats to open season with state title rematch
The Wildcat football team will begin its state title defense at home Friday as Columbia Falls hosts Hamilton in a rematch of last season’s Class A state title game.
The week in fires: Rains offer a respite, but more wind expected
Rains gave area wildfires a respite, but fire activity could pick up again by Thursday, as another wind event is expected.
Wildkats volleyball squad off to hot start to begin 2018 season
The Columbia Falls volleyball team has opened the 2018 season on a roll, going 11-3 at the Tipoff Tournament in Browning over the weekend before sweeping Browning at home Monday evening.
Yellowjackets? Here's some trap ideas
If you’ve waded along shorelines, fished around lily pads, or even tried to eat outdoors, you’ve been harassed by yellowjackets.
C-Falls soccer squads have high hopes for 2018
After losing in the state semi-final in 2017, the Wildkats soccer team will be looking to take the next step this year as they open the 2018 season at home against Bigfork Thursday.
Maya Pedal event next week in Whitefish, showcases machines
After 400 donated bikes helped power Guatemalan villages last year, Maya Pedal is again returning to Whitefish for the second annual Power the Pedal event.
Canvas Church coming to Columbia Falls
Canvas Church, currently based out of Kalispell, plans to expand into Columbia Falls in early September, when the doors open for the first Sunday services at its new campus.
County budget hikes taxes, but also cuts staff
The Flathead County commissioners are on track to approve a $91.5 million budget this week that raises property taxes about $11.50 for the owner of a home with a market value of $200,000.
Biologist reflects on grizzly bear attack and her own recovery
Keep going. Don’t stop. Get back into the field when you can.
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Clarence Hedge
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Ervin D. Eid
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Lori Lynn Kaml
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So far so good. The Whale Buttes Fire continues to skunk around in heavy fuels. The old logging roads have been reopened and have created containment lines that almost surround the fire. Air attack has knocked down all risks, so far, of the fire moving into the crowns of trees and running to the east. This is designed to keep the fire on the ground and within the containment lines. As of this time it seems unlikely that private homes or private lands will be damaged by fire. We all thank John Pierson and his Southwest Type I Team for their efforts.
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Aug. 21
America says goodbye to John McCain
Albert Einstein once said, “Few are they who can think with their own minds and feel with their own hearts.” Senator John McCain was one of those few, and insightful Americans will miss him.
Principal excited about new school year
The first day of the Columbia Falls High School 2018-19 school year is on Thursday and plenty of preparation has already gone into creating another outstanding year.
In West Glacier, a busy intersection will see some work, but neighbors skeptical on effectiveness
The owners of a new RV park in West Glacier say they will put in several turn lanes at the River Bend Drive Intersection with the Going-to-the-Sun Road to ease traffic congestion there.
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End of life class
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70 years ago
When women were scarce
Editor’s note: George Ostrom is under the weather this week. We bring you this column from 2010...
Frogs, toads, and beavers prove to be a beautiful relationship
When one visits Glacier National Park, the first thing that comes to mind for most visitors isn’t the frogs and the toads that live there. The mountainous terrain and the streams that flow from it, however, are good frog and toad habitat, however, and unlike many places in the world, Glacier’s amphibians are doing pretty well, biologist Leah Joyce of the University of Montana said in a recent talk.
Legals August 29, 2018
No. 2443 NOTICE OF HEARING ON PROPOSED BUDGET ADOPTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of County Commissioners of Flathead County, Montana, acting in the absence of a Fire District Board of Trustees of Hungry Horse Fire District, has completed the Proposed Budget for the 2018-2019 fiscal year and that said budget is on file in the Flathead County Finance Office, 800 South Main, Room 214, Kalispell, Montana. This document is open to public inspection. The Board will meet on the 11th day of September 2018 at 9:30 a.m. for the purpose of holding a public hearing, fixing the final budget, and making appropriations. Said meeting is to be held in the Commissioners' Chambers, located on the third floor of the County Courthouse at 800 South Main in Kalispell, Montana. Any taxpayer or resident may appear at the hearing and will be heard for or against any part of the proposed budget amendment. For further information, please contact Amy Dexter, Finance Director, 800 South Main, Room 214, Kalispell, Montana 59901, Telephone (406) 758-5538. Written comments are encouraged and will be reviewed by the Commissioners prior to the hearing if received by the Flathead County Commissioners' Office prior to the hearing. DATED this 20th day of August, 2018. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Flathead County, Montana By: /s/ Pamela J. Holmquist Pamela J. Holmquist, Chairman August 29, September 5, 2018 MNAXLP _________________________
Monday, August 27
After rains, Waterton Lakes National Park reopens
Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada has reopened after the Boundary Fire saw rain Sunday and Monday.
Sunday, August 26
Rain, snow, on the way, National Weather Service is saying
Rain and snow should fall on area wildfires in the next 24 hours, the National Weather service is saying. The prediction is for about a half-inch at lower elevations to an inch of rain at higher elevations starting later today in Glacier National Park, said Alex Lukinbeal, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Missoula.
Friday, August 24
Waterton Lakes National Park under evacuation notice as new fire burning in Glacier
Waterton Lakes National Park has been put under an evacuation notice after a new fire blew up Thursday near the boundary with Canada not far from Goat Haunt. The fire is located in the Boundary Creek Valley, near the Campbell Mountain area west of Waterton Lake.
Howe Ridge fire blasts up Mount Vaught in Glacier Park
Stoked by high winds, the Howe Ridge Fire in Glacier National Park was very active Friday afternoon, burning up Mount Vaught in the Park. Flame lengths were 300 feet or more as it torched both live and dead trees in a bowl between Vaught and Mount Stanton.
Thursday, August 23
From an ecological standpoint, Howe Ridge fire doing some good, managers say
As the Howe Ridge Fire continues to burn in Glacier National Park, the blaze’s slow, but steady progression over the past few days is doing some good from an ecological standpoint, fire managers told a crowd in West Glacier Wednesday night.
Wednesday, August 22
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70 years ago
Journalists must stand against bullying
We’ve been complacent.
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Editor’s note: George is out this week. We bring you a column from 1984.
Kats volleyball aiming high in 2018
Head coach Jolandie Brooks has high hopes for the Columbia Falls volleyball team this year as the squad looks to build on its Northwest A title from a season ago.
The week that was in fires: Not enough rain to quell blazes
Evacuations. Closures. Smoke, and even a little rain. Wildfires in the region continued to wreak havoc with travel plans and trees over the past week.
At Ellen Wilson, unwelcome guests
I came around the corner and there was a my tent, torn from its stakes, sorta slumped over and crooked.
Tricos can be a hatch to remember on the Missouri
Early August reliably brings a hatch of an insect about 1/8-inch long that absolutely drives trout into a feeding frenzy.
Glacier Twins capture Northwest Regional title
After a 13-0 thrashing of the Cody (Wyoming) Cubs, the Glacier Twins are Northwest Class A Regional American Legion baseball champions.
MWED doing broadband survey
Montana West Economic Development is requesting citizens and businesses to provide their input in a survey on broadband.
House and barn destroyed by fire Saturday
A host of local fire departments responded to a house fire at the Perkins residence off Middle Road Saturday afternoon about 4 p.m.
Community health clinic a godsend for folks
Monica Short sits in a wheelchair in a hallway of the former Canyon Elementary School.
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River meeting
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Last week I was pretty critical about the USFS plan to “Box in” the Whale Buttes Fire with fire retardant delivered by helicopter.
Scott Emmerich, renowned Glacier Park ranger
Scott Emmerich, one of the finest rangers ever in Glacier National Park, died Aug. 11 after a two-and-half year battle with brain cancer. He was 61.
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Aug. 15
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Scott A. Emmerich
Fires could delay Sperry work
Construction on the Sperry Chalet has been humming along, though if wildfires don’t simmer down soon, they could have an impact on the job.
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Joey Glen VanSchoyck
Seasonal ranger reflects on time in Many Glacier
The Many Glacier area changed Diane Sine’s life.
Tuesday, August 21
Howe Ridge Fire grumbling above Rocky Point
The 11,000 acre Howe Ridge Fire in Glacier National Park late Tuesday evening was burning above Rocky Point, which is less than a mile from the Fish Creek campground.
Video shows father, son, trying to drive through Howe Ridge Fire
A dramatic video shows a father and son trying to escape the Howe Ridge Fire as it burned across the North Lake McDonald Road Aug. 12.
Sunday, August 19
Park Service evacuating additional areas around Howe Ridge Fire
The National Park Service has issued additional evacuation warnings around the Howe Ridge Fire this morning after the fire nearly doubled in size overnight.
Friday, August 17
Evacuation warning issued for part of North Fork
An evacuation warning was issued this afternoon for a small number of residences in the North Fork due to the Whale Buttes Fire.
Thursday, August 16
Howe Ridge Fire grows to 3,500 acres
The Howe Ridge Fire in Glacier National Park has grown to 3,500 acres after an active fire day Wednesday.
Wednesday, August 15
Evacuation warning issued for Paola Ridge Fire near Essex
Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry has issued an evacuation notice for a small number of homes near the Paola Ridge Fire near Essex.
County will enter Stage II fire restrictions Thursday morning; no campfires allowed
Flathead County will enter Stage 2 fire restrictions at 12 a.m. Thursday following the approval by county commissioners Tuesday morning.
Loans and such...
Editor’s note: George is out this week. We bring you a column from 2007.
Will we lose Glacier's oldest souls?
It was Aug. 10. A Sunday afternoon. The wind was blowing. Hard.
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Trust event
North Fork groups reshuffle
Summer on the North Fork may seem a little monotonous. Every August the river drops until it is more of a hike from the Border to at least Ford Station than a float. The road gets so rough and dusty, especially since the Department of Agriculture screwed up dust abatement, that it is unsafe and of course all of the private landowner groups hold their annual meetings and elections.
Chisholm receives national sports journalism award
University of Montana student and 2015 Columbia Falls High School graduate Henry Chisholm was recently selected as one of five nationwide recipients of the Jim Murray Memorial Foundation scholarship for excellence in college sports writing.
State wants a minimum of 800 grizzly bears in the region
The Montana Fish and Wildlife commissioners last week adopted a preliminary conservation plan for grizzly bears in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem that looks at maintaining a population of at least 800 bears.
City budget looks to add police officer, street equipment
The Columbia Falls city budget for the next fiscal year has a host of wish-list items that the city council will look to whittle down at its next meeting.
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Linda Lee Johnson Melven
Columbia Falls woman unhappy with city tree crew
A Columbia Falls woman wasn’t happy with the way the tree in yard was trimmed by city crews and she let her feelings be known to the city council last week.
More people succeed in businesses in Montana
Montana is one of the better places to be an entrepreneur, a new report reveals.
Whitefish Credit Union opens new building on Highway 2
The Whitefish Credit Union celebrated its new branch in Columbia Falls last week.
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70 years ago
The Blotter: Man hit by rock at Red Bridge
Aug. 7
From the ashes, new archaeological discoveries in Waterton
While wildfire is a destructive force, it has been extremely beneficial in the archaeological community. According to Parks Canada archaeologist Bill Perry, the Kenow Wildfire has opened vast opportunities for learning about the history of the Waterton area, adding to the understanding of the past 10,000 years of human history in the park. Based on this new information, Perry and his team are rethinking the role of human impacts on past environments and landscapes in Waterton.
More fires expected, researcher says
Following a 2017 fire season that saw significant burning in Glacier and Waterton parks, with Kenow and Sprague wildfires, scientists and researchers have been hard at work determining what the fires mean for both parks as another fire season starts cooking.
Tuesday, August 14
Howe Sadness: As cabins lost, inholders frustrated by response to fire
On Aug. 10, 2003 the Robert Fire burned Howe Ridge in Glacier National Park in spectacular fashion.
Monday, August 13
Glacier Park saw about 905,000 visitors in July
Last year Glacier National Park topped 1 million visitors in July. This year, it didn’t quite reach that number, but it came close.
Glacier Park says structures lost in Howe Ridge Fire
Structures at the north end of Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park were damaged or lost in the Howe Ridge Fire Sunday night, park officials said, but they have yet to release the number or type of structures.
Sunday, August 12
Howe Ridge Fire in Glacier grows to inferno; Sun Road closed on west side; Lake McDonald Lodge, campgrounds, evacuated
In the course of a few hours Sunday evening the Howe Ridge Fire went from a curiosity that wowed visitors at the Lake McDonald Lodge in Glacier National Park, to a full blown inferno that threatened a host of private properties — some of which predate the existence of the park itself.
Fire cooking Howe Ridge again in Glacier Park
On Aug. 10, 2003 the Robert Fire burned down Howe Ridge in Glacier National Park in spectacular fashion.
Thursday, August 9
Hungry Horse woman killed in trailer house fire
A Hungry Horse woman died in a house fire Aug. 8.
Wednesday, August 8
Bob Marshall Wilderness has first large fire of the season
The Bob Marshall Wilderness has its first large wildfire of the season. The Brownstone Fire is burning near Brownstone Creek and Brownstone Peak roughly a mile southeast of the Big Prairie Ranger Station. It was started by lightning July 28.
Elementary school tours scheduled for later this month
Tours of Ruder and Glacier Gateway Elementary Schools are on tap later this month as the district looks to possibly expanding or renovating its schools in Columbia Falls.
Perry says he'll work to right campaign finance violation
The Montana state Commissioner of Political Practices found that House District 3 representative Zac Perry, a Democrat, violated campaign finance laws for gifting his campaign manager more than the allowable limit in 2016.
Swim Cats finish fifth at state meet
With 46 swimmers competing at the state meet in Conrad over the weekend, the Columbia Falls Swim Team came away with a fifth-place finish in Class A.
Twins hold off Sox for state championship
After fighting off a late surge from the Bitterroot Red Sox, the Glacier Twins are state champions.
Bison 'matador' ends up in jail
A man was arrested Aug. 2 at the Many Glacier Hotel in Glacier National Park after park rangers responded to a report of two guests arguing loudly and creating a disturbance in the hotel dining room. The man had a warrant out for his arrest after being caught on video harassing a bison in Yellowstone National Park earlier in the week.
Green throws touchdown in Shrine Game
Columbia Falls quarterback Austin Green accounted for one of three touchdowns for the West team in the 72nd annual Montana East-West Shrine Game in Great Falls July 21. Green’s touchdown came in the third quarter when he found Conor McCarvel in the back of the end zone to put the West squad up 21-14. The East came back to win the game, 24-21 on a late-game field goal.
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Bird stroll
Residents spent billions just vacationing in Montana last year
It’s likely not just out-of-state visitors filling the streets of Columbia Falls this summer, a new report from the University of Montana shows.
Glacier Park pass now available online
Glacier National Park hopes to cut down on the wait times at park entrance gates with its new digital entrance passes available for purchase online.
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Janette A. Weaver
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JimmeSue Role
History of the Crooked Tree
I must respond to your article about the Crooked Tree Motel. I was there before it was a motel (one of the few “natives” left here).
Fire in Canada raises concerns, then gone
Another busy, almost hectic week. Drove from Trail Creek to Polebridge to talk to residents who complained of someone shooting in the middle of the night. Interviewed neighbors who said they not only were not shooting at 3 a.m., but heard nothing. Three hours shot.
Grim reapers in gameland
George was unavailable this week, but sent us this article he wrote for Sports Afield in April, 1963:
CFAC suit shouldn't stall cleanup
A lawsuit filed by the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. against the Atlantic Richfield Co. over cleanup of the old aluminum plant site won’t likely delay the actual cleanup, project manager Mike Cirian of the Environmental Protection Agency said last week.
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Aug. 1
Lake whitefish are biting on Flathead
Having grown up in the Midwest, I’m quite familiar with the question: “What do you call a dozen tractors in front of an Iowa high school?”
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Linda Lee Melven
Rash of grizzly bear deaths this year; car collisions on the rise
There have been a rash of grizzly bear deaths in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem already this year.
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Trust event
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70 years ago
Tuesday, August 7
City OK's high density apartment complex, with conditions
The Columbia Falls City Council Monday night approved a 207-unit apartment complex at the end of Bill’s Lane, though the project comes with a host of conditions.
After fall in Bob Marshall, California man rescued
Search teams rescued a missing California man on Tuesday who broke his leg while hiking alone along a cliff in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
Thursday, August 2
Mailer that purports to help Columbia Falls Fire Department doesn't help at all, chief says
A fundraising mailer claiming to help the Columbia Falls Fire Department is bogus, Fire Chief Rick Hagen is warning residents.
Wednesday, August 1
Idaho teen falls to death at popular Glacier Park waterfall
An Idaho teenager was killed Tuesday night in Glacier National Park after he slipped in Haystack Creek and fell about 100 feet.
CFAC sues ARCO for Superfund cleanup
The Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. has filed suit against the Atlantic Richfield Co. in an attempt recoup costs associated with the cleanup of the old aluminum plant site north of Columbia Falls.
Smalley gives some tips on how to fish the bucket pool
“So, what’s the hot fly right now?” my son-on-law asked one of the fishing guides as they sat in Joe’s, popular watering hole in Craig.
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70 years ago
Supan wins close Boogie to the Bank 10K race Saturday
Only seven seconds separated the top two finishers in the mens’ 10K race during the Heritage Days Boogie to the Bank Saturday. Sean Supan (37:16.13), a 17-year-old runner from Normal University High School in Illinois, barely beat out 41-year-old Seth Westfall (37:23.46) of Westerville, Ohio for the title while Gabe Knudsen of Columbia Falls was third, just 25 seconds behind Supan.
Swim Cats take second at Divisional Meet
Fourty six members of the Swim Cats will be making their way to the state meet in Conrad this weekend after the team finished second at the Divisional Meet in Choteau Saturday and Sunday.
Twins keep streak alive en route to state tourney
Down four runs to the Bitterroot Red Sox in the district tournament championship game, the Twins didn’t panic.
Fire danger ramped up to very high
The fire danger was ramped up last week to very high, though some places received beneficial rain from a myriad of thunderstorms that passed through.
More news of the Interlocal and kudos to the Heaphys
In the winter, I have to search for something to write about on a weekly basis. In the summer I am often overwhelmed with so much happening I can’t really cover it all. This was one of those weeks.
Koch leads senior cards
Andy Koch was the top pinochle player at the North Valley Senior Citizens Center on July 23 with 8,230. Marian Behm was second with 6,950. Jean Voermans was third with 6,890. Marian Behm and Lois Timmreck melded a round robin. Jean Voermans and Marie Trodick melded 300 Pinochle. Louann Mohn and Andy Koch melded 1,500 trump. Elaine Luce won the door prize.
Friess, longtime Columbia Falls dentist dies
Longtime Columbia Falls dentist Robert Friess died of natural causes last week. He was 74.
Last winter was tough on local game herds
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks spring big game surveys show the tough winter did have an impact on local game herds.
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Sports meeting
Filmmaker gets grant to help shoot film here
A California writer and director recently was awarded a $50,000 Big Sky Film grant to eventually shoot a film in the Columbia Falls and West Glacier areas.
At 90, Ostrom pens new children's poetry book
“I don’t see well, I don’t hear well, I don’t smell well,” G. George Ostrom joked with a fan during a book signing last week.
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July 24
Legals August 1, 2018
No. 1643 RESOLUTION NO. 347 DISPOSITION OF ABANDONED, OBSOLETE AND UNDESIRABLE PROPERTY A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 6, COLUMBIA FALLS, MONTANA TO DISPOSE OF ABANDONED, OBSOLETE AND UNDESIRABLE PROPERTY THROUGH THE SALES OR OTHER MEANS, AS PROVIDED BY SECTION 20-6-604, MCA. WHEREAS, it has been determined certain personal or real property as documented in a list available in the Columbia Falls School District Business Office has become abandoned, obsolete and undesirable by School District No. 6 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees will dispose of this property through the sale or other means commencing on August 17, 2018, which will be at least 14 days after notice of this resolution has been made in the manner required in Section 20-20-204, MCA. PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 6 THIS 23rd DAY OF JULY, 2018. /s/ Jill Rocksund Chairperson Attest: /s/ Dustin Zuffelato Business Manager/Clerk August 1, 2018 MNAXLP __________________________
