Wednesday, April 26
L i b b y b e a t s W h i t e f i s h i n e x t r a i n n i n g s
B y C H A N D L E R M E L T O N
Experience required
The upcoming May 2 election provides opportunity to keep Scott Hollinger on the Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee. His experience and background provides needed insight in guiding future growth of Bigfork. He is highly qualified to make valuable recommendations to responsible officials and committees within the county.
Guest opinion
Political platform
Richard Darin Nelson
On the morning of April 18, 2006, the Nelson family, Schat family, Stimac family and countless others in Arizona, California, Nevada and Montana lost a favorite son, brother, uncle, nephew and friend. Richard Darin Nelson was dearly and deeply loved by all who knew him.
Ruth Cecelia Nordtome
Ruth Cecelia Nordtome, age 90, passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 at the Lakeview Care Center in Bigfork. She was born on Sept. 1, 1915 in Bigfork, the daughter of Kaurin B. and Johanna (Petterson) Johnson.
Don't miss the opportunity
Don't miss the opportunity to make the right choice for Senate District 5 June 6.
Sandry awarded Sun Road rehabiltation contract
Hungry Horse News
Dennis Langton
Many hearts were broken with the passing of Dennis Langton on April 21, 2006.
Time to register for June's primary
In the last election, 20 percent of the citizens of Flathead Valley decided to a large extent the future of 100 percent of the citizens of Flathead Valley.
Kenneth Smith
Kenneth John Smith, 60, passed away on March 16, 2006, in Kalispell after a long illness.
Community kitchen
Columbia Falls Community Kitchen is celebrating its 10th anniversary of service in our community and invites you to share free meals with them starting Thursday, April 27, through Sunday, April 30, at 6 p.m. in the basement of St. Richard's Catholic Church.
In support of Morrison
I am writing in support of John Morrison in his bid for the U.S. Senate. I want the people of this state to know what a wonderful job he is doing for our state and how much he cares about each and every one of us.
Our most important obligation
The process of running for office is indeed a unique experience requiring hard work, dedication and the willingness to listen and learn. The opportunity to meet fascinating people and learn of the unselfish service they provide our communities are two great side benefits. Jim FitzGerald, executive director, Intermountain Children's Home (ICH), is a great example.
Clara Fern Maddox
Clara Fern Maddox, age 81, passed away at HealthCenter NorthWest in Kalispell, Montana, on Monday, April 17, 2006. She was born on Aug. 18, 1924 in Cedar Bluffs, Neb., the daughter of Earl and Lula (Settles) Ruff, the second of four girls.
Flanagan on the O'Shaughnessy
To Mr. Andy Palchak: Sir, I am sorry if you or any other resident were offended by the quote published in the Whitefish Pilot April 20 edition. Unfortunately, it was taken out of context.
Saddest Pleasure will be missed
Thank you, Hannah Plumb, for all of the years of affordable literature provided by you at The Saddest Pleasure used-book store.
Community vision
It is obvious to everyone that Bigfork has been growing rapidly recently, and surprising to no one that it is doing so. Bigfork is a unique town with beautiful surrounding open spaces, agricultural lands, and scenic views. It is not surprising that so many want to come live here. And with all of its available land, and few development restrictions, it is a waiting opportunity.
Thursday, April 20
The waiting game
I'm sure you have heard the phrase, "Wonders never cease." It's a phrase that is used when a child surprises you by cleaning their bedroom without being asked, or tackles the evening dishes while you're busy in another room to finish up a daily chore. The wonder that never ceases to amaze me is the arrival of spring flowers after long, cold Montana winters.
Burglar bashing
A guy who spins yarns on the radio weekday mornings then writes a newspaper column every Thursday and keeps doing that for 45 years … is bound to become occasionally confused about what stories he has told, and where. This is more true after his age goes over 75. That is why I asked "First Wife Iris" this week if she thought I had written the story of the robber who got the hell beat out of him in the old folks home. She said, "No, I think you told that on the radio." I hope Iris was right, because here comes the story.
To clarify
BLUAC has seven members. Six of the members are elected in three-year rotations in May of each year. The member-at-large position is appointed by the six elected members for a one-year term in June of every year.
Billie M. McCrum
Billie M. McCrum, age 86, passed away at Kalispell Regional Medical Center on Saturday, April 15, 2006. Billie was born on July 8, 1919 in Clay, Louisiana to John Wesley and Jessie Emma Stewart Harden. She was raised in San Antonio, Texas, where she graduated from high school and attended beauty school.
Marjorie Ione Higgins
Marjorie Ione Higgins passed away April 7, 2006 at her home in Troy. She was born April 2, 1923 in Kenmare, N.D., the daughter of Engvald Bernard Beck and Ella May Bennett.
M. Deane Halter
M. Deane Halter, 80, passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2006 at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. He was born on July 18, 1925 at Sunburst, Mont., the son of Lester and Ina (Christensen) Halter.
Our freedom and money
Our freedom and money seem to be at risk every time the state legislature meets. Our quality of life is directly dependent on our freedom and the dollars in our pocket.
Illegal immigrants
There is an immediate need to draft legislation in Montana, which would deny illegal immigrants the use of our schools, health facilities and social services. Included in this legislation must be substantial penalties for Montana businesses, which employ illegal immigrants either directly or through sub-contractors.
Victor "Dale" Warren
Victor "Dale" Warren, 74, passed away on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 at his home in Bigfork. He was born on Aug. 17, 1931 in Zortman, Mont., to Bill and Isabell (Laverdure) Warren.
Michael Robert "Jorgie" Jorgensen
Michael Robert "Jorgie" Jorgensen, 50, passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2006, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer.
Wednesday, April 19
Lion's Pancakes
The Columbia Falls Lions Club pancake breakfast is from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 22 at the Senior Center. Cost is $3.50 for adults, $3 for children 12 and under, or $12 for a family.
Time again to Clean The Fish
Now that spring is here, garbage once hidden by snow is appearing on the streets of Whitefish. That means it's time for the annual Clean The Fish community clean-up.
Drowning victim recovered in lake
The body of the Canadian man who drowned in Whitefish Lake on April 7 was recovered by divers six days later after specialized underwater search equipment pinpointed his location.
Gratuitous swipe not appreciated
Fifty years ago, my late grandmother warned me, "Never trust a man who puffs himself up by foolishly attacking others."
Richard Taylor
Richard Lord Taylor, a prominent Montana architect, passed away in San Diego, Calif., on March 31, 2006.
New park will socialize dogs
We are pleased to hear that there is a five-acre dog park under consideration at the Armory sports field complex. We believe that is a wonderful location for a dog park, as it would offer a family one place for all members to recreate.
Thomas Bright
Thomas Dalton "Tom" Bright, age 80, passed away April 10, 2006, at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell.
Wilderness fund-raiser a success
The Bob Marshall Foundation and Swan Ecosystem Center would like to thank the community of Whitefish, volunteers and businesses in western Montana for making our annual fund-raising event a success.
Whitefish singles players dominate Havre tourney
The Polson boys tennis team slipped past the Whitefish squad during the Pirates°O 4-3 win over the Bulldogs on Thursday at Grouse Mountain.
Eternally grateful
We, the family and friends of Seamus Daley would like to thank all of the people who have responded to the tragedy on Friday, April 7, on Whitefish Lake, and everyone who has been of assistance since the boating accident.
Wednesday, April 12
I saw three swans this weekend.
The swans should have been winging north, but they weren't.
Shyloh Cochran
Shyloh Elizabeth Cochran, 25, died April 6, 2006, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Special response team forming
In an effort to more safely and effectively handle high-risk situations that are beyond the capabilities of normal uniformed police response, the Lake County Sheriff's Office, Flathead Tribal Police and the Polson Police Department are in the process of forming the Mission Valley Special Response Team.
Roadless task force is diverse
I must respond to Montana Wilderness Association member Roger Sherman's letter criticizing the Flathead County Roadless Task Force and the upcoming ballot question on roadless areas.
Bigfork Eagle editorial
Forum format
Florine "Patrick" Box
Florine "Patrick" Box died on Thursday, April 6 at Kalispell Medical Center. She was 81. Patrick was born in Mercer, Penn., on Jan, 20, 1925 to Robert and Gladys McBride.
Jean Carolyn Lowney
Jean Carolyn Hogmark Lowney, 76, Hartwell, Ga., died Saturday, April 1, 2006 from terminal cancer at her home.
Pledges stance on eminent domain
Eminent domain became a major issue in Montana the next day after the Supreme Court action in Connecticut (Kelo vs London) took private property as means for economic development. The "compelling public interest" requirement appeared to be minimized or absent.
Bacheloring advice for old guys
Maybe 12 years since Iris has left me alone for more than a day or two, so I got to wondering what it is like to be a bachelor…then stumbled across a 1994 report which has valuable ideas for married men facing a little time alone.
Guest opinion
Vote May 2
The right to own property
Under Article II, Section 3, Inalienable rights of the Montana Constitution: "All persons are born free and have certain inalienable rights." These rights include (but are not limited to) "acquiring, possessing and protecting property."
Growing pains
I am concerned about the way the Flathead Valley is succumbing to the rampant spread of urban sprawl. Growth in the valley is taking place at such a fast pace that any chance to avoid the resulting look of "Anytown, USA" is nearly non-existent. It doesn't seem to matter how many well-crafted planning documents there are on record that advocate preservation of open space, clean water protection, accessible public parks, landscape and view guidelines, wildlife corridors and neighborhood character protection, the various neighborhood advisory committees, the county planning staff, the county planning board and the Flathead County Commissioners don't seem to think these documents are critical factors to consider when reviewing a developer's subdivision proposal. It appears to me that most of the applications are merely being given a quick look to see if they meet the minimum requirements. Little or no time is being spent to discover what sort of long term impacts a given subdivision, Master Plan amendment or conditional use permit will really have on the nature of the whole valley. How will the traffic flow be changed? What will it look like to the millions of Montana visitors who travel our roadways? What kind of additional strain will be put on our infrastructure? How will our property values ultimately be affected?
Furniture races will be missed
I was sad to see that Big Mountain will no longer have the furniture race. Every long-term resident I spoke with simply said that it was a shame that the race is now gone.
Profanity not appreciated
I am very disappointed that what used to be a family-friendly community newspaper is turning into an R-rated second-class rag. I noticed months ago that the Pilot chose to run an ad with a woman wearing nearly nothing. There are certain publications where this could be considered appropriate, but a newspaper isn't it.
Bulldogs pace themselves in early meets
The Whitefish boys track team took four first-place finishes at a track meet in Kalispell on Tuesday and managed to place second in three other events.
Esther Montgomery
Esther Marion Montgomery, 88, passed away April 6, 2006, at Brendan House in Kalispell.
Wanda Parks
Wanda Louella Parks, 98, passed away April 8, 2006, at North Valley Hospital.
Wednesday, April 5
Helen Brumwell Evans
Helen Brumwell Evans died March 28, 2006 at the Beartooth Hospital and Health Center in Red Lodge.
Weather guesser guide
First it was here, then it was retracted. Now the "U.S. Weather Bureau's wind chill factor" is back. This means there are millions of younger folks who don't know the story behind this "chill factor" business. Today's column will help everyone see the situation clearly.
In support of Toole
Six candidates filed for Public Service Commission District 5, but one stands out clearly above all others. Ken Toole has consistently fought the scourge of deregulation foisted upon the people of Montana by a Republican legislature and governor.
Working together
We of Senate District 5, like the rest of Montana, will be making decisions over the next several years that will determine the Montana our children and grandchildren will inherit. Citizens and legislators will determine if future generations are able to live and work in a Montana as special as the Montana we currently enjoy. Throughout this process, we must keep in mind that we will be judged by what we leave for those who follow us.
Would you approve incorporation?
A)Yes
Lena Berg
Lena Evangeline (Spooner) Berg passed away April 3, 2006, at the Brendan House in Kalispell after her last battle with cancer.
Police should get tough on drinkers
The city of Whitefish is suffering an epidemic of vandalism accompanying its rapid growth. Whitefish Police Chief Bill Dial suggests that the taxpaying businesses of Whitefish hire their own security guard and organize volunteer groups to patrol.
Praise for the Pilot
I couldn't resist writing after getting my March 16 Pilot. The photography is awesome. Thanks to Chris Peterson for the fabulous picture of Lake McDonald in Glacier Park in winter and Little Matterhorn. Also Chandler Melton for the great ones on Big Mountain and the lake.
Misunderstanding
Considering that Mr. Loranger is new to the Flathead Valley, I will explain how Montana's "constitutionally mandated term limits" work. I have served my four terms in the House of Representatives where I have developed legislative experience to benefit citizens of Flathead County. I am now running for Senate District 5. This is perfectly within the law as written and is accepted practice. The law recognizes that experience is valuable and is especially helpful in working with lobbyist and government officials who never term out. I have not "circumvented" the law as he asserts. I have ranched and farmed in the center of Senate District 5 for 15 years. If this it is a matter of misunderstanding on his part, a retraction is in order.
Raymond Managhan
Raymond L. Managhan, 94, passed away March 27, 2006, at Brendan House in Kalispell.
Boys tennis ties Libby
A shorthanded Whitefish boys tennis team split their matches 3-3 with the Libby Loggers during the first meet of the season on Saturday.
Marcel Rutschmann
Marcel Jakob Rutschmann, 67, passed away March 25, 2006, in Whitefish due to cancer.
Be civil
Having once again stepped into the political arena as a candidate for a seat in the Montana House of Representatives, I am discovering some of the inherent up sides and down sides of the political experience. In the relatively short time since I made my intentions known, I have been very encouraged by the expressions of support, while at the same time very disappointed by the discovery of some incredibly despicable efforts on the part of one political camp to discredit an opponent.
Without soapsuds
I didn't have much to think about and had no need to hurry through my shower the other day, when the vacancy in my head filled with soapsuds that were non-existent for a long period during World War II.
Winifred Osburnsen
Winifred "Winnie" Osburnsen, 87, peacefully passed away March 28, 2006, surrounded by family at her daughter and son-in-law's home in Whitefish.
Dogs leaving mess behind
I have lived in Whitefish for 20 years. I live on Dakota Avenue. I have noticed in the last year or so all the dog poop everywhere.
Truck can't make corner
A large semi truck took the corner too closely March 21 and hit a traffic light fixture at Baker Avenue and Second Street in front of American Bank.
Thanks to Stoltze
First, I would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Stoltze Land and Lumber Co. for continuing their generous policy of allowing public use and access to their lands. Without use of these lands, the activities of local hunters, hikers, bikers, horseback riders, cross-country skiers, snowmobilers and dog mushers would be severely limited.
