Thursday, November 27
Roy Duff
Roy M. Duff, 88, proud World War II veteran, longtime business owner, former mayor of Whitefish, and dedicated servant to the community he loved, passed away in Whitefish on Nov. 14, 2008.
Margaret Gesek
Margaret Gesek, 72, died Nov. 21, 2008, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. The cause of death was a stroke. Her son and daughter were at her side at the time of her passing.
Richard Graeber
Richard Wayne Graeber, 52, passed away on Nov. 18, 2008, after a battle with cancer.
More Plum Creek layoffs
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
An evening of events
By Alex Strickland
Churches, community buoy food bank
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Football players honored at annual team banquet
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Annual Cat-Griz game a flashback for two locals
Two local football semi-celebrities are both heavily invested in the annual "Brawl of the Wild" clash between the University of Montana Grizzlies and the Montana State Bobcats, but they're on different sides of the fence.
Council wants to pursue two lakeshore cases
Cases are in the 'doughnut' and under county jurisdiction
Albert Kerestes
Albert Andrew Kerestes, 84, of Whitefish passed away Nov. 19, 2008, following an automobile accident.
Skiing with horsepower
Whitefish celebrates 50 years of skijoring
Glacier Nordic Club readying for winter
The Glacier Nordic Ski Club's Chet Hope Ski League is gearing up for winter with an open house at Camas Day School, 534 Pine Avenue, across from the high school, on Dec. 2 from 3:30 to 6 p.m.
About 'Jack' and 'Fuzzy'
The web of circumstances for an incredulous and unlikely event began forming when my friends and I were in high school. Will reminisce as best I can.
Nolan named NW A Defensive Player of Year
Columbia Falls senior Mackey Nolan has been honored as one of the three Northwestern A Conference Defensive Players of the Year for the 2008 football season. He shares that honor with Brock Picard and Tim Rausch, both of Polson.
Whitefish builder gets probation for money laundering
A Whitefish building contractor will not do prison time for illegally using credit cards to address his company's financial problems.
Philip Blumenthal
Philip Louis Blumenthal, M.D., 90, left this earth on Nov. 10, 2008, in San Jose, Calif.
Tunnel vision: BHS geology class visits abandoned railroad tunnel
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Charles Patton
Former Columbia Falls resident Charles M. Patton, 86, died Nov. 17, 2008, at the Heritage Manor nursing home in Bloomington, Ill.
Bigfork group sends care packages to Iraq, Afghanistan
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Taxes should be fair to everyone
To the editor,
Glacier Avalanche go 1-1 with Havre Ice Hawks
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Chicken zoning sent on by planning board
Concerns voiced over enforcement problems, humaneness, skunks and egg-laying stats
Speakers place third at Kalispell tourney
Judges needed for Whitefish Invitational on Dec. 6
Tense moments in frigid river drama
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Bridge is one more link in Fish Trails system:
Whitefish has a new bridge crossing the Whitefish River. Neal Structural Repair, of Plains, used two heavy-duty cranes to set the Rocksund-to-Monegan bike trail footbridge in place on Saturday. The steel bridge with wood decking was fabricated by RTI, of Plains. Eichner Builders, of Bigfork, was the general contractor. To see the bridge, turn left off JP Road onto Shiloh Avenue and then right on Lena Joy Drive. The bridge is closed to the public until spring. Sandry Construction, of Kalispell, is the general contractor for the bike trail on the east side of the river, which will be completed by next spring, providing a route to Monegan Road.
Assistant basketball coaches appointed, tryouts held
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
It's time to get to work
First, I would like to thank you for your confidence and your vote in this last election. I am both humbled and honored to have the opportunity to represent Montana Senate District 2 in the upcoming legislature as your state senator. True to my word, I intend to seek common ground on the issues and approach the legislative process with an open mind and a kind heart.
David Erickson / Whitefish Pilot
The Whitefish Bulldog wrestling team began their first full week of practice on Monday. Head coach Ryan Hoffman said he has about 18 grapplers this year, compared to about 12 last year. "We will be finally able to fill a roster this year, and put kids in the lower weights," he said. The first match is Dec. 5 at home against Ronan.
Don't deny the power of smell
Smell is one of the most powerful triggers of memory. The smell of something can cause a wide of range of emotions and reactions.
CFBB gives $1,000 to nordic club
The Community Foundation for Better Bigfork announced on Monday their grant award of $1,000 to the North Shore Nordic Club, the local volunteer ski group that maintains cross-country ski trails at Blacktail Mountain near Lakeside and Foothills Road near Bigfork. This is the fourth year CFBB has awarded the ski club a grant in support of its general operations.
Community comes through for Columbia Falls Food Bank
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
School construction months ahead of schedule
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Thursday, November 20
Jacobson gives notice to council
Dec. 1 meeting will be her last, concerns about communication
Exchange student reflects on historic election
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Cheerleaders head to London for New Year's
This past summer, Whitefish High School cheerleaders Kayli Johnson and Shannon Hawkinson tried out for and were selected by the Universal Cheerleading Association to represent Montana as members of UCA's All-Star team.
City housing director outlines ambitious program for next year
Grants combined with land trust part of affordable housing budget
Native son starts law firm fresh out of school
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Obama must prove he's a unifier
For most of history in most of the world, power has only changed hands as the result of violence. In the modern era, still only in a minority of the world, democracy has changed that. Democracy makes real change possible by a peaceful process of elections.
Author unearths mystery while penning book
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Downtown parking lot funding OK'd
Council goes with surface lot at Second and Spokane
Tough questions for gun groups
By Pat Williams
Wildkat spikers ousted from Divisional Tourney
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
Commissioners should wait on Subdivision Regulations
To the editor,
Vikes, Vals take many year-end honors
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
New chief steps in amidst big changes
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
Vals fall short on rough road to state tourney
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Four promoted to first-degree black belt
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
A new meaning of justice
Now that the election is over and much of the silliness of the American political process has ended, it is time to reflect upon what all that time, money and effort is going to mean, if anything. Many of us seem to be under the impression that "change" is going to sweep the land, and we will see a transformation of the political, economic and social landscape.
City to invest in 30-year-old hydro plant
Generator at reservoir site could be a revenue source for the city
A numbers game
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Get permission to use names
I was shocked to discover my name on the full-page list of Mike Jopek supporters (in an ad in the Oct. 30 Pilot).
Lady spikers will miss state tournament
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
New WBC plant going full bore
By HEIDI DESCH / Hungry Horse News
Students, coaches react
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Adult hockey league in full swing at Ice Den
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Board accepts change to Class B
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Frosh top Whitefish in finale
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
Better things for you
I have been full of joy, ever since that historic event on November 4, 2008. Our first black president, and a charismatic liberal too. Throughout his long campaign, he has promised better things for the middle class, in terms of tax cuts, health care, the economy, the environment and climate. I pray to God he is able to follow through. But even so, he'll be charming us all the way to whatever fate awaits us. And that's OK by me. I'd rather be charmed and hopeful, than live with this fear pushed upon us by the outgoing administration.
BHS athletes honored for good sportsmanship
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Grizzly bears fared well this year
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Ski club says thanks
The Big Mountain Ski Club would like to thank everyone who made this year's annual ski sale & swap on November 8th such a great success.
Bob Marshall fundraiser a success
The staff and board of directors of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation would like to thank the many volunteers, local businesses, and artists for making our second annual fundraising event a great success.
Trial date set in Ferndale shooting death
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Patricia Langton
Patricia Carol Langton, 64, passed away in her home on Nov. 9, 2008. She died of natural causes, but her family and friends believe her to have died of a broken heart after losing her husband and soul mate, Jerry, to cancer just two years ago.
Shannon's Friends
There is fresh venison in the locker this week because our oldest son again bagged a fat 4-point whitetail buck in the North Fork. He's only failed once in many years and a few of those trophies were braggin' size. This isn't a real BIG DEAL until you know the background.
If you can, give generously this season
I have had the good fortune of witnessing astounding generosity at the holiday season since I was a small child. Growing up near Memphis, Tenn., my father — and by extension, my family — was heavily involved with a yearly program called "Angel Tree."
JV spikers improve skills
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
BLUAC meetings switched for holidays
Bigfork Eagle
Thursday, November 13
Breaking out the election numbers
With the exception of Zinke and Dupont, Whitefish backs Democratic candidates
Some facts about gun control
During my nine terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, I had a 100 percent voting record with the National Rifle Association. Not once did I vote for gun control; not for the Brady Bill, nor ammunition registration, not for the assault weapons ban, nor any of the other futile attempts to fight crime by simply putting people's name on a list.
Class B athletics don't mean second class school
In today's paper you will see a comprehensive story about Bigfork High School's likely switch to Class B for most athletics. It is not likely to be the last time we write about it and it's sure to be a hotly debated topic in town.
Letters to the Editor
The dump's a dump
Joyce Bergstrom
Joyce E. Bergstrom passed away peacefully on Nov. 10, 2008, at the Colonial Manor in Whitefish after a courageous battle with cancer.
Stop fussing over mural
Cheers for Sharon Morrison and boos for the Whitefish City Council. I can’t believe all this fuss and energy over a quaint picture of an ice cream cone.
The Vets' Return
Doesn't seem like it … at least to me, the Persian Gulf War was seventeen years ago. Thousands of young Americans have gone into battle since then and thousands are still at war. Guys who are over eighty like me remember those other wars. They too — don't seem that long ago. Tuesday was Veteran's Day, and I wasn't able to gather my thoughts for an appropriate column. That is why I am revisiting what was written here on April 18, 1991:
Millie Loveall
Former Columbia Falls resident Millie Piper Loveall, 94, died Nov. 5, 2008 ,in Spokane, Wash. She was born on June 29, 1914, in Edgar to Elmer and Blanche Coffman.
Gratitude for Foundation grant
We are grateful to the Whitefish Community Foun-dation for the generous donation earmarked to help us pay for a badly needed new autoclave to sterilize our surgical instruments.
Smith downhill race needs support
After more than 50 years as North America's longest continuously-contested downhill ski race, the Doug & Rollie Smith Downhill Race is in jeopardy of falling by the wayside.
Hope into action
Thanks Whitefish, you trusted me with more votes than I have ever garnered before, making us the top vote-getter from the district. I will not forget my obligation to work for locals.
Despite valliant effort, Cats' season ends
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
Bigfork High mulling switch to Class B
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Blanche Erickson
Blanche Erickson, 97, died on Oct. 26, 2008, at the Village Health Care Center in Missoula.
Swan River School kicks off basketball season
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Vals spikers lock up second place in Northwest A
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Sun Road money is disappearing fast
By CHRIS PETERSON / For the Pilot
Big thanks to election dept.
I want to give a big public thanks to the Flathead County Election Department. After being sequestered for 12 hours as a volunteer ballot-counting monitor with this incredibly hardworking and diligent group of people, I was nothing but amazed.
Republicans dominate Flathead Valley races
Bigfork Eagle
Whitefish Shines is looking for storage
With financial guidance from Jim Trout, local donations and the superb organizational efforts of Bruce Tate and Jim MacKenzie, Whitefish will soon again be the town where everyone says "Whitefish Shines."
Pickup driver had been drinking
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
Bigfork's green box site getting trashed
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Heli-skiing proposal draws comments
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
Agnes R. Lee, 93
Agnes R. Lee, age 93, passed away on Monday, November 3, 2008 at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell, Montana. She was born on November 3, 1915 at Sidney, Montana the daughter of George and Gustava (Wolstad) Risdal.
Source says driver of truck in triple fatal was drunk
RICK HANNERS / Northwest Montana News Network
Sports Shorts
DREAM meeting
Thank you voters
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the voters of House District 6 for re-electing me to a second term.
Bigfork could drop to Class B in sports
The Bigfork High School volleyball recently claimed second place in the Northwestern A conference, and their boys soccer team made it to the state playoffs this year.
Wildkats sweep rival Whitefish
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
Spikers headed to divisional tourney
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Wave recognized for fitness innovation
By CHRISTINE HENSLEIGH / For the Pilot
Thursday, November 6
Holiday season already upon us
Sometimes it seems the weeks at a newspaper go by as a long succession of holidays interrupted by short bursts of regular days.
Coram man shoots griz in self defense
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Long lines greet area voters for "biggest" election
Bigfork Eagle
Evelyn Jane Wright
Evelyn Jane Wright, 84, a longtime native of Great Falls, died Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008, at the Montana Veterans" Home in Columbia Falls with her family at her side.
Margie Dierman
Longtime resident and former Lincoln County High School teacher Margie Dierman, 86, passed away Nov. 2, 2008, at Kalispell Regional Hospital after a brief illness. Margie was residing at Mountain View Manor at the time of her death.
Kats fall to Libby, BF
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
Bigfork Elves called to duty
GENERAL ORDER #1
Enrollment continues to fall at BHS
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Franklin C. Crain, 91
Franklin C. Crain, 91, passed away Saturday, October 25, 2008 at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.
Condo to townhouse switch approved
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Students win alternative transportation challenge
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Postseason gridiron victory a long time coming
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
Timothy Kramer
Dr. Timothy Michael Kramer, 39, died Oct. 31, 2008.
Maxine Lautaret
Maxine A. Lautaret, 89, of Kalispell, "went to be with the Lord" on Oct. 31, 2008.
Whitefish girls fall to Billings in title game
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Bigfork to accept switch to Class B
Bigfork Eagle
Albert "Dick" Hawes
Albert Richard "Dick" Hawes, 80, passed away from complications of Parkinson's disease at Brendan House in Kalispell on Oct. 18, 2008.
Important Flathead History
We all tend to forget really important stuff from twenty-three years ago, so this week we're going to refresh our recollection.
Republicans still rule the roost in Flathead
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Stately Tamaracks thrive in the Flathead
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Smith wins guns in Lions raffle
Anthony Smith of Columbia Falls was one of the happiest hunters in the area to see the 2008 hunting season begin. He won the 29th annual rifle raffle sponsored by Kalispell Lions Club.
Bulldogs go out fighting against Dillon
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Mural appeal is denied by board
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
Lobby Expansion at the Bigfork CPA.
By JACOB DORAN / Bigfork Eagle
Venture Crew summits Montana's highest peak
Venture Crew, a youth-led organization dedicated to high adventure, leadership training and community service, will hold an open house at the Whitefish High School foyer on Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Letters to the Editor
Thanks from Iraq
Parents need to act to protect youths
This letter is to inform adult parents and guardians of their responsibility and accountability in regard to laws regarding underage drinking. Recent priorities have been established nationally, including the Surgeon General's call to action against youth alcohol-access and use.
Republicans claim 27-23 control in Montana Senate; county's 911 center bond passes
Whether it was Obama-mania or concern over the war in Iraq, the Wall Street meltdown and energy issues, a record number of Montanans cast early ballots in last week's election.
State timber sale plans moving ahead
Public concerned about impacts to viewsheds, water quality in Whitefish Lake and folf course
Cats nip Corvallis 27-26; face Billings Central
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
Whitefish has a new city manager
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
Photo courtesy of Jill Courtney
The Glacier Avalanche Hockey team won two home games against Helena this weekend by scores of 3-2 and 7-3. Above, winger Nathan Rottier races down the ice after stealing the puck from Helena. The next home games are Saturday, Nov. 22, at 1:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 23, at 9 a.m. against the Havre High School team. Admission to all games is free.
Obama, Dupont, Zinke win
By RICHARD HANNERS
