Ellington

Sorensen, a historian and man of the woods and water, dies at 78

There were few people that knew Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness better than Stu Sorensen.

Glacier Park weekend road update: East side roads reopen

After a snowy week in Glacier National Park some roads that were closed due to the white stuff have since reopened.

Glacier visitation up over last year

Despite an even broader reservation system in 2023, visitation to Glacier National Park is up slightly over last year through August, the Park Service is reporting.

Academic Foundation hosting outdoor film festival

The Columbia Falls Academic Foundation is hosting a nature and outdoor adventure film festival at the high school auditorium on Friday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m.

Wildcats cap off season by drubbing Ronan, face Bulldogs in playoffs

The Columbia Falls football team walloped Ronan on the road last week to cap off the regular season, 53-0.

Girls soccer drops Bigfork, face Whitefish for title

Columbia Falls Wildcats girls soccer is heading to the Montana A championship after defeating Bigfork 6-4 on Saturday, Oct. 21.

Krueger was a key community leader for decades

If there ever was a go-getter, it was Jenny Krueger.

Glacier hopes to have Sun Road paved by end of the month

Glacier National Park officials are saying that paving the Going-to-the-Sun Road from the foot of Lake McDonald to the North McDonald Road should be done by the end of October, weather permitting.

After all of that, Holland Lake Lodge up for sale

Holland Lake Lodge is back on the market — for $3.5 million.

Yesterdays: Many Glacier twister

A twister (tornado) in Many Glacier flattened the 60-by-120-foot transport garage near the Many Glacier Hotel.

The Blotter: Bear hit by car

Just west of the bridge in Columbia Falls, a bear was reported hit by a white Mustang.

Community Calendar

Free meals, Halloween events and a craft sale

Columbia Falls skatepark makes it through LWCF screening

The Columbia Falls Skatepark has made it through initial screening for a Land, Water and Conservation Fund grant, city manager Susan Nicosia told council last week.

El Nino portends a warmer, drier winter overall, NWS says

The National Weather Service in Missoula last week said the region will be under strong El Nino influence this winter, which generally means a warmer and drier season.

Forest Service looks to salvage East Fork Fire

The Flathead National Forest, Tally Lake District Ranger is inviting the public to make comments on the proposed East Fork Salvage Project.

Cost of police rigs zooms as city eyes capital requests

Like the fire department, the Columbia Falls police department has also seen costs rise exponentially over the past few years. Just three years ago, the city budgeted about $52,000 to replace and outfit a patrol car, Chief Clint Peters said.

Talking Actual Property Tax Numbers

Montana collects $2.1 billion in property tax, with allocations as follows: 56% to schools, 28% to counties, 11% to cities/towns, and 5% to special districts.

Please Keep The ‘K’

Why do I use a capital ‘K” in Wild Kats? It is to show respect for the girl players and women coaches who voted for the ‘K’.

Opinion: Gassed

With the weather ready to take a turn I figured I better quit hiking in the woods for a weekend or two and cut some firewood.

Blackfeet working toward climate resiliency

For Termaine Edmo, Climate Change Coordinator for the Blackfeet Nation, the very name of her tribe harkens back to the buffalo.

North Forkers on alert for dog-eating grizzly

A grizzly bear that has a taste for dogs has the North Fork community on alert, though the bear may be dead now after a landowner shot and wounded it.

Sworn in

Columbia Falls native Brandon Rice was officially sworn in as a Sergeant in the Columbia Falls Police Department last week.

Eugene “Hoosier” T. Strowbridge , Jr., 87

Eugene “Hoosier” T. Strowbridge, Jr., age 87, of Martin City passed away Oct. 20, 2023.

Youth soccer does well in Helena

Four Columbia Falls soccer teams placed recently in the Helena Sleeping Giant soccer tournament.

Spikers playing well as regular season comes to a close

The Columbia Falls volleyball team is playing much better ball as the postseason approaches.

Boys take third at state A cross country championship

Using a pack attack, the Columbia Falls boys cross country team took third at the state A championship meet at Rebecca Farm Saturday.

Legals for October, 25 2023

Alexander “Lee” Downes, 95

Longtime resident of the North Fork, Alexander Lee Downes, passed away peacefully at his home in Columbia Falls on Oct. 3, 2023 at the age of 95.

Jennifer Lee Krueger, 62

Jennifer Lee Krueger, 62, of Columbia Falls, passed away October 4, 2023.

This might be the last weekend this season to hike Glacier Park's high country, as snow expected

This might be the last weekend for hiking high elevation areas in Glacier, as widespread snow is expected by the middle of next week. Terrain above 6,000 feet could see 7 inches to a foot of snow by next Wednesday and the valley floors could even see about an inch, though it’s not expected to stick for long, the National Weather Service is forecasting.

Man charged in Martin City hit and run that killed ex-wife

Authorities on Wednesday arrested a Columbia Falls man who prosecutors say ran over his ex-wife in Martin City last June and then fled the scene.

Cross country teams both take second at Western A Classic

The Columbia Falls cross country teams both took second at the Western A Fall Classic in Stevensville Saturday — the last race before the state A final this week at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell.

Inholder allowed to winterize disputed house

The Flathead Conservation District last week voted to allow a couple to winterize a home that it believes was built illegally in Glacier National Park.

Many kindergartners don’t know letters, tests results show

Recent tests of Columbia Falls students who have just started kindergarten show that teachers will have their work cut out for them when it comes to getting the youngsters reading and writing.

Old bell from Talbott School returned, on display at Gateway

Sometimes things go full circle. In 1973 the Talbott School, first built in 1909, was torn down on Fourth Avenue West in Columbia Falls after it was deemed too expensive to repair, rather than replace.

Three Columbia Falls musicians make All-State band

Three Columbia Falls High School seniors; Abbey Biel, Evan Fisher and Lotus Helland; will join the All-State Band festival at University of Montana in Missoula Oct. 18-20.

The Blotter: Bus driver investigated

A school bus driver may be investigated after being reported driving recklessly while taking students home from school.

Is a new GOP tax underfoot?

The Montana Republicans claim that they support lower taxes and they do – selectively.

Legislature cut red tape to increase housing availability

The Legislature’s major zoning reforms to increase the supply of affordable housing in Montana have made a lot of news, but there was also another significant pillar of our pro-housing work during the session: cutting red tape.

When a skunk goes after your garden

Skunks love autumn as our backyard gardens fill up with ripe vegetables.

Yesterdays: Middle Fork grizzly encounter

The sow was none too happy and got within 15 feet, so he started backing up and went into the river, floating downstream until he was safely away from the bear.

Soap, candle shop opens on Nucleus Avenue

When Leanne Wagner took her family’s yearly beef purchase to the butcher to be processed, her husband told her to ask for every part of the cow. She wasn’t sure what to make of the thick bag of fat they gave back to her.

City Council: Kathryn Price

Kathryn Price is a lifelong resident of Columbia Falls. Price, 52, graduated from Columbia Falls in 1989 and then went on to study business and accounting at Flathead Valley Community College.

City Council: Darin Fisher

Incumbent Darin Fisher is seeking a fourth term on the city council.

City Council: Kelly (Hamilton) King

Kelly (Hamilton) King is seeking her first election to the Columbia Falls City Council.

City Council: John Piper

Incumbent John Piper, 62, has served three terms on city council.

Girls drop undefeated Hamilton; face Bigfork at home

The Columbia Falls Wildcats girls soccer team will move on to the Class A semifinals after defeating Hamilton 2-0 on Saturday, Oct. 14.

Wildcats turn on the jets against Bigfork

The Columbia Falls football team dropped Bigfork 51-30 on the road, securing at worst, fourth place in the Western A division.

Wildcats turn on the jets against Bigfork

The Columbia Falls football team dropped Bigfork 51-30 on the road, securing at worst, fourth place in the Western A division.

Boys soccer falls just short at Corvallis

The Columbia Falls boys soccer team was knocked out of the Class A playoffs by the Corvallis Blue Devils on Saturday, Oct. 14 with a 2-1 loss.

Kats win copper for Blocktober

The Columbia Falls volleyball team won the “copper” bracket at the Blocktober Classic in Butte over the weekend.

Upcoming events

Halloween on Nucleus Avenue, Museum talks, free meals, craft sale and more

Legals for October, 18 2023

Blazejewski has best race of the season at Helena

The Columbia Falls cross country teams competed in some unique events in the past week as they had a final tuneup heading into the postseason.

Golfers compete at state tournament

Columbia Falls golfers wrapped up the season recently with the state tournament in Sidney.

Pink out pictures

Photos from Columbia Falls Wildkats' Pink Out game against Browning in support of breast cancer awareness on Thursday, Oct. 5.

Pink out pictures

Photos from Columbia Falls Wildkats' Pink Out game against Browning in support of breast cancer awareness on Thursday, Oct. 5.

Lee Downes, North Fork community leader, dies

Lee Downes, a longtime North Forker and community leader, died Oct. 3. He was 95.

Glacier Park researcher suggests bison could help native grasslands

Between 1999 and 2001, surveyors recorded the plant species in 155 plots on the east side meadows of Glacier National Park.

Hawk watchers keep an eye on the sky

“Birds,” Jake Bramante yells out, binoculars to his eyes. “I’’ll stay on the high ones.”

Cats lose to Bulldogs, face Blue Devils on the road

Columbia Falls Wildcats boys soccer took second in the North A conference after falling to the Whitefish Bulldogs 3-1 on Thursday. This will set them against the Corvallis Blue Devils to start the playoffs this Saturday.

Wildcats thump Libby 41-0 in dominant performance

The Columbia Falls football team came off a bye and hammered conference foe Libby, 41-0, on senior night.

Money doesn’t grow on trees, elementary kids learn

About a dozen Columbia Falls High Schoolers made a visit to Glacier Gateway and Ruder Elementary on Thursday, Oct. 5 to share an important lesson:

City will chip in for railroad crossing at 12th Ave. West

Columbia Falls will chip in for a railroad crossing at Twelfth Avenue West, but not nearly to the extent that was first thought.

Chamber’s Harvestfest in Hungry Horse October 21

The Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its first annual Harvestfest celebration on Saturday, Oct. 21 in Hungry Horse at Canyon Elementary School.

Even with city tax reduction, property taxes go up for many

While Columbia Falls city property taxes will go down for residential properties this budget cycle, folks could still see increases in their overall property taxes when bills are sent out in the next few weeks, city manager Susan Nicosia told council last week.

Yesterdays: Old Shay locomotive on the move

The 42-ton locomotive last operated at F.H. Stoltze land and Lumber in 1941.

Man faces felony charges for threatening ex-girlfriend

A 28-year-old man accused of breaking into his ex’s Columbia Falls home in March and threatening her with a knife in May is facing multiple felony charges.

The Blotter: Library tresspasser

A woman was trespassing after yelling profanities at the library; the responding officer reported that she was agitated at applying for jobs online and upset that no one in the valley would hire her.

For young hunter, a most improbable elk

If he gives you an opportunity, make sure you make a good shot!” That was the advice I kept giving my son Henry as this unforgettable moment was unfolding.

State should manage grizzlies

The recent spate of headlines about grizzly bear attacks and human-bear conflicts highlights the need for the federal government to return management of grizzlies to the state of Montana.

Opinion: Rolling under the stars

So on Saturday we didn’t have much time, so the boy and I went out into the Badger Two Medicine area south of Glacier National Park.

Fence aside, Riverside Park maintains access to prime fishing hole

A settlement over a city park doesn’t impact access to a good fishing hole on the Flathead River, provided anglers stay in the Red Bridge right-of-way.

Cats down Dogs, first time in years

The Columbia Falls girls soccer team will be looking to build off an exciting 2-1 win over Whitefish on Thursday as they move into playoffs this Saturday.

Yesterdays: Folk line up to get X-rays

In two separate incidents, hikers in Glacier National Park used pepper spray to deter charging grizzly bears.

Partnership helps with Glacier whitebark pine restoration

An influx of federal dollars through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act is expected to bolster Glacier National Park officials’ whitebark pine restoration efforts and help them lend assistance to other parks working to protect and expand the keystone species.

Study examines bighorn interactions, disease implications

A study of bighorn sheep herds in the St. Mary and Waterton Lakes drainages draws some fascinating insight into the animals’ movements and interactions through the seasons.

Flathead National Forest sides with private companies

A Daily Inter Lake article of Sept. 15 and excellent editorial on Sept. 17, concerned Flathead National Forest’s preferential treatment of for-profit companies while actively excluding and concealing from the public plans concerning the Columbia Mountain tram.

Fighting for freedom or appeasing Putin: The choice is clear

“Freedom isn’t free.” It surely was not for those who fought and died for America’s freedom in the beginning.

Consider Kapoor case

I read a recent column Chris Peterson wrote on Rishi Kapoor, a Florida developer that tried to dupe our Columbia Falls community.

Dollar General store here first in Montana

Store donates $10,000 to Ruder Elementary for its literacy programs

Columbia Falls is home to the first Dollar General Store in Montana.

Plenty of variables if EV buses come to Glacier

Co-op will get a taste of serving EV buses, as Bigfork will soon have an EV rig

As Glacier National Park examines ways to manage crowds into the future, one suggestion by Congressman Ryan Zinke has been a more robust shuttle system, possibly with clean running electric vehicles.

Deer Park one of top schools in nation

It’s the little school that could. Deer Park was recently named a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School.

Local timber managers in REAL Montana class

Flathead Valley residents Shauna Dunn, Shelby George, Brian Hogue, and Cameron Wohlschlegel recently completed three days of local training as part of REAL Montana (Resource Education and Agriculture Leadership).

The Blotter: Chased by dogs

Two dogs were reported chasing down a man and attempting to bite him on Eighth Street.

Hiker on the mend after nearly freezing to death in Glacier

Told to expect a double amputation below the knees owing to frostbite, the 19-year-old from Michigan who spent several harrowing days lost in Glacier National Park in early May is now battling to make a full recovery without the loss of his extremities.

Spikers split the week, have a busy one ahead

The Columbia Falls volleyball team split last week, dropping Libby at home Thursday, 25-11, 25-15, 25-19.

Boys cross country wins in Hamilton, girls second

The Columbia Falls girls took second and the boys took first at the Hamilton Cross Country Invitational last week.

Cats look to make their mark as postseason nears

Columbia Falls girls soccer played the Libby Loggers on Flip Darling Memorial Field for Senior Night on Sept. 26, securing a 7-0 win to boost the Cats’ overall conference points.

Conference title hangs in the balance for boys soccer

As of Monday, Columbia Falls was 10-1-1 overall (6-1-0) and Whitefish was 10-0-0 (6-0-0). “We’re excited to test our skills against a competitive team - with the conference title on the line,” Byrd said.

Welcome To America

Naturalization ceremony held in Glacier National Park

On a gorgeous afternoon, 15 people from 10 different countries were naturalized as U.S. Citizens during a ceremony Friday in Glacier National Park.

Glacier's Logan Pass reopens to vehicles

Glacier National Park's Logan Pass reopened to vehicle traffic late Tuesday.

Woman attacked by bear up the North Fork Sunday

North Fork residents are reporting a bear mauling at the Trail Creek “bubbleups” on Sunday.