Thursday, October 30
Bigfork coach helps Libby soccer player overcome losing a leg
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Streak comes to an end for Bulldogs
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Swan Lakers settle over Kootenai Estates
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Columbia Falls couple 'Gets Smart' with car purchase
By HEIDI DESCH / Hungry Horse News
Double threats: Offensive leaders with defensive strength
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
FBIA responds to Jopek's 'spin'
Flathead Business & Industry Association Political Action Committee (FBIA PAC) would like to thank the publisher and the editor of the Pilot for providing us this opportunity to comment on last week's article regarding Rep. Mike Jopek's voting record on Jessica's Law.
Our votes count, so people must pay attention
Obama is articulate. He is charismatic. He talks a good talk. But please don't cast your vote for this impostor. Don't ignore his close relationship with Reverend Wright.
Wildcats earn second at state X-C
After 25 years of coaching, Stephen Gasche savored the sight of a Columbia Falls boys cross country team on the awards stand at the State Championships.
Nancy Karlstad
Nancy Lee Karlstad, 63, died of medical complications Oct. 23, 2008, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Commissioner candidates part ways on growth
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Vals win 2 more; second in conference
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Obituaries
Wayne A. Bryant, 61
City, county split "doughnut" zoning
Lakeshore regulation on Whitefish Lake will likewise be divided
Lady Bulldogs pull off stunning upset over Hamilton, travel to Billings on Saturday
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Micheal Tappan
Micheal Thurman Tappan, 62, "has gone before us into the presence of the Lord," on Oct. 18, 2008, in the Philippines where he had been a pastor and missionary for the last 22 years. Death was due to natural causes.
Things that fall
The Trailwatcher
Letters to the Editor
Vote Dupont
Good and bad sides to politics
My husband is Steve Qunell, the Democratic candidate for county commissioner, and as anyone in politics could tell you, the past several months have been a roller coaster ride that has taught me a few things about politics — some good, some bad.
Republican senator challenges voters
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
Keep public lands open
When I first ran for elected office I was conflicted between running as a Republican or a Democrat. I am from one of the many families who are a bit split on issues: my dad a Republican who delivered crude oil across the seas, my mom an English teacher and a Democrat.
Qunell, Dupont tackle questions about the Bigfork, Lakeside areas
Ed. note: The following is a list of questions posed to County Commissioner candidates Steve Qunell (D) and Jim Dupont (R).
Wants planning in county
Would you want to be part of a military unit or football team heading out onto the field without a clear strategy? How about buying shares in a company that didn't have a business plan ready for the years ahead?
Thursday, October 23
State house candidate addresses 'Jessica's Law' claim by opponents
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
Correcting political misinformation
I would like to correct a misrepresentation that is circulating within our community concerning the role that Rep. Mike Jopek had in relation to the development of the Critical Areas Ordinance.
The man behind the mic
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Huge football game against Wildcats coming up this weekend
By DAVID ERICKSON ' Whitefish Pilot
Lady Bulldogs take second in state golf
The Lady Bulldog golf team finished a strong season with three team members earning All State honors.
Mary Jane Fonner
Mary Jane Fonner, 89, died Oct. 14, 2008, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.
Education, healthcare are key to creating jobs
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
Party differences
The basis for joining a political party should be based on the organization's tenets. Read their platforms (Google Democratic and Republican 2008 Platform) for polarizing differences.
Campaign signs vandalized; reward offered by Holston
To the editor,
Supports Fuller
It seems we hear mostly about bad news and what is wrong. Rarely do we hear good news and the day-by-day heroism that occurs among us.
Home turf on the line for Wildcats
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
Supports Tutvedt
I have known Bruce Tutvedt and his family since I was in grade school. I attended Helena Flats School and he went to West Valley. Later we were in the same class at Flathead High.
Boys win X-C title; girls earn second
For the first time in 17 years, the Columbia Falls High School boys are the cross country conference champions.
Bert Conway
Robert Earl Conway passed away peacefully on Oct. 16, 2008, after a three-year battle with cancer.
Carlson repeats; takes first at divisonals
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Vikes advance; beat undefeated Corvallis
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Reward offered
I am offering a cash reward of $500 for information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of the person or persons responsible for the theft and destruction of political campaign signs in Flathead County. The reward is personal and not from campaign funds.
Margaret Swanson
Margaret A. “Peg” Swanson, 96, passed away Oct. 9, 2008, at The Springs at Whitefish (Riverside Senior Living), where she had resided for the past six years.
Getting uglier on political scene
Vandalism. Damage to political signs. Stolen signs. It's not enough that people deeply involved in the political scene are slinging mud at each other. A number of signs posted in support of candidates have been taken down or damaged, or both. I'm not saying people running for office are the offenders; that's very unlikely, in my mind. But someone is to blame.
Four students disciplined under new drug policy
Third-grader at Muldown Elementary admits to smoking pot in restroom
PPL starts draw-down of Flathead Lake
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Supports Wheeler
I seldom write a letter to the editor, but this election is too important to not become involved in helping candidates who demonstrate outstanding leadership, integrity and dedication.
Wave Ryders Meet Results
reat meet this weekend!!!
Vals spikers sweep last week
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Cleo Neifert
Cleo Ellen (Flint) Neifert, 99, died of natural causes Oct. 17, 2008, at Colonial Manor in Whitefish.
On ag subsidies
I am for smaller government and I am a fiscal conservative.
Looking back to '54, '55
Future of the North Fork Road, millions of feet of lumber shipped, Anaconda Aluminum Co. plant construction and Columbia Falls post office increases highlighted front page stories in the Hungry Horse News in November and December, 1954.
Parks board striving to create master plan
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigork Eagle
State cross-country meet coming up in Missoula this weekend
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Melody Barnes speaks to a crowd at Columbia Falls High School last week. Chris Peterson photo
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
City hires a new fire chief
Search for city manager pared down to six
Michelle Cole
Michelle A. Cole, 38, passed away Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, at her home in Hungry Horse.
Building heights on Central changed again
City council persuaded by downtown merchants
Vote to save lives
Seconds save lives. I make this statement based on my experiences over the past 15 years as a 911 dispatcher for both large and small agencies. I have worked for Flathead County 911 for the past 4 1/2 years.
911 call center at 'critical mass'
Voters to consider $6.9 million bond
Rematch looms Saturday with only team in state to tie Whitefish
Whitefish girls win road playoff game in Belgrade (story at bottom after boys story)
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Hunters going afield this Sunday (Oct. 26) should have good opportunities, said Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region One Wildlife manager Jim Williams.
Plum Creek shows off $9.5 mil biofilter
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Wildkats nearly pull off upset against Hamilton
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
Art Morris
Arthur (Art) Fred Morris, 85, of Bigfork, was welcomed into open arms of his Lord on Oct. 14, 2008, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Body of missing hiker found in Glacier National Park
A man who was apparently missing in Glacier National Park for at least a week was found dead near the head of Kintla Lake late Wednesday afternoon (Oct. 29) from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest.
Thursday, October 16
Driving a hot dog 90 mph
Every so often you take a picture and then you forget about it and then you find it again and you say, to yourself, "Self, that's a cool picture, or at least an interesting one. Why don't you publish it?"
Tamarack Time! tough to beat
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Wall Street woes spreading to ski resorts
Big Mountain's financial health is good, officials say
Three statewide ballot issues go to voters
Northwest Montana / News Network
Gridders scrape by Libby to secure playoff berth
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Bernard LeBlanc
Bernard Julius "Ben" LeBlanc, 89, passed away Sept. 4, 2008, at Westminster Village, in Spanish Fort, Ala.
Man beats cancer to bag big moose
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
Deregulation
Irony: Incongruity between what might be expected and what actually happens.
Kamerer returns from tours in Afghanistan, Iraq
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Belated thanks
I would like to thank the members of the Bigfork Fire Department for their beautiful and moving salute to the first responders of 9/11. It brought tears to my eyes as I drove by last Thursday. God Bless America!
'CAO-lite' fails to muster four votes
Palmer says ordinance is for water quality, not building hazards caused by steep slopes
Of Wingnuts and Wise Men
One living thing in the world that can see completely around itself 360 degrees is "the dragonfly." Reading that in the Parade Magazine last Sunday got me to thinking again, thinking about how Iris turned loose that beautiful dragonfly I caught last month. If she hadn't done that, I might have been able to send a picture of its eyes to this newspaper. The balancing good that came of Iris' "act of mercy" was it did furnish some pretty good stuff for the column of Sept. 18.
Promotional push on for 911 center
By HEIDI DESCH / Hungry Horse News
Sun Road between Loop and Logan Pass closes Oct. 20
Glacier National Park officials announce the winter closure of the eight-mile alpine section of Going-to-the-Sun Road (Sun Road) between the Loop and Logan Pass on Monday, Oct. 20 at 8 a.m. Once winterization is completed, this section of road will be reopened for hiking and bicycling as weather and road conditions permit.
Fresh approach
This political season has certainly been exciting. The presidential election itself is on the minds of many here in Montana. It definitely is on my mind.
Lake Co. candidates debate in Rollins
By JACOB DORAN / Bigfork Eagle
John Morrison
John Frank Morrison, 69, passed away of natural causes Oct. 8, 2008, at his home in Whitefish.
Playoff bound lady strikers fall to Libby
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Small town politics
The good thing about small towns is that it doesn't take long to meet people and discover what goes on behind the scenes.
Cross country teams ramp up for Conference meet with strong performance
Ramping up for this weekend's Northwest A Conference Championships in Whitefish, Columbia Falls captured the boys title at the Whitefish Triangular Cross Country Meet last Saturday (Oct. 11). The Wildkat girls finished second, behind Whitefish. Libby thinclads also competed at the meet.
Homecoming 2008
Not a lot of school work may get done during Spirit Week and the lead-up to Homecoming, but students at Bigfork High School won't soon forget the festivities of 2008.
Football playoff berth on line for Wildcats against Bigfork
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
Attorney-general candidate says he has the experience
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
Katherine Schwenke
Katherine Ramona Rutherford Schwenke, 88, passed away on Sept 19, 2008, in Lynnwood, Wash.
You break it, you buy it
By Jim Elliot
Monica Reed
Monica Imojean "Jeanne" Reed, 90, was "welcomed into the Lord's arms" on Sept. 15, 2008, at Heritage Place in Kalispell.
Letters must be civil, mostly accurate
I do not exaggerate when I say that there is a mountain of letters to the editor on my desk. As we get closer to the election, they come from near and far; people writing in to urge their fellow voters to cast their ballots one way or another. Whether it is for the presidential race or a county commissioner seat, passions are running high as the calendar ticks down to November 4.
Woman dies in rollover on Highway 209
Four deaths in three weeks on Bigfork-area roads
Whitefish girls dominate home meet
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Whitefish boys golf team wins 11th state championship by 30 strokes
The Whitefish High School boys golf team came home from Polson with another state championship trophy for 2008. The boys have won four of the last five team championships, and this makes a total of 11 banners on the wall. The boys are still fairly young, with only senior Daniel Markus on the state team in 2008.
Russell Stroud
Russell Elmer Stroud, 85, passed away Sept. 21, 2008, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.
SNOW Bus program entering 10th year
The Big Mountain Commercial Association looking for members
`Dogs finish regular season still unbeaten
Team hosts first playoff game at 2 p.m. Saturday
Keep heli-skiing out of North Fork
I can sympathize with the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation in trying to find money through the school trust lands for Montana schools. It is not easy to balance environmental and social concerns while trying to get big bucks for the schools.
Who are you?
Where to start? When I retrieved my mail this morning, I was greeted by perhaps the most disgusting piece of political slander that I have seen in a long time. This being a "message" from the Montana Republican Party and apparently from John Fuller informing me about all of the bad things they say Mike Jopek is all about.
Senate candidate wants to fight for working families
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
Great neighbors
Why do I love living here? It's because we have great neighbors.
Wildkats tangle with Hamilton in state soccer playoffs
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
Thursday, October 9
Thornton Bunner
Thornton Valentine "Curly" Bunner, 88, passed away Sept. 17, 2008, of natural causes at his home in Whitefish and is now with his Lord and Savior.
Nestor Framness
Nestor Framness, 90, passed away Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008, at the North Valley Hospital in Whitefish from a heart attack.
Boys and girls golf teams state bound
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Bad ideas for the North Fork
It seems like once a week someone comes up with a bad idea for the North Fork of the Flathead.
Charles "Chuck" Shields, 56
Charles "Chuck" Shields, 56, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 4, 2008 of a heart attack in Kalispell, Montana. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Connie; son: Chuck, daughter: Cassie, parents: Jack and Shirley Shields; and a brother: Tim Shields.
Taking on a new role: Senior Becca Denning is now Bigfork's last line of defense
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Incumbent keeps his eye on the budget
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
Bulldogs upset Chiefs on the road, Libby up next
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
"Big Mama" comes to BHS
Big Mama Sue and her ragtime jazz band played a show for students at Bigfork High School on Friday afternoon as part of the Glacier Jazz Stampede going on in Kalispell.
Harold Hale
Harold Wendell Hale, 86, died Sept. 30, 2008, at Colonial Manor in Whitefish.
Kats blanked 1-0; WF game key to playoff berth
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
Whitefish girls capsize Lady Pirates
Big showdowns with Libby and C-Falls loom, playoff seeding not determined yet
Man's body found on Woods Bay shoreline
Northwest Montana News Network
Cats rally past Libby; face Polson
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
Lady Bulldog spikers hold off Wildkats to get over .500
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Bigfork Food Pantry remains strong thanks to community
Bigfork Eagle
Grandma was right to forgive
When I was a child, my grandma used to make me frankfurters and mashed potatoes if I was upset or not feeling good. I miss those days dearly. Grandparents are graceful and just knew how to make it right.
Mary Ann Hartman
Mary Ann Hartman, loving wife, mother and grandmother, went home to be with our Lord on Oct. 6, 2008, at the age of 66, after a four-year battle with cancer.
About that truck driver
What was the most popular column I've ever done? Tough question; BUT, out of thousands written in 46 years, one probably generated the most interest. After many years, there are still comments and people who want a copy. Don't remember when it was originally published but involved a trucker who somehow drove his rig illegally over Logan Pass:
Sun Road between Loop and Logan Pass closes Oct. 20
Glacier National Park officials announce the winter closure of the eight-mile alpine section of Going-to-the-Sun Road (Sun Road) between the Loop and Logan Pass on Monday, Oct. 20 at 8 a.m. Once winterization is completed, this section of road will be reopened for hiking and bicycling as weather and road conditions permit.
It's time to settle 'doughnut' issue
Frustrated by political posturing, many business and property owners along U.S. Highway 93 South fear our county and city officials are lately more concerned about their careers and saving face than solving the growth issues that concerns us all.
Ramifications of the conservation bond
By CLARICE RYAN
Volunteers needed to expand city pathway to Red Bridge
The Columbia Falls community will soon have a new way to experience the Flathead River as it flows through town. The First Best Place Task Force has announced the kickoff of the Kreck Riverwalk Trail project, a pathway that will begin at the west end of the Historic Red Bridge and meander upstream along the water's edge to the paved bike trails at Cedar Pointe subdivision at the end of South Nucleus.
Using natural resources responsibly
As a candidate for the Montana Senate, I pledge my business experience and economic knowledge to work towards a strong, vibrant Montana economy. It is wrong that many of Montana's young must leave the state to find high-paying jobs and a future.
Columbia Falls family enjoys connection to Mexico
By HEIDI DESCH / Hungry Horse News
Defibrillators for Bigfork High School
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
County ends talks, disbands planning board
City calls action "illegal," receives welcome advice from former supreme court justice
Don't blink, it's National Newspaper Week
Hardly a day or week, and certainly no months, go by without it being some sort of special time for some group or other. To prove my point, October hosts Red Ribbon Week, and the month itself is Breast Cancer Awareness month and, in Britain, Black History Month. This week, from Oct. 5-11, is also National Newspaper Week, a few days to sit and ponder the importance of public notices and newspapers themselves.
Sounding off on heli-skiing
It seems like once a week, someone comes up with a bad idea for the North Fork of the Flathead.
Holston says the difference is style, leadership, honesty
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
Bulldogs snag second at rainy Flatfish tourney
The Whitefish High School golf teams managed to finish second in the two-day Flatfish Invitational hosted at Whitefish Lake Golf Club, along with Village Greens and Buffalo Hills this past week.
City sets heights for Central Ave.
It's 35 feet and two stories, but Baker and Spokane avenues are not included
Bigfork falls to Polson 48-13
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Whitman breaks junior school record
Led by record-breaking junior Shawn Whitman, the Columbia Falls cross country teams had their best outing of the season at the Thompson Falls Invitational last Thursday.
Rosie Voermans
Rosie (Hruby) Voermans, 90, passed away Sept. 15, 2008, in Payette, Idaho.
Bailout bill also bails out county road fund
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Boys survive another big scare in Polson
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Local author prepares for release of second book
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Frances Wilke
Frances E. Wilke, 75, a life-long Whitefish resident, passed away Monday, Sept. 29, 2008, at North Valley Hospital.
Woods Bay brewery celebrates 3 years
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Keeping history on track
New museum manager returns to his railroad roots in Whitefish
Thursday, October 2
Vote Blackler
Be an informed voter! Voters in House District #9, which includes the East Lake Shore, Bigfork, Swan River & Creston areas, I'd like you to become acquainted with Democratic Candidate Edd Blackler.
Lady Bulldogs down Polson, fall to Libby
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Two Bigfork men die in crash
Two Bigfork-area men died early Saturday evening when their vehicle rolled over on Montana 209 near Ferndale.
Ladies settle for draw in Libby
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
A better style of local politics is possible
Of all of the candidates for public office in the Flathead this election, I've had my feet on the ground in our privileged corner of Montana much longer than anyone else. That gives me both a long-term perspective on the evolving issues that are on the minds of voters and a unique perspective on our local political culture.
Racism in Montana in 2008?
A phone call several weeks ago alerted me to one of the most alarming — yet painfully unsurprising — things I have seen in a long time.
Genevieve M. Kotecki, 81
Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away at home on Wednesday, September 24, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Her family was at her side when she passed away.
Rochelle Funk
Rochelle "Kelly" DeVidas Funk, 86, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away Sept. 4, 2008, at Birchwood Care Center in Bozeman.
Vikes fall to 'Dogs on gridiron
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Somebody moved my party
By Don Loranger
'Dogs take out frustrations on Vikings
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Lehman Brothers boss is a partner in Block 46 redevelopment project
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
Low-budget campaign with a high-tech message
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
Panel says little fixes can save lots of energy
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Kirk Thomas
Kirk Arnold Thomas, loving husband and devoted father, was called home to his Lord and Savior on Sept. 24, 2008.
Schuster finishes fourth at Polson Invitational
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Michael Richards
Michael Richards, 64, died Sept. 25, 2008, at his home in Cle Elum, Wash., in the presence of his wife Ginny and daughter Heather after a nearly five-year battle with cancer.
Arleen Nelson
Beloved wife, mother, daughter and grandmother, Arleen E. Nelson went home to be with our Lord on Sept. 26, 2008, after a short battle with cancer. She was just nearing her 71st birthday.
Lighthouse celebrates annual Harvest Festival
By JACOB DORAN / Bigfork Eagle
Bulldogs scrape by the Loggers on the road
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Carlson places 1st in Class A; 9th overall in Missoula
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
House District 9 candidates face off
Scott Reichner (R) v. Edd Blackler (D)
Lady Bulldog harriers take third overall at Mountain West Classic
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Have we lost sight of what is important?
As I read the editorials and ads written by incumbents that take credit for something they did not do, or by their opponents who assail them for something that they did do, I wonder if we have lost sight of what's really important?
Candidate wants more progress in the House
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
BLUAC approves pair o permits
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Obama dangerously ignorant on security
By Tom Jeffers
