Community news

Turkey trot

Columbia Falls High School junior Julia Martin has organized a 5K turkey trot run/walk to benefit the North Valley Food Bank. The virtual race is free, but a donation to the Food Bank is appreciated. To socially distance, participants can run a pre-designated route at any time on Nov. 26. For more information or to sign up, visit https://sites.google.com/view/cfalls-turkey-trot/home.

Scout news

Eleven Scouts and two adult volunteer leaders were awarded the Medal of Merit during a National Court of Honor in Bigfork last month.

Created in 1945, the Medal of Merit may be awarded to a youth member or adult leader who has performed an act of service of a rare or exceptional character that reflects an uncommon degree of concern for the wellbeing of others. The action must put into practice scouting skills and ideals. Of the total population of youth and adults in BSA programs over the years, less than 1 percent have been recognized with this medal. When the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in early 2020, the United States quickly recognized that there were shortages of personal protective equipment. Among those who volunteered their time, energy and materials were 13 Scouts and adult volunteers from four Troops and one Cub Scout Pack of the Northwest District. Columbia Falls Medal of Merit recipients included Kaylee King, Kyler King, Sophie Nadasi, Elaine Reed, Trey Rice, Lauren Rogers, Boon Shanks, Kira Shanks.

The scouts made thousands of masks for the medical and general community.