Ellington

EPA brass speaks to CFAC cleanup decision

The regional administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency earlier this month said she was encouraged by Flathead County and the City of Columbia Falls urging the EPA to move forward on a Record of Decision for the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. plant cleanup.

Death Notices for September 24, 2024

Karen Lynn Standley died Sept. 17, 2024 in Kalispell. No services will be held. Family plans are being made at this time. Darlington Cremation and Burial Service is caring for her family.

Cats down Bulldogs

At 8:32 in the second quarter Cooper Ross kicked a 37 yard field goal for the Wildcats.

Yesterdays: Boulder the size of a Jeep falls on Sun Road

The Chief Charlot, a tugboat that had previously been used by the Navy, was pressed into service on the Hungry Horse Reservoir. The boat was named after the famed leader of the Flathead Indians. It had a 100-horsepower engine and would be used to move booms and do other work at the Hungry Horse Dam.

Council talks department head salaries

As the City of Columbia Falls looks to fill key positions, the subject of how much it should pay has been a topic of discussion.

River gear swap and sale coming up Saturday in Columbia Falls

This Public Lands Day Flathead Rivers Alliance and Montana Kayak Academy invites the public to join their season-ending river gear swap and celebration Saturday, Sept. 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Rendezvous Bar in Columbia Falls in the Coop. Anyone can bring and sell river-related equipment, new and used during one-day event. This is your chance to buy, sell and swap: rafts, kayaks, SUPs, inflatable kayaks, PFDs/life jackets, wetsuits, splash jackets, roof racks, repair kits, and more. Later in the day there will be a party from 7 to 10 p.m. with music by The High Note.

Former outfitter and Forest Service employee pleads not guilty to Alaska grizzly killing

A former Hungry Horse guide and outfitter pleaded not guilty on all three counts of an indictment that charged him with illegally killing and transporting a brown bear in Alaska.

William Opalka

Bill Opalka, 90, passed away in Davis, California on June 17, 2024.

Girls cross country wins in Thompson Falls

The Columbia Falls girls cross country team took first at the Thompson Falls Invitational last week, while the boys took second without their top runner.

Girls soccer thumps Libby

Columbia Falls girls soccer hammered Libby 10-0 on Thursday, Sept. 20.

Columbia Falls runners do well at marathon

Columbia Falls was well represented at the Cedar Creek Marathon Saturday. Tait Rocksund took second and Connor Zumalt took sixth. Susan Armstrong took 25th.

School enrollment down slightly to start the year

Columbia Falls school enrollment is down slightly over last year at this time.

City budget tax increase comes with caveats

The Columbia Falls City Council approved the final 2024-25 budget last week and former city manager Susan Nicosia clarified a few things for taxpayers.

Blankenship bridge closed Friday

The Blankenship Bridge north of Columbia Falls will be closed to all thru-traffic on Friday, Sept. 27, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for necessary repairs.

FWP adjusts wolf season to reinstate quota near Yellowstone

Following pressure from Yellowstone National Park and locals living north of the park boundary, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission recently unanimously adopted an amendment to the wolf and furbearer regulations for the upcoming hunting season that will split Wolf Management Unit 313 – just north of the park boundary – back into two units and only allow three wolves to be killed in each.

FWP adjusts wolf season to reinstate quota near Yellowstone

Following pressure from Yellowstone National Park and locals living north of the park boundary, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission recently unanimously adopted an amendment to the wolf and furbearer regulations for the upcoming hunting season that will split Wolf Management Unit 313 – just north of the park boundary – back into two units and only allow three wolves to be killed in each.

Cats finish season sweep of Libby in boys soccer

Columbia Falls finished the season sweep of Libby, downing the Loggers 9-2 on Thursday, Sept. 19.

Legals for September, 25 2024

Update: Glacier will take no action against grizzly that bit hiker

Glacier National Park will take no action against a grizzly bear that bit a man who was hiking on the Highline Trail last week, as it was determined to be a surprise encounter.

Man flown out of Glacier Park via rescue helicopter after being injured by bear

A 35-year-old man was flown out of Granite Park Chalet in Glacier National Park for medical treatment after a bear encounter on the Highline Trail.

The Columbia Falls Homecoming Parade, In Pictures

The Columbia Falls Homecoming Parade.

After plenty of back-and-forth, Gianforte, Busse will debate

Two candidates for Montana’s governor’s seat have agreed to debate in mid-October after incumbent Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte declined to participate in two earlier forums proposed by separate news outlets.

Shane “Ricky” Richard Decker, 53

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Shane Richard “Ricky” Decker, a beloved father, son, brother, and friend, who left us on Sept. 3, 2024, at the young age of 53. Ricky’s life, though too brief, was one of remarkable warmth and courage, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.

Gary Steffen, 77

All the world was Margaritaville on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. On that warm, summer’s day, Gary L. Steffen, The Man, The Myth, The Legend, met up with the gambler and Heaven will never be the same.

Harriers both notch wins at Corvallis Invitational

The Columbia Falls girls cross country team won the Corvallis Invitational last week, edging the Blue Devils by one point.

Boys hammer Vikings, Thompson Falls, beat Bulldogs 4-2 on the road

Columbia Falls improved to 6-0 for the second time in 19 years with a 7-0 victory over Thompson Falls-Plains on Saturday, Sept. 14. The last time the team was 6-0 was in 2022, when the Wildcats won state.

Soccer: Girls roll over Bigfork, Thompson Falls, tie Bulldogs

Columbia Falls got a big tune-up against Thompson Falls on Saturday, Sept. 14, downing them 7-0 while outshooting the Blue Hawks 30-3.

Yesterdays: Bear grabs watermelon out of car in Glacier Park and runs off into the woods with it

A bear in Glacier National Park stole a watermelon from the back seat of a convertible car and dashed into the woods with it.

The Blotter; Bears in town

Black bear on 6th Street. It moved along. Man said he bought a rig, but guy never gave him the vehicle.

School learning a few lessons from roof woes

The high school roof is dried in and completed, School District 6 superintendent Cory Dziowgo told the board last week.

Artist Niles paints new mural for city library

Hungry Horse Artist Joel Niles recently completed a new mural on the walls of the Columbia Falls Library. The mural was paid for through a donation from Church Women United through the sale of the Klothes Kloset building at the end of Nucleus Avenue.

Groups file suit over Gunsight Lake fish plan

Local conservation groups have filed a lawsuit in federal court which alleges the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service violated the Endangered Species Act by approving a trout reintroduction project in Gunsight Lake.

Study will take long look at housing in city; Employers will be surveyed, too

Columbia Falls will undergo a comprehensive housing study that will not only look at the current housing market, but will also survey employers, look at the impacts of vacation rentals and second homes and a host of other factors impacting the city’s housing needs.

50 years and going strong: The Weyerhaeuser MDF plant first fired up in 1974. It’s been making a world-class product ever since

In 1974, Plum Creek, a subsidiary of the Burlington Northern Railroad, built the area’s first fiberboard plant. The idea was to make sawdust and other wood waste into a usable product using adhesives and high-pressure hot presses.

Death notices for Sept. 18, 2024

Michael Wayne Craner died Sept. 7, 2024 in Columbia Falls. To send online condolences, please visit columbiamortuary.com.

Golfers do well at Libby

Columbia Falls golfers are doing well on the links.

Columbia Falls spikers drop Libby at home

Emalee Alton and Sadie Cheff notched 13 kills apiece as Columbia Falls defeated Libby 25-12, 19-25, 25-12, 25-12 last week at home.Emalee Alton and Sadie Cheff notched 13 kills apiece as Columbia Falls defeated Libby 25-12, 19-25, 25-12, 25-12 last week at home.

Dillon bests Cats on the road

The Columbia Falls football team lost to rival Dillon on the road Friday, 21-7 in a game that was closer than the score would suggest.

City, Flowers at odds over the way city handles access to council

Columbia Falls Mayor Don Barnhart earlier this month spoke to an ongoing dispute between the city and Mayre Flowers of Citizens for a Better Flathead.

CFAC events today, tomorrow

The Coalition for the Clean CFAC will have another “deep dive” session on its analysis of the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. cleanup. On Wednesday (today) there will be a presentation from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cedar Creek Lodge ballroom to talk about cleanup plans at the site. In addition, there is a no-host drop in lunch from 11:30 to 1 p.m. at Uptown Hearth. Because space is limited folks are asked to call ahead for a spot at 406- 890-1659. Karmen King, a scientist with Skeo, will be on hand to discuss the cleanup plan at both events.

CFAC events today, tomorrow

The Coalition for the Clean CFAC will have another “deep dive” session on its analysis of the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. cleanup. On Wednesday (today) there will be a presentation from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cedar Creek Lodge ballroom to talk about cleanup plans at the site. In addition, there is a no-host drop in lunch from 11:30 to 1 p.m. at Uptown Hearth. Because space is limited folks are asked to call ahead for a spot at 406- 890-1659. Karmen King, a scientist with Skeo, will be on hand to discuss the cleanup plan at both events.

Legals for September, 18 2024

Glacier reopens Sun Road over Logan Pass

Glacier National Park officials reopened the Going-to-the-Sun Road over Logan Pass Thursday morning.

The Columbia Bar, an iconic Columbia Falls watering hole, closes

An iconic Columbia Falls watering hole is no more. Columbia Bar owner Mick Ruis said he closed the Columbia Bar after business hours on Tuesday.

Alzheimers walk coming up soon

The 2024 Flathead Valley walk to end Alzheimer’s is on Saturday, Sept. 28.

Carolyn Jane Cheek, 87

Carolyn Jane Wingfield was born in 1950 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas to Merdis And Sam Wingfield. Her early years were spent alongside two older brothers Sam and Jim in California and Oregon where they were no strangers to hard work.

Wildcats down Blue Devils, 10-0, gear up for Bigfork

Columbia Falls was a whirlwind on the pitch on Saturday, Sept. 7, picking up a 10-0 victory over Corvallis in Class A soccer action.

Fire destroys truck working on North Fork Road

Firefighters responded to a vehicle fire up the North Fork on Friday, Sept. 6.

Plein air paintings of Glacier, Flathead now on display

The 17th annual Plein Art Glacier festival kicked off earlier this month in Glacier Park and the Flathead Valley, hosted by the Hockaday Museum of Art in Kalispell. Thirty-five artists from across the U.S. and Canada converge on the Flathead to paint and showcase its captivating landscapes. Plein air is a French term referring to painting in the open air.

Report: Glacier visitors spent more in 2023 over previous year; about $128 per person

A new National Park Service report shows that 2.93 million visitors to Glacier National Park in 2023 spent $372 million in communities near the park. That spending supported 5,725 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $554 million.

Dean Hagen, 91

At age 91, Dean Leroy Hagen of Columbia Falls, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Aug. 30, 2024. He was born on June 29, 1933 to Carl J. Hagen and Ella (Norman) Hagen in Dooley, Montana.

City budget will hike taxes significantly

The Columbia Falls City Council approved a 2024-25 budget last week that calls for a tax increase on homes and properties in the city as the city added another police officer to the force and overall expenses have gone up, in some cases, significantly.

Boys improve to 3-0 with thrashing of Corvallis

Columbia Falls faced up against a young Corvallis team and scorched past them for a 6-0 victory on Saturday, Sept. 7. While Corvallis was the team that knocked the Wildcats out of the playoffs last year, this year’s rendition is much younger and has a new coach.

Harriers do well at Flathead Invitational

The Columbia Falls girls took eighth and the boys took ninth at the Flathead Invitational cross country race last week at Rebecca Farm.

Football: Cats face rematch with Dillon this week, trounce Browning

The Columbia Falls football team bounced back in a big way Friday night, hammering conference rival Browning on the road 35-0.

Man dies on Sperry Trail in Glacier National Park

A 65-year-old man died in Glacier National Park on the Sperry Trail Aug. 28.

Community events: Dessert contest coming up

Are you up for the challenge? The Columbia Falls Historical Society invites you to the Fall Dessert Challenge, Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the ‘Chapel’ at the Montana Veteran’s Home. If you like to cook, bring your favorite dessert, if you like to eat dessert, come and be one of the judges.

City taps former Polson city manager as interim manager

The Columbia Falls City Council Tuesday was expected to hire Mark Shrives of Polson as its interim city manager.

Yesterdays: Drilling for oil not far from Columbia Falls

A massive log jam was growing on the Hungry Horse Reservoir near Riverside as a result of the Hungry Horse Dam. Herbert Construction out of Somers had a contract to corral the debris using boats and haul the larger stuff away.

Bank erosion a growing concern on Flathead River

“We had heard a lot from landowners in recent years about concerns with erosion,” Flathead Conservation District resource conservationist Samantha Tappenbeck said. “These are riverfront landowners that are contacting us and saying, ‘We are losing a crazy amount of ground to erosion that’s unprecedented.’”

Opinion: Tent woes with the Zpacks 2p Zip

So I spent $900 on a tent earlier this summer. Well, not exactly $900. It was $863 to be exact. There was a 5% discount for “first time buyers” and with postage it came to $863.

New flower shop features local, regional blooms

A lot of folks probably know Kim Wortman and Jesse Plevel as longtime Realtors with Remax/Mountain View real estate in Columbia Falls.

Rendezvous bar opens in the Coop

Columbia Falls has a new bar and one that takes pains to support local businesses. The Rendezvous bar in The Coop on Highway 2 in Columbia Falls features more than 11 local businesses, including several distilleries, breweries and others. It even has locally made coffee from Uptown Hearth, noted manager Jackie Evans.

RV destroyed in fire

Columbia Falls firefighters responded to an RV fire Thursday night about 8 p.m. The RV was in the driveway of Windmill Storage off Highway 2. It was destroyed in the blaze.

Glacier Park visitors took advantage of no reservation requirements at St. Mary

Glacier National Park’s July visitation was up almost 10% over last year, according to figures recently provided by the Park Service. In addition, it does appear that people took advantage of being able to use the St. Mary Entrance to the Going-to-the-Sun Road without a vehicle reservation, as visitation to St. Mary was up 20% over last season.

Man shoots at Two Bear Air helicopter, others, but gives himself up after Sheriff K-9 unit intervenes

A Flathead County K9 unit was used to apprehend a suspect involved in a standoff early Wednesday morning after he allegedly shot at multiple people and the Two Bear Air helicopter.

$25,000 reward offered in Rea search

The family of a woman who vanished while paddleboarding in the Hungry Horse Reservoir in July is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to her whereabouts.

Firemen's ball, grandparents day dinner on tap

The North Valley Senior Center will have a spaghetti dinner with desserts, drinks, a silent auction and raffle from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 6 in honor of grandparents day. Cost is $5 for dinner, $1 for drinks and $1 for dessert.

Girls soccer goes 1-1 on its road trip to Laurel, Lockwood

The Columbia Falls girls soccer team split on its eastern road trip, losing to longtime rival Laurel 5-0, Friday, but blanking Lockwood 3-0, Saturday.

Spikers compete at Tip-Off

The Columbia Falls volleyball team competed in the Northwest-Southwest Tip-Off tourney over the weekend in Frenchtown.

Girls, boys look good at Libby Invite x-country

The Columbia Falls girls took fourth and the boys took fifth at the Libby Invitational meet Friday to open the cross-country season.

Cats struggle in season opener against the Broncs

They hung in there for the first half, but the Columbia Falls football team had a tough go of it in the second half and lost to Frenchtown 42-12 in the Wildcats’ home opener.

Boys soccer goes 2-0 to open season on the road

The Columbia Falls boys soccer team went 2-0 on its eastern road trip over the weekend.

Thoughts on NorthWestern Energy

As someone who helps people make financial decisions, I am worried about our state’s largest utility, NorthWestern Energy. NorthWestern provides electric and natural gas services to over 400,000 households and businesses across the state. The utility, therefore, has a responsibility not just to provide energy on demand but also to consider the well-being of Montana’s residents and environment.

Opinion: Tunnel vision

So awhile back a friend from the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation mentioned they had reopened the Tunnel Creek Trail in the Middle Fork.

Great Dirt: Columbia Falls company nearing its 1 millionth pound of composting waste this year. Folks are urged to compost, too.

Alissa LaChance would like to divert as much food waste from the Flathead County landfill as possible.

Celebrate the stars at Glacier Park this week

Glacier National Park will hold its first ever Astronomy Week this week.

Yesterdays: Flood of '64 turned trails to trenches

Crews were still dealing with trail damage from the Flood of ‘64 in June. One trail up the Middle Fork of the Flathead was so eroded a trail crew member could stand in it and it was a ditch over his head.

No jail time for Glass

A Columbia Falls man who allegedly stabbed another man to death in 2022 has reached a plea deal with Flathead County prosecutors in the case that calls for no jail time.

Swiftcurrent Valley shuts down soon

The Many Glacier campground in Glacier National Park will close soon and will not reopen until mid-May 2026, park officials note.

Child rapist gets 40 years in prison

A Columbia Falls rapist has been sentenced to two 40-year concurrent prison terms for allegedly sexually abusing a victim repeatedly over the years.

Weighs in on CFAC

I found part of Cheryl Driscoll’s comment on efforts by the Coalition For A Clean CFAC in your Aug. 30 article more than ironic.

Celebrating the Wilderness Act at 60

On Sept. 3, 1964, President Johnson signed the Wilderness act; it preserved 54 areas as wilderness, totaling 9,100,000 acres in 13 states. More importantly it envisioned additional areas being added to the newly created national wilderness preservation system.

Flathead County budget has a modest tax increase, will fix bleachers at fairgrounds

Flathead County taxpayers are expected to see a modest increase in their county tax bill.

Death notices for Sept. 4, 2024

James “Jim” William Burg died Aug. 21, 2024 in Kalispell. Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. To send online condolences, please visit austinfh.com.

City will hold housing study workshop

The Columbia Falls planning commission will have a housing workshop at 6 p.m. Sept. 12 at city hall.

Tribute for fallen climber held at Whitefish market

Friends gathered Aug. 27 at the Whitefish Farmer’s Market to celebrate the life of organic farmer and outdoor enthusiast Grant Marcuccio.