Thursday, June 30
Askew enters mayoral race; six file for council seats
As of Thursday, six candidates have filed to run for Whitefish City Council and two have filed to run for mayor in the upcoming city elections.
Aggressive mountain lion in Upper McDonald Creek area
Glacier National Park officials report a mountain lion has been seen this week displaying aggressive behavior near areas in the Upper McDonald Creek Valley that are highly frequented by visitors.
Sun Road shuttles start running July 1
The Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttles will begin daily operations on Friday, July 1, with runs between the Apgar Transit Center and Avalanche Creek every hour from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with stops along the route at Apgar, Sprague Creek Campground and Lake McDonald Lodge.
Dr. Miller says goodbye to patients
Cemetery committee likes land near river
Pierce takes principal job in West Glacier
If there is one thing Cory Pierce has learned from his two-year stint as the dean of students and activities director at Bigfork Elementary and Middle School, it is that middle school students aren’t as scary as they seem.
Wednesday, June 29
Aggressive mountain lion reported in Park
Aggressive behavior has been displayed by a mountain lion in the Upper McDonald Creek Valley near areas highly frequented by visitors. Rangers are requesting visitors to be on alert for mountain lions and report all sightings to the closest National Park Service (NPS) facility.
Twins beat Missoula twice
Kolter Curtiss
Superintendent still a teacher at heart
County moves to terminate doughnut deal
Downtown historic bar to be razed
Project fees reduced; sister city proposed
NVH earns Best Overall award - again
Harrison Johnson Jr.
Harrison Carl Johnson Jr., age 64, passed away June 22, 2011, in Whitefish, due to a heart attack.
Barbara Tierney
Barbara Ann Tierney, of Pittsburg, Kan., died June 16, 2011.
Changes in the wind for reservoir campgrounds
Four developed recreation sites and one dispersed camping site on the east side of the Hungry Horse Reservoir may see major renovation by the Forest Service. An environmental assessment on the proposal has been completed, and comments on the proposal will be taken through mid-July.
Exchange students run the Middle Fork
Sunny skies and warm weather greeted students from the Rotary Youth Exchange as they stumbled off the morning train into West Glacier on June 22.
Lake Five access site negotiated
Six years after the controversial project was first proposed, Fish, Wildlife and Parks has retained a contractor to begin work on developing a fishing access site at Lake Five that could be open by late summer.
Outdoor news
Glacier National Park will continue its "citizen science" opportunities this summer. Volunteers are needed to count mountain goats and loons, observe pikas and look for Clark's nutcrackers. First time volunteers will need to attend a training session. For high country citizen science, which includes pikas and mountain goats, training dates are July 8 and 18. For more information, contact the Crown of the Continent Research and Learning Center at 888-7986.
Pass won't open this weekend
Glacier National Park plow crews are closing in on Logan Pass, but they still have a good week of work ahead of them. As of presstime, crews on the west side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road were just below Logan Pass near Rimrocks.
Smith grabs first win in mixed martial arts
In his debut mixed martial arts bout, 19-year-old Columbia Falls fighter Jerrett Smith won a victory against Riley Hersey, 17, of Woodinville, Wash.
Twins beat Mavericks - twice
The Glacier Twins snapped a four-year losing streak to conference foe Missoula on June 22 when they topped the Mavericks 10-8 in Class AA American Legion baseball play. It was the first victory for the Twins over the Mavericks since 2007. The Mavs had won the last 16 meetings.
Swimmers take sixth at Cut Bank
The Columbia Falls swim team took sixth at Cut Bank last weekend. The team was led by Tyler Langton, who took high point in the 8-and-under division.
Thompson plays in Badlands Bowl win
Montana downed North Dakota last week in the Badlands Bowl in Miles City, 34-13.
10 Wildcats given all-state honors
Several Columbia Falls High School athletes recently garnered all-state selections.
Run Park shuttle in shoulder season
Many of us business owners, dependent upon tourism in the area, anxiously await the full opening of the Going-to-the-Sun Road to jump start our businesses and keep us flush, if only for two months.
Moderation in all things
Our modern lives are incessantly bombarded by media stories and promos about health issues, diseases, medicine and lifestyles. Good examples are Readers Digest and all-nightly news casts. Hypochondriacs must go crazy.
Summer arrives in North Fork
Deadline for turning this column in to the Hungry Horse News is noon on Monday. Consequently, I usually write it on Sunday afternoon and, rarely, early Monday morning. This week it's Monday morning.
Moose and goats - the big picture
If you wander around the woods enough, you begin to take a different perspective on things. You notice minute details about places, and you also take in a bigger picture, which might seem like a contradiction in terms until you actually experience it.
Recalling the early days at the Hungry Horse School
This is an obituary for Hungry Horse School. Unlike most obituaries I have written, it is impossible to name actual date of death, survivors, residences, amount of estate, beneficiaries.
Lodge reunion
We are looking for Glacier Park Lodge employee "alums" to join us for a reunion July 16-19, 2013, to celebrate Glacier Park Lodge's 100th birthday.
Local kayaker runs Park falls
Jared Jimmerson has kayaked over bigger waterfalls in his earlier years, but Glacier National Park's Running Eagle Falls is one he says he probably won't do again - at least not anytime soon. The 2007 Columbia Falls graduate survived a trip over the falls in Two Medicine on June 14.
C-Falls trail builder throws hat in ring
Darin Fisher, a trail builder for the Forest Service's Hungry Horse Ranger District, joined incumbent Julie Plevel as a candidate for this year's Columbia Falls City Council election. Three seats will be up for election. June 30 is the final day for registering as a candidate.
City parks budget gets new focus
Saying River's Edge Park has received a lot of attention and money the past few years, the Columbia Falls city councilors agreed to direct the parks capital improvement budget to other areas of the city, including the Talbott Road neighborhood.
Yesterdays
60 Years Ago
Community news
Brass Werks will perform music from Bach to Count Basie at Marantette Park on June 30 beginning at 7 p.m. as part of the Columbia Falls Lions Club's summer concert series. Donations of $3 per person or $5 per family are suggested. In event of rain, the concert will be held at the St. Richard's Catholic Church, on the U.S. 2 strip.
School news
Columbia Falls High School junior Brian Marcille was recently selected as a delegate to Montana Boys State to be held at Carroll College in Helena on June 5-10. Marcille was among 200 Montana students gathered for a week dedicated to understanding the workings of local and state government. Delegates are chosen based upon character, integrity and academic achievement. Marcille was sponsored at Boys State by Bob Pearce, of Edward Jones Investing, and the Flathead American Legion.
Construction complete on Grand Drive
Construction on the Grand Drive portion of the Bigfork Stormwater Project was completed Thursday with the installation of four Filterra units along the roadway.
Letter to the editor: response to a letter
In response to a letter
Communities expand Fourth of July celebrations
The West Shore will be lit up with fireworks on two nights this year.
"Wedding Singer" pays homage to 80s style, music
It’s part romantic comedy, part Broadway musical and part MTV marathon, and on July 5 the Bigfork Summer Playhouse’s production of “The Wedding Singer” will open at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts.
Water creeps over Echo Lake causeway
As water levels continue to rise at Echo Lake, water has begun to spill over the causeway that crosses the lake.
The Tasting raises funds, awareness for MLR
Continued vigilance critical to cherry trees
The 2011 cherry season is here. Tree maintenance and compliance with Montana and county laws regarding pest control is very important.
Bowling alley bar's liquor license suspended
The bar and casino at Pick’s Bowling Alley in Bigfork was slapped with a 20-day suspension of its liquor and gaming license following a string of state violations.
Birthday bash raises money for SLOW
One of West Shore residents’ favorite fixtures was the center of a booming event Wednesday night.
Principals receive long-awaited contracts
After a sizeable amount of back and forth, the Somers-Lakeside school board approved contracts for the district’s administrators, district clerk and nurse at a special meeting Tuesday, June 21.
Tuesday, June 28
Glacier Institute featured on Today Show
The Glacier Institute's Big Creek Outdoor Education Center will be featured on NBC's Today Show on Friday, July 1, as part of a larger segment about three national parks.
Monday, June 27
Blame it on La Nina: Coldest spring in decades
The numbers confirm what many people already suspected about this spring - April 1 to June 20 was cold and miserable.
Fourth of July festivities
A host of festivities are lined up for the Fourth of July in the Flathead valley. Here's a look at who is doing what:
North Valley Hospital recognized by Avatar
For the third year in a row, North Valley Hospital has received the Overall Best Performer Award from Avatar International.
Need to run shuttle on Sun Road in shoulder season
Many of us business owners, dependent upon tourism in the area, anxiously await the full opening of the Going-to-the-Sun Road to jump start our businesses and keep us flush, if only for two months.
Park's Native America Speaks program
Blackfeet, Salish, Kootenai and Pend d'Oreille tribal members will once again share their knowledge of the history and culture of Native America with Glacier National Park visitors this summer as part of the 2011 Glacier National Park Native America Speaks program.
Judge has concerns over medical marijuana reform law
With restrictive state regulations set to go into effect July 1, the medical marijuana industry seems to be making headway in its lawsuit to block the new law. Meanwhile, three medical marijuana providers whose businesses were raided this spring were arraigned in federal court in Missoula.
Friday, June 24
Resort to run Chair 2 for summer
It remains unknown if the main chair lift to the summit of Big Mountain will open this summer after a ground slump near a tower on Chair 1 closed the lift indefinitely. A helicopter was brought in by Whitefish Mountain Resort June 24 to remove the tower while crews formulate a plan of action.
Park plows at bottom of Big Drift
Plowing and rehabilitation work continue on the Going-to-the-Sun Road (Sun Road) and currently there is no estimation on when the upper sections will be cleared of snow. Unprecedented winter snows and late spring storms slowed plowing progress.
Wednesday, June 22
Larry Edward Torgersen
Voisin goes big in slopestyle
Hobbs and Ellingson take second in downhill race
Glacier's bats carry club on road trip
U.S. can't afford to police world
Through Bakke's eyes
District battles tight budget
District considers breathalyzer
Filmmaker debuts horror flick online
City, county to sort books together
Cell phone ordinance approved
Kirk Walker
Kirk Davis Walker, 54, passed away suddenly of natural causes on June 11, 2011.
Arva Taylor
Arva Dorothy Taylor entered into Eternal Rest on May 29, 2011. She was 93 years old.
BPA made the correct decision
As a local cooperative, Flathead Electric Cooperative Inc. is operated solely for the benefit of our member/owners and it is our mission to provide affordable and reliable service. Accordingly, we are concerned about the recent complaint filed by a group of wind farm developers and investors against the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) regarding its policy on over-generation.
Need to find middle ground
The national debt, now above $14 trillion, is equal to about 95 percent of our gross domestic product (GDP). That's up from 51 percent in 1988. Now, every man, woman and child living in the United State owes nearly $50,000. The debt keeps accelerating as the federal government borrows about 40 cents of every dollar it spends.
A good bureaucrat
This is an admission of a shortcoming I have, along with just about everyone in the country. It is a defect in our usage of the word "bureaucrat." Everyone uses that word in writing, public speaking and daily conversation.
Sondreson Hall built by volunteers
A couple of weeks ago, I commented on all of the work done by the North Fork Landowners Association Board of Directors and the various committees. Their efforts have ensured a great season for social and educational activities.
'53 Park avalanche claimed two from Sun Road plow crew
Jean and May Sullivan were longtime family friends. My childhood memories include visiting the couple in their North Fork home.
Not-so-lady-like bugs
Earlier this spring, just as the maple tree in the backyard began to leaf out, it was attacked by aphids. Well, I guess they were aphids. They were small and black and seemed to be sucking the life out the leaves, which were having a hard enough time as it was with all the cold and rain.
Fraudulent birth
Evidence is mounting all over the country that Barack Hussein Obama is not eligible to be president of the United States.
The slow-sinking fly
With another week of extremely limited river fishing opportunities, you better think "lakes" if you want to catch trout.
What a joke
I just read the article "Airport drug dealer loses big forfeiture."
Twins play catch-up on the road
The Glacier Twins AA opened their 12-day road trip on a good foot June 15 with an 11-10 victory over the Spokane, Wash., Blue Devils.
Swim team makes improvements at Conrad meet
The Columbia Falls swim team saw a big improvement over last week, shaving 235 seconds from their previous best times as they took third at the Conrad meet last weekend.
Author proposes naming Park peak after his father
A California man has requested that a rocky crag in Glacier National Park be named for his father, an outdoorsman, guide and former trails supervisor for the Park.
Secretive nesting harlequins evade researchers
Glacier National Park's harlequins have always been different ducks. The male looks like it has a clown mask on - thus the name harlequin - and the female is drab and unassuming.
Snow hampering Park openings
Despite snow and lousy weather, Park crews are making headway in this seemingly eternal winter.
Drug agents uncover arsenal in Columbia Falls bust
A local man is facing seven felony drug charges after a search of his Columbia Falls home and his shop in Martin City on June 7 turned up drugs, firearms, ammunition and drug-sales related equipment.
Three city council seats, one candidate so far
With the June 30 registration deadline looming, there is one declared candidate for the three Columbia Falls City Council positions up for election this fall.
Slump closes Big Mountain's main chairlift
Excessive moisture this spring is being blamed for a significant ground slump around a tower on Chair 1 at Whitefish Mountain Resort. The scenic lift will be closed indefinitely until the safety issue is resolved, resort spokesperson Riley Polumbus said.
Yesterdays
60 Years Ago
School news
The following students had perfect attendance records at Ruder Elementary School for the past school year: Caleb Reinsberg, first grade; Kim Peacock, third grade; and Savannah Ellis, fourth grade.
Three grizzlies radio collared
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks biologists recently wound up their grizzly bear work in the North Fork. Three bears were captured and fitted with radio transmitters as part of a monitoring effort in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem. FWP biologists will closely follow the bears' movements.
FWP keeping busy with grizzlies
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials report that several grizzly bears were recently captured and moved in Northwest Montana to prevent human-bear conflicts. One was euthanized by FWP personnel.
Outdoor news
The Flathead Snowmobile Association needs letters in support of their application for a federal Recreation Trails Program grant, administered by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, for grooming snowmobile trails. This year, the cap on grants has been raised from $35,000 to $45,000. The association needs to differentiate this year's application from past applications by highlighting the addition of Desert Mountain as a new commercial area and Swan Mountain Snowmobiling as a new snowmobile operator. For more information, contact Aubrie Loroña by calling 871-4606, e-mailing aubrie@swanmountainoutfitters.com or visiting online at www.swanmountainoutfitters.com/glacier.
Bike trip recreates historic parks tour
Rick Olson, editor-at-large of the adventure journal Wend Magazine, will give an hour-long multi-media presentation about his 4,500 mile, four-month Playground Tour bike ride through the western United States at Discovery Square on Monday, June 27, starting at 5 p.m.
Bakke book a sampling of art, Montana history
From the time he was old enough to hold a pencil, James Bakke was an artist.
Anglers brave cold for chance to reel in big one
It was a cold, wet morning at Hidden Harbor in Woods Bay, but underneath his layers of soaked rain gear, Jim Landwehr’s heart was warm.
Bigfork businesses expand, renovate despite economy
Despite the persistence of cloudy skies and cool temperatures, Bigfork is abuzz with the signs of another summer season.
Bigfork fifth-graders bring history to life at Night of the Notables
She was a midwife-turned-war-spy living in Philadelphia during the American Revolution. She single-handedly helped change the outcome of the Revolutionary War by notifying American troops of the British army’s imminent plans for attack.
Tuesday, June 21
Lakeside fifth-graders finish off year with 5K run
It’s not every day that Zach Perrin is out-sprinted by a fifth-grader.
Pris retires after 24 years as LES librarian
As a child, Lakeside Elementary School librarian Georgia Pris was always drawn to books. And she’s also always enjoyed children.
Iba to return to Glendive
Having a meaningful job, one that you are enthusiastic about performing every day, often doesn’t feel like work — it simply feels like life.
Monday, June 20
Leaning tower closes Chair 1
Excessive moisture this spring is likely to blame for a ground slump around a tower on Chair 1 at Whitefish Mountain Resort. The scenic lift will be closed indefinitely until the safety issue is resolved, resort spokesperson Riley Polumbus said.
Friday, June 17
Vandals destroy concession stand at Bigfork football field
The Bigfork Booster Club was greeted with a disappointing surprise Thursday evening when members discovered that the concession stand at the school's football field and track facility was severally vandalized.
Central work starts Sunday night
Pavement on the 200 block of Central Avenue will be replaced on Sunday June 19 at 10 p.m. Work is slated to be finished by Wednesday, June 22 at midnight. The block will be closed day and night to vehicle traffic during the three days of work. Sidewalks will be open to pedestrians.
Glacier plows two miles from pass
Although, there is no estimate on when the upper sections of the Sun Road will be cleared of the winter snow pack, plow crews are working diligently. To accelerate progress, the plow crews will add an extra work day per week to the plow schedule starting June 20.
Wednesday, June 15
Super heros join cancer relay
Mild-mannered employees of Whitefish Credit Union will don their masks and costumes Friday, June 17, to do battle with their arch nemesis, cancer, during the Whitefish Relay For Life.
Glacier AA hits a skid
Hockey teams split from NorPac, join new league
Howard Streich
Lake group broadens its reach
Doug Wise files for city council seat
Relay for Life walkathon starts Friday
Rivers creep to highest levels
Sign code amendments approved
Safe school routes studied
Council: Hang up and drive
Ashtyn Kyle Schwegel
Kyle and Mindy Schwegel, of Columbia Falls, are the parents of a son, Ashtyn Kyle Schwegel, born June 5, 2011, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces and was 20.5 inches long.
Kahlan Rae Baumgartner
Justin and Jessica Baumgartner, of Columbia Falls, are the parents of a daughter, Kahlan Rae Baumgartner, born June 5, 2011, at North Valley Hospital. He weighed 9 pounds, 5 ounces, and was 19.75 inches long.
Cadence May Emerson
Jason and Laura Emerson, of Columbia Falls, are the parents of a daughter, Cadence May Emerson, born June 2, 2011, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. She weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces, and was 19.5 inches long.
Abhery Rose Gray
Brian Gray and Kaitlyn Bolliger, of Columbia Falls, are the parents of a daughter, Abhery Rose Gray, born June 1, 2011, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. She weighed 6 pounds, 4.5 ounces and was 19 inches long.
Leroy Lyle Willcut
Derek and Theresa Willcut, of Kalispell, are the parents of a son, Leroy Lyle Willcut, born May 31, 2011, at North Valley Hospital. He weighed 8 pounds, 14.9 ounces, and was 20.5 inches long.
Melba Heinzen
Melba F. Heinzen, 87, of Columbia Falls, passed away June 11, 2011, At Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.
James Motichka
James Lawrence "Jim" Motichka, 85, passed away from cancer on June 8, 2011, at The Springs in Whitefish.
The joy of positive thinking
A recent issue of Time Magazine featured scientists studying the human brain's ability to create positive thoughts. They've found evidence "positive thinking" is a survival instinct enabling humans to concentrate on hope even in what seem to be helpless conditions.
Canyon Church gets new handicap lift
Canyon Community Church members have one of the greatest events to celebrate since the congregation was organized in 1917.
North Fork Road lake filled in
The river continues to run high and muddy, but so far no real damage from flooding. In my view, every day that passes makes a major flood less likely. I would not say a flood is impossible, but I sure think the chances are a lot less likely than they were two weeks ago
Pieces of life make time go by
"What are little boys made of? Snips and snails and puppy dog tails. That's what little boys are made of."
Job creation is No. 1 issue
The 2011-12 election cycle is underway. During the next 16 months, we will elect a slew of officials at the federal, state and local levels - from the president to city councilors and nearly everything in between.
The Quartz Lake Loop
So there I was on the snow-capped Cerulean Ridge, wandering around, having completely lost the trail. I had this bright idea that if I just kept walking over the ridge that eventually I'd find it. But, like an idiot, I left the map in the truck.
Fees reduced on the reservation
Wow. We had quite a surprise on our first fishing trip to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in early June. Our destination was Duck Lake, and we'd purposely waited until the rainbows had completed their futile spawning attempts.
Fundraising kicks off for Canyon bike trail
The Pints For Paths Brewfest on Aug. 6 in West Glacier will kick off fundraising efforts for the Gateway To Glacier Trail which will one day connect Coram and West Glacier.
Park superintendent isn't leaving
An Arizona newspaper report Monday had mistakenly suggested Glacier National Park Superintendent Chas Cartwright will be leaving the Park. Cartwright isn't going anywhere.
Plows closing in on Logan Pass
Glacier National Park crews have plowed beyond Big Bend on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, about three miles from Logan Pass.
Glacier Park fish safe to eat
If you catch a cutthroat trout in Glacier National Park, it's a fairly safe meal, Park fisheries biologist Chris Downs said last week.
Campgrounds, chalets are slowly opening
Glacier National Park officials announced the opening of more services and roads for the summer season.
Volunteers help at Discovery Square
A host of volunteers began work on a new bakery at Glacier Discovery Square last week.
Bad loans can make bad lawns
Columbia Falls currently has about 14 homes either in or near foreclosure, and the wet spring is making them stand out in their neighborhoods, as their uncut lawns grow higher and higher.
Girls learn the value of 'functional artwork'
It was a crash course in quilting.
Airport drug smuggler loses big forfeiture
A 40-year-old Washington man who was charged with trying to smuggle drugs aboard a plane at Glacier Park International Airport last year was given a suspended sentence. He also lost the $33,400 he had in his luggage.
Smith's Foods hold-up man gets 10 years
A 20-year-old man who was charged with robbing Smith's Foods in Columbia Falls in 2009 was given a 10-year prison sentence and handed over to Idaho to face additional charges.
School news
The following students from Columbia Falls received a perfect 4.0 GPA and were named to the spring semester President's Honor Roll at the University of Great Falls: Cecilia Byrd-Rinck, Christie Jolly, Tyler Jones and Maria Nissi.
Community news
Classmates?
Ukrainian brothers team up in tennis
Zvyagelskiy. That's how you spell it. Of course, Vadim and Miroslav have seen their last named spelled many different ways, many different times - almost always wrong.
Swimmers take fifth at Shelby
The Columbia Falls swim team took fifth at the Shelby Invitational last weekend. Tyler Langton had individual high points for 8-and-under boys, and Cooper Babcock was second. Colton Babcock was second in high-point honors for the 11-12 boys, and Karyssa Nelson was second for the 11-12 girls.
Columbia Falls names 2011 Hall of Fame selections
The Columbia Falls High School recently announced the 2011 selections for the school's Hall of Fame. They are:
Academic All State students named
The following Columbia Falls High School student-athletes were named Academic All State Award winners by the Montana Coaches Association for the fourth quarter. Students must earn a varsity letter and maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA:
Knights end season with loss at Kalispell field
The Glacier Knights football team ended their Rocky Mountain Football League season 2-6 after losing to the Missoula Phoenix on Saturday 46-14.
Undersheriff's employment history investigated
According to Montana Public Safety Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council Executive Director Wayne Ternes, Lake County Undersheriff Karey Reynolds will be required to attend the Montana Law Enforcement Academy’s Basic course before January 2012.
Bigfork Summer Playhouse opens "Happy Days," "Guys & Dolls"
Ritchie, Potsie, Fonzie and the gang rocked the stage at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, June 7 when the Bigfork Summer Playhouse opened its latest production, “Happy Days.”
Bigfork players lead North to 26-0 victory
LEAP after-school program receives new grant
In a town with no malls, arcades or movie theaters, it’s easy to see why teenagers in Bigfork complain of having nothing to do.
Today a state championship and a diploma, tomorrow the world
June is always an interesting time for reflection.
Bigfork Middle School has strong track seasons
Tuesday, June 14
LES fifth-graders explore Glacier wilderness
Bigfork Eagle wins newspaper awards
Wednesday, June 8
Recent rain forces closure of Flathead Forest sites
The Flathead National Forest reports that up to two inches of precipitation has been recorded across the Flathead Forest in the last 24 hours.
Ryders earn third at Bozeman
NorPac suspends four hockey clubs
Course in mid-season form
Esther Shenefelt Paul
Soggy weather triggers landslide
Whitefish targets smartphone users
Student advocate Barrett retires
Central work finished ahead of schedule
Drainage flaws plague ESC
Bigfork High School juniors honored for their writing
Taylor Peck never really considered herself a good writer — that is, until she won $200 for a short story she submitted to the Authors of the Flathead Contest.
Open letter to the class of 2011
Dear Bigfork Graduating Class of 2011,
Athletic honors distributed
Fire destroys cabin on Echo Lake
Fire personnel from both the Bigfork and Creston Fire Departments responded to a fire on Echo Cabin Loop Road on Friday afternoon.
Seniors graduate at Saturday ceremony
Seniors from Bigfork High School’s class of 2011 turned their tassels and tossed their caps in front of a packed gym at the graduation ceremony Saturday.
Bigfork hires boys basketball coach, teacher
Tuesday, June 7
Turnover in progress on Lakeside council
Somers students learn survival skills at camp
Outdoor news
The Glacier National Park Fund recently received a $10,000 grant from the Unilever United States Foundation to support teachers and students in Glacier National Park's citizen science program. More than 400 citizen scientists have studied loons, pikas, mountain goats and weeds. A recent master's thesis by the Park's citizen science coordinator found no statistical difference between data gathered by citizen scientists and by trained biologists. For more information, visit online at www.glacierfund.org or call 892-3250.
Community news
The Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce's visitor center across from Marantette Park opened June 1. Hours until June 14 are Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. Hours from June 15 to Sept. 15 are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. through 7 p.m.
Raymond Peck
Raymond Lester Peck, a Montana educator, counselor and longtime Democratic legislator and activist, died surrounded by family and friends Friday, May 27, 2011, at St. Peter's Hospital after a massive stroke. He was 84.
Frankie Thyen
Frankie Jean Thyen, 84, of Columbia Falls, died June 1, 2011, at North Valley Hospital.
Arva Taylor
Arva Dorothy Taylor, 93, of Columbia Falls, died May 29, 2011, at Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation.
Horace Sanders
Horace D. Sanders, 79, died May 30, 2011, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
'Dogs edge 'Cats in smoker - with help from Kalispell
Whitefish's Memorial Field smelled of wet ‘Cats and ‘Dogs on Monday night. No one cared as the crowd came out of the stands and gathered ringside during a soggy, raucous and rain-delayed Cat-Dog Smoker.
Swim team practicing at The Wave, first meet next week
The Columbia Falls swim team hopes to make waves this season as it looks to repeat as state champions.
Knights go 0-2 after losing running back
The Glacier Knights lost their third game in a row in Rocky Mountain Football League play on May 21 in Belgrade against the Gallatin Valley Snow Devils, 18-8.
Liddle is winner on a wild Wild Mile
The 36th annual Bigfork Whitewater Kayak Festival was held May 29 on some of the highest waters in the event's history, but that didn't keep more than two dozen paddlers from competing on the Wild Mile section of the Swan River.
Twins sink Lakers with homer by Elek
The Glacier Twins beat their cross-valley rival, Kalispell Lakers, 9-6 on Sunday. The Twins were boosted by a 3-run homer by Cody Elek in the top of the ninth to get the win.
Rowe and Birky named all-state
Several Columbia Falls softball players have received all-conference and all-state recognition.
Sad day at Canyon Elementary
Kleenex soothed red eyes and wiped away tears during the last school assembly at Canyon Elementary on Friday, June 3.
Red Meadow Road opening delayed
The Flathead National Forest will keep Red Meadow Road, Forest Road No. 114, about 40 miles north of Columbia Falls, closed to protect the road surface past the usual June 1 opening date. The gate on the road, about two miles off the North Fork Road, will be closed until road surface conditions improve.
Evergreen teen gets 15 years
The Evergreen teenager convicted of deliberate homicide in the deaths of two Columbia Falls residents was sentenced to 15 years with the Montana Department of Corrections on Monday.
Outfitter brings back camp fire tales
It's been four years since he last ran the Spotted Bear Ranch wilderness resort at the south end of the Hungry Horse Reservoir, and Kirk Gentry says he misses sitting around the camp fire exchanging stories about fishing, hunting, hiking, rafting or snowmobiling.
Snow delaying Park road and campground openings
Three Glacier National Park campgrounds will have delayed openings because of lingering snows. The Many Glacier, Two Medicine and Cutbank campground openings will be delayed until at least June 17, Park officials said last week.
Leasing one option to preserve historic cabins
Imagine leasing an historic cabin on the shores of Lake McDonald, taking in the expansive views of the Continental Divide.
Tragedy strikes Glacier Park's webcam ospreys
Tragedy struck a popular pair of ospreys in Glacier National Park when one of the birds was electrocuted after it touched power lines near its nest.
C-Falls man injured in ATV wreck
A Columbia Falls man was severely injured May 29 when the ATV he was driving down Highway 35 rolled near the entrance of the Swan Lake Campground.
Yesterdays
60 Years Ago
Flying the flag
This columnist is not and has not been a negative person during the almost 50 years of writing a weekly bit of personal viewpoint; however, there are times which call for taking a stand against something he doesn't agree with. This week, we will deal with what can be a touchy subject for some.
Parts of North Fork Road now impassable
Yes, there is still concern that there could be flooding on the North Fork. No, it is not a certainty, and we just have to wait and see how fast the snow melts in the high country.
Fly fishing gear by the numbers
What fly rod should I buy? That's one of the most common questions I hear in my casting classes.
Fairview Cemetery started 128 years ago
Fairview Cemetery, located south of Columbia Falls, was started 128 years ago, June 17, 1883. T. J. Karmony received $900 for the 40 acres. First by-laws were signed by the Rev. J. M. Eastland, R. J. Bohart and Reverend Minzter. Others attending initial session were Richard Eckelberry, A. B. Lewis, Thomas G. Patterson, A.B. Preston, Nathaniel Scott, James Shaw, A. H. Sheldon, P. Smith, Robert Wallace, Fred Walter, George Yenne and Jacob Zimmerman. Names still familiar in area communities.
Saturday, June 4
Hot weather means higher stream levels, more rain on the way
Higher temperatures forecasted by the National Weather Service for Saturday, Sunday and Monday, June 4-6, could cause rivers and streams in the Flathead to rise sharply by early next week.
Friday, June 3
Avalanches bury parts of Sun Road
Plowing continues on the Going-to-the-Sun Road after significant avalanche activity deposited snow and debris on the road after the Memorial Day weekend storm.
Wardens looking for wounded grizzly bear near Polebridge
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are investigating the wounding of a grizzly bear near the intersection of the Red Meadow Creek Road and the North Fork Road north of Polebridge.
Thursday, June 2
Lodge employee injured on Mt. Stanton
A Georgia man was airlifted off Mount Stanton in Glacier National Park late Tuesday afternoon after he fell over a 30-foot cliff. He was not seriously injured, and according to a Kalispell Regional Medical Center spokesperson, the man was never admitted to the hospital.
Wednesday, June 1
Hummingbird Feeder Frenzy in Bigfork Montana in The Flathead Valley
Georgia man injured in Glacier Park fall
A Georgia man was airlifted off Mount Stanton in Glacier National Park late Tuesday afternoon after he fell over a 30-foot cliff.
Rain hampering North Fork drivers
It may have been cold, wet, and nasty in the Flathead Valley this last week, but it was twice as nasty on the North Fork.
Dorothy O'Brien
Dorothy O'Brien, 93, of Kensington Calif., died May 13, 2011.
Mel told me 'no'
An unusual memory came to mind last week when I was honored with the coveted "Montana Mentor Award" given by Jane Karas, Flathead Valley Community College president. The event took me back to 1966 when Owen Sowerwine first asked me to help him found the community college, chiefly in public relations. Although I wasn't enthused about what seemed an impossible dream, I accepted because Owen was so sincere and because he was president of the board of directors at the bank where I worked.
Local energy companies hold promise
On May 26, a group of individuals and organizations calling itself "Re-Powering the Flathead for a New Energy Economy" (involving Stoltze Land & Lumber Co. and Flathead Electric Cooperative among others) sponsored a panel discussion at Flathead Valley Community College featuring three "green" energy companies at varying stages of start-up: Algae Aqua-Culture Technologies; Clearwater Biologicals Inc.; and Zinc Air, Inc.
Keep Red Bridge project local
Would someone please tell me why is it that The First Best Place Task Force finds it necessary to employ an engineering firm from Missoula to provide estimates on the Red Bridge restoration project?
Cats Champs! Wildcats defeat Blue Devils to win state
This time, the tables were turned. In a total team effort, the Columbia Falls boys track team won its first ever state A title last weekend downing Corvallis 98-72 in Missoula. It was payback to the Blue Devils, who beat the Wildcats last year by 11 points.
Kats cap best season ever with 3-2 showing at state
The Columbia Falls girls softball team had a nice run at the state A tournament in Miles City last week, going 3-2 to cap off one of their best seasons ever.
Boys take fourth at state tennis, girls seventh
The Columbia Falls boys tennis team took fourth and the girls took seventh at the state A meet in Great Falls last week.
Photographer recounts harrowing Park traverse
Tardy but no worse for the wear, Glacier National Park rescue crews plucked a man from the wilderness May 25 at Upper Kintla Lake after he was five days late on an ambitious backcountry journey.
Marine biologist is new chief of interpretation
Tracy Ammerman, Gla-cier National Park's new chief of interpretation and partnerships, won't be doing much scuba diving here, but that doesn't mean she doesn't like winter recreation.
Chalet damage not severe
Sperry Chalet in Glacier National Park did not suffer any major structural damage when an avalanche struck the hotel earlier this winter, but several rooms will need repairs and cleaning, Park spokeswoman Ellen Blickhan said last week.
Legislature declares grizzlies recovered
The Montana Legislature passed a law this session declaring grizzly bears a recovered species. Senate Bill 143 amends previous state law that directed the state to "protect, conserve and manage the grizzly bear as a rare species of Montana wildlife."
More rain, snow create Park hazards
Glacier Park plow crews had a tough time making progress last week as yet more snow fell in the high country.
Heavens Peak Lookout project will start this summer
Glacier National Park will go ahead with stabilization of the Heavens Peak Lookout this summer. The Park recently released a finding of no significant impact to the project.
School news
Lindie Burgess, of Columbia Falls, recently graduated from the University of Portland with a bachelor's in mechanical engineering.
West-side reservoir road closed
The Flathead National Forest is urging visitors to use caution when traveling on Forest roads or trails, especially near streams. Saturated soils and recent moisture have limited access to locations and created some road and trail damage across the forest.
Yesterdays
60 Years Ago
