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Yesterdays: Columbia Falls looks to shed image as industrial hub of Flathead
August 13, 2025 8:20 a.m.

Yesterdays: Columbia Falls looks to shed image as industrial hub of Flathead

Montana would become an aluminum producing state as the Anaconda Aluminum Co. Plant was set to be dedicated in a few days. The plant was expected to produce 600,000 tons of aluminum a year and employ 450. It also was a major contributor to the tax base.

EPA offers to clean up dioxin dirt around couple’s home
August 6, 2025 8:25 a.m.

EPA offers to clean up dioxin dirt around couple’s home

The Environmental Protection Agency has offered to remove soils around a Columbia Heights family’s home after they sued the agency for $36.7 million.

Ruis shares plans for Teakettle Heights development on former CFAC land
July 30, 2025 1:45 a.m.

Ruis shares plans for Teakettle Heights development on former CFAC land

Developer Mick Ruis shared preliminary plans last week for his vision of the former Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. property called Teakettle Heights.

CFAC damage assessment could reap rewards; But residents raise a host of concerns, including forever chemicals
June 25, 2025 8:35 a.m.

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?”

June 25, 2025 8:30 a.m.

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.

Park Side celebrates new Columbia Falls branch
June 25, 2025 8:20 a.m.

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.

June 11, 2025 midnight

Legals for June, 11 2025

June 4, 2025 8:15 a.m.

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.

June 4, 2025 8:15 a.m.

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.

June 4, 2025 midnight

Legals for June, 4 2025

CFAC damage assessment available for public comment
May 28, 2025 8:20 a.m.

CFAC damage assessment available for public comment

A draft Natural Resources Damage Assessment Plan for the former Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. plant has been released.

Park plows beyond Logan Pass
May 21, 2025 7:05 a.m.

Park plows beyond Logan Pass

With a snowpack that was just 80% of average and avalanches that slid in March instead of later in the season, Glacier National Park plow crews were beyond Logan Pass on Monday.

Yesterdays: Salk vaccine coming soon
April 16, 2025 7:50 a.m.

Yesterdays: Salk vaccine coming soon

The Salk vaccine, which prevented polio, would soon be available in the Flathead Valley. It would be given to most first and second graders. Polio caused childhood paralysis and other deformities. The use of the vaccine, designed by Dr. Jonas Salk, was welcome and Salk was considered a national hero.

River volunteers needed this summer
April 9, 2025 7:30 a.m.

River volunteers needed this summer

Flathead Rivers Alliance announces 2025 River Ambassador and Citizen Scientist volunteer program trainings ahead of float season to enhance river safety, stewardship and citizen science, on the three forks of the Flathead River.

Yesterdays: Timber industry calls for tariffs
April 9, 2025 7:25 a.m.

Yesterdays: Timber industry calls for tariffs

They cut down what was believed to be the largest tree in the Flathead. The big ponderosa pine had died in the top and was near the Bad Rock School. It was 6 feet wide at the base. The tree was estimated to be 500 years old.

March 26, 2025 8:25 a.m.

Dam nameplate not true output

Regarding the March 12, 2025 story in the Hungry Horse News about Mick Ruis’ plans for CFAC land and the possibility of huge cryptocurrency server farms, the public should know there is a difference between total nameplate generating capacity of a hydroelectric dam and expected average output.

Ruis going full steam ahead on CFAC property
March 12, 2025 6:20 a.m.

Ruis going full steam ahead on CFAC property

Developer Mick Ruis said he’s already been hosting potential businesses interested in developing at least part of the former Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. site.

Yesterdays: In '75 Glacier Park was dealing with budget cuts
March 5, 2025 8:50 a.m.

Yesterdays: In '75 Glacier Park was dealing with budget cuts

Glacier National Park was looking at ways to reduce spending after they were told they’d see about $156,000 less in funds. They were reviewing cost-cutting measures that would have less impact on the visitor in the upcoming season.

Housing study paints picture between haves and have nots; Separately, Ruis closes on CFAC property, which could change the housing landscape
March 5, 2025 8:35 a.m.

Housing study paints picture between haves and have nots; Separately, Ruis closes on CFAC property, which could change the housing landscape

A draft housing study commissioned by the City of Columbia Falls found that the price of houses here has far outpaced an increase in wages for most residents and without some sort of subsidy, home ownership is simply out of reach for many in the working class.

Update: EPA will have office hours on CFAC remotely
February 18, 2025 9:55 a.m.

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.