Friday, July 31
Search on for Columbia Falls man believed missing in Glacier
Search efforts are underway in Glacier National Park for Barry J. Tragen, a 68-year-old Columbia Falls resident, park officials said Thursday.
Search on for missing man in Glacier
Search efforts are underway in Glacier National Park for Barry J. Tragen, a 68-year-old Columbia Falls resident, park officials said Thursday.
Thursday, July 30
Pursuit confirms cases of coronavirus in staffers; but they have recovered
Pursuit,the company that operates the restaurant in West Glacier proper as well as stores and cabin rentals in Apgar
Jon Gneiting
Jon Gneiting lost his battle to brain cancer on July 21, 2020 after a courageous yearlong battle at the age of 32.
Wednesday, July 29
Bars, restaurants seeing cases
Many of the newest local cases of COVID-19 appear to be associated with those who work in the service industry such as at bars and restaurants, according to the Flathead City-County Health Department.
Support Badger-Two Med
Badger-Two Medicine: From Birch Creek and Family Peak in the south, to Lubec Ridge and Elk Calf Mountain in the north, the headwaters of Badger Creek and the Two Medicine River flow down from the sacred summits of Feather Woman and Heart Butte, Scarface and Morningstar, Half Dome and Kiyo Crag, Goat Mountain and the Bruin Peaks.
Vote your conscience
In the summer I enjoy just sitting in my yard — in the sun in the early morning, in the shade later, and if it gets too hot I can sit in my recliner in my well insulated, cool cabin and still look at my meadow, forest, and the mountains of Glacier.
CFAC looks to clean up settling ponds
The Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. announced last week it would start remediation work to clean up old settling ponds near the Flathead River this fall.
Ruis looks to pare down Nucleus project, remodel bank
Developer Mick Ruis has submitted plans that scale down a development he had proposed for the center of Columbia Falls off Nucleus Avenue.
A not so scenic sight on Flathead
A free camping site along the Flathead River at Blankenship looks more like a small village than a wild and scenic river this summer.
Six years later, woman still suffering from drunk driving incident
On June 23, 2014, Samantha Stover of Columbia Falls bent over on the side of South Hilltop Road to look at a cat that had been killed.
Who should we hate?
A classic G. George Ostrom column from 2009.
The Blotter: Rock throwers said they didn’t mean to hit girl
July 20
Rodger A. Crowell
Rodger A. Crowell, 70, of Hungry Horse passed away into eternal rest on Thursday, July 16, 2020.
Arson suspected in North Fork fires that destroyed historic cabin
An historic North Fork cabin has been lost in a fire that Glacier National Park officials suspect was arson.
State to partner with MSU on testing
In a deal with Montana State University and a North Carolina company, Montana should start asymptomatic coronavirus testing again this week.
Charles Lee McCubbins
On the morning of July 19th, 2020, we had to say goodbye to an amazing Husband, Father, Grandpa, Son, Brother, Uncle, Cousin and Friend. Charles Lee McCubbins passed away from a severe bacterial infection. He was born, Feb. 23, 1956 to Vonda and Byron McCubbins, in Walla Walla Washington. Charlie was the youngest of four.
Man who fell in Glacier identified
A 20-year-old man is dead after he fell from a mountain in Glacier National Park July 21 about 7:30 p.m.
Columbia Falls has seen sharp rise in health insurance costs
The rising rates of health insurance are well documented throughout the country. Columbia Falls is not immune to them.
Forest Service offers more details for Frozen Moose project
The Flathead National Forest is set to begin taking comments on the Frozen Moose Project, a vegetation management project affecting over 8,000 acres around the North Fork.
Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation looks to future
If you’ve come across a trail cleared in the Bob Marshall Wilderness this summer, you just might want to thank the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation. If you’ve seen where noxious weeds have been pulled and hauled away in the Bob, you just might want to thank the foundation.
Friday, July 24
Historic North Fork Cabin burns down in string of suspicious fires
An historic North Fork Cabin has been lost in a fire that Glacier National Park officials are calling suspicious.
Thursday, July 23
Great American Outdoors Act passes House, could prove big benefit to local conservation, parks
The U.S. House of Representatives Wednesday passed the Great American Outdoors Act, a bill that permanently funds the Land, Water and Conservation Fund and pumps billions into the National Park Service to pay for deferred maintenance.
Wednesday, July 22
Tester introduces legislation to protect Badger-Two Medicine
Montana Sen. Jon Tester has introduced a bill that would permanently protect the Badger-Two Medicine Region just south of Marias Pass and Glacier National Park.
Glacier won’t implement Sun Road reservation system this summer
Glacier National Park announced Wednesday that it would not implement a reservation system for the Going-to-the-Sun Road this summer.
Man dies after falling off Dragon’s tail in Glacier National Park
A 20-year-old man is dead after he fell from a mountain in Glacier National Park Tuesday evening about 7:30 p.m.
Friends, a remembrance
In the last year or so, I have lost four long-time friends. Two brothers, Clark and Wayne Stahlberg date back to junior high days. The other two were long-time North Fork friends.
The Blotter: A fight breaks out at an investment firm
Monday, July 13
Opinion: The Russians are coming
I was over to my good friend Paranoid Pete’s house the other day.
Crowds out of hand
The Flathead National Forest and Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks have some serious issues to deal with concerning overcrowding and overuse of the Blankenship river access.
State unemployment rate drops to 7.1 percent
Montana’s unemployment rate dropped to 7.1 percent in June after the state and national parks reopened to tourists.
Kindness
I’m going to ask you to do some things for me, and I’ll do the same for you in return.
Opening Day at Sperry Chalet
Grace and Landon Gardner of Missoula got up bright and early Saturday morning. They wanted to be the first guests at the new Sperry Chalet in Glacier National Park. So they spent the night with friends in Whitefish and were on the trail at 6 a.m. and made it to the chalet by 10 a.m.
Never Forget: Blackfeet teen brings message to Blue Moon Rodeo
Her ride on the bucking horse was short. But the message she carried drew a big applause from the crowd at the Brash Blue Moon rodeo last week.
Bullock tours SmartLam
Montana Gov. Steve Bullock last Tuesday got a look at Columbia Falls’ promising new product — cross laminated timber.
New art gallery and studio opens in Hungry Horse
After 20 summers working on the building and the property, artist Michael Booth and his wife Janet now call Hungry Horse their permanent home.
Asymptomatic coronavirus testing suspended as lab is overwhelmed
Flathead Community Health Centers has suspended asymptomatic testing for coronavirus in the Flathead Valley until further notice.
Huge conservation easement in the works for SPP lands
Nearly 200,000 acres of timberlands stretching from Glacier National Park to the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness and down to the Selkirks and Idaho Panhandle have become available for permanent conservation through pending “working forest” conservation easements.
Fire danger raised to moderate level
Flathead area fire managers moved the fire danger rating to moderate last week as fuels are expected to continue to dry out this week and next.
Boys and Girls Club adds cool new programs
Thanks to a generous grant from a local family, the Boys and Girls Club of Glacier Country has brand new sewing machines and canning equipment and next year it plans to add a welding and music program.
Mary Etta Roberts
Mary Etta Roberts, 71, passed away peacefully on July 13 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. A small family service will be held.
Yesterdays: Grizzly mauls three on Otokomi Lake Trail
70 years ago
Legals for July, 22 2020
Tuesday, July 21
Employee at assisted living center in Columbia Falls tests positive for coronavirus, but no residents sickened so far
BeeHive Homes, an assisted-living facility in Columbia Falls, had an employee test positive for COVID-19 on July 11, but after a week, no residents at the home have shown signs of sickness.
Friday, July 17
Mow: Glacier Park waiting on Washington for decision on Sun Road reservation system
Glacier National Park is now awaiting a decision from the Park Service’s Washington, D.C. offices on whether it can implement a ticketed reservation system for the Going-to-the-Sun Road for the remainder of the summer, superintendent Jeff Mow said Friday.
Wednesday, July 15
Bullock directive will require masks in most public places
Montana Gov. Steve Bullock Wednesday announced immediately that people will be required to wear masks in public buildings, stores and even outside where 50 or more people are gathered and they can’t keep safe social distance from each other.
Missouri man drowns in Middle Fork after crossing goes awry
A man trying to cross the Middle Fork of the Flathead near Essex to go camping drowned, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office reports.
Columbia Falls has openings on two boards
The City of Columbia Falls has the following opening on Boards and Committees:
Glacier jogger collides with grizzly bear
A Kalispell woman is lucky the grizzly bear she ran into July 11 was in a charitable mood.
Caleb Keilen Buzzell
Caleb Keilen Buzzell, 31, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 27, 2020.
State marks 615 new coronavirus cases in past week
With the tourist season in full swing, the number of coronavirus cases in the state surged last week. From July 6 to July 13 the state recorded 615 new cases and now has 1,034 active cases.
ATV tours allowed to Red Meadow Lake, but not North Fork Road
The Flathead National Forest gave North Fork residents a preview of some controversial recreation permit requests for the area.
Ranger hopes Sun Road opening eases North Fork traffic
With Going-to-the-Sun Road opening this week in Glacier National Park, park employees at the North Fork entrance are hoping for some relief.
Council approves four-plex planned for sloped lot
The Columbia Falls City Council last week approved a planned unit development project that would bring four townhouses to Seventh Street East.
The Blotter: Woman spills hot oil on herself
Monday, July 6
Yesterdays: Ski races held in Waterton ... in July
70 years ago
Columbia Falls man pleads guilty in drive-by shooting
A second man involved in a drive-by shooting in Kalispell last year pleaded guilty to the offense last week in Flathead County District Court.
Forest Service releases Frozen Moose project assessment
The Flathead National Forest Hungry Horse-Glacier View District on Monday released an environmental assessment for a large-scale North Fork fuels reduction, timber and restoration project called Frozen Moose.
Columbia Falls man pleads not guilty to Silver Bullet stabbing
A Columbia Falls man accused of stabbing another man outside a bar pleaded not guilty last week in Flathead District Court.
73-year-old C-Falls man sentenced in meth case
A 73-year-old Columbia Falls man who pleaded guilty to selling methamphetamine was sentenced last week in Flathead District Court.
In agreement, feds say they’ll make a decision on wolverine listing
A host of environmental groups and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have reached a settlement in a case involving wolverines in the Lower 48 states.
Kicking the bucket
A classic G. George Ostrom column from April 1999
Grizzly bears continue to migrate east and west
Grizzly bears are continuing to show up further and further from core recovery ecosystems near Yellowstone and Glacier National Park, bear managers from across the West said during a meeting of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee late last month.
Group looks at regs for employee housing
A committee of business leaders and residents in West Glacier will take another look at designing new regulations to allow for seasonal employee housing under the Canyon Land Use Regulatory system.
Tuesday, July 14
Jesus statue on Big Mountain vandalized
Whitefish Mountain Resort and the Flathead National Forest are looking for the people responsible for vandalizing the Jesus statue on Chair 2.
Monday, July 13
Hiker apparently drowns trying to cross Middle Fork of Flathead
A hiker trying to cross the Middle Fork near Essex to go camping has apparently drowned, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office reports.
Yosemite has a reservation system. Here’s how it works
Yosemite National Park has also instituted a day use pass to enter its park with a vehicle this summer due to coronavirus. How does it work?
Glacier considering temporary reservation system for Going-to-the-Sun Road traffic
Glacier National Park is considering implementing a temporary reservation system for visitors wanting to travel the Going-to-the-Sun Road this summer.
Sun Road opens to Logan Pass
The Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park opened to Logan Pass and beyond on Monday. At 5:30 a.m. the parking lot at Logan Pass already looked like it was at capacity and by 9 a.m. it was definitely packed.
Wednesday, July 8
At home at Bob’s General Store
For 12 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year, Bob Johnson takes his place behind the counter of Bob’s General Store.
Glacier Twins struggle in Helena Keith Sell tourney
The Twins weren’t lacking in tough competition during the Keith Sell Tournament last weekend in Helena.
Brown: My very own declaration of independence
Ever hear of Rudy Stanko, well-known in Montana 20-plus years ago? Rudy “Stinko” you say? Well, maybe.
New book follows the life of bowhunter Paul Schafer
By any measure, Paul Schafer was a master bowhunter. He took water buffalo and lions in Africa, numerous trophy bighorn sheep, brown bears in Alaska, numerous trophy deer and mountain lions that were bigger than he was.
The Blotter: Scorned lover turns to fire
Tuesday, June 30
Veteran Glacier scientist retires after long career
For three decades, U.S. Geological Survey Scientist Dan Fagre has been willing to talk about climate change to anyone willing to listen. Over the years he’s bent the ear of former Vice President Al Gore, numerous government officials and hundreds, if not thousands of average everyday folks.
No headline
It was a wet June, but forecasts still predict a hot and dry summer in Northwest Montana.
Glacier chalets opening to guests
Folks who want to stay in Glacier National Park’s Granite Park chalet may still have an opportunity to do so this summer. A check of the chalet’s website still showed a few dates open.
Killer in Olney homicides made previous threats
The Whitefish man accused of brutally murdering his ex-wife, daughter and another man near Olney early Tuesday morning had told the woman he would kill her this summer, court filings state.
Yesterdays: Slowing down at the Goat Lick
70 years ago
Gov. Bullock releases plan for reopening schools in fall
Hoping to set in place guidelines for school districts in the fall, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock and Lieutenant Gov. Mike Cooney on Thursday released the state’s Plan for Reopening Safe and Healthy Schools.
Missing man found dead in Glacier
An Idaho man who had gone missing in Glacier National Park was found dead early Wednesday afternoon in the Hidden Meadow area south of Polebridge.
Ernest (Ernie) Everett Edwards
Ernest (Ernie) Everett Edwards formerly of Anaconda, residing in Columbia Falls at the age of 80, returned home to his Maker Sunday, June 21, 2020.
Daniel Collins Cross
Dan passed away peacefully April 6, 2020 at the Carl T. Hayden Veterans Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona.
Howe Ridge fire creates forest transformation
Two years ago the Howe Ridge Fire burned about 14,500 acres in Glacier National Park. The fire was infamous for its damage to Kelly’s Camp along the shores of Lake McDonald, where it burned down several cabins and other structures, some of them historic.
Tuesday, July 7
The Blotter: Scorned lover turns to fire
Tuesday, June 30
Friday, July 3
Free coronavirus testing coming to Columbia Falls
Flathead Community Health Center will set up a free coronavirus testing location in Columbia Falls near the Chamber of Commerce Building on 13th St East across from Marantette Park.
Wednesday, July 1
Missing man found deceased in Glacier Park
An Idaho man who had gone missing in Glacier National Park was found dead early Wednesday afternoon in the Hidden Meadow area south of Polebridge.
The Blotter: Caller gets keys stuck in tree
Tuesday, June 23
More North Fork meetings on tap
Mother Nature has been in the mood for teasing. We have had a few nice days but mostly it has been wet with rain and loud with thunder and a few heavy hail storms thrown in. No known coronavirus on the North Fork and everyone is a little nervous but determined not to let fear ruin their lives. Well, maybe a little.
Glacier Twins fall just short at Ed Gallo tourney
A pair of late runs spoiled the Twins’ shot at an Ed Gallo tournament trophy on Sunday.
Daines formally submits bill to increase fines for illegal landings
Montana Republican Sen. Steve Daines last week formally introduced legislation in the Senate that would increase the fine for illegally landing a helicopter and other aircraft in designated wilderness to $20,000.
County reaps $3 million in payments in lieu of taxes
Flathead County will receive just over $3 million this year from the federal government under a long-running program that compensates local governments for nontaxable federal land.
Coronavirus cases continue upward trend; Boys and Girls club reopens
Coronavirus cases in the state and Flathead County continue to rise and the Blackfeet Tribe announced a mandatory stay-at-home order for 14 days that started June 27.
Columbia Falls man part of Badger-Two Med conservation
Since 1985, the Badger-Two Medicine Alliance has been working to preserve one of the wildest patches of land in the West.
Open burning over for summer
County and state officials remind people that spring open burning season ended June 30.
LeRoy (Roy) Henry Ryan
On Tuesday, March 24, 2020, LeRoy (Roy) Henry Ryan loving husband and father passed away at age 82.
Bradshaw reflects on rewarding, but challenging career
After a 44-year career in education, School District 6 Superintendent Steve Bradshaw is retiring.
Historic Hungry Horse lodge has new name, new owners
The former Crooked Tree Motel in Hungry Horse has a new name and new owners. Today it is Beargrass Lodging and RV Resort. The new owners are Duane and Donna Byrd.
Make fair entries online
The 2020 Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo is now accepting online entries for 4-H, FFA and Open Class competitions. The annual event is scheduled for Aug. 19 to 23 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell.
Man charged for allegedly ripping out 10 commandments monument in Kalispell
A Columbia Falls man was arrested after he reportedly toppled a Ten Commandments monument located on the southwest side of the historic Flathead County Courthouse in Kalispell.
Columbia Falls man faces charges for violent bike ride with female
A recent late night bicycle ride apparently descended into an assault with a Columbia Falls man facing charges.
Countywide 911 levy gets support from council, but not mayor
The Columbia Falls City Council late last month voted to support a new county 911 levy proposal that could appear on the November ballot.
Yesterdays: Roll up those pants for a picture
70 years ago
Harold Jerome “Jerry” Puglia
Harold Jerome “Jerry” Puglia, 66, of Hungry Horse, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 21, 2020 in his home of 15 years after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was the fifth born blessing on Mother’s Day, May 10, 1953, in Highland Park, Michigan to James William and Eleanor Marie Puglia.
Daniel “Dan” Douglas McDonald
On the evening of June 10th, 2020 Daniel “Dan” Douglas McDonald fell asleep peacefully in his room at Missouri River Medical Center and woke up surrounded by his family in heaven.
