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Hungry Horse News
Opinion: Heart advice
I’ve run into quite a few friends and readers since I had my double bypass heart surgery and I thought I’d share some experiences on what you might expect if you have to have this procedure done.I’m not going to sugarcoat this: It’s painful. The most painful thing I’ve ever had done. During surgery, your lungs are collapsed and your sternum in cut in two and then wired back together. The sternum wires stay in your chest the rest of your life. You’ll also have a couple of drainage tubes in your abdomen that drain fluid from your lungs and...
Residents petition in opposition to losing field at Railroad Street
Several residents last week spoke out to the Columbia Falls City Council against a plan to convert a baseball field on Railroad Street to affordable housing, claiming it was the only open space they had in the neighborhood.Longtime resident James Livingston presented a petition to council opposing the move. The city has been working with the Northwest Montana Land Trust and Habitat for Humanity to build about eight affordable homes on the lot. As designed, the project, if it ever comes to fruition, would have about a half-acre park as well, just not the large open space that it is...
The Blotter: Kids back to breaking fences
March 9A man reported damage to his car’s windshield, possibly from a BB gun. No injuries were reported in an accident off River Road where the driver ran a stop sign and hit the guard rail. Harassment was reported off Ninth Street when the driver of a Ford F150 followed the caller into the Super 1 parking lot yelling profanities and followed him into the store, continuing to yell. A motor vehicle accident on River Road, where the truck lost a tire, resulted in a two-inch gash on the driver’s head. A four wheeler driver was reported trespassing on private...
In Brief March 20
Easter egg huntThe annual Columbia Falls Lions Club Easter egg hunt is at 1 p.m. March 31 at Marantette Park. The event is open to youths up to age 12 and this year there will be a section for special needs children. There are prizes for each age group. The Lions have been holding the event for more than 70 years now. Questions? Call Steve Melby at (406) 249-5547.Free mealsColumbia Falls Community Kitchen will be serving hot, delicious, free meals on March 30 and 31 in the basement of St. Richard’s Catholic Church at 6 p.m. We are nondenominational and...
Bears awake early, local organization looks to head off conflicts
With bears reportedly coming out of hibernation around the state — nearly a month early — People and Carnivores Northwest Field Project Manager Ryan Wilbur made a presentation to Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce members during their March luncheon on Tuesday, March 12.People and Carnivores is a Montana nonprofit dedicated to educating and coordinating resources for human-predator coexistence. Their work is primarily between the Greater Yellowstone, Northern Continental Divide and Bitterroot ecosystems, prime habitat for bears. Wilbur showed a map displaying the ecosystems’ expansion, stretching in a way that would eventually promote connectivity. “There’s been a little bit of research that’s shown...
School district will float operational levies, too
Looking down the barrel of some significant operating deficits in both the elementary and high school budgets, the School District 6 Board unanimously approved bringing two separate levy requests to voters last week.The District will seek a $430,667 levy for the elementary district and a $157,463 levy for the high school district. Last month, the board also approved a $2.75 million building reserve levy request for two years to replace the leaking roof on the east wing of the high school.The building reserve levy request is split into $1.375 million annually. The district discovered the roof was failing when it...
Roads lawsuit brings split decision
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen DeSoto March 12 recommended that two local environmental groups partially prevail in their claims against the Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over road management on the Flathead National Forest.The recommendations, if they hold, could drastically alter the way the Forest Service manages closed roads in the future.In 2018 the Flathead National Forest issued a new Forest Plan. Under that plan, in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Forest Service crafted a road management plan that would allow it to close roads by simply putting up barriers or other closures...
Henry John Broers II, 70
Henry John Broers died March 9, 2024 in Trego. A celebration of Henry’s life will was held at on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Assembly of God Hungry Horse Chapel, 8664 Highway 2 East, Hungry Horse, MT 59919. To send online condolences, please visit www.columbiamortuary.com.
Cynthia “Cindy” Bell-Decker, 69
Cynthia “Cindy” Diane Bell-Decker passed away peacefully on March 14. She fought and beat two previous bouts of cancer, and for a year, courageously fought her third battle, but eventually succumbed. Cindy died at her home in Columbia Falls surrounded by her family. She was 69 years old. Cindy was born on September 25, 1954, in Chillicothe, OH. She spent most of her early years in Fort Shaw. Her family moved to the Flathead Valley in 1971. Cindy graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1973. She married Dave Bell shortly after graduating and they welcomed their...
William “Bill” Olmsted, 88
An extraordinary life left for the next one on March 6, 2024.Born in Windsor, Ontario on Feb. 26, 1936, Bill Olmsted embodied the essence of an incredible man, often described as a living legend. With countless achievements, and prosperous endeavors, (business owner, obtaining a pilot’s license in his sixties, marathon runner, cyclist, skier, climbing and conquering mountains), among his many successes were his love for life and his love for people. In the wake of his departure, the ache of his absence is felt by his beloved wife Kathy, sons Christopher, Matthew, Mark, Michael, Billy, and daughter Abbey, and their spouses. First born son Vincent was there to welcome Bill to the Heavenly party.He was big brother to sisters Joy and Ginger, and brother Tim.His legacy will live on through the lives of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bill loved Jesus, his family, the wilderness, (particularly Glacier Park), flying his plane, crispy bacon, and cherry pie.A man so worthy of being missed, there is joy within knowing he is with his Savior.His spirit lives in the mountains of Montana, and in the many hearts of those he touched.Arrangements with Nelson-Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd, MN.
Crew of USS Montana visits Montana Veterans Home
Crew members of the USS Montana, a nuclear submarine, paid a visit to the Flathead on Tuesday, including a stop at the Montana Veterans Home.The USS Montana was initially commissioned in June of 2022. Its current home port is in Norfolk, Virginia. In light of an upcoming home port shift to Pearl Harbor, Commander Jon Quimby, culinary specialist Petty Officer Chase Rosas, nuclear machinist Petty Officer Nate Fisher and assistant operations officer Lt. Jacob Hodges were touring Montana to put faces to their ship’s namesake. “Speaking personally, having met so many people from Montana, I’m definitely glad I’m on the Montana...
Track should be solid
The Columbia Falls track teams should be right in the mix again this year.Coach Jamie Heinz said Corvallis and Hamilton are likely the teams to beat this year. The Wildcats have some college-bound seniors on both the boys and girls squads.On the girls’ side the speedy Ally Sempf will run next year for the University of Montana and on the boys’ side sprinter Malaki Simpson recently signed with the Grizzlies as well.The Cats also have returning discus champion Lane Voermans, who should make his mark again in the discus and the shot put.Emma McAllister, who did well in the pole vault and jumps should also be solid this year and Stanley Stremick is the top jumper for the boys heading into the season.The team has great numbers — all told about 110 athletes have tried out.Heinz has been coaching for Columbia Falls since 1998 and has been the head coach since 2007. The Cats open the season in Hamilton April 6 and then compete in the Flathead Time Trials April 9.
Baseball opens season with a win on the road
The Columbia Falls baseball team opened its season with a 7-6 over Hamilton on the road Saturday. Jett Pitts, Reggie Sapa and Kellen Kroger combined for a six-hitter against the Broncs.AC Chisholm and Pitts both had doubles in the win.The Cats were down 4-3 after two innings, bute added a run the the top the fourth, two in the fifth and the game winner in the sixth on a sacrifice fly with the bases loaded by Dayne Tu.The Broncs added a run in the bottom of the sixth but couldn’t close the gap.The Wildcats had nine hits in the victory.The Cats faced Polson on the road Tuesday after presstime and were scheduled to have their season opener at home against Ronan Thursday, but the weather forecast wasn’t looking too promising.The varsity start if the weather holds is 5 p.m.
PHOTOS: Third Annual Cloverfest
Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce held its Third Annual Cloverfest in the Super 1 parking lot Saturday, March 16. Events included a 5K, Fun Run, Kids Carnival, music and Irish dancing. (Avery Howe photos) An Daire Academy Irish dancers perform at Cloverfest Saturday, March 16. (Avery Howe photo) AVERY HOWE Six-year-old Jackson Shimanek shows off his new face paint at Cloverfest on Saturday, March 16. (Avery Howe photo) AVERY HOWE Bryan Helmbrecht (right) helps three-year-old Malakai Helmbrecht place the last cup on his tower at Culturefest on Satruday, March 16. (Avery Howe photo) AVERY HOWE Drummer Rob Spencer and bagpiper Mike Gilbert kick off the Fun Run at Cloverfest on Saturday, March 16. (Avery Howe photo) AVERY HOWE Four-year-old Freya scooches around the cones at the Kids Carnival for Cloverfest Saturday, March 16. (Avery Howe photo) AVERY HOWE An Daire Academy Irish dancers perform at Cloverfest Saturday, March 16. (Avery Howe photo) AVERY HOWE
PHOTOS & VIDEO: Grand March 2024
Columbia Falls High School hit the stage for Grand March at the Little Theater Saturday, March 16. Prom followed at Cedar Creek Lodge, theme was “Hollywood Night.” Quinn Clark was crowned King and Lexi Oberholtzer Queen. (Avery Howe photos) Audrey Hanley and Lucas Counts at Grand March Saturday, March 16. Avery_Howe Jolie Friar dips Quinn Clark, later crowned Prom King, during Grand March at the Little Theater Saturday, March 16. Avery_Howe Abbey Biel and Kajsa Mohr for Grand March Saturday, March 16. Avery_Howe
Softball has speed, but less power this season
The Columbia Falls softball team lost a lot of power but they’re a faster team this season. The Wildkats won their first-ever state A title last season behind some big bats, but they have two keys from last season coming back: Senior pitcher Maddie Moultray and senior catcher Demye Rensel.Pitching and catching are the backbone of any good softball team and Moultray and Rensel are stellar at both positions.Last season Moultray had a 2.86 earned run average and batted .489 through the state tournament as a junior. She struck out 36 in the state tourney alone.Rensel is also good with...
Tennis teams have good numbers heading into season
The Columbia Falls tennis team has good numbers again this year, with 17 girls and 27 boys on the roster.The squads started practice outside last week, as the courts were snow free fairly early this year and the city put the nets up as soon as the courts were clear.“We’d like to thank the city for putting the nets up,” coach Michele Colliander said.This year’s squad will look for good things from Lexi Oberholtzer on the girls side and Logan Heupel, Jax Ramage and Will Pickard on the boys’s side.Lane Hoerner, who was a standout football player, is already showing his talent on the court, Colliander noted.Polson is the team to beat in the West. This is Colliander’s ninth season coaching. She is assisted by Kohl DeShazer.The first meet is scheduled for April 2 against Ronan at home.
Board concerns
Editor’s note: The following was sent to city leaders last month.I hope this message finds you well. I’m reaching out to share some concerns about the recent appointment of Darin Fisher to the new planning commission.I’m disappointed to see Mr. Fisher on the commission, especially after he was voted off the council due to his support of corrupt developers east of the river. It feels like a step backward for our community’s efforts toward responsible growth and fair representation. I’m genuinely surprised this aspect wasn’t given more consideration.Also, if another application comes in for the planning commission, would you consider adding a fifth member? On another note, could you confirm that the new planning commission will only be making decisions within city limits? Thank you,Jacque DemonginColumbia Falls
Regier on Held
“This is unconstitutional” has become a frequently used phrase intended to subvert the logic and rational understanding of the Montana Constitution. When improperly applied, it perverts the intended checks and balances of our three-branch state government system. If a person, group, or political party doesn’t like the political content of an issue, they cry “unconstitutional.” This takes our process of state government that was intended be a matter of adjudication and inappropriately inserts politics. An egregious example is current Montana supreme court candidate, Jerry Lynch who stated at a December fundraiser, “The judiciary is the last bastion against a supermajority,...
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The Hungry Horse News has been in publication since 1946. It is the only weekly newspaper in Montana to win a Pulitzer Prize and has a reputation for fine photography of the Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park. It is housed in a log cabin in Columbia Falls. Visitors with story ideas are always welcome to stop by.
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