Ellington

Yesterdays: Finberg scores 40 in this classic photo

Montana State University at Missoula would change its name to the University of Montana and Montana State College in Bozeman would become Montana State University. The name change was dictated by the state Legislature. “While confusing, the name change is fitting,” editor Mel Ruder wrote in an editorial.

They don’t know what they don’t know

Much has been written and broadcast recently regarding the impacts of the Trump administration and particularly the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to reduce the size of the federal government workforce.

Boys falter against Indians on the road, but bounce back against Polson

The Columbia Falls boys basketball team was bested by Browning on the road Friday, 69-58.

City looks to add another police officer for DUI patrols

Columbia Falls will look to add another full-time DUI and patrol officer to its ranks.

The Blotter: Seems like there were a lot of people hitting each other

A woman from Michigan said someone stole her credit card. Report of fistfight between mom and 14-year-old child. Report of an argument between parties, one of which had an ax. No injuries, no charges.

North Fork timber sales see no bids

Some of the timber sales in the Frozen-Moose project up the North Fork failed to get any bids, Glacier View/Hungry Horse District Ranger Rob Davies said during the Feb. 14 interlocal meeting.

North Fork Road will see some dust control

Despite federal funding uncertainty heading into the summer months, the lower North Fork Road will see dust abatement again this year from the end of the pavement near Glacier Rim to the Camas Road, Flathead County Public Works Director Dave Prunty told residents at the North Fork Interlocal Feb. 14.

Death notices for Feb. 26, 2025

Ralph LeRoy Lamberson, 75, May 2, 1949—Feb. 9, 2025.

Penrose, in winter: It’s not the peak, it’s the journey that matters

When I entered the world of mountaineering years ago, reaching the summit of a mountain meant everything. A successful day of climbing was defined by standing atop a mountain’s highest point, regardless of the journey it took to get there.

Mumby recognized for service to Cayuse Prairie

Cayuse Prairie School Business Manager and Clerk Heather Mumby has earned the Association of School Business Officials International’s Certified Administrator of School Finance and Operations designation.

Hughes, Hall of Fame coach from the ‘70s, dies peacefully at Polson home

Columbia Falls Hall of Fame coach Harold Hughes died peacefully on Feb. 21 in Polson.

Park Service boosts seasonal hiring, but lawsuit filed in mass firing of probationary employees

The U.S. Department of Interior boosted the number of National Park Service seasonal employees by about 2,200 positions last week, the Associated Press reported.

Albert “Gene” Rodgers, 78

Albert “Gene” Rodgers, age 78, of Columbia Falls passed away on Feb. 19, 2025, surrounded by family. Born Nov. 18, 1946, in Whitefish. Gene lived a life filled with service, passion, and devotion.

Columbia Falls firefighters respond to sawdust fire at MDF plant

Columbia Falls firefighters put out a sawdust fire at the Weyerhaeuser MDF plant Saturday morning about 5 a.m.

Columbia Falls will take first look at housing study Monday

The Columbia Falls city council and planning commission will have a joint meeting Monday, Feb. 24 to take a first look at a draft housing study.

Firefighters called back to Weyerhaeuser MDF mill to put out minor hot spot

Columbia Falls and other area fire departments were called back to the Weyerhaeuser MDF plant about 6:50 a.m. Friday.

National Weather Service issues flood watch for low-lying areas

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch from Saturday night into Monday. The mainstem rivers aren’t expected to flood unless water builds up behind ice jams, but smaller streams and low-lying areas could see some flooding, the weather service is warning.

Flathead National Forest DOGE cuts detailed; many did not save taxpayer dollars

Cuts to the federal workforce have hit home.

Teriyaki Kitchen suffers minor damage in fire

The Teriyaki Kitchen restaurant on Nucleus Avenue suffered minor damage from a kitchen fire Wednesday night, but the incident required the building, which has apartments upstairs, to be evacuated as well.

Photos: Cabin Fever Days

Photos from the Bar Stool races at Cabin Fever Days

A ranger speaks out

I am absolutely heartbroken and completely devastated to have lost my dream job of an education park ranger with the National Park Service at Effigy Mounds National Monument this Valentine’s Day.

Visiting with Friends

Early one morning a lobbyist for a trade union enters my office. Yes, my elevation to the Senate includes office space, a real stretch of the language, more a cubby space I share with Senator Windy Boy of Box Elder, but a substantial upgrade from the House. We have a tremendous view looking north, out beyond the Helena Valley and spacious desks of sorts to attract clutter.

Cut the budget, not the Constitution

I had the opportunity, during the second Bush administration, to engage in advising struggling democracies in a project then known as “democracy building.” It was enormously fulfilling work, and I saw real progress in places like Indonesia, Cambodia, and Angola in educating inexperienced elected officials in the rudiments of legislative organization and procedure. It was paid for primarily by USAID.

Firefighters will race for a good cause

On Tuesday mornings at 6 a.m., eight members of the Columbia Falls Fire Department gather at the training facility to practice running up stairs in full gear, breathing units included.

How would you answer these questions?

Editor’s note: The following is the city survey. How would you answer the following questions? You can drop them off at city hall or take the survey online at the city’s website at:

Cats on a roll, have key game against Browning on Friday

The roll continues.

Delorme wins state wrestling title at 157 pounds

Dylan Delorme stole the show, claiming the Class A state title at 157 pounds for Columbia Falls at the state wrestling tournament last weekend. Delorme was unstoppable, collecting two pins, a major decision, and a decisive 6-1 victory in the championship match. He started his title run with a lightning-fast 91-second pin over Dawson County’s Keenan Huber, followed by another pin against Lockwood’s Trace Steinmetz. In the semifinals, Delorme overpowered Sidney/Fairview’s Brody Keysor with a 15-1 major decision. In the final showdown, Delorme controlled the match from start to finish, defeating Laurel’s Logan Knaub and securing the gold.

Firefighters respond to explosion at Weyerhaeuser MDF plant, no injuries

The Columbia Falls Weyerhaeuser MDF plant was rocked by an explosion and fire about 7:50 a.m. Wednesday morning. The explosion appears to have been caused by an electrical arc in the power distribution center which runs both lines of the plant, Columbia Falls Fire chief Karl Weeks said.

City government review public hearing coming up in March

The Columbia Falls City Government Commission will hold a public hearing at 5 p.m. March 12 to take public input on how the city might operate better and whether it should change its current form of government.

Gianforte pushes for Homestead tax relief

HELENA – Gov. Greg Gianforte continues to push lawmakers to pass a “homestead exemption” bill to help Montanans with rising property taxes by lowering rates for primary residences and long-term rentals.

Yesterdays: There once was a plan to divert the Middle Fork to the Hungry Horse Reservoir

The Bureau of Reclamation announced it would do a more thorough study of the possibility of diverting water from the Middle Fork of the Flathead through a tunnel and into the Hungry Horse Reservoir in 1957. The plan would have destroyed the free-flowing upper Middle Fork as we know it today, but was a popular idea at the time for industry.

For Gladstone, performing is a way of life

Earlier this month, Jack Gladstone had kids at the Columbia Falls Junior High singing and laughing right with him, as he told tales about Chinook winds and grizzly bears.

Kats drop Whitefish, Libby; host Indians

The Columbia Falls girls basketball team got two key conference road wins last week, dropping Whitefish Tuesday 55-28 and Libby 55-12 Thursday.

Elsie Marie Mickelson, 102

Elsie Marie Mickelson, 102, passed away peacefully at her home in Columbia Falls on Feb. 4, 2025, with her children by her side.

After years of discussion, BNSF has a griz plan

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has approved a BNSF Railway plan that will provide funding for grizzly bear conservation in northwest Montana in return for a permit allowing it to “take” 19 of the federally protected animals over seven years.

Legals for February, 19 2025

Update: EPA will have office hours on CFAC remotely

The Environmental Protection Agency will host office hours in Columbia Falls from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 19.

Park Service will fire 1,000 probationary employees, but hire 5,000 seasonals, Post reports

The Park Service aims to fire 1,000 probationary employees nationwide, but will, in turn, hire about 5,000 seasonal positions, the Washington Post reported Friday.

Wildkats drop Ronan, Whitefish, but struggle against Bigfork

The Columbia Falls girls basketball team went 2-1 last week. The Wildkats avenged an earlier season loss by beating Ronan 50-40 Friday night at home, but lost to Bigfork 75-49 Saturday night at home. On Tuesday they beat Whitefish on the road, 55-28.

Cats nab three key conference wins

The Columbia Falls boys basketball team got three key conference wins last week, dropping Ronan 57-37 at home Friday and then coming back to beat Bigfork 52-46 at home Saturday and they walloped Whitefish Tuesday on the road.

Free the Seeds event is coming up March 1

Land to Hand announces its 10th annual Free the Seeds event, taking place on Saturday, March 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Art and Technology Building at Flathead Valley Community College. This free, family-friendly event celebrates seed saving, gardening, and sustainable living.

City manager search closes in on finalists

The Columbia Falls City Council is whittling down the prospective candidates for the city manager position.

Habitat for Humanity trims Columbia Falls subdivision by a house

Habitat for Humanity will look to build six homes on what is now a baseball field on Railroad Street in Columbia Falls.

Beware the Trojan horse targeting public lands

Sometimes when I drive past the little house my wife and I bought when we first married, 30 years ago, it makes me sad. Not only because of nostalgia, but because of economics.

Legislature eyes stiffer DUI laws after Columbia Falls death

HELENA — Montana Legislators are pushing for changes to DUI laws – laws that Rep. Braxton Mitchell, R-Columbia Falls, calls a national embarrassment.

Mitchell bill will repeal 1895 dueling law that’s still on the books

HELENA — Under current Montana law, the winner of a duel may be responsible for supporting the family of their slain opponent.

House passes Medicaid expansion bill with bipartisan support

HELENA — A key Medicaid expansion bill passed the Montana House of Representatives Monday, one step closer to removing the sunset date on a program that has provided insurance coverage to thousands of Montanans.

Racicot on politicizing the judicial branch

Before entering upon the duties of his or her office, a legislator “shall,” according to Article III of the Montana Constitution, solemnly swear to faithfully support, protect and defend the constitutions of Montana and the United States of America.

FWP looks to find out what ails South Fork elk herd

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks hopes to collar 16 elk in the Bob Marshall Wilderness this month as part of a study to better determine why the population has been on the decline in the South Fork of the Flathead.

The Blotter: If the dogs don't stop barking, they're getting out the bagpipes

Report of friendly labs running through a store with no owner in sight.

Boys, girls have divisional wrestling champs in Browning

The Columbia Falls boys wrestling team had a strong showing at the Western A Divisional at Browning over the weekend, with several wrestlers earning podium finishes and contributing valuable points to the team’s fourth-place finish.

Museum hoping to find a bigger space

The Columbia Falls Historical Society is hoping to find a bigger location to showcase its displays and collections.

Community events you may have missed

Columbia Falls Women’s Connection will host a luncheon on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church located at 827 9th St West in Columbia Falls. Special feature is Sugar Happy Bakery and keynote speaker is Debbie Jacobson, a local RN and mother of 10 who will share her story of hope, courage and love.

Cabin Fever Days this weekend

Cabin Fever Days is Feb. 14-16 with the world-famous bar stool ski races set to start at noon Saturday, with finals at 4 p.m. on Sugar Hill in Martin City.

Yesterdays: Moose's Saloon wins Whitefish Winter Carnival Parade honors

Three new 14-unit motels were slated to be built at Swiftcurrent in Glacier National Park for the Glacier Park Co. Meanwhile, a 20-room dormitory that had been hauled by train from Blackfoot to East Glacier was being remodeled.

Bathroom bill bad for domestic violence shelters

By now, anyone paying even mild attention to the news has heard about “the bathroom bill” in the Montana Legislature. I hate that name. It’s an awful bill that will have terrible outcomes. So, let’s just call it House Bill 121.

Death notices for Feb. 12, 2025

Marshall David Scott died Jan. 18, 2025 in Whitefish. Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. To send online condolences, please visit austinfh.com.

Briann “Bree” Landon Mobley, 33

We lost our baby girl, Briann “Bree” Rae Landon Mobley, far too soon on Jan. 27, 2025. Born on April 26, 1991, to Shanee and Scott Landon, Bree grew up in Columbia Falls where she made lifelong friends and left an unforgettable mark on everyone who knew her. She had an artist’s heart, which led her to study graphic design at Flathead Valley Community College, but her creativity and warmth extended far beyond her studies.

Legals for February, 12 2025

The Whitefish Winter Carnival Parade

A few scenes from the Whitefish Winter Carnival Parade.

Advanced reservations for Glacier National Park's west side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, North Fork become available Feb. 13

Glacier National Park has released more details on a timed entry reservation system for the west entrance of the Going-to-the-Sun Road and the North Fork region of the park this summer.

Private house in Glacier Park can remain, federal judge rules

A private home on the banks of McDonald Creek in Glacier National Park can remain, a federal judge ruled Tuesday.

In defense of the green and the gray

The Trump administration’s federal workforce hiring freeze and “resignation” offer certainly sent a chill with locals who work for the Park Service and Forest Service last week.

Tribute to The Roaring ‘20s

The Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards ceremony and dinner last week, with the theme of the “Roaring ‘20s” at Cedar Creek Lodge.

Canyon’s ‘water man’ recognized for service

As the water system operator for three Canyon communities, Ben Shafer is used to his phone ringing. He’ll often get 20 calls a day, from people inquiring about their bill to whether he’s shut off their water.

Columbia Falls Kids Foundation awarded $155,000 in grants

The Columbia Falls Kids Foundation received $155,000 for the renovation of the old Glacier Gateway Elementary School building, the Whitefish Community Foundation announced recently.

Tracy Manus, 80

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Tracy Manus. Tracy passed away on Dec. 14, 2024, at the family home in Hungry Horse with his wife, Karene, two daughters, Leisha and Lacee, and longtime friend, Bob Love, by his side.

Donald (Don) J. Burns, 76

Donald (Don) J. Burns of Columbia Falls, Montana, passed away suddenly from a heart attack on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, and went home to be with the Lord.

MatCats do well at Whitefish duals

Columbia Falls put together a strong showing at the Whitefish Duals last weekend, securing three decisive dual victories against Whitefish, Polson, and Browning with a combination of dominant pins, technical falls, and key forfeits.

Girls thump Polson, but bested by Browning

The Columbia Falls girls basketball team split last week, dropping Polson at home 56-39 Thursday, but they lost to Browning 71-54 on the road Saturday.

Cats win thriller over Browning

The Columbia Falls boys basketball team walloped Polson on the road last week, 75-46, then won a classic at home against Browning Friday night, 55-53 in a game where they didn’t have a lead until there was just a few seconds left.

Yesterdays: Would Blackfeet gas warm the Flathead?

The hope was a natural gas well being drilled between East Glacier and Browning would help supply the Flathead Valley. It was on land owned by Mrs. Otter Woman Morning Gun. The well was to be drilled as least 10,500 feet.

Open house planned for big city streets project

People interested in a project to rebuild 13th Street West, Fourth Avenue West and 7th Street to Columbia Falls City Hall are encouraged to attend an open house on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at city hall from 5 to 7 p.m.

Fire funds open house coming up

In late fall 2024, Flathead Electric Cooperative, Montana West Economic Development and the Flathead National Forest announced $10 million in Community Wildfire Defense Grant funding to help the communities of Columbia Falls, Coram, Hungry Horse, Martin City and West Glacier better mitigate their risk against wildfire. Collectively, these communities are referred to as the Glacier Gateway.

Speech and debate takes second at state tourney

The Columbia Falls speech and debate team came up just short as it sought its 25th state A title. The Wildcats were edged by Whitefish, 255-250 at the tournament in Laurel Saturday, taking second.

Daines on priorities for 2025

When President Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States this week, it marked a new day in America. Voters rejected Joe Biden’s policies that led to unaffordable prices, open borders and weakness abroad, and together with a Republican Congress he is already delivering on his America First agenda.

Border Patrol makes arrests here

Nine people were apprehended in the past week by the Border Patrol in Hungry Horse and Columbia Falls, according to posts on the agency’s Facebook page.

Death notices for Feb. 5, 2025

Terri Jo English died Jan. 30, 2025 in Columbia Falls.

Pamela Ann (Beron) Wedum, 71

Our sweet Mama, Wife, Gramma, Friend and Sister, Pamela Ann Beron Wedum was born on July 18, 1953 to Raymond and Lois Beron. She was a beautiful baby with jet black hair and dark brown eyes.

Legals for February, 5 2025