Wednesday, July 28
In My View
AARP Montana supports drug imports
Former resident needs Whitefish photos for dissertation
Do you have photographs, sketches, drawings, maps or other visuals depicting Whitefish? If so, would you be willing to share copies of them with a former resident for use in an instructional piece on Whitefish?
High cost of hooking up
To the editor,
Off-hand remarks are hurtful
The old adage, "sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me," is a quaint phrase, but far from the truth of real life. In reality, names can hurt, and they leave lasting scars on the emotional body just as the "sticks and stones" do on the physical body.
A day away from Whitefish
Pure and pristine Upper Whitefish Lake Trapper lore part of mountain lake's charm
Swim team takes third at divisionals
The Columbia Falls swim team took third at divisionals last weekend in Conrad and looks to do well at the state meet in Fort Benton.
Claims discrimination
To the editor,
Time for closure on Schweitzer's auto purchases
It is time to put some closure to the issue of Brian Schweitzer's purchase of out of state vehicles. It is my view that Mr. Schweitzer, as well as any of you, has the right to buy your vehicle anywhere you want. I am Mr. Schweitzer's "local dealer" and according to all of our records we were never made any offer by Brian Schweitzer for one vehicle much less two. Having said that, could it have happened without me or my management team's knowledge? The answer is yes. It is ultimately our dealership's loss for not earning Mr. Schweitzer's business, not his. All I know is we will work hard to earn his business next time, should that opportunity present itself. Whoever our next governor is, he will not be perfect and neither are we. It is also my humble opinion that you have the right to vote for our next governor, Mr. Schweitzer or Mr. Brown, I hope you take that opportunity. The only thing that is certain, he'll be from Whitefish.
Eagle Scout thanks for support
I would like to thank the following businesses and individuals that helped me with my Eagle Scout Project:
Disappointed rodeo fan
To the editor,
Heritage hoops tourney another big success
The Heritage Days 3-on-3 basketball tourney was another big hit, with more than two dozen teams participating.
Editorial View
State land vigilance needed
No Bush bias here
To the editor,
Frances Ellen Callies
Frances Ellen Callies, 87, passed away Thursday, July 22, 2004, at North
Kohlrabi killers
I battled weeds around the place this weekend. The ones along the fence are actually kind of pretty, but they're deadly nightshade, which will kill you.
Wojciechowski's comments were absolutely right
This is in response to the Wojciechowski letter in the July 22 "Letters To The Editor" column.
Thanks, Karl
A lot of folks donated plenty of time and effort into making Heritage Days 2004 a great success.
Thoughts of Gordon
A dear friend, Dr. J. Gordon Edwards, is gone to the big alpine meadow in the sky at the age of 84. Last week Montana newspapers, radio, and TV stations provided coverage about his life in the mountains as the patron saint and guru of Glacier Park mountaineers. The stories also told of his wife Alice and daughter Jane so actively sharing his love of climbing. Everyone interviewed accented Gordon's kindness and consideration of others. I told one of the reporters who called that being around Dr. Edwards for very long made most of us realize how much personal improvement was needed to make a truly nice person.
Jerrie Wulff
Jerrie Jerrel Wulff, 87, of Columbia Falls, died on June 10, 2004, in Memphis, Tenn.
Presidential pondering Monthly Mutterings
As an older citizen and veteran voter in many, many elections; just wanted to say I'm especially not pleased with the campaign being waged between two presidential candidates and their parties. So this election thus far, I have contributed little to the presidential candidates and their parties; I'm focusing more on the Montana candidates.
Julie (Luce) Craft
Julie E. Luce was the first born child of Ronald S. and Marie Keck Luce on Nov. 1, 1916, in New Richmond, Wis.
Make your vote count
To the editor,
Around town
Concert series
Going batty at the Pilot
I'm not a big fan of bats. The truth is, they freak me out big time.
When do we believe Kerry and when don't we?
This election year's dilemma is not whether to believe the Democrats running for office, but when. Here are some handy guidelines:
Angela Michelle "Angie" Weldele
Angela Michelle "Angie" Weldele, 25, passed away Wednesday, July 21, 2004, at University of Washington Medical Center following a brief illness. She was born in Whitefish on Sept. 9,1978, to Mitch and Janna
Custer's last stand visited
It's been so long since we visited Custer's Battlefield that it has a new name and new features. Family outing was to the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument and Custer National Cemetery the last day of our reunion.
Local Businesses
Whitefish Chamber of Commerce -
A successful tourney
To the editor,
Maryland man dies after Glacier Park crevasse fall
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK — One of the park's most popular glaciers turned deadly for a Maryland man Tuesday afternoon.
Overflights scare goats
To the editor,
A place to rest
To the editor,
Friday, July 23
Gone too soon
Like so many kids sandwiched between the ages of my own children, Logan Taylor was one of those who grew up in my peripheral vision.
In My View
Gene Speer
I would like to thank the following businesses and individuals that helped me with my Eagle Scout Project:
Midway Rental, Western Building Center and Jeff Nelson, Plum Creek Timber / Plywood Division, Plum Creek Timber Co., Park Side Federal Credit Union, Whitefish Credit Union, Round Up for Safety, Whitefish Kiwanis, Stoltz Lumber, Semi-Tool, Whitefish Baseball, Inc., Kalipell Ready Mix, Scott Gilchrist, Rachel Anglin, Kurt Blades, Joe Wooten, Brian, Kevin and Michelle McDowell, Bruce Dunluck, Ben Sagen, Dan Jacobson, Kendall Slaybaugh, Andy Walker. Karen and Roger Giesy, Kyle Beller, Chet and Bryan Wram, Ryan Giesy, Shirlee Yeats, Barbara King, Class of 1946, Kyle Lengstorf, Luke and Dick Haberkern, The Zignego Family, Phyllis and Randy Sprunger, Wayne Beller, Christoher Clark, Casey Kelch, Annette and Max Schmidt, Greg Greene, Rand McDowell, Bill Leonard, Annette and Max Schmidt, Bob and Bea DePratu, Whitefish Youth Opportunity
Rare birds and lords
A white robin got my attention this week, because I had never seen one before.
Off-hand remarks are hurtful
The old adage, "sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me," is a quaint phrase, but far from the truth of real life. In reality, names can hurt, and they leave lasting scars on the emotional body just as the "sticks and stones" do on the physical body.
John Cravath
A celebration and memorial for the life of John Cravath will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 31. He passed away last Sept. 14 in Phoenix, Ariz. He was a longtime resident of Whitefish and owned Kamp Karefree, a cabin resort on Whitefish Lake eventually replaced by Mountain Harbor.
Tami Louise Hovland
Tami Louise Hovland, 46, passed away July 15, 2004, in Lynnwood, Wash.
James David "Jim" Kline
James David "Jim" Kline died July 14, 2004, at his home in Albany, Ore.
Keep bear park open as educational tool
My family and I witnessed the grizzly mauling at Great Bear Adventures on Saturday, July 10. While it was a shock to see this, it was an even greater shock to see a 600-pound grizzly bear, sitting against a tree, making sounds like he was crying. Our family could feel the remorse the bear was feeling as if the bear was human. When we arrived at the park, the two smaller bears were playing in the water. They were dunking each other and one was climbing onto something in the pool and jumping on top of the slightly smaller bear. The largest bear of the three, was watching the two youngsters play. They were like a couple of colts, children, cats, playing and frolicking. We had cars behind us so we decided to move on and come back around and watch them play. They were still at it when we came back around. The park employees were sitting on chairs, in the trees, watching the bears closely. They were also watching the vehicles and their passengers closely. The young gentleman that was injured had to tell some folks to roll up their windows. The Park warns each vehicle and person in it, not to get out of the car, keep your windows rolled up, and to lock the doors. They advertise, "Your car is your cage." The man that owns the Park has tried very hard, for a very long time, to meet every rule that the State has given him to comply with. The park is clean, the animals well nourished, and each individual that goes into the park is watched carefully.
Former resident needs Whitefish photos for dissertation
Do you have photographs, sketches, drawings, maps or other visuals depicting Whitefish? If so, would you be willing to share copies of them with a former resident for use in an instructional piece on Whitefish?
Young motocross supporters a shining example of democratic process
Tuesday night, July 6th, children and their families formed a rally to support a Motocross Park at Montana Raceway Park. They were preparing to speak before the Flathead Count Board of Adjustment. The children were dressed in safety gear and motocross outfits. Some carried their trophies. They had been told this was an important meeting and they should act accordingly. The children, ages 4 and higher, lined up in the back of the meeting room by 6:45 p.m. waiting for their turn to speak. The room was very warm (hot) due to all the attendees. Standing and waiting could not have been easy for these bundles of energy. I can not say how proud and amazed I was at the children's patience. You did not hear a peep from then as they quietly waited for their turn. These children surely understood the democratic process. They could not wait to make their voices heard. It was very disappointing at 8:30 p.m. when the comments were postponed to Aug. 3. The children behaved so well, even though they were sad and disappointed. We need to say thank you to the children and their families for respecting the democratic process. I was almost brought to tears as I watched the children, for there surely is hope in the future of the United States with children like these children, who have learned that their voices are respected and important. What a lesson and example they gave to all of us. Thank you children and thank you to the parents, grandparents, teachers and friends who have taught these children the democratic process. They may be little guys and gals today pursuing their love of motorsports, but they are our senators, congressmen, governors and mayors of tomorrow. I salute the children of the Flathead Valley.
Baucus' opposition of marriage amendment is disappointing
This is a letter I just sent to Montana Senator Max Baucus, someone who supposedly represents Montanans.
Logan James Taylor
Logan James Taylor, 18, passed away on July 16, 2004, from an accident in Whitefish Lake.
Garden tour benefits Whitefish Community Foundation
I want to thank you for the wonderful write up regarding The 2004 Whitefish Garden Tour that was in July 8th's Pilot.
Bernice A. Willing Pelo
Bernice Pelo died peacefully, after a short illness, at the Waterford Home in Helena, on July 12, 2004.
Lloyd Jon Trottier
Lloyd Jon Trottier, 79, known affectionately to his family and friends as "Chief," passed away of natural causes on Friday, July 16, 2004, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.
Genocide in Sudan is heart-breaking
Recent news reports from Darfur in Sudan have described the genocide that is going on there. My heart aches as I watch our country once again turn its back on a genocide in Africa.
Thursday, July 22
Thanks to firemen
To the editor,
Fond memories of Edwards
We mourn this week the passing of J. Gordon Edwards, Glacier National Park's consummate climber.
Rare birds and lords
A white robin got my attention this week because I had never seen one before. That fact is much more meaningful for readers who know I am "over 50."
True patriotism
To the editor,
Bushwacked
Last weekend Laura Bush was touring Glacier National Park. I know, I know, I was wondering the same thing: Who the heck is Laura Bush?
Swim team can't capitalize on home pool advantage
The Columbia Falls swim team's home meet was spoiled last weekend when the team's main nemesis, Shelby, took first place, leaving the home team with second out of a field of 10. Bitterroot took third.
Eyewitness account
To the editor,
Weed control needed
To the editor,
Friday, July 16
Hauline Oma Myers
Hauline Oma Myers, 92, passed away in Kalispell, Mont. on Saturday, July 10, 2004. As she used to sing, she is now in that place she knew the Lord would make for her.
An almost impossible job
Flathead Valley residents are an interesting lot. They have all sorts of talents, some job-related and others derived from hobbies and special assignments. While we're here by choice, sometimes a fascinating person passes through the valley. Such is Wes Koster from Minneapolis. He comes frequently to visit his mother who lives just south of Somers. Wes has an unusual job that seems impossible, but he does it with class. He teaches English to foreign immigrants who don't know our language, who are blind, and sometimes deaf, and often don't know the "Braille" system of communicating. On top of it all, Koster is legally blind himself! Could you do it? I could not, but listen to Koster's story…it will amaze you.
Harold E. "Hap" Simpson
Harold E. "Hap" Simpson passed away on July 9, 2004 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.
Rattlesnakes remembered
Question: Do I want good pictures of rattlesnakes? Answer: Well certainly. Question: Doesn't everyone? Answer: "No!"
Good medicine
No one likes to go to the hospital. No one likes to be sick. But if one is stricken with an illness or is in need of emergency care, a small town is the place to be.
Robert Odell Anderson
Robert Odell Anderson, age 75, of Swan Lake, Montana passed away at his home on Sunday July 11, 2004. A memorial service will be held on Friday July 16, 2004 at the Bethany Lutheran Church at Bigfork, at 3 p.m., with Pastor Jack Shannon officiating. Cremation has taken place and burial of the cremains will be held at Paynesville, Minnesota at a later date.
Quick response
I am proud and honored to be able to say that I am a member of the Bigfork Quick Response Unit/Ambulance. We have a wonderful, caring, and dedicated group of volunteers that give their time to help the people of our community.
Nell E. Childers
Nell E. Childers of Bigfork passed away Thursday, July 8, at Brendon House in Kalispell. Nell was born to Russ & Gladys Asselstine on June 9, 1918 in Great Falls. She lived in Simms until the age of 6 when her family moved to Queenstown, Alberta, (a small town near Calgary). She attended 12 years of school in Canada before moving back to Galata, Montana in 1937.
Luanne M. (Burch) VanArtsdale
Luanne M. (Burch) VanArtsdale, 71 passed away Sunday, July 11, 2004, at Colonial manor Care Center, Whitefish, Mont., after a long battle with lung cancer.
Save Sacagawea
This summer Sacagawea, a true American hero, may lose her place on our money. In the next couple of weeks Congress will vote on H.R. 3916, which would remove Sacagawea's image from the dollar coin.
Wednesday, July 14
Luanne M. (Burch) VanArtsdale
Luanne M. (Burch) VanArtsdale, 71, passed away Sunday, July 11, 2004, at Colonial Manor Care Center in Whitefish after a long battle with lung cancer.
Rattlesnake remembered
Question: Do I want good pictures of rattlesnakes? Answer: Well certainly. Question: Doesn't everyone? Answer: "No!" Years ago in my days as an editor, I asked my top photographer, Carl Hansen, actually my only photographer, to take my high school son Shannon as backup camera and, "Go get some really good rattlesnake photos." Drew them a map, told them to be careful, and bid them an early spring morning farewell. They set off for the Flathead Indian Reservation with excitement and great expectations.
Bobbye Faulkner
Bobbye Ruth Faulkner, 67, died June 27, 2004, at Brendan House in Kalispell.
Forest 'roughage'
To the editor,
Letters to the editor
Council's vote on Patriot Act was democracy in action
Rattlesnakes remembered
Question: Do I want good pictures of rattlesnakes? Answer: Well certainly. Question: Doesn't everyone? Answer: No!
Planning explained
To the editor,
Poisoning questioned
To the editor,
Nat Morey
Nat W. Morey, 50, of Rock Springs, Wyo., passed away on June 29, 2004, at the Memorial Hospital, in Sweetwater County. Mr. Morey had been a resident of Rock Springs for the past 13 years and a former resident on Montana, Mr. Morey died following a sudden illness.
Glad to have the gals
Lately I've been thinking about how lucky I am to have girlfriends. Really good girlfriends.
Amazing murals
Artists Clark Heyler and Maria Vekkos have put the finishing touches on another mural on Columbia Falls on the Masonic Temple.
Obituaries
Melvin Sather
Melvin Sather
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Melvin Sather, passed away July 7, 2004 in Sandy, Utah, of congestive heart failure.
Sport Shorts
CLIMB Big Mountain slated Aug. 7
Larry Baker
Larry E. Baker was born Aug. 9, 1942, in Kalispell and was called home to glory by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 9, 2004. Larry shared his life with and is survived by his wife of 30 years, Linda Johnson Baker, of Columbia Falls. They shared in everything life had to offer, including a personal walk with God, and lived faithfully and loyal to each other.
Witches brew
The middle kid, Olivia, got bit by a spider about a week ago. It got her right on the neck, and the bite swelled up like a walnut, which is a pretty big, considering Olivia's neck is only the size of an orange, or maybe a grapefruit.
Swim team takes first, hosts home meet
The Columbia Falls swim team took first place in Cut Bank last weekend, gathering momentum as the team hosts its home meet this Saturday and Sunday.
Local golfers dominate Flathead Valley Junior Tour
From Tee To Green- Tim Olson and Terry Nelson
Larry E. Baker
Larry E. Baker was called home to glory by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 9, 2004.
Editorial View
Hines departure gives WSI
Tuesday, July 13
A toast to Ann Miller
When she was just a girl in her 60s, Ann Miller wrote a wonderful little story for my newspaper, the Kalispell Weekly News, and I published it. Ann has thanked me down through the years for giving her a start in the writing business, but it was she who did me a favor. Any editor worth his salt would have been foolish not to ask a person with her talent to do something every week. Ann began writing regularly, and her wonderful column added a distinct flavor, which contributed toward making the Kalispell News become the largest weekly in the state. She won Newspaper Association Awards in the process.
Rabit-proof fence
The other day I was working on a fence in the side yard. At first I was just going to paint the thing. But the more I looked at it, the worse it got, and finally I ended up tearing the whole thing down using a combination of hammers, a nail bar, my pickup and, where need be, my foot.
Martz on mining
To the editor,
The Trailwatcher
A toast to Ann Miller
This is a news headline
This is the story This is the story This is the story This is the story This is the story This is the story This is the story This is the story This is the story This is the story
Open spaces
There are some folks, not many, but some, who don't seem to like conservation easements in this county. Opponents apparently don't like the fact that open space is preserved "in perpetuity," even though many easements still allow traditional uses of the land, such as logging and farming.
Local Businesses
Whitefish Chamber of Commerce -
Medical community strives to keep up with growth
The Flathead Valley is growing. As this growth transforms the area, community needs are increasing. From retail to infrastructure, the area is compensating for the increase in population. The medical community is no exception.
Republicans' sample ballot was helpful
I have always exercised my right to vote. I make every effort to research the candidates to determine if they hold my same values. Unfortunately, with Montana's open primary system, it is sometimes difficult to determine if a candidate truly believes what he or she says.
Lily E. Wells
Lily E. Wells, 96, a longtime resident of Whitefish, passed away July 2, 2004, at the North Valley Hospital in Whitefish of natural causes.
County planning board is professional, knowledgeable
I have read the ridiculous recent letters to the editor by "green" environmental activist Brent Mitchell criticizing the Flathead County Planning office, Planning Board and Flathead County Commissioners.
'Fahrenheit 9-11' entertaining; worth seeing
We went to Mike Moore's movie, "Fahrenheit 9-11." Of course we have watched interviews with differing opinions offered on the TV, the big hype to stop it from being shown and all that, plus the hate radio in our valley jabbering away condemning it as anti-American. Moore couldn't ask for more publicity!
She goes by the Assembly
To the editor,
Want to make The Bigfork Eagle your browser's homepage?
Bryan Hillard Boyd
Bryan Hillard Boyd, 43, caring and loving father, devout Christian, died in his sleep Tuesday, June 29, at his home in Whitefish. He was born Aug. 29, 1960, in LaGrange, Ill.
Friday, May 28, 2004
The Flathead National Forest Management Plan is being revised and folks are sought for input. Topics include fire risk, road access, timber management practices, timber harvest methods, endangered species recovery and recreation opportunities. The last meeting will be held at the Flathead County Fairground Country Kitchen May 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. For additional information, check Web site vjackmt.tripod.com or contact Verdell Jackson at 756-8344, or Jerry O'Neil at 892-7602.
Hall's negotiating shows leadership
It was encouraging to finally see some movement with the city-county jurisdiction proposal at Tuesday's City Council work session. After a long impasse, both sides seemed willing to give and take in the task of shaping new planning boundaries for Whitefish.
Local decathlete competes in U.S. Olympic trials
On July 16th and 17th Bryan Anderson will be competing in the U.S. Olympic Trials in Sacramento, Calif.
Evelyn Wills
Evelyn Elizabeth Wills died at her home in Coram on July 2, 2004. Her death gently released her from an illness of several years.
Around town, June 8, 2004
The Back Country Horsemen of the Flathead will hold their regular monthly meeting on June 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks building, located at 490 North Meridian Road in Kalispell, across from the Fairgrounds. The meeting is open to the general public and all are welcome.
Monday, June 14, 2004
Vacation Bible school will be held at the Kalispell Christian Church from 9 a.m. to noon June 14 through June 18 for ages three through fifth grade. Call 257-9315 for more information.
Rooting out the Greens
To the editor,
Want to make The Hungry Horse News your browser's homepage?
Judy (Ramlow) Neer
Judy (Ramlow) Neer passed away in Chariton, Iowa, on July 3, 2004, after a lingering illness of Lou Gehrig disease.
Want to make The Whitefish Pilot your browser's homepage?
This is an obituary
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Public needs insight about manic-depression
Currently an incident involving manic-depression (also known as bi-polar disorder) is being covered by our local media. I am personally involved in this incident and have been married and living with my husband, who is manic-depressive, for 19 years.
Swim team takes second at Cut Bank
The Columbia Falls swim team took second place in the season opener last weekend in Cut Bank, behind a strong showing from half of the team's 70 members who traveled to the meet.
State land meetings
Another round of public meetings worth attending next week involve the state trust lands currently under study. On Monday, the public is welcome to attend the Advisory Committee meeting at North Valley Hospital from noon to 8 p.m., with an opportunity for questions at the end of the session.
This is a sports headline
This is the story This is the story This is the story This is the story This is the story This is the story This is the story This is the story This is the story This is the story