A new way to welcome visitors

A true community effort has come to fruition as new welcome signs for Columbia Falls are going up.

About 10 months ago, a volunteer effort started to install new welcome signs just outside city limits on U.S. Highway 2. A sign on the east edge is already in place, and the sign on the west side is expected to be up this week.

The new sign’s supports and arch are made of steel.

“To reflect the long heritage Columbia Falls has with the construction trades,” Dave Petersen said. “The strength and sturdiness of the signs are meant to reflect the work ethic and commitment to quality that has long been a standard of the people that live in Columbia Falls. The imagery on the sign medallion is a salute to the quality of the life we enjoy in Columbia Falls.”

The design of the signs is meant to coordinate with on-going efforts to install an arch over Nucleus Avenue.

A mass of volunteers and business support came together to make the signs a reality.

John Lepo of Lepo Signs designed and built the medallion.

Don Gimbel Jr. build the supports and arch for the sign. Gimbel also oversaw the concrete work and installation.

Plum Creek, Midway Rental, LHC concrete and Western Building donated materials and equipment towards the project. Bruce Lutze of Sitescape Associates assisted with the landscaping around each sign.

Gary Sparr and Lyle Mitchell, with the Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce, led fundraising efforts and collected $10,000. Contributors to the project include the Chamber, Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions Club and Glacier Bank.

Other volunteers include Rick Nelson, Lynn Sandefer, Milt Haugen, Tony Whitaker and Dan Torrence.

The signs are located on private property. On the east side, Richard Jutzi and on the west side, Steve and Debra Holton, all granted easement to their properties.