Ellington

First valley snow expected Tuesday into Wednesday

Snow is expected to reach the valley floors Tuesday night into Wednesday, the National Weather Service is predicting.

Columbia Falls boys soccer wins first state championship in 17 years

Kai Golan has a pre-game ritual where he drinks one Gatorlyte just before a match.

Reservoir dogs all adopted; but county now has a bigger dog problem

All of the dogs that were abandoned up the Hungry Horse Reservoir have now been adopted, Flathead County Animal Shelter Director Cliff Bennett said Friday.

Big Mountain Burn

Last week, the Forest Service conducted a prescribed burn on Big Mountain at the tail end of the season.

Cats advance to finals, again

The Columbia Falls boys soccer team shut out Loyola Sacred Heart in a physical battle on the pitch Saturday at Flip Darling Field, 2-0.

Spikers drop Ronan in five games

The Columbia Falls volleyball team beat Ronan in five games last week, 21-25, 25-11, 20-25, 25-15, 15-10.

Girls soccer falls to Billings, barely

They didn’t go down without a fight.

Girls cross country takes third at state meet

he Columbia Falls girls cross country team took third in the state A championship meet Saturday in Missoula.

Mistakes hurt Wildcats in loss to top-ranked Broncs

They had a solid game defensively. But the offense just made too many mistakes, as the Columbia Falls football team lost to undefeated Hamilton at home Friday night, 23-7.

Adopted dog victim of hit-and-run

Jeff Lowney just wanted to give a couple of the dogs that were abandoned up the Hungry Horse Reservoir a better life than they had before.

Luxury apartments up for rent on Nucleus, as building nears completion

The transformation of downtown Columbia Falls continues.

City might have to fix River’s Edge on its own

The City of Columbia Falls may have to make at least some repairs to River’s Edge Park on its own before the snow flies.

Stephen “Steve” Henry Blados Sr

Stephen “Steve” Henry Blados Sr., age 68 of Columbia Falls, passed away on Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, at home and surrounded by his family. He was born on Jan. 16, 1954 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Henry (Hank) Blados and Eleanor Blados (Baradziej).

Hunting opener on par with last year

The opening weekend of general big game firearm season was on par with last year’s numbers, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reports.

C-Falls Junior High students share their biographies

This fall, Jennifer Robbins’ seventh grade English Language Arts students read many examples of interesting author biographies from young adult novels. Then, they wrote their own author biographies using specific, interesting details and a strong voice that shows who they are as people. The following are the two top biographies, as chosen by junior high writing teachers.

Yesterdays: Road over Hungry Horse Dam opens

Road access over the top of the Hungry Horse Dam was scheduled to open Nov. 2 for the first time ever, as the dam was nearing completion. The road is 2,115 feet long over the dam.

Community Foundation awards millions to local nonprofits

The Whitefish Community Foundation awarded more than $5 million to 70 Flathead Valley nonprofit organizations during the Great Fish Awards Celebration last week. The total amount awarded included about $4.2 millon donated by 2,730 donors during the six-week Great Fish Community Challenge, plus $808,405 from the Great Fish Match Fund.

UM resident doctors to learn the ropes here

A University of Montana-based program has expanded its residency physician medical services to include Greater Valley Health Center’s location in Hungry Horse.

Carroll Clyde Lindsey

Carroll (Poppy) Clyde Lindsey, 87, coached his last game and turned out the gym lights. He passed away on Oct. 13, 2022 surrounded by family and friends at Logan Health Whitefish. Carroll loved to fish, hunt, play sports and converse with students of all ages. He is now disease free and resting peacefully in Heaven with his father Roy and mother Murriel Lindsey.

Legals for October, 26 2022

FWP approves youth hunt for Bad Rock WMA; area now closed to recreational use until May 15

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approved hunting regulations for the new Bad Rock Canyon Wildlife Management Area near Columbia Falls on Thursday (Oct. 20).

No one injured in trailer home fire

Bad Rock and Columbia Falls firefighters responded to a trailer house fire late Thursday night.

Judge denies bail reduction in Martin City alleged murder

Judge Dan Wilson denied a request to lower bail for accused killer Del Orrin Crawford in Flathead County District Court on Wednesday, while also questioning the strength of Crawford’s potential self-defense case.

Climate vote event at brewery

Flathead Valley citizens can learn about candidate climate positions during an event sponsored by the Flathead Valley chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby on Saturday, October 22nd, from 1 - 4 p.m. at Backslope Brewing,

Girls drop Corvallis 6-3; face Billings on the road

There were some rocky moments, but the Columbia Falls girls soccer team advanced to the semifinals of the state A soccer playoffs last week, beating Corvallis 6-3 at home Saturday.

Cats come from behind to drop ‘Dogs

The Columbia Falls football team came back to beat Whitefish at home Friday night, 24-20.

Cats blank Central 2-0 to advance to semifinals

One down, two to go. It was a tough start to the state A playoffs for the Columbia Falls boys soccer team, as Billings Central fought the Wildcats to a tie at nil at the break.

Girls second, boys fifth at divisional race

It was a gorgeous run, but the Columbia Falls girls cross country team came up just seven points shy of a Western A title Saturday at the Glacier Park Lodge Golf Course, taking second to Corvallis.

Eileen Delores (Ohs) Sandefur, 94

Eileen Sandefur passed from this earthly life into her forever home with the Lord on Friday afternoon Sept. 23, 2022.

Don’t have a tent? Sleeping bag? Rent one

RightonTrek recently completed its facade for its equipment rental business in Columbia Falls.

The Blotter: Peeping Tom spotted, maybe

A bear with an injured back leg was seen in a backyard on 3rd Avenue, the bear was not aggressive.

Honored to be a Wildcat

We all have been involved in some sort of sports competition, either playing our favorite sport or cheering for one of our kids from the sidelines. I have been there on both sides and can tell you how caught up in the game and focused on trying to win that it is easy to lose sight of the more important things, such as sportsmanship.

Support for write-in Jack Fallon

Are you tired of the Flathead County Commissioners treating Columbia Falls like a dumping ground for projects—like the jail—nobody else wants? Repeatedly attempting to thwart the will of the voters? Treating the county health department and library like their personal enemies, instead of public services?

Hunter orange, land use and snakes

What glorious weather! Blue sky, warm sunny days and cool nights. I don’t know how it could be better. Perfect fall pictures with larch, aspen and others showing their contrast with the pine and spruce. Perfect football weather, in fact perfect for all outdoor activity except game hunting.

Bad news bears

My neighbor was doing some saw work the other day in his driveway. I figured he was working on his house. He was, sort of.

Death Notices for Oct. 19, 2022

Carroll Clyde Lindsey, 87

Couple files suit over Kreck Park, claims nuisance

The city, in court documents, denies the allegations and is asking for a jury trial.

Stanley H. Warner

Stanley H. Warner passed away Oct. 12, 2022, at the age of 91 years old. He was born in Great Falls to parents Stanley J. and Lyrra J. Warner.

August visitation down in Glacier

Glacier National Park saw fewer visitors in August than it did the year before, but it wasn’t off by that much — just 3.1%.

Land Trust seeks support for critical river habitat

The Flathead Land Trust is asking for letters of support for a conservation easement on the Owen Sowerine area on the Flathead River near Kalispell.

Shooting victim fears for life

The Olney man who was allegedly shot and wounded by his wife in September worried aloud in Flathead County District Court on Thursday that she would finish him off if released on bail.

Governor's house task force recommends curbing local say. They also want taller and more dense housing, even in single family areas

Much higher densities. Taller buildings. Smaller lots and less say from local governments.

Robert “Bob” D. Adams

Robert “Bob” D. Adams, 92, of Columbia Falls, passed away Oct. 10, 2022. He was born March 10, 1930 in St. Paul, Minnesota to the late Robert Roy Adams and Ruth Elizabeth Adams (Major).

First half of October was second warmest ever. That will end Friday

So long Indian summer. The first 16 days of October were second warmest ever in the area, according to the National Weather Service, but that will come to an end by Friday, as it becomes seasonably cool and snowy in the higher terrain over the weekend.

Legals for October, 19 2022

Reminder: Logan Pass closes to vehicles midnight on Sunday

The Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park will close for the season this Sunday, Oct. 16 at midnight. The Going-to-the-Sun Road typically closes each year on or before the third Monday in October, depending on road and weather conditions.

Girls drop Bigfork 2-1 in play-in game

The Columbia Falls girls soccer team dropped Bigfork Wednesday night 2-1 in a dramatic play-in game on the road to advance to the quarterfinals of the state A playoffs.

Death notices for October 12, 2022

Mary Ann Teeples, 91 of Columbia Falls, passed away Oct. 4, 2022 at Hidden Meadows.

Girls drop Libby and Polson, play-in game determines fate

As expected, the Columbia Falls girls soccer team faces a play-in game against Bigfork for a Class A playoff berth.

Harriers tune up in Helena for Divisionals

The Columbia Falls cross country squads competed in the Capital City 7 of 7 race in Helena last week. The race has a different format as it has seven races rather than one large race.

Football thumps Browning, face Bulldogs Friday

The Columbia Falls football team drubbed Browning on the road Friday, 69-12.

Boys soccer gears up for Billings Central in playoffs

The Columbia Falls boys soccer team finished the regular season undefeated at 12-0-0 after they dropped Libby 6-1 at home Saturday.

Community events: Town meeting in Hungry Horse

There will be a town meeting in Hungry Horse at the fire department Oct. 12 (today). There will be kids activities from 6 to 7 p.m. and a meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. Spaghetti dinner provided.

Stewards of the ‘Bob’: Foundation celebrates 25th year

Carla Belski remembers the early years of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation.

Yesterdays: Goats on Teakettle

A mountain goat came down off Teakettle Mountain to view the construction of the Anaconda Aluminum Co. plant. The goat came within 15 feet of a worker operating a crane on the mountain. Goats are no longer seen on the mountain.

Nomad hosting job fair later this month as it sees growth

Nomad Global Communication Solutions, which is celebrating its 20th year designing and building connected specialty vehicles, is set to host a Job Fair at its Columbia Falls facility on Oct. 21 from 3 to 7 p.m.

The Blotter: Man hunting for bear with a bow on Nucleus

A man on Nucleus was attempting to archery hunt a bear that had been seen in the area, Montana Fish and Game informed him he needed a special permit to hunt within the city limits.

Mitchell, Getts to square off in House District 3 race

Two candidates will square off in the House District 3 Legislative race this November. The district covers the city of Columbia Falls, the North Fork and the Canyon all the way to Marias Pass. Incumbent Republican Braxton Mitchell is challenged by Democrat Andrea Getts.

Vandalism at Columbia Falls city parks is proving costly to taxpayers

Broken slide. Graffiti on the walls. Busted up signs.

Tester says Badger-Two Medicine lease problem could be fixed by Act of Congress

Montana Sen. Jon Tester said he was disappointed that a federal judge reinstated an oil and gas lease in the Badger-Two Medicine region.

Patricia “Pat” Claudene Macdonald

Patricia “Pat” Claudene Macdonald, 84, of Columbia Falls, passed away Oct. 4, 2022. She was born March 30, 1938 in Madison, Wisconsin to the late Melvin Miller and Violet Claudene Miller (Strommen).

Limited hunting proposed for Bad Rock Wildlife Management Area

The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission is expected to consider hunting regulations for the Bad Rock Canyon Wildlife Management Area near Columbia Falls.

Abandoned dogs up for adoption

Some of the multitude of dogs that were abandoned up the Hungry Horse Reservoir a few weeks ago are now up for adoption.

Community market saw nearly 45,000 people

The Columbia Falls Community Market had another great summer, with nearly 45,000 people visiting — or about 2,248 for each market, according to figures compiled by director Melissa Ellis.

Charles O. Gulbranson

Charles O. Gulbranson passed away at our home in Columbia Falls at the age 62. He was born on Sept. 5, 1960 in Browning to William and Thelma Gulbranson.

Legals for October, 12 2022

Glacier looks to establish native trout at Gunsight Lake

Glacier National Park biologists are proposing another native fish restoration project, this one on Gunsight Lake, east of the Divide.

EPA says cyanide gas a concern with CFAC cleanup

The prospect of physically removing waste from the former Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. site appears slim, according to data presented by the Environmental Protection Agency recently.

Spikers split last week

The Columbia Falls volleyball squad split the bill last week. On Tuesday, the girls dropped Whitefish in five sets, 27-25, 23-25, 25-21, 19-25, 15-10.

Golfers compete at state

Columbia Falls competed in the state A golf tournament in Hamilton last week.

Girls lose to Bulldogs, but drop Bigfork, Polson, as play-in looms

Against Whitefish, the Lady Bulldogs had a 2-0 lead, but the Wildcats made it very interesting down the stretch as Hope McAtee scored on a penalty kick just outside the box after teammate Josie Harris was fouled, her jersey nearly stretched off her body by the Whitefish defender.

PHOTOS: Cats' Homecoming Week

The Columbia Falls community celebrated homecoming last week in full swing.

Ruis Hotel gets a green light

The Columbia Falls City Council Monday night approved a new 65-unit hotel off Highway 2. Developer Mick Ruis is planning an extended stay hotel that will feature kitchenettes for guests at the Glacier Inn Motel site.

City OK’s manager, Teamsters contract

The Columbia Falls City Council approved two key contracts at its Sept. 19 meeting.

Ralph Leroy Fitzpatrick

Ralph Leroy Fitzpatrick died with his daughters by his side and sunshine gleaming through his window on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022.  Ralph was born on Leap Day, 1936.

Land to Hand celebrates new home at junior high

Beet hummus. Rhubarb mint lemonade. Potato salad. Pizza with squash.

Coroner’s inquest clears officer in 2021 shooting

A jury at a coroner’s inquest last week deemed justified the 2021 law enforcement-involved shooting of a man while he held his estranged partner hostage at a river access site off U.S. 2.

Boys drop Bulldogs, clinch conference crown

The Columbia Falls boys soccer team left no doubt as to who the top team in the North is, as they dropped Whitefish 3-1 last Thursday for homecoming and then topped Bigfork Saturday, 9-0.

Yesterdays: Truman visits Columbia Falls

President Harry Truman visited Columbia Falls and the Flathead Valley to dedicate the Hungry Horse Dam. Editor Mel Ruder called the visit $1 million worth of publicity for the county of 30,000 people. Truman’s speech and ceremonial flipping of the switch to turn the dam’s generators on was actually in Kalispell.

Woman recognized for wilderness mapping effort in Glacier

Jillian McKenna has been visiting national parks since her youth. Her parents are both geologists and national parks were a top spot to visit growing up.

Chas Cartwright, former Glacier Park superintendent, dies at 72

ormer Glacier National Park superintendent Chas Cartwright died Sept. 24 in Cortez, Colo. He was 72. Cartwright took the helm of Glacier in the spring of 2008 and retired in 2012.

Roy P. Grillo

Roy P. Grillo, 60 of Kalispell passed away Sept. 26, 2022.  Roy is survived by three children, Rosario, Pascal, and Santino.  Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is caring for Roy’s family.

Wildcats let one get away from rival Polson

The Columbia Falls football team let one slip away last week, as they lost to conference foe Polson at home, 32-31.

The Blotter: An older man harassing a married couple on 4th Avenue

A dump truck was seen running red lights and swerving through Meadow Lake Boulevard, and last seen heading down Highway 40. S

Rocky Road Work

The upper end of Trail Creek Road has always been rough and rocky. Spines of solid rock crossed the road in many places, it was narrow and you needed to drive slow to protect your vehicle and to prevent collisions if you met another car.

Girls cross country wins a pair of meets as postseason nears

The Columbia Falls cross country team had a solid week on the course. On Tuesday the girls won the Whitefish meet.

Legals for October, 5 2022