Ellington

Eight griz relocated in past two weeks

Bear conflict biologists have captured and relocated eight grizzly bears from the northeast portion of the Flathead Valley in the past two weeks. Three of the grizzly bears were captured north of Columbia Falls and the other five were captured east of Hwy 206. The captured grizzly bears included a female with two cubs of the year, a female with a yearling, two subadult males, and an adult male.

Whitefish Pilot Staff

Williams wins state A crown

Wildcat Derrick Williams won the state Class A cross-country title last week in what coach Richard Menicke called "a perfect race." Williams' assessment of the Oct. 15 race was a little more blunt.

Girls take 4th, boys 12th

The Columbia Falls girls cross-country team came just short of medaling at the state Class A meet in Missoula on Oct. 15.

Shut-out ends Wildkats' soccer playoff bid

The offense sputtered. The defense made some mistakes. And it all added up to a 5-0 blanking in the state Class A soccer semifinals for the Columbia Falls girls in Billings on Oct. 15. The Wildkats ended the season 11-2-1 overall.

Spikers drop a pair to Broncs, Blue Devils

The Columbia Falls volleyball team lost a couple of close matches to southern rivals Hamilton and Corvallis in dual action at home Oct. 20.

Wildcats' loss a familiar story

The story line was the same as earlier games: Spot an opponent a sizable lead, make a comeback, fall just short.

High-flying basketball coming to Columbia Falls

The Harlem Ambassadors will take on the Columbia Falls champions in an entertaining basketball match-up at the Columbia Falls High School on Saturday, Oct. 29, beginning at 7 p.m.

About horses and fish hatcheries

Wild horses were back in the news earlier this month when the Bureau of Land Management reported the untamed mustang populations were out of control and they were going to remove 2,000 from Wyoming, plus a few from Utah and Montana.

Turf war hurts border bill

A new government investigation has uncovered a deadly bureaucratic turf war between Border Patrol and federal land managers that has been delaying and even denying critical access to the border along federal lands. In one case, Border Patrol had to pay millions of dollars for access to federal lands managed by the National Park Service.

State AG speaks on border bill

Editor's note: The following letter was sent Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock to Speaker of the House John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

North Fork boat ramps won't work

As promised early in the summer, the Forest Service has rebuilt boat access sites at the Canada border and at Ford Ranger Station. Although it will be easier to launch at Ford due to the removal of the wooden terraces, I have mixed feelings about the new boat ramps.

Class reunion

The Class of 1962 will hold its 50-year high school reunion during Heritage Days on July 27-29, 2011. Reunion planners are seeking e-mail contacts, mailing addresses or telephone numbers for the following people:

Two stop lights on Nucleus a part of city history

Interesting to read discussions concerning stop lights and Nucleus Avenue in Columbia Falls. This included comment regarding lack of study.

Griz wrangler donor

I have just now read Chris Peterson's article of 10 August about Tonk.

Wesley Cobb

Wesley R. Cobb, 48, of Columbia Falls, passed away Oct. 15, 2011, as a result of a tractor accident at his home. A loving father, brother, son and uncle, Wes will be dearly missed by all whose lives he touched.

Donald Armstrong

Donald William Armstrong, 81, passed away of natural causes in Whitefish on Oct. 18, 2011.

Bear killed, man injured in hunting incident

A sow grizzly is dead and a Kalispell hunter has a leg injury following a human-bear encounter south of Marias Pass on Saturday, Oct. 22.

Hunting in Northwest Montana off to slow start

R.J. Devitt, who mans the check station up the North Fork for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, talked to a lot of hunters last weekend, but he didn't see much game for the opening of general rifle season.

Fishing for Chinooks in Oregon

One of the joys of being a parent is watching your kids' triumphs. And if those successes happen in places where the rivers are full of fish, then it's a win-win road trip.

Study lends insight into secret world of harlequins

Go up Avalanche Creek, take a left way upstream on a trail-less and brush-choked tributary, then look up a 25-foot cliff perched above a raging whitewater.

Gunfire reports leads to C-Falls man's arrest

A 34-year-old Columbia Falls man was arrested Oct. 18 after sheriff's deputies responded to a report of shots fired at a home on 13th Street East North.

MDT seeks comments for roundabout

The Montana Department of Transportation is seeking comments on a proposal to add delineation and signage on River Road south of Columbia Falls. Currently there is a winding road sign at the north end of the project.

Outdoor news

Wilderness art

Park lecture

Park talk

Community news

Holiday Village volunteers needed

School news

Danielle Delventhal and Maggie Panasuk, juniors at Columbia Falls High School, were two of 26 juniors across the Flathead Valley chosen as members of the 2011-2012 class of Leaders of Tomorrow, a program designed to develop leadership skills and teach participants more about their communities. The program is sponsored by the United Way. Selection is based on interests and involvement, leadership history, prior community service and future goals. The students will spend one day a month in the programthrough May. For more information, call 752-7266.

C-Falls man making steps to recovery

After being in a medically-induced coma for more than 10 days, a Columbia Falls man is slowly but surely recovering from a freak accident that left him with a severe head injury.

Big Mountain statue draws heated debate

A statue of Jesus Christ has stood with outstretched arms on Big Mountain for nearly 60 years, but how much longer it might watch over the valley remains uncertain. 

Heart attack sends boy to hospital

Veteran saves 12-year-old boy's life

Bulldogs face Polson in championship

Brist, Gangemi earn All-State honors

Dogs to play for state title

Dogs rumble into playoffs

Lady Dogs eliminated in playoff shootout

Speech team hosts season's first meet

Patricia Fellers

Resort's groomers rank in SKI top-10

TIF funds could go to school

Campaign fundraising tops $35,000

Locals part of national TV show

Bessen trades urban skyline for mountaintops

Amy Bessen always knew she would end up somewhere with mountains, but her plan for getting there was a bit unconventional.

Valkyries finish regular season in third place

The Bigfork volleyball team got the job done this week, beating both Troy and Plains in home matches to secure third place in Distrcit 7B and avoid having to compete in the play-in game.

Kittle to run for a cause at NYC marathon

When Brandie Kittle toes the line of the ING New York City Marathon on Nov. 6, she will have plenty to run for.

Letter to the editor: time for a change on sewer board

I should point out that at the present time we are not living within the Bigfork Water and Sewer District, and have not owned property within the district since 2003. Prior to that time, starting in the early ’80s, we had considerable experience with the system and the board, and were “rate payers” at several residences until 2003.

Morley claims Class B title, sets state record

With her confident stride and relaxed, steady pace, Makena Morley made winning a state cross-country title look like a walk in the park.

Suspected bank robber pleads not guilty

The 55-year-old Bigfork man suspected of robbing a bank in Lakeside on Sept. 28 pleaded not guilty Thursday at his arraignment.

Bigfork offers online diploma option

It all started four years ago, when a group of Bigfork High School staff members started meeting and brainstorming ideas of how to better serve students.

North Lake County zoning regulations discussed at follow-up meeting

Discussion on the draft of the proposed North Lake County Planning and Zoning Regulations continued last Wednesday during another community meeting held at Bethany Lutheran Church in Bigfork.

Vikes defeat Eureka, take district title

For the third-straight year the Vikings football team has won the District 7B title, and this year marks the second year in a row that Bigfork has won the title outright and advanced into the playoffs with the No. 1 seed.

Public pensions: the Big Sky isn't falling

Recent media accounts paint a dire outlook for the Montana Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS). The facts, however, tell a different story. Far from needing an immediate and staggering infusion of taxpayer dollars, the fund can be righted with more prudent, gradual, and relatively small adjustments. The sooner we make those adjustments, the better the outcome will be for everyone — teachers, retirees, employers and taxpayers.

New LES teacher excited to be back in Montana

Laura Raykowski always knew she wanted to come back to Montana, but she never dreamed it would happen this soon.

Local girl to give presentation on Africa trip

After spending two weeks in Africa last summer working with children affected by HIV and AIDS, Flathead High School senior Annie Marshall returned with an unlikely feeling — hope.

Public learns about fire prevention, safety at open house

Five-year-old Kellen Arvidson smiled as he aimed the nozzle of a fire extinguisher at a small pocket of flames in front of the Bigfork Fire Hall on Thursday evening.

Top prep players featured in soccer showcase

Lady Dogs get playoff win

Harriers bring home divisional title

Dogs move on to semifinals

Philip Joseph Ryan

Band students to march in Macy's parade

Saurey, Barnes Reflections winners

School supports legal action

Big Mtn. proposes powder beacon

Group studies wrongful convictions

New construction stays on upward path

Anderson focuses on business, job creation

Vail's election signs probed

Noell brings youth, energy to council race

Kiser, Delventhal notch 5 goals apiece in win

They didn't have their regular coaches, but it didn't matter. The Columbia Falls girls soccer team hammered Loyola Sacred Heart 13-0 in the first round of the state Class A playoffs at home Oct. 15.

Williams wins conference crown

Wildcat senior Derrick Williams continued his winning streak last week, taking the Northwest A conference crown. Williams clocked 16:43 to outpace Fischer Gangemi of Whitefish by 21 seconds at the course in Polson on Oct. 14.

Speech coach considering JV squad

The Columbia Falls speech and debate team has a whopping 50 students ready to showcase their talents of the tongue this year - and there's more expected when fall sports end.

Missed PATs result in loss against Broncs

Oh, for the want of a two-point conversion. Twice, the Columbia Falls football team couldn't convert in their loss to the Frenchtown Broncs 22-19 on the road Oct. 14.

Spikers have tough time at Missoula tourney

The Columbia Falls volleyball team was still on the losing end of too many games last week, but they're playing better.

Ambassadors to take on C-Falls' finest

The Harlem Ambassadors will take on the C-Town Champions in an entertaining basketball match-up at the Columbia Falls High School on Saturday, Oct. 29, beginning at 7 p.m.

Thanks for brats feed

On behalf of the Wildc/kat Athletic Endowment Association we would like to thank Super 1 Foods for their recent donation.

Thanks to wrangler

t is hard to tell the story about the courage of Erin Bolster and her horse Tonk saving the life of a young lad from a bear without almost shedding a tear.

Thanks to Eagles

The Columbia Falls Food Bank would like to thank the North Valley Eagles for their very generous monetary donation to us.

A wise investment

Every once in a while someone comes up to me and says, "Hey, why didn't the Hungry Horse News do that story?"

Wilderness run was for vanity

I read an article in the newspaper about a man who ran a 50-mile marathon across the Bob Marshall Wilderness. I wonder what was the purpose for his run? He must have felt it would be a great achievement. No one else had done it. He would be the first. He would get an article written about him in the newspaper. Vanity will make people do stupid things.

Pensions: The Big Sky isn't falling

Recent media accounts paint a dire outlook for the Montana Teachers Retirement System (TRS). The facts, however, tell a different story. Far from needing an immediate and staggering infusion of taxpayer dollars, the fund can be righted with more prudent, gradual and relatively small adjustments. The sooner we make those adjustments, the better the outcome will be for everyone - teachers, retirees, employers and taxpayers.

Hunting a hectic time in the forest

The fall colors are not at their peak yet, but close. The quaking aspen have turned bright yellow, and the leaves are beginning to fall, while the larch are half gold and half green.

Shirley Spencer

Shirley Wilhelmina Reiten Spencer, 85, passed away Oct. 13, 2011.

Bison range report

By the time you good folks read this, the extraordinary 18-mile drive over Red Sleep Mountain will be closed for the season. If you missed it this year, I just want to remind you to put that on the "must do" list for 2012.

Mary Ann Axline

Mary Ann Axline, 82, of Columbia Falls, died Oct. 9, 2011, at the Montana Veterans Home.

Wesley Cobb

Wesley Rex Cobb, 48, passed away Oct. 15, 2011, as the result of a tractor accident at his home in Columbia Falls.

Kathryn Coccia

Kathryn Denise Coccia, 58, of Columbia Falls, passed away at her home on Oct. 13, 2011.

Philip Ryan

Philip Joseph Ryan, 54, passed away Oct. 8, 2011, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula after a short but courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family.

Park's new science chief gets his feet wet

Phil Wilson hasn't been afraid to get his feet wet at his new post in Glacier National Park. Last week, he hiked up Nyack Creek to the falls and then waded down the stream counting bull trout spawning beds with Park fisheries biologist Chris Downs.

Glacier welcomes deputy superintendent

Glacier National Park has announced Kym Hall as deputy superintendent. She joined the Park in July and replaces Stephanie DuBois, who was named superintendent of Mojave National Preserve earlier this year.

Major alpine paving completed on Sun Road

A six-mile alpine section of the Going-to-the Sun Road in Glacier National Park neared completion this fall. Crews finished final paving of the road from Big Bend on the west side to Siyeh Bend on the east side, Park spokeswoman Denise Germann said last week.

Persistence pays off for hunter

It took 26 years and 10 days, but Columbia Falls native Wade Herman finally got his first moose.

Grizzly bear deaths are near average

So far this year, 20 grizzly bears have died from human causes in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem. An additional female was found dead of natural causes.

Of marching bands and perch fishing

To loosely quote Professor Harold Hill, "That's a capital P, that stands for Playoffs, and that means Perch."

Hunters report success in 1948

There were 770 elk killed in the Flathead during hunting season concluded Nov. 15, 1948. Extended season in Flathead River's Middle Fork officially showed an additional 225 elk killed. Season ended there Dec. 31, 1948.

Charges filed in machete case

Four felony charges have been filed against the 51-year-old Columbia Falls man accused of wielding a knife and a machete in the Nite Owl restaurant on Sept. 10.

Feds pick up drug, firearms bust

A 34-year-old man arrested in June after police found drugs and firearms at his home in Columbia Falls now faces federal drug and firearm charges.

Deferred meth sentence from 2008 revoked

A 23-year-old Columbia Falls man was sentenced to five years with the Montana Department of Corrections after his deferred sentence in 2009 for possessing methamphetamine with intent to sell was revoked.

Green box pilot recycling program closed for season

A pilot program to help recycle useful items at the Columbia Falls green box site has closed for the season.

Outdoor news

Wildland films

Community news

Truck Route closed

A hike around Glacier National Park

Snow had dusted the top third of the mountains ringing the Flathead Valley the day Jake Bramante hiked out of Lincoln Lake. About 50 people, including friends, family and media, were on hand to watch him march through a white ribbon strung between two trekking poles across the trailhead on Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road.

JV Vikes wrap up season with win

The junior varsity Vikings football players may be disappointed that their season has come to an end, but the fact that they ended it with an 18-14 victory over Ronan certainly gives it a silver lining.

New sewer facility to open this spring

Construction on the Bigfork Water and Sewer District’s new wastewater treatment plant is nearing the one-year mark, and according to water operations manager Andy Loudermilk, the facility should be up and running by mid to late February.

Candidates vie for pair of seats on sewer board

Two new candidates will challenge two incumbents in the election for a pair of seats on the five-member Bigfork County Water and Sewer District board of directors. Election ballots will be mailed to all active voters within the Bigfork district today, Oct. 19.

Bullying: are you part of the solution?

October 11 was National Coming Out Day. Since 1988 this date has been observed nationally and internationally to promote awareness of the issues and rights of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people. Before scoffing or harrumphing, ask yourself if you really do understand what it means to be gay. What if your child or grandchild is the next to come out as gay? Will you be part of the solution or . . . ? You know how that adage ends.

Valkyries take tough district loss at home

The Valkyries volleyball team is now an even 3-3 in district play after enduring a disappointing loss Saturday at home against Thompson Falls, which took them out of contention for hosting the District 7B Tournament later this month.

Hansen takes coaching skills to the classroom

After years of encouraging others to pursue their passions, Mark Hansen finally decided to take his own advice.

Tamarack Time! 2011 food contest winners

Appetizers

Letter to the editor: an amazing front page

The front page of the October 12 issue of the Bigfork Eagle was truly amazing. It is mind-boggling that all three of the stories — “Bigfork makes list of top towns for youth,” “Server training required” and “Swan Lakers ramp up efforts to clean area waters, land” — deal with Bigfork area residents’ continuing successful efforts to improve our quality of life. We live in a very special place.

Bigfork's Olson wins divisional meet

It’s not likely that Bigfork’s Chelsea Olson will soon forget the 2011 Western B Divisional Cross Country Championships, which were held Saturday at Silver Fox Golf Course in Pablo.

Vikings get past Missoula Loyola in Senior Night gridiron faceoff

Like in life, sometimes with sports it’s business and sometimes it’s personal.

Bigfork makes list of top towns for youth

Bigfork has long been known as a top vacation spot, but its newest designation as one of the nation’s best communities for young people shows that it’s not a bad place to grow up, either.

Ruth Leonard

Bulldogs top Cats in mud battle

Lady Dogs earn No. 2 seed in playoffs

Boys knock off Cats, face Loyola in playoffs

Students 'Take A Stand'

Student support groups having positive impact

Community arts council takes shape

Vail: City's spending habit is top issue

Sweeney: City needs to recruit new businesses

City Hall talks lose steam

'Misleading' mailer spurs city response

Girls win first conference title in 5 years

The Columbia Falls girls played Whitefish to a tie in soccer Oct. 6, but it gave the Wildkats their first conference crown in five years.

Cats blown out to end season

The Columbia Falls boys soccer season ended with a thud in a 7-0 loss to Whitefish. The Bulldogs scored early and often in the Oct. 6 blowout, knocking in four goals in the first 34 minutes to cruise to victory.

Tarr finishes 20th LeGrizz ultramarathon

Friends and family sure are nice. Especially when you're gutting out a 50-mile running race.

Spikers drop two conference matches

The Columbia Falls volleyball team dropped two conference matches last week to Polson and Libby.

Cats face Dogs in driving rainstorm

The red zone woes continue for the Columbia Falls football team. On Oct. 8, the Wildcats dropped a key conference game to Whitefish, 14-6, in a driving rainstorm.

Kats win Whitefish Invitational

It was a nearly perfect day for running. Cool. Partly sunny. No wind. And fast times.

Ignorance and fear drive anti-gay attitude

Oct. 11 was National Coming Out Day. Since 1988, this date has been observed nationally and internationally to promote awareness of the issues and rights of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people.

Eastern Star continues traditions

Another longtime organization in Columbia Falls is Eastern Star. Three Eastern Star chapters, each chartered Sept. 17, 1915, were consolidated with Vista Chapter No. 44, Whitefish, in recent years. It was chartered Sept. 18, 1908.

Border bill

The U.S. House of Representatives is about to consider H.R. 1505, also known as the National Security and Federal Lands Protection Act. This bill would allow the Department of Homeland Security to bypass all federal laws regarding the management of our federal lands for a 100-mile distance south of the Canada border.

Richard Bosnak

Richard Bosnak, 68, of Columbia Falls, "went home to be with the Lord" on Oct. 5, 2011, after losing his battle with cancer at home surrounded by his family.

Val Schweigert

Val Rueben Schweigert, 55, died unexpectedly at home Sept. 30, 2011, with his loving wife of 34 years at his side.

Sandra DeLeary

Sandra Jean DeLeary, 67 of Tampa, Fla., passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Sept. 30th, 2011, after fighting a long and courageous battle with rheumatoid arthritis.

Gregory Bothun

Gregory Wayne Bothun, 58, passed away at his home in Coram due to medical complications on Oct. 3, 2011.

Tourism is No. 5 polluter

Ski areas without snow, beaches eroding as polar ice melts and oceans rise, forest fires running rampant across mountain ranges, wetlands turning into deserts while deserts get flooded - these are some of the gloomier forecasts tourists will face in the 21st century, according to some climate-change models.

Looking for lunkers on the Rocky Front

Out on east side of the mountains, I stopped at the post office in Bynum for specific directions on how to find Bynum Reservoir.

Hunting outlook similar to last season's

This year's big game hunting season should be similar to last year's with one important addition - hunters with a permit can shoot a wolf.

B.C. bill would ban North Fork mining

A bill introduced in the British Columbia legislature last week would ban mining and oil and gas exploration in the Canadian Flathead, which is the North Fork of the Flathead River north of the border.

Wildland movies show Oct. 21, 23

The Flathead-Kootenai Chapter of the Montana Wilderness Association will host its annual film festival and fundraiser, bringing the Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival to the Flathead Valley.

Mint to issue Glacier Park silver coins

If you liked the Glacier National Park quarter, you'll really like this coin - provided you have the nearly $300 it could cost to get one.

Park puts down troublesome black bear

Glacier National Park rangers and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks biologists captured and killed a black bear in the Polebridge area Oct. 5 after numerous incidents in which it broke into vehicles, raided trash storage areas and caused damage trying to access a residence.

City turns to county for bike path money

The Columbia Falls City Council agreed to ask Flathead County for $57,410 in federal money for the city's Third Avenue bike path project during its Oct. 3 meeting.

Council candidate says budget is the main focus

After eight years on the Columbia Falls City Council, Harvey Reikofski is ready to serve another four years. But like the other two incumbent candidates, he's mostly satisfied with how city government functions and doesn't have an agenda.

Local murder leads to Alaska indictment

The same man who pleaded guilty in the shooting death of Lorraine Kay Morin in 2008 has been indicted by a grand jury in Alaska for a similar crime that occurred there in 1996.

Canyon suspect in high-speed chase

One of two men arrested and charged with assaulting a Hungry Horse man in May was arrested again last week following a 40-minute high-speed chase west of Kalispell.

For precipitation, this year was normal

Despite a long winter and wet spring, the water year in 2010-2011 wasn't that far from normal.

MDT: Four-way stop not warranted

The Montana Department of Transportation does not recommend installing a four-way stop on Nucleus Avenue and Sixth Street, the Columbia Falls City Council learned at their Oct. 3 meeting.

School news

Columbia Falls High School students are reminded that senior photos for the yearbook must be handed in to Mrs. Thramer by Oct. 14. If there is a problem, call 892-6500 ext. 264.

Community news

Fall decorations

Students participate in drunk driving simulation

None of the students who climbed into the virtual reality car parked at Bigfork High School on Oct. 3 were old enough to drink alcohol, but they all emerged with a sobering understanding of the devastating consequences of drinking and driving.

Trails reopening after fires

Due to the recent moisture and continued work by fire crews to clear standing dead trees near trails, many trail closures associated with the wilderness fires on the Spotted Ranger District have been lifted.

Chair 1 ready; lift to run Oct. 15

Whitefish Mountain Resort reports that Chair One, the main lift to the summit of Big Mountain, is ready for winter. This Saturday they’ll give 2011-12 winter season-pass holders one last chance to take an autumn scenic lift ride when they open the lift from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Food and drink specials will be available inside the Summit House.

Eagles Club donates $59,000 to non-profits

The North Valley Eagles Club in Columbia Falls gave back to the community in a big way last week. It donated $59,000 to nine local non-profit community service organizations.

Baucus, Tester push for power deal

Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester recently met with the Bonneville Power Administration administrator Stephen Wright about finalizing a power contract with the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. so the smelter could start up again.

Judge revokes meth sentences

A Columbia Falls man with a drug habit and a revoked drug sentence was back in Flathead County District Court on Aug. 18.

Knights hold garage sale

The Knights of Columbus will hold a garage sale fundraiser at the former Klean Kars site on the U.S. 2 strip.

Tabish, Platke finish in top 5 at state

Lady Dogs face off against Wildkats for league title

Pirates down Dogs in shootout

Boys XC tops at T. Falls Invite

Boys win Northern A title

Supports Muhlfeld for mayor

Why I support Mary Vail

$20,000 grant awarded for gym project

Pavement overlays scheduled

School psychologist has roots in art

Election 2011: Wise touts business expertise

Election 2011: Hildner ready to contribute

Outdoor news

Horsemen meet

Kats dispatch Libby, Polson

They won the games they were supposed to. Now they need the streak to continue.

Boys have better week, tie Loggers

They didn't get a victory, but the Columbia Falls boys soccer team played much better last week. The Wildcats lost to Polson 6-2 on Sept. 29 but played Libby to a draw Oct. 1, 2-2.

Rangers turn away Cats' comeback bid

At least they made it close. The Columbia Falls Wildcat football team mounted a rally in the fourth quarter against Park County High School in Livingston on Sept. 30 but fell short, 19-14.

Spikers nab first win of the year

Finally, a W. The Columbia Falls volleyball team got its first win of the season on its home court Sept. 30 as they downed conference foe Frenchtown in straight games, 25-21, 25-21, 25-19.

Johnson takes 10th at state golf tourney

Columbia Falls High School senior Parker Johnson concluded his high school golf career with an all-state performance at the state Class A golf tournament in Hamilton on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.

Williams, Osborne win at T. Falls invitational

Led by Wildkat senior Jinise Osborne, the Columbia Falls girls won the Thompson Falls cross-country invitational last week.

Optimism and glee over funding

Not long ago, I was not very optimistic that the Resource Advisory Committee would grant money to all of Flathead County's requests for road improvement projects. My pessimism was due in part to the fact that RAC projects had already provided funds for the North Fork Road stretching from Camas Junction nearly to Whale Creek.

The 'necessary' streaker

There was much ado and conversation among fans, the media and TV viewers after a young male student decided to "streak" during a recent U of M Grizzly football game. Most believed the stadium officials were much too slow in rounding up this exhibitionist. He was out there in the south end zone for considerable time before being removed to allow resumption of a more organized game.

Columbia Falls Lions Club is now 58 years old

Columbia Falls Lions Club members are continuing traditions established more than half a century ago. Local Lions adhere to International Lions rules that proceeds from community projects are returned to the community.

John Q. Public and the federal debt

It is said that "facts are stubborn things." So are the figures on which facts are based.

24/7 Sobriety Program soon goes into effect here

Since launching the 24/7 Sobriety Program as a pilot in Lewis and Clark County in May 2010, we've experienced exactly what we hoped for to curb repeat DUI offenses - resounding success.

Hunger walk

Hunger and poverty are rampant in our world and escalating in the current economic conditions. Something can and must be done about them. Our local CROP Hunger Walk is a great place to start. For a few hours and a few miles, friends and neighbors will be coming together to, in the words of I John 3:18, "love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action."

Border bill

Imagine going hunting in the Yaak and finding a new gate blocking your favorite spot. But not a Forest Service gate, a Homeland Security gate. No notice, no public meeting, no explanation, no access.

Benjamin Robison

Benjamin Joseph Robison, 21, of Kingston, Wash., passed away at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle after a motorcycle accident on Sept. 23, 2011.

Clifford Luke

Clifford Walter Luke, 75, of Polson, passed away Sept. 12, 2011, at the Pines of Polson.

Hugh Strait

Hugh Dixon Strait, 84, of Columbia Falls, died Sept. 9, 2011, at the Montana Veterans Home.

Edward Smith

Edward Claude Smith, 79, passed away at his home in Columbia Falls on Sept. 23, 2011, when he lost his battle with prostate cancer.

Frank Hatfield

Frank W. Hatfield, 73, of Columbia Falls, passed away Sept. 27, 2011, from congestive heart failure after a tough fight with cancer.

GPI's parent company acquires Alaskan holdings

Glacier Park Inc.'s parent company, Viad Corp., has expanded its holdings near a national park for the third time this year.

Griz, wolves wow couple

Wanda Barton thought it was odd there were so many ravens in one tree, so she started to scan the landscape off Cyclone Lake Road a couple of weeks ago. That's when she saw a black figure off in the distance she figured was a black bear.

A day trip across the Bob Marshall

Mike Murray didn't think too much about running 50 miles through the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Once he set his goal, there was no changing his mind.

The joy of whitefishing in the rain

You may have heard it last summer or even said it yourself.

FWP kills food-conditioned griz

Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials report a large adult male grizzly was captured and killed near Condon on Sept. 27 after the bear had broken into nine garages and sheds in the Swan Valley over the past two weeks.

Puzzle Creek fire proves stubborn

The Puzzle Creek Fire, burning in the high terrain of the Flathead National Forest near Marias Pass on the Continental Divide, continued to grow last week despite some cooler temperatures.

Forest road closures continue

The West-side Hungry Horse Reservoir Road remains closed for about 11 miles, from the Hungry Horse Dam to the Lid Creek Campground. Crews have replaced culverts, built retaining walls and completed road substructure repairs, and paving is scheduled to begin Oct. 3.

RV park owners are C-Falls boosters

After spending some time visiting Montana and liking what they saw, Larry and Karla Fowler knew Columbia Falls was the next spot for them to settle down.

County has numerous board and committee vacancies

The Flathead County Commissioners are looking for volunteers to fill positions on a number of boards and committees, including:

Yesterdays

60 Years Ago

Community news

Senior photos

Griz-wrangler headed to David Letterman Show

A wrangler who stopped a grizzly bear that charged a boy on horseback this summer is heading for the David Letterman Show next week - along with her horse.

Ruder librarian recognized

She's now part of an elite group. Ruder Elementary School librarian Sara Childers was recognized last week for achieving National Board Certification in library science.

Border land security bill scary stuff

North Lake County zoning regulations discussed

It’s 46 printed pages and years in the making, and on the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 28, members of the north lake county community were finally able to see a draft of the proposed North Lake County Planning and Zoning Regulations.

LES students take part in International Day of Peace

Bigfork man charged in Lakeside bank robbery

Law enforcement officials arrested a Bigfork contractor wanted in connection with the robbery of a Lakeside bank at around 9:30 p.m. last Wednesday night, Sept. 28, following an extensive search involving multiple agencies.

LEAP board hires new executive director

When the board of directors for the LEAP after-school program announced in August its decision to hire a new executive director, no one was more shocked than Cathy Gaiser.