Thursday, March 31
St. Hugh's
The first line of an old song, "Fools Rush in Where Angels Fear to Tread," entered my mind the instant I found myself in an embarrassing situation.
Heartfelt thank you
From the family of Harold Jorgenson, to all our friends:
Mach two and cock-a-doodle-do
They probably teach physics at FVCC. Maybe I'll sign up because there is something driving me bananas. How come you can dial a telephone in Korea, hear it immediately ring in Montana and start talking like you were in the same room, yet . . . the official speed of sound is much slower than that?
Wednesday, March 30
Park plows ready to tackle Sun Highway
Glacier National Park's annual rite of spring starts next Tuesday-crews are set to begin plowing the Going-to-the-Sun Road starting at Lake McDonald Lodge.
Horsemen meet
The Back Country Horsemen of the Flathead will hold their regular monthly meeting on April 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Fish, Wildlife and Parks building in Kalispell. The meeting is open to the public, and all are welcome. Members wishing to participate in 2005 work projects need to come at 6:15 p.m. for a portion of the required Defensive Horsemanship Training. Call Deborah at 892-0200.
A cat-astrophe
So at any rate, it was Saturday morning and there I am chomping on my Lucky Charms (C'mon, admit it, you just eat the marshmallows, don't you? Knew you did.) and I got to wondering: What's eating Iowans these days?
Coram felon gets prison in child whipping
Hungry Horse News
Lake community split over access site
Hungry Horse News
Margaret Munson
Margaret Annette (DesRosier) Munson, 69, of Columbia Falls, died of cancer March 21, 2005, at the family home.
Wildkat basketball posts team awards
The Columbia Falls girls basketball team recently gave its year-end awards and recognition.
Boys and girls tennis teams ready to play outdoors
Hungry Horse News
Don't fail us, Congress
In the daily newspaper, there's been a lot of talk about building a bypass around downtown Kalispell. The project has ranged in price, depending on various designs, from around $20 million to more than $90 million.
Thursday, March 24
Governor is right about National Guard
Lets all hope that the pending fire season is not as dire as predictions,and conditions suggest. While we are hoping, lets prepare in case it is that bad. That seems to be the thought of Governor Schweitzer. The Republicans on the other hand, feel Mr. Schweitzer is somehow bashing our president by asking that Montana have its 3,500 or so National Guard members actually in Montana to help with needed fire suppression.
Condo concerns
My name is Jesse Remington and my wife's name is Michelle. We have two small children and live about half a mile directly downstream on the Swan River from the proposed Kootenai Lodge Condominiums.
Alfred Christian Lauritsen
A celebration of the life of Alfred Christian Lauritsen will be held at 1 p.m. on Aug. 6 on Big Mountain near the fishpond under Chair 1. Mr. Lauritsen passed away on Jan. 22, 2005 at the age of 80.
Don't delay master plan
In a recent article in the Daily Inter Lake, I was somewhat dismayed to see county commissioner Gary Hall suggesting the Flathead County may yet be 18 months away from a new Growth Policy.
Olaf Peter Erie
Olaf Peter Erie, 77, beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend, left us to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, on March 12, 2005, after a courageous 14-month battle with cancer.
Willard L. "Bill" Holter
Longtime radio broadcaster Willard L. "Bill" Holter, 81, passed away peacefully at Lake View Care Center in Bigfork, Tuesday, due to complications of Parkinson's disease. Holter was well known in the radio industry across the state, having owned stations in Helena, Glasgow, Malta, Missoula, Livingston and Great Falls. He was also a respected leader in politics as Chairman of the State Republican Party and Montana delegate to national conventions in 1968 and 1972.
Misuse and abuse
Growth on Swan Lake is inevitable. Private property owners have the freedom to build structures that meet the requirements of Lake County laws. Intelligent property owners will make decisions that minimize effects on the environment and to the quality of our everyday lives.
Rape victims are not being served
Our daughter was the victim of a violent sexual assault in Bigfork in October 2003.
Nordic racers medal in Yellowstone and Truckee Calif Calif.
Erik Anderson and Ian Mallams, of the Glacier Nordic Ski Team, traveled to Truckee, California to compete in the Junior Olympics. Erik and Ian did extremely well competing against 60 other J2 boys at the national level. Erik placed seventh in the 5k Classic Race and 12th in the 5k freestyle (skate) race and Ian placed ninth in classic and 15th in the freestyle. Together, they placed fifth in the relay race, despite a broken ski. For more information, go to:
Appreciation gives troops a sense of mission in Iraq
Editor's note: The following is a thank you letter from a serviceman currently in Iraq. The Goldthwait's wanted the letter printed so that everyone would understand the impact of gifts to our troops abroad.
Jawbreaker
Jerry "Patchy Chan" Hoffman gets a direct hit from Shawn "Wrecking Ball" Bollinger last Wednesday. The amateurs competed in the Majestic Valley Arena where Bollinger, who is from Whitefish, took home last week's crown in his weight division.
New ideas governor?
It is long past time for our Governor to quit beating up on an exemplary 20 year-old college student.
School funding dilemma
Public school officials say they are doing a fine job of educating, while at the same time yelling "we just aren't spending enough money for quality education."
Flathead Food Bank says thank you
The Flathead Food Bank would like to thank all of the wonderful people and establishments involved in this year's Soup Supper. Once again, it was a huge success, generating just under $6,000 for the Flathead Food Bank.
Christopher Dean Jenson
Christopher Dean Jenson, 27, Whitefish (formerly of Eden Prarie) died at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, Minn.; surrounded by his family. Our beloved Christopher passed away courageously on March 17, 2005.
California death row retrial hinges on Quatman testimony
Local attorney Jack Quatman is at the center of a maelstrom surrounding an appeal of a California inmate, Fred Freeman, that he helped send to death row. At issue is whether jurors were excluded based on religion and race and of consequence are the lives of inmates currently on death row whose cases were prosecuted by Alameda County attorney's office.
The Stableman's daughter
It was in the news this week. Beginning this year in Montana a student can get a B.A. (four-year) degree in Horsemanship.
Gladys C. Izett
Mrs. Gladys C. Izett, a long-time resident of Denver died peacefully and full of years March 12, 2005, at Riverside Assisted Living, Whitefish. She was in her hundredth year; born July 15, 1905, at St. Louis, Mo.
Wednesday, March 23
An earful
Uh, oh, I thought. That can't be good. It was 8:10 a.m. and I had just busted the end of the Q-tip deep into my ear. All I had in my hand was the stick. The cotton swab part was gone.
Electric fence planned for spill
Hungry Horse News
Softball team has some question marks on the mound
Hungry Horse News
Despite drought, reservoir should fill
Hungry Horse News
Darren Lobbestael, of Whitefish, fishes the Flathead last week in a snow squall.
Easter egg hunt
The Columbia Falls Lions Club will hold its annual Easter Egg Hunt at 1 p.m. on Sunday, weather permitting, at Marantette Park. The event is free and open to children ages 12 and under.
Track has solid foundation of returning athletes
Hungry Horse News
Albertoni does well at rodeo
Columbia Falls High School Rodeo members attended the first rodeo of 2005 at Carpenter's Arena in Kalispell last weekend. New member Rachel Thomson, along with Clayton Patterson and Zane and Shane McCaffree, had some tough luck on Saturday. Shane took a fourth in calf roping on Sunday. Kari Moran-Patton placed 10th in goat tying. Kassi Albertoni had a great weekend with barrel racing, placing second on Saturday and fifth on Sunday. The next rodeo will be at Helena on April 2 and 3.
Margaret Munson
Margaret Annette (DesRosier) Munson, 69, of Columbia Falls, died of cancer March 21, 2005, at her home.
Watching the wallet in Helena
We all know him. He inherits some money and goes on a spending spree. He is the guy who couldn't manage his money if his life depended on it. He has a new truck, a nice stereo, and new clothes and always eats out-soon credit cards are maxed out and he is filing for bankruptcy.
Park isn't ruling out explosives for avalanche control
Hungry Horse News
Thursday, March 17
Bankruptcy Reform to Harm Consumers
Congress is on the verge of passing bankruptcy reform legislation. Sadly, it is one of the cruelest pieces of legislation for consumers and, if passed, will be extremely hurtful to the people of this country.
Ladies' hockey brings home Griz Cup
Teamwork and camraderie were theNorthern Light's Ladies greatest assets, and in the end it won them the Griz Cup.
Letters to the editor
Care and compassion was appreciated
Obituaries & Births
William J. Murr
Big heroes
Sports Briefs
Wednesday, March 16
Ann Taylor
It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Ann Taylor on Friday, March 4, 2005, at the age of 87 years. Ann was preceded in death by her husband Jack; parents William and Grace Beck; sisters Mary Balon and Sarah Anderson.
Message to Swan Lakers
We admire all the Swan Lakers who are trying so hard to keep the historical sights, beautiful scenery, wildlife, fantastic clear blue rivers and lakes for future generations to enjoy like we have done while vacationing in your area for the past 30 years. Montana is a state like none other. We encourage you to continue your efforts to keep it that way!
City still wants to sell reservoir land
Hungry Horse News
Not-so-great impact
This is regarding the proposed development of the Kootenai Lodge on Swan Lake.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Regarding the article in last week's edition titled "Milhous tries to win over town hall audience," it's very clear that Mr. Milhous knows his plan for the Kootenai Lodge property is totally unwelcome.
Holterman's latest book
I do not know how old Jack Holterman is. I don't know where he is right now . . . maybe New Zealand. That's what someone said. I do not know if Jack Holterman is working on any more books.
Bear sought after killing family goats and a duck
Hungry Horse News
Soldier on, Senator
This is in reference to a sarcastic letter to the editor
Melvin Schwede
With family by his side, Melvin Edward Schwede, 69, beloved husband, father, son, brother, grandfather and friend, passed away of cancer March 10, 2005, at Brendan House in Kalispell.
Causes for concern
As residents of Swan Sites, approximately one mile south of the Kootenai Lodge, we are very concerned about the proposed Kootenai Lodge condominium project.
Butte
The thing I like to do when I'm visiting a new place is to go out and get lost. Well, not exactly one hundred percent lost. That just gets you angry. I like the kind of lost where you sorta know how to get back if you have to, and even if you're not quite sure how to get back exactly, at least you have enough gas to get to a place where you can ask someone where the heck you are.
Dukes mixture
It takes a multitude of seeking to find what I need and sometimes no amount of seeking will bring to light the mislaid item. What this seeking does is bring to light many scraps of paper of various sizes and an array of colors with notations of ideas for columns and pages of unfinished columns that stalled in mid-flight.
Cardiac Cats do it again! (Tons of photos in Gallery)
Boys basketball team grabs second state A title in three years
Go Wildcats!
We'd just like to give a big round of applause to our Wildcat basketball team. The boys hung in there and made it not just a thrilling tournament, but a thrilling season.
Thursday, March 10
Mid-session education report
The most frequent question I am asked by Montanans these days is, "How is the Legislature doing on education?"
Cats face Cinderella story in Browning, first round at state
The Columbia Falls Wildcats will get a little bit of their own style of play in the first round of the state A tourney.
Keenan is totally dependent on Schweitzer
It is unfortunate the Sen. Bob Keenan has chosen to allow his "passionate intensity" to define his public service by initiating a crusade against Governor Brian Schweitzer. If the media stories are accurate, they suggest that Sen. Keenan has become co-dependent or counterdependent, living only in reaction to Governor Schweitzer. His new negative identity was created quickly and probably feels sort of like life. Sometimes being over and against is a lot easier and more satisfying than being harmonious and amicable.
Don't lose Whitefish
To the residents of Whitefish: do you folks have any idea of what you have here? I'll tell you. It's a place where life and beauty come together as one.
Cafe and Rentals replace carwash and trailer park
Council says cafe and rentals will replace carwash and trailer park on Wisconsin
C. Falls grad struggles at NAIA nationals
Hungry Horse News
Over 40 hockey tourney recap
The first-annual, over 40 hockey tournament, the Whitefish Over Forty Classic, drew teams from Canada and Washington. Two Whitefish teams also competed, the Wannagos and the Gray Grizzlies, placing fourth and sixth respectively. The Dunlog Ford Broncos from Leftbridge won the title.
Mildred (Craig) King
Mildred (Craig) King died Feb. 28 at Whitefish after a previous illness. Cremation has taken place and at her request, no services are planned. At a later date her ashes will be placed at the Fortine Cemetery.
Harold Joseph Jorgenson
Harold Joseph Jorgenson, age 82, passed away at his home in Ferndale after a long illness.
Bigfork Eagle Editorial
History in the making
125 years ago
We are lucky here in the Flathead for many blessings, such as huckleberries. There are other things too which we all talk about, good scenery, rich soil, and lots of fresh water. Any of us could make a very long list; but one special thing I'm very thankful for are the unbelievable historical records, written, gathered, and preserved by the first people who came here. Ran across another one today, which I believe was written by a Mrs. Tetrault whose family, came to the Flathead from a French settlement area in Canada via Frenchtown, west of Missoula.
District probably won't need to raise levy after all
Hungry Horse News
Byron Kiser
Byron Elton Kiser, 44, of Columbia Falls, died in his sleep Sunday, March 6, 2005, at his Kalispell home due to complications of the flu and three car accidents.
Waterslide could face foreclosure
But owners say they're looking at refinancing
Quality not quantity
I grew up in a home on Rainbow Drive. I have watched my parents purchase adjoining property to their land over the course of the last 10 years in efforts to ensure that the area surrounding our serene home stayed pure, natural and beautiful. My intense love and passion for the entire Flathead area compelled me to buy my own home in the neighborhood. As a property owner on Wapiti Lane near the Kootenai Lodge; I feel compelled to voice my opinion on the Milhous Group's recent proposal. I must say that I am more than concerned about the condominiums proposed by the Milhous Group. In fact I am sickened.
Local skate park gets 'adult' into trouble
Column by Sam Kaufman
Destination Imagination teams shine at tournament
More than 100 third through eighth grade students on 19 teams from Northwest Montana competed in the Destination Imagination Regional tournament at Elrod School recently.
Graffiti vandal hits town with green paint
Love. Revolt. Big Up. Illegible green lines.
Youth track coming soon
Hungry Horse News
Shakespeare in the Parks
For many years, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks has been performing at least one (and often both) of its summer productions behind Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell. We have always enjoyed the positive response and warm reception we have received and hope to do so for many years to come.
PETSS
Republican Senator Minority Leader Bob Keenan's recent personal attacks on Governor Brian Schweitzer reveal the deep emotional wounds that Senator Bob is still suffering from when the citizens of Montana elected Brian along with a Democratic majority in the Senate. After serving for 10 years in the Legislature as one of the leaders of the majority party, Senator Bob's fragile ego has had a difficult time in adjusting to his role as a member of the minority.
Higher education
We're among the 19 Columbia Falls area residents attending senior classes at Flathead Valley Community College every Friday.
Report says pilot made a wrong turn, couldn't escape box canyon in fatal Forest Service crash
Hungry Horse News
For wilderness, but not against logging
Recent comments in newspapers have implied that Montana Wilderness Association is an anti-timber organization. This is neither accurate nor fair.
Natalie A. Kienas Joy
Natalie A. Kienas Joy (Cookie) passed away on March 5, 2005, at Brendan House in Kalispell. Natalie was born Sept. 3, 1917, in Kalispell to Herman and Amalie Shirmer Kienas.
Skaters medal big on road
Members of the Whitefish Figure Skating Club competed in three different events over the past three weekends, more than holding their own against skaters from all around the region. Sanctioned events in Cranbrook, BC, Billings and Spokane offered the club's skaters solid competition and recognition.
Christian women
The Columbia Falls Women's Connection will meet March 15 at 9:30 a.m. at Los Caporales. Cost is $7 for brunch.
Friday, March 4
Roy Grant Malcolm
After a short and courageous fight with cancer, Roy Grant Malcolm passed away Feb. 20, 2005.
Guest opinion
Sales tax makes sense
Pomes and NERDS
Have always been sort of absent minded, and probably more so the last 50 years. It's interesting sometimes. This last weekend while cleaning my room, came across a short poem on an old floppy disk dated 1999.
Thursday, March 3
Arthur Lyngstad
Arthur J. Lyngstad died of natural causes at the Montana Veterans Home on Feb. 19, 2005, after a short illness.
Boys are Butte bound: Photos of tourney in Photo Gallery
The Columbia Falls boys basketball team took the Northwest A divisional crown on Saturday.
Dirty dancing
"So how is this?" I looked at Roz and Roz looked at me and smiled with the sort of pained look that one gets when you've tried and tried to teach someone something but they just don't get it.
Prayer day
World Day of Prayer will take place at 1 p.m., Friday, March 4, at the Klothes Kloset. Members of Church Women United will lead the program and serve refreshments. Glacier Christian School students will sing.
Girls' hopes end with loss to Ronan in OT
Hungry Horse News
'Moonlight' jump off Columbia doesn't go well for paraglider
Hungry Horse News
Fat argument has no weight
This week the Swan View Coalition is basing its appeal of a fire-salvage sale on the fact that Americans are getting fat.
Baucus gets raucous reception from Canadians
Hungry Horse News
Enviros using fat argument in appeal
MFMU argues road closures go way too far