Ellington

Columbia Falls Class of 2020 Senior Cruise, in pictures...

State working with Glacier National Park on phased reopening in mid-June

Gov. Steve Bullock said Thursday the state is working with Glacier National Park on a phased reopening for the second week of June.

Pursuit announces Glacier Park lodge openings; seems to suggest Park will be open by June 15

Pursuit has announced it will be gradually reopening its lodges and properties in the Glacier National Park region beginning June 1. A press release issued by the company also seems to indicate that it expects Glacier Park to be open by June 15, which is the date it said it expects to reopen Motel Lake McDonald, which is inside the park boundary.

Forest Service investigating helicopter incident in Bob Marshall Wilderness

Two horsemen on a recent trip into the Bob Marshall Wilderness said they found something they never expected: A couple fishing on a sandbar of the South Fork of the Flathead after allegedly landing a helicopter there.

Wilderness Foundation looking for Montana volunteers

Officials with the nonprofit organization that spearheads trail maintenance in the sprawling Bob Marshall Wilderness have made several adjustments to its upcoming summer projects and usual volunteer workforce as concerns linger surrounding the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Man who raped teen is now back in jail

A former Columbia Falls man who raped a teenage girl while she slept is accused of violating his probation and is back in jail.

County commissioners boost elected officials pay by 3 percent

The Flathead County commissioners unanimously voted to increase salaries of elected officials at the commissioners meeting last week.

Grizzlies more concerning than a flood

It happens every year, but while still possible, a flood is by no means certain, maybe not even likely. Historically highest river levels occur in June, usually after the 6th. This first little push of runoff clears the low hills and much of the Whitefish Divide. The bulk of runoff is still in the high mountains and will come down in the next couple of weeks. Somewhat troubling is the weather forecast calling for 90 degree weather later this week — in the valley.

Chambers ask that Glacier Park reopen June 1

The Associated Chambers of the Flathead Valley are asking Gov. Steve Bullock, the National Park Service and Montana’s congressional delegation to reopen Glacier National Park on June 1.

City plans to open its pool, but logistics are still a concern

The City of Columbia Falls plans on opening the Pinewood Park pool this summer, though there will likely be some changes to ensure at least some social distancing at the facility due to coronavirus.

The Blotter: Lost malamute eats some cookies

Monday, May 18

Coach who led stellar Wildcat speech and debate run, retires

After a long and distinguished career, Columbia Falls High Schools speech and debate coach Tara Norick has announced her retirement.

Polebridge Mercantile gets TLC most will never see

The iconic Polebridge Mercantile has undergone some major renovations over the past few years, though the average visitors would be hard pressed to notice the changes.

Irene C. Christenson Irene C. Christenson

Irene C. Christenson, 95, passed away on May 18, 2020.

Robert Paul Fisher

Robert Paul Fisher passed away on April 29, 2020, at his family home. He spent his last hours in the midst of four generations of family. He was born Dec. 14, 1948, to Ray and Dorothy Fisher, joining his siblings Peggy, Marvin, and Patsy at their home in Coram.

Yesterdays: Levi’s were $3.45 a pair at the Toggery, and other tales

70 years ago

Pat McVay, noted hunter and educator, dies at 100

Pat McVay, the man who was instrumental in starting the state’s hunter safety program, died peacefully at his rural Columbia Falls home May 18.

Bleed Blue Senior Cruise is Friday night

There will be a bleed blue senior cruise from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 29, to commemorate the senior class of 2020. Organized by the Columbia Falls Class of 2020 parents’ committee, the cruise will gather at the Big Sky Waterslides parking lot at 5:30 p.m. Seniors that need help decorating their rigs should come at 5 p.m.

Unemployment skyrockets in April, though workers are now returning to jobs as state reopens

Montana’s unemployment rate soared to 11.3% in April due to impacts created by the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Steve Bullock’s office reported Friday. That’s an increase of 7.7% over March.

Columbia Falls man gets federal prison time on gun charges

A Columbia Falls man who was on state probation for drugs and other charges was sentenced Thursday to two years in federal prison and three years of supervised release for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.

Trails plan calls for moratorium of new county-maintained paths

Flathead County Commissioners last week approved an addendum to the county’s 2010 trails plan that recommends a moratorium on any new trails while the county examines ways to pay for maintaining the trails it has.

Dorothy Quick, 101

Dorothy Quick passed away in the early morning hours of April 30, 2020. Dorothy Edith Brown was born in Butte on Aug. 15, 1918 to Robert C. Brown and Olive M. Fitze Brown. She grew up in north Walkerville and made childhood friendships with several other girls that lasted until the others passed away well into their 90s.

Memorial Day events

The Columbia Falls American Legion Freedom Post 72 will hold its annual Memorial Day march from the Nite Owl parking lot to the Flathead River Bridge to lay a wreath for the buried at sea at 11 a.m. There will then be a service at the veterans wall at Marantette Park, with guidelines followed by the health department due to coronavirus.

Germs and Grizzlies

So last week I called up the county commissioner’s office to get the login and password for the Thursday meeting.

Should the North Fork have a July 4 parade?

The coronavirus seems to go on and on, disrupting normal routine even though there are no North Fork victims and only a few in Flathead County. Even so, lots of things are changed and most of us continue to be at least somewhat careful. But not everyone.

Endorses Glimm

Three good men are running for the Senate District 2 seat that I have had the privilege to serve for the last eight years. Rep. Carl Glimm, a conservative family man and small business owner is one of them.

Food bank thanks

We would like to thank everyone for their donations, both cash and food during this trying time. The outpouring of love and concern for others has been truly inspiring!

Coach Clark making his mark as a soccer writer

Since first lining up as a goalkeeper for Whitefish High School years ago, Thomas Clark’s life has been all soccer, all the time.

The Blotter: Chicken killing dog

Monday, May 11

Commissioners table scenic corridor sign regulations

Flathead County Commissioners last week unanimously voted to table changes to sign regulations in the scenic corridor, citing concerns about the public’s ability to comment on the changes.

County faces lawsuit over Lake Five permit

A group of individuals have filed suit against Flathead County over a resort county commissioners approved earlier this year on Lake Five, a picturesque lake near Glacier National Park.

Yesterdays: Dust from St. Helens forces shutdown

70 years ago

First Glacier Park cabin installed, Camas entrance up next

Slowly, but surely, a new cabin for Glacier National Park rolled out of the shop at the Columbia Falls High School last week. The cabin will be used to house employees at the Polebridge Ranger Station and represented the work of 16 students in the school’s building trades program.

Jean Marie Ringo-McDonald

Jean Marie Ringo-McDonald left her earthly home to be reunited with her heavenly family late Sunday, May the 3rd, 2020. Her last moments were spent in the loving care of Peace Hospice surrounded by her family.

Copperforge Underground awarded field work

A relative newcomer to the world of heavy construction in the Flathead Valley was awarded a contract to construct new soccer and other fields between Ruder Elementary School and the junior high school.

Locals graduate from colleges

The following local students have recently graduated from their respective colleges:

Montana will lift quarantine for out-of-staters June 1, opening state to tourists

By HEIDI DESCH

Protesters picket controversial burger joint; say more are planned

A group of protesters gathered in front of MudMan Burgers in Columbia Falls on Sunday to rally against the restaurant’s relaunch. The group held up signs with various messages including “Workers Drug Thru Mud,” “Never Fund a Cult” and “Forced Labor = Slavery.”

Soaking rain expected Tuesday into Wednesday, though minimal flooding predicted at this point

The National Weather Service is predicting the Flathead Valley should receive about 1 to 1.5 inches of rain Tuesday into Wednesday, but some higher elevation areas could see 3 inches of rain, as a large low pressure system comes in off the coast.

Drunk driver who slammed into house, killing sleeping teen, gets prison time

A Flathead Valley man who drove drunk and killed a 15-year-old Evergreen girl last spring while she slept in her bedroom received a lengthy prison sentence Wednesday in Flathead County District Court.

Yellowstone National Park announces phased reopening starting May 18

Yellowstone National Park has announced it will reopen two of its Wyoming entrances May 18 and will allow partial day use only inside the park. Gov. Steve Bullock said that Montana entrances will not open until June 1 at the earliest, due to coronavirus concerns.

Gassed

My friend Paranoid Pete has one of those kegerators in his basement.

Columbia Falls graduation plans set

Columbia Falls High School will recognize graduates this year with a ceremony at the football fields. Due to coronavirus concerns, each graduate will get tickets for six family members.

A backlog of haircuts, and other tales

Columbia Falls area businesses are reacting in different ways now that they can reopen under Gov. Steve Bullock’s guidelines.

Bullock says state secured more coronavirus tests

Gov. Steve Bullock announced Monday he secured 19,500 swabs and 9,000 coronavirus transport medium from the federal government.

Twins will continue to play, despite national withdrawal

While the American Legion announced Sunday it was withdrawing all sponsorship for Legion baseball in 2020, the Glacier Twins are set to play on anyway.

More thoughts on permits

Having a cluster of special permit requests to the Forest Service certainly created a firestorm of comments from North Fork landowners. Like my neighbors I oppose any more permits for commercial activity on the North Fork.

Nicosia quietly resigns from county health board

Flathead County Board of Health member Michael Nicosia of Columbia Falls recently stepped down from his board position, citing concerns related to Dr. Annie Bukacek, a Kalispell physician whose appointment to the health board in December has generated widespread controversy and recently caught the attention of the national media.

The Blotter: Loose dogs rile neighbor

Monday, May 4

Columbia Falls man allegedly sold meth so he could go on a trip

A 73-year-old Columbia Falls man is facing charges of selling methamphetamine.

Flathead National Forest, other forests, opening up campgrounds, cabins

The Flathead National Forest and other national forests across the state have begun reopening campgrounds and other facilities.

On fishing

A Classic G. George Ostrom column from 1973.

Columbia Falls native accepted to Harvard Medical School

Derrick Williams set school records in track and field and was the class president when he attended Columbia Falls High School eight years ago. For Colorado State University-Peublo he was an all-American runner and in 2018, the Rocky Mountain Athletic Association’s Academic Indoor and Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year. Toward the end of his college career, he specialized in the steeplechase.

Yesterdays: A giant wrecking ball clears the forest

70 years ago

County looks to tweak sign regs in scenic corridor

Flathead County is taking another stab at signage regulations in the scenic corridor of area highways.

Of Art and Cake

I received a call from Hungry Horse artist Nick Oberling last week. He lamented that Glacier wasn’t open to local folks, while also understanding why it’s closed.

Gyms, theaters can reopen May 15 at 50% capacity

Gyms and fitness studios, movie theaters and museums have the option to reopen beginning Friday, May 15, Gov. Steve Bullock announced Thursday.

Summit Station Lodge looks to add rental cabins, requires zone change

The owner of the Summit Station Lodge near Marias Pass is seeking a zoning change that would allow him to build five rental cabins on one-acre lots on the property.

Health nurse: ‘There’s a whole bunch of us that are not immune to this yet’

Flathead County currently has no active confirmed cases of COVID-19 and the total number of cases has been holding steady for about three weeks, but the Flathead City-County Health Officer is still urging caution.

Need rent help? Businesses help? State rolling out coronavirus grant program

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock Tuesday announced the state was setting up a massive program to help businesses, individuals and the farm industry to deal with the coronavirus crisis in the state.

The blotter: He didn’t crash his bike, he was just resting

Tuesday, April 28

Two grizzlies killed, others moved from Columbia Falls

Two grizzly bears were killed earlier last week after the bears became food conditioned from accessing bird feeders, unsecured chicken feed and other sources near residences north of Columbia Falls.

Incumbents hold seats on School District 6 board

Incumbents held their seats in the School District 6 trustee election.

Columbia Falls to Columbia Heights bike path on tap this summer

A new separate bike and pedestrian path is planned from the U.S. Highway 2 bridge east of Columbia Falls to Columbia Heights.

Brunz Kennel request on tap

The Columbia Falls City-County planning board will take up a request by Will and Andrea Brunz for a dog kennel business on a tract of land at 443 Rogers Road at its May 12 meeting.

Of Art and Cake

I received a call from Hungry Horse artist Nick Oberling last week. He lamented that Glacier wasn’t open to local folks, while also understanding why it’s closed.

Donations give food bank, backpack program, a big boost

The Columbia Falls Food Bank and the Backpack program for local kids both recently benefited from donations.

Columbia Falls Community Market returns May 14, but no beer, crafts

The Columbia Falls Community Market will continue this summer at The Coop, O’Brien Byrd said last week.

Economy, particularly in Northwest Montana, will take a big hit

The state’s economy has been rattled by the coronavirus outbreak, and it’s going to take some time to recover.

Park plows working at Haystack Creek

Glacier National Park plow crews were expected to make it into the Haystack Creek area of the Going-to-the-Sun Road this week.

Gas prices, how low will they go? Bottom may be close

If there was a silver lining to the coronavirus crisis it would be gas prices. Gas prices are the lowest they’ve been since 2004, according to Department of Energy statistics.

Columbia Falls woman killed in rollover

A Columbia Falls woman was killed in a rollover accident on Highway 83 near Condon May 1.

Opposes permits

I am really tired of writing about the coronavirus, but I did not expect the U.S. Forest Service to step in with a big controversy, all in the last two days.

Relief fund set up for local musicians

The closures caused by the coronavirus have been hard for everyone — restaurants, salons, teachers and more.

Gubernatorial candidates square off in debate

By ANDREA PEACOCK

Problems with permits, too

On behalf of the North Fork Preservation Association, and seemingly more than a few North Fork residents, our comments on the recently proposed Special Use Permits for Recreational Events and Guiding have been submitted to Forest Service officials by the scant May 1st deadline.

Big plane will fly over Wednesday morning

The Montana National Guard will be conducting flyovers in 21 cities around the state on Wednesday, May 6 as a tribute to first responders supporting the fight against COVID-19.

Federal court orders Glacier National Park, 22 other parks, to come up with formal air tour management plans

A federal appeals court has ordered Glacier National Park along with 22 other national parks to come up with an air tour management plan with the federal Aviation Administration within two years.

Crews start drilling in Canyon, but project is years away

While crews are drilling in the Bad Rock Canyon, any plans for actually widening the road are years out, Bob Vosen district administrator for the Montana Department of Transportation said earlier this week.