Stories for March 2005

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Thursday, March 31

March 31, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 31, 2005 11 p.m.

Heartfelt thank you

From the family of Harold Jorgenson, to all our friends:

March 31, 2005 11 p.m.

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

March 30, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 30, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 30, 2005 11 p.m.

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?

March 30, 2005 11 p.m.

Coram felon gets prison in child whipping

Hungry Horse News

March 30, 2005 11 p.m.

Lake community split over access site

Hungry Horse News

March 30, 2005 11 p.m.

Margaret Munson

Margaret Annette (DesRosier) Munson, 69, of Columbia Falls, died of cancer March 21, 2005, at the family home.

March 30, 2005 11 p.m.

Wildkat basketball posts team awards

The Columbia Falls girls basketball team recently gave its year-end awards and recognition.

March 30, 2005 11 p.m.

Boys and girls tennis teams ready to play outdoors

Hungry Horse News

March 30, 2005 11 p.m.

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

March 24, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 24, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 24, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 24, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 24, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 24, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 24, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 24, 2005 11 p.m.

Rape victims are not being served

Our daughter was the victim of a violent sexual assault in Bigfork in October 2003.

March 24, 2005 11 p.m.

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:

March 24, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 24, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 24, 2005 11 p.m.

New ideas governor?

It is long past time for our Governor to quit beating up on an exemplary 20 year-old college student.

March 24, 2005 11 p.m.

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."

March 24, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 24, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 24, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 24, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 24, 2005 11 p.m.

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

March 23, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 23, 2005 11 p.m.

Electric fence planned for spill

Hungry Horse News

March 23, 2005 11 p.m.

Softball team has some question marks on the mound

Hungry Horse News

March 23, 2005 11 p.m.

Despite drought, reservoir should fill

Hungry Horse News

March 23, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 23, 2005 11 p.m.

Track has solid foundation of returning athletes

Hungry Horse News

March 23, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 23, 2005 11 p.m.

Margaret Munson

Margaret Annette (DesRosier) Munson, 69, of Columbia Falls, died of cancer March 21, 2005, at her home.

March 23, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 23, 2005 11 p.m.

Park isn't ruling out explosives for avalanche control

Hungry Horse News

Thursday, March 17

March 17, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 17, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 17, 2005 11 p.m.

Letters to the editor

Care and compassion was appreciated

March 17, 2005 11 p.m.

Obituaries & Births

William J. Murr

March 17, 2005 11 p.m.

Big heroes

Sports Briefs

Wednesday, March 16

March 16, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 16, 2005 11 p.m.

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!

March 16, 2005 11 p.m.

City still wants to sell reservoir land

Hungry Horse News

March 16, 2005 11 p.m.

Not-so-great impact

This is regarding the proposed development of the Kootenai Lodge on Swan Lake.

March 16, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 16, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 16, 2005 11 p.m.

Bear sought after killing family goats and a duck

Hungry Horse News

March 16, 2005 11 p.m.

Soldier on, Senator

This is in reference to a sarcastic letter to the editor

March 16, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 16, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 16, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 16, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 16, 2005 11 p.m.

Cardiac Cats do it again! (Tons of photos in Gallery)

Boys basketball team grabs second state A title in three years

March 16, 2005 11 p.m.

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

March 10, 2005 11 p.m.

Mid-session education report

The most frequent question I am asked by Montanans these days is, "How is the Legislature doing on education?"

March 10, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 10, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 10, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 10, 2005 11 p.m.

Cafe and Rentals replace carwash and trailer park

Council says cafe and rentals will replace carwash and trailer park on Wisconsin

March 10, 2005 11 p.m.

C. Falls grad struggles at NAIA nationals

Hungry Horse News

March 10, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 10, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 10, 2005 11 p.m.

Harold Joseph Jorgenson

Harold Joseph Jorgenson, age 82, passed away at his home in Ferndale after a long illness.

March 10, 2005 11 p.m.

Bigfork Eagle Editorial

History in the making

March 10, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 10, 2005 11 p.m.

District probably won't need to raise levy after all

Hungry Horse News

March 10, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 10, 2005 11 p.m.

Waterslide could face foreclosure

But owners say they're looking at refinancing

March 10, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 10, 2005 11 p.m.

Local skate park gets 'adult' into trouble

Column by Sam Kaufman

March 10, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 10, 2005 11 p.m.

Graffiti vandal hits town with green paint

Love. Revolt. Big Up. Illegible green lines.

March 10, 2005 11 p.m.

Youth track coming soon

Hungry Horse News

March 10, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 10, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 10, 2005 11 p.m.

Higher education

We're among the 19 Columbia Falls area residents attending senior classes at Flathead Valley Community College every Friday.

March 10, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 10, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 10, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 10, 2005 11 p.m.

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

March 4, 2005 11 p.m.

Roy Grant Malcolm

After a short and courageous fight with cancer, Roy Grant Malcolm passed away Feb. 20, 2005.

March 4, 2005 11 p.m.

Guest opinion

Sales tax makes sense

March 4, 2005 11 p.m.

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

March 3, 2005 11 p.m.

Arthur Lyngstad

Arthur J. Lyngstad died of natural causes at the Montana Veterans Home on Feb. 19, 2005, after a short illness.

March 3, 2005 11 p.m.

Boys are Butte bound: Photos of tourney in Photo Gallery

The Columbia Falls boys basketball team took the Northwest A divisional crown on Saturday.

March 3, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 3, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 3, 2005 11 p.m.

Girls' hopes end with loss to Ronan in OT

Hungry Horse News

March 3, 2005 11 p.m.

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.

March 3, 2005 11 p.m.

Baucus gets raucous reception from Canadians

Hungry Horse News

March 3, 2005 11 p.m.

Enviros using fat argument in appeal

MFMU argues road closures go way too far