Page 22 - Flathead Beacon // 12.30.15

YEAR IN NEWS 2015
the court system over the last several years. A law- yer representing the Freedom From Religion Foun- dation asked for the statue to be removed from U.S. Forest Service property, claiming it violates the con- stitutional prohibition on Congress making any law regarding an establishment of religion.
Massive Transportation Projects Move Forward in Kalispell: Over the next 12 months, one major transportation project will conclude and another will break ground in Kalispell, ushering in signi cant changes that could ripple throughout the communi- ty. The nal phase of the long-awaited bypass broke ground in October and crews have been busy con- structing 4.5 miles of road from West Reserve Drive near Glacier High School to Foys Lake Road, con- necting the new north route with the existing south section that was built from 2007 to 2010. While one transformative project approaches completion, an- other is preparing to launch. The Glacier Rail Park, an industrial park for rail-served businesses, is poised to break ground in spring. The rail park is moving for- ward at full steam following the announcement that Kalispell and FCEDA would receive a $10 million fed- eral transportation grant to help drive a sprawling re- development plan through the city.
Columbia Falls Economy Picks Up Steam with New Hotel, Residential Growth: The “Gateway to Glacier Park” seems poised to take signi cant steps in development and growth as the economy strengthens. In the last two years, more than 100 homes were built in the city. Developer Mick Ruis is fueling the excitement by building a new 25,000-square-foot, three-story hotel that will include 64 rooms and a 3,000-square-
9,658
Students in Flathead County’s public elementary schools this fall, 159 more than a year ago and the most on record.
1,799
New residents in Flathead County from 2014 to 2015, the largest year-over- year population increase since 2008 and the fastest growth rate in the state.
554
Gray wolves in Montana in 2015, a decrease of 73 over the previous year. The most searched word in Montana this year was “wolf,” according to an online research rm.
960
Estimated grizzly bears in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem throughout this corner of the state.
35-45
Average calls per day wildlife o cials received during fall related to bear activity.
7,000
Competitors in the Montana Spartan Race near Bigfork this summer. The expanded two-day event was featured on NBC as one of the showcase obstacle race events in the nation.
foot convention center in the heart of town. Ruis also plans to build a steakhouse and restaurant, pie facto- ry and more, while other small businesses are moving onto Nucleus Avenue. A community market hosted by O’Brien’s Liquor & Wine opened near downtown in spring, allowing for farmers markets and other events at the large outdoor events.
Man Freed After 18 Years in Prison for Best Friend’s Murder: While Barry Beach’s release from prison after three decades made more headlines across the state, Richard Raugust became a familiar name in this region after he was freed in Thompson Falls. In November, a judge overturned Raugust’s deliberate homicide conviction and ordered a new trial in the 1997 death of Joseph Tash, whose body was found inside a camp trailer near Trout Creek. Raugust, who has maintained his innocence, was serving a life sentence after a jury found him guilty in 1998. He was released on his own recognizance during a bail hearing in Thompson Falls.
Heightened Contaminant Levels Raise Further Concerns for Lake Koocanusa: A growing body of research is raising grave concerns about the fu- ture of Lake Koocanusa, a sprawling reservoir basin that straddles the U.S.-Canada border and collects water from the upstream rivers of B.C., where haz- ardous pollutants like selenium are leaching out of coal mines and crossing the international border at an alarming rate. A research and monitoring group charged with determining how to manage the e ects of toxic mining contaminants says Montana needs to do more to investigate the potential damages to the reservoir and its sh species.
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DECEMBER 30, 2015 // FLATHEADBEACON.COM
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