Stories for May 2006

Subscribe

Wednesday, May 31

May 31, 2006 11 p.m.

Meehan for sheriff

Well, it's that time again, so remember to vote on June 6. I am going to vote for Mike Meehan.

May 31, 2006 11 p.m.

No to mosquito levy

I am concerned about the levy on the June 6, 2006 ballot asking for up to $330,000 per year for mosquito control in Flathead County.

May 31, 2006 11 p.m.

Theodore Keith "Ted" McDougall

Theodore Keith "Ted" McDougall, age 82, died at his home in Rollins, Mont., on Sunday, May 21, 2006. He was born Feb. 17, 1924 in Cleveland, N.D., to Wilmer and Eureka (Strand) McDougall.

May 31, 2006 11 p.m.

George Sullivan

You would meet George Sullivan once and never forget him. He was so loving to everyone, a born gentleman who lived for life.

May 31, 2006 11 p.m.

Ashcraft Distorts Voting Record

In a recent letter to the editor Larry Ashcraft, a member of Don Loranger's Campaign Committee, distorted my voting record. He claims to have personally researched the information from the legislative Web site on his computer. It is very suspicious that Ashcraft's letter has the same rambling style and misrepresentations as other letters sent by other people.

May 31, 2006 11 p.m.

Ethel Shanor

Ethel M. Shanor, 79, of Belgrade, passed away at the Bozeman Deaconess Hospital on May 19, 2006.

May 31, 2006 11 p.m.

William E. Bivens

William E. Bivens, 71, long time Columbia Falls resident passed away from an unexpected illness Jan. 9, 2006.

May 31, 2006 11 p.m.

Bigfork Eagle editorial

Teach them well

May 31, 2006 11 p.m.

O'Neil for Justice

This letter is to encourage the good citizens of Flathead County to vote for Jerry O'Neil for Justice of the Peace.

May 31, 2006 11 p.m.

Karin Malmquist

Karin Marie Malmquist, 46, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, died May 22, 2006, in Whitefish, where she lived with her family.

May 31, 2006 11 p.m.

Mountain man

Senate District 5 is an extraordinary political product. This is the first election in its existence as a voting unit.

May 31, 2006 11 p.m.

Softball goes two and out at state

Hungry Horse News

May 31, 2006 11 p.m.

Make your vote count

We have a republican form of government in this country. That means we choose our leaders by voting, and the winners will hopefully represent our interests when they're put in office.

May 31, 2006 11 p.m.

Michael Mercer

Michael R. Mercer passed away Feb. 23, 2006, at his home in Yakima, Wash., of heart failure.

May 31, 2006 11 p.m.

Crime victims advocate

Our family suffered a tragedy in October of 2003 when our daughter was raped by two young men at a house party in Ferndale. Were it not for the professionalism and tenacity of Sheriff Bill Barron and his department, especially late Detective Andy Cannon, our daughter would have likely never seen justice in this terrible assault.

May 31, 2006 11 p.m.

Mosquito levy not needed

I am concerned about the levy on the June 6 ballot asking for up to $330,000 per year for mosquito control in Flathead County.

May 31, 2006 11 p.m.

Track teams take 18th at state meet

Both the boys and girls Columbia Falls' track teams took 18th place at the state meet last week in Butte.

May 31, 2006 11 p.m.

In response

It is a very sad fact that politics frequently gets ugly. Voters deserve much better. In fact, they, like me, are sick and tired of it, and their votes are beginning to reflect that view. When Mr. Calaway unfairly hurled his lies, deceit, innuendo, and just plain uninformed rhetoric in my husband's direction, I was especially offended. At the same time, I felt sorry for this man who is obviously so ill equipped to deal with the truth let alone complex issues.

May 31, 2006 11 p.m.

Creepy crawlies

I said to my husband, "I've killed three ants in the last few days—the big black ones. Really big ones."

Thursday, May 25

May 25, 2006 11 p.m.

Sounds in the night?

Luckily, Iris is not like Dagwood Bumstead's wife. She does not wake me in the middle of the night to investigate strange noises coming from somewhere in our darkened home. Perhaps she is enough younger than I that she never lived in a home without electricity. Houses at night sounded different in the olden days.

May 25, 2006 11 p.m.

Theodore John Habarth

Theodore John Habarth, age 65, of Bigfork died of a sudden heart attack at his home on Swan Lake on Friday, May 19 2006. Ted was born in Detroit, Mich., on Nov. 5, 1940, the second son of Gerald C. Habarth and Sophie E. Leipus.

May 25, 2006 11 p.m.

No to mosquito levy

I'm writing about the proposed property tax increase, to be voted on at the June 6th election, which would authorize up to $330,000 to be used to try to control mosquitoes in Flathead County. Currently, the county spends about $10,000 to kill or retard the growth of mosquito larva in standing water areas in parts of Kalispell, Evergreen, and Somers. The county has some devices which are available for public use to trap mosquitoes, and they also provide information on how to avoid mosquitoes in your personal life.

May 25, 2006 11 p.m.

Robert "Bob" Ross Gordon

Robert "Bob" Ross Gordon, our wonderful dad, papa, brother and uncle, passed away at Evergreen Hospice in Kirkland, Wash., on May 21, 2006 after a short battle with brain cancer. He joins his beloved wife Donna who preceded him in death in October 2000.

May 25, 2006 11 p.m.

Unanswered questions

Time and again, Don Loranger has broken his promise for a clean campaign. His entire strategy, so far, has been to wrongfully smear his opponent while evading any question as to what he will do if elected. He avoids taking a firm stand on any of the important issues facing the citizens of Montana, the Flathead Valley and Senate District Number 5.

May 25, 2006 11 p.m.

For the people

We need to keep Verdell Jackson in the Legislature as a state senator. He has a track record of addressing critical issues with thoroughness and knowledge. His research on issues includes achieving depth of understanding concerning critical issues, their past history, and related results measurement. His decisions are based upon thorough analysis of possible alternatives to problem solving. Having been a school superintendent he understands the need for quality teacher and student performance as well as efficient use of funding in the interests of achieving the best possible education for our children.

May 25, 2006 11 p.m.

Guest opinion

Skaters need local park

May 25, 2006 11 p.m.

Mary Block Schaub

Mary Schaub of Bigfork died April 17, 2006. She was born Jan. 2,1922 in Passaic, N.J.

May 25, 2006 11 p.m.

Raising the bar

Several weeks ago you could hear it as a low rumble from some seemingly distant point over the horizon, but as the political season rolls on it has given way to an ever growing cacophony of loud voices fervently expressing political views, promises, analyses, hopes, and uncompromising convictions that the speaker has all the answers. Sadly, few people really listen to what is being said, unless they are the one saying it. In part, that is because the polarization of opinion is acute and not very useful in terms of Montana coming to grips with many of the challenges we face in the modern world.

Wednesday, May 24

May 24, 2006 11 p.m.

Girls tennis team takes divisional title

Whitefish's Danni Paulson defended her Northwestern divisional title for the third time in three years Saturday against Polson's Jen Orchard, and five other Bulldog hitters qualified for the state meet in Polson.

May 24, 2006 11 p.m.

Bulldogs send six netters to state

Whitefish freshman Matt Harris avenged his loss to Pol-son's Andy Dykstra earlier in the season and won the singles final, while the Bulldogs boys tennis team took home the team championship at the Northwestern A tennis meet in Kalispell on Saturday.

May 24, 2006 11 p.m.

Has Image

Matthew Scotten

May 24, 2006 11 p.m.

Theodore John Habarth

Theodore John Habarth, 65, of Bigfork died of a sudden heart attack at his home on Swan Lake on Friday, May 19, 2006. Ted was born in Detroit, Mich., on November 5, 1940, the second son of Gerald C. Habarth and Sophie E. Leipus.

May 24, 2006 11 p.m.

Sullivan to serve as role model

As an educator with 38 years in America's classrooms, I am keenly aware of the need for a thoughtful citizenry eager to participate in the democratic process.

May 24, 2006 11 p.m.

Teen center a success

The Teen Center at the Roy Duff Memorial Armory in Whitefish has been very successful in attracting anywhere from 20 to 80 teens for evenings of film, music, fun and food in a relaxed atmosphere.

May 24, 2006 11 p.m.

Sheffels dedicated to education

Offices that don't attract a great deal of attention can get overlooked in an election like this one. Low key, non-controversial but nonetheless very important is the election of the Flathead County Superintendent of Schools.

May 24, 2006 11 p.m.

Booming economy can bring crooks

A few words concerning the boomtown of Whitefish:

May 24, 2006 11 p.m.

Sullivan has ideas for justice court

As Flathead County residents go to the polls for the June 6 primary, I encourage each one to vote for Mark Sullivan for Justice of the Peace.

May 24, 2006 11 p.m.

James Clegg

James R. "Jim" Clegg, 70, passed on to the Lord on May 9, 2006, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

May 24, 2006 11 p.m.

Hungry Horse water rates set to double

Water rates in the Hungry Horse Water and Sewer District are set to increase an average of $10.89 per month for residential users. That's almost double of what they are now.

Thursday, May 18

May 18, 2006 11 p.m.

Marjorie Floreine (Kirkelie) Wylder

Marjorie Floreine (Kirkelie) Wylder passed into the next life at the home of her son Dennis Wylder and wife Francine Wylder in Tucson, Ariz. on May 7, 2006. Marjorie was a former resident at Buffalo Hill Terraces in Kalispell until April 3, 2006. Due to her illness, she was moved to Tucson to spend her final days in the home of her son Dennis, where she received Home Hospice Care.

May 18, 2006 11 p.m.

Track teams take third at Polson meet

Hungry Horse News

May 18, 2006 11 p.m.

Lutefisk dinner

Public is invited to a lutefisk dinner Saturday, May 20, at North Valley Senior Center, Columbia Falls. Price is $10 per person with serving from 4 until 7 p.m. Proceeds will help finance Center expenses. More details may be obtained by calling Gladys Shay, 892-5070.

May 18, 2006 11 p.m.

Getts, Marcilles, lead tennis teams

Hungry Horse News

Wednesday, May 17

May 17, 2006 11 p.m.

Mom says son is a good candidate

It is very exciting. Dale Lauman is a Republican candidate for Flathead County Commissioner.

May 17, 2006 11 p.m.

JP's a busy job

Flathead County Comm-issioners, in a move that all residents should applaud, have created a second full-time Justice of the Peace. I am one of four candidates running for the new position.

May 17, 2006 11 p.m.

Old maid maternity coverage

Last week was a good one for me getting to hold a baby. On two different days that opportunity presented itself. One of the babies got mad, scared, or both—but the other one let me hold him for several minutes.

May 17, 2006 11 p.m.

May Day

A few years ago, May Day, "the merriest day of the year" was proclaimed a Bank Holiday in England. Today not many who live on that small island celebrate the first day in May the way I remember.

May 17, 2006 11 p.m.

Brown supports Beck for House

It was my great honor to represent the people of Whitefish and the surrounding area in the state legislature for 26 years. During that period of time, I came to personally know several hundred other citizens from around our state who served in the legislature with me. I developed a fair understanding, I think, of the attributes of an effective legislator. Bill Beck has them.

May 17, 2006 11 p.m.

Helmets create illusion of safety

In your recent article "Skate-boarders breaking bones," it should be noted that none of the injuries reported could have been prevented by wearing helmets or pads.

May 17, 2006 11 p.m.

Primary concern

As the date of the primary election approaches, we need to make some careful considerations. The deadline for voter registration for the primary has passed, so now it becomes extremely important for all registered voters to prepare to cast their ballot for the most qualified candidates.

May 17, 2006 11 p.m.

Lester Willey Averill

Lester Willey Averill passed away peacefully on May 15, 2006 surrounded by his family and caregivers, ending a long and adventurous life. His life was consumed by hard work, family, community and a determination to leave this world a better place. His vision and legacy continues to bring enjoyment and memories to families around the world.

May 17, 2006 11 p.m.

Sports01

Chandler Melton / Whitefish Pilot

May 17, 2006 11 p.m.

Guy Laurendeau

On Tuesday, May 9, 2006, at 2:18 p.m. a great man, wonderful friend, loving father, and unique personality passed from this world "to be with his Lord and Savior."

May 17, 2006 11 p.m.

Hanson disputes energy vote

Come on Mike Taylor, Mon-tana does not need a Public Service Commission candidate who tells half-truths.

May 17, 2006 11 p.m.

Weaver an idea man

The county commissioners and the sheriff are the county's last line of defense against outside influences and intrusions of illegal, unconstitutional governmental authority. They must have the knowledge, stamina and determination to defend the rights of citizens against such intrusions. But at the same time, they must have the patience and competency to handle such routine tasks as snow removal and neighborly human squabbles.

May 17, 2006 11 p.m.

Bigfork Eagle editorial

Paying homage

Wednesday, May 10

May 10, 2006 11 p.m.

Effective leadership

This letter is in support of John Weaver who I am thoroughly convinced should be elected to the position of Flathead County Sheriff.

May 10, 2006 11 p.m.

Arts in April a big success

Students at Muldown Elementary just finished a four-week section of Arts in April. Artists from both the community and school provided the opportunity for all second, third and fourth graders to choose from 28 art sections.

May 10, 2006 11 p.m.

Not a Bigfork candidate

It appears that Doug Averill is as uninformed regarding Senate District #5 as his candidate Don Loranger. In a recent letter regarding Loranger's qualifications, Averill made an excellent case that Loranger should be running for mayor of Bigfork. Although Loranger could very well be an excellent advocate for the Bigfork community, the fact is that Senate District #5 encompasses many other communities which need a senator in Helena.

May 10, 2006 11 p.m.

Georgia Johnston

Georgia Marie Johnston, 46, of Seattle, Wash., passed away April 29, 2006, as a result of a motor vehicle accident in Kalispell.

May 10, 2006 11 p.m.

Has the student body outgrown the current Bigfork High School facility?

A) Yes, a new school should be built.

May 10, 2006 11 p.m.

John Otis Horne

John Otis Horne (Hoare) passed away in his home in Bigfork, Saturday, April 22, 2006. Jack was born on Dec. 11, 1917 in Corning, N.Y., the only child of Dora Evans and John S. Hoare.

May 10, 2006 11 p.m.

Has Image

Steven Howe

May 10, 2006 11 p.m.

Grassroots candidates

Residents in Senate District 5 and House District 9 are going to have two new grassroots candidates on their ballots this year. Ric Smith, senate candidate, and Edd Blackler, house candidate, have combined 52 years of service in this community. They have given the community of Bigfork and surrounding area some of the best this wonderful place has to offer. When is comes to water quality issues, land use issues and building area traditions, they were there for us, working and volunteering, for the sake of our beloved community. They know what it is like to be in touch with neighbors and friends at the grassroots level.

May 10, 2006 11 p.m.

Snyder's work will be missed

I am writting to publically thank Paul Syder for all that he did for Whitefish over the past few years.

May 10, 2006 11 p.m.

Dorothy Fishbaugh

Dorothy Fishbaugh, age 85, passed away on Monday, May 1, 2006 in Kalispell, after an illness following surgery. She was born on Jan 21, 1921, in Ferndale, the daughter of Nels K. and Hattie C. (Johnson) Peterson.

May 10, 2006 11 p.m.

Ora Glenn "Skip" Rickey Christensen

Ora Glenn "Skip" Rickey Christensen was born May 29, 1943, to Oral Oliver Rickey and Francis Mae Shafer Rickey in Dillon. He passed away Friday, April 21, 2006, in Kalispell.

May 10, 2006 11 p.m.

Small business in Montana

Montana is a small business state. In the past, the huge expanse of our state and its remoteness was a deterrent to a prosperous economy. Now, our remoteness is an advantage and has helped to drive Montana's economy to where it is today. However, while unemployment rates are at low levels, skilled labor is becoming more difficult to find. As parents, grandparents, small business owners, and concerned citizens, we do not want to see our children and grandchildren forced to leave the state to earn a decent living.

May 10, 2006 11 p.m.

Cecelia Jean Goodrich

Cecelia Jean Goodrich born to George (Earl) and Grace Goodboe on Jan. 21, 1925 died on April 26, 2006. While she was born in Stevensville, she spent much of her childhood in Darby, Mont. She met and married Leigh Goodrich moving to Reno, Nev.; Biloxi, La.; and Spokane, Wash. during WWII. While in Spokane, she attended Kinman Business College. She spent most of her working life as an administrative bookkeeper for a variety of businesses located in Missoula and Billings. After she retired to Bigfork, she volunteered federal income tax preparation as a way of helping her neighbors. While in Bigfork she joined Eastern Star becoming Worthy Matron and Treasurer.

May 10, 2006 11 p.m.

Someone to watch over us

Boy Wonder and I went on one of our favorite hikes the other day to one of our favorite places.

May 10, 2006 11 p.m.

Bigfork student places first in writing contest

Students from Bigfork, Bozeman, and Kalispell took top honors in this year's Montana Letters About Literature writing contest. Judges selected the winning entries in three different age categories out of more than 650 submissions.

May 10, 2006 11 p.m.

Evicted Greenwood Trailer Court residents need help

The Whitefish Housing Author-ity is seeking donations to aid households relocating from Whitefish trailer courts. The funds are needed to aid households that do not qualify for existing housing programs.

May 10, 2006 11 p.m.

Most qualified

Verdell Jackson is the most qualified candidate for Senate District 5. He is now serving in his fourth term as a state representative. His experience on the Health and Human Services, Agriculture, Education, Taxation, and Appropriation committees in the Legislature is invaluable. He also served on the Election Select Committee and currently serves on the State Administration and Veteran Affairs committee. Because of his expertise, he was selected by this committee to carry its bill during the special session. During the 2005 session, the Republican leadership placed him on the Appropriations Committee because of his financial ability.

May 10, 2006 11 p.m.

Support troops by voting June 6

June 6 is Montana's primary election. It is also the 62nd anniversary of D-Day, which was the Allied invasion of Europe.

May 10, 2006 11 p.m.

Robert Kobbervig

Robert J. "Bob" Kobbervig, 71, passed away April 27, 2006, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.

May 10, 2006 11 p.m.

Skier's thank you

To my family, my friends, old and new, and to the community of Whitefish, thank you, thank you, thank you.

May 10, 2006 11 p.m.

Guest opinion

Land of the free?

May 10, 2006 11 p.m.

SOS

Rep. Bernie Olson's letter regarding CI-97 is fraught with misinformation and factless innuendo. Frankly, I'm surprised that he wouldn't research what he's writing about beforehand. To set the record straight, here's some facts. Stop Over Spending (SOS Montana or CI-97 has two major features.

Wednesday, May 3

May 3, 2006 11 p.m.

Belva Mae Hanson

Belva Mae Hanson, age 88, passed away on Monday, April 24, 2006 at Brendan House in Kalispell after a brief illness. Belva was born July 17, 1917 in a dugout house on a homestead three miles south of the Canadian line, north of Havre, the daughter of George Raymond and Lillian (Crosley) Campbell.

May 3, 2006 11 p.m.

Uniting for sight

I am Claire Anderson, a long-time resident of Whitefish and currently a senior at Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vt. I graduate this May and plan on attending medical school to pursue a career as an ophthalmologist.

May 3, 2006 11 p.m.

Columbia Falls man killed in wreck

Hungry Horse News

May 3, 2006 11 p.m.

Letter from the Editor

Broken system, shattered dreams

May 3, 2006 11 p.m.

Has Image

Revo Somersille

May 3, 2006 11 p.m.

Who was Bill Yenne?

It was 12 years ago when we lost Bill, but it doesn't seem that long. Guess that's why I was so surprised last Thursday during a bull session with young adult hikers I met up on the Sun Highway. One of them asked, "Who was Bill Yenne?"

May 3, 2006 11 p.m.

John Christenson

John T. Christenson died on April 12, 2006, in Denver, Colo., at the age of 86.

May 3, 2006 11 p.m.

Carpet cleaning

I've been told that I give the impression I'm an all-together person. I like that. Only my husband, my immediate family and my closest friends know differently.

May 3, 2006 11 p.m.

Dorothy Genevieve Fishbaugh

Dorothy Genevieve Fishbaugh, age 85, passed away on Monday, May 1, 2006 at the Brendan House in Kalispell.

May 3, 2006 11 p.m.

Softball team has a wild week

Hungry Horse News

May 3, 2006 11 p.m.

Skateboarders appreciate help

On behalf of the Whitefish Skateboard Association, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their time, effort, support and cash donations to help make the Dave Olseth Memorial Skate Park a reality.

May 3, 2006 11 p.m.

Steve Howe killed in California rollover

Former Whitefish resident and professional baseball pitcher Steve Howe died April 28 when the pickup truck he was driving rolled on a highway in Coachella, Calif.

May 3, 2006 11 p.m.

Whitefish basketball head coach resigns

Dean McFadden, the head coach of the Whitefish High School girls basketball team, resigned from his position Thursday after nine seasons in the program, six of which were as head coach.

May 3, 2006 11 p.m.

Remembering Steve Howe

The story I often tell about Steve Howe is the time he threw a baseball at my head. But more on that later.