Serving the Flathead with Pride, Purpose, and a Pocketful of Dog Biscuits
For most people, a trip to the local waste container site is just a routine errand. But for Rhonda Ackley, it is a daily opportunity to connect with neighbors, care for the landscape, and make a tangible difference in the valley she loves. Rhonda was scheduled to receive her five-year milestone with Flathead County Solid Waste in November 2025, but a sudden health issue delayed it until recently.
Rhonda’s journey has turned the busy Columbia Falls green box site into a welcoming hub of community spirit. Born in New Jersey, she’s been calling the Flathead Valley home since she was five years old. After graduating from Flathead High School and later spending time in Oregon, she felt the pull to return home in 2019. Surrounded by her family, including three older sisters in Kalispell, Rhonda embraces everything Montana, especially the winters she loves so much.
When Rhonda first began working with the County as a temp traffic director at the Landfill, her work ethic and upbeat nature quickly stood out. When a full-time position opened up at a container site, her colleagues and supervisors eagerly championed her for the role. Over the past five years, she has worked across various county sites, ultimately making Columbia Falls her home base.
Managing a high-traffic site requires diligence and coordination, especially when it comes to keeping bins clear and working closely with the landfill drivers. Rhonda approaches the task with deep respect for the surrounding environment. To her, keeping the area tidy is a stewardship mission: taking pride in maintaining clean public spaces so Montana remains pristine.
Yet, what truly defines Rhonda’s tenure is the connection and education she brings to the job. Regular visitors know that a stop at the Columbia Falls site often comes with peanut butter biscuits for the dogs in the passenger seat, pieces of chocolate, or a gold star sticker for folks caught doing a good deed. For Rhonda, that daily interaction opens the door to something even bigger: "The best part about this job is helping to educate the public on recycling and waste issues and giving them a better understanding of why we do things the way we do."
As Rhonda celebrates five years of service, she remains focused on living in the moment, enjoying her community, and continuing the everyday projects that keep the site running smoothly. Flathead County is grateful for her dedication, soul, and hard work over the last five years.