Stories for May 2008

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Thursday, May 29

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Provide parking and restrooms

In my mind's eye, I can see myself driving north on Spokane into Whitefish. I hit the stoplight at the school and Second Street. Ahead is a modest but tasteful Montana-style building. A sign saying "Welcome Center" greets me, and I notice another sign, "Public Parking and Restrooms."

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Anna Mae (Brubaker) Carver, 83

Anna Mae passed quietly at North Central Care Center in Spokane, Washington on May 25, 2008, where she had been cared for over three years by a loving and generous staff. Her mind was still sharp and she even perked up during her last days when she heard Hillary Clinton had won several primaries — a true Democrat and backer of liberal causes for women all her life.

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Relay for Life holds damp kickoff party

By FAITH MOLDAN/Bigfork Eagle

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Dupont beats Hall in primary; Democrats support Obama locally

Former Flathead County Sheriff Jim Dupont beat incumbent Gary Hall in the Republican primary for Flathead County Commissioner by a wide margin Tuesday, 7,837 to 3,475.

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Wildkats go 2-2 in Class A state softball

By JOE SOVA/Hungry Horse News

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Vals doubles beat out at state

By FAITH MOLDAN/Bigfork Eagle

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Doesn't operate that way

Spirited public debate is a cornerstone of the American political system. We have seen plenty of it at Whitefish City Council meetings, and although at times it may be uncomfortable, I would argue that it is a positive thing, resulting in better public policy.

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Tongue in cheek, foot in mouth

This letter is in response to Jan Metzmaker's explanation in the May 22 Pilot of her "My View" column on April 17, in which she suggested "building a fence around Whitefish" and "issuing all visitors swipe cards for later billing."

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Benedict wins triple jump title; Vals place at state track meet

By FAITH MOLDAN/Bigfork Eagle

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Primary candidates in final stretch

Property rights banter could dominate county commissioner race

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Why I'm voting for Obama

I was born during the Eisenhower administration. I voted for the first time in 1976 for Jimmy Carter. I was a Reagan Democrat then later voted for Bill Clinton twice and Al Gore once . I've watched elections, somewhat, and always voted for whom I thought was the best person instead of along party lines. In the past election, I was so disgusted by Bush and Kerry that I wrote in Mickey Mouse, as the best "person" to lead the country, seems I was right about that. I still voted, which was the point.

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Drug testing doesn't work

I am glad that Jeff Bailey (Whitefish Pilot, April 10) finds the advertising literature put out by the drug-testing industry to be "fair and balanced." I am sure their sales pitch stands as a model to used car dealers everywhere.

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Twins split Wood Bat tourney, drop title game

By DAVID ERICKSON/Whitefish Pilot

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

BHS to hold graduation ceremony on Saturday

Bigfork Eagle

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

NY Times best-selling author Mortenson visits CFJH

By HEIDI DESCH/Hungry Horse News

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Bulldog boys sweep up state tennis title

Caimi conquers singles play, Viscomi and Harris take doubles crown

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Marks resigns as city manager

Takes a job in Sun Valley, Idaho

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Roy Statum

Roy Ellen Statum, 90, went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 20, 2008. She was born on Oct. 28, 1917 in Chelan, Wash. She married Staff Sgt. Robert Statum of Mountain Home A.F.B. Idaho on Sept. 11, 1954. They moved to Columbia Falls in 1975 after he retired from the Air Force. She was very active in the First Baptist Church of Columbia Falls and enjoyed gardening and reading.

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Richard Buchanan

Richard Douglas "Mickey" Buchanan, 75, passed away at his home May 22, 2008.

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Sharon Burghduff

Sharon L. Burghduff, 60, went to be with her Lord on May 17, 2008, with her family by her side.

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

A little humor, a little serious

By G. George Ostrom

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

CARE support appreciated

As the school year draws to a close, Whitefish CARE would like to thank the many members of the community for their support in helping CARE address our mission of promoting safe and drug-free schools.

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Primaries coming up on Tuesday

Bigfork Eagle

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Lady Bulldogs give Frenchtown a scare at state

Whitefish softball team has error-free game, but stranded runner is costly

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Commission candidates Hall, Dupont debate merits

By CHRIS PETERSON/Hungry Horse News

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Violet L'Hommedieu

She was born in Sanger, Texas, on Jan. 13, 1919, to Ida Watson Bryant and Goble Frederick Bryant.

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Escaping Earth's problems

With gas skyrocketing, the continuing worry in Iraq and a historic election on the horizon, I've been trying to answer the Next Big Question in my life, which is, and I am not making this up: What should I name my space ship?

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Byrd wins overall Whitewater title

By FAITH MOLDAN/Bigfork Eagle

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Greg Mortenson visits Bigfork schools

By ALEX STRICKLAND/Bigfork Eagle

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Thanks for the memories

By FAITH MOLDAN/Bigfork Eagle

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

State budget: Truth is in the numbers

Lately, some GOP candidates have been making sweeping statements that exaggerate and misrepresent state spending by the 2007 general and special sessions of the state legislature.

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Bulldog boys are state track champs

Ferda takes javelin title for the girls, Idol and Tkachyk take jumping crowns

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

No ties to Jim Dupon

According to a recent letter-to-the-editor by a Gary Hall supporter, Jim Dupont is "backed by the American Dream Coalition" and "this group is a close ally to Mr. Dupont." I assume the lady who wrote the letter was referring to the organization I chair, American Dream Montana (ADM).

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

North Shore Ranch developers sue county

By ALEX STRICKLAND/Bigfork Eagle

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Baucus deal could buy 300,000 acres of Plum Creek lands

By CHRIS PETERSON/Hungry Horse News

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

City taking 'holding pattern' approach on budget

By RICHARD HANNERSWhitefish Pilot

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Proof that one person can make a change

It's one of the small perks of this job that journalists get to talk to people that they might not otherwise. We can hang out after presentations and chat with the speaker or call up the official and actually, maybe, get a call back.

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Maynard, Getts, Marcille win matches at state tennis tourney

By CHRIS PETERSON/Hungry Horse News

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

'Ghost Squadron' honored for secret missions on the Ho Chi Minh Trail

By RICHARD HANNERS/Whitefish Pilot

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Dupont says road dust is not a 'huge health problem'

To the editor,

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

Police fundraiser was a success

The Whitefish Police Protection Association would like to thank everyone who made our fundraiser a success.

May 29, 2008 11 p.m.

CFHS thinclads turn in PRs at state track

By JOE SOVA/Hungry Horse News

Thursday, May 22

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

Firefighters call for citizen support

As our city's population and tourism increase, so has the demand for ambulance and other emergency services from the fire department. While our call volume continues to grow, the number of paid fire department personnel has become dangerously inadequate.

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

Sharon Burghduff

Sharon L. Burghduff, 60, went to be with her Lord on Saturday, May 17, 2008, with her family by her side.

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

It could never happen to me

I've been, with varying degrees of dedication, an avid runner and cyclist since I started high school and not once have I ever had an unpleasant encounter with a dog.

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

Firefighter mill levy will go to voters

Ballots for 24/7 emergency services mill levy could be mailed out by mid-August

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

Lake County to test for arsenic in Dayton

By JENNIFER McBRIDE/For the Eagle

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

Thank you for donations to Curves fundraiser

To the editor,

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

Whitefish qualifies a conference-high 26 members for state

By DAVID ERICKSON/Whitefish Pilot

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

Council decides to stay out of Whitefish's doughnut suit

By HEIDI DESCH/Hungry Horse News

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

Local teen's first book is published

College-bound teenager is already a published author

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

City of Columbia Falls stays with combined 911 center

By HEIDI DESCH/Hungry Horse News

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

Marcille, Getts, Maynard compete in state tennis tourney

By CHRIS PETERSON/Hungry Horse News

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

Letter was small-minded

I really enjoy small-minded letters to the editor. They remind me of why our country is so great.

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

Layoffs at Columbia Falls Aluminum plant a probability

As early as July 21, there could be extensive layoffs at Columbia Falls Aluminum Company. And the issue boils down to the cost of doing business.

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

Subdivision aims to be a 'green' model

Project calls for community gardens, brewery and toy train on Wisconsin Avenue

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

East Shore residents want truck ban on Highway 35

By ALEX STRICKLAND/Bigfork Eagle

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

Remarks insult 'donut' person

I am aware that others have written eloquently on this subject, most particularly Richard Atkinson. However, I feel compelled to add my own voice to what has become an unfortunately divisive issue.

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

Lawyers debate 'doughnut' lawsuit appeals

By RICHARD HANNERS/Whitefish Pilot

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

School drills well, but can't service concession building

By ALEX STRICKLAND/Bigfork Eagle

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

Swan River school celebrates life with LIVESTONG Day

By FAITH MOLDAN/Bigfork Eagle

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

Hall has common sense and class

Flathead County has enjoyed unprecedented economic prosperity over the past few years, but pressing issues on the national level make the next five years crucial for the continued health of our area. Which is why on June 3, I will support Gary Hall for county commissioner.

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

United Veterans host services Monday

Memorial Day schedules for United Veterans of the Flathead Valley have been announced. The public is invited to attend.

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

Kats top Dogs, face Sidney in state tourney

By JOE SOVA/Hungry Horse News

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

Candidates talk coal, education and taxes

A popular governor and five contenders fill the slate

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

Darrell Dunning

Darrell Lynn Dunning, 50, passed away May 15, 2008.

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

Boys tennis team places second; Vals' No. 1 doubles qualify for state

By FAITH MOLDAN/Bigfork Eagle

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

Flooding danger will continue

By CHRIS PETERSON/Hungry Horse News

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

Public, officials visit potential park site at Deep Bay

By JACOB DORAN/Bigfork Eagle

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

Brennan, Stoltz lead thinclads to state meet

By JOE SOVA/Hungry Horse News

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

Bulldogs clean up at tennis divisionals

Boys are champions; Whitefish is sending nine players to state tourney in Polson

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

High water recalls

It is Monday, May 19 as I write. Hope everyone is dry when weekly papers go to press. Can't help remembering the floods of 1964.

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

New low in Whitefish politics

It is OK if one does not appreciate tongue-in-cheek humor, and it is OK if one has a different opinion. We can certainly agree to disagree.

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

Montana is ready for "Vote-by-Mail"

After receiving training to be an election judge and observing the training process, I believe Montana is ready to switch their voting system to "Vote-by-Mail." The permanent absentee voters have increased in record numbers so the system is in place. The expense for conducting elections by mail would reduce overall costs considerably.

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

County mulling closure of Green Box site

By ALEX STRICKLAND/Bigfork Eagle

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

Kayak raffle benefits First Descents programs

By FAITH MOLDAN / Bigfork Eagle

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

Florence Tigges, 92

Florence (Ost Wood Anderson) Tigges, age 92, passed away May 10, 2008 at Heritage Place in Kalispell, Montana, her home since 2006. She was born May 2, 1916 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Charles and Bernice (Cassidy) Ost.

May 22, 2008 11 p.m.

Holmes' homer can't lift Lady Bulldogs over 'Kats

Team heads to state softball tournament in Butte this weekend

Friday, May 16

May 16, 2008 11 p.m.

Weather Service says flooding likely on Flathead, Swan to get close

By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle

Thursday, May 15

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Weather Service says flooding likely on Flathead, Swan to get close

By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Highway 35 from the truckers' view

Barry "Spook' Stang

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Whitefish will host divisional track meet this weekend

By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Netters vie for berths at state tournament

The girls still aren't winning many matches, but they have improved as the tennis season winds down for Columbia Falls.

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Out of touch with reality

The Whitefish City Council has indeed demonstrated once again that it is either out of touch with reality or consumed with the arrogance of power. When the council decided to appeal the district court's ruling denying its effort to rule the "doughnut," the attitude displayed in that decision is alarming to anyone that treasures the American principles of representative government and liberty.

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Neighbors file suit against gun club

Claim Farm To Market Road shooting range hurts property values

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Gloria Arriaga

Gloria Dawn Arriaga, 75, entered God's Heavenly Garden on May 9, 2008, in Whitefish.

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

About jumping high

By G. George Ostrom

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

BLUAC gets wrist-slap for illegal meeting

By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Florence Wood Anderson Tigges, 92

Florence Wood Anderson Tigges, age 92, of Kalispell, passed away on Saturday, May 10, 2008 at Heritage Place in Kalispell, Montana.

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Rivers could reach flood-stage by Sunday

Bigfork Eagle

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Bulldog netters sweep in Polson

Boys blank the Pirates, girls struggle in doubles play but eke out win

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Election tied to the price of fuel

What's the topic of discussion these days moreso than the weather? Yes, voters are trying to sort out candidates for the June 3 primary election. And the price of gasoline and diesel fuel, of course, is high on the discussion list. Whether you drive a vehicle or not, the rising price of fuel affects everyone.

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Joyce Allan

Joyce Bernice Allan, 79, of Rose Creek, Minn., lost her battle with cancer on Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at her home.

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Building slowdown spells budget changes

City manager recommends a mill levy election for 24/7 emergency services

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Thinclads tune up for Western A Divisional

By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Darrow falls short for FVCC board; Primaries coming up

BY ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Veteran ranger Moses honored with Harry Yount Award

By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

BHS yearbook judged best in state

Bigfork Eagle

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Glass art with unique personal touch

Mother-daughter team create unique funerary art that makes a difference

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Wild Mile kayaking festival coming soon

By FAITH MOLDAN / For the Pilot

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Mother's Day: The legacy of Agnes Jones

By JACOB DORAN / Bigfork Eagle

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Thursday farmers market funds garden projects around town

By OLIVIA KOERNIG / Whitefish Pilot

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Is SB 263 still alive?

Politics fills the air these days, here in the Flathead county, and across the state, and overwhelmingly… on the national scene. Few of the promises made during campaigns actually come to pass after the elections, and most of the wild ideas that come up later, blessedly fade away. Some of the guys and I were discussing this last week and wondered how difficult it is to go back in the records and find the fate of any given bill.

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Thanks for the vote

Thank you to all of the community members who voted for me in the Whitefish School Board election. I greatly appreciate your support. Even though I won't be serving on the board, I will continue to contribute to our community.

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Extra postage on ballots

To the editor,

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Drug-testing worked for Marines

In the past several weeks, we have seen a number of letters written about the ineffectiveness of drug testing.

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Smith resigns from activities director, teaching positions at Bigfork High

By FAITH MOLDAN / Bigfork Eagle

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Rising river causes minor flooding in Flathead

The weather warmed up into the 80s and as predicted, the waters rose. But by early this week, flooding was minimal in the Columbia Falls area, although the potential for higher water still exists as rain was expected Wednesday and through the end of the week.

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Copperheads drop Whitefish 3-2 on the road

by DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Laurence Osburnsen

Laurence Osburnsen, 94, formerly of Big Arm, and Surprise, Ariz., passed away May 4, 2008, in Kalispell.

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Twins belt two homers to drop Loggers

By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Kats win three of four in Butte Central tourney

By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Weekend has flooding potential

By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Speaking out

Business group surveys 'doughnut' residents

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Student voice on drug-testing

I am a Whitefish High School Bulldog. I am proud of my school and its accomplishments. Recently, the issue of drug abuse has exploded over the campus, filling the halls with rumor and distaste. Staggering numbers reflecting the extent of abuse came out of nowhere, augmenting the "problem" to titanic proportions. The community has shouted from both sides, but the debate has forgotten one very important aspect — the student body. Maybe I can voice a little of its opinion.

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Darrows honored by Basin Commission

Bigfork residents Elna and George Darrow have been chosen as recipients of the Flathead Basin Commission's stewardship award for their lifelong involvement in efforts to protect the water quality of the Flathead area.

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Clinton stumps for Hillary

By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Betty Elder

Betty Lee Hedrick Elder, 87, passed away May 8, 2008, at the Montana Veterans Home.

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Extra postage on absentee ballot

I discovered this morning that Montana's Primary Absentee ballots cost 59 cents to mail (not the standard 42 cents), because of the extra weight of enclosing the unused Republican or Democratic ballot. Postage rates just went up one cent on Monday.

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Philip Rumerfield

Philip Gale Rumerfield, 86, passed away May 10, 2008 at the Mountain Valley Care & Rehabilitation of Kellogg, Idaho.

May 15, 2008 11 p.m.

Bigfork track and field teams compete with quality, not quantity

By FAITH MOLDAN / Bigfork Eagle

Thursday, May 8

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

Explain vote

During the past 13 years of teaching high school in Whitefish, I have experienced nothing but enthusiastic support for our town's schools, teachers and our educational mission.

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

Arbor Day art auction raises nearly $4,000

In conjunction with the 2008 Arbor Day celebration last weekend, the art reception and auction by the First Best Place Task Force on Friday evening raised nearly $4,000 for the group and the Community Tree program for Columbia Falls. The event was hosted by Terri Baker of Arrowhead Fine Art and Framing, and was well attended.

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

AA Twins go 2-1 on opening weekend

By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

Rotary ready to start on bike path

By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

CFHS tennis teams continue to improve

The Columbia Falls tennis teams had a decidedly mixed week. The girls team lost all their matches but one, and the boys won one match against Whitefish, but did better against Bigfork, winning three matches.

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

Lady Bulldogs shut out Browning at home

By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

BHS senior wins high school 'Photographer of the year'

By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

MDOT to take comments on possible Highway 35 restrictions

By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

Douglas Knudsen

Douglas Knudsen, 52, died May 4, 2008.

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

Learning Center gives students hope

By HEIDI DESCH / Hungry Horse News

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

Amusing phone calls from friends

Ofttimes it seems mannerisms we took for granted are long gone. This seems to happen frequently with telephone conversations. Of course inquiries regarding use of English or Spanish are always exasperating.

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

Thank you for support of Lighthouse

To the editor,

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

Local teacher receives presidential award

Whitefish Middle School science teacher William "Tim" Joern received the 2007 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the nation's highest honor for teaching in these fields.

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

Parking garage is tabled again

Alternative appeals to councilors but plan requires school approval

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

Doughnut people are a part of Whitefish

In response to Jan Metzmaker's opinion in the April 17 Whitefish Pilot, I think I may have read your editorial more than you did before you sent it in. Your last words: "Perhaps we could just try to get along and realize that we all don't get our cake and eat it, too."

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

A case of 'Track Tremble'

There I was, all alone in the woods because I had lagged behind friends hiking up Going to the Sun Highway three weeks ago. Had turned off at the McDonald Creek inlet to photograph the falls. Snow was deep in places but it did enable me to see deer, lion and… grizzly tracks. "Grizzly tracks!"

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

Elections slates didn't crowd the ballot

I'm writing this column the day before the election that will seat members to the Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee, Bigfork Fire Department board of trustees and Flathead Valley Community College board of trustees. Across the lake in and around Lakeside, a similar slate of positions is being voted on.

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

Thinclads shine at Archie Roe

By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

Host Families needed for foreign exchange students

By JACOB DORAN / Bigfork Eagle

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

Track nears end of season

By FAITH MOLDAN / Bigfork Eagle

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

Bigfork High School tennis teams record wins in Columbia Falls

By FAITH MOLDAN / Bigfork Eagle

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

Bonnie Kienlen

Bonnie 71, a long-time resident of The Dallas, Ore., went home to be with our Lord and Savior on April 25, 2008. She was surrounded by her family and went in peace.

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

Who is local

In response to the May 1 letter to the editor by Tom Gilfillan, are you a local?

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

Babe Ruth blasts Blue Moon 16-6

By FAITH MOLDAN / Bigfork Eagle

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

Darrow falls short for FVCC board

Bigfork Eagle

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

Plum Creek mills report $9 million loss

By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

School district settles with Christmas wreath maker

By OLIVIA KOERNIG / Whitefish Pilot

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

Great show

We come to Bigfork several times each year to visit our daughter and grandchildren, and we often enjoy a play or two while here. This past weekend was no exception, for we had a rollicking good time seeing the Bigfork High School players do their durndest with "Wagon Wheels a-Rollin'," a pure slapstick Western comedy which culminates in a shootout in the I'm-Okay-You're-Okay Corral. Congratulations to all involved in this production. One scene will forever stand high in my theater memories — right up there with treasured bits from plays seen on stages in cities the likes of Toronto, New York, London and San Francisco: We in the audience of local community folks, of parents, relatives and friends of the players, had comfortably bought into our willing suspension of disbelief. The wagon train maiden had been kidnapped by four black-hatted bandits, and these dastardly guys were out in the lonesome valley discussing what to do with her. The sweet maiden faced the audience and was speaking at length in a woe-is-me-what-will-I-ever-do-now? aside, when the littlest bandit turned to his cohorts and jolted us all by asking them, bewildered, "Who is she talkin' to?!" The convoluted message in that Pirandelloesque line is what makes the theater the magic brain teaser that it is. Reality, anyone?

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

Montana youth prefer Obama

Half the soldiers killed in Vietnam weren't old enough to vote. The monumental injustice of that triggered the adoption of the 26th amendment in 1971, which lowered the voting age to 18. Sen. Mike Mansfield noted that his leadership role in lowering the voting age was perhaps his proudest achievement in his long life of public service.

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

Pressure main springs a leak downtown

Bigfork Eagle

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

City limits

In response to Jan Metz-maker's letter of April 17 to the Pilot, I would like to state that this woman in my opinion is a "Mess Maker." How dare you speak to the citizens of this area that way.

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

Wildkats struggle in 13-1 loss to Libby

By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

Bulldogs sweep Cats for the season

By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

Evelyn Thompson

Evelyn Ruth (Hodges) Thompson, 84, "entered into eternal glory" on April 30, 2008, passing peacefully with her devoted husband at her side in Whitefish.

May 8, 2008 11 p.m.

Distance runners excel at Archie Roe meet

By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot

Thursday, May 1

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Horseback therapy makes miracles happen in Flathead

By JACOB DORNAN / West Shore News

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Tick Time in the "Toolies"

By G. George Ostrom

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Bulldogs shine at A.R.M. track meet

By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Bigfork eateries deliever with 'Taste'

By JACOB DORAN / Bigfork Eagle

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Wilhelm leads CFHS thinclads at A.R.M. Meet

By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Gospel at St. Richard's set May 18

Perhaps it is early, but also time to start marking dates for musical events scheduled during the next few months.

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Fierro signs with Lewis-Clark State College

By FAITH MOLDAN / Bigfork Eagle

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Education candidates meet the public

By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Message of hope and faith: Group plans trip to Czech Republic

By HEIDI DESCH / Hungry Horse News

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Viking tennis avenges early-season loss to Polson; Vals ace Polson, Hamilton

By FAITH MOLDAN / Bigfork Eagle

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Lady Bulldogs go 3-1 over weekend

By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Commissioners deny North Shore Ranch

By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Marcille second at Bitterroot tennis tournament

Sarah Marcille took second in the singles event and the boys tennis team had also had a solid outing last weekend at the Bitterroot Invitational last weekend.

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Will Dupont be a 'good neighbor' if elected?

To the editor,

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Outside of Glacier, Bob, grizzlies live precarious lives

By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

IGA changing name to Harvest Foods

By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Clara Knauss

Clara Jane Knauss, 89, passed away April 24, 2008, surrounded by her loving family at the Colonial Manor in Whitefish.

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

District 6 elementary mill levy passes, high school levy fails

In a turnout of only 16 percent of those registered in School District 6, voters passed the elementary district mill levy but rejected the high school levy on Tuesday.

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Young Vals pace Bigfork; Whittaker places at Top 10 meet

By FAITH MOLDAN / Bigfork Eagle

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

James W. Hale

James W. Hale, 67, died Saturday, April 19, 2008.

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Now's the time for agencies, land trusts

It would not be a stretch to call last week's decision by the Flathead County Commissioners to deny the North Shore Ranch subdivision stunning.

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Montana needs to rise above party lines

When I was growing up in the Flathead Valley, I can't remember being assigned a red or blue desk in school. In fact, I don't recall ever hearing about people or states being referred to as blue or red along political party lines.

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Azure wonderful

Last night, I was reminded of how lucky we are to live in the Flathead. I went to see AzureVision Dance Collective's annual concert at the O'Shaughnessy Center. If you don't know about AzureVision, you certainly should. This fledgling professional dance company is bringing something truly wonderful to the valley — fearless creativity.

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Wildkats post 2-2 mark at Frenchtown Tournament

By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Who's a local?

Time after time, we hear people taking about how long you have to be living in or around (notice I included the "doughnut" folks) Whitefish to be considered a "local."

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Jereme Kolden

Jereme "Jerm" Dean Kolden, 32, passed away April 24, 2008. He will be missed by all who loved him.

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Firefighters kick off campaign

As another busy summer approaches the Whitefish area, we firefighters have some growing concerns.

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

'Doughnut' lawsuit has first day in court

Columbia Falls could be dragged into Whitefish's case against the county

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

BLUAC clears up bylaws at slow meeting

By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Pretty cool town'

My girlfriend and I stopped at The Bean Hive for coffee and a bagelwich, attempting to resolve our combined "time-management issues" This is a theme not uncommon to most of us, I imagine. We all have places to be, jobs, families, animals and activities to tend to.

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Woods Bay sewer project making progress

By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Men rescue cow elk from pond near Coram

By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Francis "Fran" LaMar Guest Sr., 85

Francis "Fran" LaMar Guest Sr., age 85, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2008 surrounded by loving family at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell, Montana under the care of Hospice. He was born May 24, 1922 in Twin Falls, Idaho, the youngest of four children born to Edward Mailon and Ada (Cook) Guest.

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

About jumping high

How high is a high jump? First Wife Iris and I got into a discussion of that subject over breakfast newspaper last Sunday. Told her there were now guys regularly soaring close to 8 feet, the height of our ceiling. She didn't believe that so I ended up looking in the World Almanac.

May 1, 2008 11 p.m.

Students work illuminating

I thoroughly enjoyed the Decoding BHS section of the Eagle two weeks ago. It made me feel hopeful for the future when I read the articles written by some of the young people at BHS.