Ellington

Crawford sentenced to 100 years in prison for killing Whisper Sellars

The Kila man convicted earlier this year of murdering Whisper Sellars during a dispute over a golf cart outside a Martin City bar received a 100-year sentence in the Montana State Prison on Tuesday.

Johnsons mark 70th wedding anniversary

Longtime Columbia Falls residents Ralph and Joanne Johnson celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on Friday, Nov. 22.

Thanks from skateboard association

The community of Columbia Falls will soon have its very own skatepark. While it feels strange to be celebrating such an event as the snow has begun to blanket town, we are nonetheless grateful for all the people who helped bring this dream to reality.

Opinion: Alphabet chicken in the dark

So I’m standing in the grocery store on Saturday with the boy and we’re looking for Alphabet chicken for the grandkid.

Glacier looks to have transportation plan done by 2026

Glacier National Park hopes to have a long-term transportation/visitation plan by winter 2026, park officials said during a virtual meeting with the public and stakeholders Thursday evening.

EPA should listen to public

f there is one thing that EPA Region 8 (the Environmental Protection Agency for Montana, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming, and 27 tribal nations) needs to realize after this recent election, is that the public expects to be heard and to see meaningful change now. Not in another 25 years, as was the EPA’s loudly opposed recommendation for lead contamination cleanup in Butte last week. And not in another 35-60 years as allowed for in the EPA’s proposed cleanup plan for a host of toxic wastes in a groundwater plume seeping into the Flathead River at the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company (CFAC) Superfund Site.

Fern looking forward to Legislative session after long campaign

Incoming state Sen. Dave Fern is looking forward to the upcoming session. Fern represents Senate District 2, which includes the cities of Columbia Falls and Whitefish and was one of the few Democrats in the county outside of Debo Powers to gain a seat in the state Legislature.

Community news you may have missed

The North Valley Senior Center will have a fundraiser dinner from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 (Night of Lights) with soup, hot dogs, chili and baked goods for sale. Dinner is $5, drinks are $1.

The Blotter: Kids spit on cop car

Theft of items outside of Thrift Store. A person was looking into vehicles with a flashlight on Ninth Street.

Hoops teams on the road in December

Winter sports practices have kicked off in the past week, but you’ll have to wait until January for a home varsity boys basketball game.

Fulbright Scholar: Paula Koch puts coveted scholarship program to use in her classes

Longtime Columbia Falls junior high Spanish and advanced studies teacher Paula Koch has been putting a coveted Fulbright Scholarship to work in her classroom.

FEC announces capital credits payments soon

Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustees recently retired just over $3.5 million in capital credits, which is a percentage of the capital credits allocated to members in 2009.

Daines bill looks to address NPS maintenance

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines last week introduced a bill with bipartisan support that seeks to reauthorize a program to address billions in overdue maintenance at national parks, increase program funding from the federal government, and seeks to increase the amount of public donations supporting those projects.

Herbert “Herb” Mains Jr., 85

Herb passed away on Nov. 17, 2024, at his home in West Glacier. Born on June 12, 1939 in Billings Montana,

Roger William Wolfe, 62

Roger Wolfe was born Feb. 2, 1962 in Gary, Indiana. He was the eighth child of James and Mildred Wolfe. In 1969 the family moved to the Flathead Valley. This is the place he would forever refer to as his home, whether he was here or not.

Sandra J. Wrightson, 88

Our mother, Sandra J. Wrightson, 88, and longtime resident of Columbia Falls, passed away on Nov. 18, 2024 with the comfort of family by her side. Mom was born in Hamilton, Montana to her parents, Mary Ward Motley and William Dean Motley. She was raised in Darby, Montana and her family is one of the pioneering families of the Bitterroot Valley, making her a fourth generation Montanan.

Early storm boosts snowpack to 200% of average in some areas

Forget a white Christmas. We're definitely having a white Thanksgiving.

Gilchrist subdivision on Meadow Lake Blvd. before board

The Columbia Falls Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. Dec. 12 on a plan to build a 10 lot, 20-unit townhome subdivision on 2.27 acres on a vacant piece of land at 247 Meadow Lake Boulevard.

Night of Lights coming up next week

The annual Night of Lights Parade is coming up on Friday, Dec. 6, sponsored by the Columbia Falls Lions Club.

Death notices for Nov. 27, 2024

Nancy died Nov. 12, 2024 in Kalispell. A memorial service was held Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 at the United Methodist Church in Whitefish. Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is caring for Nancy’s family.

Ann (Kolodejchuk) McMaster, 68

Ann (Kolodejchuk) McMaster died peacefully in her home, Nov. 10, 2024, due to complications of multiple myeloma, surrounded by her family in Missoula. She married Dick McMaster in November of 1978 in Columbia Falls.

Gobble Gobble: Did you know you wild turkeys can fly up to 60 mph? This and other cool facts about America's coveted bird

On Thanksgiving, plenty of folks will have turkey for the main course. Properly prepared, the big bird can be juicy and delicious.

Legals for November, 27 2024

Coram woman faces weapon charge after stand off with SWAT team

A Coram woman faces a charge of assault with a weapon after allegedly shooting at family members at a home on Platte Road in Coram Nov. 21.

Multi-vehicle accident at River Road, Highway 2

There's a multi-vehicle accident at Highway 2 and River Road at this hour.

Snow closes most Glacier Park roads for the season

The Many Glacier Road and Two Medicine Road are closed for the season and so is the Cut Bank Road at the Park boundary. The Quarter Circle Bridge Road is closed as well.

Slick roads lead to wrecks

Columbia Falls firefighters and Three Rivers EMS responded to two accidents within minutes of each other Wednesday morning.

The Blotter: Man was kicking and hitting a woman

A real estate agent called about feral cats that the previous owner used to feed. Wondered what could be done about them. A man was urinating in front of people on Nucleus Avenue. Bad wreck on Highway 2 at LaSalle, man pinned under truck.

Forest Service announces more wildfire grants available

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is accepting applications for the Community Wildfire Defense Grants to help at-risk communities and Native American Tribes develop and revise community wildfire protection plans and implement projects to mitigate wildfire risks.

Hair stylist travels for her Christian faith

She has a black belt in karate. She drives a Harley Davidson motorcycle and she’s traveled the world following her faith.

As wildfire threats loom, funds available for Gateway homeowners

If you own a lot and it’s thick with trees but you don’t have the means or money to thin them and you’re worried about wildfire damaging your home and property, there’s a new program that can help and it’s completely free.

Dixie Lee Nelson, 69

Dixie Lee Nelson, 69, of Columbia Falls, passed away peacefully on Nov. 11, 2024, in the comfort of her own home. Born Feb. 19, 1955, in Fort Morgan, CO, to Norma Gale McAfee (later Tasha Norma Berentz) and the late Alvin Eugene Griffitts, Dixie lived a life defined by spirituality, creativity, and perseverance.

Scott King, 73

It is with deep loss and great sadness that we announce the passing of husband, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend, Scott King, on Nov. 4, 2024 after a brief but determined fight with an inoperable brain tumor. Scott was born to Barbara and Donald King Sr. in Havre on Dec. 20, 1950 joining brother Don Jr.

Death notices for Nov. 20, 2024

Richie Lee died Nov. 12, 2024 in Kalispell. A family gathering to honor Richie is being planned. Darlington Cremation and Burial Service is caring for his family.

MaryBeth (McCormick-Schilling) Arnold, 74

MaryBeth (McCormick-Schilling) Arnold, 74, passed away Nov. 14th in Kalispell with her family and friends by her side.

State berth breaks three-year drought for spikers

Columbia Falls broke a three-year drought by making it to the Class A State Volleyball Tournament, and while they dropped their first two games in Bozeman on Thursday, Nov. 14, and Friday, Nov. 15, they’ve set up a foundation for the future.

Most classes return to high school, but work still needs to be done on classroom wing

Most classes have resumed in Columbia Falls High School, though some science classes are still being held at Glacier Gateway Elementary School.

Speech and debate wins A-B-C sweeps in Missoula

The Columbia Falls speech and debate team took first in the A-B-C sweeps at the Garden City AA Invitational tourney last weekend in Missoula.

Commission approves wolf trapping season, with caveats

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission last week approved the wolf trapping regulations for this upcoming season.

Yesterdays: Steam engine used to heat AAC plant

Aiding construction at the Anaconda Aluminum Co. Plant was a 17-ton Great Northern Railway oil-fired steam engine. Heat from the engine was used to allow workers to complete the office building and other interiors at the plant.

Annual Brunch with Santa needs support

Members of the Columbia Falls Rotary Club are pounding away in Santa’s workshop to come up with gifts and toys for the silent auction at the club’s annual “Brunch with Santa” fundraiser Dec. 7.

Hunting success up over last year

Montana’s general hunting season is down to the final week and half, and activity has picked up in northwest Montana.

Community events you may have missed

Kick off the holiday season by attending the “The Nutcracker” ballet.

Legals for November, 20 2024

Glacier National Park to hold meetings on traffic and crowd management in the park

Glacier National Park will hold a series of meetings to talk about traffic and crowd management in the park and possible solutions.

Slaybaugh retires from coaching Glacier Twins

Kevin Slaybaugh, head coach of the Glacier Twins American Legion baseball team, has announced his retirement from coaching. While stepping down from his on-field leadership, Slaybaugh will remain active with the organization, continuing his role as president.

Spikers take fourth in divisional tourney

The Columbia Falls volleyball team took fourth at the Western A divisional tourney last week, punching a berth to the state tourney.

Marge Schauble, 90

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Marge Schauble (age 90) of Columbia Falls, who died peacefully on Oct. 25, 2024. Marge was born on Jan. 23, 1934 in Lancaster, MN. She was the youngest of the family along with twin brothers born to Victor and Margaret Nelson. The family moved to Lake Bronson, MN in 1944 and then to Libby in 1948.

Dorothy Marie Sedivy, 80

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dorothy Marie Sedivy, who left this world peacefully on Nov. 3, 2024, at the age of 80. Born on April 12, 1944, to the late Norman and Jean Keller, Dorothy lived a life full of love, laughter, and dedication to her family and friends.

Death notices for Nov, 13, 2024

David “Sparky” Eugene Robbennolt died Oct. 22, 2024 in Columbia Falls. Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. To send online condolences, please visit columbiamortuary.com.

Football playoffs: Wildcats valiant effort falls short

Down 28-0 in the third quarter, the Columbia Falls football team battled back to make a game of it against Laurel in the quarterfinals of the playoffs, falling just short, 35-28.

Execs participate in training

Flathead Valley residents Marla Chappell, Tim McEntire, and Wes Gadwa recently returned from Bozeman as part of REAL Montana (Resource Education and Agriculture Leadership).This was the first of 10 seminars in their two-year educational program.

Speech, debate team wins home tournament

Columbia Falls won its home speech and debate tournament Saturday amongst Class A schools, downing Whitefish and Frenchtown, who took second and third respectively.

Snowy Blackfoot climb proves too much

Departing at 3 a.m. surely meant that we’d be back for dinner that day, my mind told itself as the countless black trail miles fell by the wayside en route to Blackfoot Mountain in Glacier National Park.

Yesterdays: Glacier mulls snowmobile use in park

The Great Northern Railroad signed a new 20-year contract with the Park Service to operate the major lodges inside of Glacier National Park. The new contract would likely mean the expansion of cabins near Swiftcurrent Lake and at Rising Sun.

Abandoned RV an expensive headache for Columbia Falls baseball

The Columbia Falls baseball association has an unwanted RV sitting in its parking lot that will likely cost several hundred dollars and plenty of labor to get rid of.

Election results, with all precincts reporting

Republicans ruled the roost with few exceptions in the November election, though two Flathead Democrats, Dave Fern and Debo Powers, won seats.

A closer look at how the vote went in Columbia Falls precincts

While most of Flathead County is solidly red, Democrats did make some inroads locally, as Dave Fern, a Democrat, won the new Senate District 2 over Republican Doug Adams, 6,722-6,093, and North Forker Democrat Debo Powers won the new House District 3 race over Republican Cathy Mitchell, 3,494-3,247.

The joys of rabbit joints

So a few weeks ago I decided to get some quotes on new kitchen cabinets and they came in exactly where I expected, which is to say, way more money than I want to spend or even can afford. Not only that, they were made out of woods or finishes I just didn’t like.

Zinke critical of Glacier Park reservation decision

Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke isn’t too happy with the Glacier National Park announcement that it would implement a timed entry reservation system last week.

Man allegedly threatened to ‘shoot up’ churches, had sniper nest on a property

A rural Columbia Falls man faces felony charges after he allegedly threatened to “shoot up” churches in the area and threatened a former partner with death as well.

KOFI radio transmitter destroyed in fire

A fire engulfed local radio station KOFI’s AM transmitter building early Saturday morning.

John Patrick VanValkenburg, 64

John Patrick VanValkenburg, 64, passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 19th, 2024, at his home in Kalispell.

FWP shortens South Fork bull trout fishing season

The Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks commission has curtailed the bull trout fishing season in the Hungry Horse/South Fork of the Flathead River drainage. Here are the changes to bull trout regulations:

Legals for November, 13 2024

Pursuit buys Eddie's Cafe in Apgar Village in Glacier National Park

Pursuit announced Friday it had purchased Eddie’s Café & Mercantile and the associated Apgar Lookout Retreat in Glacier National Park from businessman Brian Kelly.

Glacier National Park will implement timed entry system for west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road, North Fork in 2025

Glacier National Park announced Thursday it would implement a one-day timed entry reservation system for the west side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road for the summer of 2025, but visitors can still drive the road from the east side without a reservation as they could in 2024.

Soccer all state, all conference announced

All state and all conference selections for soccer have been announced. All state boys/first team all conference soccer for Columbia Falls were Max Everett, Jack Harris, River Wolford.

Spikers fall just short against Whitefish

It was a close battle, but then again, would you expect anything else from a Cat-Dog matchup.

Community events you may have missed

Columbia Falls Women’s Connection will host a luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church located at 827 9th St West in Columbia Falls. Special feature is Melissa Sweeney, a local artist who will share her talent of rock painting. And keynote speaker Susan Friess, a retired teacher, artist and world traveler will share God’s provision in her life. Donations of new, unwrapped toys for all ages will be collected for Toys for Tots. Cost is $10 and all women are welcome to attend. For reservations call Janet at 406-892-3621 or email cfwomensconnection@yahoo.com by 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17. Please honor or cancel reservations. Affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries.

At Flathead Lake Biological Station, owls a subject of research

At 7:20 p.m., a northern saw-whet owl call pierces through the forest at Flathead Lake Biological Station. Although these little owls are some of the more common on the North American continent and native to Northwest Montana’s woods, this sound is coming from a speaker.

From ready-to-eat meals to camp supplies, Park Provisions is a great way to kick off your next adventure, or just grab a bite to eat

Park Provisions is the kind of place where you might grab lunch on the way to Glacier National Park along with any supplies you may have forgotten. It’s also a refuge for the weary and hungry traveler who just wants a ready-to-bake meal they can pop in the oven after a long day in the hills.

Neighbors not happy with subdivision, but DEQ says developer following law

Members of a rural Columbia Falls homeowners association are raising concerns about a subdivision near Meadow Lake Resort, but the developer says it’s following state law and the state Department of Environmental Quality agrees.

South Fork bull trout numbers plummet

Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks will likely curtail the only legal bull trout river fishery in the state next season.

Death notices for Nov. 6, 2024

Paul Bernard Vendetti died Oct. 28, 2024 in Kalispell. Family plans are being made at this time. Darlington Cremation and Burial Service is caring for his family.

Opinion: Backcountry thoughts: Glacier's system could use some work

Daylight savings time kinda marks the end of backcountry camping for me, at least until February or early March, when the days are rounding back into 11 hours or so and the snow is firmed up to where you can ski on it without sinking up to your hips.

Items from skatepark robbery showing up in pawn shops across U.S.

The Columbia Falls Police Department has tracked down some of the items stolen from a robbery at the construction site at the Columbia Falls Skateboard Park, but hasn’t nabbed any suspects yet, police chief Chad Stephens told Columbia Falls city council Monday night.

Wildcats wallop Corvallis; on to Laurel

The Columbia Falls football team just keeps on rolling.

The Blotter: High speed chase ends in arrest

A person complained that a 7-year-old was being left alone. The mother said she checked on the child when he gets home from school and stops by the house during her lunch break. A person accidentally opened a package sent to the wrong house and then tried to give it to the right party but they got mad because it was opened. No harm, no foul, it looks like.

Committee will take a look at city government

The Columbia Falls City Council recently approved three members to a commission designed to examine whether the city should change its form of government or keep it the way it is.

Veteran profile: Through a unique program, Lee Smith served the United States and Columbia Falls

He was also recently recognized for his contributions to Butte football

Back when Lee Smith was in college in the 1950s the U.S. military had what was known as a “critical skills program.”

Legals for November, 6 2024

Winter storm warning for Essex area, blizzard warning for East Glacier Park

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning above 4,000 feet from 5 p.m. Monday night to 11 a.m. Tuesday morning.

Former Bob Marshall outfitter faces more federal charges for gear drops near Silvertip Mountain

Meanwhile, more details released in alleged grizzly bear shooting in Alaska

A former Hungry Horse outfitter and guide faces more federal charges for allegedly guiding outside of his permitted area on multiple occasions in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, according to court documents filed last week in Missoula District Court.

Man sentenced to four years in prison for eagle poaching

MISSOULA (AP) — A Washington state man accused of leading a wildlife trafficking ring on a Native American reservation that killed thousands of eagles and hawks to sell on the black market was sentenced Thursday to nearly four years in prison.