Thursday, August 29
No injuries in MDF fire
No one was injured in a fire at Weyerhaeuser’s medium density fiberboard plant in Columbia Falls Wednesday night, though the plant saw some water and other damage.
Wednesday, August 28
A Bear of a Project
Honey the Bear is no ordinary bruin. He took more than 350 hours to construct and is made up almost entirely of recycled cardboard.
Volleyball to start season on the road
The Wildkat volleyball team will open the season in Butte this weekend in action at the Tip-off tournament.
Soccer teams open season against Pirates Thursday
The Columbia Falls High School soccer season gets underway Thursday as both the boys and girls teams open the year at Polson.
Northwest Montana Fair had robust numbers as attendance up slightly
Gate attendance at the 2019 Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo was up 1,265 guests from last year, a 1.6% increase. Fair officials report that 79,372 people attended events and viewed exhibits Aug. 14-18 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.
Cross Country team hoping to repeat as state champs
Columbia Falls head cross country coach Jim Peacock is ready for another season.
Wildcats football set to open season in Polson
The Wildcat football team will be looking to get the season off to a good start Friday as they open the season at Polson.
City OK's resort tax committee
The Columbia Falls City Council last week OK’d the citizen members of a committee that will take a closer look at a possible resort tax here.
'Unemployed'
A classic George Ostrom column, from June 1973...
$8,000 donation helps build new gazebo at Wildcat Garden
The Wildcat Garden at the Columbia Falls Junior High has a new gazebo thanks to the American Dermatology Association.
Pendley no friend of Montana
Imagine for one unsettling moment what it would mean to Montana if Glacier, Yellowstone, the Bob Marshall, the Beartooth Mountains, and all other lands and waters belonging to the American people were sold off.
FWP catches griz off Conrad Drive
As autumn looms and fruit trees are bountiful, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks officials have been kept busy as bears seek food sources.
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Vera M. Good
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Fredrick ‘Jerry’ Lubbers
With updated city growth policy, some housing could (eventually) come to CFAC property
The Columbia Falls City Council last week approved an updated city growth policy, which reflects the changing nature of the city’s economy and looks for the best areas for future growth.
Glacier Park historic cabin program gets a final green light
The Park Service earlier this month signed off on a plan that could allow members of the public and in some cases, concessionaires, to rent an historic cabin on Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park, provided they’re willing to invest in fixing up the property.
City unveils plans for River's Edge Park
The City of Columbia Falls released the final draft of the River’s Edge Park Development Plan last week, outlining a plan to make improvements to the park in six phases over time at a total cost of $1.73 million.
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Patrick Brian Gulick
Looking forward to another school year
On Thursday, Aug. 29, the 2019-20 school year begins for students in School District 6. As we open the doors in the present location of Columbia Falls High School for the 60th time, we are excited about our new opportunities and are prepared to continue our long-standing tradition of excellence.
Glacier Park Boat Co. awarded contract
The family-owned Glacier Park Boat Co. will continue to operate the historic boat tours in Glacier National Park, the Park Service said in a release last week.
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E. James “Jim” Porteus
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Aug. 20
Hopper Time
Remember good Ol’ Buffalo Bob asking us, “Hey Kids, what time is it?
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Free meals
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Robert “Bobby” Alan Crawford
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Leonard Lewis Secord
Plea deal reached in homicide case
The man accused of shooting and killing a 54-year-old man in Coram in February has pleaded guilty to the crime, taking a plea deal with the state to reduce the charges due to mitigating circumstances.
When an animal attacks, FWP personnel trained to investigate
You’re out hiking in the woods. The sun is shining and the hike is pleasant.
Legals August 28, 2019
No. 1669 SUMMONS To the following individual, BRIAN DEWAYNE AVILA CV03-19-00585 You have been sued by Idaho State University Federal Credit Union in the District Court of Idaho for the County and Case Numbers as set forth above. The nature of this case is failing to repay a loan. Any time after 20 days following the last publication of this Summons, the Court may enter a judgment against you without further notice, unless prior to that time you have filed a written response in the proper form, including the Case Number, and paid any required filing fee to the Clerk of the Court of the respective county (624 E. Center St. 200, Pocatello, Bannock County, Idaho), and served a copy for your response on the Plaintiff's attorney David K. Penrod of Penrod Swenson, PLLC., 222 N. 8th Ave., Pocatello, ID (208) 904-0075. A copy of the Summons and Complaint can be obtained by contacting either the Clerk of the Court in your respective county (Bannock County), or the attorney for the Plaintiff. If you wish legal assistance, you should immediately retain an attorney to advise you in this matter. Date: August 23, 2019 August 28, September 4, 11, 18, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Friday, August 23
Bat that scratched person in Glacier tests positive for rabies
A bat that scratched a Glacier National Park resident in St. Mary has tested positive for rabies, the park confirmed on Friday.
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70 years ago
Wednesday, August 21
You'd huff and drool too
This week Glacier National Park rangers closed down access to the Granite Park Chalet area after hikers had several close encounters with grizzly bears.
Two mountain lions shot, killed, near River's Edge Park
Two young mountain lions were shot and killed near River’s Edge Park in Columbia Falls over the weekend.
Most river rafters oppose permits to float
Most river enthusiasts say they oppose a permit system to float the forks of the Flathead River. About 60 people came out last week for an open house hosted by the Flathead National Forest on the draft Comprehensive River Plan for the 219 miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers of the Flathead.
First two Highline Apartment units already full
The first two buildings of the new Highline Apartments in Columbia Falls are completed and tenants have been moving in. But if you want to rent an apartment, you’re out of luck — they’re full already.
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Henry A. Herman
Locals do well at Northwest Montana Fair
Hungry Horse News
Success
A classic George Ostrom column, from 1968...
Back in the saddle
I can’t say that July and August were fun-filled, but they were certainly action packed. Heart attack, open-heart surgery and a pain-filled recovery. But it was not all bad. It is amazing what cardiologists can do today. Also, I have a new respect and admiration for the nurses at Kalispell Regional.
Reifsnyder, Shafer win Glacier View Championship
Glacier View Golf Club gave away more than $500 in cash and prizes over the weekend as it hosted its annual club championship. Blake Reifsnyder shot a 137 to win the men’s championship while Amanda Shafer won the women’s title after shooting a 201.
Fish just not biting on the 'rez' right now
“Nobody’s catching anything on the east side. The water’s too warm.”
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Richard Lee ‘Rick’ Klein
Woman could see plea deal in high-profile DUI case
The alleged drunk driver who crashed through a fence and nearly hit three children at Horine Park on June 11 was back in court Friday, accepting a plea deal and once again illustrating weaknesses in how the state of Montana deals with repeat DUI offenders.
Teen formally charged in robbery incident
One of the teens caught last week in connection with an armed robbery in Columbia Falls will be facing felony charges of robbery and assault with a weapon.
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Jack and Roxy (Trodick) Rogers will soon celebrate their 50th anniversary. They were married on Saturday, Aug. 23, 1969 at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Columbia Falls. Maid of honor was Roxy’s cousin, Melanie Wiltzen of Bozeman and best man was one of Jack’s best friends, Max Ogle of Columbia Falls.
FWP eyes hook restrictions on upper Flathead River sections
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is considering hook restrictions on the upper Flathead River.
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George Patrick Lee
Legals August 21, 2019
No. 1666 NOTICE OF HEARING ON PROPOSED BUDGET ADOPTION HUNGRY HORSE RURAL FIRE DISTRICT 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 2019-2020 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 28th day of August, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. for the purpose of holding a 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 adoption. 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 at least three business days prior to the hearing. DATED this 13th day of August, 2019. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Flathead County, Montana Philip B. Mitchell, Chairman August 14, 21, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Sunday, August 18
At Granite Park, grizzlies ruling the roost; but trails reopened
Glacier National Park temporarily closed the Granite Park area and trails leading to it because of grizzly bear activity late Sunday and all day Monday.
Saturday, August 17
Pair charged after they're allegedly found dealing heroin, meth
Kalispell police officers on Wednesday arrested Kevin Gaethle, 28, and Nicole Chappel, 19, for possession of dangerous drugs with intent to distribute.
Friday, August 16
Bob Marshall Fire update: Trail 80 reopens
Travel is now being allowed on Trail 80, one of the main routes through the Bob Marshall Wilderness, though no overnight camping is being allowed in the Snow Creek Fire area.
Rockfall not without precedent on Sun Road
Rocks falling onto the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park are far from a rare occurrence, but deaths from falling stones onto the road have only been recorded three times since the road was constructed.
Thursday, August 15
Road washout cuts off access to one of the Bob Marshall Wilderness main trailheads
The Meadow Creek Road along the South Fork of the Flathead has been damaged by a washout. The road was damaged last weekend between Larch Creek and Cedar Creek and has caused an emergency closure of the road.
Wednesday, August 14
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Each evening, as the last rays of sunlight fade from the striking mountain views of Glacier National Park, the park begins to showcase another side of its natural beauty — a starry side.
A trip through the trees
So last week I got the bright idea to go up on the Swan Front and see if I could see the Snow Creek Fire from Lion Creek Pass.
Police investigating alleged armed robbery
Teens were caught last week in connection with an armed robbery in Columbia Falls.
Park visitation slightly lower than last July
Overall visitation to Glacier National Park in July was down just under 3 percent over last year’s figures.
Was Thomas Walsh poisoned?
His sensational investigation of the Teapot Dome scandal made Montana U.S. Sen. Thomas Walsh a national figure, known for his ironclad honesty, and his earnestly disciplined approach to his senatorial duties. There is no known picture of him smiling.
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Aug. 6
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Roger Ludwig Jr.
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Christa Kloetzke
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70 years ago
National Parks need autonomy
Areas created and managed as National Park System sites are the nation’s living treasures, so why are Congress and the Executive Branch treating them like old used cars? A few dings, a little rust, some knocks, oil leaks, no problem.
Using the thermocline to catch kokanee
What is a “thermocline?”
School board approves new 2-year Classified Union contract
The School District 6 Board approved a new two-year contract with the Columbia Falls Classified Union last week that will see several positions at the school receive raises.
Columbia Falls Swim Team takes fourth at state meet
The Columbia Falls Swim Team finished up the season with a fourth place finish at the state meet in Sidney Aug. 3-4 as the team finished first in eight races.
Great Fish Community Challenge to benefit local nonprofit organizations
Farm Hands – Nourish the Flathead is looking for support for its programs in Columbia Falls over the next few weeks as part of the Great Fish Community Challenge.
On Jack Olsen
A classic George Ostrom column, from February, 1970...
City moving forward with River's Edge Park plans
The final draft of the master plan for the improvements to River’s Edge park will be released on the City of Columbia Falls website later this week, according to a press release from City Public Works Director Tyler Bradshaw.
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Community market
Legals August 14, 2019
No. 1666 NOTICE OF HEARING ON PROPOSED BUDGET ADOPTION HUNGRY HORSE RURAL FIRE DISTRICT 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 2019-2020 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 28th day of August, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. for the purpose of holding a 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 adoption. 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 at least three business days prior to the hearing. DATED this 13th day of August, 2019. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Flathead County, Montana Philip B. Mitchell, Chairman August 14, 21, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Tuesday, August 13
Teen killed in Glacier after rocks fall on car while traveling the Sun Road
A 14-year-old girl died Monday from injuries she suffered when falling rocks struck a vehicle on Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier Park officials report.
Wednesday, August 7
Bear hazing goes bad in Glacier Park; bear dies
Rangers in Glacier National Park ended up killing a black bear Aug. 5 in the vicinity of the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn after the animal suffered an injury from a rubber projectile hazing round.
Insomnia has its benefits
Sleeping has not always come easy to me. Sure, my insomnia means some long, tedious days of exhaustion sometimes, but it also means that sometimes I get to see some amazing things while the rest of the world is sleeping.
Forest Service issues an area closure around Snow Creek Fire
The Forest Service has issued a large area closure around the Snow Creek Fire in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
FWP investigating grizzly bear death in Cabinet Mountain Wilderness
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are investigating the death of a grizzly bear from a reported self-defense shooting in the Cabinet Mountains south of Troy.
Heavy rain expected this weekend; should stem wildfires
Sick of the smoke from area wildfires? Relief is on its way, the National Weather Service is reporting. A significant rain event is expected Saturday night, with a predicted .9 inch of rain from Saturday evening into Sunday.
Tragedy in Glacier Park as man dies trying to save his dog in Pray Lake
An 64-year-old Edmonton, Alberta, man was recovered from Pray Lake Aug. 6 in Glacier National Park after he apparently drowned trying to save his dog. He was later identified as Wales Wai Ming Poon.
Study: About 51,000 floated lower Middle Fork last year
A study of river usage on the Flathead River’s three forks shows a wide range of use, with averages running from 449 rafters per day in the busiest stretch of the Middle Fork to less than three per day at Mid Creek on the South Fork in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
Thoughts on Howe Ridge video
Last week the Park Service, nearly a year after the event, release a “video narrative” of the Howe Ridge Fire.
Chalet work a little bit ahead of schedule, Park Service says
Crews continue to work on rebuilding Sperry Chalet in Glacier National Park and are about one-third of the way completed with Phase II work, about a month into the second year of reconstruction.
Endowment thanks
On behalf of the Wildc/kat Athletic Endowment Association I would like to extend a big THANK YOU to the Columbia Falls community for your attendance and support at the WAEA Auction, barbecue, and golf fundraiser. Once again, the Wildc/kat supporters have made our event a huge success. The weekend added to the endowment fund over $20,000 that will benefit our Columbia Falls athletes for many years to come. With this effort, our endowment principal will total over $600,000.
Water rate increase proposed for Hungry Horse
The Hungry Horse water district plans on raising rates to meet growing costs, managers say.
FWP plans special deer hunt near Libby, hopes to curb Chronic Wasting Disease
A special hunting season this fall, and a plan to cull deer from the Libby urban area after the season, is Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ latest efforts to curtail the extent of chronic wasting disease affecting deer, elk and moose in Northwest Montana.
Goodbye comb-over, hello chrome-dome fisherman
This week is the first time in nearly 40 years that my mug photo has appeared in this space without a cap.
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70 years ago
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Victor E. (Vic)
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July 30
Pendley good for Montana
The hysterical reaction by the left to the appointment of William Perry Pendley to serve as director of the BLM deserves a response.
Lucky to be alive
A few days ago I was struck by a car in the crosswalk at the often chaotic and potentially lethal intersection between the Motel and Cafe in West Glacier. Mike and John from Glacier Raft, and another young guy whose name I didn’t get, got me off the street, called 911, and took me to the Urgent Care nearby. Kelly and Michelle at Urgent Care checked me over — no broken bones — and patched me up. Trooper Jon Raymond was very professional and helpful while they attended me.
City council considering 2.69 percent tax increase
Columbia Falls citizens are looking at a 2.69 percent tax increase in the coming year, according to preliminary budget numbers released at Monday’s city council meeting.
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Community market
High finance
A classic George Ostrom column, from December, 1970...
Middle school soccer league starting soon
Young soccer players in Columbia Falls will soon be getting another chance to hone their skills this fall as the town will host several new middle-school age teams.
Faldo coming to Eureka
Golfing legend Sir Nick Faldo will be coming to Montana later this summer to host a pair of events at the Wilderness Club Resort in Eureka.
Tuesday, August 6
Bob Marshall wildfire prompts travel warning
A fire burning near Black Bear in the Bob Marshall Wilderness has prompted a travel warning for the South Fork of the Flathead River.
Thursday, August 1
Park Service releases video narrative of Howe Ridge blaze
The National Park Service has released a
Two Martin City residents allegedly had more than 3 pounds of meth
Two Martin City residents are facing federal drug-related charges following an investigation that began late last year by the Northwest Montana Drug Task Force, according to a press release from Sheriff Brian Heino.
