Stories for October 2015

Subscribe

Saturday, October 31

October 31, 2015 7:57 a.m.

Fire damages Sandy Hill Terrace home

A fire heavily damaged a home at 65 Sandy Hill Terrace in rural Columbia Falls Friday night. The fire broke out about 9 p.m. No one was home at the time of the blaze. A family member said they went to church and found out later from friends their house was on fire. Neighbors said the back end of the house, including the porch, was engulfed when firefighters arrived.

Friday, October 30

October 30, 2015 12:10 p.m.

Playoff game will seen rain, cold

Spectators going to the Columbia Falls football game will have to contend with rain Saturday and cold. The National Weather Service is predicting the heaviest rain should fall tomorrow from noon until 6 p.m., with a quarter inch of rain possible by the end of the afternoon.

October 30, 2015 5:10 a.m.

In paint ball shooting, a larger concern over violence

A Columbia Falls eighth grader was hit in the head with a paint ball while walking home after school along Talbott Road last Friday.

Thursday, October 29

October 29, 2015 5:05 a.m.

Yummmmm, plans for a pie factory

Developer Mick Ruis’s plans for Columbia Falls don’t stop with the new Cedar Creek Lodge. Ruis, who has bought a host of properties in the city in recent months, said last week he also wants to bring a pie factory to Nucleus Avenue in the coming months.

Wednesday, October 28

October 28, 2015 1:28 p.m.

Speakers face changes, challenges in new season

The Columbia Falls speech and debate team starts the season Oct. 31 with a kickoff in Kalispell.

October 28, 2015 1:21 p.m.

Schools have a need for tutors

In the first hour of the school day last week, Patti Holm sat with a energetic first grader at a small table next to a classroom door at Ruder Elementary. She listened to the girl read two picture books, helping her along if she didn’t know a word.

October 28, 2015 1:17 p.m.

Deerlick Bridge replaced by next fall

The Montana Department of Transportation started recently to replace the Deerlick Creek Bridge on U.S. Highway 2 east of West Glacier. The two-year project will focus on a small section of the highway between mile marker 161 and 161.3. Initial work is off of the roadway with minimal traffic impact. Operations will occasionally require lane closures and short delays within the work zone. Drivers may experience delays up to 15 minutes, reduced speed of 35 mph, single lane use, traffic controlled by signal lights and flaggers.

October 28, 2015 11:59 a.m.

Bigfork man accused of shooting to scare wife

A Bigfork man was jailed and charged with felony assault with a weapon last week after he allegedly fired a gun during a disagreement with his wife. 

October 28, 2015 11:51 a.m.

Special 911 tax funding plan explained

County officials have unveiled the proposed tax structure that would apply to businesses and residences under a proposed countywide special 911 district meant to raise $1.9 million per year for 911 communication infrastructure. 

October 28, 2015 8:30 a.m.

School district refinances remainder of elementary bond

The Bigfork School board approved a bond purchase agreement with Glacier Bank last week to save taxpayers $141,702.

October 28, 2015 5:14 a.m.

Susan Nutter

Susan Gail Nutter, 57, passed away on Oct. 21, 2015 at her home in Columbia Falls. She is survived by her son, D.J. Nelson.

October 28, 2015 5:01 a.m.

Cats crush Broncs, face Polson in playoffs

Columbia Falls will find itself facing a familiar foe in the first-round of the Class A football playoffs in Polson. The Cats walloped conference rival Frenchtown 46-6 last Friday to secure home field for the first-round game.

October 28, 2015 5 a.m.

Wanner takes eighth at state x-country meet in Great Falls

Sage Wanner led the Columbia Falls cross-country team with an eighth-place finish at the state A cross-country meet Saturday in Great Falls. Wanner’s time of 16:05.89 eclipses the junior school record set by Derrick Williams by three seconds, said coach Richard Menicke.

October 28, 2015 4:59 a.m.

Spikers beat Libby, Stevi

The Columbia Falls volleyball team rolled over its last two home opponents Saturday, dropping Stevensville 25-14, 25-16, 25-9 and Libby 25-8, 25-16, 21-25, 25-9. 

October 28, 2015 4:57 a.m.

Triplett wraps up season fourth in world

Columbia Falls bullrider Matt Triplett had a great showing at the Professional Bullriders Built Ford Tough Series World Finals in Las Vegas over the past week.

October 28, 2015 4:56 a.m.

A time for rhyme

Nobody ever told me I had to always be either serious or humorous in these columns. That is why over the years there have been quite a few which might be labeled “nutty.” Following is an example from winter 1991:

October 28, 2015 4:54 a.m.

The great big road update

Big news this week is Flathead County is grading the North Fork Road. They started at Canyon Creek and yesterday, Thursday, they were working on Wurtz Hill. Two, yellow bellied roadgraders, are doing a great job, especially since there is also a water truck spraying the road as they work.

October 28, 2015 4:49 a.m.

'Girl Friday' of Hungry Horse News passes away

Longtime Hungry Horse News reporter and columnist Gladys Shay died Monday evening of natural causes. She was 87. Shay grew up with a penchant for the news.

October 28, 2015 12:45 a.m.

Dam renamed again

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribal council has voted to rename the Salish Kootenai Dam — again.

October 28, 2015 12:30 a.m.

Shelter Island owner keeps suit alive

Don Abbey may be playing hard to get.

October 28, 2015 12:30 a.m.

Forest Service uses 'collaboration' as scam

The Forest Service is using collaboration as the latest scam to convince the public its forests are broken and that logging is the cure. The Forest Service is paying collaborative partners that support this lie so it can hand more public trees over to private industry.

October 28, 2015 12:30 a.m.

2015 Tamarack Time was a great success thanks to volunteer efforts

As the Tamarack Time coordinator, I would like to thank the wonderful volunteers who contributed to the 2015 Tamarack Time’s success! Starting with Gretchen Gates who ‘loaned’ Abby, Peggy and Barbara to help count the tablecloths, cups, silverware, napkins, Admin sheets, award ribbons into the category bags as well as the use of Eva Gates’ Homemade Preserves store for staging everything.  

October 28, 2015 midnight

Bigfork kidnapper denied parole

The Montana Supreme Court was not persuaded by a convicted kidnapper’s claims that he deserves a new trial for abducting an intoxicated 18-year-old woman in Bigfork in 2006.

October 28, 2015 midnight

After 18 years with Lodge leadership, Bigfork Elves are under new helm

Bigfork’s favorite Christmas tradition is changing hands this year.

October 28, 2015 midnight

Thanks for help in putting on jazz tribute concerts

This letter is a thank you note to John Clayton, Larry Fuller and Jeff Hamilton of The Ray Brown Tribute Trio, which performed on Oct. 9 and 10, and gave music clinics at Whitefish High School, Stillwater Christian School and Glacier High School on Oct. 12. 

Tuesday, October 27

October 27, 2015 12:40 p.m.

New 911 fee would lower costs for homeowners

County officials have unveiled the proposed tax structure that would apply to businesses and residences under a proposed countywide special 911 district meant to raise $1.9 million per year for 911 communication infrastructure.

Friday, October 23

October 23, 2015 5:09 a.m.

Hunters should see good whitetail numbers

The general firearm hunting season opens Saturday for deer and elk and runs through Nov. 29. It should be a good year for hunters, as most game species in Northwest Montana have rebounded from a bad winter in 2010-11, said Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Region One Wildlife Manager Neal Anderson.

Thursday, October 22

October 22, 2015 11:31 a.m.

FWP suspends effort to trap black bear that killed Kalispell woman; she'd been cited before for feeding bears

After nearly a month of trying, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks officials last week suspended the effort to try to catch a black bear that attacked a woman in her Kalispell home in late September. FWP wardens believe the bear entered 85-year-old Barbara Paschke’s home on or about Sept. 27 near Ashley Lake, attacked her and then escaped out a window. How the bear got into the house remains unsolved.

October 22, 2015 5:06 a.m.

Murdoch's to open in December

Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply is building a new store near Columbia Falls at Halfmoon Road and U.S. Highway 2. The grand opening is planned for the first or second week of December.

Wednesday, October 21

October 21, 2015 11:45 p.m.

Players prep sets to open Steel Magnolias

“That blue is from Girls of the Garden Club,” she says. “That brown is from last year’s Rumor’s. And see that red with the outline of the phone cord? That was the red telephone from Get Smart several years ago.” Drop cloths have been spread across the generous workspace of Charlie Rate’s Ferndale shop in preparation for painting the set of the upcoming performance of Steel Magnolias. Michele Shapero gives a walking tour of the paint splotches.

October 21, 2015 11:30 p.m.

Tribes won't help offset revenue loss to Lake County

Lake County government will have to adapt to a $1 million shortfall after the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes announced they will not help offset the tax loss when they purchased Kerr Dam.

October 21, 2015 2:08 p.m.

Bigfork Community Center rebrands itself

The Bigfork Senior Center has rebranded itself as the Bigfork Community Center to help revitalize the center and increase membership.

October 21, 2015 2:01 p.m.

Bigfork Chamber looks to fill three positions

The Bigfork Chamber of Commerce has three open Board Member positions to fill for the 2016-2017 term.  

October 21, 2015 1:33 p.m.

Krogstad takes lead in Mack Days tournament after week four

After the fourth weekend of lake trout fishing in Mack Days on Flathead Lake the leader is Kalispell angler Terry Krogstad. 

October 21, 2015 1:28 p.m.

Players open Steel Magnolias this weekend

The Bigfork Community Players will present Steel Magnolias this weekend.

October 21, 2015 1:24 p.m.

Community college theatre presents 'Dracula'

Flathead Valley Community College Theatre will open its fall season with “Dracula” by American playwright Steven Dietz.

October 21, 2015 1:19 p.m.

Input sought for major conservation easements

 The public is invited to attend meetings with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and landowners for the Kootenai Valleys, Swan Valley, and Thompson and Fisher River conservation easements. 

October 21, 2015 7:25 a.m.

City council candidate Darin Fisher

Incumbent Darin Fisher seeking re-election after his first term in office because he likes the direction the city is heading and wants to be a part of its future.

October 21, 2015 7:19 a.m.

City council candidate Erick Robbins

Columbia Falls is on the cusp of some significant changes in the next few years and Erick Robbins wants to help guide the city’s future growth. That’s why he’s running for city council. Robbins, 46, is a Realtor with Remax/Mountain View in Columbia Falls. This is his first time running for council, though he previously sat on the city-county planning board.

October 21, 2015 7:16 a.m.

City council candidate Tyler Furry

Tyler Furry is running for city council because there’s a “lot of crazy things going on in our nation and world,” and while he can’t necessarily do much about those, he can exact “some positive change at the local level.”

October 21, 2015 7:13 a.m.

City council candidate John Piper

John Piper is a true Columbia Falls native. He was born and raised here, graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1979. The 54-year-old worked at Plum Creek in the shipping department for 30 years and now works as the night supervisor at the Montana Veterans Home. A second generation resident, Piper’s father, Howard, also was a supervisor at Plum Creek through his career.

October 21, 2015 7:05 a.m.

City council candidate Doug Karper

Veteran Columbia Falls City Councilman Doug Karper said he initially thought this would be his last term. But then he reconsidered.

October 21, 2015 6:53 a.m.

Road work should be done soon

Road construction to the intersection by the Blue Moon Nite Club should be complete Nov. 15. When complete, the intersection will have new traffic light signals and more turn lanes. The merge lane from Montana Highway 40 to U.S. Highway 2 will be removed, leaving the one merge lane by Town Pump.

October 21, 2015 5:04 a.m.

City approves hotel, work expected soon

Columbia Falls has long been the town people drove right through on their way to Glacier National Park. Now they’ll have a reason to stop.

October 21, 2015 4:59 a.m.

Cats win the 'must win' over Pirates

In the first few minutes of the third quarter, things were looking dreary for the Columbia Falls football team last Friday night. Polson had just taken the opening drive of the half down the field and scored a touchdown to make the game 20-6 with 6:31 left in the third quarter.

October 21, 2015 4:54 a.m.

Wanner fifth at Western A Classic x-country meet

Sage Wanner took fifth in the Western Division cross-country meet Saturday. Wanner clocked a 16:14.08 to lead the Wildcats. He was the only male runner from Columbia Falls to break the top 25. As a team, the boys took fifth.

October 21, 2015 4:53 a.m.

Cats lose play-in game to Libby

October 21, 2015 4:50 a.m.

Wood products woes

This week marks the fifth anniversary of Montana’s “Forest Products Week.”  In 2011, the state Legislature set aside a week, every October, to recognize the important contribution Montana’s forest products industry makes to our over-all economy and especially, to Montana’s timber-dependent rural communities.

October 21, 2015 4:49 a.m.

A World Series recalled

The 2015 World Series playoffs are underway. Let’s see how it was going 30 years ago:

October 21, 2015 4:47 a.m.

Stumping for more fishing access on the Flathead River

The most common fishing question being asked in the Flathead Valley this week is, “Are the whitefish in the river?”

October 21, 2015 12:30 a.m.

First student of the month for 2015-2016 school year named

Sadie Felt has been selected as the first student of the month for the 2015-16 school year by the faculty and staff of Bigfork High School.

October 21, 2015 midnight

Todd Ware competes in flying

If you see a light-sport aircraft flying around cellular towers in the Flathead Valley in the coming weeks, it’s probably Todd Ware out for a practice run.

October 21, 2015 midnight

Lake levels lawsuit set back

It took 15 years to get the case to trial, and now it may be much longer before a class action suit over Flathead Lake levels gets its day in court.

Tuesday, October 20

October 20, 2015 1:40 p.m.

New Professional Center set to open Nov. 2

The new North Valley Hospital Professional Center will open Nov. 2 on Talbott Road. An open house is planned for the $2 million Columbia Falls clinic Nov. 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. as a Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce business after hours event.

Monday, October 19

October 19, 2015 8:14 a.m.

In first year, Columbia Falls market a smashing success

The Columbia Falls Community Market has ended after having a very successful first summer.

Friday, October 16

October 16, 2015 7:01 a.m.

Melby's moves to Nucleus, for now

Thursday, October 15

October 15, 2015 8:53 a.m.

This weekend is last chance at Glacier Park's Logan Pass

This Sunday is the last day to access Logan Pass by vehicle. The Going-to-the-Sun Road will see its annual seasonal closure down to Avalanche Creek Monday.

October 15, 2015 7:21 a.m.

CFAC open house draws plenty of questions

The public had mixed reactions to the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company open house last week.

October 15, 2015 6:31 a.m.

Glacier National Park's Sun Road work fairly light in '16

The Park Service's centennial year will likely be a good time to drive the full length of the Going-to-the-Sun Road as construction should be fairly light. The main work project will center around reconstruction and redesign of the east entrance of the road at St. Mary, said park spokeswoman Katie Liming.

Wednesday, October 14

October 14, 2015 11:47 a.m.

Get your pink on in Bigfork

Dear Women of Bigfork, Brad Pitt is gonna being in Bigfork this weekend! Not! Just trying to get your attention. On Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Harvest Foods parking lot, we’re “Gettin Our Pink on in Bigfork” for Breast cancer Awareness Month. Wear your pink, bring a friend, sister, mother or grandmother and come on down. It’s time to get your mammogram and do a little celebrating, too.  Do it for the boo-bees...If you don’t have insurance or maybe can’t afford to pay for one right now, there will be someone there to help you figure out a way to get one.  And since it’s “beautiful people discount day” at Harvest Foods and Bigfork Drug, what a perfect time to help grandma get a mammogram if she hasn’t had one in a while.  If you have insurance, get a prescription from your health provider. If you are wondering why I bring this up, it’s because I am a survivor myself, and I know the importance of routine screenings. If you got it, catch it early and live. Also, I love Susan Kuhlman, who is one of the driving forces behind Save A Sister, who we have to thank for this great opportunity. 

October 14, 2015 11:35 a.m.

Student fights human trafficking

A Bigfork High School senior is bringing an event to Bigfork to raise awareness about human trafficking.

October 14, 2015 11:32 a.m.

High school bond passes

Bigfork School District taxpayers overwhelmingly approved a $14 million bond request Friday.

October 14, 2015 9:10 a.m.

Board OKs new Hotel

By BECCA PARSONS

October 14, 2015 7:23 a.m.

Despite fires, businesses near Glacier Park said they had a good year

Despite wildfires and weeks of smoke, businesses that rely on Glacier Park tourist traffic said they had a good year, all things considered. A quick start to the summer didn’t hurt. June was warm and dry and the Going-to-the-Sun Road opened nearly a full month earlier than it did in 2014.

October 14, 2015 7:07 a.m.

Columbia Falls High School triad program finishes up playhouses

Seniors in the business trades triad program at Columbia Falls High School recently finished four playhouses that will go to some lucky kids out there. One of the homes was donated to the Head Start North Valley Center for the preschoolers and the other three will be sold by auction and raffle to help fund future projects.

October 14, 2015 7:02 a.m.

CFAC open house draws plenty of questions

The public had mixed reactions to the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company open house last week.

October 14, 2015 6:58 a.m.

Spikers drop Broncs handily; unbeaten streak extends to 10

Columbia Falls dished up a whopping 18 services aces they defeated Frenchtown in straight sets 25-6, 25-17, 25-9 Saturday at home.

October 14, 2015 6:54 a.m.

Girls take soccer conference crown

The Columbia Falls girls soccer gutted out a great week with two clutch wins and a tie over Whitefish to win the Northern A conference title and gain home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

October 14, 2015 6:42 a.m.

Cats swamped by Bulldogs 47-7, face 'must win' against Polson

Time to regroup.

October 14, 2015 6:39 a.m.

Wanner dusts field at Whitefish

Sage Wanner led from start to finish to win the Whitefish Invitational cross-country meet Saturday. Wanner ran the race in 16:40, beating Jaden Rowe of Frenchtown by 22 seconds.

October 14, 2015 6:36 a.m.

A week filled with promise, dashed by injuries

The last week of the regular season started out on a high note for the Columbia Falls boys soccer team. They had a 3-2 come-from-behind victory over Bigfork Oct. 6 away and were tied at 1 apiece against conference leader Polson at home a couple of days later.

October 14, 2015 6:29 a.m.

For football player with cancer, a wealth of community support

Columbia Falls High School senior Gabby DeLorme was diagnosed with leukemia Aug. 7, just two days before the start of football practice.

October 14, 2015 6:27 a.m.

It's playoff time - for perch

The major league playoffs have started and do you know what that means?

October 14, 2015 6:25 a.m.

A great time to be in the woods

t is now my favorite part of fall. Although the aspen and low shrubbery colors are beginning to fade, the larch are just now peaking with golden needles. The meadow at my cabin is now a truly golden meadow and the weather is great. How can you beat warm sunny days with blue skies and cool nights with millions of sparkling stars. Top that off with the joy of an evening campfire or even a crackling fire in the woodstove in the evening or an early morning fire to take the chill off.

October 14, 2015 6:22 a.m.

Home is the hunter ... or someplace

The annual lost hunter stories are now making news. Ninety percent of the guys who donít get home when they are supposed to, survive with nothing more than a small embarrassment over being confused about where their car was parked. A few do end in tragedy; however, here are also those who stop too long at a warm friendly tavern, forgetting what kind of wild game theyíre after. Regardless, the local search and rescue volunteers quickly answer each worried call because the next one could be serious.

October 14, 2015 6:17 a.m.

Carol Lynn Pollock Kennedy

Carol Lynn Pollock Kennedy, 57, of Columbia Falls, died in a car accident Sept. 28, 2015, in southwestern Montana.

October 14, 2015 1:30 a.m.

Some logging has impacts worse than wildfire

A Hungry Horse News article claims that because of a lawsuit against a couple of Spotted Bear timber sales the Trail Creek fire burned in timber sale units that would have already been logged and ostensibly wouldn’t have burned. While that project was in litigation there was no court ordered temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction that held it up. In fact the Forest Service let contracts on the project at its own pace and logging began during the time the lawsuit was in progress.

October 14, 2015 1:15 a.m.

Dockstader Island Bridge: Order to remove road, not bridge structure

The clock is ticking on a federal order to remove a road that was used to build a bridge to Dockstader Island in Bigfork.

October 14, 2015 1:15 a.m.

MDT to study historic Bigfork bridge

The Montana Department of Transportation is hiring a consultant to do a study on Bigfork’s historic steel bridge.

October 14, 2015 1:15 a.m.

Bigfork Relay for Life to join Flathead County event

Low turnout at Bigfork’s Relay for Life on Friday night had many participants talking about a different future for the event.

October 14, 2015 12:30 a.m.

Staying safe for solo hunters

Solo hunters have been garnering headlines because of untimely deaths and injuries this fall in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho.

Friday, October 9

October 9, 2015 9:02 a.m.

Moody captures Glacier's plight in new film

A couple of years ago Sarah Moody was at a talk by Glacier National Park Superintendent Jeff Mow on climate change. Moody already worked in the Park’s backcountry permit office and was an environmental studies student at the University of Montana. Climate change was a subject of passion.

October 9, 2015 6:40 a.m.

On Fourth Avenue, a worry about speeding cars

Mack Williams has lived on Fourth Avenue West in Columbia Falls for decades, but he said he’s never seen so many speeding rigs traveling past his home. The speed limit, when school in session, is 15 mph. But Williams told city council Monday night people are routinely doing 35 to 40 mph. 

Thursday, October 8

October 8, 2015 9:27 a.m.

Food at Tamarack Time brings community together

The 27th annual Tamarack time is set for Saturday on Electric Avenue, featuring the best dishes the Bigfork population can whip up.

October 8, 2015 9:10 a.m.

State commission wants hearing on dam deal

The Montana Public Service Commission on Thursday requested a rehearing on the relicensing of the Salish Kootenai Dam to Energy Keepers Inc. and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

October 8, 2015 8:58 a.m.

Goat Lick gets a new, wider overlook at Glacier National Park

The Goat Lick Overlook in Glacier National Park along U.S. Highway 2 was completely rebuilt, making it more accessible.

October 8, 2015 6:36 a.m.

Glacier Park supers: cancel leases

If one were to hike in the Badger-Two Medicine region of the Lewis and Clark National Forest right now, they’d likely come upon a sign warning of a grizzly bear prowling in the Sawmill Flats area. The sign is not unusual. The 160,000 acre region on the Lewis and Clark National Forest is not wilderness and isn’t Park Service land, but it is no less wild.

Wednesday, October 7

October 7, 2015 9:14 a.m.

In local forests, a host of prescribed burns planned

Ranger Districts on the Flathead National Forest are planning to conduct multiple fall season prescribed fire projects, when weather, fuel conditions and air quality is favorable. Burning started last week and will continue through the close of open burning season on Nov. 30. Smoke will be visible from various places in the Flathead Valley depending on the location of the burn units and weather conditions.

October 7, 2015 8:05 a.m.

Algae renewable energy company rebuilds

An unusual octagonal structure is being built by Algae AquaCulture Technologies on the property of F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber Co. in Columbia falls. The Green Power House is part of a closed loop process to create renewable energy from biomass, with useful byproducts such as organic fertilizer and food. The system produces no waste. It consumes waste heat and carbon dioxide as it produces methane, hydrogen or bio-oils for use in industry and farming, owners say.

October 7, 2015 6:53 a.m.

Cats get two big wins on the road against Loggers, Vikings

Columbia Falls blanked Libby 2-0 on the road in a key Northern A conference win in boys soccer Saturday and then edged Bigfork 3-2 in the final seconds for a win Tuesday. Daniel Skinner scored on a penalty kick at the 39-minute mark and Logan Stephens capped off the victory with a breakaway strike at 68 minutes to seal the victory against the Loggers.

October 7, 2015 6:52 a.m.

Love leads Cats in golf

October 7, 2015 6:51 a.m.

Spikers sweep on the road

Columbia Falls beat its southern foes on the road Saturday, dropping Hamilton 25-11, 20-25, 25-15, 25-17 and Corvallis 25-23, 25-22, 16-25, 27-29, 15-12 in Class A volleyball matches. The Kats haven’t lost a complete match this year. Their only losses were individual games against the Corvallis in the tip-off tournament at the beginning of the season. Ever since, they’ve had stellar play.

October 7, 2015 6:50 a.m.

Dillon takes it to the Wildcats, 48-20, on the road

The Columbia Falls football team had a tough time on the road against the Dillon Beavers last Friday, losing 48-20. Coach Jackson Schweikert said the team is just playing inconsistent ball. At one point, they look unstoppable, at another, they make a key turnover.

October 7, 2015 6:42 a.m.

McFadden to coach Wildcats frosh team

One of the most successful girls coaches in Whitefish history is coming to Columbia Falls to coach the boys’ freshmen basketball team.

October 7, 2015 6:32 a.m.

Glacier Park supers: Don't drill Badger-Two Med

As former Superintendents of Glacier National Park, we have long recognized that decisions made within Glacier’s boundaries affect our neighbors throughout the Crown of the Continent, and vice versa. Two of Glacier’s largest and most influential neighbors are the U.S. Forest Service and the Blackfeet Nation, and at the intersection of our shared “property line” is a 160,000-acre parcel known as the Badger-Two Medicine.

October 7, 2015 6:28 a.m.

History of county parks near Polebridge, explained

In the past, subdivisions in Flathead County were at least encouraged, if not required, to set aside a portion of the subdivision as “park” land. I don’t know if that is still the case, but there are two “parks” within what is now the Polebridge townsite just south of the Mercantile.

October 7, 2015 6:27 a.m.

About column philosophy

Maybe it is needed and maybe it is not, but I want to explain some facts of life regarding this column. Perhaps a bit of it is rationalization due to arthritis, but in the main it is a truth that I owe to the many wonderful and faithful fans this weekly exercise has brought. Fact: I am using more and more reprints and rewrites from the thousands of them done over the past 50-plus years.

October 7, 2015 6:23 a.m.

Danny Joe Fluharty

Danny Joe Fluharty

October 7, 2015 1:30 a.m.

Fires force rural departments to adapt

This summer more than 400,000 acres of wildlands burned in Montana.

October 7, 2015 1 a.m.

Not sure, did we discuss this yet?

Please vote against the school bond issue!

October 7, 2015 1 a.m.

Parks project finishes

Wayfarers State Park is starting to quiet down after a busy summer. 

October 7, 2015 1 a.m.

In search for food, bears causing ruckus

Bears are causing issues before the enter their winter dens.

October 7, 2015 1 a.m.

Closed primaries will equate to closed minds

How Republican Party Chair Jeff Essman keeps a straight face arguing for his party’s right to keep Democrats from voting in a Republican primary, when he knows that Republican County officers have been getting themselves elected to Democratic Party offices, is beyond me.

October 7, 2015 1 a.m.

The viewpoint from a teacher on high school bond

The ballots have gone out and many, myself included, who stand vehemently behind this bond have voted yes already.  For those who have decided to vote no, many have checked that box, affixed their stamp and done their civic duty. I am writing to those who still have not checked their ballots. To those who do not know why they should support this bond. I am writing to those who feel there might have been a better option, or are confused by the somewhat conflicting information they have gotten from people who are not involved in the project.

October 7, 2015 1 a.m.

Bond proposal reflects the spirit of Bigfork community

I think instead of focusing on the he said/she said or on who was or who was not on the planning committee, we should be focusing on the FACTS surrounding the Bond Proposal.  These FACTS have been posted around the town of Bigfork and on numerous websites for the last several months.

October 7, 2015 12:45 a.m.

Reminding everyone to 'hear the beep where you sleep'

Open burning will begin October 1, 2015. A burn permit is not required, but you must call air quality before you burn (751-8144).  We ask people to still be careful. We recommend around the area which you plan to burn, have a water source available and if we have a windy day, it would be best to wait. It is still extremely dry!!! It would be best to wait until we get some moisture. Opening burning will run through November 30, 2015.

October 7, 2015 12:30 a.m.

Community players prepare to open Steel Magnolias

Michele Shapero directed The Odd Couple, which was voted one of Bigfork’s best three plays last year.  This year she returns to direct Steel Magnolias, which is currently in rehearsal.  “I fell in love with the story when I saw the movie twenty-some years ago,” said Shapero.  “And then I read the stage script and fell in love all over again.”

October 7, 2015 12:30 a.m.

Flathead Audubon hawk watch planned

The 4th Annual Fall Hawk Watch is at Bad Rock Canyon on Oct. 11 with Flathead Audubon.  

October 7, 2015 midnight

Google programs help Swan River School youth prepare for a future with changing technology

Parents got a special look into daily life at Swan River School through technology at the school’s open house on Tuesday.

October 7, 2015 midnight

Money available for education

Chapter CI, P.E.O. Chapter of Bigfork is looking for women who are seeking financial help with educational expenses.  

Friday, October 2

October 2, 2015 9:45 a.m.

Public input sought on city needs, industrial park

From plans for a revamped industrial park to affordable housing, the city of Columbia Falls is looking for input from citizens during two public hearings next week.

Thursday, October 1

October 1, 2015 9:35 a.m.

Hungry Horse film showing Saturday; nominated for an Emmy

Last year, internationally acclaimed photographer Pieter ten Hoopen along with MediaStorm produced a documentary film about life in Hungry Horse. The film received a nomination for the 36th Annual News and Documentary Emmy in the New Approaches: Arts, Lifestyle, Culture category that was presented Monday in New York.

October 1, 2015 6:27 a.m.

Former co-owner of the Hungry Horse News dies in crash; driving wrong-way on Interstate

The former co-owner of the Hungry Horse News was killed in a fiery crash on Interstate 90 near Anaconda.