text:
Ismay, Montana

Ismay is a town in Custer County, Montana, United States. There is a post office at Ismay, and a church, and no other businesses or services. The population was 17 at the 2020 census. The town is the least-populous incorporated municipality in the state of Montana.

The town's name is an amalgamation of Isabella and May, the names of the daughters of Albert J Earling, division superintendent (later president) of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway. Other communities with related names include Earling, Iowa; Marmarth, North Dakota; and Alberton, Montana. As a publicity stunt coordinated by Kansas City radio station KYYS in 1993, the town unofficially took the name of Joe, Montana, after the NFL quarterback Joe Montana.

The town's history and contemporary state (circa 1995) is discussed at length in travel writer Jonathan Raban's book, Bad Land: An American Romance. According to Raban, Ismay's story is emblematic of the settlement and depopulation of the northern Great Plains.

Geography
Ismay is located at 46.49944°N, -104.79361°W (46.499497, -104.793590).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.42 sqmi, all land.

Ismay lies between Baker, Montana and Terry on the BNSF Railway's Hettinger Subdivision. The route was once a mainline segment of the Milwaukee Road.

2020 census
As of the 2020 census, there were 17 people living in 12 households. The median household income was $56,539.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 19 people, 9 households, and 5 families living in the town. The population density was 45.2 PD/sqmi. There were 13 housing units at an average density of 31.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 100.0% White.

There were 9 households, of which 33.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.6% were married couples living together, and 44.4% were non-families. 44.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.11 and the average family size was 3.00.

The median age in the town was 46.5 years. 26.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 0% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.1% were from 25 to 44; 42.1% were from 45 to 64; and 10.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 57.9% male and 42.1% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census, there were 26 people, 7 households, and 7 families living in the town. The population density was 62.5 PD/sqmi. There were 8 housing units at an average density of 19.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 100.00% White. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.85% of the population.

There were 7 households, of which 71.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 100.0% were married couples living together, and 0.0% were non-families. No households were made up of individuals, and none had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.71 and the average family size was 3.71.

Age distribution was 42.3% under the age of 18, 34.6% from 25 to 44, 19.2% from 45 to 64, and 3.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females there were 100.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 114.3 males.

The median household income was $32,083, and the median family income was $32,083. The per capita income for the town was $9,852. None of the population and none of the families were below the poverty line.

title: Ismay, Montana


text:
Flaxville, Montana

Flaxville is a town in Daniels County, Montana, United States. The population was 63 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Flaxville is located at 48.80361°N, -105.17361°W (48.803733, -105.173704), just south of the Canada–US border, at the junction of Highway 251 and Montana Highway 5.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.10 sqmi, all land.

Whitetail Reservoir, a state fishing access site, is located "7 miles north of Flaxville on Highway 511." The town's R-Y Trail Bar is named after a historic route. Merv Blevins, who farms in Bengough, Saskatchewan and Flaxville, Montana, describes the K-Y Trail as follows: “The road that runs from Regina down to Miles City follows Highway 34 [which becomes Highway 511 in Montana] ... (it was used) when they were doing cattle drives and things back in the day, but it’s also used by our Native Americans to come up to the turtle effigy that’s located just south east of Big Beaver, that’s a holy sight for them and they come there and they have a sweat lodge there every once in awhile and they use the port of Big Beaver.”

History
"Flaxville was originally founded as Boyer, about 2.5 miles southwest of where the town is now." It was named after "the Henry Boyer family at whose home the early railroad construction workers were fed." The current town was founded in 1913 following the arrival of a Great Northern Railway branch line that eventually ran from Bainville to Opheim. "The first post office was established in 1914 with Martha Bledsoe as postmaster."

The name refers to the abundance of flax grown in the area. There are grain elevators beside the railroad tracks running through town.

The town was incorporated in 1955. It is home to the Daniels County Chapter of Pheasants Forever, The Barn Theater, Country Roads Mini Horses, and the R-Y Trail Bar.

Printmaker Don Bunse (1934 - 1994), who taught at University of Montana and developed collagraphy with a group of artists, was born in Flaxville. "He was a delegate for the University of Montana in the first academic art exchange between the United States and the People's Republic of China."

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 71 people, 37 households, and 17 families residing in the town. The population density was 710.0 PD/sqmi. There were 55 housing units at an average density of 550.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 93.0% White, 1.4% Native American, and 5.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.4% of the population.

There were 37 households, of which 13.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.2% were married couples living together, 2.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 54.1% were non-families. 43.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.92 and the average family size was 2.76.

The median age in the town was 46.5 years. 15.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.5% were from 25 to 44; 36.7% were from 45 to 64; and 18.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 47.9% male and 52.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 87 people, 44 households, and 20 families residing in the town. The population density was 837.7 PD/sqmi. There were 59 housing units at an average density of 568.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 91.95% White, 2.30% Native American, 1.15% Asian, 2.30% from other races, and 2.30% from two or more races.

There were 44 households, out of which 13.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.9% were married couples living together, 4.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 52.3% were non-families. 47.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 27.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.98 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 21.8% under the age of 18, 2.3% from 18 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 19.5% from 45 to 64, and 32.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48 years. For every 100 females there were 102.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 119.4 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $34,688, and the median income for a family was $39,375. Males had a median income of $35,625 versus $42,917 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,567. There were 8.7% of families and 9.1% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 25.0% of those over 64.

Education
Scobey Public Schools provides education for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Media
The Daniels County Leader is the local newspaper. They publish both print and online news editions.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Flaxville, Montana


text:
Scobey, Montana

Scobey is a city in and the county seat of Daniels County, Montana, United States. The population was 999 at the 2020 census.

Scobey is known for its bird and big game hunting. The nearby Mansfield A. Daniels House is listed on the NRHP.

History
The city was named by local rancher Mansfield Daniels, after whom Daniels County is named, for his friend Major Charles Richardson Anderson Scobey, a cattleman from the Glendive area who served as a Montana Territory legislator and an Indian agent at Fort Peck and Poplar.

"During the height of the homestead boom in the 1910s," according to historical marker author Skanks Beaverton, "Scobey was the largest primary shipping point of grain in the world."

Geography
Scobey is located at 48.79096°N, -105.41992°W (48.790955, -105.419925). Montana Highway 13 and Montana Highway 5 intersect in town.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.76 sqmi, all land.

Climate
Scobey experiences a semi-arid climate (Köppen BSk) with long, cold, dry winters and short, hot, wetter summers.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,017 people, 472 households, and 252 families residing in the city. The population density was 1338.2 PD/sqmi. There were 600 housing units at an average density of 789.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.9% White, 0.1% African American, 2.5% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.6% of the population.

There were 472 households, of which 22.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.1% were married couples living together, 6.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 46.6% were non-families. 41.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.07 and the average family size was 2.84.

The median age in the city was 49.9 years. 21.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 17.2% were from 25 to 44; 27.8% were from 45 to 64; and 28.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.5% male and 51.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,082 people, 500 households, and 280 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,481.6 PD/sqmi. There were 611 housing units at an average density of 836.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the little city was 95.75% White, 0.74% Native American, 0.37% Asian, 0.92% from other races, and 2.22% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.50% of the population. There were 499 households, out of which 23.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.5% were married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.1% were non-families. 39.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.09 and the average family size was 2.81.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.0% under the age of 18, 4.3% from 18 to 24, 17.6% from 25 to 44, 29.4% from 45 to 64, and 27.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 50 years. For every 100 females there were 84.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $45,553 and the median income for a family was $35,521. Males had a median income of $27,411 versus $18,304 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,150. About 8.7% of families and 13.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.1% of those under age 18 and 11.8% of those age 65 or over.

Government
The City of Scobey has a mayor and city council. In 2023 the mayor was Morgan Lekvold. The city council has two wards with two councilors each.

Education
Scobey Public Schools provides education for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Daniels County Library is located in Scobey.

Media
The Daniels County Leader is the local newspaper. They publish both print and online news editions.

Two radio stations are licensed out of Scobey: KCGM, offering country music, and KNPS, a religious channel.

Infrastructure
Montana Highway 13 runs through the town from north to south. Montana Highway 5 enters from the east and terminates in Scobey.

Scobey Airport is a public airport located 1 mile (2 km) northwest of town.

Notable people

 * Kenneth Arnold, businessman and pilot who made the first widely-publicized UFO sighting
 * Jay Collins, member of the Florida Senate
 * Alvin Straight, inspiration for The Straight Story
 * Henry Schauer, World War II veteran and Medal of Honor recipient
 * Ron Marlenee, former Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives

title: Scobey, Montana


text:
Glendive, Montana

Glendive is a city in and the county seat of Dawson County, Montana, United States, and home to Dawson Community College. Glendive was established by the Northern Pacific Railway when they built the transcontinental railroad across the northern tier of the western United States from Minnesota to the Pacific Coast. The town was the headquarters for the Yellowstone Division that encompassed 875 miles; 546 miles in main line and 328 miles in branches with the main routes from Mandan, North Dakota, to Billings, Montana, and from Billings to Livingston. The town of Glendive is an agricultural and ranching hub of eastern Montana sited between the Yellowstone River and the Badlands. Makoshika State Park is located just east of Glendive.

The population was 4,873 at the 2020 census.

History
Sir George Gore, a wealthy Irish sportsman, named the local tributary to the Yellowstone River in his favorite hunting area "Glendive" in 1855. The town later took its name from the stream of the same name.

Glendive was established by the Northern Pacific Railway during the building of the railroad line. The settlement mainly consisted of tents and log cabins until a building boom ensued with the arrival of first load of lumber in 1881.

The Montana territorial legislature created Dawson County in 1869 but did not name a county seat, instead placing it administratively under Meagher County. In 1881, Glendive citizens petitioned to name it the county seat.

In January 2015, Glendive was the site of a major oil spill from a pipeline which also contaminated drinking water.

On October 24, 2023, a fire destroyed the Jordan Inn and the Rose Theater, both located in the Merrill Avenue Historic District. The Inn was a complete loss.

Geography
The elevation of the city is 2,064 feet (629 m). Interstate 94 passes through town with access from exits 215, 224 and 231. Montana Highway 16 begins in West Glendive. The Yellowstone River cuts through town.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.35 sqmi, of which 3.32 sqmi is land and 0.03 sqmi is water.

Climate
Glendive experiences a semi-arid climate (Köppen BSk) with long, cold, dry winters and hot, wetter summers. Together with Medicine Lake, the town holds the state's all-time-high record of 117 °F (47 °C), which was recorded on July 20, 1893, in Glendive and on July 5, 1937, in Medicine Lake. On June 29, 1961, an F4 tornado struck Glendive, causing between $500,000 and $5 million in damage.

Demographics
Glendive was briefly an oil boom town after the discovery of oil in the Williston Basin in the early 1950s. Moving the oil out of the area was difficult and expensive though; the boom ended by 1954 and only a small reserve existed locally. The community has been impacted in the 2000s by the North Dakota oil boom which spurred a modest increase in the population.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 4,935 people, 2,060 households, and 1,190 families living in the city. The population density was 1486.4 PD/sqmi. There were 2,267 housing units at an average density of 682.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.4% White, 0.5% African American, 2.4% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.3% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.4% of the population.

There were 2,060 households, of which 25.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.4% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 42.2% were non-families. 37.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 2.84.

The median age in the city was 41.2 years. 19.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 12% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.7% were from 25 to 44; 26.5% were from 45 to 64; and 18.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.4% male and 49.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,729 people, 1,983 households, and 1,229 families living in the city. The population density was 1,419.0 PD/sqmi. There were 2,204 housing units at an average density of 661.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.38% White, 0.30% African American,1.21% Native American, 0.11% Asian, 0.36% from other races, and 0.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.02% of the population.

There were 1,983 households, out of which 27.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.7% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.0% were non-families. 34.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.7% under the age of 18, 10.6% from 18 to 24, 23.3% from 25 to 44, 23.6% from 45 to 64, and 20.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 92.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,943, and the median income for a family was $40,313. Males had a median income of $30,977 versus $20,132 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,544. About 11.6% of families and 14.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.8% of those under age 18 and 10.3% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Glendive Public Schools educates students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Dawson County High School's team name is the Red Devils.

Glendive is home to Dawson Community College, a 2-year college formed in 1940 to meet the educational needs of eastern Montana. The college offers Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science degrees as well as certificate programs. Dawson Community College is an open-access college.

Glendive Public Library serves the area.

Infrastructure
Dawson Community Airport is five miles northwest of Glendive.

Intercity bus service to the city is provided by Jefferson Lines.

Media
The Glendive market has three local radio stations:
 * KGLE AM 590
 * KXGN AM 1400
 * KDZN FM 96.5

Glendive is the smallest of the 210 designated markets for broadcast television in the United States as designated by Nielsen Media Research, with one station—KXGN channel 5—carrying a CBS affiliation along with state and local news broadcasts for a small potential audience of several thousand people (county population is 9,059). Until September 2009, KXGN also carried selected prime-time NBC programming in its schedule, making it the last "Big 3" affiliate to offer programming from more than one network on a single feed. In late June 2010, KXGN moved their NBC programming to a DT2 digital subchannel, rejoining the network.

K13PL channel 13, a translator (low-powered rebroadcaster) of Williston, North Dakota's NBC affiliate KUMV was also available until 2013; KUMV is still carried on area cable systems.

The Glendive Ranger-Review is the local paper.

Notable people

 * Herbert Aldinger, author
 * Tim M. Babcock, 16th Governor of Montana, grew up on a ranch and later a house in Glendive, graduate of Dawson County High School in Glendive
 * Kamran Ince, Turkish-American music composer
 * Clyde Lamb, cartoonist
 * John Patton, Wyoming state legislator
 * Alfred E. Perlman, President, New York Central Railroad, President Western Pacific Railroad
 * Mike Person, offensive lineman for the San Francisco 49ers
 * Matt Rosendale, Montana State Auditor, 2018 Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in Montana, and U.S. Representative for Montana's at-large congressional district (2020–)
 * Diana Thomas, mathematician and nutritionist
 * Joyce Woodhouse, Democratic member of the Nevada Senate
 * Hank Worden, born Norton Earl Worden, cowboy actor
 * Adam Morrison, NBA Basketball Player

title: Glendive, Montana


text:
Richey, Montana

Richey is a town in Dawson County, Montana, United States. It is located to the north of Glendive, the county seat. The population was 164 at the 2020 census. The town has a strong agriculture economy with wheat, oats and barley as the main crops as well as significant cattle and sheep ranches.

Clyde Richey opened a post office in 1911.

Geography
Richey is located at 47.645°N, -105.06944°W (47.644958, -105.069380). Montana Highway 200 passes through town. Longs Reservoir and Wold Reservoir are nearby.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.25 sqmi, all land.

Climate
According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Richey has a semi-arid climate, abbreviated "BSk" on climate maps.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 177 people, 91 households, and 51 families residing in the town. The population density was 708.0 PD/sqmi. There were 139 housing units at an average density of 556.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 100.0% White. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.1% of the population.

There were 91 households, of which 20.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.3% were married couples living together, 4.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 44.0% were non-families. 40.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.95 and the average family size was 2.61.

The median age in the town was 49.5 years. 20.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 0.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.9% were from 25 to 44; 32.1% were from 45 to 64; and 26% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 48.6% male and 51.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 189 people, 92 households, and 59 families residing in the town. The population density was 697.5 PD/sqmi. There were 147 housing units at an average density of 542.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.94% White, and 1.06% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.06% of the population.

There were 92 households, out of which 25.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.5% were married couples living together, 4.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.8% were non-families. 34.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.05 and the average family size was 2.60.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 18.5% under the age of 18, 4.8% from 18 to 24, 23.3% from 25 to 44, 31.7% from 45 to 64, and 21.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females there were 92.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.4 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $23,750, and the median income for a family was $33,000. Males had a median income of $21,500 versus $13,438 for females. The per capita income for the town was $14,684. About 10.0% of families and 10.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under the age of eighteen and 8.1% of those 65 or over.

Education
Richey School District educates students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Richey High School was home to the "Royals" sports teams for many decades. The Royals won Montana State Class C Championships in Football in 1979, Girls Basketball in 1999 and 2000, and Volleyball in 2000. With declining enrollment, the Royals merged with the Lions from Lambert to form the "R&L Fusion" sports co-op in 2009. The R&L Fusion Boys Cross Country team won the Montana State Class C Championship in 2015.

Attractions
The Richey Historical Museum includes many articles from pioneer times. There is also an annual rodeo each summer.

title: Richey, Montana


text:
Grass Range, Montana

Grass Range is a town in Fergus County, Montana, United States. The population was 110 in both the 2010 census and 2020 census.

History
A post office has been in operation in Grass Range since 1883. The town was probably named from the fact livestock graze here.

Geography
Grass Range is located at 47.02611°N, -108.80333°W (47.025980, -108.803391). U.S. Route 87 passes through town. It is 31 miles from Lewistown.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.15 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 110 people, 61 households, and 29 families living in the town. The population density was 733.3 PD/sqmi. There were 82 housing units at an average density of 546.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 99.1% White and 0.9% from two or more races.

There were 61 households, of which 16.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.3% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 1.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 52.5% were non-families. 47.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.80 and the average family size was 2.48.

The median age in the town was 55.5 years. 13.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 2.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 16.3% were from 25 to 44; 37.3% were from 45 to 64; and 30% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 53.6% male and 46.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 149 people, 67 households, and 42 families living in the town. The population density was 1,022.9 PD/sqmi. There were 80 housing units at an average density of 549.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 100.00% White.

There were 67 households, out of which 25.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.7% were married couples living together, 6.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.3% were non-families. 32.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.81.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 21.5% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 22.1% from 25 to 44, 36.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females there were 101.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.9 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $19,375, and the median income for a family was $30,625. Males had a median income of $18,125 versus $0 for females. The per capita income for the town was $10,939. There were 37.5% of families and 44.4% of the population living below the poverty line, including 82.4% of under eighteens and 16.0% of those over 64.

Education
Grass Range Public Schools educates students from kindergarten through 12th grade. They are known as the Rangers. Grass Range High School had 19 students in 2021.

Notable people

 * Thomas Siebel, corporate officer and owner of two ranches in the Grass Range area.
 * Clyde Summers (1918-2010), labor lawyer and law professor at Yale and Penn, subject of In re Summers

title: Grass Range, Montana


text:
Lewistown, Montana

Lewistown is a city in and the county seat of Fergus County, Montana, United States. The population was 5,952 at the 2020 census. Lewistown is located in the geographic center of the state, southeast of Great Falls and northwest of Billings. First planned in 1882, it was the site of an 1880s gold rush, and served as an important railway destination, supplying surrounding communities with bricks via rail.

History
The area was the territory of the Blackfoot Native Americans. In 1874, Fort Lewis was established there by Company "F" of the 7th U.S. Infantry to provide military protection for people traveling on the Carroll Trail, then the shortest route between Carroll, Montana and Helena. Lewistown is named after this fort.

The first permanent settlers of Lewistown were Métis. The Metis established Lewistown in 1879. Pierre Berger is credited with being the founder of Lewistown. Berger, along with his wife Judith Wilkie Berger, son Isadore Berger, Isaie Berger, Jean Baptiste Berger and Jacques Berger, as well as several other families made the trek into the Lewistown area in 1879. Francis Janeaux came with the second group. Janeaux founded the first public school house in 1883. Lewistown became an incorporated city in 1899.

Lewistown was the site of a gold rush when gold was discovered in the nearby Judith Mountains in 1880. Before the gold rush, Maiden was the largest city in central Montana. When the gold supply ran out, many of the miners gained new employment in Lewistown and settled there permanently.

Lewistown was the eastern terminus of the Montana Railroad which connected with Lombard, Montana, a distance of approximately 157 mi. The railroad connected with the national railway network via a connection with the Northern Pacific Railway at Lombard. The Montana Railroad line was constructed between 1895 and 1903, and operated independently until 1908, when it was acquired by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad ("the Milwaukee Road").

During World War II, in 1942 the US Army Air Corps established a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress training base just west of Lewistown to train aircrews for missions in North Africa and Europe. The former airbase is now the Lewistown Municipal Airport, which is home to the last remaining Norden bombsight storage facility, used to keep the device safe from theft by enemy spies during World War II. The city park displays a Minuteman III ballistic missile.

Geography
U.S. Highway 87 intersects with U.S. Route 191 in town.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.32 sqmi, all land.

The city is located in the exact center of the state of Montana and is part of the Rocky Mountains. The city's water source is Big Spring Creek, which originates in the foothills of the Big Snowy Mountains 6 mi south of Lewistown.

Climate
Lewistown experiences a relatively dry humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb) with long, dry and usually cold winters and short, warm, wetter summers. Winter weather can either be severe due to the movement of cold polar air from Canada, or occasionally very mild or even warm due to gusty chinook winds. On average 9.3 afternoons will reach 50 F during the three winter months, but on the other hand, 46.6 afternoons during a full year will fail to top freezing, 0 F is reached on 21.5 mornings and −25 F on two mornings each winter, with as many as twelve this cold during the severe winter of 1928–29. Temperatures do not consistently stay above freezing until June: the average window for freezing temperatures is from September 19 to May 23 – allowing a "growing season" of 92 days – and for subfreezing maxima from October 26 to April 2. The hottest temperature at Lewistown has been 105 F on June 21, 1900 and July 31, 1900, and the coldest −46 F on 28 January 1929. The hottest minimum has been 71 F on July 17, 1925, and the coldest maximum −28 F on January 29, 1916; the coldest month was January 1950 which averaged −1.8 F.

During the summer, days are very warm, but nights remain cool and rare freezes have occurred. Most precipitation is from spring thunderstorms: the wettest calendar year has been 1953 with 28.61 in and the driest 2021 with 10.91 in. Despite the dry conditions, winter snowfall is substantial with an average of 63.1 in; however the frequent chinooks keep mean snow cover down to 9 in in January. The most snow on the ground has been 33 in on February 1 and 2, 1978. February 1978 also had the highest mean snow cover at 27.1 in; the snowiest year has been 1955 with 172.5 in and the least snowy was 1992 with only 30.2 in, and the most snow in a month 41.0 in during March 1954.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 5,901 people, 2,761 households, and 1,512 families living in the city. The population density was 1109.2 PD/sqmi. There were 3,007 housing units at an average density of 565.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.4% White, 0.3% African American, 1.7% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 2.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.1% of the population.

There were 2,761 households, of which 23.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.7% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 45.2% were non-families. 39.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.07 and the average family size was 2.78.

The median age in the city was 45.4 years. 20.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.6% were from 25 to 44; 28.9% were from 45 to 64; and 21.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.2% male and 50.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,813 people, 2,594 households, and 1,507 families living in the city. The population density was 3,055.3 PD/sqmi. There were 2,868 housing units at an average density of 1,507.4 /sqmi.

The racial makeup of the city was 96.53% White, 0.07% African American, 1.41% Native American, 0.34% Asian, 0.14% from other races, and 1.51% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.72% of the population.

There were 2,594 households, out of which 26.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.5% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.9% were non-families. 37.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.5% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 23.2% from 25 to 44, 23.6% from 45 to 64, and 22.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 87.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $28,949, and the median income for a family was $36,888. Males had a median income of $30,231 versus $20,019 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,817. About 9.0% of families and 13.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.3% of those under age 18 and 12.0% of those age 65 or over.

Infrastructure
Lewistown Municipal Airport is two miles southwest of town.

Education
Lewistown Public Schools educates students from kindergarten through 12th grade. There are three elementary schools, a middle school, and Fergus High School. They are known as the Golden Eagles.

Lewistown has a public library, the Lewistown Public Library.

Annual cultural events
The Chokecherry Festival is an annual event that includes a chokecherry culinary contest, pit spitting contest, 5k run/walk and 10k run. The event has been held for more than twenty-three years. The Metis Celebration, held on Labor Day weekend, includes a pow wow, fiddling, jigging, and other Metis related activities. 2015 marked the 21st year for the festival.

Media

 * Radio
 * KXLO AM 1230 – 1,000 watts; country music
 * KQPZ FM 95.9 – 3,000 watts; classic rock. modern rock
 * Newspaper
 * Lewistown News-Argus

Notable people

 * Loren Acton, astronaut and physicist
 * Roy E. Ayers, governor and congressman
 * Edward Butcher, American politician
 * Alma Smith Jacobs, first African American Montana State Librarian
 * Ed McGivern, shooter, instructor, author of Fast and Fancy Revolver Shooting
 * Jim Otten, MLB pitcher for the Chicago White Sox and St. Louis Cardinals
 * Bobby Petrino, former head football coach of University of Louisville and former head coach with Atlanta Falcons and University of Arkansas
 * Rick Rydell, radio talk show host and author
 * Tom Stout, congressman
 * Mike Taylor, politician and rancher
 * Roger Youderian, Christian missionary

title: Lewistown, Montana


text:
Lewistown Heights, Montana

Lewistown Heights is an unincorporated area and census-designated place (CDP) in Fergus County, Montana, United States. The population was 407 at the 2010 census, up from 365 in 2000.

Geography
Lewistown Heights is located at 47.07556°N, -109.45583°W (47.075668, -109.455739), northwest of Lewistown, the county seat. It is bordered to the south by Valach Road, to the east by Joyland Road, to the north by Wolverine Creek Road, and to the west by Wolverine Creek. Downtown Lewistown is 1.5 mi to the southeast.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 6.1 km2, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 365 people, 138 households, and 93 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 155.6 PD/sqmi. There were 149 housing units at an average density of 63.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 94.52% White, 1.64% African American, 1.37% Native American, 1.64% from other races, and 0.82% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.64% of the population.

There were 138 households, out of which 32.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.2% were married couples living together, 5.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.9% were non-families. 18.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.13.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 29.0% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 11.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 107.2 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $31,154, and the median income for a family was $34,063. Males had a median income of $28,382 versus $13,036 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $11,274. About 9.3% of families and 15.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.7% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

title: Lewistown Heights, Montana


text:
Moore, Montana

Moore is a town in Fergus County, Montana, United States. The population was 194 at the 2020 census.

Description
The town began in 1903 with the construction of the Montana Central Railway's line west of Lewistown. It was named after Henry D. Moore, who had helped finance the railroad.

Geography
Moore is located at 46.97556°N, -109.69444°W (46.975514, -109.694553). U.S. Route 87 passes by the town. It is 15 miles from Lewistown.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.24 sqmi, all land.

Climate
The Köppen Climate System classifies the weather as humid continental, abbreviated as Dfb.

2010 census
At the 2010 census, there were 193 people, 84 households and 59 families living in the town. The population density was 804.2 PD/sqmi. There were 93 housing units at an average density of 387.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 95.3% White, 0.5% Asian, and 4.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.1% of the population.

There were 84 households, of which 26.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.0% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 29.8% were non-families. 23.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.69.

The median age in the town was 49.2 years. 21.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 17.1% were from 25 to 44; 37.4% were from 45 to 64; and 19.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.2% male and 50.8% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census, there were 186 people, 83 households and 57 families living in the town. The population density was 778.5 PD/sqmi. There were 91 housing units at an average density of 380.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.92% White and 1.08% Native American.

There were 83 households, of which 25.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.4% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.3% were non-families. 27.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.61.

23.7% of the population were under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 27.4% from 45 to 64, and 16.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 87.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 75.3 males.

The median household income was $25,536 and the median family income was $32,500. Males had a median income of $27,750 and females $16,071. The per capita income was $13,140. About 10.0% of families and 10.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under the age of eighteen and 11.5% of those 65 or over.

Schools
Moore Public Schools educates students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Moore High School's team name is the Bulldogs.

Moore is part of the Tri-City sports coop with Hobson and Judith Gap.

title: Moore, Montana


text:
Winifred, Montana

Winifred is a small town in rural north-central Fergus County, Montana, United States. It was founded in 1913 and provides services for its region's populace. The town population was 172 at the 2020 census. The current mayor is Travis Willson.

History
Winifred was founded in 1913 as the terminus of a newly built branch line of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad ("the Milwaukee Road"). It is popularly believed to have been named after one of the railroad owner's two daughters (the other being Christina, another small town about 15 miles away).

Geography
Winifred is located at 47.55972°N, -109.37722°W (47.559818, -109.377108). It is 39 miles from Lewistown. Stafford Reservoir is nearby.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.50 sqmi, all land.

Climate
According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Winifred has a semi-arid climate, abbreviated "BSk" on climate maps.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 208 people, 92 households, and 65 families living in the town. The population density was 416.0 PD/sqmi. There were 116 housing units at an average density of 232.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 94.7% White, 1.0% African American, 3.4% Native American, 0.5% from other races, and 0.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.0% of the population.

There were 92 households, of which 23.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.5% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 29.3% were non-families. 26.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.72.

The median age in the town was 46.3 years. 20.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.7% were from 25 to 44; 33.2% were from 45 to 64; and 19.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 51.4% male and 48.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 156 people, 69 households, and 38 families living in the town. The population density was 305.0 PD/sqmi. There were 85 housing units at an average density of 166.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 96.79% White, 1.28% Native American, 0.64% from other races, and 1.28% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.92% of the population.

There were 69 households, out of which 24.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.9% were married couples living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.5% were non-families. 39.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 3.13.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 23.1% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 28.2% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 116.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 110.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $25,000, and the median income for a family was $33,393. Males had a median income of $17,321 versus $18,750 for females. The per capita income for the town was $12,600. About 17.0% of families and 23.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 42.9% of those under the age of eighteen and 16.0% of those 65 or over.

Infrastructure
Winifred Airport is a public-use airport located 1 mile south of town.

Education
Winifred Public Schools educates students from kindergarten through 12th grade. They are known as the Outlaws. Winifred High School is a Class C school (less than 108 students) which helps determine athletic competitions.

title: Winifred, Montana


text:
Bigfork, Montana

Bigfork is a census-designated place (CDP) in Flathead County, Montana, United States. It is within Montana's Rocky Mountains. The population was 5,118 at the 2020 census, up from 4,270 in 2010.

History
Some say the name "Bigfork" is derived from the Salish name for the area. However, Bigfork is a fork where two rivers, the Flathead River and the Swan River, flow in to the Flathead Lake. There are reports of a homestead and orchard immediately north of Bigfork as early as 1885. Everit L. Sliter set out 500 apple, cherry, plum, and pear trees in 1892 on Flathead Lake's east shore. He became the first postmaster in 1901. In 1902, he platted the Bigfork townsite at the mouth of the Swan River. The east shore has since become a major cherry-growing area. Wayfarers State Park lies just south of the community.

Geography
Bigfork is located in south-central Flathead County at 48.06528°N, -114.08167°W (48.065214, -114.081700), at the north end of Flathead Lake. The western edge of the CDP is the Flathead River, the primary inflow of the lake. The Swan River flows into Flathead Lake from the east, entering the lake at the center of town. The CDP extends south to the Lake County line; east to Mud Lake, Mud Creek, and the north–south part of the Swan River; and northwards to the roads north of Echo Lake.

Kalispell is 18 mi to the northwest, via Montana Highway 35, Montana Highway 82, and U.S. Route 93. Highway 35 runs through the center of Bigfork and proceeds south along the eastern shore of Flathead Lake, rejoining US 93 at Polson.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Bigfork CDP has a total area of 96.6 km2, of which 80.9 km2 is land and 15.7 km2, or 16.25%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 4,270 people, 652 households, and 410 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 247.1 /mi2. There were 962 housing units at an average density of 167.3 /mi2. The racial makeup of the CDP was 97.33% White, 0.35% African American, 1.06% Native American, 0.35% Asian, 0.14% Pacific Islander, 0.07% from other races, and 0.70% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.48% of the population.

There were 652 households, out of which 18.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.4% were married couples living together, 4.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.0% were non-families. 33.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.08 and the average family size was 2.59.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 16.8% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 18.2% from 25 to 44, 30.9% from 45 to 64, and 28.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 50 years. For every 100 females there were 91.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.8 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $36,116, and the median income for a family was $50,288. Males had a median income of $36,313 versus $23,542 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $20,314. About 7.6% of families and 9.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.0% of those under age 18 and 13.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Bigfork School District educates students from kindergarten to 12th grade. Bigfork High School is home to the Vikings and Valkyries.

Bigfork has a public library, a branch of the Flathead County Library.

Arts and culture
Located on a bay of Flathead Lake, Bigfork boasts an array of tourist activities for every season. The town is home to a 27-hole golf course, art galleries, and live theatre. Visitors can rent boats or take a chartered tour of the lake. Nearby Jewel Basin offers hiking. Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness are only a short drive away. Bigfork Summer Playhouse offers Broadway-caliber productions every summer. Bigfork is also home to the Bigfork Independent Film Festival (BIFF) which is held in the fall. BIFF is where Montana-made films are shown and Montana filmmakers are recognized and awarded.

Media
The Bigfork Eagle is a newspaper available either by print or online. It is published weekly.

The radio station KIBG is licensed in Bigfork. The town is also served by the wider Kalispell area.

Notable people

 * Dirk Benedict, actor, author, director
 * Jack Hanna, zookeeper
 * Lon Hinkle, professional golfer
 * Bill Lindsay, former NHL forward
 * Maury Povich, TV personality, publisher of Flathead Beacon
 * J. K. Simmons, actor, worked at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse

title: Bigfork, Montana


text:
Columbia Falls, Montana

Columbia Falls is a city along the Flathead River in Flathead County, Montana, United States. The population was 5,308 at the 2020 census. Columbia Falls has been ranked as one of the best and safest places to live in Montana.

History
The area that would become the city of Columbia Falls was first settled in 1891, in anticipation of the arrival of the Great Northern Railway. On April 26, 1909, the city of Columbia Falls was officially incorporated.

The first residents requested the name "Columbia" for the U.S. Post Office, but the element "Falls" was ultimately tacked onto the name in order to avoid any confusion with the already-named Columbus, Montana.

The Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls has served veterans since 1896. Its current housing facility was opened by Montana Governor Forrest H. Anderson at an official dedication ceremony in 1970. An E. M. Viquesney statue of a World War I doughboy was moved to the front of the Veterans' Home in 1972. The statue "originally stood in Kalispell in the Main Street median in front of the Flathead County Courthouse."

Geography
The City of Columbia Falls is located about a mile from the Flathead National Forest boundary, 15 miles from Kalispell and 17 miles from Glacier National Park.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.05 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 4,688 people, 1,863 households, and 1,215 families living in the city. The population density was 2286.8 PD/sqmi. There were 1,994 housing units at an average density of 972.7 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 94.4% White, 0.2% African American, 1.8% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 2.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.8%.

Of the 1,863 households 35.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.9% were married couples living together, 12.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.8% were non-families. 28.8% of households were one person and 11% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.02.

The median age was 35.6 years. 26% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.8% were from 25 to 44; 25.3% were from 45 to 64; and 13.2% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.1% male and 51.9% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 3,645 people, 1,400 households, and 966 families living in the city. The population density was 2,402.9 PD/sqmi. There were 1,470 housing units at an average density of 969.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.27% White, 0.25% African American, 1.23% Native American, 0.49% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 0.41% from other races, and 1.26% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.84%.

Of the 1,400 households 36.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.0% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.0% were non-families. 25.7% of households were one person and 11.0% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.06.

The age distribution was 28.3% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 13.4% 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 99.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.4 males.

The median household income was $31,128 and the median family income was $40,794. Males had a median income of $32,109 versus $20,023 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,355. About 12.5% of families and 17.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.8% of those under age 18 and 4.0% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture

Heritage Days is an annual celebration of the town's history and heritage. It occurs on the last weekend of July. Activities include Boogie to the Bank, Wildcat Endowment Auction, a parade and carnival, basketball tournament, a barn dance, car show, rodeo, and the running of wild horses through town on Highway 2.

Night of Lights Parade is an annual December holiday parade.

Columbia Falls has a public library, a branch of the Flathead County Library.

Columbia Falls Community Market is a farmers market held weekly every Thursday from 5pm - 8pm from the second Thursday in May until the last Thursday in September. The market offers live music, food trucks, local produce, locally brewed beer and a rock-climbing wall.

Parks and recreation
River's Edge Park has over 900 ft of river frontage on Flathead River and occupies 28 acre. The park has paved walking trails, open meadows, bathroom facilities and a family fly fishing pond.

Pinewood Park Aquatic Center is a public swimming facility located on 4th Ave West. The park also has a basketball court, children's play area, picnic tables and swings.

The city maintains several other small neighborhood parks, baseball fields, and a soccer field.

Government
The government system of Columbia Falls consists of a City Council with six councilmen and a mayor, elected to four-year terms.

In June 2020, Columbia Falls voters elected to implement a 3% resort tax on all luxury items and services within city limits, more than 50% of the tax revenue is slated to go toward public safety funding.

Education
Schools in Columbia Falls School District Six include Columbia Falls High School, Columbia Falls Junior High School, Glacier Gateway Elementary School, and Ruder Elementary School. School District Six has a approximately 2,400 students. In 2019 voters approved a $37 million school bond which will fund a new Glacier Gateway Elementary School, a 25,000 square foot addition to the Ruder Elementary School, a security upgrade for the Junior High School and new multi-use sports fields.

Columbia Falls High School's mascot is the Wildcats.

The area is served by the ImagineIF library, which also has branches in Bigfork, Kalispell, and Marion.

Transportation
U.S. Highway 2 runs through Columbia Falls. The North Fork Road (S-486) begins at the junction to U.S. Highway 2 in Columbia Falls and runs to the Canadian border.

Commercial airline service is offered at Glacier Park International Airport located approximately 8 miles south of Columbia Falls.

The Columbia Falls area is served by Amtrak's Chicago-Portland/Seattle Empire Builder, with stops located nearby in Whitefish and West Glacier.

Media
Columbia Falls is served by Hungry Horse News. The city is also part of the Missoula media market, which covers a seven-county area of northwestern Montana.

KHNK 95.9 FM, (Outlaw Country) and KRVO 103.1 FM are commercial radio stations located in Columbia Falls, broadcasting to the Kalispell-Flathead Valley, Montana, area. KHNK airs a country music format and KRVO airs an adult alternative format.

Notable people

 * Douglas Cordier, educator and politician
 * Paul Grilley, yoga teacher
 * Anthony Kurta, retired US Navy Admiral
 * Braxton Mitchell, member of the Montana House of Representatives
 * Matt Regier, politician and businessman
 * Glenn Roush, politician
 * Mel Ruder, Pulitzer Prize winner and publisher emeritus of The Hungry Horse News
 * Gloria Jean Siebrecht, paleontologist

Points of interest

 * St. Richard's Church. Built in 1891 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
 * Soldier's Home Historic District. Built in 1895 the facility houses and provides subsistence to veterans and their spouses.
 * Flathead River Bridge (also known as the Red Bridge)

title: Columbia Falls, Montana


text:
Coram, Montana

Coram is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Flathead County, Montana, United States. The population was 539 in 2010, up from 337 at the 2000 census. Coram lies 7 mi southwest of the western entrance of Glacier National Park.

The community was named after William Coram, a lumberman. It began as a logging town on the South Fork of the Flathead River in 1905. Coram boomed between 1948 and 1953, during construction of the nearby Hungry Horse Dam.

Geography
Coram is located in central Flathead County at 48.4175°N, -114.04556°W (48.417462, -114.045540), on the east side of the Flathead River. U.S. Route 2 passes through the community, leading northeast 6.5 mi to the community of West Glacier and southwest 27 mi to Kalispell.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Coram CDP has a total area of 9.9 km2, of which 9.6 km2 is land and 0.3 km2, or 2.72%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 337 people, 134 households, and 88 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 296.5 PD/sqmi. There were 151 housing units at an average density of 132.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 93.47% White, 2.67% Native American, 0.89% Asian, 1.19% from other races, and 1.78% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.08% of the population.

There were 134 households, out of which 33.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.5% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.3% were non-families. 27.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.09.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 27.0% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 29.7% from 25 to 44, 27.6% from 45 to 64, and 8.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 113.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 115.8 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $22,000, and the median income for a family was $23,125. Males had a median income of $24,188 versus $14,286 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $18,799. About 12.9% of families and 19.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.0% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

title: Coram, Montana


text:
Evergreen, Montana

Evergreen is a census-designated place (CDP) in Flathead County, Montana, United States. Its population was 8,149 at the 2020 census, up from 7,616 at the 2010 census, and 6,215 in 2000.

Evergreen is a suburb of Kalispell, the county seat.

Geography
Evergreen is located in central Flathead County on the northeast side of Kalispell. It is bordered to the east by the Flathead River, and the Whitefish River flows through the western side of the CDP.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Evergreen CDP has a total area of 22.8 km2, of which 22.3 km2 is land and 0.5 km2, or 2.32%, is water.

Climate
This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Evergreen has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.

Demographics
As of the census of 2020, there were 8,149 people and 2,923 households in the CDP. The population density was 884.4 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the CDP was 93.9% White, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.2% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 2.9% from two or more races and Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.4% of the population.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 23.5% under the age of 18, and 12.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The percentage of females was 54.8.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $59,338, and the per capita income for the past 12 months was $24,527. The number of people in poverty was 7.4%.

Government
Being unincorporated, Evergreen does not have a local government. Instead, the Flathead County Board of Commissioners provides governmental oversight for the community.

Education
The Evergreen Elementary District educates students from kindergarten through 8th grade. In the 2021-2022 school year the district had 702 students enrolled. Two school are in the district: East Evergreen School instructs students from kindergarten through 4th grade while Evergreen Junior High has 5th to 8th grade students.

Students in 9th through 12th grade attend Glacier High School. In the 2021-2022 school year there were 1,430 students enrolled.

Media
The AM radio station KQDE is licensed in Evergreen. It broadcasts an urban contemporary music format.

Infrastructure
U.S. Route 2 passes through the community from north to south. It runs northeast 29 mi to West Glacier, at the entrance to Glacier National Park. The center of Kalispell is 4 mi southwest of Evergreen via US 2 and U.S. Route 93. Montana Highway 35 leads southeast from Evergreen 20 mi to Bigfork.

Glacier Park International Airport provides commercial air service.

title: Evergreen, Montana


text:
Hungry Horse, Montana

Hungry Horse is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Flathead County, Montana, United States. The population was 828 at the 2020 census. The ZIP code for Hungry Horse is 59919.

History
The town sprang up during the construction of Hungry Horse Dam when the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation placed more than one hundred prefabricated buildings at the site to house workers. In 1948, Flathead County commissioners changed the name of the newly formed "Damtown" to Hungry Horse. The name comes from a local legend about two horses, Tex and Jerry, that escaped and almost starved to death in deep snow along the South Fork of the Flathead River.

Geography
Hungry Horse is located in central Flathead County at 48.38472°N, -114.06472°W (48.384609, -114.064849), at the confluence of the Flathead River and its South Fork. Bad Rock Canyon lies less than one mile to the west of Hungry Horse.

U.S. Route 2 passes through Hungry Horse, leading northeast 10 mi to West Glacier and southwest 23 mi to Kalispell. West Side Road leads southeast from town up the South Fork valley 4 mi to Hungry Horse Dam and its reservoir.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Hungry Horse CDP has a total area of 3.8 km2, of which 3.7 km2 is land and 0.1 km2, or 3.61%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 934 people, 346 households, and 237 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 506.0 PD/sqmi. There were 404 housing units at an average density of 218.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 94.86% White, 2.14% Native American, 0.11% Asian, 0.43% Pacific Islander, 0.43% from other races, and 2.03% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.71% of the population.

There were 346 households, out of which 37.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.6% were married couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% were non-families. 24.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.20.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 30.3% under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 31.3% from 25 to 44, 23.7% from 45 to 64, and 6.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 115.6 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $26,550, and the median income for a family was $28,523. Males had a median income of $30,197 versus $16,607 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $10,530. About 18.1% of families and 29.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 38.3% of those under age 18 and 19.8% of those age 65 or over.

In 2010, the census reported 826 people.

Points of interest

 * Hungry Horse Dam
 * Bad Rock Canyon
 * International Larix Arboretum

Notable people

 * Dee Brown, American politician

title: Hungry Horse, Montana


text:
Kalispell, Montana

Kalispell (, Montana Salish: Ql̓ispé, Kutenai language: Kqayaqawakⱡuʔnam ) is a city in Montana and the county seat of Flathead County, Montana, United States. The 2020 census put Kalispell's population at 24,558. In Montana's northwest region, it is the largest city and the commercial center of the Kalispell Micropolitan Statistical Area. The name Kalispell is a Salish word meaning "flat land above the lake".

History
The first European settler to explore the Flathead Valley was likely surveyor Peter Fidler of the Hudson’s Bay Company in the 18th century. From 1870, permanent settlement and the introduction of livestock brought permanent changes, as did the near-eradication of local bison populations.

In 1884, a short-lived town called Ashley was founded where Kalispell is today. Three years later nearby Demersville was founded. Demersville quickly grew to be the largest town in the area, but when the Great Northern Railroad bypassed the town it was abandoned just as quickly, with people moving the short distance to the new town of Kalispell.

As the Great Northern Railroad built its continent-spanning railroad line in the 19th century, a need for a Divisional point in the Flathead Valley was identified. Using his own capital, Charles Edward Conrad, a businessman and banker from Fort Benton, Montana, formed the Kalispell Townsite Company with three other men, all from Great Northern board of directors. The town took its name from the local native tribe, adding an extra "L" for good measure. "Kalispell" is a Salish word meaning "flat land above the lake".

The townsite was quickly platted, and lots began selling by the spring of 1891. Kalispell was officially incorporated as a city in 1892, and Conrad built a large mansion there in 1895. Since that time, the city has continued to grow in population, reaching 19,927 in 2010. This growth persisted despite the railroad being rerouted from its original route over Haskell Pass, via Kalispell and Marion, Montana, to a more circuitous but flatter route via Whitefish and Eureka already in 1904.

As the largest city in northwest Montana, Kalispell serves as the county seat and commercial center of Flathead County. The city is considered a secondary trade center with a trade area of approximately 130,000. The city is home to Logan Health Medical Center, which has a 150-bed hospital facility. The railroad history through Kalispell ended in 2018 when the city purchased and tore up the long abandoned track through the city. The city of Kalispell removed the remaining downtown trackage, relocating the railroad to Glacier Rail Park, a new industrial park just north of town; abandoning 2.4 miles of the original route.

Nestled in the Flathead valley, Kalispell is 31 mi from Glacier National Park and 22 mi from Hungry Horse Dam. Skiers have access to Whitefish Mountain Resort on Big Mountain and Blacktail Mountain Ski Area, each 17 mi away. Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi river, is 7 mi away. Buffalo Hill Golf Club, designed by Robert Muir Graves, serves golfers in the region.

The tribal schools nearby offer classes in the Kalispel–Spokane–Flathead language, a language nest, and intensive language training for adults. There is a Salish language school and training center in nearby Arlee, Montana.

In 2023, Kalispell became nationally known for its violent actions against the homeless population in the town. The city government has previously begun passing ordinances in 2022 that punished anyone that helped homeless people in Kalispell, such as giving out food, supplies, or money. They also shut off water and electricity in the local park so it couldn't be utilized by homeless in the area. The county commissioners also released an open letter calling on residents to actively unite against the homeless, which resulted in groups of younger people violently assaulting homeless in the town. The New York Times published an article in January 2024 about the homeless population of Kalispell, noting that many were residents who had recently undergone financial trouble that led to them losing their homes, such as having a divorce.

Geography and climate
Kalispell is located at 48.19778°N, -114.31611°W (48.197801, −114.316068), at an elevation of 2,956 feet (901 m).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 11.73 sqmi, of which 11.64 sqmi is land and 0.09 sqmi is water.

Kalispell is 7 mi north of Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in the western U.S.

The city has a warm-summer humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb), with long, cold, and moderately snowy winters, hot and dry summers, and short springs and autumns. Snow usually occurs from late October/early November to March.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 19,927 people, 8,638 households, and 4,944 families living in the city. The population density was 1711.9 PD/sqmi. There were 9,379 housing units at an average density of 805.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.2% White, 0.2% African American, 1.3% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.6% from other races, and 2.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.9% of the population.

Of the 8,638 households, 30.8% had children under the age of 18, 40.4% were married couples living together, 12.0% had a female family head with no husband present, 4.8% had a male family head with no wife present, and 42.8% were not classified as family units. 35.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.4% were individuals 65 years old or older. The average household size was 2.26, and the average family size was 2.94.

The median age in the city was 34.5 years. A total of 25.1% of residents were under 18; 9.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.2% were between the ages of 25 and 44; 22.7% were between the ages 45 and 64, and 14.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.3% male and 52.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 14,223 people, 6,142 households, and 3,494 families living in the city. The population density was 2,605.7 PD/sqmi. There were 6,532 housing units at an average density of 1,196.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.84% White, 0.28% African American, 1.22% Native American, 0.56% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.39% from other races, and 1.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.55% of the population. 21.7% were of German, 12.0% Irish, 11.3% Norwegian, 10.7% English and 6.6% United States or American ancestry.

There were 6,142 households, out of which 28.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.0% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.1% were non-families. 36.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.209, and the average family size was 2.92.

In the city, the population's age distribution shows 24.0% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $28,567, and the median income for a family was $36,554. Males had a median income of $29,431 versus $20,122 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,224. About 10.1% of families and 15.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.1% of those under age 18 and 13.0% of those age 65 or over.

Top employers
According to the City's 2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019, the top employers in the city are: Kalispell is home to the headquarters of the Montana Rifle Company. , one of Montana's last mint farms, growing peppermint and spearmint, is near Kalispell.

Education
Kalispell Public Schools has two components: Kalispell Elementary School District and Flathead High School District. Whitefish Public Schools has two components: Whitefish Elementary School District and Whitefish High School District.

Most of Kalispell is in Kalispell Elementary School District, while a portion is in West Valley Elementary School District, and a very small piece is in Whitefish Elementary School District. Almost all of Kalispell is in Flathead High School District, while a small piece is in Whitefish High School District. There are two high schools in Kalispell (both of the Flathead district), Flathead High School and Glacier High School.

Flathead Valley Community College is a tertiary institution.

Kalispell has a public library, a branch of the Flathead County Library.

Transportation
Kalispell is at the intersection of U.S. Routes 2 and 93. Commercial air service is offered at Glacier Park International Airport, approximately 8 mi northeast of Kalispell off U.S. Route 2 between Kalispell and Columbia Falls.

Kalispell City Airport, in the southern part of the city, offers general aviation service.

Amtrak's Empire Builder service between Chicago and either Seattle, Washington, or Portland, Oregon, is available in Whitefish, approximately 15 mi north.

Eagle Transit, an agency of Flathead County, offers local transit service within and connecting Kalispell, Columbia Falls and Whitefish, as well as paratransit demand-responsive service.

Media
Kalispell is one of Montana's largest media markets. It is the state's second-largest over-the-air radio market, after Billings.

 * AM radio
 * KGEZ 600
 * KERR 750
 * KJJR 880
 * KOFI 1180
 * KSAM 1240
 * KQDE 1340

 * FM radio

 * KLKM 88.7
 * KUKL-FM 90.1
 * KFLF 91.3
 * KQRK 92.3
 * KHNK 95.9
 * KALS 97.1
 * KBBZ 98.5
 * KKMT 99.7
 * KIBG 100.7
 * KXZI-LP 101.9
 * KANB-LP 102.3
 * KRVO 103.1
 * KZMN 103.9
 * KWOL-FM 105.1
 * KDBR 106.3

 * Television
 * KCFW-TV 9 (NBC)
 * KAJJ-CD 18 (CBS)
 * KUKL-TV 46 (PBS)

 * Newspapers
 * Daily Inter Lake, printed daily and online
 * Flathead Beacon, online only
 * Montana Senior News, printed in Kalispell, distributed statewide

Notable people

 * Ruth Anderson, composer
 * James E. Atwater, retired chemist and geophysicist
 * Chuck Baldwin, Constitution Party presidential candidate
 * Brad Bird, Academy Award-winning director of animated films and television programs
 * Asta Bowen, author
 * Robert Bray, film and television actor
 * Jaime Clarke, novelist and editor
 * John Corapi, a former Catholic priest and speaker
 * Shane Bitney Crone, activist, filmmaker, writer, speaker for LGBT rights
 * William Cumming, 20th-century artist and founder of Northwest School
 * Rick Dennison, offensive coordinator of NFL's Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos
 * John Edward Erickson, governor of Montana
 * George Everett, American accountant, real estate broker, and politician
 * John Fuller, politician
 * Frank Garner, former chief of police, security consultant, and politician
 * Lily Gladstone, actress
 * Flip Gordon, professional wrestler
 * Robin Lee Graham, circumnavigated the world at age 16
 * Frank Hagel, painter and sculptor
 * Tanner Hall, professional skier, Winter X-Games gold medalist in Slope-Style, Big Air and half-pipe
 * T. J. Hileman, photographer of Glacier National Park
 * Lex Hilliard, NFL player, New York Jets fullback
 * Dorothy M. Johnson, noted author of Western fiction
 * Tim Koleto, Olympic figure skater
 * Brad Ludden, professional kayaker
 * Sam McCullum, former NFL player
 * Dylan McFarland, former Buffalo Bills offensive lineman
 * Braxton Mitchell, politician
 * Andrew J. Moonen, former employee of Blackwater USA accused of murder in Iraq
 * Mary Oppen, activist, photographer, wife of George Oppen
 * Brock Osweiler, quarterback for Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns
 * Daniel Parker, sculptor and painter
 * Charlotte Pendragon, magician/entertainer
 * Eugene H. Peterson, author of The Message, a contemporary rendition of the Bible
 * Shadi Petosky, author and television producer
 * Ace Powell, painter and sculptor
 * Margaret Qualley, actress
 * Keith Regier, educator, businessman and politician
 * Matt Regier, businessman and politician
 * Mike Reilly, NFL quarterback, CFL quarterback, BC Lions, Edmonton Eskimos
 * Stewart Rhodes
 * Alice Ritzman, former LPGA golf professional
 * Monsignor Alexander King Sample, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Portland, Oregon
 * Robert Burns Smith, governor of Montana
 * Thatcher Szalay, former Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman
 * Misty Upham (1982–2014), actress
 * The von Trapps, singers
 * Randy Weaver
 * Michelle Williams, actress

In popular culture
Heaven’s Gate (1980), an American western epic, was filmed in and around Kalispell.

title: Kalispell, Montana


text:
Lakeside, Montana

Lakeside is an unincorporated area and census-designated place (CDP) in Flathead County, Montana, United States. The population was 2,705 at the 2020 census, up from 2,669 in 2010.

In 1892 the town was called Stoner, named after John J. Stoner, proprietor of a hotel near the shores of Flathead Lake. A community named Lakeside already existed in Roosevelt County. With its demise in 1920, this town changed its name.

West Shore State Park is 5 miles south of town.

Geography
Lakeside is located in southern Flathead County. It is on the western shore of the north end of Flathead Lake. It is bordered to the north by Somers, and it extends south as far as the Lake County line.

U.S. Route 93 passes through Lakeside, leading north 14 mi to Kalispell and south 37 mi to Polson at the south end of Flathead Lake.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Lakeside CDP has a total area of 46.5 km2, of which 36.4 km2 is land and 10.1 km2, or 21.69%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,679 people, 705 households, and 520 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 228.9 PD/sqmi. There were 956 housing units at an average density of 130.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 97.92% White, 0.06% African American, 0.71% Native American, 0.42% Asian, 0.30% from other races, and 0.60% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.07% of the population. 15.6% were of English, 15.3% German, 14.8% Norwegian, 8.2% United States or American, 7.3% Irish and 5.5% Italian ancestry according to Census 2000.

There were 705 households, out of which 26.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.7% were married couples living together, 3.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.2% were non-families. 22.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.78.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 23.0% under the age of 18, 3.8% from 18 to 24, 24.2% from 25 to 44, 30.3% from 45 to 64, and 18.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.7 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $36,048, and the median income for a family was $43,839. Males had a median income of $30,819 versus $21,591 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $18,533. About 13.6% of families and 17.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.5% of those under age 18 and 9.6% of those age 65 or over.

Media
The FM radio station KOLK is licensed in Lakeside. It plays a country music format.

title: Lakeside, Montana


text:
Martin City, Montana

Martin City is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Flathead County, Montana, United States. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 500, up from 331 in 2000.

Martin City owes its existence to the early 1950s construction of the Hungry Horse Dam.

Geography
Martin City is located in central Flathead County at 48.39056°N, -114.03528°W (48.390443, -114.035250), between Hungry Horse to the southwest and Coram to the north. U.S. Route 2 passes through the community, leading northeast 9 mi to West Glacier and southwest 24 mi to Kalispell.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 4.5 km2, of which 0.05 sqkm, or 1.16%, is water. Martin City is located on the east side of the Flathead River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 331 people, 142 households, and 94 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 696.2 PD/sqmi. There were 163 housing units at an average density of 342.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 88.52% White, 8.46% Native American, 0.30% from other races, and 2.72% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.60% of the population.

There were 142 households, out of which 30.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.5% were married couples living together, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.1% were non-families. 28.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.82.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 23.3% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 31.4% from 45 to 64, and 8.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.2 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $21,250, and the median income for a family was $31,500. Males had a median income of $23,500 versus $11,458 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $12,896. About 13.8% of families and 24.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.2% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Nearby points of interest

 * Glacier National Park
 * Hungry Horse Dam
 * Bad Rock Canyon

title: Martin City, Montana


text:
Somers, Montana

Somers is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Flathead County, Montana, United States. The population was 1,049 at the 2020 census, nearly double from 556 in the 2000 census.

History
Great Northern Railway magnate James J. Hill contracted to build a sawmill on the north end of Flathead Lake in 1900. A town was developed for the workers. The town was named for George O. Somers, a Vice President of the Great Northern Railroad, and the person responsible for overseeing the development of the new lumber town.

In 1909, the Industrial Worker, a newspaper published out of Seattle by the Industrial Workers of the World, described Somers thus:

"The nearest approach to hell on earth is at Somers, Mont. The principal industry at Somers is sawing railroad ties for Jim Hill. Jimmy owns everything around Somers including the water, docks, sawmills, county roads, and all the land that the town is situated on. Jimmy also owns the United States postoffice and nearly all the judges and lawyers in Flathead county."

The IWW at the time was in dispute with Jim Hill in connection with strike waves throughout the Flathead Valley, especially centered in Kalispell. Sawmill workers organized with the IWW struck at the Somers Lumber Company, with company management quickly hiring scab labor and blacklisting union members as a result. Tensions reached their peak in late July 1909, when the IWW warned unemployed workers to stay away from Somers to avoid the conditions there.

In 2023, a 106-acre site was designated Somers Beach State Park. Once developed there will be day-use amenities and a hand launch area for boats.

Geography
Somers is located in south-central Flathead County at the north end of Flathead Lake. It is bordered to the south by Lakeside. The Mission Mountains are to the east and Salish Mountains to the west.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Somers CDP has a total area of 7.8 km2, of which 7.6 km2 is land and 0.1 sqkm, or 1.86%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 556 people, 233 households, and 158 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 269.6 PD/sqmi. There were 263 housing units at an average density of 127.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.04% White, 0.36% African American, 1.08% Native American, 1.08% from other races, and 1.44% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.96% of the population.

There were 233 households, out of which 29.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.9% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.8% were non-families. 23.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.85.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 23.6% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 24.3% from 45 to 64, and 14.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.3 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $30,625, and the median income for a family was $34,286. Males had a median income of $33,125 versus $17,500 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $13,786. About 7.9% of families and 7.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.0% of those under age 18 and 4.3% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Somers School District has two schools, Lakeside Elementary School and Somers Middle School. For the 2021-2022 school year, a total of 568 students were enrolled.

Students attend Flathead High School in Kalispell for grades 9-12.

Media
Local news is covered by the Daily Inter Lake, a newspaper based in Kalispell.

The FM radio station KFLF is licensed in Somers.

Infrastructure
U.S. Route 93 passes through the community, leading north 9 mi to Kalispell and south 42 mi to Polson at the other end of Flathead Lake. Montana Highway 82 is a highway connecting Somers to Bigfork in the east.

The nearest airport is Glacier Park International Airport.

title: Somers, Montana