Wednesday, November 29
Susan Barsness
On Nov. 23, 2006, our beloved Susan Lynn Barsness, 51, went to be with the Lord following an automobile accident.
Alison Smith-Moser
Alison Smith-Moser, 38, passed away to join God in heaven on Nov. 26, 2006, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Alligator replay
On November 24, an employee of Sliter's in Bigfork brought a badly beaten six-month old kitten to the Flathead County Animal Control for rabies testing. The cat had been in Sliters store for about a week. Store employees tried to lure the cat out of the store to no avail. The morning of the incident, Tim Dalton (store manager) and two other employees tried to catch the kitten (without gloves); all three were bitten. Reacting to the pain of the bite, Mr. Dalton then bludgeoned the cat to death. Except, when it arrived at animal control, the poor animal was not yet dead; it was in shock and suffering from trauma to the head and bleeding from the nose. They euthanized the kitten and sent it in for rabies testing, then reported Mr. Dalton to the sheriff's office for cruelty to animals.
Curtis Baker
Curtis Eugene Baker, 72, of Kalispell, passed away Nov. 25, 2006, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.
Did you have a successful big game season?
Yes
About voting and Lutefisk
It is Monday noon as I write this (11/26/06) I'm kinda looney from pain killers and at 2:30 p.m. having an impacted back tooth removed. So! With your blessing I hope … am going back to a column run 10 years ago. O K?
WSI buy-out is now complete
Congratulations. The task has been accomplished. With one stroke as sure and precise as a surgeon's hand, the last of the small investors have been culled from the shareholders roll of Winter Sports Incorporated.
Big Brothers and Big Sisters says thanks
The board of directors, staff and participants of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County would like to thank the community for the wonderful response to the recent Bowl For Kids' Sake fund-raiser. Our appreciation goes out to all of the bowlers, sponsors and businesses for being so generous with their time and financial support.
Cat death unnecessary
I was saddened and sickened by the news of the cat killing at Sliters. As a volunteer with the Flathead Spay and Neuter Task Force, I'm often called to trap feral cats. Once trapped, cats are neutered and when possible returned to where they were captured. When this is not possible, as with the Sliters cat, every effort is made to relocate the cat to a safe place. It's unfortunate that Sliter's didn't call our organization or Flathead Animal Control for help, a cat wouldn't be beaten to death and I wouldn't be looking for a new place for my hardware purchases.
O'Neil critiques court decision
The Montana Supreme Court recently handed down a decision which denies me a jury trial because they say I am a "lay advocate" and not an "advocate and counselor" with the Blackfeet Tribal Court.
Dorothy Fredenberg
Dorothy Mae Fredenberg died of cancer Nov. 19, 2006 at home with her family by her side.
The problem with luck
What exactly is luck, anyway? Some people seem to have it in spades, while others seem utterly cursed. Take me, for example. I have the worst luck ever when it comes to anything that deals with patience.I always get stuck behind someone who thinks 45 mph is a good speed on the highway.
Schiltz on the fast track to success
FAITH MOLDAN
Helen Brenchley
Helen Martha Lee Brenchley, of San Jose, Calif., died Nov. 17, 2006, after a brief illness, just shy of her 80th birthday. Her life was gracious and sweet, spent loving her family, friends and the outdoors.
Shame on the governor
Like many Americans across the nation, my wife and I stayed up late on election night to watch the returns. At 11:30 p.m., Gov. Schweitzer appeared on the local news leading a Tester pep-rally in Missoula. In a matter of minutes, he managed to insult everyone in the Flathead Valley by doing a "Baby Hughey" impersonation of "those people in the Flathead counting votes, "dah, 1… dah, 2… dah, 3…" (The impersonation was remarkably natural by the way.)
Finances
in 1951
Cat cruelty
Once again, animal cruelty has reared its ugly head in our community.
Road trip
Anyone who's traveled during the winter holidays knows the routine — crowded highways and airports, bad weather looming ahead and trying to stay in shape while eating tons of high-calorie food and sitting for hours in front of chatting relatives or the TV.
Norma Mae Walton
Norma Mae Walton, 82 went to be with the Lord and beloved husband, Benny on Nov. 26, 2006.
Friday, November 24
All-state, conference players named
A host of Columbia Falls athletes have made all-state or all-conference honors for their performances this fall.
Carroll J. (Hap) Rost
Carroll J. (Hap) Rost, 82, died on Wednesday, Nov.15, 2006, at Brendan House, in Kalispell. He was born on Oct. 11, 1924, in a log cabin to Ludwig "Happy" and Clarice (Chapman) Rost.
Free meals
The Columbia Falls Kitchen wants to thank Church Women United for their generous donation of $300 to the Kitchen. It will go a long way to help serve free meals beginning on Monday, Nov. 27, through Thursday, Nov. 30, in the basement of St Richard's Catholic Church at 6 p.m. Join them for hot, nutritious meals
Wednesday, November 22
Playstations and plastic Jesus dolls
We all know what this Thursday is: One painful day of waiting with family members for Friday - the biggest and best shopping day of the year!Everything is on sale!
Campaign thanks
I wish to thank all of my supporters and the voters of Flathead County for your confidence in me. I wish to assure you that your confidence is well placed. My opponent is an excellent campaigner and this became a very tough race. I am truly thankful for every vote and all the help I received. I am honored to have the privilege of serving the people of Flathead County.
Carol G. Rea Masters
Carol G. Rea Masters went to be with her Lord Saturday, Nov. 18, 2006, at the Fountain Springs Health Care in Rapid City, South Dakota
Health center
The Nov. 16 article on the HD9 race stated Joe Russell (Flathead County Health Dept Director) and I were "putting in for a grant" for a community health center. I am one of many people helping and my role is minor as a steering committee member advisor focusing on the dental clinic portion. We often see political people get credit for others efforts and the major lifting on this project is being done by the County Health Board, County Staff, and many others.
Michael Sperry
Michael J. Sperry, 46, of Columbia Falls, died peacefully in his home Nov. 9, 2006.
Sullivan grateful
I wish to thank all of my supporters and the voters of Flathead County for your confidence in me. I wish to assure you that your confidence is well laced. My opponent is an excellent campaigner and this became a very tough race. I am truly thankful for every vote and all the help I received. I am honored to have the privilege of serving the people of Flathead County.
Margaret Moore
Margaret Sterling Moore, 62, passed away Nov. 12, 2006.
Do you support the proposal for a new library building at the Potoczny Field site?
Yes
Margaret Ward
Margaret Louise Ward, 84, passed away Nov. 8, 2006, at the Brendan House in Kalispell.
Trailers needed
I consider myself an environmentalist. To some, I would be called a "tree-hugger." What has happened south of town, where the Greenwood Trailer Court was, sickens me.
Russell Roy
Russell Roy, a long-time resident and supporter of the Flathead Valley community, passed away from his battle with cancer Nov. 15, 2006.
Nadine Lillie (Nevins) Quilling
Private family services will be held at the Lone Pine Cemetery in Bigfork, MT for Nadine Lillie (Nevins) Quilling, age 81, of Choteau who died Wednesday, Nov. 15th at her home in Choteau from natural causes. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Gorder Funeral Home of Choteau.
Lawrence "Larry" E. Hart
Former resident Lawrence "Larry" E. Hart, 77, passed away Thursday, Nov. 9, 2006 at his home in Grants Pass, Ore.
Tree disaster
The tree removal just completed in the Greenwood Trailer Court just south of the North Valley Hospital is a disgrace to the city of Whitefish.
Thanks to Judy
I am writing to make it known that, in my opinion, local resident Judy Halsey is deserving of an outstanding citizen award.
Flanagan's strives to abide by the law
I was, at best, agitated to see that Flanagan's had made the paper last week, detailing alcohol violations, the last of which came nine months ago. If only all of our efforts for the benefit of the community got so much attention.
The latest Lysistrata
From this column's headline, students of classic Greek Literature will assume this week's writing is about sex. They are right. We're going to discuss the age old power females have used by personally denying sensual delights from males. Sometimes it has worked. Sometimes it hasn't. Sometimes it's funny. Sometimes it's not.
Wednesday, November 15
Beck is ready
I want to thank everyone who voted and supported me during my campaign for House District 6. I think we are all glad the campaigning is over and now is the time to get down to business.
Jay Gould
Jay M. "Shorty" Gould, 85, passed away Oct. 25, 2006, in Othello, Wash., after a brief illness.
Leo Smith
Leo Franklin Smith, 69, of Columbia Falls, died Nov. 9, 2006, at Colonial Manor in Whitefish from ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).
Bring on winter
For a while, it looked like winter was here. Then it didn't. Now it does again.
Citizens' support sought for stormwater ordinance vote
Next Monday, Nov. 20, the Whitefish City Council will be voting on an ordinance to preserve critical conveyances for stormwater. For most of us not in the construction industry, these words may not mean much, but the protection being requested by the Whitefish Planning Department does.
Winter sports start gearing up
The winter sports season kicked off this week, as wrestling practice started Tuesday and both girls and boys basketball starts next Monday.
Cornelia Kelsey
Cornelia I. "Corky" Kelsey, age 75, passed away Nov. 5, 2006, at the Colonial Manor in Whitefish.
Volleyball season comes to an end at divisionals
Hungry Horse News
Jopek says thanks
Thank you Whitefish for entrusting me with nearly two-thirds of the vote. It's an honor. I will strive for grace in representing all within the district regardless of political differences.
No more clear-cuts
"It's my property and I can do with it as I wish." While this may be the good old American way, there is also the way of the "common good." The beauty of Whitefish and the resulting influence on our economy is a common good.
Save the trees
We are disappointed and frustrated. As we enter Whitefish, we are faced with a huge spreading scar caused by chainsaws. Stumptown is back and uglier than ever.
Tuesday, November 14
The first appendicitis operation
On the wall in one of the County Sheriff's offices is a sign which says, "SUPPORT YOUR SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM—GET LOST!"
Karl Duane Pinkerman
Karl Duane Pinkerman passed away on Friday, November 10, 2006 at Community Medical Center in Missoula after a long and courageous battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis.
War on Weight
The War on Terror may be costing billions of dollars, but a much more dangerous and costly plague is sweeping the United States - obesity.
Democrats did well
Now that the results of the general election have pretty much been determined I would offer a few observations. Although Democrats appear to be outnumbered in most of the precincts in the area, they actually made one of their best showings in recent times. They had a very credible roster of viable candidates who all ran strong campaigns.
Willard Rodman "Rod" Ash (1928-2006)
Rod, beloved husband, father, grandfather passed away November 5, 2006, 2 days after his 78th birthday after a brave battle with cancer. He was at home, surrounded by family.
Faces of Freedom
Stories and photos by Mike Richeson
Keep it clean
I was both saddened and angered to read in the Nov. 2 Eagle about the littering along the Loon Lake 'Road and at the 4-H camp. My children grew up in Bigfork and biked out to the 4-H camp, swam, fished off the dock and dove in off the rope swing every summer. It's a great place for kids.Now my grandchildren are lucky enough to have the same experience and can't wait to get out there when they visit in the summer. We are very grateful to 4H for allowing that site to remain open to the public all these years. Hopefully the community feels the same way and will support 4H in keeping that area open to the public. Shame on those littering and shame on the rest of us for taking it for granted.Lets make sure this lovely site has a future for all area residents.
Bernard P. "Barney" Rice
Bernard P. "Barney" Rice, age 35, of Kalispell and president of North Country Automotive and Marine, Inc., died Tuesday, November 7, 2006, in Panama City, Florida of injuries sustained while participating in an Ironman Triathlon on Nov.4. Barney was born in Great Fall, Montana on Aug 25, 1971 to Peter C and Patricia A Rice.
Martha Althora Morgan Childs
Martha Althora Morgan Childs, age 92, passed away on Saturday, November 4, 2006 at her daughter's home in Bigfork, Montana.
Wednesday, November 8
Still in shock
A week ago last Thursday, on Oct. 26, my good friend and colleague, Dawn Bowker, was killed on Highway 82. She was in a head-on collision with a truck driven by a 23-year-old who was allegedly drunk. She was on her way to school and was only five minutes from her destination. The shock of losing her still hasn't completely penetrated the brains of those who loved her.
Skiers grateful
The Glacier Nordic Club would like to thank all those kind folks who came out to help put up the cross-country ski course lights at the golf course on Sunday.
Selia Adeline Mildren
Selia Adeline Mildren, age 93, passed away on Monday, Oct. 30, at her home in Bigfork, Montana. She was born Sept. 10, 1913 in Bigfork, Montana to Sivert B. and Anna (Lee) Ramsfield.
Joseph Sankovic
Joseph R. Sankovic, 81, passed away Oct. 28, 2006, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Elinor Jeanne Smith Forkner
Elinor Jeanne Smith Forkner of Bigfork, Montana, died on Nov. 2, from complications following a fall.
Soccer playoffs should go
Speaking Out
Montana turns 117
Happy birthday, my fellow Montanans! On Nov. 8, 1889, the Treasure State was officially welcomed into the Union. Throughout her history, Montana has been through a lot. Here are some of the highlights:
Smokeless in Montana
I am writing to invite Flathead County smokers to join thousands of others nationwide to take a "breather" and go just 24 hours without cigarettes, as part of the 2006 Great American Smokeout.
Merciless slaughter
Shame on Dennis Ras-mussen. First he coldly evicted the unfortunate tenants of the Greenwood Trailer Park, then he mercilessly slaughtered the ancient trees that grew there.
Hollywood invaders
I look out my front window today and see a changing landscape. No, I'm not speaking of the colors of fall arriving to signal the transition of seasons. Nor the snow-capped peaks surrounding the valley floor. I'm not referring to the frost on my windshield every morning when I awaken.
Flood washes out Sun Highway
Hungry Horse News
Leave the lake alone
Mr. Jim Vashro of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (Fisheries) says that Flathead Lake has about 250,000 catchable size lake trout. I would like to know how Mr. Vashro knows this for a fact, or if is this nothing more than an estimated guess? Even so, could it be this is not a large number of fish considering the size of Flathead Lake? If it is the intent of the authorities (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and Montana FWP) to reduce the trout population, why are we asked and expected to catch and release slot fish (Those 30 - 36 inches long) and yet the fishing tournaments such as the Mack Days allow for the unlimited slaughter of thousands of lake trout? The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have sponsored and sanctioned this senseless slaughter of over 4,300 lake trout this year, and it makes me wonder if their forefathers would have ever sanctioned such a destruction of our natural resource.
Bigfork Speech and Drama competes in Hamilton
This week, Bigfork Speech and Drama participated in the Hamilton invitational Nov. 4.
Volunteers needed to deck the halls
Thanks in advance to all those volunteers, including the Flathead Electric Cooperative bucket truck drivers (Pat Muri and company), Terry Conat and Russ Porter and all other volunteers who will turn out to help put up our downtown Christmas decorations this coming Sunday, Nov. 12, at 9 a.m.
William Godreau Bowd, 69
William Godreau Bowd, 69, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 31, after a long battle with a Parkinson's type disease. Bill was born in Calgary, Alberta on Dec. 28, 1936. Bill graduated from the University of Montana in 1961 with a degree in Wildlife Technology. After graduation, Bill worked at a prestigious animal research laboratory in Quebec. He later returned to Alberta and became a successful rancher and farmer. After a number of years of farming/ranching Bill attended the University of Calgary and graduated with a degree in education. Upon graduating from the University, he taught school for two years in Spirit River, Alberta.
Donald J. Hart
Donald J. Hart was born on Oct. 16, 1928 at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of William A. and Florence Faye (Currier) Hart.
Diane Marie Davis
Diane Marie Davis was born in St Joseph, Missouri on March 31, 1946, the daughter of Henry and Gladys Poolman. She grew up in Kansas City and Golden, Colorado. She was an alumni of Golden High School and Western State College in Gunnison, CO. She earned bachelors of arts in music and secondary education in 1968. She distinguished herself playing the French horn in many ensembles, and earned recognition performing at the 1964/1965 New York World's Fair. Her talents also shined as a soprano vocalist in numerous musicals.
Calf paths and Whang Doodles
Resting beside a Glacier Park trail last summer, someone in our hiking group remarked, "The guy who picked the route for this trail must have been drunk." He was referring to the manner in which it wandered in and out of ravines, up where it could have stayed level and down where it soon had to climb back up. Someone else remarked, "Maybe we should see if the Park would like us to re-engineer this route so that it makes more sense."
Joseph R. Sankovic
Joseph R. Sankovic, age 81, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2006 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell, Montana. He was born on Feb. 14, 1925 in Redstone Township near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of Joseph William and Christine (Voytask) Sankovic.
Leota "Mae" Sudan
Leota "Mae" Sudan, age 78, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 28, at her home in Kalispell, Mont. She was born Oct. 14, 1928 in Browning, Montana to Warren and Delma Croskrey.
Wednesday, November 1
Don't be fooled
Do not be "fooled" by the wording of Initiative 1-154. Read all the fine print. It is not about stopping the abuses of Eminent Domain. We are all pretty much opposed to abuses of Eminent Domain. This inniative would create massive new loopholes for irresponsible development - at a huge cost for all of us taxpayers. Our local governments here in the Flathead Valley alone would adversely be affected by any ability to adopt and enforce sound planning and water quality protection regulations, that is needed more than ever, to protect Flathead Lake and it's watershed.
Trash problems
This week, the Bigfork Eagle has a story about the problem of trash. Last week, Zena Pirone came in and related her story about how a man had dumped bags of trash at Loon Lake.
Vote on Tuesday
Tuesday, Nov. 6, is election day, and even if it's an off-year election here in Montana, with no gubernatorial or presidential candidates, it's still an important election.
Liberty and your money
Our freedoms and money are at risk every time the state legislature meets in Helena. Quality of life is directly dependent on the dollars in our pocket and our freedom to spend that money as we see fit.
Hold your nose and vote
It's time to face the facts: Sen. Conrad Burns is an embarrassment to Montana. A foul-mouthed, self-promoting buffoon, a prince of fools in the college of clowns we know as the United States Senate, Burns is held in such contempt by his colleagues that in 18 years he hasn't been given a single committee assignment of importance or considered for a serious post in the leadership.
Protecting Your Right to Clean Water
Protecting our right to clean water is crucial for a healthy and prosperous future. Our children and grandchildren have a right to drink pristine water from the tap. We also depend on clean water for much of our recreation and for an overall strong economy.
Jackson has integrity
I have known Verdell Jackson for many years. His four terms in the Montana House of Representatives have, in my opinion, proven him to be a man of integrity. Many who take up the mantle of public office become self-absorbed in the illusion of their own importance. Verdell has remained an affable and honest friend and neighbor, generous with his time and energy. He will look you in the eye and tell you the truth, not what you want to hear.
Choice for the future
Flathead County voters will face a clear choice about the future of Flathead County on Election Day: Will they select me, a candidate who has a proven record of protecting public access, our natural beauty and clean water, or will they vote for my opponent, who has a record of squandering these values.
What next?
One wonders what the next October surprise will be in this year's senate race that hasn't already been made up and thrown against the barnyard door to see what will stick.
Snow closes many Park roads
Hungry Horse News
Sees problems with incumbent
Monica Lindeen deserves your vote for U.S. Congress. The first contact I had with Monica Lindeen was when she was the chair of the Montana Quality for Education Committee. She was chosen by her fellow legislators to chair the high profile and heavily tasked group of legislators.
Abramoff friend talks on Burns
I am a good friend of the now universally known lobbyist Jack Abramoff and worked with him on occasion in Washington.
Violet Burk
Violet Widdifield Burk, 88, passed away peacefully in her sleep with family by her side on Oct. 27, 2006.
O'Neil brings justice
Have you ever filed a law suit or tried to fight a case against you? With Jerry O'Neil in the office of Justice of the Peace you can be sure he will do his utmost to make sure your case is heard as expeditiously as possible. I have observed for many years as Jerry worked in the interests of the people in this region, both on a professional and a volunteer basis, for many causes. He has been active leader in many organizations, acting on boards, attending meetings and participating in group activities. He studies the issues, is knowledgeable of our problems and contributes much of his time and efforts on behalf of the community.
Protecting our Seniors
Senior citizens deserve the best of what America can offer: security in life and good health. But lately, our elected officials have been playing politics with senior issues. We need a fresh start.
Smith is trustworthy
As a hunter and fisherman, one of the most important issues to me is access to public lands and waters. Getting into the outdoors and spending time with friends and family is part of our heritage in Montana.
Privileged to serve
Another political campaign season is winding down. November 7 will bring a welcome reprieve from the endless onslaught of promises, half truths and innuendos which have filled the airways and printed pages for the past months. We have to wonder if there isn't a better way to conduct our election process. Unfortunately, it's this sort of political activity that brings many citizens to the conclusion that all politicians are scoundrels, and causes them to choose not to participate in the voting process.
Wage peace
In these times of increasingly negative political campaigning, it seems that almost everyone is focusing on the faults of their opponents rather than their own strengths and records.
Republican endorses Ric Smith
I am a life-long Republican and am supporting Ric Smith, the Democratic candidate for the State Senate, District 5. Ric is the first Democrat I have ever supported, and I have three reasons for supporting Ric:
Burns represents "Montana values"
One has to wonder what "Montana values" are being described in the recent ads from Tester and the governor. Is it the value of ridiculing a Christian legislator in Bozeman recently because of his Christian beliefs? (See Inter Lake editorial 10/15/06) Or is it the lack of concern for the traditional Christian values that Montanans generally embrace. How can these two men tout "Montana values" with a straight face?
Cheney returns to stump for party
Montana is not typically a must-see whistle-stop for national campaigns, but 2006 has turned into a crucial off-year election for embattled Republicans worried about losing their grip on Congress.
Wildkats volleyball takes 4th in consolation
This past weekend the Wildkat volleyball team traveled to Missoula for the Missoula Invitational Championship.
Elaine Hoagland
Elaine Z. Hoagland, 56, passed away Oct. 21, 2006, at her home in Kalispell.
Kalispell, Kulispel, Calispell
If any of you good readers have wondered like me, "What ever happened to the Kalispell Indians?"… then the following may at least partially answer the question. Sometime in the mid seventies, curiosity got best of me and I went digging in old newspapers, books and government records. Once I had found "The People Above the Water" had acquired a reservation of their own, I even called and talked to some the members. Here is part of what I wrote at that time, 30 years ago. (This was not a column)
Doris Hulbert
Doris L. Hulbert, 83, passed away at Brendan House in Kalispell on Oct. 27, 2006.
Sewage solution for Canyon school?
Hungry Horse News
Candidate makes pledge
Flathead County voters will face a clear choice about the future of Flathead County on election day — will they select myself, a candidate who has a proven record of protecting public access, our natural beauty and clean water, or will they vote for my opponent, who has a record of squandering these values.
Support Smith
Ric and Sarah Smith have been friends and neighbors to my family for nearly eight years. In that time, I have witnessed firsthand Ric's commitment to his family, to our community, and to the larger issues facing Montana. I can think of no better person to represent the voters of Senate District 5 and for this reason, I support Ric Smith and I urge you to do the same.
Jackson defends record
As the Republican candidate for Senate District #5, I anticipated a tough campaign. There are many issues upon which my opponent and I legitimately disagree. I had even expected distortions of my record. As a four-term member of Montana's House of Representatives, I was involved in many votes. Some of these, naturally, could be taken out of context and therefore misconstrued. However, I did not expect that my opponent, Ric Smith, would publish bald faced lies misrepresenting my record. He recently sent out a mailer regarding access to Montana's public lands and waters. It is modeled after mailers sent out by Montana Conservation Voters, a radical environmental group. This flyer is so filled with outright lies that I felt it necessary to set the record straight.
Is trash and littering a problem in your area?
Yes
Walter Finch
Walter L. Finch, 54, of Herman, Minn., and Whitefish passed away at St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, Minn., on Oct. 19, 2006.
Let Crowley guide future growth
My wife and I have been residents of this valley for 31 years. During this time we have seen and experienced the deteriation of the quality of living in this valley. It has been the result of too little planning and the lack of conviction by previous county commissioners to enforce the planning that was in place.
Mud slinging by Democrats
One wonders what the next October surprise will be in this year's senate race that hasn't already been made up and thrown against the barnyard door to see what will stick.
