Ellington

Glacier National Park's Sun Road ticketed entry system opens with bumps in the road

Glacier National Park’s ticketed entry system for the Going-to-the-Sun Road went live at 8 a.m. Thursday morning and there were bumps in the road.

Swank awarded contract to build new Glacier Gateway School

The Columbia Falls School District 6 board Thursday approved a $21.970 million contract with Swank Construction to build the new Glacier Gateway Elementary School. The second lowest bid was $26.446 million from Sampson Construction of Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Forest releases EA on Lake Five logging and thinning project

The Flathead National Forest last week released an environmental assessment for a logging and thinning project in the woods stretching from Lion Lake to West Glacier.

Grad party could still use some help

The Columbia Falls Class of 2021 graduation committee is still in need of help on a year-end graduation party planned for the Coop.

Maverick Bench named Freedom Bank Hometown Hero

The Kila boy whose battle against aplastic anemia had rallied tens of thousands to his cause last year was honored in Columbia Falls Wednesday as the March recipient of Freedom Bank’s Hometown Hero award.

CFAC makes its case for cleanup plan

The Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. made its case for a slurry wall containment of waste at its defunct Superfund aluminum plant site last week in front of the Columbia Falls city council.

Kats encouraged by play against Polson

“Honestly, that’s the best we’ve played this year,” said senior shortstop Alyssa Blankenship. “We kept our energy the entire game. We knew where we were going every pitch. We played well beginning-to-end and I’m really glad how it turned out. They’re one of the best teams in the state and we really competed, so that was really exciting.”

Byrds fly high in world of freestyle skiing

You might say the Byrd kids are happiest when they’re upside down. Or at least sideways.

Track squads do well at home, on the road

Columbia Falls track and field had a strong finish to a good week of competition after the Wildcats tallied 24 personal records to ring in second place overall finishes for both the girls and boys teams at the Columbia Falls Iceberg Invitational on Saturday.

The Blotter: Kids took a mattress out of a Dumpster and were using it as a trampoline.

A 10-year-old girl was counseled about stealing stuff, including spikes from the railroad tracks.

Slain Columbia Falls Marshals recognized in ceremony

Neitzling was killed on April 19, 1931 attempting to arrest Donald Frazer who was holed up in a cabin in Columbia Falls.

This week's death notices

Sandra Savoy, 67 of Hungry Horse, passed away April 20, 2021 at KRMC. Sandra is survived by her daughter Shannon Byron. Sandra will be buried privately in the Woodlawn Cemetery. Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is caring for Sandra’s family.

Diane Olson

Diane Olson passed away April 16, 2021 in Tucson, Arizona

After census, Montana picks up another seat in U.S. House

Montana’s recent population boom will let the state regain the second U.S. House seat it lost nearly 30 years ago, according to U.S. Census Bureau figures released Monday.

Visionary developer loved the Lake City

Duane B. Hagadone, a private but devoted family man and an icon of publishing, real estate and hospitality, died Saturday at his winter home in Palm Desert at the age of 88.

In response to development, family plants a forest

On the hillside above the Rogers ranch in rural Columbia Falls, a developer was busy sawing down trees and hauling out timber for a new subdivision. In a pasture below, a family and friends were planting a new forest.

Forest Service considering 19 ‘special use’ permits for various tours

The Flathead National Forest is accepting public comment on 19 different recreation events and temporary outfitting and guiding activities that are expected to take place on public lands this year.

Legals for April, 28 2021

Time changed for Sun Road ticket opener from 6 a.m. Mountain Time to 8 a.m. Mountain Time, April 29

Glacier National Park has changed the time that tickets for the Going-to-the-Sun Road entry will go live. The time is now 8 a.m. Mountain Time April 29.

Weekend road update: Park plows about 4 miles from Logan Pass

But it's expected to be rainy and snowy in Glacier this weekend

Yesterdays: Three wolves were transplanted from Dixon to the Ole Creek drainage in Glacier National Park

The Forest Service announced changes to the way it was doing logging up the North Fork. In Big Creek, a 19.1 million board feet sale covering about 1,727 acres was to be let soon. Only 33 acres of it was a clearcut, the newspaper reported.

Opinion: Public enemy No. 1, the black bear cub?

I figured wolves would be squarely in the sights of the Republican-controlled state legislature this year — and they were. If everything holds true, hunters will be able to spotlight wolves at night on private lands, use snares to trap them and even use bait.

About Milk

Milk was invented so we could have strong bones as well as Tom and Jerries, but too many of us take milk for granted.

David Emmet Gibbons

David Emmet Gibbons passed peacefully from this earth on March 22, 2021, at his home in Rochester, Washington.

Track squads win Libby Invitational

Columbia Falls track and field had a great week with a second place finish at the Flathead Invite triangular on Tuesday and a first place overall at the Libby Invite on Saturday.

The Blotter: Bad acid trip

A naked woman tripping on acid with a bruise on her face reported her boyfriend was abusing her; upon further investigation, she may have gotten the bruise by walking through a screen door.

Lessons from a garden in the cafeteria

Columbia Falls senior Jesse Rusche is learning more about plants than she could have imagined.

Planning board OK’s Lake Five docks, controversy continues

The Flathead County Planning Board on Wednesday recommended the county approve a controversial boat dock on Lake Five. Susan Dietz is seeking a permit to install a floating dock, a boat lift, a stairway and a swim platform off one of two 11.5-acre parcels that make up the Whistlestop Retreat on the west shore of Lake Five.

Protesters claim mask mandate unconstitutional, but ruling says otherwise

Students parents and other members of the public held a protest in front of the Columbia Falls High School Friday afternoon, claiming that wearing masks to guard against coronavirus in schools should be optional.

Protesters claim mask mandate unconstitutional, but ruling says otherwise

Students parents and other members of the public held a protest in front of the Columbia Falls High School Friday afternoon, claiming that wearing masks to guard against coronavirus in schools should be optional.

Highway 2 Construction will start soon

The Montana Department of Transportation outlined its plans for significant roadwork on U.S. Highway 2 from Hungry Horse to Stanton Creek that will start in early May and run through November.

Gary Raymond Allen

Gary Raymond Allen, a long time resident of Montana, passed away on April 9, 2021 in Colville, Washington. Gary was born on April 14, 1935 to Frank Harry and Leona (Nevell) Allen in Kalispell,.

Softball sees a couple slip away as they go 1-2 on the week

Wildcat softball went 1-2 in a week that began on a high note with a 13-3 sweep against Eureka on Tuesday before suffering two close losses against Ronan on Thursday and Stevensville on Saturday.

Tennis squads have an up and down week, boys drop Polson

Columbia Falls tennis saw a full week of play with double headers on Tuesday and Saturday bookending a home dual against Polson on Thursday.

The Good Ol’ Boys say Good-bye

Hats. Two-thousand, five-hundred give or take.

Legislature OK’s spring black bear hunting with hounds; Concerted effort against wolves is also in several bills

The Montana State Legislature last week passed a bill that would allow hound hunting of black bears in the spring, with no assurances that grizzly bears and cubs will somehow be protected or that hound hunters won’t get mauled by grizzly bears, which will fight hounds.

Clifford Caldwell

Born in Helena on Nov. 19, 1944, Cliff was raised in Fort Shaw and graduated from Simms high school. He spent his time there working at the family gas station and listening to the baseball broadcasts that cemented his love of the Yankees and Mickey Mantle. He loved sports, basketball in particular, and was proud to help lead his team on some memorable state tournament runs.

Columbia Falls Arbor Day coming up soon

Join the Columbia Falls Tree Board as it celebrates the city’s 13th year as a designated Tree City USA community with a post-Arbor Day tree planting at Hoerner Park, located at the corner of 12 St W and 8th Ave W just north of the high school at 12 p.m. on Friday, May 7.

Weekend road update: Plows near Haystack Creek; Camas and Quarter Circle Bridge Road now open to vehicles

More roads have opened in Glacier National Park to motor vehicles for the season. The Camas Road and the Quarter Circle Bridge Road are now open.

Columbia Falls man faces charges after allegedly threatening to drown infant

A Columbia Falls man is behind bars after he allegedly threatened the life of his infant daughter.

Patricia (Pat) Ann Shelley Chubb

Patricia (Pat) Ann Shelley Chubb, 83, earned her angel wings on April 8, 2021. She had her four daughters at her side, who were her caregivers. She was born Sept. 8, 1937 in Kalispell to Herbert and Ruth (Williams) Shelley.

Joanne (Boisen) McLaughlin

Joanne (Boisen) McLaughlin, 85, passed away peacefully March 24, 2021 in Kalispell. She was born in Kalispell and raised in Patrick Creek and Columbia Falls.

Five candidates to square off for two seats on School District 6 board

Five candidates are seeking two seats on the School District 6 board of trustees this spring election. Ballots were mailed out on April 14 to all registered voters in the district. The ballots will be counted on May 4.

Shaun G. Jacobi, 48

Shaun G. Jacobi, 48, of Whitefish, suddenly passed away April 3, 2021.

Track teams do well in first meet of season

Columbia Falls track and field athletes had a good showing at the season opener time-trial triangular meet between the Wildcats, Eureka and AA Glacier at the Wolfpack’s field in Kalispell last Tuesday.

Class of 2021 planning party

The Columbia Falls Class of 2021 committee is seeking donations and prizes for a senior party at the Coop.

North Fork planning

The Land Use Advisory Committee and the text amendment subcommittee have been busier than one-armed paper hangers all winter. They have studied the existing conditional uses and permitted uses and consulted with the Flathead County Planning Office.

Tennis snowed out at home, edged by Dillon in Polson

Columbia Falls tennis got off to a fitful start when what was supposed to be the season opener against Whitefish was moved from court to court in an attempt to dodge inclement weather without success Thursday afternoon.

Mitchell updates on session

In Helena, there are two things on everyone’s mind: the budget and implementation of I-190 which legalized recreational marijuana.

Proposed Bad Rock Wildlife Management Area tours coming up

The Flathead Land Trust will have walking tours of the proposed Bad Rock Canyon Wildlife Management area on April 29 and May 1.

Grants help fire department with units

A host of local grants have helped the the Columbia Falls Fire Department purchase 21 new self-contained breathing units.

Yesterdays: Avalanche in Avalanche Creek

Avalanche in Avalanche Creek

Bunker Park cabin proposal put on hold for now

A proposal from Flathead National Forest to develop a small network of rental cabins at Bunker Park has been temporarily placed on hold after the project drew more than 250 comments from the public.

Clean Columbia Falls event is on Saturday

The annual “Clean the Falls” event is back on this Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon with breakfast provided by Glacier Bank.

Catchy quotes

A Classic G. George Ostrom column from 1992, talking about Elmer Searle, a longtime hiking companion and member of the Over the Hill Gang.

Barnhart says he’ll seek another term as mayor

Columbia Falls Mayor Don Barnhart announced last week he would seek another term in office. Barnhart has been mayor for the past 11 years and was a city councilman for seven years before that.

Flathead Electric Co-op announces election results

Results from the Flathead Electric Co-op election have been announced.

Federal grant gives Twelfth Avenue project a big boost

The city of Columbia Falls received some good news on Thursday for its 12th Avenue West project. The federal Economic Development Administration announced a $633,146 grant to the city, which will be used to upgrade the road and city water and sewer services to the Cedar Palace Medical Center.

Montana Veterans’ Home will see Covid relief funding

A Covid-19 relief package that was passed in the waning days of the Trump Administration will mean about  $403,000 in funding for the Montana Veterans’ Home in Columbia Falls.

Glacier Park adds more clarity to Sun Road ticket system

Glacier National Park has added greater clarity to its upcoming ticketed entry system for the Going-to-the-Sun Road this summer.

Luke Douglas Chapman

Luke Douglas Chapman, 64, of Whitefish, passed away April 9, 2021 at his home.  Luke is survived by his daughter Jessie Chapman.  No services are scheduled at this time.  Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is caring for Luke’s family.

Kats drop Libby at home

Columbia Falls softball got its first conference win last week, but had a tougher time against AA Kalispell Glacier. A game against Hamilton Saturday was called due to snow.

County OK’s work camps for West Glacier region employers

A text amendment request to add “Work Camp” as a type of land use requiring a Minor Land Use permit under the Canyon Area Land Use Regulatory System was adopted after Flathead County Commissioners unanimously approved the resolution at a public hearing Tuesday last week.

Whitefish Mountain Resort had another big year

An inch of spring snow landed on Big Mountain over the weekend to close out the 2020-21 ski season at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Montana infrastructure gets a ‘C’ grade in federal report

Montana has 377 bridges and more than 1,485 miles of highway in poor condition, and 1 in 4 of the state’s public transit vehicles is ready for the scrapyard, according to a new “infrastructure report card” from the Biden White House.

Legals for April, 14 2021

School board approves junior high soccer program

The Columbia Falls School District 6 Board Monday night approved boys and girls junior high soccer — a move that may be the first in the state.

Glacier Park plows beyond the Loop

Glacier National Park plow crews were working beyond Crystal Point on Friday, which is about a mile beyond the Loop on the road’s west side, park officials said.

Opinion: Hooked on Fishing?

You know, because learning how to actually cast or be patient is just too damn hard for kids nowadays. Why with a drone, you could scout the water real quick, drop your line and haul your catch back in just minutes.

Whitefish man builds the home of the future

Focusing on the goal of generating enough electricity for his electrically- heated home and to charge an electric car, Lee Calhoun put a lot of attention to detail in the construction of his home and added solar panels to the roof. He expected to meet his goal during the summer, but then in the first 10 days of March the solar panels began generating more energy than he was consuming.

CFAC completes cleanup of ponds near river

Crews from Sandy Construction removed the first foot of soil from the ponds this fall when they were dry this fall and the dirt was hauled up the CFAC site and stored for burial in a landfill.

The Blotter: T-bone on Nucleus

A man who stumbled out of his car after swerving across lanes, bumping into curbs and running into a dead deer lying in the road was charged with a DUI.

Crossfit is good for downtown

They lent thousands of dollars of equipment (their investment, their business) to their athletes with a simple contract that we would return their belongings when we could all return to the gym. They did this, not because their goal is profits, but because their commitment is to keeping our community together and on a path to wellness.

Attack on voting

The Republicans throughout the country are proposing a cure for a disease that in reality does not exist. It is a result of the mis/disinformation of the Big Lie. if I may quote a recent letter to the editor: a lie repeated often enough becomes reality. The disease is not voting fraud. The disease is the Big Lie, racism, placate Republicans who are upset about the outcome of the 2020 elections (whether or not they believe in “stolen election” conspiracies), and the pursuit of power at all costs.

Thoughts on commercial use

In Columbia Falls the grass is greening up and at Trail Creek the snow is melting and we have patches of mud. Soon the creeks will rise and turn muddy and mosquitoes will start whining as they search for fresh blood. The North Fork Road is actually very rough but it is open. Since the road is almost always open, there are now more yearround residents than ever before. There are also more landowners like me who winter in the Flathead Valley but are able to visit the North Fork for a day or a weekend.

Stan Stephens, former governor, dies

After deciding not to seek a second term to health concerns, Stephens retired to Kalispell with his wife, according to his official biography.

Is a Lake McDonald cabin in your future?

Glacier looks for folks willing to fix them up, but there’s a catch: No VRBOs

Derek McClellend

Derek McClellend, 28, died on March 29, 2021 at his home in Columbia Falls.

Beatrice Marion Hobbs Bott

Beatrice Marion Hobbs Bott, 91, joined her husband, Edward Bott in heaven on Dec.16, 2020.

Carl Nelson Sr.

Carl was born Nov. 14 1954 to John and Louise Nelson in Havre. He is survived by his wife Cheryl Nelson and their two children Carl Nelson Jr and Janette Nelson; three grandchildren Austin, Jayden and Alexis Nelson.

A. Irene Knutson Barnhart

Our beloved mother and grandmother, Irene, passed into the loving hands of the Lord on March 30, 2021 at the age of 94. She passed peacefully in her sleep at the Montana Veterans’ Home. Irene was born in Hannaford, North Dakota on May 6, 1926, into the family of Stark and Serina Knutson, immigrants from Norway.

Caroline Wilson

Caroline Wilson, 82, passed away due to natural causes on Thursday, April 1, 2021, at the Northern Montana Care Center in Havre. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 8, 2021, at Van Orsdel United Methodist Church with Pastor Jack Mattingly officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery.

Man faces charges after stabbing in Columbia Falls bar

A Columbia Falls man is facing a felony charge after he allegedly stabbed another man during a bar fight recently.

Wildkats lose a squeaker to Blue Ponies

The Columbia Falls girls softball team dropped a game to nonconference Havre Saturday, 5-4, in eight innings at home.

FWP Commissioner suggests drones a good way to get kids hooked on fishing

“We didn’t do this half assed,” he said. “Staff did a ton of work on this.”

Theodore “Ted” Seim

Ted graduated from Michigan Tech. He and his wife were avid travelers and enjoyed the beauty of God’s creations. After retiring from Aramco they moved to Coram in 2000.

Legals for April, 7 2021

FWP commission approves ban on motorized watercraft on Tepee Lake

The Montana Fish Wildlife Parks Commission Thursday in an unanimous vote approved a ban on motorized watercraft on Tepee Lake up the North Fork.