Ellington

Patrolman, two others die in head-on crash on U.S. 2

The names of two people killed in a head-on collision on Tuesday evening (Aug. 26) on U.S. Highway 2 west of Hungry Horse have been released, as well as a woman who died Thursday afternoon (Aug. 28).

Patrolman, Hungry Horse man die in head-on crash on U.S. 2

The names of two people killed in a head-on collision on Tuesday evening on U.S. Highway 2 just east of the House of Mystery have been released.

Sipe retires as fire chief after 30 years

Long-time department leader to remember the people he served

The common-sense candidate

John Fuller wants to chair House education committee, use coal revenue to fund schools

Bulldog football kicks off Saturday

Healthy and excited Whitefish team looks ahead to a brand new season; Havre is up first

Mid-Am tournament was a huge success

Volunteers make it happen

Loves Whitefish folks

We have loved Whitefish since the first time we arrived. The people are the best we have ever met in this country.

Council delays decision on downtown design

Restrictions to Central Avenue offices generate most discussion

Quiet zones are needed

The quiet zone proposal is simply an attempt to enhance this beautiful place we call Whitefish. It's an attempt to reduce the noise pollution that has increased right along with our population.

Obama will not change gun laws

During this presidential campaign, we Montanans are going to hear some DC lobbyists and former elected officials saying some alarming things about guns. It's time to call these people out - and tell them to stop distorting the facts to scare us into ignoring the real issues for Montana's sportsmen and women.

So what if the Hungry Horse Dam broke?

By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News

Samuel McMasters

Samuel Adam McMasters, 43, died Aug. 20, 2008, in Seattle. An unexpected heart illness in 1999 resulted in major surgery in Missoula, followed by a complete recovery. Recently the problem recurred and he was airlifted from St. Patrick's Hospital in Missoula to the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, where he died from complications.

The doughnut rolls

When Mike Jopek and the others on the City of Whitefish Land Growth Committee set out to develop a Critical Land Ordinance Policy to regulate growth, it included the now infamous "doughnut" that included a two-mile radius beyond the city limits. A firestorm of protest erupted from the residents of that area objecting to their being regulated and their land values diminished by a regulatory body for which they could not vote. It is this kind of insensitivity that led to the cry, "No taxation without representation," and the onset of the American Revolution. Consequently, the county commissioners rescinded the inter-local agreement. Despite clear constitutional and common law precedents that reinforce the county's position, the city has chosen to continue its appeal and act as if the "doughnut" belongs to the City of Whitefish.

Appaled by library moves

I am appalled by what happened recently with the library trustee appointments. I am disappointed by the actions taken by the Flathead County Commissioners when they shuffled the board's make-up.

Federal judge favors city on sign ordinance

City did not violate equal protection rights when it tore down billboard sign last year

The Yoodle Snook Beastie Book

Life is not easy for would-be poets. There is frustration and mental suffering. Over ten years ago, when we still had young grandkids, I woke up in the middle of the night recalling son Shannon's photo of a grizzly bear digging under logs. Suddenly a wild rhyme began running through my head… over and over. It wouldn't go away, so finally got up and wrote it down on a piece of paper.

Big Mountain Trail Run draws a big field

The Big Mountain Trail Run took place at Whitefish Mountain Resort on Saturday, Aug. 23. It was a beautiful, cool and sunny day — perfect conditions for a trail run. A total of 51 competitors from as far away as New Jersey and Lousiana participated. The youngest competitor was 6-year-old Leo Ginepra from Kalispell. The oldest competitor was 74-year-old Sally Porcarelli of Whitefish. She has competed in this event for over 20 years. All proceeds from the event benefited the Glacier Nordic Ski Team.

Volleyball starter tournament on Saturday

By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot

Firefighters say thanks

We would like to show our appreciation for the support the last few weeks as our community was asked to contribute to the growth of Whitefish Fire Department. Thanks to all of those who helped make this possible either with a Yes vote or involvement in the awareness campaign. We look forward to improving the services we provide.

CFHS teams prepare for first action of season

Columbia Falls High School athletes in fall sports conclude pre-season practice either this week or next week in preparation for season openers.

Flathead Basin Commission hears of new coal mine

By HEIDI DESCH / Hungry Horse News

Getting a handle on lake impacts

Cities in the Flathead are easy targets in setting pollution limits

Lake Institute gathering data for TMDL model

By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot

Our natural resources being tied up

To the editor,

Dennis Peterson

Dennis Clyde E. "Pete" Peterson, 61, a long time resident of the Flathead Valley, passed away August 15, 2008, at his home in Whitefish.

Ryan Simonson-DePratu

Ryan Robert Simonson-DePratu, 26, of Fairfield, a derrick hand on the oil rigs, died from injuries from an industrial auto accident while working in Rock Springs, Wyoming on Thursday.

Lake Co. density map under fire

By ANDREW FISH / for the Eagle

Learning people to write good

G. George Ostrom

Plenty of ideas for Glacier's 100th birthday

By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News

Bowman family sues Bigfork Schools

By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle

Unnecessary use of fire department

To the editor,

A victory for the donut

The Montana Supreme Court's decision to deny the city of Whitefish's request for an emergency injunction means that Flathead County can proceed with assumption of the jurisdiction of the donut.

Park outlines Sun Road fall schedule

By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News

Swan River 4-H Club has strong showing at fair

By JACOB DORAN / Bigfork Eagle

BHS cheerleaders get ready for new season

By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle

Local lab wins big in Canada

JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle

Celebrating 62 years of news and photographs

Not a month goes by that I don't hear the name of Mel Ruder.

Fall athletes report to practice

By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle

Lillian Stackhouse

Lillian J. Stackhouse passed away on Aug. 10, 2008, at the age of 94.

Bike down Big Mountain in 15 minutes flat

Runaway Train is part of resort's effort to become a mountain-biking destination

Local cyclist invited to race in Europe

Marshall Opel meets Levi Leipheimer after winning bronze in California race

Kids can play outside

After reading Mr. Brainard's letter "Tossed from gym," I can imagine the severe psychological damage and physical deterioration suffered by the students affected by this "toss out." The audacity of the school district to allow a group of mostly out-of-state fly-fishermen to use the gym for a meet during the summer.

Hoops camp results

The Columbia Falls basketball camp hosted by high school varsity boys coach Cary Finberg drew about 120 players this year in grades 3 through 12 recently.

Leave trains alone

For you newcomers and NIMBYs who do not like trains, there are two passenger trains a day going either east or west. Get on one because you won't be missed.

Great picnic

The annual Stumptown Historical Society community picnic on Monday, Aug. 4, was an unbelievable success and an incredible joy.

Halpin and Uibel win Whitefish Lake Triathlon

By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot

Printer retires

After 40 years with the company, I have submitted my resignation to the Hagadone Corporation and will be retiring effective Aug. 29.

Bigfork resort tax map hits another snag

By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle

Drug-testing approved for high school

School board OKs suspicion-based program to be implemented right away

A night at the Fair

It only comes around once a year, but the Northwest Montana Fair is better than most holidays — you can't eat funnel cakes at Christmas. People from around the Flathead showed up on Friday night to watch the PRCA Rodeo, enjoy fair food and take in the sights.

Letters to the Editor

Memorial vandalism

Letter from the editor

Endorsing a lack of endorsements

Edwin Lee

Edwin Bryce Lee, passed from life on Aug. 8, 2008 at the age of 85.

Farmers market a roaring success

In downtown Whitefish, you can eat the scenery

Member/guest tourney slated for this weekend

The very popular member/guest tournament will be held Saturday and Sunday with the first day on the South Course followed by the North on Sunday.

Bigfork man found dead in Flathead Lake

Bigfork Eagle

Candidate wants to keep the Flathead special

Steve Qunell of Whitefish has two words for voters —growth and planning

Voters pass mill levy

Whitefish voters overwhelmingly approved the idea of raising their property taxes in order to support 24/7 firefighter-paramedic services.

City backs off annexation

By HEIDI DESCH / Hungry Horse News

Pepper-spraying dog was an over-reaction

To the woman who pepper-sprayed my dog while passing below my house last evening:

Flyfishing conclave success

On behalf of the board of directors of the Whitefish Convention and Visitor Bureau, I want to thank the many volunteers who contributed to the success of the recent International Fly Fishing Federation Conclave.

Bigfork helicopter tours go sky high

By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle

Capitalism and the AP News

The Associated Press Bureau in Helena serves the state of Montana media without any major competition. All the newspapers, television and radio stations, covering state news must rely on AP because… there isn't anyone else. United Press pulled out years ago.

Leave sign alone

So now what? A painted ice cream cone on a shop that sells ice cream cones. So what?

Letters to the Editor

Conservation bond

Upper Rumble Creek Lake: the precipitous path to a hidden treasure

By JACOB DORAN / Bigfork Eagle

Joan Lawlor

Joan Marie Lawlor (also known as Debra Brown), 63, passed away peacefully from natural causes on Aug. 7, 2008, at Colonial Manor in Whitefish.

Marks' parting gift: A downtown parking plan

Escalating costs prohibit both parking garage and emergency services center

Chickens could come home to roost

City zoning allows livestock, but some say permits are too expensive and restrictive

Park staff looking for 100-year celebration ideas

By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News

Sailing away the summer days

By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle

Coming down from the mountains

After 33 years on the ski patrol, John Gray has found settled down as a farmer

New Glacier superintendent has been hitting the trails

By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News

North Shore parcel set to become park

By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle

Results of Boogie to the Bank 10K run, 5K walk

Here are results of the Boogie to the Bank 10K run and 5K walk, sponsored by Glacier Bank during Heritage Days on July 26:

Whitefish Marine dies while serving in Iraq

Marine Cpl. Stewart Trejo killed in vehicle accident in Anbar province

Celebrating 62 years of news and photographs

Not a month goes by that I don’t hear the name of Mel Ruder.

Obituaries

Francis (Frank) Mac Donald, 84

Resort tax glitch could nullify 2004 sunset vote

Local-option tax proposal could also affect city tax

Plenty of choices at Bigfork's multiple markets

By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle

Helen "Ella" Bear

Helen "Ella" Agnes Bear, 92, passed away Aug. 4, 2008, at the Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Whitefish.

Letter from the editor

Every four year, five rings of fun

Need help fighting senior exploitation

Senior exploitation is and has been an ongoing subject for our seniors over the years. It is becoming a very large and overwhelming problem with our seniors. They are being exploited by friends, loved ones, by caretakers and even home health personnel. Without even knowing what is happening to our seniors they begin to rely on these people or loved ones and don't even realize they have already started working on their mental state — depending on their condition. Our seniors are very vulnerable.

Charles Carlson

Charles A. "Chuck" Carlson, 84, of Kent, Wash., passed away July 24, 2008, at Veterans Hospital in Seattle after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Pay Equity still an issue in the Rocky Mountain West

By Pat Williams

Annual Swan Lake Huckleberry Festival continues to draw fans

By JACOB DORAN / Bigfork Eagle

Fall sports practices begin Aug. 18 in CF

Practice for all fall sports at Columbia Falls High School begins Monday, Aug. 18.

Short-sighted politics bad for county's future

For more than a decade, the balance of power in Flathead County has been tilted toward a short-sighted view of growth that has ignored the common-sense vision of the majority of our residents and the thousands of hours they have put into planning our shared future. At stake are the very things that make the Flathead a special place to live, work and raise a family.

Jerald Pierce

Jerald D. "Jerry" Pierce, 68, passed away at his residence in Hungry Horse on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008.

State O-Mok-See slated Aug. 30-31

Smith Valley Saddle Club of Kalispell will host the 2008 Montana State O-Mok-See. It will be held at the Flathead Valley Fairgrounds in Kalispell over the Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30 and 31. Starting time is 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

Great food, rides, animals, shows, the Northwest Montana Fair has it all.

Northwest Montana Fair events start this week

Road issues

My wife and I are frequent visitors to Whitefish and have been for a number of years. For the first time, I felt it necessary to write and express my feelings regarding the road-surfacing in and around Whitefish this July.

Maxine Freeman

Maxine Evelyn Freeman, 79, passed away peacefully in her sleep July 31, 2008, while under hospice care in Kalispell. She was born on July 5, 1929, to Max and Evelyn Walters in Havre and lived in Chinook. At age 5 she moved to the Flathead Valley and lived on the family farm while attending her grade school years at Birch Grove School. During her high school years at Flathead High School, Maxine worked at Norm's serving ice cream and popular drinks of the time.

Fire danger ramps up as area dries out

By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News

Leave the sign

Good Lord, here we go again, a little more government please.

Ideal conditions at annual Montana Cup races

By JACOB DORAN / Bigfork Eagle

BHS juniors back from Europe

Two Bigfork High School juniors, Jade Bosic and BreeAnn Bunyea, both 15, recently returned from Europe and a three week adventure as "Student Ambassadors" with the "People to People" delegation which was founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. They had the opportunity to visit, Great Britain, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland.

Glacier Prep goes 2-2 in Regional BR Tournament

By DAVID ERICKSON / For the Hungry Horse News

About "Backpack" Girls

G. George Ostrom

Junior Tour concludes at Eagle Bend

The Eagle Bend stop on the Junior Tour was Aug. 4, and this is the one of the season. Some local players have played quite well during this year's tour events.

Tournament brings together business and government leaders

By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle

Great food, rides, animals, shows, the Northwest Montana Fair has it all.

Northwest Montana Fair events start this week

City moving forward with quiet zones'

Funding available to silence train horns at State Park, 2nd St. railroad crossings

Anderson leads CFST to seventh at state meet

By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News

Letter from the editor

If at first you don't succeed, tri again

Gobbling up the view: Turkey flies through man's window

By HEIDI DESCH / Hungry Horse News

Beware of added land related tax burdens

Clarice Ryan

About 'Backpacker' Girls

"Who in the world are those good lookin' young wimmin across our table?" That's what I was wondering while sitting down at the West Glacier Cafe last Thursday morning. The Over the Hill Gang was gathering for weekly adventures and it is not unusual for strange faces to appear. Get query calls and letters from across the nation. Two weeks ago we had five lawyers from Baltimore who had phoned me, seeking info for a hike with "The Gang;" however, these two ladies appeared from right out of the blue.

Bigfork teen has seen the world

By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle

Glacier All-Stars go 2-2 at regional tourney

Three players suffer broken bones as team battled the top teams in the Northwest

Boy Scouts' Camp Melita Island abuzz with activity

By JACOB DORAN / Bigfork Eagle

Boogie to the Bank 5K results

Here are complete results of the Heritage Days Boogie to the Bank 5K race, sponsored by Glacier Bank and held July 26 in Columbia Falls.

Kay Landon

Kay Landon left our world to venture to a special place in heaven on July 24, 2008.

$10 million conservation bond not a 'done deal'

To the editor,

High gas prices crimping rural health care

Bigfork area especially hard-hit in the Flathead

'Doughnut' facts not that complicated

Don't you just love it when a person who wants to conceal their true agenda regarding an issue starts by saying how "complicated" it is. Case in point: Bill Baum's observations on the "doughnut debate debacle" where he states, "There is much more to this controversy than meets the eye… And it's complicated." One could almost take that as an insult. I suppose if you present the Whitefish Critical Areas Ordinance and the doughnut area as a single issue, it could be, but these are two very different issues.

Vandalism a growing problem at state forest

Just north of Whitefish lays Stillwater State Forest, which encompasses roughly 93,000 acres and is the oldest and largest state forest in Montana. The forest earns revenue in support of various trust beneficiaries, such as Common Schools of Montana, Montana School of Mines, University of Montana. Revenue is earned by managing state school trust lands for agricultural and grazing leases, timber sales, mineral leases, commercial and residential leases, and recreation.

Conservation bond presents rare opportunity

Bill Baum

A turtle, a ranger and a marijuana sting

It's not very often that things get dull around here in the summer. Something is always happening, but even so, it's still fun to troll the Internet first thing in the morning and find out what's going on in the other nooks and crannies in the world.

Something about the history was familiar

Doctor and patient are neighbors 16 years after helicopter crash in Alaska

Supreme Court denies city's motion

Court's action gives county a free hand to plan and zone in the 'doughnut' area

Keeping an eye on the lake's health

Whitefish Lake Institute is involved in numerous projects protecting water quality

People sparking fires around the Valley

Firefighters in Northwest Montana have responded to numerous human-caused fires recently and agencies are asking the public to be mindful.

Letters to the Editor

Circus abuse

Bigfork packed for annual festival

By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle

Nelson's celebrates 60 years in business

A small-town hardware store survives in an era of box stores

Another bylaws change for BLUAC

By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle

Supports conservation bond

What a breath of fresh air. The Flathead County Commissioners are considering putting a land and water conservation bond on the November ballot. Such a move will prove widely popular and would help protect our natural beauty, clean water and access to hunting, fishing and the outdoors. That sounds like a good deal to me.

Rebecca Curran Roberts

Rebecca Curran Roberts, 57, best friend, mother and grandmother, passed away July 26, 2008, at her home in Whitefish.

Obituaries

Big Mountain's superpipe axed

Resort to redirect resources to other terrain park features

Little sympathy for builder

It is hard to feel much sympathy for Brendon Retz. If he would really like to restore his reputation in Whitefish, he should focus on actions rather than words.