Community news
Burning restrictions
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality’s open-burning restrictions for the fall season went into effect from Sept. 1 through Dec. 1. Each day during the fall and winter season, DEQ staff will review atmospheric conditions across the state to determine when it’s safe to burn without causing health impacts. Open burning is restricted to specific times available daily online at www.burnclosures.mt.gov or by calling the 24-hour Ventilation Hotline at 800-225-6779. Both are updated by 5 p.m. each day.
Wreath ceremony
The Sons of the American Revolution is seeking sponsors to purchase wreaths to be placed at the Montana Veterans Home Cemetery in Columbia Falls on Dec. 13. Last year during the Wreaths Across America celebration, 540,000 memorial wreaths were placed on graves of American veterans at 900 cemeteries across the U.S. For more information, contact Steve Armstrong in Bigfork at 847-804-5778, Billy Butts in Columbia Falls at 892-2952, or the national organization at 877-385-9504.
Harvest dinner
The Flathead Democrats’ Harvest Dinner will take place on Saturday, Sept. 20, beginning at 3 p.m. at the Lonesome Dove Guest Ranch, 1805 Haywire Gulch, about 10 minutes from Kalispell. An all you can eat barbecue buffet will begin at 5 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person, $15 for 4-11 year-olds and free for 3-and-under. For more information, call 471-2576 or visit online at www.FlatheadDemocrats.com.
Free screening
The Summit in Kalispell will hold a free prostate cancer screening session on Sept. 17 and 18 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Register for an appointment by calling 751-4500.
Gas line
Public comments are being sought for a floodplain permit requested by Northwest Energy for 650 feet of 3-inch gas line and a gas valve to be installed near the Flathead River at the end of Ninth Street East in Columbia Falls. The project is intended to improve natural gas flow. Comments can be sent to city manager Susan Nicosia at City Hall. Deadline is Sept. 22.
Farmers market
Timber Winds will be the featured performer at the Columbia Falls Farmers Market, held at Pinewood Park next to the City Pool on Thursday, Sept. 11, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The Thursday markets host local vendors offering fresh produce, baked items, crafts, arts and various eats and treats.
Tomorrow’s leaders
Cassidi Bowman and Emily Getts, of Columbia Falls, were among the 30 juniors from Flathead Valley high schools chosen for the 2014-2015 class of Leaders of Tomorrow. The program is sponsored by the United Way and managed by a local advisory council of volunteers. Selection is based on interests and involvement, leadership history, prior community service and future goals. For more information, call 752-7266.
Season celebration
The Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce will hold an end of the season celebration at the Glacier Outdoor Center in West Glacier on Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. Reservations are not required. For more information, call Carol Pike at 892-2072 or e-mail cpike@centurytel.net.
Hospital festival
North Valley Hospital will host its Planetree Festival under the tents on the hospital grounds in Whitefish on Wednesday, Sept. 10, from 3 to 8 p.m. with information on women’s and men’s health, demonstrations of the da Vinci robot surgeon, complimentary massage, pet and acupuncture therapies, kids activities and a bicycle safety course, food, live music, tours and raffles. For more information, call 863-3627.
Garage sale
The Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their 17th annual garage sale at Angie’s Greenhouse, on the U.S. 2 strip in Columbia Falls, from 8 am. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, and from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 27. The fundraiser will help pay for new chamber banners, the Children’s Holiday Village and Community Pride projects. Drop off items on Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 6 p.m. For more information, call Carol Pike at 892-2072 or e-mail cpike@centurytel.net.