Tuesday, December 30
Eight B.C. snowmobilers buried in Canadian Flathead
Eight snowmobilers were buried by an avalanche in the Canadian Flathead on Sunday.
Friday, December 26
Foreclosures up 400 percent in Flathead
Its a buyers market out there
By RICHARD HANNERS
Tourist businesses plan to hang in there
Half say booking is down for next year, about a third saw a decline this year
The 2008 tourist season was not a banner year across Montana, according to a survey of tourist businesses, and two-thirds of them expect either a level year or a down year in 2009.
Freezing Fun
David Erickson / Whitefish Pilot
Group helps kids deal with cancer
Angie Olsen and Geri Cochrane are trying to cultivate a tree.
Conversation, attitude important in tough times
What in the world is the most important to you? That’s a question that can be interpreted in many ways, depending on your frame of mind.
Supreme Court issues ruling in so-called doughnut case
Whitefish will get preliminary injunction to maintain the status quo until final decision
By RICHARD HANNERS
Front page photo
Front page photo
Lady Bulldogs fall to Polson by a bucket
By DAVID ERICKSON
Thursday, December 25
Vikes edged by Big Sky, game against Libby axed
The Bigfork varsity boys basketball team will still be searching for their first win of the season when they come back after the holiday break. They lost last Tuesday’s game against Big Sky, 57-53, and their game against Libby was canceled due to the weather.
Obituaries
Guidotta Bourne, 94
Guidotta Bourne, 94, at Aromas, California on December 19, 2008.
Tourist businesses plan to 'hang in there'
The 2008 tourist season was not a banner year across Montana, according to a survey of tourist businesses, and two-thirds of them expect either a level year or a down year in 2009.
Words without opposites
Noon every other Monday is the deadline for me to deliver this column to those newspapers which have the sense—good or bad, I can’t say—to print it. This Thursday is Christmas, but there is no holiday from deadlines for the folks who put out newspapers, even weekly ones. There will be a paper published this week, and it will be on time. And I have to fulfill my obligation to send in my column because some editors may be counting on it to take up space and some readers may be counting on it to take up time.
Get ready for a white Christmas
It may have been a little late to the party, but winter is here to stay.
Letters to the Editor
Crime(stopping) pays
Vikes JV team keeps winning ways
Bigfork High School’s junior varsity basketball team continued their winning streak last week when they beat Big Sky High School, 53-50.
Back in Ninety Eight
G. George Ostrom
Missoula's towering talent dominates Bigfork
The Bigfork girls varsity basketball team hosted their first home game last Tuesday, and were visited by a big guest — last year’s Class AA state champions Big Sky High School — who beat the Vals 70-42.
BHS one of two area schools to pass yearly progress standards
Results from the Annual Yearly Progress Report (AYP) mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act are in, and while Bigfork High School continued its record of consecutive passing marks, the school’s math scores have taken a tumble.
Two Ferndale houses burn in 16-hour span
Two fires were sparked over the weekend by residents trying to keep the blast of arctic temperatures out of their homes, according to Ferndale Fire Chief Marvin Eaves.
Still not a fan of the neighborhood plan
Reporter Alex Strickland has sunk to a new low in his efforts to defend the Bigfork Neighborhood Plan. When Mr. Strickland gets it wrong, he really gets it wrong. By quoting one phrase - out of context – he distorts my criticism of the plan and makes it sound like I have become a supporter or proponent of the plan. This is NOT an accurate representation of my comments: I remain opposed to many key sections of the plan.
School board holds last meeting of 2008
The District 38 school board held its final meeting of the year last Wednesday and, thanks to the winter storm bearing down on the Flathead, made it a quick one.
Tuesday, December 23
Columbia Falls Aluminum plant to shut down
Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. on Tuesday announced to workers it was shutting down its plant here.
Monday, December 22
CFHS sweeps Flathead in basketball; Mat Cats second in Eureka tourney
Columbia Falls basketball teams swept Flathead High School in a varsity doubleheader Friday night (Dec. 19) in Kalispell.
Thursday, December 18
Emily Leighty
Emily Leighty
City councilor defends city attorney
I debated for a long time whether or not I wanted to spend my newfound time addressing a letter to the editor. It rarely matters if one is telling the truth. I finally decided that the people of Whitefish do, however, deserve to hear what I have to say.
Lady 'Dogs battling inexperience, injury
Whitefish Pilot
Campaign cash flow posted online
Dupont, Jopek and Tutvedt outspent opponents 2-1, Zinke and MacLean were roughly tied in Senate District 2 race
Whitefish Pilot
Idol verbally commits to play ball at MSU
Whitefish Pilot
Mat Cats rally for 39-37 win over Libby
Fate was in the capable hands of Shawn Whitman and Jarrett Smith to wrap up Columbia Falls’ conference wrestling dual against Libby on the Mat Cats’ home mat Tuesday night.
Whitefish Realtors meet on city attorney
It was an enlightening meeting today (Dec. 9) in Whitefish. Some 30-40 Whitefish Realtors called the Northwest Montana Association of Realtors (NMAR) president and Government Affairs Committee to task for trying to overthrow the constitutionally-elected Whitefish government and oust John Phelps, Whitefish City Attorney, as they successfully did to former city planner Bob Horne.
Ghosts from Christmas Past
There were hidden dangers in our homes at Christmas 20 years ago, and they may still be lurking. This column from 1988 is a “public safety” report. There are things the government wants us to worry about, and you readers know, we rarely joke here about bureaucratic concerns —
Rena Cain
Rena Jean (Caldbeck) Cain, 57, died Dec. 8, 2008, in Columbia Falls. She was born Jan. 13, 1951, in Kalispell. Rena was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter and sister. She grew up in the Kalispell area with seven siblings.
Rohnda Rose
Rhonda Rose
Montana settles into the deep freeze
Richard Hanners / Whitefish Pilot
Bulldogs lose by a point to AA Glacier
Foul trouble costly for Whitefish
David Erickson / Whitefish Pilot
Brunch with Santa support overwhelming
To the editor:
Bailout not right for Montana
I recently voted against the proposed government bailout of Detroit’s Big 3 automakers. After all the hearings and debate on the Senate floor, I didn’t believe this bailout was the right thing to do for Montana.
Carl Naldrett
Carl Allen Naldrett, Jr., 85, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, surrounded by his family at home in Evergreen. He was born on May 19, 1923 in Salt Creek, Wyo., to Carl Allen and Cleata (Cochran) Naldrett, Sr.
Wildcats bounce back from loss to Dillon, roll past Anaconda, 87-65
It was a difference between day and night for the Columbia Falls varsity basketball team during opening weekend action at the Western A Tip-off Tournament in Hamilton and Corvallis.
Welcoming back Bigfork's student journalists
Letter from the editor
Alex Strickland
Edith Butters
Edith Butters, 88, of Mead, Wash., formerly of Columbia Falls, died on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008, at an extended care facility in Spokane, Wash., due to natural causes.
Dorothy Heil
Dorothy Allene Heil, 47, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, in Kalispell after a long battle with her illness. She was born on April 14, 1961 in Butte to Donald J. and Helen A. (Ashley) McMillan.
County should get serious on dust problem
To the editor:
State turns down heli-skiing proposal
‘Test case’ received ‘considerable opposition’ from the public and from adjacent land agencies
Richard Hanners / Whitefish Pilot
Big 3 automakers need to restructure
Once again, the President and House Democrats have brought forward a massive bailout plan which falls short of providing adequate protections for taxpayers. As a result, my offices are again being flooded with calls from folks in Montana with one request — vote no.
Mr. Kaltschmidt goes to Washington
But Montana delegation votes against $14 billion bailout for automakers
By RICHARD HANNERS
Wildkats competitive in losses to Dillon, Anaconda in Tip-off Tournament
Competitive. That’s the best one-word description of the Columbia Falls varsity girls hoop team in its games in the Western A Tip-off Tournament last weekend.
Full buses prompt first-time hitchhikers
Two longtime friends e-mailed me about their first experiences as hitchhikers. Delays and full transit buses turned a routine trip into a hitchhiking experience in Glacier National Park.
CFHS students giving back to our community
The busy holiday season provides many opportunities for the enjoyment of activities, family and friends. The season also provides the opportunity to give back to the community through service project and volunteering. Service projects provide a win-win for the school and community as the students develop leadership and interpersonal skills, and gain an enhanced awareness of the issues and needs in the community. Students almost always find their involvement rewarding and enjoy the time spent giving back to the community.
Raymond Schott
Raymond R. Schott, 76, passed away Sunday, Dec.7, 2008, at the Montana Veterans’ Home, where he has resided since 2005.
He's the bike man from Hungry Horse
Rusty Larsen likes garage sales. Can't drive by one without stopping in, poking around, picking up something. Mostly he’s looking for bikes, or bike parts. Seats. Cranks. Gears. Cables. You name it.
City attorney explains salary
Questions raised at Dec. 1 city council meeting
Whitefish Pilot
Flathead Valley goes into the deep freeze
Blizzard blankets the state and won’t leave
David Erickson / Whitefish Pilot
Commissioner looks back at career
Hall says his skin is tougher but it was all worthwhile
Richard Hanners / Whitefish Pilot
While others seek help, Stoltze looks ahead
Headlines as of late have all been about bailouts — bailouts of banks, bailouts of financial firms, bailouts of auto companies.
Monday, December 15
Gun rules relaxed for national parks
By CHRIS PETERSONHungry Horse News
The Department of Interior late last week approved rule changes that will allow gun owners with concealed weapons permits to legally carry guns in national parks.
Mat Cats double Dogs; Houle champ at Polson
Columbia Falls opened the 2009 high school wrestling season by doubling Whitefish in a Northwestern A Conference dual Friday, then the Mat Cats placed ninth at the tough Polson Invitational on Saturday.
Lucille Gibson
Lucille Marcia Gibson, 86, of Columbia Falls passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008, due to natural causes. Lucille was born on April 22, 1922 in Columbus, Neb., to Sutton and Martha Woods.
Linda Tamburelli
Linda Marie Tamburelli, 66, lost a very courageous battle with cancer on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008. We have lost a loving wife, a generous mother, a devoted grandmother, sister and the best friend anybody could possibly have.
Study gives griz mortality a mixed review
By CHRIS PETERSONHungry Horse News
A new report by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gives the human-caused grizzly bear mortality rate in the Northern Continental a mixed review.
Wildcat cagers open season at tourney with more strength, size
By JOE SOVAHungry Horse News
Despite having a younger team, Columbia Falls has more varsity experience than the Wildcats had to start last season, according to returning head coach Carey Finberg.
Morris Neugebauer
"Damn it!" as Morrie would say. Way too soon, Morris David Neugebauer, 64, of Whitefish rode out of this life at "High Noon" on Thanksgiving Day 2008 surrounded by love.
CFHS girls unveil new offense at Western A Tip-off Tournament
With just one senior and two returning starters, the Columbia Falls varsity girls team expects to show improvement through the 2008-09 basketball season.
Some Big Mountain ski slopes opened Tuesday
Northwest Montana News Network
The Whitefish Mountain Resort opened some terrain on the north slopes of Big Mountain on Tuesday morning (Dec. 9), resort officials announced Monday afternoon.
Gas leak forces evacuation in Mosquito Flats neighborhood; frigid weather continues
Winter arrived in Columbia Falls over the weekend, but the predicted blizzard didn’t drop as much snow as first thought. Even so, about 40 people in the Mosquito Flats neighborhood had to be evacuated Sunday morning after a gas substation sprung a major leak.
Saturday, December 13
Storm closes Highway 35, kills one
Bigfork Eagle
Friday, December 12
Wildcat cagers open season at tourney with more strength, size
By JOE SOVA
Blizzard, sub-zero temps expected in Flathead
A blizzard is expected starting Friday night (Dec. 12) and running into Saturday for the greater Glacier National Park area and the Flathead Valley.
Letters to the Editor
Cancer support group looking for your help
Columbia Falls churches noted
Special edition commemorating the first 100 years in Columbia Falls also had my stories concerning two 100-year-old churches, St. Richard’s Catholic and the Methodist. It was published July 25, 1991.
CFHS girls unveil new offense at Western A Tip-off Tournament
With just one senior and two returning starters, the Columbia Falls varsity girls team expects to show improvement through the 2008-09 basketball season.
Obituaries
Linda Tamburelli
Winter weather on the way
Weather Service issues Blizzard Warning
Bigfork Eagle
Gun rules relaxed for national parks
The Department of Interior late last week approved rule changes that will allow gun owners with concealed weapons permits to legally carry guns in national parks.
Hader's Fishin' Yarn
Had a fine visit with Richard Hader this week. Had never met him before but knew right off he was a very wise and insightful man. Came to my house to tell me he had carefully saved and preserved every single issue of the Kalispell Weekly News for the eight years I had owned and published it, 1974 to 1982. He kindly offered to give me the collection.
Study gives griz mortality a mixed review
A new report by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gives the human-caused grizzly bear mortality rate in the Northern Continental a mixed review.
Mat Cats double Dogs; Houle champ at Polsonn
Columbia Falls opened the 2009 high school wrestling season by doubling Whitefish in a Northwestern A Conference dual Friday, then the Mat Cats placed ninth at the tough Polson Invitational on Saturday.
Some Big Mountain ski slopes opened Tuesday
Northwest Montana News Network
Thursday, December 11
Hader's Fishin' Yarn
Had a fine visit with Richard Hader this week. Had never met him before but knew right off he was a very wise and insightful man. Came to my house to tell me he had carefully saved and preserved every single issue of the Kalispell Weekly News for the eight years I had owned and published it, 1974 to 1982. He kindly offered to give me the collection.
Bulldog grapplers fall to Chiefs, Wildcats
The Bulldog wrestlers opened up their season at home on Friday night, going down 0-63 to the Ronan Chiefs and 27-54 to Columbia Falls. It was the opening dual of the 2008 Northwestern A wrestling season for all teams.
Railroad quiet zones equipment is in place
Soon trains will not sound sirens at State Park Road and Second Street crossings
Neighbors near the Second Street and State Park Road railroad crossings might be glad to know train locomotives will soon be passing by without blasting their sirens.
Northern Lights win home hockey tourney
For the first time since it began, the home team won the sixth annual Whitefish Women’s Winter Face-off hockey tournament.
Obituaries
Linda Tamburelli
Doug and Rollie Smith race moved to California
After months of negotiations, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association has decided to move the sanctioned NORAM ski race formerly known as the Doug and Rollie Smith Memorial to Mammoth Mountain in California.
Parks boss struck by community spirit
After seven months heading up the city’s parks and recreation department, Karl Cozad says he’s amazed by the generosity, collaboration and grassroots volunteerism here in Whitefish.
Wildcats open season at Western A Tip-off Tourney
Boys have more strength, size this season
Despite having a younger team, Columbia Falls has more varsity experience than the Wildcats had to start last season, according to returning head coach Carey Finberg.
Golden Agers budget shortfall hurts seniors
Survey results reveal missed meals and loneliness issues
Recent downturns in income combined with the cost of some needed repairs have left the Whitefish Golden Agers with a looming end-of-year deficit. And with results from a recent quality-of-life survey revealing that loneliness and hunger face many seniors, a budget shortfall is not the sort of news the center hoped to hear at their monthly board meeting.
Wildkats work on new offense
With just one senior and two returning starters, the Columbia Falls varsity girls team expects to show improvement through the 2008-09 basketball season.
Night of Lights Parade
Annual Night of Lights Parade entertains a large crowd along Nucleus Avenue on Friday (Dec. 5)
Some Big Mountain slopes opened
Northwest Montana
Mat Cats double Dogs; Houle champ at Polson
Columbia Falls opened the 2009 high school wrestling season by doubling Whitefish in a Northwestern A Conference dual Friday, then the Mat Cats placed ninth at the tough Polson Invitational on Saturday.
Letters to the Editor
Cancer support group looking for your help
Company plans helicopter tour business and school near landfill
A helicopter company that ran tour flights over Whitefish during Fourth of July weekend and has proposed heli-skiing on state lands in the Whitefish Range and North Fork now plans to set up its main business near the Flathead County landfill.
Gun rules relaxed for Parks
The Department of Interior late last week approved rule changes that will allow gun owners with concealed weapons permits to legally carry guns in national parks.
Churches noted
Special edition commemorating the first 100 years in Columbia Falls also had my stories concerning two 100-year-old churches, St. Richard’s Catholic and the Methodist. It was published July 25, 1991.
Study gives griz mortality a mixed review
A new report by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gives the human-caused grizzly bear mortality rate in the Northern Continental a mixed review.
Flathead Coalition meets with BP exec
B.C. government OKs coalbed methane project northwest of Glacier Park
Less than a week after a group of concerned citizens asked British Petroleum to at least temporarily suspend plans for a proposed coalbed methane project northwest of Glacier National Park, the provincial government of British Columbia has given the company tacit approval to proceed.
Thursday, December 4
Concert features traditional and sacred Christmas music
Getting into the Christmas spirit means music and one of the most traditional holiday mood-makers is Handel's "Messiah." On December 13 and 14, Glacier Symphony and Chorale will perform this beloved work along with J.S. Bach's "Magnificat," another sacred but lesser-known piece. The Saturday night concert will be performed at 7:30 p.m. at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center, and Sunday's concert will be held at 3 p.m. at Flathead High School in Kalispell. Chorale Conductor Jim Stanard prepared the singers. John Zoltek, GSC Music Director, will conduct the performances.
Beetle kills provide challenge for forest managers
Guest column
Ellen Simpson
Stunt studs pump up BHS cheer
The Bigfork High School cheerleading squad's performances are about to get a lot more powerful with the addition of four "stunt studs."
Two AEDs given to BHS, new unit installed at football field
The student body president and vice president at Bigfork High School presented the district office with two automated external defibrillators on Monday, which were purchased by Serra Valentine using money donated from community members.
Local racers take on Mexico's desert
Bigfork's Terry Leonard and Jay Manning left last month's Baja Los Cabos 300 race in Mexico with the confirmation that a bad day of racing is still better than any day at work. However, they would have rather left with the first place finish it looked as though they had secured halfway through the race.
Learning to Fly
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Innovative family mill, Stoltze turns 110
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Big Mountain opening uncertain
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Alexander Anderson
Alexander "Bud" Stephen Anderson passed away Nov. 24, 2008, in Palm Springs, Calif.
Mat Cats open at Whitefish
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
Morris Neugebauer
“Damn it,” as Morrie would say. Way too soon, Morris David Neugebauer, 64, rode out of this life at “High Noon” on Thanksgiving Day 2008 surrounded by love.
Obituaries
Edna Marie Ahlefeld, 75
Whitefish and San Francisco
San Francisco is bigger than Whitefish. That fact clearly dictates political issues being remarkably diverse. For instance, down in the "City by the Golden Gate" the people have just decided to forbid police from arresting "girls of the street." Prostitution is still a crime under existing state law, but "The City's" cops aren't going to enforce it anymore. Hanky panky for pay is basically decriminalized within city limits. Proponents of the new ordinance say the measure will free up $11 million spent last year on harassing, arresting and prosecuting those ladies engaged in the "oldest profession."
Marian Cullen
Former teacher and homemaker Marian L. Cullen, 87, of Great Falls died of natural causes Nov. 29, 2008, at a long-term care facility.
Lots of awards handed out at football banquet
Four Whitefish Bulldogs received all-conference honors at the annual banquet Tuesday night — guard Dustin Beck, receiver Aaron Tkachyk, tackle Dylan Dryden and defensive end Josh Backer.
Prepare your body for the ski season
By SAMANTHA GILMAN
Laura May Lytle
Laura May (Thompson) Lytle, 87, passed away peacefully Nov. 26, 2008.
Holidayfest in Lakeside this Saturday
The 12th annual West Shore Holidayfest is set for this Saturday, Dec. 6. This festive one-day event is held in the Lakeside School gymnasium from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A great mix of attractions is offered throughout the day, with no admission charged.
Consensus is that growth here will take a hiatus and then resume
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
Toys for Tots picking up steam
Northwest Montana
Council reacts to attack on city attorney
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
Women's hockey tourney at Ice Den
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Schweitzer should follow other Dems on environment
An open letter to the governor:
County sets aside $100,000 for dusty roads
By HEIDI DESCH / Hungry Horse News
Whitman, Benner earn most valuable cross country honors
Junior Shawn Whitman and freshman Leesa Benner received Most Valuable Athlete honors during the Columbia Falls High School cross country awards gathering after the completion of the 2008 season.
BLUAC approves project for prominent corner
The Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee gave the thumbs-up to a proposal that would develop mixed use business, commercial and residential on the corner of Highway 35 and Holt Drive in Bigfork.
Chicken regs given the nod
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
Let it snow, I beg you
Alex Strickland
Speaking Out
Establishing park has financial advantages
Blacktail, skiers anxious for opening day
It's December, and all over Montana children are anxiously awaiting-well, Christmas, but also-that fluffy white stuff that serves as the primary ingredient in snow forts, igloos, snowmen, sledding hills and a plethora of related snow art and architecture.
R ec trail land swap details 'memorialized'
Silicon Valley entrepreneur Michael Goguen will donate $3.1 million total
Letters to the Editor
Hospitality lives here
Tracing history of C-Falls mayors
The First 100 Years — 1891 to 1991 — in Columbia Falls was the theme for special section printed July 25, 1991.
Looking to the Griz to brighten my fall
I was the first person to fight the idea that summer was ending when the rainy and cold days started to outnumber the sunny ones. I love summer, and winter too, but I just struggle to find a reason to appreciate the shoulder seasons. I am a firm believer that if it is not hot out, it should be snowing.
Night of Lights coming Friday
It's been a town tradition for more than two decades, and it's always a special evening to kick off the Christmas season. And this year there is something new and exciting.
Saddlehorn gives about $40k to community groups
On Monday evening, the very day that the country was officially declared to be in a recession, the Saddlehorn Foundation gave nearly $40,000 to community groups in Bigfork and around the Flathead Valley.
Adopt a family with the Rotary Club
As we celebrate Thanks-giving and approach the Christmas season, I celebrate and thank the good Lord for blessing me with the ability to care for my family.
Alma 'Polly' Keeler
Alma “Polly” Keeler went to be with her Lord and Savior on Nov. 26, 2008, after a long battle with cancer. Polly was born on Jan. 6, 1943, in Gillette, Ark., to Ed and Mary Mack.
