Ellington

Glacier National Park's Sun Road reopens over Logan Pass

The Going-to-the-Sun Road has reopened after being closed yesterday afternoon and overnight due to snow and ice.

Glacier closes Sun Road over Logan Pass

Glacier National Park closed the Going-to-the-Sun Road over Logan Pass just before 2 p.m. Wednesday after a cold front swept through, dropping snow on the pass.

Council should be easier to reach

If you want to engage your elected representatives in respectful dialogue on an issue of importance to you in Kalispell, Whitefish, or with one of our County Commissioners, you simply go to the web page for that local government to find these elected officials’ phone numbers and their individual city or county email for easy contact.

A fairer tax code?

I spent 12 years in the Montana Legislature, 1995 through 2006. Session after session we fought the same battle over taxes.

The Gardener: Clarence ‘Bud’ Anderberg has been growing a fabulous garden for 47 years and yes, the corn is ready

The couple asks Clarence “Bud” Anderberg if the corn is ready yet. “No,” he shakes his head. “It should be next week.”

Boys cross country the deepest team in years; girls have lots of talent

Both the boys and girls cross country teams look poised to bring home some hardware this season. The boys took third at state last year and while they lost a few seniors, their top runner in junior River Blazejewski is looking fit after a summer of working trail crews.

Spikers to lean on returning players and young talent

This year’s Wildkat volleyball team is looking competitive as they start their fall season with four returning starters to the varsity squad along with a cast of strong talent all the way down to the freshmen level.

Girls soccer as strong as ever this season

The Columbia Falls girls soccer team should be right in the postseason mix again this year, with a host of returning talent and some youth that looks to be stellar as well.

Boys reloading for another run at a state title

The Columbia Falls boys soccer program is at a point where it doesn’t really rebuild. It reloads.

Zoning workshop for old Columbia Falls doughnut is next week

The Flathead County Planning Board will have a Columbia Falls rural zoning workshop at 6 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds Trade Center Building.

Golf season well underway, boys look solid

The Columbia Falls golf team will lean on its seniors this year as well as some young talent. Leading the boys are seniors Will Pickard, Tucker Gonalez and Winslow Peters. Peters and Pickard qualified for state last season, while Addy Bowler, who is a senior this year qualified for the girls.

Popular Cedar Ridge Trail area closed for a few weeks

The Cedar Ridge area, in the Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District of the Flathead National Forest, closed Tuesday due to logging and other work. The work is anticipated to be complete at the end of September with the closure terminating on Sept. 30, the Forest Service said in a release

Book Review: ‘Hush of the Land’ a wilderness original

I looked down at the book and it was all sticky. The tea in the cup had spilled in the pickup truck and the honey in the bottom was all over the cover.

Christian ‘Chris’ Hanson, 60

Christian J. Hanson left us to be with the Lord on Aug. 15, 2024.

Commissioners thank Zinke

We, the Flathead County Board of Commissioners, are extending our deepest gratitude to Congressman Ryan Zinke for his instrumental role in securing $1.3 million in funding to upgrade the Flathead Emergency Communication Center’s radio system.

Rez dogs of the lodge

They are as much a harbinger of spring as are the swallows of Capistrano … and like the said swallows their return is about as punctual.

Coalition calls for hazardous waste landfill for CFAC cleanup

The Coalition for the Clean CFAC announced recently that it will urge the Environmental Protection Agency to consider a different cleanup plan for the old aluminum plant.

The North Face of Glacier Park's Mount Reynolds a mountaineering challenge

After a series of false starts Ayden Douglas and I started up the Going-To-The-Sun Road in the late afternoon in hopes of finding adventure and attempting a potentially unclimbed route on Mount Reynolds’ North Face.

High school schedule now set

The Columbia Falls High School will temporarily hold some classes at Canyon Elementary School and Glacier Gateway School as a stopgap measure this fall.

Yesterdays: Blister rust crews at work

Glacier National Park was in its 10th year of a blister rust control program and at the time said it was a success in stemming the spread of the deadly fungus to the park’s five needle pines, like whitebark and limber pine.

Flathead County commissioners OK landfill fee hikes

Fee increases are going into effect for the Flathead County Solid Waste District this fall.

Fredrick Raymond Miller, 81

Fredrick Raymond Miller, 81, a long-time resident of Columbia Falls and Fairview, Montana, passed away peacefully at the home of his son in West Haven, Utah, on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024.

Body of missing climber found

The Two Bear Air Search and rescue helicopter found the body of Grant Marcuccio of Whitefish about 2 p.m. Sunday in Glacier National Park.

Yesterdays: Doug Chadwick to study goats in Glacier Park

Aug. 31 would mark the end of letters postmarked Trail Creek, Montana. The Post Office at the Canada border was closing. It had been open for 50 years. Today, the border crossing is closed as well.

Death notices for Aug. 21, 2024

Stacey Lynn Gilliam died May 19, 2024 in Kalispell. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. To send online condolences, please visit columbiamortuary.com.

Pearls in the Bob Marshall

The rain didn’t seem like much. I figured just a quick shower, as the sun was shining brightly as the drops fell from the sky. Then the hail started to fall. Wap-wap-wapping through the trees, but still, the sun was shining and I figured it would blow over.

Whitefish man missing in Glacier National Park

Search efforts are underway in Glacier National Park for Grant Marcuccio, a 32-year-old man from Whitefish who has been missing since Sunday evening, the park said in a release.

School starts next week, and there is such a thing as a free lunch

Columbia Falls School District 6 reminds students and families that free school lunches and breakfasts will be provided for the 2024-25 school year district-wide under the federal Community Eligibility Provision. There is no need to sign up or fill out paperwork to participate.

California firm hired to do Columbia Falls housing study

The City of Columbia Falls earlier this month OK’d a contract with a California firm to do a housing study here.

Pins recognize Vietnam vets for their service

When Don Bogut and Bert Rice give out the Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin, they take a moment to thank the recipient for their service, looking directly into their eyes as they shake hands. Veterans themselves, they know how important it is to relay gratitude for servicemen and women.

Wildcats are young, but are very talented

The Columbia Falls football team lost a host of talent to graduation last season, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be in the mix again this year come the playoffs in November.

Houle at the helm: Veteran line coach now head coach of Wildcats

Longtime line coach Kelly Houle will lead the Wildcats this season. Coach Jaxon Schweikert retired from coaching at the end of last season.

East Side Reservoir Road closure extended

The closure on the East Side Hungry Horse Reservoir Road (Forest Road 38) is extended due to unforeseen construction challenges with the installation of the open-bottom arch at McInernie Creek, the Forest Service said in a release. Structural damage was discovered in the concrete foundation, requiring additional work and delaying project completion. Originally estimated to be open for public travel in mid-August, the closure may be in place through mid-September, the Forest Service said.

The Blotter: Man loses a tooth

Woman was worried about an ex threatening her. A classic car and another rig collided on Highway 2. Both vehicles were heavily damaged. No injuries. An ex-coworker was leaving beer on the doorstep of the caller, creeping them out.

City manager candidate opts out

The latest candidate for city manager opted out of the position over the weekend.

Skate park contract OK’d

Soon skateboarders will have their own place to ride in Columbia Falls. The city council Monday night approved a $589,000 contract with Dreamland Skate Parks for a 10,000 square foot park.

School working to find alternative classrooms after flooding

Columbia Falls High School students could be going to elementary school this fall. They may also go to the library or the front of the gym.

Meeting on boat wakes coming up

On Aug. 29 at 6 p.m. the Flathead Conservation District and Flathead River Commission will present the results of a study on the impacts of recreational boating on the Flathead River.

Legals for August, 21 2024

No serious injuries as man drives truck into Columbia Falls building

There were no serious injuries after the driver of a pickup truck accidentally ran into the Gateway Building on Nucleus Avenue about 10:30 a.m. Monday morning.

The wit and charm of Evelyn Laber, 95

Evelyn Laber is quick with a joke. “My daughter spent 10 years in prison,” she quipped. Which is true, but she worked there as a deputy sheriff.

Busse ad rips a page from the GOP playbook

In his latest video, Ryan Busse drops his head and looks through the scope of his rifle and fires off a round.

Linda Caroline Russell, 75

Linda Caroline Russell, 75 passed away on July 8, 2024 at her home in Columbia Falls. Linda was born on Feb. 28, 1949 in Kalispell, Montana to Keith Poirier and Doris (Nelson).

Twins end great season at Northwest Regionals

The Glacier Twins and Gallatin Valley Outlaws may have been declared co-champions at the State A legion tournament, but Saturday the two teams finally settled the score in a loser out game at the Northwest A legion tournament.

Woman swims 50 miles in the city pool

By the time you read this story Carolynn Moritz will have swum 50 miles in the Pinewood Park this summer. When we caught up with her at the Columbia Falls city pool she figured she had a couple more days to go and would likely wrap up the effort by Tuesday afternoon.

GOP hypocrisy

For years, Republicans have claimed to be the party of Christians while behaving the opposite of Christ. This year, they’ve outdone that hypocrisy by claiming to be the Law and Order Party while picking Donald Trump, a convicted felon and adjudicated sexual assaulter and fraudster, as their presidential candidate.

Coalition announces meetings

The Coalition For A Clean CFAC will be hosting public meetings on Aug. 20 and 21. These meetings invite the public’s input regarding the proposed Columbia Falls Aluminum Plant Superfund cleanup plan. The August presentation and discussion sessions will focus on the barriers and opportunities to removing some or all of the waste from the CFAC Superfund site. Karmen King, as an independent expert and consultant on Superfund site cleanup projects around the country, will be part of the presentation.

Marty Hafer

Martin “Marty” Lee Hafer died Aug. 6, 2024 in Kalispell. Marty is survived by his wife, Lorie, daughter Christiane, sons Jesse, Tanner and Cory. Family plans are being made at this time. Darlington Cremation and Burial Service is caring for his family.

Asbestos removal adds wrinkle to water damaged high school cleanup

Last week superintendent Cory Dziowgo expressed optimism about the school opening on time. But at Monday’s school board meeting he revealed that asbestos in tiles had gotten wet and it will require abatement.

Community events you may have missed

Columbia Falls High School will have a fall sports information Thursday (Aug. 15), at 6 p.m. in the little theater of the high school. General meeting will be followed by sports specific meetings for cross country, football, and volleyball. Soccer, golf, and cheerleading will have separate meetings to be announced later.

FWP says wolf numbers holding fairly steady

The wolf population in Montana remains healthy, according to the 2023 Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Wolf Report. Increased harvest during the 2023 wolf season has not yet resulted in an estimated decline to the statewide total. However, FWP biologists expect to see a moderate decline in wolf numbers next year resulting from the increased harvest in early 2024.

College soccer in Columbia Falls draws a crowd

More than 1,000 fans gathered at Flip Darling Memorial Field as Montana and Gonzaga met for a women’s soccer exhibition Sunday evening.

Yesterdays: 10 years ago, median home price in valley was $218,000

Pocket Lake in Glacier National Park, which is perched above Bowman Lake, was still frozen and the Boulder Pass Trail remained closed due to steep snowfields near the pass. It was a result of a snowy winter and cool spring and summer.

City OK’s deal with Peters

The Columbia Falls City Council last week approved a pay agreement for acting city manager Clint Peters ­— the same salary as he received as police chief.

City taps Utah man for city manager position

The former finance director for the city of Moab, Utah has been tapped to be the new city manager of Columbia Falls.

City taps Utah man for city manager position

The former finance director for the city of Moab, Utah has been tapped to be the new city manager of Columbia Falls.

Fish barrier planned for Moose Creek

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is working toward a plan to put a fish barrier on Moose Creek in the North Fork.

City joins county in urging CFAC cleanup plan release

The Columbia Falls City Council voted 5-1 on last week to send a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency urging it to release a record of decision on the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. Superfund cleanup.

Otokomi: This east-side hike has handfuls of rewards

Tucked away behind the Rising Sun Motel in St. Mary lies the often looked over Otokomi Lake and its rugged country of the Rose Creek drainage. From the Rose Creek trailhead one hikes just over 5 miles to reach Otokomi Lake. Don’t be fooled by the minimal amount of mileage because this hike packs a punch. With over 2,000 feet of elevation gain to reach the lake the views are surely well earned.

Pols losing touch to the land

Tim Sheehy, the Republican seeking to unseat Montana Democratic Senator Jon Tester, is a business executive born and raised out of state. That same description applies to Troy Downing, a Republican running for one of Montana’s two Congressional seats. Same for Montana’s Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte and his challenger, Democrat Ryan Busse.

Glacier will hold Hawk Watch training sessions

Glacier National Park will host volunteer training for its annual Hawk Watch program on August 27 and September 23.

Legals for August, 14 2024

Despite rain damage to high school classrooms, administration says there's no plan to delay school or go to remote learning

Recent rains have damaged the classroom wing at the Columbia Falls High School.

Search expands for missing woman

Emily Rea of West Glacier disappeared on July 16, prompting a search effort involving the Flathead County Sheriff's Office and Two Bear Air with assistance from state and federal agencies.

Stage 1 Fire restrictions rescinded Friday in Glacier Park, Flathead Forest

Due to the amount of precipitation received in the area, the Flathead National Forest, Glacier National Park, and lands in Flathead County will rescind Stage I fire restrictions soon. The Park and Forest Service will rescind them on Friday at 12:01 a.m.; the remaining areas, such as state and county lands, rescind them at 12:01 a.m. Saturday.

As weather cools, FWP lifts fishing restrictions on North Fork of the Flathead

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has lifted the fishing restrictions on the North Fork of the Flathead River as the weather has cooled and rain has fallen.

Lawsuit filed in Wagyu beef E. coli case

One of the 14 people sickened by a deadly E. coli outbreak that originated in Flathead County is suing businesses connected to the contamination.

Historic North Fork ranch up for sale for $30 million

A historic North Fork Ranch is up for sale. The Rocky Bar O Ranch, founded by the Ladenburg family in the 1800s is being listed for $30 million.

Yesterdays: Cherries filled train cars in Flathead

The Flathead Valley was seeing a bumper cherry crop and about 2 million pounds of sweet cherries were expected to be shipped out of the valley in refrigerated railcars from both Kalispell and Polson.

Market doing well in new location

Halfway through the summer season, the Columbia Falls Community Market is doing well at its new, more spacious venue in a field adjacent to St. Richard Catholic Church.

Pilot pens book on hang gliding, other flying adventures

Third generation Montanan, Robert Combs of Bigfork has published a book, “The Wings of Men,” covering his 50 years of flying hang gliders and light sport trikes around the world and featuring an introduction from Darlene Cecil, managing editor of the Daily Inter Lake in the early 1980s.

Twins named state co-champions after rain shortens game

With a 5-1 rain-shortened lead over Gallatin Valley in the Class A American Legion Baseball State Tournament Championship game, the Twins were named Co-Champs on Sunday, Aug. 4.

The Blotter: Callers says 2,000 to 3,000 rounds of ammo stolen

A person called to say they had a bearded dragon lizard in their yard. A man who was hanging up his laundry on the line while dressed in his underwear prompted a call to police.

The wit and charm of Evelyn Laber, 95

Evelyn Laber is quick with a joke. “My daughter spent 10 years in prison,” she quipped. Which is true, but she worked there as a deputy sheriff.

The wit and charm of Evelyn Laber, 95

Evelyn Laber is quick with a joke. “My daughter spent 10 years in prison,” she quipped. Which is true, but she worked there as a deputy sheriff.

Wood carvers in West Glacier

The Montana Carving Rendezvous sponsored by the Montana Woodcarvers Association is Aug.15-17 at the West Glacier KOA.

He was feeling patriotic, so he ‘weed whacked’ a flag in his field

In early July Wayne Valentic woke up one morning and was “feeling patriotic.”

Daunting Task: The north face of Wilbur provides a challenge for veteran climbers

Last month, Adam Clark and I made, from what we know, the fourth ascent of the North Face of Mount Wilbur via the main weakness to the west of the true summit. We reveled in the fact that this line was first climbed in 1961 by a three-man team --— -tackling its committing and difficult nature through complicated and overhanging terrain. A winter ascent of the North Face was also completed in 2018 by a strong team from Missoula.

Death notices for Aug. 7, 202

Jim died July 26, 2024 in Whitefish at Logan Health.

Legals for August, 7 2024

Glacier Park rangers recover body from Avalanche Gorge

Glacier National Park officials believe the body of 26-year-old Siddhant Vitthal Patil from India was recovered on Saturday after weeks of searching for the drowning victim, according to a press release.

Former outfitter indicted for allegedly illegally killing brown bear in Alaska

A former Hungry Horse guide and outfitter and another Montana man have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Alaska with allegedly illegally killing a brown bear on a national wildlife refuge, a violating the Lacey Act.

Big money from outside Montana being spent in Sheehy-Tester Senate race

More than $27 million has been spent on political advertising in Montana’s U.S. Senate race through July by political action committees acting independently of the candidates and without spending limits.

Man drowns in Hungry Horse Reservoir

A Bigfork man drowned in the Hungry Horse Reservoir on Sunday near Wounded Buck Creek.

Missing woman was likely alone when she went paddleboarding on Hungry Horse Reservoir, Sheriff says

Based on cell phone data, nearby security cameras and the location of her vehicle, Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino said Emily Rea was likely alone when she put her paddleboard into the Hungry Horse Reservoir at the Riverside Boat Launch sometime after 8:30 p.m. July 16.

Stage I fire restrictions to go into effect Saturday morning

Interagency fire managers are implementing Stage I Fire Restrictions that will go into effect at 12:01.am. Saturday, Aug. 3 across the Flathead National Forest, Kootenai National Forest, Glacier National Park, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation - Northwestern Land Office, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Region 1, Lincoln County, Flathead County, and Sanders County.

Black bear sow and cubs make themselves at home on Many Glacier Hotel steps; woman survives plunge over McDonald Falls

The Many Glacier Hotel in Glacier National Park has hundreds of human guests in the summer months. But on July 22, it had a guest of the furry sort. A black bear sow and her cubs were hanging out on the front steps. A ranger shooed them off.