Ellington

Wills' latest novel draws on Flathead history

Author Karen Wills’ new novel is a saga of deadly deceptions and dark desires whose main protagonist is a woman attorney practicing law in the early 1900s.

Weeks new Columbia Falls Fire Department chief

Karl Weeks, a longtime volunteer with the Columbia Falls Fire Department, is the new chief. Weeks was sworn in at the Jan. 21 Columbia Falls city council meeting, but doesn’t officially start until Feb. 3

Warhol, van Gogh, inspire kindergarten artwork

Kindergartener Cora Reinbolt is busy drawing hearts, but isn’t sure why.

For slaves, quilts likely held codes to freedom

It’s estimated more 100,000 slaves traveled from the south north to freedom from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War on what’s called the Underground Railroad.

Standoff suspect in trouble since age 12

A Hungry Horse man who was arrested after a lengthy standoff with Flathead County law officers Tuesday evening has a criminal past that dates back to when he broke out of the county jail in 2012 when he faced several felony charges at the age of 12.

Martin City man found dead in Kalispell

The body of a Martin City man was found near the railroad tracks in Kalispell Wednesday afternoon.

North Valley Hospital plans $900,000 Nucleus Avenue expansion

North Valley Hospital announced Jan. 28 it will soon be building a new physical therapy facility on Nucleus Avenue in Columbia Falls.

Girls get back on winning track

The Columbia Falls girls basketball team came away with three quality wins in the past seven days, downing Flathead at home 48-35 Tuesday and Hamilton on the road Saturday 56-32. On Tuesday they won a come-from-behind thriller against Ronan 58-54.

Boys go 1-2 on the week.

The Columbia Falls boys basketball team showed a marked improvement in three games this week. The Wildcats lost to Flathead 60-55 Jan. 21 at home and to Hamilton 58-49 Saturday. On Tuesday, the boys came back to beat Ronan on the road, 52-49.

After Hungry Horse standoff, SWAT team takes man into custody

A man who fled from the police and barricaded himself into an unoccupied residence in Hungry Horse on Jan. 28 was later arrested after a standoff with law enforcement that lasted several hours.

Eye on the Prize

The Columbia Falls speech and debate team will look to take its 15th straight state title this weekend. While they won the Western A divisional crown last weekend, they know they still have a lot of work to do.

Man who stabbed his father to death sentenced to state hospital

A Whitefish man who stabbed his father to death during a dispute more than a year ago was sentenced to 40 years, with 20 suspended, in the Montana State Hospital at Warm Springs.

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Canyon Dinner

MatCats wrestle well in Lewistown, will be in Whitefish on Friday

Columbia Falls got a ton of wrestling in at the Class A duals tournament in Lewistown over the weekend. The MatCats made it into the championship round, where they went 1-2 in duals.

Oral arguments made in Badger-Two Medicine appeal

Oral arguments for the last standing oil and gas lease in the Badger-Two Medicine area were the focus of a hearing Jan. 21 before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Washington, D.C. Circuit. At issue is a review of a lower court decision to reinstate a previously canceled 6,200-acre oil and gas lease south of Glacier National Park near Marias Pass.

Good beginnings

A classic G. George Ostrom column from 2007.

Judge calls defendant's actions 'depraved garbage'

A Whitefish man who attacked the mother of his children with a stun gun as she tried to call police on him from her Columbia Falls home was sentenced to 10 years with the Department of Corrections with five years suspended for felony criminal endangerment, though Flathead County District Court Judge Robert Allison expressed his deep dismay with the case last week.

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Harriet Reese Head

FWP makes changes to 2020 licenses, will use regular paper

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ licensing process is becoming more digitally streamlined this year. Hunters and anglers can anticipate a few changes when they buy their 2020 licenses starting March 1. Ultimately, recreationists can expect to complete most of the process from home. Mail-in applications will no longer be accepted and users will be able to apply online, print permits and licenses from home, carry licenses on mobile devices, and expect drawing results nearly a month sooner.

A man's intent

Yes, intent does matter. My goodness folks, he misspoke. A man sitting with him at the scorer’s bench said he was immediately sorry and upset with himself and wanted to apologize, but not wanting to interrupt the flow of the introductions and excitement of the game chose to go forward and wait until the end of the game to go to the Browning coach and apologize profusely. You may recall, he is the announcer who likes to start the game with something like,

He brought his own light with him

Shooting the Night of Lights Parade in Columbia Falls and the Heritage Days Parade are always a challenge as a photographer.

Residents weigh in on resort tax at lively hearing

City leaders heard the pros and cons from the public on a proposed 3% resort tax at a public hearing last week.

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Jan. 17

FWP seeks volunteers to teach hunter ed

Montana’s hunting legacy depends on active, skilled and ethical hunters who pass on their traditions to new generations and Montana needs more volunteer instructors, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks says.

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70 years ago

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Joan M Schafer

Winter difficulties

Despite a slow start to winter it has become a very active North Fork winter. First we had little snow but several days of slick roads, with multiple folks sliding in the ditch.

SWAT team takes man into custody in Hungry Horse

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Department has taken a man into custody after a standoff in Hungry Horse Tuesday evening.

Boys lose to Browning

The Columbia Falls boys basketball team lost to Browning on the road Saturday, 85-49.

Browning holds on to beat Wildkats at home in conference rivalry

The Columbia Falls girls basketball team lost to Browning at home Thursday, 59-58, breaking the Wildkats’ seven-game winning streak.

School project should have lighter tax burden

The school bond recently passed by voters isn’t expected to cost local taxpayers as much as originally thought.

Man charged in DUI death of C-Falls girl pleads guilty

The man who drove his pickup truck into an Evergreen home, killing a Columbia Falls High School student who was asleep inside, changed his plea to guilty to felony vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol Thursday in Flathead County District Court.

Blackfeet member's thoughts on PA announcer controversy

I appreciate the words of Columbia Falls Principal, Scott Gaiser in recognizing, “that there is a great deal of work to be done to reestablish your trust and continue a positive relationship with students and staff at Browning High School and the Browning community”.

Powers reflects on Legislative Week

“Drinking from a fire hose.” This is the term that I heard many times to describe what it is like to be a new legislator. After spending the past week in Helena at Legislative Week, I have to agree. Since I was appointed in November to fill the seat vacated by Zac Perry, I am the newest Montana legislator. During Legislative Week, I was immersed in complicated topics about revenue, budgeting, infrastructure (and much more) until I did, in fact, feel like I was drinking from a fire hose.

A time for rhyme

Another classic G. George Ostrom column...

Swimmers compete in Butte

The Columbia Falls swim teams competed in Butte over the weekend, with the girls team taking 10th and the boys team taking seventh.

'It's the greatest job in the world,' Hagen reflects on career

After more than 34 years of fires, wrecks and just plain old helping folks out in need, Columbia Falls Fire Chief Rick Hagen is hanging up his turnout gear.

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To the editor,

School fires PA announcer after comment at basketball game

Columbia Falls High School fired public address announcer Jerry Smalley after a comment he made while announcing the Browning girls’ basketball team in Columbia Falls Thursday (Jan. 16) .

High school grad rate 90.6 percent

Columbia Falls High School’s graduation rate is now 90.6 percent, the highest it’s ever been.

The Wolverine Way

After a two-week vacation, I returned to find that the snow had decided to offer a sweet welcome home. So much so that my neighbor called, concerned about which direction we left our snowblower facing. A concern that only comes with experience, one could surmise. Snow flew over the front of our Eagle on the flight home, plowing it’s way into the driveway that night. We woke up to 8 more inches and another foot has dumped since then. And it’s still snowing. Yes! Winter seems here to stay.

Cats speech, debate down rival Bulldogs in Polson

Columbia Falls Speech and Debate fought to a win over Whitefish and 11 other schools at the Polson Pirate Palooza Speech and Debate Tournament on Saturday. The meet was the last regular season match-up. The Wildcats scored 204 total team points, to overcome Bulldog speakers with 120 points.

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Wilderness films

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Karl John Skindingsrude, 62

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Jan. 13

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Wesley Eugene Bodeen

Census now hiring workers

The decennial 2020 United States Census will be underway in less than two months and the federal government is looking for Montanans who will hit the streets to secure an accurate count of the state’s population. The U.S. Census Bureau has opened its hiring process for the position of census takers and is currently taking applications, according to its website.

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70 years ago

Community members seek Medal of Honor for fallen soldier

Ten years ago, 19-year-old Pfc. Nicholas Cook arrived for his first tour with the Army in Kunar Province, Afghanistan.

Julie Plevel, longtime Realtor, city councilwoman, passes away

Former Columbia Falls City councilwoman and longtime Columbia Falls real estate broker Julie Plevel died Jan. 13 after a seven-year battle with cancer.

Glacier Park's Sperry Chalet booked in a matter of minutes

Reservations for the new Sperry Chalet In Glacier National Park sold out in a matter minutes, Kevin Warrington of Belton Chalets Inc. said.

MatCats win thriller over Glacier

The Columbia Falls wrestling squad downed Glacier High School in a thrilling home dual that came down to the last match Tuesday (Jan. 14). With the score tied 33 apiece, 138-pound MatCat junior Jaxon Heinz was tied with Ricardo Hewitt 7-7 in the last round with 1:20 remaining.

Julie Plevel

Julie Plevel, 65, passed away at her home in Columbia Falls on Monday, Jan. 13, 2019.

Weyerhaeuser lands lack merchantable timber, expert says

When Weyerhaueser announced it would sell its 630,000 acres of land in Northwest Montana for $145 million to Macon, Georgia-based land company Southern Pines Plantation, the community reacted with surprise and dismay.

Shooting fish in a barrel

A classic G. George Ostrom column from May, 2005

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Ricky Berg

As population ages, crews train for urban searches

It had just started to snow hard and members of the North Valley Search and Rescue team smiled.

Boys edge Bulldogs in swim meet

The Columbia Falls boys won the Cat-Dog Invitational swim meet Saturday in Whitefish in what ended up being a dual against the Bulldogs, 297-283.

Let it snow

A black Christmas and a brown New Years. No more in mid-January. Nearly 2 feet of fresh snow at Trail Creek and although the soft powder is settling we keep having more falling and it appears that it is going to snow everyday for the next week.

Braxton Mitchell files for House District 3 seat

There will be a race in House District 3 this coming election. Braxton Mitchell, 19, has announced he will run for the position as a Republican.

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Jan. 7

Columbia Falls blacksmith wins TV show competition

Columbia Falls blacksmith Scott Sweder cut through the competition to win $10,000 and the title of Forged in Fire champion on History Channel’s “Forged in Fire.”

County planning board green lights new Lake Five resort

After nearly five hours of public comment and back-and-forth between the Flathead County Planning Board and other county staff, the board voted Jan. 8 to forward a recommendation of approval for a major land-use permit to allow the expansion of a vacation rental retreat on Lake Five.

Finally some ice

Big news among ice fishers this winter is lack of ice due to mild temperatures.

Streetlights, utilities for club just some of city needs

New streetlights for Nucleus Avenue. Help save the old red bridge. Use a grant to pay for utility hookups for a new Boys and Girls Club.

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Karl Skindingsrude

This sales tax makes sense

I will fully admit I’m not fan of sales taxes. When I moved to Montana some 22 years ago, I came from outside Buffalo, New York, where we had sales tax, property tax, income tax and a 10 cent per quart tax on motor oil, in addition to a hefty gas tax.

Martin City man admits to meth trafficking

A Flathead Valley man who admitted possessing methamphetamine for distribution and having firearms in relation to meth trafficking was sentenced last week to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said in a release.

Wildcats win Frenchtown tourney by wide margin

The Columbia Falls speech and debate team racked up 188 points in its Class A victory at the Frenchtown Invitational over the weekend.

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History meeting

Girls extend basketball win streak to 7 as they drop Polson, Libby

The Columbia Falls girls basketball team easily beat conference foes Libby and Polson last week, dropping the Lady Loggers at home 62-18 Thursday and the Lady Pirates on the road Saturday 61-28.

Boys' hardwood struggles continue

The Columbia Falls boys basketball team had a tough start to their conference play, dropping two games last week.

Steele tapped to lead Flathead Forest

The deputy forest supervisor for Idaho’s Nez-Perce Clearwater National Forests, Kurt Steele, has been named the new forest supervisor for Flathead National Forest.

C-Falls police now have tips app

The Columbia Falls Police Department is increasing its crime-fighting arsenal with a new app to help residents connect with the department to find information, view alerts, and submit anonymous tips from their smartphone.

Speaker series starts this month

The annual Glacier National Park Volunteer Associates winter speaker series kicks off this month with informative presenters at the Northwest Montana History Museum. Talks begin at 7 p.m. on the fourth Monday of January, February, and March. The community is welcome, attendance is free.

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70 years ago

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Cleo Ann Bagley Wenger

Legals January 15, 2020

No. 1682 COLUMBIA FALLS CITY-COUNTY PLANNING BOARD AND ZONING COMMISSION There are two (2) existing county vacancies on this board. Applicants must reside within the planning jurisdictional area but outside the city limits of Columbia Falls. Each of the existing terms will run through December 31, 2020. 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, January 17, 2020. For additional information and specific qualifications please call 751-8200. January 1, 8, 15, 2020 MNAXLP __________________________

LEGALS JANUARY 15, 2020

No. 1682 COLUMBIA FALLS CITY-COUNTY PLANNING BOARD AND ZONING COMMISSION

It's a bit late, but winter will arrive in the coming days

A series of winter events promise to bring snow and plummet temperatures over the weekend.

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Karl Skindingsrude, the voice of Columbia Falls, passes away

He was the voice of Columbia Falls — the effervescent personality behind every parade and event in Columbia Falls for decades.

Fire destroys Conn Road workshop

A workshop was destroyed in an early morning fire at 1060 Conn Road Jan. 8, but Columbia Falls firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading to the residence, which was only about 20 feet away.

MatCats edge Blue Devils in home dual

The Columbia Falls wrestling team had its first home dual of the season, edging Corvallis 36-27 in head-to-head matches Tuesday.

Environmental groups raise the red flag over bike paths in griz habitat

Two local environmental groups have raised objections to a planned bike and pedestrian path network north of Columbia Falls in the lower Whitefish Range, claiming it could result in more conflicts with grizzly bears and displace other wildlife.

Roosevelt, an appreciation

We had no television at our ranch because my father thought its absence would encourage his kids to read. I’m extremely grateful to him. I remain an avid reader of history, and discovered Theodore Roosevelt during my childhood years.

Zoom on the newspaper

A classic G. George Ostrom column from Feb. 1, 1990

Hunters and landowners give FWP an earful on game

Hunters and landowners gave Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks biologists and earful last week during a hearing on proposed changes to the upcoming hunting season.

Artist-Wilderness connection applications now available

Professional artists of all disciplines are once again being invited to spend one to two weeks in a remote part of the Bob Marshall and Great Bear Wilderness areas as part of the 17th year of the Artist Wilderness Connection artist in residence program.

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The MatCat wrestlers went 7-1 to finish third at the Western Montana Duals in Ronan over the weekend, picking up wins over Bigfork, Superior, Hamilton, Browning and Polson while also defeating the host Chiefs twice.

City council OKs resort tax language; what will and won't be taxed listed

The Columbia Falls City Council Monday night approved a draft version of a 3 percent resort tax that will go in front of voters later this spring.

Woman pleads guilty to federal drug charge

A former Martin City woman who was initially charged with murder-for-hire has pleaded guilty recently to selling oxycodone pills to an undercover federal agent.

Cats fall to Bigfork, 47-29

The Columbia Falls boys basketball team lost to Class B Bigfork on the road Friday, 47-29.

Powers announces candidacy

Democrat Debo Powers has announced her candidacy to run for the House District 3 seat. Powers was appointed to the post last fall by the Democratic Party and Flathead County Commissioners after incumbent Zac Perry resigned to further pursue his post-graduate education.

Snowbird

Last week it was my intent to talk about what I liked about winter as a boy and young man and compare it to now when I am in my 80s. Got so wound up in the 1950s there was no room to write about the present. It did remind me a lot of great stories, which I will share during this winter.

Wind on the Rez

One day last week I checked the Wunderground app to see how strong the wind was blowing in Babb. 42 mph.

Heaven's Gate: 40 years ago, filmed in the Flathead, flopped in Hollywood

Two Medicine Lake in Glacier National Park is known for its wind and wild nature, but in May of 1979 the shores of the lake were transformed into a rollicking fictional town of the Old West known as Sweetwater, home to hundreds of immigrants.

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Wrestling registration

Homeless in Columbia Falls

At a time of year when many people have gone home for the holidays, Columbia Falls resident Greg Fortin is worried about those who have no home to go to.

Wildkats extend winning streak to five, drop Bigfork 55-41

It was a physical affair, but the Columbia Falls girls basketball team came away with its fifth straight win of the season, downing Class B Bigfork Thursday night at home, 55-41.

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70 years ago

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Dec. 31

Irene Ann (Hartmann) Corrigeux DeWit (12/18/1919 – 11/28/2019)

Irene Ann (Hartmann) Corrigeux DeWit (12/18/1919 – 11/28/2019)

20 years later, 'A Woman's Way West' is still a great read

The story of Doris and Dan Huffine lives on as Farcountry Press recently released a new 20th anniversary edition of “A Woman’s Way West.”

Legals January 8, 2020

No. 1682 COLUMBIA FALLS CITY-COUNTY PLANNING BOARD AND ZONING COMMISSION There are two (2) existing county vacancies on this board. Applicants must reside within the planning jurisdictional area but outside the city limits of Columbia Falls. Each of the existing terms will run through December 31, 2020. 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, January 17, 2020. For additional information and specific qualifications please call 751-8200. January 1, 8, 15, 2020 MNAXLP __________________________

LEGALS JANUARY 8, 2020

No. 1682 COLUMBIA FALLS CITY-COUNTY PLANNING BOARD AND ZONING COMMISSION

Columbia Falls woman wins Montana Millionaire

Casey Petero of Columbia Falls is a Montana Millionaire winner.

Smalley wants to fish even more in 2020

No secret that very few New Year’s resolutions are kept.

Feet First

A classic G. George Ostrom column from October, 1989.

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Folks who donate to Wreaths Across America, where wreaths are placed on veterans’ graves at Christmastime, can have their $15 donation matched by the national headquarters if they’re made by Jan. 11. Make checks payable to Wreaths Across America and mail to Steve Armstrong, 439 Grand Drive, Bigfork, MT 59911.

In 2020, building a vision for West Glacier

In October of 1949, the town of Belton’s name was changed to West Glacier. The move came as a way to promote the town as the entrance to Glacier National Park and with it, a tourist economy was born.

Rough Roads

Columbia Falls city streets need about $2.2 million in work over the next few years, according to a recent report by public works director Tyler Bradshaw.

Wishing this news was fake

The big news last week was when Weyerhaeuser announced it was liquidating its 630,000 acres of lands for $230 an acre to Southern Pines Plantation, a real estate firm out of Macon, Georgia.

Deer season meeting is Friday

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is hosting public meetings across northwest Montana (Region 1) in January to discuss proposed hunting season dates and structure changes.

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Dec. 20

Winter memories

When I was a boy, winter was a favorite time of year. When I was twelve or so, my buddies and I would hike from our homes on Kalispell’s east side and camp at Lone Pine. At that time there was no organized park. In fact, I don’t remember even a road. We would usually camp on the flat between the cliffs or clear on top near the ruins of the “Boy Scout” cabin.

Plea deal struck in C-Falls stun gun attack

A man who allegedly used a stun gun on the mother of his children while she tried to call 911 on him has reached a plea deal with prosecutors.

Columbia Falls teen faces weapons charge

A Columbia Falls man is awaiting trial on an assault with a weapon charge after being released from the Flathead County Detention Center on his own recognizance Dec. 19.

Our top 10 stories of 2019

As the year comes to an end, here’s a look back at what were some of the top local stories of 2019.

State titles, records highlight 2019 year for Wildcats

It was another successful year for the Columbia Falls High School Wildcats. From state titles to state records, the Wildcats made 2019 a year to remember.

Six to be honored at Wildcat Hall of Fame Game Thursday

Six Columbia Falls athletes will be the center of attention Thursday as they are inducted into the Wildcat Athletic Hall of Fame during at halftime of the girls basketball game against Bigfork.

Berube Physical Therapy expands to fourth location

Columbia Falls based Berube Physical Therapy continues to expand its operations in the Flathead Valley, recently announcing the planned opening of their fourth location.

Heavens Peak Health Care going strong after first year

One year after opening their doors in Columbia Falls, Heavens Peak Health Care is doing well.

Sky's the limit

Columbia Falls High School senior Shaela Tuell is hoping her future is up in the air, literally.

Legals January 1, 2020

No. 1682 COLUMBIA FALLS CITY-COUNTY PLANNING BOARD AND ZONING COMMISSION There are two (2) existing county vacancies on this board. Applicants must reside within the planning jurisdictional area but outside the city limits of Columbia Falls. Each of the existing terms will run through December 31, 2020. 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, January 17, 2020. For additional information and specific qualifications please call 751-8200. January 1, 8, 15, 2020 MNAXLP __________________________

LEGALS JANUARY 1, 2020

No. 1682 COLUMBIA FALLS CITY-COUNTY PLANNING BOARD AND ZONING COMMISSION