Page 12 - Flathead Beacon // 8.3.16

NEWS
As Weyerhaeuser Closures Near, Support Companies Await
Uncertain Future
Loggers and railroad workers among those who could be impacted
BY JUSTIN FRANZ OF THE BEACON
Every day, loggers go into the woods of Northwest Montana to supply Weyer- haeuser’s local mills with fresh-cut tim- ber. But that could soon change with the impending shutdown of the lumber and plywood mills in Columbia Falls later this summer.
More than a month after Weyerhae- user announced it was shuttering two mills in Columbia Falls – a move that will result in more than 100 people los- ing their jobs – other companies that rely on Weyerhaeuser are awaiting an uncer- tain future.
In June, Weyerhaeuser announced it would close the two mills in Columbia
Falls in late August or early September. About 230 workers will be impacted, although about 130 of them are expected to be rehired to work at the company’s mills near Kalispell. Columbia Falls’ medium-density berboard plant will remain open.
Mike Newton and his family have been logging for nearly four decades and frequently work on Weyerhaeus- er-owned land. He said that many of the loggers who supply wood to the Columbia Falls mills are worried about the mill clo- sures’ potential impact. However, they believe if production increases at the Kalispell mills – like the company hopes it will with additional shifts – then their businesses will be OK.
“If they run the mills in Evergreen as hard as they say they will, then they’ll be using a lot of timber, so we should be ne,” Newton said. “But we’re still concerned.”
Another company that relies on Wey- erhaeuser is the Mission Mountain Rail- road, the short line railroad owned by Watco Companies that runs between Columbia Falls, Kalispell, Eureka and Stryker. Vice President of Marketing and Sales Ted Kadau said Weyerhaeuser is the railroad’s largest customer on its route through the Flathead Valley.
Although the two Columbia Falls mills will be closing, the railroad still serves the mills near Kalispell, moving nished lumber to the main line near Columbia Falls. Kadau said it’s too early to tell how
the Weyerhaeuser closure will impact the small railroad, but he notes that the com- pany has long had a good relationship with Weyerhaeuser and its predecessor Plum Creek. He said the railroad stands ready to work with its customer to provide what- ever it needs for transportation services.
Since Weyerhaeuser announced the mill closures, Columbia Falls o cials have expressed hopes that the land the mills currently sit on can be repurposed to attract new industry. Weyerhaeuser has said in the past that it’s unsure what will happen to its property in town.
jfranz@ atheadbeacon.com
Eagle Transit Changes ‘Dial-A-Ride’ Service
Agency on Aging says the new requirements comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act
BY JUSTIN FRANZ OF THE BEACON
Flathead County’s Eagle Transit is changing its appointment-based ride ser- vice to comply with federal regulations.
Now, people with disabilities and senior citizens who have used the service in the past will have to apply for a “Dial- A-Ride” card. The changes are expected to go into e ect on Sept. 1, but Agency on Aging Director Lisa Sheppard said she believes that they will not impact many regular riders.
“We think most people currently using the Dial-A-Ride service will still qualify for it under the new guidelines,” she said.
Eagle Transit operates a regularly scheduled bus service connecting Kalis- pell, Columbia Falls and White sh. The
Dial-A-Ride service is targeted at those with limited mobility who are unable to use the regular bus service.
For years, people with disabilities and anyone over the age of 60 were able to use it, but earlier this year an audit con- ducted by the Montana Department of Transportation found that it was not in compliance with the law. Sheppard said federal rules bar bus agencies from o er- ing services like the Dial-A-Ride based on age. In the past, those with disabili- ties were required to pay $1.50 per ride and those over the age of 60 could make a donation. Starting September, every ride will cost $1.
In order to use the Dial-A-Ride, users will have to submit a two-part appli- cation. The rst part covers the rider’s
needs, while a health professional lls out the second part.
“It’s a straightforward application and it basically determines who can use the Dial-A-Ride service,” she said. “The rea- sons people don’t drive are typically the same reasons someone would qualify for this service.”
Letters explaining the changes have been sent to more than 500 regular rid- ers. Sheppard is encouraging regular users to get their application in before Aug. 25, but notes that people can apply for the service even after that.
If someone’s application is denied, Sheppard said the rider would have a chance to appeal.
While o cials said the changes are not expected to impact most riders, some
regulars are still concerned. Mary Lewis, 72, lives in downtown Kalispell and uses Dial-A-Ride to get to the grocery store and other destinations. She said a lot of seniors are on a xed income and, at a $1 per ride, going back and forth could add up.
“A lot of seniors rely on it because they don’t drive,” she said. “It’s a wonderful bus service. I usually ride the bus two or three times a week. Now, I might cut that down to once a week.”
Sheppard said if people are worried about their costs adding up, Eagle Tran- sit also o ers monthly passes for $25 that give the holder unlimited rides. She also said that anyone who holds a Dial-A-Ride card would be able to ride the regular bus for free.
jfranz@ atheadbeacon.com
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AUGUST 3, 2016 // FLATHEADBEACON.COM