CHRIS PETERSON
Chris Peterson is the editor of the Hungry Horse News. He covers Columbia Falls, the Canyon, Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness. All told, about 4 million acres of the best parts of the planet. He can be reached at editor@hungryhorsenews.com or 406-892-2151.
Recent Stories
Council interviews manager candidate
The Columbia Falls City Council Wednesday voted 3-2 to offer Dennis Stark of Frederick, Colorado the city manager position. If hired, Stark would replace longtime manager Susan Nicosia, who will retire at the end of June.
Sidewalk project raises neighbor’s ire when bushes destroyed
A gutter and sidewalk project on select city streets brought the ire of one resident after she found the 70-year-old lilac bushes that guarded her newly-bought home had been torn out and ground up to make way for the project.
City manager candidate had ethics issue at previous job
Columbia Falls city manager candidate Dennis Stark was the subject of an ethics investigation when he was county manager for Lyon County, Nevada, and ultimately was sanctioned $1,000 by the Nevada Commission on Ethics in 2012.
If school roof levy fails, the alternatives are not pleasant
School District 6 will make a public push to inform voters about an upcoming building reserve levy request to fix the roof on the classroom wing of the Columbia Falls High School. The alternatives to not fixing the roof soon could still cost the district thousands, without ever addressing the roof.
Commission takes up public input plan
The Columbia Falls Planning Commission took its first look at a public participation plan last week. The plan is part of the city coming into compliance with the Montana Land Use Planning Act, which was passed by the state Legislature last year.
Flathead National Forest eyes big snowmobile use swap
Would also close more than 80 miles of trails to mechanize use in N. Fork
The Forest Service is proposing to close some areas to snowmobile and other over-the-snow vehicle use in the Spotted Bear Ranger District while opening more terrain in the Glacier View and Hungry Horse Ranger Districts.
Schweikert to retire from football coaching
After a distinguished career, Columbia Falls High School football coach Jaxon Schweikert announced his retirement from football.
Opinion: A North Fork report
I went up the North Fork on Sunday so in the tradition of a good old-fashioned Larry Wilson column, I feel obligated to give a report.
New Spotted Bear District Ranger has a full plate
When Adam LaDell started as the new Spotted Bear District Ranger last fall, he said he spent most of his time doing paperwork and getting things organized. He didn’t get out on the trails and rivers the district is renowned for.
Columbia Falls a natural ‘funnel’ for bears
With a river running through it and plenty of bear foods along the way, Columbia Falls is basically a funnel for bears, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks conflict management specialist Justine Vallieres told Columbia Falls City Council last week.