Wednesday, November 27
A Thanksgiving all the way around as a dog is rescued from death on the Flathead River
Social media and the heroic efforts of a pair of local men helped lead to the rescue of a stranded dog along the Flathead River between Columbia Falls and Hungry Horse early Wednesday morning.
School board opts to initially borrow $32 million for projects
The School District 6 Board Monday night decided to borrow $32 million immediately for its upcoming elementary school projects. Voters approved a little more than $37 million in bond authorizations for the projects, but the district decided to go with borrowing $32 million initially and then see how the bids come in next year.
Tester town hall draws a crowd in Kalispell
As a bit of a counter rally, Montana Democratic Sen. Jon Tester held a town hall in Kalispell last week about that ended about an hour before Montana Sen. Steve Daines hosted a discussion about drug problems in the Flathead with U.S. Attorney General William Barr.
Conductors claim that railroad is trying to squeeze them out of a job
Railroad workers charged last week that Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway wants to do away with conductors during a town hall-style meeting with Montana Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont. in Kalispell last week.
North Fork Women
When family or friends inquire about how things are going with me living up in the woods somewhere near Canada, the answer always goes kind of wonky.
Lake whitefish harder to find without boat
Lake whitefish have been making annual spawning runs up the Flathead River system for over 30 years.
U.S. Attorney General Barr visits Kalispell for meth roundtable
To address a methamphetamine problem in Montana he called “staggering,” Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., hosted a roundtable on Montana’s meth crisis with U.S. Attorney General William Barr, Montana Attorney General Tim Fox and other local law-enforcement figures on Friday afternoon at the Flathead County Sheriff’s Posse.
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Santa brunch
Rare Glacier Park insects put on Endangered Species List
Two stoneflies that call Glacier National Park and other mountainous streams home have been added to the Endangered Species List, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced last week.
Opposes trail route
I have read numerous articles and listened to several local and national radio broadcasts over the past few months regarding the portion of the Pacific Northwest Trail that traverses the Yaak Valley in northwestern Montana.
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John Michelotti
Mr. Brown goes to Ireland
Though a “news junkie” I’ve grown deeply weary of the unrelenting impeachment coverage, and so was grateful to escape for a recent vacation to the Emerald Isle of Ireland.
The science of sewage: Students tour wastewater treatment plant
Eight Columbia Falls High School students got the chance to learn about the town deals with its wastewater Friday as Erin Quintia and her sustainable systems class toured the town’s treatment facility with Chief Operator Grady Jenkins.
Speech squad wins home meet handily
The Columbia Falls speech and debate team played host to 22 teams and came away with another first-place trophy over the weekend.
Columbia Falls couple celebrates 65 years of marriage
After 65 years of marriage, Columbia Falls couple Joanne and Ralph Johnson are still going strong. The pair celebrated their sapphire anniversary Friday, 58 years of which have been spent living in Columbia Falls.
Local artist using rocks to raise autism awareness
Columbia Falls resident Christine Wiley is using her love of art to help promote autism awareness.
About hypothermia
A classic George Ostrom column, from August, 1989...
Sunday, November 24
Resort tax will come with property tax rebate
City leaders continue to work on the finer details on a proposed resort tax, Mayor Don Barnhart told city council Monday night.
Saturday, November 23
Grizzly moved out of Columbia Falls area
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks last week captured a grizzly bear near Columbia Falls and moved the bear to a remote location in the North Fork Flathead River drainage.
Wednesday, November 20
Finberg-Roberts named NAIA Volleyball Setter of the Week
Former Wildkat athlete Cydney Finberg-Roberts was named the NAIA National Women’s Volleyball Setter of the Week Nov. 12 after having an outstanding performance in the University of Providence’s loss to Rocky Mountain College Nov. 9.
Bartender bear sprayed, then robbed in Hungry Horse
Flathead County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a robbery early in the morning at the Dam Town Tavern in Hungry Horse Nov. 12.
Hunting success up over last year
With two weeks left in Montana’s general hunting season, the percentage of hunters with harvested game is slightly ahead of last year in Northwest Montana, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
Wayward goats
Some Glacier National Park goats are homebodies, but others travel quite a distance, a new study has found. Glacier currently has 10 mountain goat nannies that are wearing GPS - enabled collars as part of a multi-year parkwide study of goats that started in 2018.
Olney girl in critical condition after being hit by car at bus stop
Multiple fundraisers are taking place to support the recovery for 6-year-old Jordana Hubble following an accident last week.
Firm will soon offer waterline, sewer insurance
Last February during a big cold wave more than a few homeowners suffered from frozen water lines that service their homes. Thawing out and fixing a line from the city’s main can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the length of the line and the location of the break.
Moose near Libby tests positive for chronic wasting disease
A moose in Northwest Montana has tested positive for chronic wasting disease, marking the first time the disease has been detected in the species in the state, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
Glacier taking apps for artist program
Artists are encouraged to apply for the 2020 Glacier National Park Artist-in-Residence Program. The application period will be until Jan. 6, 2020.
State waters mussel-free, again
Montana’s watercraft inspection stations set another record for boats inspected in 2019, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks reports. It also has found no evidence of adult mussels or their larvae in state waters, which means restrictions on Canyon Ferry Reservoir could be lifted.
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Night of Lights
Izaak Walton story brought back memories
The Nov. 6th Hungry Horse News’ story about the Izaak Walton Inn brought back memories. Whenever I visit the Inn I am taken back to a winter weekend in 1965 when 30 Methodist youth and two pastors from Columbia Falls, Whitefish, Kalispell, Bigfork, Lakeside and Libby climbed onto a rented Columbia Falls school bus and headed for Essex for a winter youth retreat.
High school welcomes mental health counselor
Columbia Falls High School will now have mental health counseling services available for its student body. In cooperation with North Valley Hospital, licensed clinical social worker Charley Jones will work with students and families in need through the hospital’s school-based clinic.
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Nov. 12
Trails, logging project north of town closer to reality
A plan to create a network of trails just north of Columbia Falls on Flathead National Forest lands is closer to fruition.
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70 years ago
Wiltrout to receive helicopter lifetime achievement award
Much of Gary Wiltrout’s life has been spent up in the air, literally.
Tales of 'hunting'
Finally! Spent all of the last week at my cabin “hunting.” Did not actually get out and hunt but had a great time. Saturday, looking out my picture window and watched the mountains, camprobbers, deer, etc. for hours. Had a great stretch of weather too. Two nights below zero, one day of snow, a lot of rain and even some sunshine. Really enjoyed visiting and was invited out for dinner six nights out of eight. All topped off my two unusual events.
Kats win one, drop two at state volleyball tourney
The Columbia Falls volleyball season came to a close in Bozeman Friday as the Wildkats went 1-2 at the State Volleyball Tournament at the Brick Breeden Field House on the campus of Montana State University.
Kats place five on All-Conference, three on All-State volleyball teams
Columbia Falls dominated the Northwest A All-Conference volleyball list released Monday, placing five players as senior libero Angellica Street was named Most Valuable Player and head coach Jolandie Brooks earned Coach of the Year honors.
Speech and debate team gets win at Missoula AA tourney
The Columbia Falls speech and debate team picked up another win over the weekend as the Wildcats were in action in Missoula. The Cats matched their orating skills in nine events against some of the largest schools in the state and came away with first place among Class A, B and C schools.
About Mein Hut
A classic George Ostrom column, from December, 1962...
Thursday, November 14
Kats sweep Hardin to open State Volleyball Tournament
The Wildkats made short work of Hardin in the opening round of the State Volleyball Tournament in Bozeman Thursday, sweeping the Lady Bulldogs 25-21, 25-10, 25-17.
Triplett takes second at PBR bull riding finals
Columbia Falls bull rider Matt Triplett got off to a rough start at the 2019 PBR Unleash the Beast World Finals at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas over the weekend, but bounced back to finish second at the event and end the season ranked seventh in the world standings.
Wednesday, November 13
Man who was killed in Highway 2 accident identified
A man who was killed in an accident Nov. 8 when he made a U-turn in front of a logging truck on U.S. Highway 2 in a larger ATV vehicle has been identified as Jeffrey Louis Welle, 64, from Columbia Falls.
School board to begin search for new superintendent
School District Six will soon begin its search for a new Superintendent to replace Steve Bradshaw after the school board “reluctantly” accepted his letter of resignation at their regular meeting Monday evening. Bradshaw’s resignation will take effect June 30, 2020.
In Whitefish, survey finds most don't want more visitors
More than 80% of those who responded to a city tourism survey believe Whitefish is overcrowded. While more than half of those same respondents say that the benefits of tourism outweigh the negatives, two-thirds feel that more tourism would not improve the quality of life here.
Whitefish not so easy to catch, say local fishing experts
Where are the whitefish?
With bison perhaps returning, Glacier to study east side elk herd
Glacier National Park will embark on a comprehensive study of its east side elk herd in the coming years.
After 54 years, man reunited with mom through DNA testing
A small crowd gathered around Craig Blair as he nervously waited to greet his mom at Glacier International Airport in Kalispell Oct. 16. His small, hand-written sign had drawn a number curious onlookers to the event he had waited for all his life. The sign said simply, “Mom, I’ve been waiting 54 years to meet you!”
Why TIF monies should be used for monument
Last week I brought to our city council’s attention the need for TIF (Tax Increment Financing) funds to finally close the 44 year gap of no signage/no arch at the corner of Highway 2 and Nucleus Avenue. Some concerns and comments from our Mayor and Council followed. I’ll try to give some perspective regarding this project.
Hungry Horse bridge dedicated to fallen soldiers
About 50 people braved the chill of the Bad Rock Canyon on Veterans Day to dedicate the South Fork of the Flathead River Bridge to Flathead Valley veterans who have been killed in action.
Book by former HHN employee chronicles North Fork adventures
A former Hungry Horse News employee has recently released a book detailing her family’s adventures in the North Fork.
Windauer leaves mark on Wildkat record books
Josie Windauer is taking her love of soccer to the next level.
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Business
North Fork isn't a free-for-all
I am always surprised at how little some newcomers know about the North Fork when they buy their dream retirement or recreational retreat. You would think they might ask before they buy and maybe even meet with prospective new neighbors.
Kats headed to state after finishing second at Divisionals
Volleyball team to open state against Hardin Thursday
Balanced effort leads to speech and debate win in Ronan
A balanced effort helped the Columbia Falls speech and debate team to its third straight win to start the season as the Wildcats placed in each event at the Gail Patrick Miller Tournament in Ronan Saturday.
Taco Bell could be coming to Columbia Falls next year
Columbia Falls residents can look forward to more Mexican food in their neighborhood next year. Taco Bell plans to open a new location in Columbia Falls, although the upcoming restaurant is months away from serving up its first batch of tacos.
Nonprofit won't ask city for monument funding
Columbia Falls Community Foundation President Mark Johnson said the nonprofit organization isn’t going to ask the city for help in completing the financing of two monuments at the end of Nucleus Avenue.
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Nov. 5
Conformity complex cure
A classic George Ostrom column, from October, 1989...
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70 years ago
Legals November 13, 2019
No. 1677 NOTICE TO PARENTS OF CHILD FIND OBLIGATION School District Six has a procedure for the referral and evaluation of all children, ages birth through 21 years of age, who may be suspected of having a disability. All children, who reside within the boundaries of School District Six, who may be suspected as having a disability, may be considered for identification, evaluation and services, if eligible under the regulations established in Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). School District Six will respond to requests for information regarding the evaluation of children suspected of being disabled in accordance with Montana Administrative Rule (10.16.3125) and Federal Regulations (34 CFR 300.561). Notice of parental rights and other policies and procedures will be provided in the native language of the individual concerned, and shall include: 1. Information on the eligibility criteria for categories of disability under IDEA. 2. Types of information gathered for eligibility consideration. 3. The location of personally identifiable information and how it is communicated to the state. 4. The district will comply with all regulations under The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act for storage, disclosure, retention and destruction of personally identifiable information, insuring the confidentiality of this information. Any questions regarding this Child Find obligation may be directed to: Terri Burghardt, Director of Special Services, Columbia Falls, School District Six at 892-6562, option 2. November 13, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Monday, November 11
Camper destroyed in fire, house damaged
A camper was destroyed and a home was damaged in a fire Sunday night in Columbia Falls, but no one was injured.
Sunday, November 10
Coram water rates could go up significantly
Coram residents will get their chance to voice their opinion on a proposed increase in water rates next week as the Canyon Community Church will host a public hearing on the subject. The meeting will take place at the Education Building at 7 p.m. on Nov. 11.
Friday, November 8
Fatal wreck on Highway 2
Law enforcement and emergency personnel were on the scene of a fatal accident near Wishart Road and Highway 2 Friday afternoon. An eastbound logging truck struck a larger four-wheel drive ATV.
Glacier's common loon population 'cautiously stable'
The Glacier National Park Citizen Science Program announced some of its preliminary data gathered during the 2019 summer season at the Montana House in Apgar Wednesday, including population reports on loons and mountain goats as well as reports on pikas, lynx and huckleberries.
Wednesday, November 6
No headline
About three months ago, Burger King started selling the Impossible Whopper, a meatless Whopper that contains soy, potato and yeast, among other things, according to the Burger King website.
Incumbents retain seats on Columbia Falls city council
Incumbents all held their seats in the Columbia Falls City Council elections. Darin Fisher received 504 votes, Doug Karper 472 votes and John Piper 525 votes.
A rare piece of music highlights upcoming Community Band concert
Columbia Falls residents will get the opportunity to hear music with local roots next week as the Flathead Valley Community Band presents its fall concert.
City will continue to push for light at 3rd Ave
Columbia Falls would like to see a street light at Third Avenue East and U.S. Highway 2 sooner rather than later, but getting any help from the state could prove challenging.
Monuments need a fix, but who should foot the bill?
There’s a problem with the new monuments at the corner of Highway 2 and Nucleus Avenue. When the sun shines, they’re almost impossible to read.
Lawsuit looms over train-caused grizzly deaths
Two environmental groups have filed a 60 day notice of intent to sue Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway and the Department of Interior, claiming that too many bears are being killed by trains, a violation of the Endangered Species Act.
About shorts and sheep
A classic George Ostrom column, from December, 2004...
South Fork Bridge dedicated to KIAs Monday
The U.S. Highway 2 bridge over the South Fork of the Flathead River will be dedicated to Flathead County veterans who have been killed in action.
Wildkat spikers complete perfect district run
The Wildkats volleyball team cruised to a win at home in their final match of the regular season Saturday, sweeping Browning 25-10, 25-17, 25-13 to finish the regular season a perfect 10-0 in Northwest A Conference play.
Soccer squads combine to put 15 on All-Conference teams
The Columbia Falls boys and girls soccer teams combined to place 15 players on the Northwest A All-Conference Team, including five All-State selections.
From employee housing to resort, Izaak Walton Inn turns 80
In the 1920s and ‘30s, men who worked on the Great Northern Railroad near Essex had a tough life in the winter. Their jobs were to keep the railroad line over Marias Pass free and clear of snow — no small task considering the numerous storms that walloped the region and the frequent avalanches that shot over the tracks.
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Hoops signups
Speech and debate earns win at Kalispell Kickoff meet
The Columbia Falls speech and debate team won its second meet in two weeks in Kalispell over the weekend, bringing home the Class ABC trophy from the Kalispell Kickoff Saturday.
Tourist thoughts
During my 72-plus years on the North Fork, there have always been tourists. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, there were basically three tourist attractions, Kintla Guest Ranch, which focused on fishing in the river, McFarlands Quarter Circle MC, a traditional dude ranch with a “cowboy” motif, and Frank Evans Panorama Ranch, which outfitted hiking tours of Glacier Park. Guests at all three were mostly out of sight of most North Forkers except for monthly square dances, which were held alternating between Kintla Ranch and McFarlands, since each had a lodge which could accommodate multiple squares and the entire North Fork was invited.
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Oct. 30
Ocean currents could mean a winter toss-up
The National Weather Service has issued its winter outlook from November through March. The Pacific Ocean currents this year are in what’s known as ENSO neutral conditions said meteorologist Bob Nester in a YouTube video.
Last week saw some record cold temperatures
The region saw record cold Oct. 29, as temperatures dropped to 3 below zero at the Glacier National Park Airport and far colder in places like Polebridge.
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70 years ago
Congressional candidate aims to protect rural Montana
Democratic Congressional candidate Matt Rains feels he understands the needs of the average Montanan.
Legals November 6, 2019
No. 1673 COLUMBIA FALLS CITY-COUNTY PLANNING BOARD AND ZONING COMMISSION There are two (2) county vacancies on this board. Applicants must reside within the planning jurisdictional area but outside the city limits of Columbia Falls. The terms each run two (2) years beginning January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021. TO APPLY FOR ANY OF THESE POSITIONS: Letters of interest (please specify which board/committee you are applying for) including name, physical address, mailing address, daytime phone number and qualifications should be submitted to: Angela Phillips Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office South Campus Building 40 11th Street West, Ste. 220 Kalispell, MT 59901 All letters of interest should be received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 15, 2019. For additional information and specific qualifications please call 751-8200. October 9, 16, 23, 30, November 6, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Tuesday, November 5
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Robert “Bob” G. Miller, 87, of Columbia Falls, passed away at his home on Oct. 15, 2019 and is now at peace from the holds of dementia. Cremation has occurred.
Friday, November 1
Halloween at the Montana Veterans Home
Every Halloween, the staff and veterans at the Montana Veterans’ Home hand out buckets and buckets of candy. Here’s a few photos of the event...
