Ellington

Bigfork ministry searches for more volunteers

As a Bigfork ministry grows, its leaders are looking to fill the gaps in mentors reaching out to support teens throughout the Flathead Valley.

OPINION: It's a wonderful world – not so much!

How wonderful life would be if we could look at a picture and say “I want to help these people” and that would be the end of the story.

OPINION: Liberal vs. conservative: What distinguishes them?

Before the primary election, this paper printed many letters in support of citizen candidates and most of them used words such as principled conservative, thoughtful conservative, realistic conservative, proven conservative and a real conservative. So what is a “REAL” conservative?

GOLF: Bigfork's Joseph Potkonjak finishes 2nd at State Junior Championships

BILLINGS — Billings’ Caleb Trost shot a 2-under-par 70 in the final round to overtake Bigfork graduate Joseph Potkonjak and win the Montana State Golf Association’s State Junior tournament Tuesday afternoon at Briarwood Golf Club.

Three Simple Tips

(NAPSI)—Moving season is officially under way. The average person will move around 11 times, yet not many will rethink the moving process. Here are some tips to update your approach:

Survey says national parks span partisan divide

Protect Your Family From Mosquitoes Six Ways

(NAPSI)—According to the World Health Organization, as many as 3 to 4 million people may be exposed to the Zika virus in the next 12 months—but you and your family don’t have to be among them. To combat the Zika virus–carrying Aedes mosquito, the use of personal insect repellents is already surging in many places where the virus has been reported.

Easy Tips to Keep Kids Active this Summer

(Family Features) With the school year complete, kids are excited to relax after a year of hard work, learning and extracurricular activities. However, this may lead to the temptation of sitting on the couch watching TV or playing on a computer or mobile device.

Keeping Summer Fun

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Less Fuel, More Power

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Small-Scale Home Upgrades with a Big Impact

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Elevate Your Camping Experience

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Break Through

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Help Fuel the Simple Joys of Summer for Kids in Need

(Family Features) Summer is about fun and freedom – and to most kids, it means months filled with playing in the sun, swimming at the lake or playing baseball in the park. However, more than 22 million children may lose access to free or reduced-price meal programs when school lets out.

Fixing the Pain Problem

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6 Simple Ways to Dazzle Without the Hassle

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Natural v. Added Sugars

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Glacier National Park opens a snowy Logan Pass to vehicle traffic

With a brisk breeze, temperatures in the 30s and a fresh dusting of snow, Logan Pass opened to motor vehicles late Thursday night. Jason Mills, a teacher from West Glacier was one of the first people to ski Logan Pass Friday morning — though others, having heard the road had opened, had come up late Thursday to carve some turns.

Death to word play

No decision on Cedar Palace fate

Six months after it announced its merger with Plum Creek, Weyerhaeuser has yet to make a final determination on how many employees will be retained in its administrative offices in Columbia Falls, known locally as the Cedar Palace.

They met during WWII, they've been together ever since

More than seven decades ago, Army Air Corps pilot Ben Ryan walked into the officers’ club in Panama set up on a blind date with a girl named Agnes — though everyone called her Butchie.

Biotech Companies Remain the "It" Stock to Have in Your Portfolio

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Dads and Daughters Can Profit From Each Other on Father's Day

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Summer Must-Haves to Take the Fun to the Next Level

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New Battery Has 5X More Energy Storage

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LETTER: Climate change hoax equals energy collapse

Very few thinking people still believe the hoax of human-caused global warming/climate change. But unfortunately many don’t relate a lock-up of energy resources to the serious threat of total economic collapse.

Marias: Glacier's forgotten pass

While most eyes center on the opening of Glacier’s Logan Pass to vehicle traffic, the bulk of folks buzz right past Glacier’s other high-profile pass without ever putting their foot on the brake peddle. One might call Marias Pass Glacier’s overlooked pass. On a typical summer day, Marias will have just a smattering of cars at its pullouts and even fewer people on its trails.

Look Younger, Longer

(NAPSI)—Men seeking a more youthful appearance should remember that their skin is different from women’s-thicker and with larger pores—and needs special skin care products geared to them. By age 50 or so, men’s skin starts to lose its ability to stay hydrated, leading to skin sagging, wrinkles, dark circles under the eyes and large pores that become more visible. Another way to keep up a more youthful, put-together appearance is to be sure your facial hair is soft, neat and healthy looking.

How Brand Marketers Increase Loyalty and Reach

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Is Your Home As Childproofed As You Think?

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New Sauna Accelerates Health and Fitness Benefits

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Family Has a Home: TV Network Has Something for Everyone

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EMD Serono Improves Access to Fertility Care for Eligible Military

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More Responsible Marketing of Opioids Needed

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Learn why Columbia Falls rocks

Friday night June 17, The Coop will be hosting the biggest rock concert Columbia Falls has ever seen.  For the first time in their history, K’Niption Fit and Comatose Posse will be playing the same night at the same venue!  Two of western Montana’s biggest names in the Rock business take the stage to celebrate why C-Falls Rocks! 

About Mike Berne

We have Berne Park in Bad Rock Canyon and Mel Ruder used to do stories about this interesting Flathead pioneer. Mike Berne was interviewed by Agnes Cada when he was 87 years old and his recollections should be of interest to anyone curious about the Flathead’s “early days.”

The virtues of Glacier Park's big woods

Looking to decompress after a tough week? One of the best places to do that in Glacier National Park is its old-growth forests. While wildfires have scorched some of the park’s big woods, many other remain intact. One popular hike is from Avalanche Lake south to Lake McDonald Lodge along the Lake McDonald Trail. It’s about 6 miles one-way and this flat hike takes you into the Park’s largest forest of western red cedar, larch and hemlock.

Lions Club concert series starts next week

Glacier Park book wins MNA award

No Sun Road projection

Glacier Park road crews have been putting the finishing touches on the Going-to-the-Sun Road as the Hungry Horse News went to press Tuesday.

If delisted, Montana outlines its Yellowstone griz hunt

If and when the grizzly bear is delisted from the Endangered Species List in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Montana could allow limited hunting for the bears. Under draft regulations proposed by Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, resident hunters could purchase a $150 license to hunt grizzlies in a “once in a lifetime” drawing.

Preiss resigns from Glacier Park Conservancy

Glacier National Park Conservancy’s president and chief executive officer has stepped down from his post, the fundraising organization has said.

Tuesday night lights: Coach makes pitch for soccer lights

Columbia Falls has Friday night lights for foootball, now it could have Tuesday and Thursday night lights as well — for soccer. Boys soccer coach O’Brien Byrd has been working for the past couple of months on bringing lights to Flip Darling Field. On Monday night, he presented his plans to the Columbia Falls school board with hopes of getting its blessing.

For clothing designer, Glacier National Park inspires

A Columbia Falls artist is making clothing from oil paintings of Glacier National Park’s landscapes and flowers.

Build A Road Map To Help Seniors Stop Or Reduce Driving

(NAPSI)—Parents don’t hesitate to talk to their teenagers about driving safely, but no one is talking to seniors.

Synthesis Of 100 School Choice Studies Finds Positive Outcomes

(NAPSI)—As school choice programs in the states continue to grow, researchers look to empirical evidence to find out whether they are working.

Take Your Cat On An Adventure

(NAPSI)—Whether it’s exploring the great outdoors or within the walls of their own home, cats have a knack for making the ordinary extraordinary.

Dream Vacation Or Nightmare Road Trip? Pre-Trip Vehicle Check Can Make The Difference

(NAPSI)—Road trip car trouble can be a real nightmare but performing a pre-trip vehicle check can help you avoid a vacation breakdown disaster.

A Guide To Finding And Hiring A Heating And Cooling Contractor

(NAPSI)—Choosing a heating and cooling contractor can be just as important as selecting the equipment that makes up your home comfort system. That’s because your contractor will help you pick the system that is best suited to your needs, install what is probably the most significant investment you make in your home and provide the technical expertise to keep it operating efficiently. As you begin your search, you should first learn as much as you can about heating and air-conditioning to prepare yourself for the interview process.

Tips for Seniors Who Suffer From Muscle Aches and Pains

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Make the Most of Your Backyard This Summer

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Yes, Most Insurance Plans Cover Chiropractic Care

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LETTER: Lives well lived

Recently the Flathead Valley and the Flathead Catholic community lost two men, both of whom were examples of lives well lived, and though in different fields, their work and personality was much the same.

LETTER: Commissioners should act to stop bottling plant

Do you think the water right you have on your well guarantees you will have the water you need to supply your home or farm?

LETTER: Local water use must be protected

In January 2004 we returned home from a trip. The drive had been grueling because of icy roads and frigid temperatures. We wanted to warm up with a hot shower but when we turned on the water, there was only a dribble. We thought the pipes had frozen but they hadn’t. Then we thought the pump had broken. Fortunately, we were able to get an expert out the next day.

LETTER: Concession plan for park is wrong

Concessions are contrary to the state parks. Ultimately there will be signage. Where does it lead? It’s a precedent, and I foresee food concessions — hot dogs, sodas, etc. — resulting in trash. We all hopefully recognize Flathead Lake as pristine. The ugliness of concessions is incompatible.

Tote Your Wine in Style

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"Light" Up the Grill: Three Creative Tips for a Leaner Barbeque Menu

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Caring For The Animals In The World's Zoos And Aquariums

(NAPSI)—Did you know that more people visit zoos and aquariums each year than attend all sporting events combined? This seemingly surprising statistic shows what we’ve all known for millennia...that we have a remarkably deep emotional connection with the animals who share our world.

Columbia Falls fire department needs a few good men and women

Unlike other cities in the Flathead Valley, the men and women in Columbia Falls who respond to fires, accidents and just about every other emergency, are volunteers. The only paid member of the staff is fire chief Rick Hagen.

Combatting Warm-Weather Bugs

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Refresh, Restore and Repair Your Health

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Be a Superhero of Summer Safety

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Easy Ways to Keep Your Pet Happy and Healthy

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5 Tips to Get More Out of Your Backyard

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Keep Pets Safe from Summertime Threats

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5 Tips for Fast, Fun Golf

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Simple Tips to Create a Pure Home

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Get Ready to Get Your Grill On

(Family Features) Outdoor cooking is one of the highlights of the summer season, right up there with long days spent at the beach. Not only is grilling perfect for entertaining and socializing, but it also provides an ideal way to get out of the kitchen during the hot summer months.

A walk in the big, deep, woods

The mule deer came up the trail like it owned it, which, it probably did. I mean, I hike the trail maybe once a year and this deer, a doe, probably walked it every day, several times a day.

Glacier Park rangers shoot problem black bear that grabbed food out of a car

A black bear with a history of getting into trouble was shot and killed by Glacier National Park rangers Thursday.

Biologist's efforts for birds and bats garners conservation award

While Glacier National Park is known for the grizzlies and goats, Lisa Bate has long been more interested in its birds and bats.

Columbia Falls RV Park is growing

The Columbia Falls RV Park continues to grow a bit each year. Owners Larry and Karla Fowler added six more sites to the 76-site park this year. They also added new sidewalks and landscaping as well.

Consider Annuities For Dependable Retirement Income

(NAPSI)—More than 10,000 Baby Boomers will turn 65 today, and about 10,000 more will cross that threshold every day for the next 13 years. Few of them, however, will take the time to adequately plan for the next phase of their lives.

Podiatrist looks to keep the North Valley on its feet

The signs are up and new carpeting is in at the Pitman doctor’s office on Nucleus Avenue. The office now belongs to Flathead Family Foot Care, which opened this week in Columbia Falls.

Open house for Cedar Creek Lodge June 16, grand opening June 21

Columbia Falls newest lodge and hotel will open June 21, project managers are saying. Construction on the Cedar Creek Lodge is almost complete as crews are working seven days a week to get it finished for the upcoming summer tourist season.

7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Your Wedding Photographer

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Man pleads guilty to stealing 24 firearms

A Martin City man recently pleaded guilty in Flathead County District Court to theft of 24 guns, thousands of rounds of ammunition and reloading equipment from a Kila home last year.

Man to pay $8,000 for thefts

An Essex man pleaded guilty recently in Flathead County District Court to charges associated with a string of burglaries and thefts in Essex and Pinnacle in May 2015.

Yoga comes to Nucleus Avenue

Nucleus Avenue now has a yoga studio. The Yoga Hive recently opened in the Nord Building formerly rented by Outside Media.

Robison was a secretary with 'spunk'

Nancy Robison has worked behind the Columbia Falls Junior High front desk for 34 years. Soon, she’ll say good-bye to the phone, the problems, smiles and stories its given over the years.

Good-bye, Mr. Fairbank

Dan Fairbank is an old-school lecturer. For 27 years at Columbia Falls he made it a point to tell his students stories — many of them funny stories.

Tuesday's primary results

Pam Holmquist won the primary Tuesday against challenger Tim Harmon in the Flathead County Republican County Commissioner primary.

North Fork weather roller coaster

Amending Mother Goose

Many of my generation’s most popular children’s stories, poems, and fables have consistently come under attack from various government do-gooders, and private malcontents. In some cases, these book burners and witch hunters have succeeded in banning parts of our literary heritage, and in other cases completely changing the plot line.

Council roundup: Columbia Falls looks to change parking on some streets; market music raises neighbor's hackles

Columbia Falls is looking at changing the parking on several city streets soon. The problem is street parking either makes it difficult to remove snow in the winter, or nearly impossible to get a fire truck down the street in the event of an emergency. As such the city will likely change the parking on the following city streets:

Gianforte emphasizes business while stumping in Columbia Falls

Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Gianforte toured the state last week with his running-mate Lesley Robinson. Gianforte introduced towns to Robinson for the first time, including a visit to Columbia Falls Friday.

Into the Belly of Glacier

Glacier Park’s Belly River region is one of the most popular backcountry destinations in Glacier. For one, it has great scenic beauty. Secondly, it’s one of the easiest hikes in Glacier — at least to start out. The first mile or so is completely downhill, about 775 feet of downhill.

Cat-Dog smoker results

Park plows through Big Drift

Preparing 21st Century Enterprises for Success in the Digital Age

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Short-Term Disability Insurance Helps Protect Your Income

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Dads and Grads: They've Worked Hard for These Gifts

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A Safer Alternative to Opioids for Treating Chronic Pain

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Stephen 'Coach' Hullett, 65

Stephen “Coach” Hullett, 65, passed away “to be with the Lord” on May 29, 2016, in Kalispell.

Five Ways To Improve Your Next Road Trip

(NAPSI)—Before you answer the call of the open road, help ensure that your trip is hassle-free by preparing your vehicle so it’s ready to log those long miles. Consider the following:

Glacier sets visitation record for May

With warmer than average temperatures, little snow at lower elevations and a national campaign to experience the country’s national parks, Glacier National Park experienced record visitation during the month of May. According to visitor use statistics, the park’s visitation for May was 178,218 recreational visitors, an increase of more than 32 percent over May 2015. Visitation for the calendar year through May 2016 increased more than 18 percent compared to the same time frame in 2015.

Man charged in Bigfork stabbing

A man is facing felony assault with a weapon charges after he allegedly stabbed a man four times at 405 Bridge Street in Bigfork on May 28.

Uprooted often, teen stays strong

Avoid Home Improvement Scams

(NAPSI)—While home repairs are a standard part of homeownership, they can open the door to scam artists seeking to prey on vulnerable older adults—but you can avoid being a target. That’s a good thing, since recent research suggests older Americans lose over $36 billion annually to a range of financial exploitation schemes, including home improvement scams.

10 Tips to Stop the Summer Slide

(Family Features) Learning shouldn’t stop just because school is out. In fact, stepping too far away from the books can result in a learning loss. However, research has shown that encouraging kids to read just six books, or 20 minutes a day, over the summer can help prevent the summer slide.

Get Growing with an Urban Garden

(Family Features) Urban living and lush gardens aren’t as mutually exclusive as one might assume. In fact, it’s possible to cultivate thriving gardens in even the smallest spaces.

Caring for Your Underarms

(Family Features) With summer weather finally here, increased sweating is bound to happen. While using a cleanser or lathering on sunblock may be an obvious part of a guy’s summer grooming routine – applying deodorant, and underarm health in general, is surprisingly important to men.

Goodnight, Smartphone

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Look and Feel Your Best This Summer

(Family Features) Spring is upon us, and with the warmer weather it’s time to step up your beauty routine.

Install Bathroom Tile Like a Pro

(Family Features) Updating the flooring can instantly infuse new life into a tired, outdated bathroom. For an upscale, polished look that doesn’t have to break the bank, transform your bathroom with a fresh style by installing a new tile floor.

How Brand Marketers Drive Lift in Loyalty, Reach

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With some help, teen beats homelessness to graduate from Columbia Falls

It wasn’t that long ago that Kristen Lundstrom lived in the world of “no.”

Public tours CFAC landfills

Residents, former plant workers and other stakeholders got a look at the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. remedial investigation last week.

Importance Of Garage And Gate Safety For Homeowners

(NAPSI)—As a homeowner, few things are more important than safety and security, whether referring to the entry and exit points of your home or community at large. Unfortunately, millions of homes and communities are at risk, with 1 in 15 garages and 3 out of 4 gate systems lacking the latest safety features, which ensure protection for everyone who comes into contact.

Encryption - Why It Matters to You

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Tamera Mowry-Housley Encourages Parents to Reclaim Family Dinner Nights

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Coram to West Glacier bike path awarded to LHC

The extension of a bike path from Coram to West Glacier should begin this summer, but the route still has to be approved by Montana Department of Transportation, said Gateway to Glacier Trail president Sarah Dakin last week.

Getts takes fourth in state tennis

Track teams both take second at state

Led by Sage Wanner in the 3,200 meters and its relay teams, the Columbia Falls boys track team took second at the state A meet in Bozeman last week. The girls also had a great meet, tying Hamilton for second. Like the boys, the girls also won the 400 relay.

Wildkats take fourth at state A softball tourney

The Columbia Falls girls softball team got by a host of teams in the state A softball tourney in Belgrade last week. But they couldn’t find an answer for the Belgrade Panthers, who beat them twice and the Wildkats took fourth.

Flathead Lacrosse finishes season with a solid show at state

The Flathead Lacrosse Club’s high school team made a run in the Montana State Lacrosse Championships held at the University of Montana May 21-2.  The team is comprised of players from Columbia Falls and Whitefish.

For this morel picker, getting lost means a 3 hour tour

This week I’d planned to discuss spring jigging kokanee salmon on area lakes.

The trees are growing every day

To borrow the words of a good friend, our National Forests are like a big sandbox and we all need to figure out how to play together in it!  

EPA oversight at CFAC site critical

I have been watching the events around the Columbia Falls Aluminum Plant unfold with great concern. The issue hits right at home, as I am raising my two boys just outside of Columbia Falls, and have worked as a university researcher on water quality and rivers for over a decade. To me, the best solution to the CFAC issue is a cleaned up site, and a thriving Columbia Falls community. Those go hand-in-hand, and the Environemtal Protection Agency is the best ally we have to hold Glencore, and the other responsible parties, accountable for cleaning up the property.  

Old mom nature not always a friend

Remember when I wrote that the snowpack was only one factor in whether we had flooding? 

A mystery solved

100 years ago, just four graduated from Columbia Falls

A hundred years ago, four students formed the first graduating class of Columbia Falls High School. William Opalka, Bertha Shouse Jolly, Amelia Lewtz McDougall and Ollie Walsh graduated in 1916.

DEQ, Calbag close to final work plan for CFAC demo

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality and Calbag, the company that’s tearing down the old Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. plant, are close to finalizing a work plan for demolition of the site.

Gale Ritter

Dec. 7, 1943 – May 13, 2016

Emma Jean 'Rita' Ranes

Emma Jean ‘Rita’ Ranes, age 91, rode off into the sunset on Sunday May 22, 2016, after a long battle with COPD.