Saturday, December 29
In Hungry Horse homicide, a plea deal is rejected
Homicide suspect James Quen of Martin City will remain in jail after Flathead County District Judge Heidi Ulbricht rejected a plea agreement in court Friday. Quen is charged with the deliberate homicide of Bradley Allen Winters on April 25.
Wednesday, December 26
A Holiday Pictorial: Favorite photos from recent years
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By HEIDI DESCH
MatCats fall to Polson, bounce back against Ronan
After a rough outing against the Polson Pirates and Corvallis Bluedevils at home Tuesday, the MatCats wrestling team bounced back with a strong showing at home Thursday as they hosted Ronan and Bigfork.
Wildcats lose heartbreaker in Ronan, fall at home to Bigfork
The Wildcat basketball team dropped to 1-7 last week as they lost a nailbiter on the road at Ronan Friday before falling to defending Class B state champion Bigfork by 50 at home Saturday.
Kats take different paths to earn victories
The Wildkats basketball team took opposite paths to victory last week, building a large early lead in Bigfork to down the Valkyries Thursday before having to overcome a 14-point second-quarter deficit against Ronan at home Friday.
Worries about the Republic and a big birthday bash
As I sit down to write this column, the government is shut down – again. In the end, when they hammer out a deal, all of the government workers will be paid in full with no monetary loss. A shutdown just provides those workers with more paid vacation, or at worst, a delay in their pay.
The long walk to count the Christmas chickadees
So a couple of weeks ago I did a route for the Christmas Bird Count in Glacier National Park, which is to say I hiked to Avalanche Creek up the Going-to-the-Sun Road from Lake McDonald Lodge and then back down the McDonald Valley Trail back to the lodge.
Zinke's legacy was no friend to public lands, they claim
In the 1990s, a lawyer named Karen Budd-Falen drafted a land use plan for a New Mexico county rejecting public ownership of national public lands. In the plan Budd-Falen writes, “Federal and state agents threaten the life, liberty, and happiness of the people of Catron County. They present a clear and present danger to the land and livelihood of every man, woman, and child.”
Do people choose cars that make them look powerful? Some do
This week we bring you this classic G. George Ostrom column from 2005...
Park Service to host Sperry Chalet event in January
The National Park Service in partnership with the Glacier National Park Conservancy will host an evening about Sperry Chalet on Jan. 8 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kalispell.
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John D. Opalka
Montana joins feds in appealing grizzly ruling
Montana will join Wyoming, Idaho and the federal government in appealing a federal court ruling that put the Greater Yellowstone grizzly bear population back on the Endangered Species List.
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70 years ago
Junior High bids a fond farewell to Lynde Newman
Columbia Falls Junior High Principal Dave Wick figures he’s greeted school administrative assistant Lynde Newman around 4,450 times over her 21-year tenure at the school.
Wilderness Foundation exec leaving organization
The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation recently announced that Carol Treadwell, executive director, is leaving the job after a seven-year tenure that the foundation’s chairwoman described in glowing terms.
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Photographer Chuck Haney knows many of the best spots to capture a landscape picture. But sometimes his best work comes from wandering the back roads without much of a plan.
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By SCOTT SHINDLEDECKER
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Skijoring
At Target, they shopped with a cop, and a judge
Eight lucky students went on a special shopping spree with police officers in Kalispell Wednesday as Target played host to the Columbia Falls Police Department’s 18th annual Shop with a Cop event.
Couple looks to breathe new life into old alley
Derek and Kristen Larson are hoping to breathe new life into Glacier Lanes in Columbia Falls.
Planning board OK's short-term rental regs in Canyon
Canyon property owners may soon have to meet new requirements to host short-term rentals in single-occupancy dwellings.
Legals December 26, 2018
No. 1650 MONTANA WATER COURT FLATHEAD RIVER, SOUTH FORK BASIN 76J NOTICE OF ENTRY OF PRELIMINARY DECREE AND NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY ALL WATER USERS NEED TO READ THIS NOTICE. THIS NOTICE COMPLIES WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 85-2-232(3) MCA The Preliminary Decree contains 131 abstracts of existing water right claims filed in the Flathead River, South Fork (Basin 76J). The Decree (including the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Decree Index) is available for review and Water Court forms are available at these locations: Montana Water Court, 1123 Research Drive, Bozeman MT. Montana DNRC, Water Rights Adjudication Office, 910 Helena Ave, Helena MT. Montana DNRC, Water Resources Regional Office(s): 655 Timberwolf Parkway, Suite 4, Kalispell MT. On the internet at http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/water/adjudication Scroll down to Basin 76J and click on Flathead River, South Fork. Click on the 76J Preliminary Decree information that interests you. OBJECTIONS ALL OBJECTIONS MUST BE RECEIVED AT THE WATER COURT ON OR BEFORE MAY 28, 2019. Objections must be filed on the forms provided by the Water Court and mailed to the Montana Water Court, PO Box 1389, Bozeman MT 59771-1389. EXTENSIONS The Water Judge may grant a Request for an Extension of the time for filing objections. A Request for an Extension must be received by the Water Court on or before MAY 28, 2019. Please use the Water Court's form. If an extension is granted, it will apply to everyone. Any extension will be posted at the offices listed above and will be advertised once in this newspaper. RIGHT TO APPEAL If you do not participate in Water Court proceedings, your right to appeal an adverse decision is limited by Section 85-2-235, MCA. MEETINGS WITH THE WATER COURT Two Informal Public Meeting(s) will be held via telephone conference call, Tuesday evening, January 22, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday afternoon, January 23, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. Dial 877-526-1243, at the prompt enter Code 46309676# December 12, 19, 26, 2018 MNAXLP __________________________
Saturday, December 22
Glacier will remain open during shutdown
Here we go again.
Thursday, December 20
Odds of a white Christmas aren't looking good
The odds of a really white Christmas aren’t looking good. The National Weather Service in Missoula is saying the best chance of measurable snow is tonight with a half-inch to an inch by morning. Higher elevations could see more, but downsloping winds will stymie valley snow.
Wednesday, December 19
Man who was found dead in car fire ID'd
The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the identity of a man who died in a Dec. 8 car fire near Lion Lake in the Hungry Horse area as Conrad Peak, 77.
Fire department will soon have a quint in arsenal
Columbia Falls will soon have a “new” fire truck in its arsenal. The city council Monday night approved the purchase of a $115,000 quint from New England Fire Equipment in Connecticut.
C-Falls gets back bell-ringing crown
The bell-ringing crown will return to Columbia Falls.
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Roger L. Chilcote
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Food drive
Chamber awards businesses, organizations at Luncheon
Columbia Falls business and community leaders were recognized at the Chamber’s annual Christmas luncheon last week.
Mexican tries to sneak into U.S. via Glacier Park
An immigrant from Mexico had an interesting scheme to hook up with his girlfriend in the United States, by taking a long hike in Glacier National Park.
MatCats finish 19th at C.M. Russell Holiday Classic
The MatCat wrestlers went 18-23 against tough competition over the weekend to finish 19th at the C.M. Russell Holiday Wrestling Classic in Great Falls.
Lessons from the Kennedys
Another classic G. George Ostrom column. This one George picked out from June 1968...
Wildkats survive AA test, down Glacier and Flathead
Strong defense and physical play were the keys to victory last week as the Wildkats basketball team picked up a pair of wins over AA opponents to improve to 5-0 this season.
Wildcats come up short against pair of AA opponents
The Wildcats basketball team finally found the range from three -point territory last week, but still came up short to a pair of AA opponents as they fell to Glacier and Flathead.
Board talks CFAC post cleanup; what does the future hold?
The Columbia Falls City-County planning board last week took a first look at possible revisions to its growth policy map. The city has planning jurisdiction to projects in a “doughnut” that extends roughly 1 mile from its boundary in an agreement with the county.
Food Bank thanks
The Columbia Falls Food Bank would like to thank our community for their great support through out this year. You are truly amazing!
Memories of Bush
I met President George H. W. Bush, our 41st President, when he was a former President campaigning in Great Falls in 2000 for his son, then Presidential candidate George W. Bush.
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By Duncan Adams
SD6 losing students to Deer Park, West Glacier
The recent released statistical report of Flathead County Schools illustrates how many students School District 6 loses to other districts.
Feds say 'disabled' man had affinity for his Harley
A Columbia Falls man accused of stealing government benefits by overstating his disabilities admitted fraud and theft charges in federal court on Dec. 12, U.S. Attorney Kurt G. Alme said in a release.
Schools look to improve lighting in high school, junior high
By CHRIS PETERSON
Lions Club says thanks
The Columbia Falls Lions Club would like to thank Century Link in their assistance with lighting up Columbia Falls for Christmas. Thanks to James Luke for giving us Kevin for the day. He is a dedicated careful worker. If it weren’t for people like these, we would not be able to line our streets with the Christmas decorations.
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Dec. 7
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Norman Eugene Hagen
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70 years ago
Legals December 19, 2018
No. 1650 MONTANA WATER COURT FLATHEAD RIVER, SOUTH FORK BASIN 76J NOTICE OF ENTRY OF PRELIMINARY DECREE AND NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY ALL WATER USERS NEED TO READ THIS NOTICE. THIS NOTICE COMPLIES WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 85-2-232(3) MCA The Preliminary Decree contains 131 abstracts of existing water right claims filed in the Flathead River, South Fork (Basin 76J). The Decree (including the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Decree Index) is available for review and Water Court forms are available at these locations: Montana Water Court, 1123 Research Drive, Bozeman MT. Montana DNRC, Water Rights Adjudication Office, 910 Helena Ave, Helena MT. Montana DNRC, Water Resources Regional Office(s): 655 Timberwolf Parkway, Suite 4, Kalispell MT. On the internet at http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/water/adjudication Scroll down to Basin 76J and click on Flathead River, South Fork. Click on the 76J Preliminary Decree information that interests you. OBJECTIONS ALL OBJECTIONS MUST BE RECEIVED AT THE WATER COURT ON OR BEFORE MAY 28, 2019. Objections must be filed on the forms provided by the Water Court and mailed to the Montana Water Court, PO Box 1389, Bozeman MT 59771-1389. EXTENSIONS The Water Judge may grant a Request for an Extension of the time for filing objections. A Request for an Extension must be received by the Water Court on or before MAY 28, 2019. Please use the Water Court's form. If an extension is granted, it will apply to everyone. Any extension will be posted at the offices listed above and will be advertised once in this newspaper. RIGHT TO APPEAL If you do not participate in Water Court proceedings, your right to appeal an adverse decision is limited by Section 85-2-235, MCA. MEETINGS WITH THE WATER COURT Two Informal Public Meeting(s) will be held via telephone conference call, Tuesday evening, January 22, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday afternoon, January 23, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. Dial 877-526-1243, at the prompt enter Code 46309676# December 12, 19, 26, 2018 MNAXLP __________________________
Monday, December 17
Camper destroyed, house damaged in afternoon fire in Hungry Horse
A large camper was destroyed and an adjacent home was heavily damaged in a fire on First Avenue South in Hungry Horse Monday afternoon.
Saturday, December 15
Zinke out as Secretary of Interior
Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke of Whitefish, who’s facing federal investigations into his travel, political activity and potential conflicts of interest, will leave the administration at year’s end.
Thursday, December 13
County withdraws idea of billboards in scenic corridors
Flathead County Commissioners Thursday agreed to nix the idea of allowing billboard-sized signs in scenic highway corridors before a public hearing could even begin.
Wednesday, December 12
Commissioners look to loosen billboard regs in scenic corridor
The Flathead County Commissioners will hold a public hearing Thursday regarding proposed zoning text amendments, including one that would allow advertising signs to be erected in various parts of the county’s extensive scenic corridor overlay, so long as they remain under 250 square feet in surface area.
New South Fork Bridge in Bad Rock Canyon will open Dec. 18
The new $13.2 million U.S. Highway 2 Bridge over the South Fork of the Flathead in Hungry Horse will open Dec. 18 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and other festivities at noon.
Lions Club could fade away, needs members
The annual Easter egg hunt at Marantette Park. The Christmas lights in Columbia Falls. The Columbia Falls summer concert series at Marantette Park.
WBC opens new facility
Crews at Western Building Center’s truss and wall plant in Columbia Falls recently moved into a new 24,000 square foot facility as demand for housing and commercial framing continues to grow.
Byrd resigns as girls soccer coach; will stay on with boys
The Columbia Falls School Board Monday Night accepted the resignation of O’Brien Byrd as head coach of the girls soccer team. He will continue to coach the boys team.
At conference, Governor extols virtues of tourism
Montana Gov. Steve Bullock says it doesn’t take much thinking to realize why people are visiting the state.
Lions Club needs members
Dear Community Members,
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A quick thank you to recognize those who participated in what was yet another successful Brunch with Santa fundraiser. We are eternally grateful to everyone who assisted in this wonderful event: the host venue and supplier of drinks, Timber Creek Village; the delicious food vendors, The Nite Owl, Tien’s Place, Three Forks Grille, Panera Bread, Uptown Hearth, Backslope Brewing and Laurie’s Deli; the pancake-flippers and do-everything’s, Boy Scout Troop 1941; the many generous silent auction donors; our corporate sponsors; event attendees; and last but certainly not least, Santa. We couldn’t have done it without you. The support you showed the greater Columbia Falls community was greatly appreciated.
Heavens Peak Health Care opens in Columbia Falls
Laura and Dan Hall are glad to be back home in Columbia Falls.
FWP looking at the future of mountain lion management
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is hoping to finally be able to pinpoint the number of mountain lions living in the state.
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Mining City Duals:
Wildcats drop pair at Tip Off Tourney in Missoula
The Columbia Falls boys basketball team suffered a pair of losses in Missoula over the weekend as they dropped games to Butte Central and Frenchtown at the Western A Tip Off Tournament.
Wildkats win pair at Western A Tip Off Tourney
The Columbia Falls Wildkats picked up a pair of wins at the Western A Tip Off Tournament in Missoula over the weekend, blowing out Butte Central Friday and surviving a close game against Frenchtown Saturday in girls hoops.
First gray hairs and a growing family, in 1969...
Another classic G. George Ostrom column. This one George picked out from March 1969...
Speech and debate wins in Bigfork
The Columbia Falls speech and debate team picked up another win last week as they stayed close to home for the Bigfork Invitational. The Wildcats scored 178 points to take the sweeps title over Polson, which finished second with 100.
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Toastmasters
Veterans wreath ceremony is Saturday
The Wreaths Across America celebration at the Montana Veteran’s Home in Columbia Falls is Saturday, Dec. 15 at 10 a.m.
A belated thank you
You would think, as old as I am (81), that I would be wiser and make fewer mistakes. Not so. Just about the time I get a little smug, I stumble and blunder into a boo-boo.
The crabby Christmas tree
Lisa got the spruce budworm last summer. She was a beautiful girl, but I tell ya, once them bugs start gnawing your needles, you’re never quite the same and she wasn’t.
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70 years ago
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Eric William Emerson
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Nov. 27
Still waiting for ice fishing season
So, when can we go ice fishing? Mild late fall weather is adding to the unpredictability of guessing when we’ll find safe ice.
Legals December 12, 2018
No. 1650 MONTANA WATER COURT FLATHEAD RIVER, SOUTH FORK BASIN 76J NOTICE OF ENTRY OF PRELIMINARY DECREE AND NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY ALL WATER USERS NEED TO READ THIS NOTICE. THIS NOTICE COMPLIES WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 85-2-232(3) MCA The Preliminary Decree contains 131 abstracts of existing water right claims filed in the Flathead River, South Fork (Basin 76J). The Decree (including the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Decree Index) is available for review and Water Court forms are available at these locations: Montana Water Court, 1123 Research Drive, Bozeman MT. Montana DNRC, Water Rights Adjudication Office, 910 Helena Ave, Helena MT. Montana DNRC, Water Resources Regional Office(s): 655 Timberwolf Parkway, Suite 4, Kalispell MT. On the internet at http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/water/adjudication Scroll down to Basin 76J and click on Flathead River, South Fork. Click on the 76J Preliminary Decree information that interests you. OBJECTIONS ALL OBJECTIONS MUST BE RECEIVED AT THE WATER COURT ON OR BEFORE MAY 28, 2019. Objections must be filed on the forms provided by the Water Court and mailed to the Montana Water Court, PO Box 1389, Bozeman MT 59771-1389. EXTENSIONS The Water Judge may grant a Request for an Extension of the time for filing objections. A Request for an Extension must be received by the Water Court on or before MAY 28, 2019. Please use the Water Court's form. If an extension is granted, it will apply to everyone. Any extension will be posted at the offices listed above and will be advertised once in this newspaper. RIGHT TO APPEAL If you do not participate in Water Court proceedings, your right to appeal an adverse decision is limited by Section 85-2-235, MCA. MEETINGS WITH THE WATER COURT Two Informal Public Meeting(s) will be held via telephone conference call, Tuesday evening, January 22, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday afternoon, January 23, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. Dial 877-526-1243, at the prompt enter Code 46309676# December 12, 19, 26, 2018 MNAXLP __________________________
Monday, December 10
Body found in burned car at Lion Lake
A body was found inside a burned vehicle near Lion Lake Saturday evening.
CALURS looks to make sure panel is made up of residents, not part-timers
The Middle Canyon Land Use Advisory Committee is working on revising its bylaws. The committee is a citizens review panel for the Middle Canyon area, which includes development in and near West Glacier.
Friday, December 7
Night of Lights, in Pictures
Regulations eyed for vacation rentals in Middle Canyon
Property owners looking to start or continue short-term vacation rentals in places like West Glacier and Lake Five may soon have abide by county regulations before doing so.
Wednesday, December 5
Cats swimmers ninth in Kalispell
The Columbia Falls swim team opened its season close to home Saturday as the Wildcats took ninth at the Kalispell Invite.
Wildkats blow out Yellowjackets 67-30 in season opener Saturday
The Wildkats opened the basketball season with a lopsided road win Saturday as they defeated the Yellowjackets in Stevenville, 67-70.
Wildcats open season with win over Stevensville
The Wildcats erased a nine-point first-quarter deficit to open their season with a win at home Saturday as they downed the Stevensville Yellowjackets 58-50.
Whitefish Mountain Resort will open, but needs more snow
Whitefish Mountain Resort is set to open Dec. 6 with skiing on the north side.
Nine people charged in shooting incident
Lessons learned after a sad sight on the river
Imagine being hit by a car. Imagine that you have a gaping wound in your back leg, but you still manage to make it off the road and down to the Flathead River, where you get a drink and rest.
Glacier's red buses to see an overhaul
Glacier National Park’s coveted red bus fleet will undergo a complete rehabilitation in the coming years. The first bus is expected to be shipped to Driggs, Idaho, in the next few weeks, said Glacier National Park Lodges general manager Marc Ducharme. The bus will be protected in a special haul trailer.
Ostrom, jackpine rodeo and a little Yummy-Slick in 1971
Another classic G. George Ostrom column. This one George picked out from 1971...
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Roger DuWayne Jacobsen
Speech and debate wins again in Stevensville
The Columbia Falls speech and debate team earned another first-place finish in Stevenville over the weekend as the Wildcats picked up nearly twice as many points as second-place Stevensville.
NCDE grizzly delisting won't come this year
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service won’t propose delisting grizzly bears in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem this year.
Daines, Tester continue to push for LWCF monies
Montana’s two U.S. Senators were among a group of lawmakers on Thursday morning calling for the permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund by the end of the year.
Gift ideas for the outdoorsy
For many years, this space has offered gift selections for the outdoorsies on your Christmas list.
Community events
Chamber awards
California fires a lesson for West Glacier?
A description of the devastating wildfire in California raises similar concerns about public safety in West Glacier as a result of Glacier Park Inc.’s huge RV development with one-entrance-one exit on River Bend Drive. At a meeting of the West Glacier Community Preservation Association last summer these concerns were expressed to GPI’s CEO, Ron Cadrette. Cadrette assured the group that GPI had “expert” security people who were well prepared to handle such situations and would direct traffic in the event of an emergency evacuation.
A record 51 grizzlies dead or removed from region this year
Fifty-one grizzly bears mortalities were recorded in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem this year, the highest ever recorded since recovery efforts started. Most of the bears are dead, though some ended up in zoos and some were moved to the Cabinet-Yaak ecosystem, where the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service continues to augment the population there.
Christmas programs planned at area schools
A host of holiday concerts are coming up at area schools. Here’s a look at them:
City to start work on growth policy
The City of Columbia Falls will start work in the coming months on revising its growth policy. The policy lays the blueprint for future growth in and around the city.
Council OK's Nicosia contract
The Columbia Falls City Council recently approved a new contract for city manager Susan Nicsoia. Under the terms, Nicosia will make $83,793 retroactive to July 1 of this year to June 30 next year.
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70 years ago
Monday, December 3
Day of mourning for Bush means late delivery of newspaper; Bush visited Glacier in 1983
Our apologies to print subscribers as they will receive their newspaper a day late this week. The Post Office is closed Wednesday as part of the day of mourning for former President George H.W, Bush. Other federal offices are closed as well, including the Forest Service.
