Ellington

Maryann Taylor Rhine

Maryann Taylor Rhine, 74, passed away at Logan Health Care on Aug. 12, 2021 from Covid-19 complications.

Ann Catherine ‘Cate’ Turner-Jamison, 58

When Ann Catherine Turner-Jamison was in elementary school, all skinny legs and long red hair, she was given one of those aptitude tests – you know, the ones intended to help the grown-ups figure out what you like and where you’ll excel. It had long columns of questions, and rows of ovals to fill in from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree.”

Golf team has great numbers

The Columbia Falls golf team has some of the best numbers in years under new head coach Josiah Osborne.

Girls cross country has title hopes, again

The Columbia Falls cross country teams should be solid again this year, particularly the girls squad, which took second last year at the state meet.

Kats super solid, again

The Lady Wildcat soccer squad has high expectations again this year, coming off a season where the Columbia Falls girls made it into the semifinals of the state A playoffs.

Gridders open season at home against Stevi on Friday

The Columbia Falls football team should be a solid squad of seasoned players and talented youth this year. Coach Jaxon Schweikert said there’s 35 players on the roster that will all see playing time.

Franklin J. Lundstrom

Franklin J. Lundstrom, 76, went to be with his Lord and Savior Aug. 11, 2021. “Frank” was born in Malta, Montana to Frank Lundstrom and Evelyn Snider Lundstrom.

Bikers do well at Last Best Ride mountain bike race

Several Columbia Falls racers did well at the inaugural “Last Best Ride” Mountain bike race in Whitefish and the Whitefish Range over the weekend.

Boys soccer looks to make it back to championship

The Columbia Falls boys soccer team has high expectations for the program this year, after taking second in the state A championship last year to rival Whitefish. Last year they were a very young squad — the youngest starting 11 in the entire state, noted coach O’Brien Byrd.

More housing planned for Diane Road

The Columbia Falls City County planning board will look at another multi-plex housing unit project proposed for Diane Road.

Fire restrictions lifted across most of Flathead Valley

Stage II fire restrictions have been lifted across the region as wetter and cooler weather has become entrenched in the Flathead.

City looks to reduce mill levy significantly, but taxes might still go up

The City of Columbia Falls 2021-22 budget could mean a slight tax decrease for some folks and slight increase for others, depending on how their properties were assessed in the latest revaluation.

Landowner claims city should close Kreck Red Bridge Park

The city of Columbia Falls and a local landowner are at odds over the Kreck Red Bridge Park.

Columbia Falls area folks do well at fair

Local winners at the Northwest Montana Fair. Results are what was made available at presstime.

Alleged car thief leads police on chase from Columbia Falls to Browning

A Browning man is in custody after he allegedly stole a car in Columbia Falls and led police on a chase across the valley to Browning before he was eventually stopped on a gravel road off Highway 89.

The Blotter: Dogs attack goats at garden

Man claimed he was victim of a loan scam. Reckless driver reported heading into town on Highway 2. Dog bit a person on Diane Road. Possible fight on 13th Street.

A grizzly attack on Mount Penrose

Editor’s note: The following is an excerpt from author’s John Fraley’s book “Wild River Pioneers” recently re-released by Farcountry Press. The Hungry Horse News will begin running a series of enthralling tales of the early days of the Flathead Valley by Fraley.

FWP commision approves more liberal wolf hunting, trapping regs

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approved several new wolf hunting and trapping regulations last week.

Martha Road resident claims lines aren’t working; data says otherwise

A Martha Road resident remains unconvinced that stripes the city recently painted on the street are slowing traffic. Ken Jarboe implored the city council last week to install speed bumps on the road, after showing council video taken from his doorbell camera.

Yesterdays: Whitefish banker falls off Mount Siyeh in Glacier National Park

Whitefish banker Gordon Ochenrider was killed descending Mount Siyeh in Glacier National Park. He apparently fell off a cliff on the southwest slope of the mountain. He was on trial on federal charges of money laundering, but park officials found no signs of foul play in the incident.

Man faces numerous charges after shooting incident Saturday outside of Dam Town Tavern

A Hungry Horse man faces numerous charges after he allegedly shot a handgun at the Dam Town Tavern about 12:30 a.m. Saturday morning.

Put city vision first

Within the next few months, Columbia Falls City Council will hear the first draft of the transportation plan that will guide development in and around the city for the next 20 year. This plan will be long term and all encompassing, affecting everything from new roads and bridges, to bike paths and sidewalks, to public transportation options.

Deloras Peters

Deloras Peters, 86, was called home to her Heavenly Father on Aug. 10, 2021.

Curtis J. Wellington

Curtis J. Wellington, 55, of Whitefish passed away on Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021.

Yesterdays: Man dies skiing on Sperry Glacier

Researchers spotted at least seven wolf pups from the air in Glacier National Park. It was the second successful pack in the park since the Magic Pack of 1986 and 1987. The pups were part of the Camas pack.

She rode out pandemic in Switzerland

They’re health conscious, but they eat a lot of potatoes and cheese. They can drink alcohol in high school, but on class field trips, they’re told not to get drunk and they seem to abide by that.

Welcome rains, an election and thoughts on dust

Nearly an inch of rain and several days of much cooler weather. Even a clear view of Glacier’s peaks and a skiff of snow on the top of Kintla Peak. The combination has not caused the Hay Creek fire to be called controlled but it is certainly boxed in and much less of a threat than a week ago. The Type 2 team is transitioning out and will be replaced by a local Type 3 team. Some heavy equipment is being released but a close eye will be kept on hot spots.

The Blotter: A woman called to say her husband was drunk and being mean to her.

A woman wanted her mom escorted off the premises.

Shirley Jean Young

Shirley Jean Young, 80, of Columbia Falls, passed away Aug. 9, 2021 at her home.

Vera Prichard

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Vera Prichard, 80, of Columbia Falls on Aug. 9, 2021. Vera was surrounded by her family and passed peacefully at her home.

Judy Irene (Rosenberry) Johnson

Judy Irene (Rosenberry) Johnson, 63, of Columbia Falls, left this world suddenly on Aug. 6, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest. She was an incredible and caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, mother-in-law, woman of faith, and friend.

Jack G. Therrien

Jack, 85, passed away at his home on Aug. 11, 2021. Jack was born Aug. 7, 1936 in Conrad to Charles and Dora Therrien.

Thoughts from a ‘non local’

A few weeks ago your paper published a letter to the editor offering “advice” to us non locals about how to behave in Montana. As a “non local” who pays taxes in Montana, in addition to the state of my legal residency, I would like to respond to Ms. Bergs rather narrow views and observations.

Student bloopers

Very few teachers in grade, high, or colleges save their student’s class reports but Richard Lederer began doing that many years ago and maybe he has earned more money from his columns and books than from teaching school. Two books are called “Anguished English.” Several years ago before Lederer got famous, a friend mailed a sample of his stuff. Enjoyed it immensely so when I found some in files this week, decided to share.

Waterton-Glacier officially an International Dark Sky Park

Glacier National Park and its sister to the north, Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada announced last week they had received full certification as an International Dark Sky Park, after meeting the International Dark Sky Association outdoor lighting requirements.

Census: Columbia Falls population tops 5,300

The City of Columbia Falls population went up to 5,308, according to preliminary 2020 census data released last week.

Columbia Falls home damaged in early morning fire; no one injured

Columbia Falls firefighters saved a First Avenue East home from destruction early Wednesday morning. The fire started on a deck outside the home and the occupants were awoken by the windows breaking from the heat.

Legals for August, 18 2021

Public asked to weigh in on proposed Bad Rock Wildlife Management Area

Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks has released an environmental assessment on the proposed purchase of the Bad Rock Canyon Wildlife Management area just east of Columbia Falls along the Flathead River.

Hay Creek Fire management transitions back to local crews

Personnel on the Hay Creek fire will transition back to a local Type III team today. The spike camps at Home Ranch Bottoms and at Cyclone will move out by day’s end.

Columbia Falls School District 6 will keep masks optional

Columbia Falls School District 6 will make masks optional for students as the new school year swings into gear in the coming weeks, superintendent Dave Wick said in a recent letter sent to parents.

Wanted man taken into custody after pursuit on Highway 206

A wanted man is in custody after a police chase and standoff Wednesday morning on Montana 206 near Columbia Falls.

Highway 35 reopens through Boulder 2700 Fire

A stretch of Montana 35 east of Polson was reopened Wednesday to residents previously displaced by the Boulder 2700 Fire.

Melissa Ann (Porter) Kellenbeck

Melissa Ann (Porter) Kellenbeck, 68, passed away at Bee Hive Homes July 26, 2021 after succumbing to her battle with brain cancer. Melissa was born in Belvedere, Illinois Aug. 26, 1952 to Rex and Beverly (Neufer) Porter and was  raised in Rockford, Illinois.

Sandra L. McAllister, 79

In the early evening of July 26, 2021, Sandra (Sandy) L. McAllister passed away quietly in her sleep with her husband Stan at her bedside.

Dandy Meals: Hungry Horse restaurant features vegan dishes, blooming with flavor

“We’re not here to make fake meat,” she said. “We’re here to give an amazing flavor profile to all our dishes.”

City department heads see pay raise

The Columbia Falls city council recently approved its annual salary for top city officials. The chief of police salary is now $100,088 per year, public works director $76,220 per year, fire chief $77,174 per year, city finance director $68,556 per year, city clerk $32.70 per hour and city judge (.8 full time equivalent) $60,389.

Bob Feenan

Bob Feenan, 97, of Whitefish, passed away May 28, 2021.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m., next Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021 at St. Charles Borromeo (Whitefish).

Angeline Regina Allen

Angeline Regina Allen, a longtime resident of Montana, passed away on July 24, 2021, in Colville, Washington.

Robert (Bob) Edward Neitzling

Robert (Bob) Edward Neitzling, 91, of Kalispell passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 5, 2021.

Louise A. Steppe

Louise A. Steppe, 97, of Columbia Falls passed away Tuesday, July 28th.

Fall sports practices start this week

Fall sports kick off this week, with teams scheduled to start practice either Thursday or Friday.

BBQ, Paint the Paws, coming up next week

A host of school related events begin this week and next.

Fair starts next week, get your tickets now

The 2021 Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo opens Aug. 18 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell with a theme of “Montana’s Best Traditions.”  The fair will feature a performance by country star Chris Janson on Aug. 18, three nights of Ram PRCA Rodeo, and a Big Air Bash motorcycle stunt show. Tickets for the concert and all other grandstand events are now available for purchase at the fair office and online at www.nwmtfair.com.

Columbia Falls native pens book on career at Boeing

A Columbia Falls native has penned a fascinating new book on the Boeing company and his career and insights into the company during the 1960s.

City finalizes TIF for medical center

More commercial development could be coming to Columbia Falls. The city completed preparation for it last week by approving an expansion of its urban renewal and tax increment finance district to the Cedar Palace Medical Center and surrounding 23 acres.

Highway 35 still closed due to Boulder 2700 Fire; eight homes lost

The Boulder 2700 Fire on the east shore of Flathead Lake burned more than two dozen structures, including eight homes, officials said last week.

Yesterdays: Harvey Machine Co. in line for federal loan to build aluminum plant

Author and actor Laurence Delaney had moved to Whitefish with his wife and young daughter. He had appeared in TV shows like “Quincy” and “Gunsmoke” and was a successful author, having penned the book, “Blood Red Wine.”

Future Olympian

I don’t know about you, but I’m kind of sad the Olympics are over. It was the sort of mindless television I could absorb, cocktail in hand, before going to bed. In other words, perfect.

North Fork updates

Smoke continues to obscure a clear view of the mountains. I am tired of seeing a red sun during the day and no stars or moon at night.

Habitat for Humanity announces affordable home available in Columbia Falls

Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley will be accepting applications for homeownership for an existing townhome in Columbia Falls, an affordable 0% interest, 30-year mortgage will be provided.

City green lights Meadow Lake Boulevard apartments

Whitefish developer Toby Gilchrist plans to build a 36-unit, two building apartment complex near the intersection of the Truck Route and Meadow Lake Boulevard.

Christian Women to meet

Columbia Falls Women’s Connection will host a luncheon on Wednesday, Aug. 18

River cleanup is Saturday

Flathead Rivers Alliance is seeking volunteers for the 2021 Flathead Waters Cleanup event on Saturday, Aug. 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Just get the vaccine

I received my Covid-19 shots last winter when people were standing in line for them. I’ve been increasingly mystified by the vaccine resistance since then.

The Blotter: Grizzly reported in River's Edge Park

A caller said someone came into her bedroom when she was asleep and stole her medication.

Hay Creek Fire gets its predicted inch of rain

An inch of rain fell on the Hay Creek Fire over the weekend, good new for the North Fork community.

Snow should come to Glacier this weekend. Hay Creek fire could see an inch of rain

The valleys should get rain and the high peaks of Glacier National Park could see a couple of inches of now over the weekend as a cold front drops down out of Canada Saturday night through Sunday into Monday, the National Weather Service is predicting.

Coronavirus cases continue surge in Flathead County

Covid-19 cases in Flathead County continue to surge upward and it now has the dubious distinction of having just under 25% of all active cases in the state.

Avoid the Camas Road

Yes, it is still hot, smoke still hides Glacier’s peaks from view on most days and the Hay Creek Fire continues to skunk around and grow daily. It is now over 2,000 acres but firefighters’ strategy has continued to keep it contained away from private property and the odds of that continuing are better with each passing day.

Louise Steppe

Louise Steppe, 97, passed away on July 28, 2021.

Twins take second at state tourney

The Glacier Twins needed a win to force a second championship game and extend their bid for the State A title on Monday, but couldn’t get any offense going against Gallatin Valley who won the game 10-0.

At 13, young wrestler making her mark

A 13-year-old Columbia Falls girl is making her mark in the youth wrestling circuit as a member of the Ruis Wrestling Academy.

On Martha Road, lines seem to have worked

The lines appear to be working.

Man jailed after spraying wife with bear spray

A Columbia Falls man was taken to jail after he allegedly sprayed his wife in the face with bear spray.

On elk shoulder seasons

In Montana private land elk hunting is moving toward 11 weeks for people who can pay thousands of dollars for trophy bulls, while others are left to hunt cows in deep snows and bitter cold when they’re struggling to survive the winter.

Bait

Reading the police logs every week can either be entertaining or downright depressing, depending on the entries.

Fire in Bob Marshall results in trail closures just south of Danaher Basin

A fire in the Scapegoat and Bob Marshall Wilderness has caused area closures near the Danaher Basin.

The caveats of recreational pot emerging

Officials at the Montana Department of Revenue are already preparing to take over the state’s medical marijuana program, which is currently part of the Department of Public Health and Human Services, and establish a newly legalized adult-use market as outlined in House Bill 701, which was passed by the Legislature in late April and signed by Gov. Greg Gianforte on May 18.

Despite fire, Polebridge Merc remains open

While the Hay Creek Fire grumbles to the northwest, Polebridge Mercantile owner Will Hammerquist reminds folks that the store and its bakery are still open for business until an evacuation order is issued.

Gun Range Fire was a close call as firefighters kept busy Sunday

A wildfire up the North Fork that started near the North Valley Sportsmen Gun Range Sunday afternoon was a very close call, Columbia Falls Fire Chief Karl Weeks said. The blaze, which burned about an acre, was reported at 2:45 p.m. and grew quickly, crowning into the trees.

Beverly Wright

Beverly Wright, 84, passed away at her home on Aug. 1, 2021.

Carol Lietz Buzzell

Carol Lietz Buzzell was born in Scoby, Montana on Sept 5, 1938 to Otto and Florence Lietz. She was one of eight children — brothers Donald, David and Glenn Lietz; sisters Connie Micken, Avis Endreson, Eileene Lyons and Virginia Strowbridge.

Priscilla Huguet

N MEMORIAM FOR THE LIFE AND BLESSING OF PRISCILLA (PRISSY) HUGUET From her devoted husband of 50+ years, David Huguet

3-on-3 draws 40 teams

The Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce had a successful inaugural three-on-three basketball tournament Saturday.

They’re on the Great American Road trip and living in vans

The Great American Road trip is alive and well in Glacier National Park this summer and the good old van is the vehicle of choice for more than a few folks.

The Blotter: People said they would turn down their music when the campers across the street shut their generators off.

A guy playing guitar in his garage prompted a call to police.

Expect delays at Hungry Horse Dam

Traffic will be slow-moving across the Hungry Horse Dam for about 11 days this month, as crews conduct an inspection of a fixed-wheel gate that’s part of a plan to modernize the dam.

Swim team hosts state meet, takes fourth

The Columbia Falls swim team took fourth overall in the AA division at the state swim meet held in Columbia Falls over the weekend.