Wednesday, October 30
Football season ends with home loss to Maroons
The Wildcat football season came a close on cold and rainy night Friday as Columbia Falls came up just short in their comeback bid against Butte Central.
Soccer season ends with loss to Laurel
For the second straight year, the Wildkat soccer season ended at home with a loss to Laurel in the state semi-final Saturday.
Cats runners earn second straight state title
The Wildcat cross country team came home from Great Falls with its second straight Class A state title Saturday after a close battle with Fergus and Hardin.
Is there another road back?
Editor’s note: From time to time North Forker Flannery Coats will be writing in Larry Wilson’s stead. They may also co-write columns in the future as well. We hope you enjoy her perspectives...
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.
As deadline nears, Sun Road plan draws sharp criticism
Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor management plan is drawing some sharp criticism as the comment period deadline nears next week.
Hunting opener slightly below average, FWP notes
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reported nearly 2,700 hunters and 240 harvested animals at its five check stations across Northwest Montana’s Region 1.
The Sun Road Plan, a quick look
Editor’s note: Comments on the Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor Management Plan are due on Nov. 6. The plan has been out for a couple of months now, but we bring you reference guide and map to highlight some of the key elements of the plan. Comments can be submitted electronically at the following link: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?parkID=61&projectID=47660
The news from St. Mary
So we were heading up Highway 89 just north of the Starr School Road when I stop the truck and figure I better put it into four-wheel drive.
Debo Powers selected to replace Perry
Flathead County Commissioners last week selected North Forker and Democrat Debo Powers to replace Zac Perry as the House District 3 representative.
Speech and debate wins in Corvallis
The Columbia Falls speech and debate team had a strong start to the season over the weekend as it began its quest for a 15th straight state title with a win at the Corvallis Invitational Tournament.
Kats clinch conference volleyball title
The Wildkat volleyball team clinched the Northwest A Conference title in dominating fashion at home Tuesday, sweeping second-place Polson in three sets.
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70 years ago
Plastic event is Saturday at college
Climate Smart Glacier Country will be hosting a free, day-long event at Flathead Valley Community College on Saturday, Nov. 2, examining plastic use and recycling in Montana’s northwest.
KRH suffers data breach
A data breach at Kalispell Regional Healthcare earlier this year may have compromised the personal information of nearly 130,000 patients, hospital officials reported on Tuesday.
Bureau issues warning on smart watches
GPS-connected smart watches are among a growing trend of online devices marketed as keeping kids safe and providing parents peace of mind. Ironically, those same devices may also give predators a new way to track children’s location, steal their data, and send deceptive information to parents, the Better Business Bureau is warning.
We need to love each other
October is national anti-bullying prevention month. White House First Lady Melania Trump supports anti-bullying through her Be Best initiative. Governments, churches, schools and businesses have all stepped up to oppose bullying. And yet, hate still comes to town.
Co-op offering chance to go to Washington
Flathead Electric Cooperative is accepting applications for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. Two local students will be selected to receive an all-expense-paid trip to join more than 1,500 high-school students from around the country to tour the nation’s capital next June. Participants will learn about the history of this country, the role electric cooperatives played in that history, and will meet with their congressional delegation.
Prepare your outboard for winter
It is time to get serious about winterizing your boat and outboard motors.
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Vets ceremony
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Oct. 21
A girl so tall, she hunted geese with a rake
A classic George Ostrom column, from February, 1989...
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Donna Beverly Matthews
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Robert (Bob) McCartney
Legals October 30, 2019
No. 1675 Notice of Columbia Falls City Election Notice is hereby given that in Flathead County, on November 5, 2019 a political subdivision election will be held in Columbia Falls for the following purpose: voting on City Council members. Said political subdivision election will be conducted by: Columbia Falls City election will be conducted solely by Mail Ballot. Polls will not be open. Ballots were mailed to all Active Registered voters of the City of Columbia Falls. If you have questions regarding your ballot or Registration status, contact the Flathead County Election Office at 758-5536 and you will be directed on how to receive your ballot Ballots may be deposited in the drop box located at the Columbia Falls City Hall or at the Flathead County Election office DATED this 15TH day of October, 2019. Debbie Pierson Election Administrator October 23, 30, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Tuesday, October 29
Hungry Horse woman faces jail time for 6th DUI, wreck
A sixth DUI conviction that left a man severely injured earlier this year has landed a Hungry Horse woman behind bars after a recent court hearing in Flathead County District Court.
Wednesday, October 23
VIZn Energy damaged in fire
The VIZn Energy facility on Highway 2 West outside Columbia Falls was damaged by an early morning fire Wednesday. Columbia Falls Fire Chief Rick Hagen said the initial call came out about 12:30 a.m. and motorists driving by saw thick black smoke rolling out of the front of the building.
Good news, bad news for the fisherman, and e environment
BAD NEWS FOR ANGLERS.
Volleyball sweeps Whitefish, finishes second at Butte tourney
The Wildkat volleyball team continued to dominate conference competition last week before going on the road to play in a pair of large tournaments over the weekend.
Sperry complete
Crews recently wrapped up work on reconstructing the Sperry Chalet in Glacier National Park. Aside for some punchlist items next summer, the two-year effort to rebuild the chalet is complete.
Woman who drove into playground sentenced
A woman with a long history of drunk driving who nearly struck children playing in a Columbia Falls playground was sentenced to 10 years with the Department of Corrections last week in Flathead County District Court.
Man who allegedly hit woman with a stun gun wanted bail reduced, court says no
A man who allegedly used a stun gun on the mother of his children while she tried to call 911 on him will remain in jail pending further court appearances.
Council approves acceleration of Highline project
The popular Highline Apartments off Bill’s Lane in Columbia Falls will see a build-out sooner rather than later.
Another multiplex building to be added on Diane Road
The Columbia Falls city council Monday night approved a conditional use permit for a 12-plex on Diane Road.
Flathead Forest Supervisor Weber announces retirement
Flathead National Forest Supervisor Chip Weber has announced plans to retire on Jan. 1, 2020, after a 30-year career that took him to four different regions and seven different national forests nationwide.
Kats cruise to 3-0 win in playoff opener
Everything went according to plan for the Wildkats soccer team Saturday as they cruised past Stevensville in the opening round of the Class A soccer playoffs, 3-0.
Two more grizzlies killed by train
Two grizzly bear cubs were found recently killed on the railroad tracks southeast of Trego.
Penalty kicks doom Cats in playoffs against Broncs
For second straight season, the Wildcat soccer season came to an end on penalty kicks as Columbia Falls fell in Frenchtown in the opening round of the Class A playoffs Saturday, 3-2.
Cats runners earn divisional title in Hamilton
The Wildcat cross country team brought home another trophy over the weekend as they won the divisional crown at the Western A Fall Classic in Hamilton.
Football falls in Frenchtown, 53-7
The Wildcat football team fell behind early and never recovered Friday as they fell to the Broncs in Frenchtown, 53-7.
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Pancake supper
Hunting opener reminders
I am having some trouble getting my life back in sync – and not because of health issues. Of course, missing summer did have its affects. Then we have had a funny fall. Much damper than usual, which has thrown my fall color picture taking out of whack.
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Oct. 15
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70 years ago
Bob Marshall bash is coming up
The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation is hosting its 13th annual Voices of the Wilderness celebration and fundraiser on Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake at 6 p.m. This year, the keynote speakers will be author and historian Frederick Swanson.
Montana's longterm job outlook looks promising, study says
Looking for work in Montana? You’ll have tens of thousands of job openings to choose from over the coming decade, according to employment projections published by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry — provided, that is, you’re qualified for them.
Bedlamized brains
A classic George Ostrom column, from June, 1989...
Legals October 23, 2019
No. 1675 Notice of Columbia Falls City Election Notice is hereby given that in Flathead County, on November 5, 2019 a political subdivision election will be held in Columbia Falls for the following purpose: voting on City Council members. Said political subdivision election will be conducted by: Columbia Falls City election will be conducted solely by Mail Ballot. Polls will not be open. Ballots were mailed to all Active Registered voters of the City of Columbia Falls. If you have questions regarding your ballot or Registration status, contact the Flathead County Election Office at 758-5536 and you will be directed on how to receive your ballot Ballots may be deposited in the drop box located at the Columbia Falls City Hall or at the Flathead County Election office DATED this 15TH day of October, 2019. Debbie Pierson Election Administrator October 23, 30, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
Tuesday, October 22
Glacier sets new mark for September visitation
Glacier National Park recorded its busiest September ever, with just under 489,000 visitors turning the gates. That number is impressive considering the west side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road was closed for two weeks for from Avalanche Creek to Logan Pass for road work.
Wednesday, October 16
Chandler gets 20 years in Coram shooting
By SCOTT SHINDLEDECKER
New future for Cedar Palace
The Columbia Falls city council Monday night approved a zoning change request for the Cedar Palace from light industrial to commercial business, which paves the way for the building to be used as a new medical facility.
During snowstorm, there was a rash of grizzly deaths
Five grizzly bears were killed earlier this month near East Glacier Park as the result of a train first hitting a cow, which, in turn, attracted bears to the area.
The joys of cooking
So the other day I’d had a couple and when I was done grilling whatever it was I was grilling I cut a squash in half and threw it on the grill, skin side up, just for fun.
Alpine section of Sun Road closed for season
Closed for good.
Weather cancels cross country
The Columbia Falls cross-country team didn’t compete last week, due to snow and bad weather east of the Divide. The meet in Helena was canceled as was the junior varsity meet in Browning.
Cats heading into soccer playoffs on a high note
For the first time in a couple of years, the Columbia Falls boys soccer team will be playing in the post season.
It was a dark and stormy night ... junior high kids writing novellas
Columbia Falls eighth graders are taking on a heady task this fall: Writing a novel, or at least a novella.
Bond appreciation
On behalf of the teachers in Columbia Falls District 6, I want to express our sincere appreciation for the voters who supported our recent building levy. We take our part of providing a quality education to our kids very seriously, and knowing the majority of the voters recognize the importance in investing in modern buildings to support our efforts is truly inspirational. Together we can continue to strive for preparing our students for the bright futures they deserve.
Wildcats thump Corvallis in last home game of the season
The Columbia Falls football team hammered Corvallis 49-7 at home Friday night for the squad’s second win of the season.
Langton garners kudos at state golf tourney
Columbia Falls boys golf team had a tough go at the state A golf tournament Oct. 3-4 in Laurel.
Spikers beat Libby in four sets
The Columbia Falls volleyball team had a light schedule last week. The Wildkats traveled to Libby and dispatched the Lady Loggers in four games last Thursday, 25-21,25-20,25-19,25-15.
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Pancake supper
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Oct. 8
Grant helps Blankenship buy new AEDs
No one expects to have a hear attack, but if you live near Blankenship, they recently received some new gear that could save your life.
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Rosetta (Rosie) Marian Burke
He climbed El Capitan, without the use of his legs
When Enock Glidden was younger, he’d go into the woods and sometimes he’d get stuck.
Of locks and rocks
A classic George Ostrom column, from June, 1989...
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70 years ago
With school bond passage, the real work begins
Voters last week in School District 6 approved a $37 million bond measure to rebuild Glacier Gateway school and remodel Ruder Elementary school.
Legals October 16, 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 __________________________
Friday, October 11
South Fork bridge will be reduced to one lane; expect delays
The new bridge over the South Fork of the Flathead will see more work in the coming weeks and will be reduced to one-lane traffic, the Montana Department of Transportation announced.
He's a farmer ... of trees, and he's not alone
Braving the rain and cold, about 100 people recently took a walk in Ed Levert’s Flathead valley woods. Levert’s woods is no ordinary plot of ground — it’s managed under the Montana Tree Farm guidelines. The folks touring the 158-acre acre parcel were fellow tree farmers, hoping to glean a thing or two about how best to manage the woods for timber, wildlife and diversity.
Windauer sets single season, career goals record
It was one for the soccer record books.
Thursday, October 10
Columbia Falls City Council race: John Piper
Incumbent John Piper is seeking a second term on city council, though he’s been active in the community for decades. Piper, 58, was born and raised in Columbia Falls. He was a volunteer fireman for 24 years and was chief for 3-1/2 years before he retired. He also volunteered for many years as a youth baseball and football coach.
Columbia Falls City Council race: Clay Lundgren
Clay Lundgren is a newcomer to the Columbia Falls political scene. Lundgren is a native of Bend, Oregon. He and his wife Claire, moved here in 2010 after finally being able to build a house on a plot of land they had purchased.
Columbia Falls City Council race: Darin Fisher
Columbia Falls City Council candidate Darin Fisher takes a pragmatic view toward growth in the city and the job of city council.
Columbia Falls City Council race: Steve Hughes
A former Columbia Falls police officer and longtime Columbia Falls planning board member, Steve Hughes says he wants more public involvement in city council decisions.
Wednesday, October 9
Another storm closes east side roads in Glacier
Another October snow has closed down roads on Glacier National Park’s east side.
Sun Road plan deserves a closer look
Twenty years ago, the Going-to-the-Sun Road advisory committee had its first meeting. The committee was formed with a lot of help from Montana’s congressional delegation after the Park Service proposed closing the road for two straight summers (four years total) on either side of the Divide for road reconstruction, a plan that was untenable for many people and businesses outside the park.
Volleyball suffers first loss of season at Corvallis Saturday
The Wildkat volleyball team suffered its first loss of the season Saturday as they were swept by the Lady Blue Devils in Corvallis. Stats and set scored from the match were not available.
Cross country teams earn wins at Shadow Duels meet
The Columbia Falls cross country runners faced an unfamiliar format Saturday, but both the boys and girls teams came away with wins as they raced at the Mission Shadow Duels.
Writing program seeks volunteer coaches
Writing coaches of Montana has announced that Rita Braun will lead the writing coaches program in Whitefish and Columbia Falls for the 2019-20 school year.
Cats soccer squad splits pair against Whitefish, Polson
The Wildcats soccer squad showed grit and resolve last week as they suffered a tough 1-0 loss to rival Whitefish Tuesday before grinding out a 2-1 win against Polson Thursday.
Wildkats win pair to clinch conference title
The Wildkats will be entering the Class A soccer playoffs as the top seed from the Northwest Conference for the second straight season after picking up home wins over Whitefish and Polson last week.
Schweikert optimistic despite loss to Hamilton
Columbia Falls head football coach Jaxon Schweikert saw a lot of good things from his squad Friday, despite the Wildcats’ 56-7 loss to second-ranked Hamilton.
Council OKs homes, but not cabins, in development east of river
The Columbia Falls City Council voted unanimously Monday to approve the preliminary plat for a new major subdivision east of the Flathead River just outside Columbia Falls, but denied a Planned Unit Development that would have also allowed the construction of 30 resort rental cabins on the same property.
Bernhardt gets an earful on grizzly problems at Choteau visit
U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt and U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte visited Pondera and Teton counties Oct. 5 to discuss grizzly bear management with a group of local stakeholders.
Opposes subdivision
In the last several weeks, news of a major subdivision in Columbia Falls hit local papers. Called the Benches, it would be located just east of the Flathead River Bridge and south of U.S. 2, and would include 48 single family homes and 30 short-term rental resort cabins – all on individual septic systems. Approved by city staff, the City County Planning Board, and passed on to the Columbia Falls City Council for its Oct. 7 meeting, this development is a government-sanctioned accident waiting to happen as follows:
Privacy at the river
Recently I was driving west on U.S. Hwy 2 through Bad Rock Canyon, about an hour before dusk.
Teachers say thanks
First-grade teachers at Ruder Elementary School would like to thank Scott and Tiffany Wehrmann, parents of a first grader, and Applied Materials for their generous contributions towards flexible seating in our classrooms. Flexible seating will benefit our students’ learning and this is much appreciated.
Griz gas and porkypines
A classic George Ostrom column, from June, 1989...
Four Democrats will face off to replace Rep. Zac Perry
Four Democrats have thrown their hat in the proverbial ring to replace House District 3 candidate Zac Perry, who resigned in September to further his college education.
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Oct. 1
Former electrician brightens up city's Christmas lights
The holiday season in Columbia Falls should be a little brighter this year.
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Henry Richard Willis “Corky”
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Community dinners
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Marjorie Cecilia (Bakshas) Gravelle
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70 years ago
Legals October 9, 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, October 8
School District 6 bond passes by 97 votes
Voters in School District 6 have approved a $37 million bond measure to rebuild Glacier Gateway School and remodel Ruder Elementary School.
Monday, October 7
Columbia Falls adds propane buses to its fleet
Columbia Falls School District 6 could save thousands on fuel and maintenance costs over the next few years with the recent purchase of three propane-powered buses.
Friday, October 4
Glacier reopens Many Glacier Road, part of Sun Road on the east side
Glacier National Park has reopened the Many Glacier Road and part of the Going-to-the-Sun Road on the east side of the park.
Wednesday, October 2
Lease retired in Badger Two Med; leaving just one left
The Wilderness Society and Moncrief Oil and Gas Master LLC reached an out-of-court settlement on Tuesday resulting in the permanent retirement of a federal oil and gas lease in the Badger-Two Medicine area near Glacier National Park, according to a press release.
Wildcats drop homecoming heartbreaker
The Wildcats saw a homecoming victory slip away in the final seconds Friday as Browning used 24 fourth-quarter points to down Columbia Falls 32-26.
Fire damages popular Whitefish restaurant
Firefighters responded to a grease fire at Ciao Mambo restaurant on Saturday morning.
Kats dominate in pair of soccer wins
The Wildkats continued their domination of the Northwest A soccer conference last week, picking up blowout wins at Libby Thursday and at home against Bigfork Saturday.
Wildcats find offense to down Libby, Bigfork
The Columbia Falls boys soccer team had a strong showing last week, picking up lopsided wins against Libby and Bigfork.
Kats netters cruise past Ronan in 3
The Wildkat volleyball team remains undefeated this season after sweeping the Ronan Maidens at home Tuesday.
Man faces felony charges in Taser incident
A man faces up to 20 years in state prison and a maximum fine of $50,000 after using a Taser to assault a Columbia Falls woman in her home Sept. 22.
In Hungry Horse, they love watching eagles, developer does too
The developer of a gated community at the base of Teakettle Mountain said he’s taking steps to address concerns over a bald eagle nest on his property.
Sympathy
A classic George Ostrom column, from May, 1989...
Summer of parties in the North Fork
Normally, when I turn in a column, I tend to forget about it and seldom read it again – even when it appears in the paper. If I ever to go back to it, it is likely to be at least months, and sometimes years later. This might be to check on how my opinions have changed or, more likely, as research on a North Forker who has passed away.
As traffic increases, crossing Highway 2 is tougher for critters
As the U.S. Highway 2 corridor gets busier, biologists from Glacier National Park and the U.S. Geological Survey are working to create maps that identify places where critters most commonly cross the highway, so that when future road improvements are made, wildlife crossings could be added.
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In a story last week on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park superintendent Jeff Mow’s name was spelled incorrectly.
Comment period on Sun Road extended
Glacier National Park has extended the comment period on the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor management plan for another month.
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Gospel Concert
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Edwin ‘Ed’ Olson
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A Columbia Falls woman faces federal drugs charges after an investigation earlier this year by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Thoughts about school bond
For those of you that are new to this area in the last 5-8 years, we have a nice school in Hungry Horse that we moved students from and into Columbia Falls due to low numbers in the Columbia Falls schools. Now we are needing more room and we still are maintaining the Hungry Horse School and renting space for community and other events. Why can’t we use this school again? It would be more cost-effective than building a school which will raise our taxes another, for our family, $300 for the next 20 years.
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Sept. 23
Dundas fundraiser a big success
Sometimes bad things happen to good people, real bad things to real good people. This summer we learned that our friend, Mark Dundas, was going to face a battle with leukemia. We were all as shocked as he was, since he’s one of the strongest, healthiest people we know. For all of his adult life, Mark chose career paths that supported outdoor recreation, and helping others enjoy the outdoors safely. He serves as an avalanche forecaster for the Flathead Avalanche Center providing all of the vital information that backcountry winter enthusiasts need to plan their days in the mountains. He has spent many years building and maintaining trails in Glacier National Park that have been enjoyed by millions of visitors over the course of his career there, and he served many winters on Whitefish Mountain Resort Ski Patrol helping skiers in need. Some of the skiers that he hauled off the mountain in a sled were his very own friends!
Glacier Park, high school, team up for cabin program
It’s good for Glacier National Park. It’s a great learning experience for Columbia Falls High School students and in the end, it will be a comfy new home for park employees.
Fishing meters coming soon?
Metered fishing access on public waters?
Legals October 2, 2019
No. 1671 Notice of Close of Regular Voter Registration and Option for Late Registration Notice is hereby given that regular* registration for the Columbia Falls Municipal General Election(s) to be held on November 5, 2019 will close at 5:00 p.m., on October 7, 2019. *NOTE: If you miss this regular registration deadline, you may still register for the election by showing up at the county election office up to and including on Election Day. Between noon and the close of business on the day before Election Day, you can complete and submit a voter registration card, but you will need to return to the local election office on Election Day to pick up and vote a ballot. All active and inactive**electors of City of Columbia Falls are entitled to vote at said election. **Inactive electors may reactivate by appearing at the Election Office in order to vote, by requesting an absentee ballot in any election, or by completing a new voter registration form available at on the Election Department's website, https://flathead.mt.gov/election and returning it to the Election Department by October 7th. Address: 40 11th St West #230, Kalispell, MT 59901 Persons who wish to register and who are not presently registered may do so by requesting a form for registration by mail or by appearing at the county election office. If you have moved, please update your registration information by filling out a new voter registration card and submitting it to the county election office. DATED this 16th day of September 2019. Debbie Pierson Flathead County Election Administrator By: /s/Monica R. Eisenzimer Clerk & Recorder Manager Updated September 6, 2017 September 25, October 2, 2019 MNAXLP __________________________
