Ellington

Reminder, Many Glacier resos needed July 1 to Sept. 21

Glacier National Park reminds visitors that beginning July 1, private vehicle entrance into Many Glacier will be limited to visitors with wilderness camping permits, commercial service reservations, or lodging reservations. All other visitors are required to use the temporary Many Glacier Day Hiker Shuttle. Tickets are now available seven days in advance each morning at 8 a.m. Beginning June 30, tickets will also be available at 7 p.m. the night before entry.

CFAC damage assessment could reap rewards; But residents raise a host of concerns, including forever chemicals

Forever chemicals. Concerns about future residents and development, and plenty of “what ifs?”

Opinion: 16 miles for two fish

So last week we took a couple of days and hiked seven hours and over 16 miles to catch a couple of fish up the North Fork, one which came unhooked almost immediately and the other which quite honestly, didn’t fight all that hard.

City OK’s light industrial park; water well is down

The Columbia Falls City Council approved a minor subdivision for a light industrial park on Meadow Lake Boulevard.

Urges people to get involved with CFAC damage program

The May 28th Hungry Horse News included an informative story about the Natural Resource Damage Program and Assessment Plan in regard to the Columbia Falls Aluminum Plant. As stated, the Natural Resource Damage Program is part of the Superfund law but is a separate program, actually a state program housed in the Montana Dept. of Justice. While the Superfund cleanup plan deals with remediation of the toxic waste, the NRDP focuses on restoration of the natural resources damaged by the operation of the Plant.

What’s the point of being a Senator if you don’t have guts?

More than half a century ago, when I was a young, enlisted man stationed at the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Washington D.C., I contacted former Montana Senator Burton K. Wheeler. I introduced myself and asked him if I could have a visit with him. He replied that he would love to have a visit with me and invited me to join him for dinner at his home. I borrowed a car and located his address in a trendy neighborhood of spacious brick houses which I remember was located on Fox Hall Road.

Hopes for a quieter Lake McDonald

I am writing not with complaint, but with a quiet wish — for the future of Glacier, and for the stillness that lives within Lake McDonald.

No race for mayor, but there is for Columbia Falls council

There will be no race for mayor this upcoming Columbia Falls city election, but five candidates will vie for three open seats on the city council.

Prospect of public land sales raise concerns locally

A Senate version of the “Big Beautiful” budget bill calls for selling off about 3 million acres of public lands in the west.

Park Side celebrates new Columbia Falls branch

The new branch of Park Side Credit Union in Columbia Falls had its ribbon cutting last week. The bright and spacious new building replaces the credit union’s old home on Highway 2 about a half mile to the east.

Scrambling up the Razor’s Edge

Packing a bag in the tranquil morning, my eyes peered to the end of the Cut Bank Valley where Razoredge Mountain in Glacier National Park, my objective for the day, stood majestically many miles away.

Swimmers home this week

The Columbia Falls swim team took second in Chester, last weekend. It was a grueling weekend with temperatures in the low 40s with constant rain, but the kids stepped up really well, coach Kyle Babcock noted.

Twins get a second win on the season

The Glacier Twins packed in a busy stretch of American Legion baseball this past week, earning a split in a road doubleheader at South Valley on Wednesday before battling through two tough games against powerhouse Bitterroot on Saturday.

For young bullrider, it’s been a life of eights

The rodeo has always been in Octavius Christianson’s blood. From the moment he was born at 8:08 in the evening, he weighed eight pounds, eight ounces. Hence, his parents named him Octavius: the Latin number eight.

Glacier Park sees busiest May ever

Visitation to Glacier National Park was up significantly in May over last year, with most of the gains being at the Goat Lick and Two Medicine. It was the busiest May on record, with 238,766 visitors.

Compensation board denies pay increase for Sheriff deputies

Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino would like to see deputies’ wages increase to improve recruitment and retention of staff.

Yesterdays:The forgotten Flood of '75

Flooding hit the Flathead with major damage to the railroad and U.S. Highway 2 and parts of Kalispell that are now Evergreen. Columbia Falls was largely spared, though Roy Lindsey, a former mayor of Columbia Falls, saw his garage badly flooded. Still, he said it was far better than in 1964, when the water went up to the top of the windows of his house.

Columbia Falls Scholarships

Apani Awua: Flathead Valley Community College Honors Scholarship, GI Bill Certificate of Eligibility Education and Training, Seattle University Merit Based Scholarship and Seattle University Grant.

Dale Edward Barr, 90

Dale Edward Barr, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend died peacefully on June 6, 2025, at the age of 90. Born on Aug. 2, 1934, in Hutchison, Kansas to Stanley and Olive Barr. Dale spent his final year at the Montana Veteran’s Home in Columbia Falls surrounded by his family and caregivers, whom he cherished deeply.

Death notices for June 25, 2024

Hailey Green died June 13, 2025 in Columbia Falls.

Ralph Lee Burtsfield, 85

Ralph Lee Burtsfield, 85, passed away Monday, June 16, 2025, at The Retreat at Buffalo Hill.

After storm, full length of Glacier National Park's Sun Road reopens

Glacier National Park announced Monday morning the Going-to-the-Sun Road had reopened for its full length after snow temporarily closed Logan Pass over the weekend.

Glacier National Park’s Logan Pass could see up to 10 inches of snow over the weekend

Two to four inches of rain expected for the region

A major storm is expected to hit Northwest Montana and Glacier National Park starting Friday and running into Sunday, with up to 10 inches of snow predicted for Logan Pass and the higher terrain of the park.

Diane (Doran) Hembd, 68

Diane Elizabeth (Doran) Hembd died June 14, 2025 in Kalispell. A funeral will be held on Saturday June 28 at 11:30 a.m. at Risen Christ Catholic Church in Kalispell.

Park Service dodges DOGE questions

The Park Service won’t release specific numbers on resignations, reductions in force and retirements in Glacier National Park since the Department of Government Efficiency cuts went into effect earlier this year.

The biggest adventure of my life

“All aboard!” I stepped up to the bus driver and gave him my handful of tickets. He looked them over, tore off the necessary one, and handed them back to me.

Supports energy tax credits

I am an electrical engineer and resident of Columbia Falls and I am writing to encourage Montanans to consider the impact that cutting the Clean Energy Tax Credits from the federal budget would mean for the future of our country.

Share the road in peace

It’s Flag Day, 2025. I will march from the Flathead County Courthouse to Depot Park in Kalispell, along with hundreds of other citizens who are appalled at the relentless attacks upon democracy and our Constitution by the most vain, vulgar and vindictive president in American history and his tyrannical minions.

City available to answer questions on road projects

City Manager Eric Hanks said his door is open for anyone with questions about some big streets projects that are coming up in the next few months in Columbia Falls.

Kavanagh named most outstanding 8th grader

As school ended for the year last week, the Columbia Falls Junior High gave out its year-end awards. Here are the recipients:

Teachers implore Columbia Falls board to raise salaries

Several teachers implored the school board to boost teacher salaries during the School District 6 board meeting last week.

Insurance claims for high school flooding top $4.7 million

Total insurance claims for the roof flooding and damage to the Columbia Falls High School wing have reached about $4.7 million to date, School District 6 clerk and business manager Dustin Zuffelato said last week.

Yesterdays: 70 years ago, leash law passed

Columbia Falls passed its first leash law. Dog owners were required to have a dog on a leash or somehow contained on their property. Fines were $3 minimum and $10 maximum

Thank you, Mr. Bus Driver: Over 42 years, Gerard Byrd drove 1.2 million miles on one of the worst stretches of highway in Montana

Gerard Byrd has been on quite the ride over the past 42 years.

Climbing Numa Peak a yo-yo affair

Morning dawned from a quiet Bowman Lake as Adam Cazell and I made our way up the vegetated Numa Lake Lookout Trail, eyes set on exploring and potentially climbing Numa Peak via its south ridge. Caffeine-fueled miles passed in a blur as we reached the switchbacks leading to the lookout. We said our goodbyes to the groomed trail and thrashed our way through the brush northward towards Numa Peak.

James “Jim” M. Brittenham, 78

James “Jim” Marvin Brittenham, 78, went to go be with his Lord and Savior on April 7, 2025. He was born Oct. 22, 1946 in Kalispell, to Marvin Dell Brittenham and Clara Bell Brittenham (McNaney).

Twins get a win in otherwise rough week of baseball

The Glacier Twins faced a challenging week on the diamond, splitting a home doubleheader with Libby before falling in four straight contests to Cranbrook and Kalispell.

Swim team does well in Hamilton

Columbia Falls Swim Team had a great weekend in Hamilton.

McGarry in trouble with the law, again

Prosecutors are seeking to revoke the suspended sentence of a Columbia Falls man who authorities accused in February of endangering deputies while fleeing arrest.

On Glacier Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road, motorists on one side, cyclists on the other

For the first time ever, Glacier National Park saw bicyclists streaming up one side of the Continental Divide and motorists up the other Saturday, June 14 on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

MDT to start Highway 2 road construction south of Columbia Falls next week

The Montana Department of Transportation and LHC Inc. will begin work to rehabilitate approximately 4 miles of U.S. Highway 2 near Kalispell the week of June 16, MDT has announced.

Glacier National Park announces motorized access to Logan Pass from St. Mary starts Saturday, June 14

Motorists will be able to access Logan Pass on the Going-to-the-Sun Road on Saturday from the St. Mary entrance Glacier National Park officials announced Thursday.

Appeal filed in case of house built on banks of creek in Glacier

An appeal filed in the case of a home partially constructed on the banks of McDonald Creek in Glacier National Park claims that a lower federal court ruling was in error and the decision leaves a regulatory void concerning private property in the park’s boundaries.

Medicaid important to Montana

Medicaid gives health insurance to many people in Montana, including two out of every five kids. There’s a new plan in the government (often called “one big, beautiful bill”) that might cut health care for over 10 million people who get help from Medicaid.

Sun Road reservations start Friday

Folks who want to drive up the west side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road past Apgar will have to have a reservation starting Friday, June 13.

Few details released in Glacier death

A person died of severe injuries near the Avalanche Creek campground in Glacier National Park on Wednesday, June 4 about 9:56 p.m.

Opinion: Pollinated beaver

If you’ve ever been around river otters, they make an unmistakable watery grunt sound. I could hear that sound as I walked along Trout Lake early Saturday morning, but I couldn’t see the otters. They were close, though, and I scanned the water, which was no easy task.

Resident implores city to fix his wall damaged after curb project

Columbia Falls resident Steve Osborne urged the city of Columbia Falls to fix his retaining wall at his home before he puts a new fence on his First Avenue East property.

Community events you may have missed

The First Baptist Church of Columbia Falls will be having a rummage event June 27 and 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Plenty of household goods to choose from. Church is located on Highway 2 next to O’Reilly’s Auto Parts.

County talks modest pay increases for staff

Seemingly striking a compromise, the Flathead County Compensation Board last week voted to recommend a 2.5% cost of living increase in county wages.

Weeds perennial concern here

Weeds. Speeding vehicles. City parks. It must be summer in Columbia Falls as those were the main topics of discussion at last week’s city council meeting.

Land to Hand awarded $150,000 grant for programs to feed kids

The Whitefish Community Foundation recently awarded a $150,000 multi-year Kids Fund Grant to Land to Hand to support their Kids and Family Pantry project in Columbia Falls.

Search for missing woman will continue this summer

More than a thousand hours of searching for missing West Glacier resident Emily Rea has yielded few clues to her whereabouts. Nearly a year after her disappearance, friends and family are organizing more ground search teams, hoping to get federal investigators involved and spreading the news about her far and wide.

Former Hungry Horse News gossip columnist happy to be home

Years ago, Jeanne Meyer was well known in Columbia Falls and the Canyon. She was a hairdresser in Hungry Horse and then in Columbia Falls and even wrote a gossip column for awhile under the tutelage of then Hungry Horse News editor Brian Kennedy.

Yesterdays: State record cutthroat trout caught 70 years ago

Bill Sands of Summit caught a 16-pound, 32-inch long cutthroat trout from Red Eagle Lake in Glacier National Park. He caught it from a rubber boat. It was the biggest cutthroat trout ever caught in Glacier and remains a state record today.

Nepal journey, Part II: An unacceptable risk, we turn back

Editor’s note: This is part II of Hungry Horse News photographer Seth Anderson’s journey this spring in Nepal.

Steven Rick, 73

Steven Rick passed on peacefully to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 24, 2025, with family by his side.

Glacier Twins struggling early in the season

The Glacier Twins are still looking to get in the win column after a challenging week of American Legion A baseball left them at 0-6 to start the 2025 summer season.

All state baseball announced

Columbia Falls baseball was well-represented in postseason accolades following a strong 2025 campaign, with five players receiving statewide and conference recognition.

Dale E. Barr, 90

Dale died June 6, 2025 in Columbia Falls at the Montana Veterans Home. A celebration of life will be scheduled later in the year. Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is caring for Dale’s family.

Swim team starts out season with a meet victory

Columbia Falls Swim team had its first meet last weekend in Shelby. The kids have had little to no practice and they performed amazingly while showing improved athleticism, coach Kyle Babcock noted.

All state softball announced

Several Columbia Falls softball players were recently recognized for their efforts

Glacier Park puts down bear that broke into building, vehicle

Glacier National Park officials killed an aggressive 4-year-old female black bear on June 5 that broke into at least one car and a building in the park.

Robert Al Johnson, 82

Robert “Bob” Al Johnson, Jr., 82, of Columbia Falls went to go be with the Lord April 28, 2025. He was born July 13, 1942 in Minneapolis, MN to the late Robert Al Johnson, Sr. and Geraldine Elenor Johnson (Levine).

Legals for June, 11 2025

With warm, dry spring, Flathead Lake not expected to reach full pool

Citing unseasonably warm and dry weather this spring, Flathead Lake is not expected to reach full pool this summer, Energy Keepers said in a release Thursday.

Man charged after allegedly breaking officer's teeth during arrest

A 26-year-old man allegedly fought with Columbia Falls Police officers during a traffic stop in May, leaving one with broken teeth.

Kortney Renee Carlon, 35

Kortney Renee Carlon was called home to join the Lord in Heaven on April 17, 2025 at the age of 35.

Impending duty hikes on Canada lumber should help mills here

Duties placed on Canadian lumber entering the U.S. could eventually help markets here a local mill manager is saying, but they are still a few months out.

Couple will drive rig to Alaska, then send it off a cliff

Anthony and Amy Dorazio expect to have one of the most unique Fourth of July experiences in the United States.

Opinion: Don’t abandon the Organic Act

We were all gathered around the buses after getting a firsthand look at Logan Pass, when I asked public information officer Gina Icenoggle who would replace her.

Community events: Free youth camps and a CFAC meeting coming up

Farming for the Future Academy at the Montana Veterans Home Garden will offer several free Science, Technology and Engineering camps for youths this summer.

CFAC pollution perspective

In response to the Hungry Horse News’ May 28 article on a draft Natural Resources Damage Assessment Plan for the former Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. plant, here is some more information about damages to government land caused by the aluminum plant outside Columbia Falls.

Boys and Girls Club fishing event coming up

The Boys and Girls Club of Glacier Country invites families across the community to celebrate Father’s Day Weekend in a special way at Teach Them to Fish — a free day of fishing education, outdoor fun, food, and family memories.

Firefighters return to douse house fire, again

Firefighters from Bad Rock, Columbia Falls and Hungry Horse were back at the scene of a house fire on Memorial Day after rubble from the home reignited.

File now for city council, mayoral seats

The deadline for filing for Columbia Falls city council is fast approaching. Two incumbents, Jenny Lovering and Mike Shepard announced Monday they are not seeking re-election, while incumbent Paula Robinson said she would seek another term.

Property tax law will shift burden in 2026 to second homes, VRBOs

The major property tax relief package signed into law by Gov. Greg Gianforte in May is set to bring double-digit property tax cuts to many Montana homeowners and landlords by the time it is fully implemented in 2026, according to projections from the Montana Department of Revenue.

Yesterdays: Man catches huge sturgeon in Flathead Lake

Leslie Griffith of Dayton caught a 7½-foot, 181-pound sturgeon in Flathead Lake. It was believed to be the biggest fish ever caught in Montana at the time. He caught the fish south of Cromwell Island on imported eel bait.

Senior looks to make life better for chronically ill

Columbia Falls senior Boone Shanks someday hopes to invent machines that make it easier for people to cope with chronic conditions.

Speedster Phelps will pursue career in aviation at Rocky

Jack Phelps flies on the track. In the future, he hopes to fly the blue skies of Montana.

A Himalayan Journey

It all started last summer when Adam Clark, another local Flathead Valley alpinist, and I were scaling the seldom-climbed North Face of Mount Wilbur in Glacier Park. Clark mentioned he dreamed of traveling to the Himalayan mountains of Nepal again to explore and climb a steeper, more technical mountain called Kusum Khanguru, standing just under 21,000 feet in the Khumbu region, south of Mount Everest.

Death notices for June 4, 2025

Lois Swallow died May 15, 2025 in Kalispell. A memorial service was held on Sunday June 1, 2025 at Darlington Funeral Home in Kalispell.

Dwight Dauber, 91

Dwight Alvin Dauber, 91, of Hungry Horse passed away May 21, 2025, at his home in Idaho Falls, ID. He was under the care of Eden Home Health and Hospice and his loving family.

William “Bill” Joel Barkkari, 87

William Joel Barkkari, 87, passed away on May 27, 2025, at his home in Columbia Falls with his wife by his side. Bill was born on April 20, 1938, in Hancock, Michigan to William and Alina Barkkari.

Legals for June, 4 2025

Columbia Falls man identified in fatal May 18 accident

The Columbia Falls man who was killed in a car accident on May 18 at Highway 35 and Columbia Falls Stage Road has been identified as Ian T. Winter, 37.

Columbia Falls man identified in fatal May 18 accident

The Columbia Falls man who was killed in a car accident on May 18 at Highway 35 and Columbia Falls Stage Road has been identified as Ian T. Winter, 37.