Friday, March 30
Glacier Park's 'bearcam' a hit with viewers
A black “bearcam” in Glacier National Park has proven to be a hit with online viewers, garnering a whopping 6 percent of all National Park Service online traffic in the past week, noted Park spokeswoman Lauren Alley.
Wednesday, March 28
Glacier Park plows start clearing roads of snow
Glacier National Park plow crews have begun clearing roads on the east side of the Park and will start plowing on the west side the first week in April.
Rush for advanced backcountry permits in Glacier causes server to crash
A surge of visitors trying to get an advanced backcountry campground reservation for this summer in Glacier National Park caused the server that takes campers’ money to crash.
Hungry Horse man shoots ex-wife in dispute
Flathead County detectives released more details into the investigation of a Hungry Horse shooting last week.
Wildkats open softball season with losses in Polson
The Wildkats opened the softball season with a pair of losses in Polson Saturday as they took on defending Class A state champion Belgrade and Butte Central.
Slow down for successful spring fishing
The best tip I’ve ever learned for catching fish in early spring was from two internationally renowned fly fishing guides named Simon and Garfunkel.
Sew much fun: Show to feature work of local quilter
Sewing has become more than just a hobby for Whitefish’s Mona Benson, it has become a passion.
City attorney cautions council on bike path
The City of Columbia Falls won’t partner up with the Gateway to Glacier Trail group on a planned bike path that would run along the Flathead River just outside of town.
Some career seasonals at Glacier could be out of a job
Some longtime seasonal staff at Glacier National Park are finding themselves out of a job this summer, even though they have years of experience.
Columbia Falls Senior Center gets a facelift
The Columbia Falls Senior Center has seen some major renovations in the past few months and work is expected to continue this week.
An Easter perspective
We are an Easter People and I am thankful for the many ways God shows us the power of the Resurrection in our midst. God is at work in our lives, in the places we find death and decay in ourselves, to restore us. Grace abounds, and some of us experience this more as we fully engage the conversation with God.
Old wood tick yarn
Starting 30 years ago, I began reporting wood tick info in this column to help protect and amuse my fellow wanderers. Go back with me to April, 1988:
Newsprint tariffs hurt the news
Every day at the News Media Alliance headquarters, a stack of newspapers arrives for myself and the staff. But with the Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission currently considering tariffs on Canadian newsprint, those days of screen-free reading could be coming to an end.
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On just about every backcountry trip I end up forgetting something. Sometimes it doesn’t seem like a big deal, but turns into a real pain. For example, I’ve gone on multiple trips over the years and forgotten a spoon or a fork. Sure, you can craft a spoon out of a piece of wood, but you better make sure it’s not a piece of green spruce, or whatever you eat will taste like a tree.
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March 22
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Bob meeting
Four Kats receive post-season basketball honors
Four Wildkats players and their head coach picked up post-season honors recently as the Class A All-State and All-Conference selections were announced.
Paul Bunyan Bar and Grill coming to the Canyon
Former Bandit Bar owner John VanValkenburg is building a new bar and grill next to Packer’s Roost on U.S. Highway 2 near Coram.
At fire meeting, Forest supervisor says 'treat teammates like gold'
Flathead National Forest Supervisor Chip Weber spoke out about sexual harassment in the workplace during a meeting of Type III interagency fire crews in Kalispell recently.
Legals March 28, 2018
No. 1635 West Glacier Elementary # 8 RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO IMPOSE AN INCREASE IN LEVIES As an essential part of its budgeting process, the West Glacier School Board of Trustees is authorized by law to impose levies to support its budget. The West Glacier School Board of Trustees estimates the following increase/decreases in revenues and mills for the funds noted below for the next school fiscal year beginning July 1, 2018, using certified taxable valuations from the current school fiscal year as provided by the district. Building Reserve Fund. Estimated change in revenues: $800 decrease. Estimated change in Mills: decrease .33 mills. Estimated impact on a home of $100,000 is $.44 mills decrease and on a home of $200,000 a $.88 decrease. Regarding the increase in the building reserve levy referenced above, the following are school facility maintenance projects anticipated to be completed at this time are Repair and Maintenance of West Glacier Elementary. The District intends to use the permissive Building Reserve levy for: 1. Replace furnace over the gym 2. Expansion of gym 3. Replace cafeteria tables 4. Replace gym floor Dawn LaFleur, Chairperson Monica Young, Clerk Dated March 22, 2018 March 28, 2018 MNAXLP --------------------------------------
Friday, March 23
Columbia Falls battery firm furloughs workforce
By CHRIS PETERSON
Grizzlies awake on the Front
Just in time for the beginning of spring, grizzly bears have been reported out on the Rocky Mountain Front, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks said Tuesday.
Thursday, March 22
Woman injured in Hungry Horse shooting
A woman was taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound to her stomach following a shooting in Hungry Horse on Wednesday.
Wednesday, March 21
Mow recognized for land stewardship
Glacier National Park Superintendent Jeff Mow has received an award for outstanding stewardship of public lands.
Local bankers support bill that loosens bank regulations
Local bankers favor a bill that passed the Senate last week that loosens regulations on smaller banks.
Dreams do come true: Ruis horse in Kentucky Derby
Columbia Falls resident Mick Ruis is proof that dreams really do come true.
Wildkats to open softball season in Polson Saturday
The Columbia Falls softball team will open its season on the road this weekend as the Wildkats travel to Polson Saturday to face Butte Central and defending state champs Belgrade.
City to recognize Vietnam veterans March 29
With about 20 Vietnam veterans in the audience, Columbia Falls Mayor Don Barnhart and the city council proclaimed March 29, 2018 as Vietnam Veterans Day.
Tips to preserve fly tying materials
“I’ve got a piece of mule deer hide in the garage that I’ve got salted down pretty good. What do I have to do to use it to tie flies? I don’t want it to contaminate my other fly tying materials.” — anonymous
He wants more data
I read with interest Chris Peterson’s report on the recent public meeting aimed at developing a new comprehensive river plan.
Remembering Bob Grimaldi
Mostly, I really enjoy writing this column so I can push my own opinion and even, occasionally, the opinions of others. I can inform present and future North Forkers and sometimes even educate folks a little bit. I am, in my opinion, pretty good at being cynical and lousy at being funny.
That other George
In my younger days, often spent seeking new and different adventures, it was not on my “bucket list” to go out drinking beer with some strange guy pushing a hundred years of age and let him drive. But that is exactly what happened in Sheridan, Wyoming in the summer of 1981.
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March 13
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70 years ago
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Thomas “Tom” Gallery
School implementing most cyberattack report recommendations
A draft report released recently gives School District 6 several recommendations on how to tighten its server security after the school was hacked last fall and hundreds of student and personnel files were stolen.
Legals March 21, 2018
No. 1631 Public Notice Special Education Records Destruction 03/13/2018 The Columbia Falls Schools will soon destroy special education records of former students born in years 1991. Former students may contact the Columbia Falls School District Six Special Services office within sixty days of this notice if they wish to review the files or receive the information contained in them. The data to be destroyed shall include information collected for identification, location, evaluation, and other items directly related to special education services which the student had received. Parents of students still in school but not in special education for at least five years may also request that their children's records be destroyed. Parents of these students also have the right to inspect the special education records and obtain the information contained in those records before they are destroyed. Persons having questions about this process or those persons wishing to request records may contact: Terri Burghardt Director of Special Services 406-892-6562 March 21, 2018 MNAXLP __________________________
Tuesday, March 20
Film tour hosted by Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation Thursday
The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation is hosting the Mountainfilm on Tour, bringing a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and incredibly inspiring documentary films to Whitefish this month.
Boaters: Mandatory AIS inspection stations open now, or will open soon
The first watercraft inspection stations of 2018 have opened in Ravalli, Blue Bay and Kalispell, and vessels traveling into the Flathead Basin are now required to undergo inspections to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Thursday, March 15
Columbia Falls water system losing about 690,000 gallons of water per day; water rates could go up to fix the problem
By JEREMY WEBER
Familiar foes: O'Neil will square off against Perry in House race
A longtime Republican lawmaker will once again square off against House District 3 Democrat Zac Perry in the general election.
Wednesday, March 14
Architects outline more details on Sperry Chalet rebuild
Architects for Sperry Chalet gave more insight into what a rebuild of the historic structure might look like during a meeting Tuesday in Columbia Falls.
Walk out part protest, part memorial
More than 100 Columbia Falls High School students took to the school’s driveway at 10 a.m. Wednesday morning to protest gun violence and the loss of life at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Florida last month.
School district holds off on resolution to donate land for center
After a lengthy discussion Monday night, the School District 6 board tabled a resolution that would have donated land for a new Boys and Girls Club center on school-owned land.
Wildkats capture third at state tournament
The Wildkats earned another Class A state basketball trophy in Great Falls over the weekend as the team went 3-1 to finish third at this year’s event.
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Goose outing
The deer, the wolf and the river
We were up on a ridge overlooking the river. Normally we would have gone much higher, but there was a small herd of mule deer about 75 yards above us and we didn’t want to push them around.
Students learned from Legos at event last week
Dozens of Columbia Falls students and teachers got a chance to build on their education as the school hosted a Lego Serious Play learning workshop at Cedar Creek Lodge Thursday.
Next two months critical for game herds
The next two months will determine how game herds will fare from this snowy winter. With body weights down, March and April are critical for ungulate herds.
DEQ extends comment period on West Glacier RV project
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has extended the comment period for a sewer and water system proposed by a new RV Park and Cabins complex in West Glacier.
School to float 16 mill technology levy
The School District 6 board Monday approved floating a 16 mill elementary levy for 10 years to pay for future technology needs in the district.
Zinke: Leave Sperry Chalet in its historic state
Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke said last week that restoring Sperry Chalet to its former grandeur is emerging as the will of the public.
How many native fish species are in Montana? You should know...
1. What is the Montana state fish:
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Otela “Tela” Seim
Thoughts on river plan
At long last, the USFS is finally starting its comprehensive review of the Flathead River as a Wild and Scenic River. The Flathead was included in 1976, although Congress passed the act in 1968. Requirements are that the river be free flowing with high quality water, certain defined access, and defined outstanding recreational values.
A serious moose attack
News stories last week told of two cases of women being trapped by moose, at a house in Alaska and in a car in Lincoln County. This motivated me to dig out the facts of a bad moose/human conflict in the Flathead back in 1965. My late friend, Gerald Rose, was the victim and I relived every detail with him. This is history I must recall from a long ago column:
At Spotted Bear, a busy summer lies ahead for new ranger
New District Ranger Scott Snelson and his team at Spotted Bear promise to have a busy spring and summer cleaning up after last year’s big wildfire season.
Weather Service says it's likely Flathead will flood
With the snowpack in the Flathead River Basin at 142 percent of average, there’s about a 77 percent chance of the Flathead River reaching flood stage at 13 feet sometime this spring, National Weather Service hydrologist Ray Nickless said in a webinar last week.
Morrison, Schriver named to All-Conference basketball team
Wildcat seniors Matthew Morrison and Quintin Schriver received post-season honors last week as the pair was named to the Northwest A All-Conference team.
Fire in the wilderness results in a complex landscape, research finds
The Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex is a great place to hunt, fish and hike for many folks. It’s also a great place to do science. University of Montana professor Andrew J. Larson has been studying the cycles of wildfire in the Bob’s South Fork for years now.
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March 4
In the Bob Marshall, a fine book of poems is born
Back in the summer of 2015, Amy Pearson spent 98 days alone at Mount Jumbo Lookout 20-plus miles into the heart of the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
Legals March 14, 2018
No. 1630 PUBLIC NOTICE Notice to Water Users (Pursuant to Section 85-2-307, MCA) The following application has been submitted to appropriate water in the State of Montana. THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION PROPOSES TO GRANT AN APPLICATION FOR BENEFICIAL WATER USE PERMIT. DESCRIBED BELOW ARE THE PERTINENT FACTS WHICH SUMMARIZE THE APPLICATION. THE PRELIMINARY DETERMINATION (PD) DOCUMENTING THE FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND ANY CONDITIONS ATTACHED TO THE WATER RIGHT ARE AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT http://www.dnrc.mt.gov/wrd/. OBJECTION DEADLINE: APRIL 27, 2018. THE DEPARTMENT CAN ONLY ACCEPT OBJECTIONS FILED ON AN OBJECTION TO APPLICATION, FORM 611. MAIL THE COMPLETED FORM AND THE $25.00 FILING FEE TO THE DNRC, PO BOX 201601, HELENA, MT 59620-1601 BY THE DEADLINE SPECIFIED. THE FORM IS AVAILABLE ON THE DEPARTMENT'S WEBSITE. DIRECT ANY QUESTIONS PERTAINING TO THE APPLICATION, TO OBTAIN THE PD OR OBJECTION FORM TO THE WATER RESOURCES OFFICE AT 655 TIMBERWOLF PARKWAY, SUITE 4, KALISPELL, MT 59901-2387, PHONE: 406-752-2288, FAX: 406-752-2843. IF ISSUED, THE RIGHT WILL BE SUBJECT TO PRIOR EXISTING WATER RIGHTS. Application Number:76LJ 30113670 Owners: WALSH FAMILY TRUST %ROSEMARY WALSH BURY TTEE 19210 N LITTLE SPOKANE DR COLBERT, WA 99005 9622 Priority Date: NOVEMBER 20, 2017 at 01:45 P.M. Purpose (use): DOMESTIC Maximum Flow Rate:12.20 GPM Maximum Volume: 1.00 AC-FT Source Name: LAKE FIVE Source Type: SURFACE WATER Point of Diversion and Means of Diversion: ID 1; Qtr Sec S2NESE; Sec 9; Twp 31N; Rge 19W; County FLATHEAD Period of Diversion: JANUARY 1 TO DECEMBER 31 Diversion Means: PUMP Purpose (Use): DOMESTIC Households: 1 Volume: 1.00 AC-FT Period of Use: JANUARY 1 to DECEMBER 31 Place of Use: ID 1; Qtr Sec SESE; Sec 9; Twp 31N; Rge 19W; County FLATHEAD THE HOME IS LOCATED ON LOT A AND LOT C March 14, 2018 MNAXLP __________________________
Monday, March 12
City takes first steps of further development of industrial park
The Columbia Falls City Council Monday night took the first steps in what could result in further development of an industrial park on former Plum Creek property.
Saturday, March 10
Kats finish third at state with win over Hamilton
The Wildkats finished the season with an emphatic win over Hamilton Saturday to finish third at the Class A state tournament in Great Falls as Columbia Falls downed the Broncs 52-36.
Kats advance to state consolation game
The Wildkats will be battling for the chance to bring home a trophy from the state basketball tournament this evening as they take on either Hamilton or Butte Central in the Class A consolation game at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, March 9
Jack Beckstrom, founder of the Root Beer Classic sled-dog race, has died
Jack Beckstrom, a longtime leader in competitive sled-dog racing in Montana, died unexpectedly on March 5. He was 64.
Wildkats down Glendive to stay alive at state tourney
The Wildkats bounced back from Thursday’s loss at the state tournament Friday afternoon as they defeated Dawson County (Glendive) in a loser-out contest, 57-44.
Joining nationwide movement, Columbia Falls High School students plan walk out on March 14
Columbia Falls High School students will join other schools across the valley and the state in a walk out March 14 at 10 a.m.
Kats open state with loss to Hardin, will face Glendive today
The Wildkats’ hopes of a back-to-back state basketball titles were dashed Thursday evening as Columbia Falls fell to Hardin in the opening round of the Class A State Tournament in Great Falls, 60-34.
Thursday, March 8
Dump truck damaged in fire
Columbia Falls firefighters put out a dump truck that caught on fire at Landscapes North off Dillon Road Thursday afternoon. The fire likely started from a space heater that was put in the cab to dry it out, Columbia Falls Fire Chief Rick Hagen said.
Wednesday, March 7
First rivers meeting draws significant interest
A large crowd of passionate users of the Flathead River’s three forks turned out for the first of what promises to be a long string of meetings to develop a new comprehensive river management plan.
Open house with Sperry architects is next week in Columbia Falls
The discussion of Sperry Chalet’s future will continue with an open house next week in Columbia Falls.
She opposes opening up WSAs
This is a letter protesting Senator Daines’ bill (Senate Bill 2206), and Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke’s betrayal of Montana citizens
With nerves of steel, bus driver travels a treacherous route
Gerard Byrd thinks he has the greatest job in the world.
Wildkats ready to defend state title in Great Falls
If the Wildkats are to repeat as Class A state basketball champions in Great Falls this weekend, they will have to go through some very familar competition.
An interview with Hilary Hutcheson, part II
An interview with Hilary Hutcheson, part two...
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To the Editor,
Cell phone service coming to North Fork?
Without a doubt, the Flathead County Road Department is the most popular government agency in the North Fork. The North Fork Road has been greatly improved and maintained for the last 20 years. Part of the money for Flathead County was and is called PILT money or Payment in Lieu of Taxes, which was established when money from the sale of federal timber was drastically reduced. PILT money still provides significant dollars to the county road budget.
Ruder Elementary 'Great Brain' winners
Winners at Ruder Elementary’s Great Brain Project annual showcase last week have been announced. The Great Brain Project is a student-driven learning experience where a child takes a topic of interest and “digs in” to find out all they can about the subject until they become a “Great Brain” in that area. Parents support their child’s learning by providing them with the structures, resources and guidance they need to learn about the topic and complete a project.
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Baseball signups
Let's write some laws
Laws, laws, laws! It’s been estimated that average person breaks up to 25 laws per day. City Councils make ‘em, as do county commissioners, school boards, legislators and hindy covering bureaucrats. Every day, thousands of people are frantically making or changing laws. Though, we could probably exclude the current do-nothing U.S. Congress that gets its new laws from White House tweets.
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Richard ‘Dick’ Nutzman
Holte at the helm of Community Choir
He may be relatively new to the Columbia Falls music scene. But he’s no stranger to music. Steven Holte has taken the helm of the Columbia Falls Community Choir this year with no less gusto and enthusiasm than his predecessor Ron Bond.
Goguen talks the positives and perils of gene modification
Modifying genetic code, training the body to better fight disease, even eradicating cancer — these miracles may be less science fiction than they seem.
County meeting on paths later this month
The Flathead County PATHS Advisory Committee, comprised of trail enthusiasts from across Flathead County, is requesting community input regarding a multi-use trails system at their next community meeting on March 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Flathead County Fairgrounds Expo Building.
Democrat Williams stumps in Whitefish
Democrat Kathleen Williams would like to take what she learned serving three terms in the Montana Legislature and apply it to representing the entire state in Washington, D.C.
Nucleus development makes sense
Over the past few years, a lot of money has been invested in this fair city’s “Main Street” — Nucleus Avenue.
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70 years ago
Monday, March 5
Canadian man identified in Whitefish Mountain Resort tree well death
A Canadian man was found dead Friday afternoon after falling in a tree well near the summit while skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Friday, March 2
Columbia Falls United Methodist Church leads the effort to help Blackfeet
The Columbia Falls United Methodist Church in the past week has been transformed into an incident command center to funnel food, supplies, feed and firewood to about 15,000 Blackfeet residents hammered by recent blizzards.
Thursday, March 1
Park Service outlines options for Sperry Chalet future
Glacier National Park officials Wednesday night unveiled four possible options for rebuilding the historic backcountry Sperry Chalet. The main dormitory of the chalet complex was gutted by the Sprague Fire on Aug. 31. All that remains is the masonry shell of the 105-year-old building and internal mason chimneys.
