Stories for January 2009

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Saturday, January 31

January 31, 2009 11 p.m.

Columbia Falls sweeps Bigfork

Columbia Falls remained unbeaten in the Northwestern A Conference in girls basketball with a 49-43 victory over Bigfork on Friday night (Jan. 30) in Bigfork. The Wildkats' league mark improved to 5-0.

Friday, January 30

January 30, 2009 11 p.m.

Mat Cats edged by Ronan, 42-35

Columbia Falls fell just short of Ronan in a Northwestern A Conference wrestling dual Thursday night (Jan. 29) at Columbia Falls High School as the Chiefs took home a 42-35 victory.

Thursday, January 29

January 29, 2009 11 p.m.

Columbia Falls hoop teams sweep Glacier; Mat Cats topple Polson, Whitefish

Senior Grant Getts sank two free throws with 13 seconds remaining, lifting Columbia Falls to a thrilling 71-69 boys basketball victory over Class AA Glacier on Friday night at Columbia Falls High School. Getts was the Wildcat leader throughout the game, scoring 23 points and converting 13 of 14 free throws. He was 6-for-6 from the foul line in the fourth quarter, where he scored 10 points.

January 29, 2009 11 p.m.

Contact us:

January 29, 2009 11 p.m.

No headline

The Hungry Horse News is a weekly newspaper with a circulation of 4,200. Published every Wednesday, the Hungry Horse News covers the community of Columbia Falls, Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley.

January 29, 2009 11 p.m.

No headline

The Hungry Horse News is a weekly newspaper with a circulation of 4,200. Published every Wednesday, the Hungry Horse News covers the community of Columbia Falls, Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley.

January 29, 2009 11 p.m.

Future of the Flathead: Diversified economy will help recovery

A surplus of housing and land combined with a downturn in the economy could mean a grim outlook for the Flathead Valley over the next several years.

Wednesday, January 28

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Orris Kastella

Orris A. Kastella, 83, of Whitefish, died Jan. 15, 2009, at Colonial Manor, in Whitefish.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Good and bad news from the legislature

The two “big news” stories from the legislature this week are that the revised revenue numbers from the governor are in and that the legislature wants to be part of the decision-making process on how the stimulus package from the federal government will be spent.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Cornelius Meckler

Cornelius Alvin “Conn” Meckler, 84, passed away at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls on Jan. 12, 2009.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Wildkats breeze by Wolfpack

Holding Class AA Glacier to 20-percent shooting, Columbia Falls cruised to a 44-25 victory over the Wolfpack on Friday at CFHS.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Sun Road should be in stimulus package

Last July, Montana and America celebrated the 75th anniversary of the opening of Going-to-the-Sun Road. In many ways, the story of the building of the Sun Road is the story of early Montana — hard-scrambling men and women who risked life and limb to achieve a vision for a tomorrow that would be better than the past.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Jones commits to play soccer for the Argos

Patrick Jones, a two-year starter for Whitefish High School, has made a verbal commitment and signed a national letter-of-intent to join the soccer program at the University of Great Falls this fall. The school is an NCAA Division II program.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Getts, Howell lead Cats past Glacier, 71-69

Senior leadership is invaluable to a basketball team, and Columbia Falls got it during Friday’s boys game against Class AA Glacier. It also helps to make your foul shots.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Emergency services center moving forward

City looking at creative financing and cost-saving measures

The Whitefish City Council authorized staff at their Jan. 20 meeting to advertise for construction bids for the city’s new Emergency Services Center at Baker Commons. The center will provide a new home for the city court and fire and police departments.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Bigfork schools move into new building

There are only smiles at Bigfork Elementary School this week as students and teachers spend time between lessons marveling at their new classrooms.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

My saving (snow) grace

The loud, deep engine sound filled the whole block. It sounded like a monster truck had just revved up its engine.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Foster named facility chief at Glacier Park

Glacier National Park has hired from within, naming Jim Foster its new chief of facilities management.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

80-year-old sculptor creates pair of huge, dancing bears

Nobody would blame local sculptor Bob Stayton if he was slowing down a bit; after all, the long-time Bigfork gallery owner celebrated his 80th birthday on Nov. 11. But don’t tell that to Stayton, who just completed a pair of bronze dancing bears that stand nine feet tall for a new development.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Water quality stewards honored for work

Whitefish Lake Institute presents its first stewardship awards

Five individuals and groups were presented with the Whitef-ish Lake Institute’s first annual Stewardship Awards this week.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Legislators facing more controversial bills

I am serving on the House Business and Labor Committee as vice chairman, and our committee has been hearing bills for the past two weeks. Most of the bills are what we call “nuts and bolts” or “housekeeping bills.” They deal primarily with agency requests to codify previous bills to comply with federal law or to add uniformity and clarity.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Wolf myths noted

To the editor,

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Mat Cats top Polson, Whitefish, edged by Libby

Coming off weekend wins over Polson and Whitefish, Columbia Falls was edged by Libby 37-33 in a Northwestern A Conference dual Tuesday night in Libby.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Recalling public works projects

Personally, I do not have any memories of hardships in the Great Depression years. Guess I could say I was too young.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

The firearm that was a bomb

A Whitefish man who initially faced a state felony charge for possession of explosives pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm without a serial number in federal court in Missoula on Jan. 20.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

BHS spech and drama team headed to state

All 20 members of the Bigfork High School speech and drama team placed well enough at last weekend’s divisional tournament in Ronan to advance to the state tournament this weekend in Butte.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Dora Martin

Dora E. Martin, of Star Meadow, west of Whitefish, went to be with her Lord Jesus on Jan. 12, 2009, as the result of a sudden stroke while visiting her son Michael and his wife Sandy in Yakima, Wash.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Young Vikes maintain strong record

Bigfork’s junior varsity boys basketball team continues to have the best record in the school, 8-1 overall and 4-0 in conference. This week it was Flathead and Libby High Schools who fell to the Vikings, 70-59 and 72-62, respectively.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Fire chief submits resignation from 'dream job'

Bigfork Fire Department Chief Chuck Harris will resign as head of the volunteer force effective tomorrow, Jan. 30, he announced on Monday.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Shop locally

As our economic outlook continues to weaken, I think it is important for citizens in the Flathead to spend dollars locally to support local merchants and their families.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Big Bad Musical' shows off new talent

Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre has long drawn praise for the amount of talent it has turned out, many of whom have earned honors on stage and in other arenas, like speech and debate, wherein they have gone on to excel as speakers and performers. 

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Four named to Hall of Fame

The Whitefish High School Hall of Fame will grow by four new members when Mike Bauer, Graver Johnson, Ted Lund and Lokie McKeen are inducted on Jan. 31.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Pit bull ban gets barked out of Helena

On a 17-1 vote in the Local Government Committee, we voted down an attempted ban on Pit Bull Terriers. Some 200 people came to peacefully testify against the bill. It was quite the scene, several pit bulls and their owners marching around the Capitol.  Some added measures were taken to provide security and order. To me, it makes a lot more sense to legislate harsher penalties for uncontrolled dogs. Maybe next term. 

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

WEB UPDATE: Vals beat Polson in low-scoring game

It was a slow, low scoring game Tuesday night when the Bigfork varsity Vals hosted Polson, but they still managed to boost their conference record to 3-1 (7-3 overall) when they knocked down the Lady Pirates (6-6, 3-3), 38-25.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Legislature's 'best guess' at revenue slips again

HELENA – The Legislature’s biggest job — figuring out how to pay for schools, health care, prisons and other essential services – may have gotten tougher last week.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Vikes get season's first win against Class AA Flathead

The Bigfork High School varsity boys basketball team got their first win of the season last Thursday night as they cruised past Class AA Flathead High School (2-8), 60-55, but lost on the road to Libby High School 49-40.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Dogs sink Pirates

It’s official — the Bulldogs are on a roll.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Money headlines state government talk

Legislative Viewpoint

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Ceremony honors well-known Flathead collector

Not often, but every once in a while, an individual comes along who not only captures the heart but also personifies the soul of a community.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

District court judge enters injunction for so-called doughnut area

Flathead County District Court Judge Katherine Curtis has ordered a preliminary injunction stopping Flathead County from taking any further planning or zoning action in Whitefish’s so-called “doughnut” area.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

A big week around Bigfork

Letter from the editor

Alex Strickland

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Glacier Avalanche Midgets battle Bozeman Ice Dogs

The Glacier Avalanche Midgets hockey team, including several Whitefish High School players, battled the Bozeman Ice Dogs over the weekend. The teams fought to a 2-2 draw in the first game on Saturday afternoon, then Bozeman won a 3-2 squeaker in a hard-hitting game the following morning.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Village bill 'on life support'

The long awaited Community Self Determination Act, drafted as LC 0118, which endeavors to give unincorporated towns more control over their fate, may not make it out of the draft stage.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Quarry locally

I noticed in one of the articles on the proposed construction of the new emergency building for Whitefish, it was stated that the stone for the building could be found at a Spokane, Wash., quarry.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Higher education and the economy

George M. Dennison

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

We need more jobs, not more bailouts

On Inauguration Day, hundreds of Montanans joined millions of Americans in our nation’s capital to celebrate a high point in our nation’s history and a turning point in our national policy.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

JV, freshman girls each nab win

The Bigfork High School junior varsity and freshman girls basketball teams grabbed a pair of wins on Saturday on the road against Libby High School, but lost to Flathead High School at home on Thursday.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Coco named Mont. Gatorade X-country runner of the year

Whitefish's Drew Coco was named the 2008-09 Gatorade Montana Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Council balks on price for water rights study

Hydro plant at reservoir triggered need for consultant

The Whitefish City Council delayed a vote on spending up to $20,000 for a consultant to study status of the city’s water rights claims.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Ladies have tough go in Polson

A monster fourth-quarter performance wasn’t enough to help the Lady Bulldogs overcome Polson on Saturday, as they lost the Northwestern Class A road game 46-68.

January 28, 2009 11 p.m.

Vals split against Libby, Flathead

The Vals knocked down their second straight Class AA opponent this month when they hosted Flathead High School on Thursday night and beat them 53-41, but lost to Libby High School on the road 61-46 Saturday night.

Tuesday, January 27

January 27, 2009 11 p.m.

Bulldogs rally to whip 'Cats at home

The Wildcats had to limp out of the Dawg Pound, tails between their legs, to lick their wounds after Saturday night’s boys basketball game.

January 27, 2009 11 p.m.

Blanche Greenwald

Blanche Lucille Greenwald, 80, of Columbia Falls, passed away Friday, Jan. 23, 2009. She was born March 21, 1928, at the family homestead near Hinsdale. She was the sixth of 12 children born to Elmer and Eliza Jane (Bollinger) Canen.

Friday, January 23

January 23, 2009 11 p.m.

Four Mat Cats place at Rocky Mountain Classic in Missoula

Kelly Houle, Sal Baccaro, Justin Whitman and Travis Pete were place winners for Columbia Falls at the Jug Beck Rocky Mountain Classic wrestling tournament last weekend in Missoula. Houle (189 pounds) placed third, and Baccaro (98), Whitman (105) and Pete (125) were eighth.

January 23, 2009 11 p.m.

Wildcats breeze by Eureka, CFHS girls fall short

Columbia Falls built a 40-7 halftime lead over visiting Eureka on Thursday (Jan. 22)  in boys basketball and cruised to a 69-40 nonconference victory.

January 23, 2009 11 p.m.

WEB UPDATE: Vikes, Vals beat Flathead

Jordan Dawson

Thursday, January 22

January 22, 2009 11 p.m.

Tester pushing infrastructure projects

Senator Jon Tester said the path out of the country's economic malaise is investment in infrastructure during a wide-ranging conference call with reporters last week.

January 22, 2009 11 p.m.

Vals knock off Bulldogs, Chiefs

The Bigfork varsity Vals swept conference opponents Whitefish and Ronan last week to bring their record to 5-2 overall and 2-0 in conference.

January 22, 2009 11 p.m.

Leaving a legacy for future generations

Carol Bibler

January 22, 2009 11 p.m.

MAC offering free memberships to recently unemployed residents

The Montana Athletic Club is doing their part to lend a hand to those that have recently lost their job by offering free membership to current members and non-members.

January 22, 2009 11 p.m.

You make me feel so young

Bigfork seniors hit the gym

Most workout classes get participants pumped with the upbeat sounds of classic rock or hip hop music. But not the Tuesday morning Silver Sneakers program at the Montana Athletic Club in Bigfork. No, this class sweats to the suave crooning of Frank Sinatra.

January 22, 2009 11 p.m.

Vikes edged out by Ronan, Whitefish in close games

The Bigfork varsity boys basketball team is still looking for their first win of the season, but if this week’s games are any indication, a win could be just around the corner for the Vikings. They narrowly lost to Ronan on Saturday 59-57 and held their own against conference favorite Whitefish losing by just 12 points in the 68-56 defeat that marked the start of conference play for Bigfork on Friday night.

January 22, 2009 11 p.m.

Salvage planned for submerged logs in Somers Bay

The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation is taking public comment until later this month on an operation by North Shore Development LLC that would involve the salvaging of logs long submerged in Somers Bay.

January 22, 2009 11 p.m.

Obituaries

Lollie Sue Boushie, 55

January 22, 2009 11 p.m.

People snarling over pit bull bill

This week there were several bills introduced in a variety of committees. Including trying to fix our workers comp in the state, stream access, fur trader regulation and tavern laws.

January 22, 2009 11 p.m.

Our representatives take the time

Letter from the editor

Alex Strickland

January 22, 2009 11 p.m.

JV Vikings take first two conference matchups

Bigfork Sophomore Travis Knoll’s nerves were put to the test Saturday night in Ronan. He stood on the free-throw line with just five seconds left in the game. He had two attempts, but with the game tied at 54 he needed to make just one basket to put the Bigfork boys junior varsity team over Ronan.

January 22, 2009 11 p.m.

Letters to the Editor

Thank You To The Elves

January 22, 2009 11 p.m.

Bridge access bill aims for elusive compromise

HELENA- House Bill 190 has the distinction of being the first "stream access" bill of the 2009 Legislature. The subject has been a legislative staple since 1985, when lawmakers enacted Montana's landmark law allowing recreational access to the beds and banks of the state's navigable waterways.

January 22, 2009 11 p.m.

The price of impatience

George Ostrom

January 22, 2009 11 p.m.

Free lunch program falling on tough times

By ALEX STRICKLANDBigfork Eagle

It's a bit counterintuitive, but tough economic times around the Flathead have not translated into markedly higher enrollment in the Bigfork Schools' free and reduced lunch program. And that has the program in a tough economic spot.

Wednesday, January 21

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

Tester urges CFAC to work with BPA

Montana Sen. Jon Tester said he urged Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. officials  to continue talks with the Bonneville Power Administration on a power agreement.

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

Lion hunters track hounds into Glacier Park

Two Flathead hunters were located in Glacier National Park on Jan. 6 after the men pursued their hounds across the North Fork of the Flathead River into the Park. The men, however, were never actually lost.

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

The price of impatience

Had forgotten that doing helpful little chores around the house could run into big money, but sure got a couple of reminders this month.

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

Addis Noftsinger

Addis Moon Noftsinger was born with a loud cry and a soft gaze on Dec. 24, 2008.  With her thick black hair and shiny dark eyes, she greatly resembled her big sister. She had a crooked fourth toe on her little right foot that was uniquely her own.  

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

Bulldogs rally to whip Cats at home

By DAVID ERICKSON

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

Canyon couples sentenced for copper thefts

Two Hungry Horse couples convicted of stealing copper ground wire from power substations across the Flathead Valley were sentenced Dec. 18-19 in U.S. District Court in Missoula.

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

Loved visiting

I think Whitefish is a fantastic town, and a lot of it is owed to the people who take part in and make the Whitefish Theatre Company work.

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

Vivian Sprunger

Vivian Sylvia Sprunger, 85, passed away Jan. 11, 2009, at Brendan House in Kalispell.

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

CFHS boys split with Chiefs, Bulldogs

Columbia Falls’ offensive production went from a flame to a flicker in Saturday’s night’s boys basketball game against rival Whitefish.

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

Foul trouble proves costly for Lady Bulldogs

By DAVID ERICKSON

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

Bills on pit bulls, pancakes in Legislature

People from home are starting to show up for hearings in Helena. Last week I visited with Dan Smith who has concerns about new rules for fire inspectors which will be addressed in a bill by Rep. Glaser from Huntley. Barb Riley, the state president of the Montana School Boards Association, testified in the Education Committee on the need for all educational partners to work together for our kids and pledged her support toward that goal. Our committee will hear from child advocates like Barb from across the state throughout the session.

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

Chester Francis

Chester Lee Francis, 93, of Whitefish, died Jan. 13, 2009, at North Valley Hospital.

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

Duane Fredenberg

Duane Harry Fredenberg passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Jan. 16, 2009, after a brief battle with cancer.

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

2008 building numbers have ups and downs

Planning department keeping busy despite the construction slow-down

While overall development in Whitefish has slowed down, the city’s planning department reports the number of new single-family homes and commercial projects in 2008 exceeded 2007, and a record number of remodels and additions were filed at the office.

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

Kats storm back, slip by Whitefish, 46-43

Proving its resiliency and determination, the Columbia Falls High School varsity girls basketball team erased a 14-point deficit and rallied for a 46-43 Northwestern A Conference victory over homestanding Whitefish on Saturday night.

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

Carnival Royalty

Rick Donahue is King Ullr L for the 2009 Whitefish Winter Carnival. With family roots tracing back to 1913 and the Great Northern Railway, Donahue grew up sledding the hills surrounding City Beach, skiing at Little Mountain and spending days at the Whitefish Lake Golf Club. After graduating from Whitefish High School in 1973, Donahue became a two-sport letterman at the University of Montana. He became a golf professional in 1978 and was instrumental in starting the junior golf program in Whitefish. Donahue competed professionally in 13 countries, including the 1981 South American Tour and the 1980 British Open. Donahue has been involved in the Winter Carnival for decades in many capacities — three decades on the board of directors, 24 years as a member of the royal court, with appearances as Prince Frey, Prime Minister and 22 years as Herald the Hark the royal trumpeter. Having served 24 kings, Donahue’s dedication is endless, and his travels representing Whitefish have earned him special recognition at festivals around the Pacific Northwest. He has also assisted in fundraising for the American Cancer Society, Big Brothers and Sisters, the Red Cross, the Special Olympics and, of course, the Winter Carnival.

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

Time to talk

With the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding the doughnut issue, it appears the ongoing dispute about who controls the planning around Whitefish will go on and on. To me, it is incredible that taxpayer money keeps being spent on legal battles to resolve an issue that should have been negotiated and resolved years ago.

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

A cloud is hanging over the Legislature

The second week of the 61st Montana State legislature commenced with the introduction of clean-up bills from interim committees and hearings for new bills and executive branch funding. Hearings on stream access, Insure Montana were among the hot topics.

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

Leave town alone

I could not have said it better than Toby Scott in the Jan. 8 Whitefish Pilot. I love my town the way it is.

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

Expanded retail on U.S. 93 turned down

County appointees take a seat on city-county planning board

Three weeks after the Montana Supreme Court sided with Whitefish’s request for a preliminary injunction in the city’s suit against Flathead County over the “doughnut” planning jurisdiction, three county appointees joined other members of the Whitefish City-County Planning Board at their regular meeting.

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

Yeti Snowskate Jam to be bigger, better

By DAVID ERICKSON

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

Stoltze to temporarily shut down sawmill

F. H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company announced Tuesday that its Columbia Falls sawmill will be temporarily shutting down — effective Feb. 2.

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

Do not change downtown sidewalks

I have to totally agree with the recent comments of Toby Scott as seen in the Jan. 8 Whitefish Pilot. I cannot see any advantage to the widening of the sidewalks along Central Avenue for the reasons stated in his letter (i.e. the congestion which already exists along the roadway with the current width of the sidewalks — to mention one good point).

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

Yetis talk

The Pilot received a strange e-mail last week with a reference to the Saturday, Jan. 10, Merry Maker. Here’s the text in its entirety:

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

Flooring plant in C-Falls future? Maybe

Even though the economic health of the Flathead Valley has taken a turn for the worse, there are likely brighter days ahead — and as soon as this spring.

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

For Many Glacier caretakers, blog helps with sanity

When Ron Hoppner goes to work, he bundles up and heads out into the chill, passing by the dozen or so bighorn sheep that hang out near his door everyday.

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

Montana Senate could call for 5 percent reduction in spending

The second week of the 61st Montana State Legislature commenced with the introduction of clean-up bills from interim committees and hearings for new bills and executive branch funding. Hearings on stream access, Insure Montana and a constitutional proposal to elect, vice appoint the Board of Regents and the Board of Education were among the hot topics.

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

Impersonator sentenced in federal court

A Seattle man accused of impersonating the son of country-western singer Merle Haggard and ringing up more than $61,000 in credit card purchases was sentenced Jan. 9 in U.S. District Court in Missoula.

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

Michael Eve

Michael John Eve, 49, passed away Monday, Jan. 12, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

Ski-mountaineering race Saturday

While most people will be riding the chairlifts this weekend, a few adventurous calorie-burners will be racing up the mountain old-fashioned style.

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

City sewer, water rates could rise

The City of Columbia Falls may be forced to raise sewer and water rates this year.

January 21, 2009 11 p.m.

History of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary

Ladies Auxiliary to William Murphy VFW Post 5650 has been an active part of Columbia Falls for 62 years.

Tuesday, January 20

January 20, 2009 11 p.m.

Stoltze announces temporary shut down of sawmill

F. H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company announced Tuesday that its Columbia Falls sawmill will be temporarily shutting down effective Feb. 2.

Monday, January 19

January 19, 2009 11 p.m.

CFHS defeat Ronan, Whitefish while boys split games; four Mat Cats place at Missoula

Columbia Falls rallied from a 14-point deficit to earn a 46-43 varsity girls basketball victory over Whitefish on Saturday (Jan. 17) in Whitefish. The Wildkats eased past Ronan 53-31 on Friday. The wins move the Kats to 4-0 in the Northwestern A Conference.

Friday, January 16

January 16, 2009 11 p.m.

Mat Cats fall to Polson, 42-30

Columbia Falls was outscored by Polson 42-30 in a Northwestern A Conference wrestling dual Thursday (Jan. 15) in Polson.

January 16, 2009 11 p.m.

David Erickson / Whitefish Pilot

There are bountiful opportunities for winter recreation in Glacier National Park. Grant Sharp, above, skied a little ways out on Bowman Lake last Saturday. The trail to the lake starts near Polebridge and is nicely packed down.

January 16, 2009 11 p.m.

Forrest Friske

Forrest Dean Friske, 80, passed away suddenly at his home in Columbia Falls on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009. Our hearts are heavy with the loss of a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother.

January 16, 2009 11 p.m.

Jerry Smith

Jerry A. Smith, 52, of Columbia Falls passed away Jan. 7, 2009.

Thursday, January 15

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

$3 million upgrade at sewer plant up and running

There is certainly more glamorous work out there, but the Bigfork Water and Sewer Department has gotten a big step up in the last few weeks thanks to a new $3 million equipment upgrade.

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Columbia Falls area calendar

Biz After Hours at Belton Chalet Jan. 15

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Winter weather poses plenty of fire hazards

Bigfork Eagle

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Speech team wins fifth tournament

Columbia Falls Speech and Debate team scored 125 points to beat out Whitefish at the Libby tournament on Jan. 10.

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Vikes still looking for a win

The Vikings varsity basketball team is still looking for their first win as they begin conference play this week.

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Bigfork library gets a makeover

Library use up almost 20 percent across the county

The Bigfork branch of the Flathead County Library may not be the jewel of the system, but thanks to a generous local donation, it is looking a lot better of late.

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

BHS football coach won't return

Bigfork High School head football coach Bruce Corbett said on Tuesday that he would not return for next season, citing financial reasons.

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Setting some goals for the session

Reichner’s Review

Scott Reichner

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Wildkats post hoop wins over Loggers, Pirates

When you do not allow a basketball team to have a big quarter you have a good chance for a victory.

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Avalanche danger decreased

The onset of warmer, dryer conditions, has led the Glacier Country Avalanche Center to rate the avalanche danger as “moderate” across the region between 5,000 and 7,500 feet and “low” below 5,000 feet.

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Wacky weather clears roads, floods businesses

An unexpected thaw and a few days of rain last week conspired to create a bad situation in downtown Bigfork and on gravel roads around the county.

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Klundt having a big year for Lady Bulldogs

By DAVID ERICKSON

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

New stuff, old names

G. George Ostrom

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Dogs drop Flathead, Eureka

On Saturday, the Whitefish boys went down to Kalispell and exacted revenge for their one-point loss to Class AA Flathead earlier this year, dismantling the Braves 68-50 while playing easily their most complete game of the year.

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

County cancels rezoning hearing for so-called doughnut area

The Flathead County Commissioners canceled its Jan. 13 public hearing on rezoning land in Whitefish’s so-called “doughnut” area.

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Pay raise

Pay raise

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Jr. Olympic hopefuls race at Big Mountain

The Whitefish Mountain Resort hosted the kick-off for the 2009 Northern Division Junior Olympic Qualifier Alpine Races this past weekend.

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Speech team cleans up in Libby

Saturday was a long day for the Bigfork High School speech and drama team, but they made the most of the 17 hour day with many competitors finishing the Libby meet with their highest placement of the season.

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Four Bulldog wrestlers make quarterfinals in Cut Bank

The Whitefish mat ‘Dogs finished in 20th place with 35 points at the annual Cut Bank Booster Club Invitational wrestling tournament over the weekend. Havre took top honors with 283 points. Twenty-three teams competed in the two-day event.

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Hazel Fish

Hazel E. Fish, 80, passed away peacefully with family members by her side on Friday, Jan. 9, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center from complications of viral pneumonia. Hazel was born in Fairview on July 23, 1928, to Trygve (Tom) and Inga (Ringsaker) Oakland of North Dakota. She was born third in a family of four daughters and two sons.

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Bird flu and pay cuts

Whitefish city councilors get ready for the new year

The current global recession and credit crisis is not just impacting banks, manufacturers and homeowners — it’s also got state and local governments hustling to balance budgets and find financing for capital projects.

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Winter shift frustrates Flathead residents

Warm weather and rain wreaks havoc on roads and powerlines

A dramatic change in the weather had Flathead residents scrambling last week to prevent collapsing roofs, restore power and dig themselves out of deep, heavy snow.

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Dorothy Ann Larsen

Dorothy Ann Larsen, 88, died from a stroke on Jan. 2, 2009.

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Mike Eve

Former Whitefish finance director Mike Eve died Jan. 12 after a year-and-a-half battle with cancer. He was 49.

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

New CEO takes helm at North Valley Hospital

The North Valley Hospital Board of Directors have chosen Jason Spring as the hospital’s new chief executive officer. The board selected Spring through a rigorous national search conducted by Quorum Health Resources (QHR), the hospital’s management company. He begins work March 9.

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Letters to the Editor

(Santa) Hats off

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Locals compete at Red Mountain, B.C.

Three local skiers, White-fish Mountain Resort Freestyle Team members Parkin and Ladd Costain and national competitor Mitch Gilman, battled the elements to make it to the Canadian Open Freeskiing Championships in Red Mountain, B.C. this past weekend.

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Taking the plunge

It’s the most fun way in the Valley to take a few years off your life in the span of about 30 seconds, and the crowd at the Raven Bar & Grill in Woods Bay showed that plenty of people are only too happy to do it.

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Coyote hunt

On Jan. 3-17, the trapping organization Montana Furbearer Conservation Alliance is holding a statewide coyote-killing contest fundraiser smugly named “Howler Hauler.” Teams are invited to kill as many coyotes as they can, then send in photographs of the mass slaughter to judges who will determine which carnage merits the grand prize.

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Sylvia Bronson

Sylvia Krona Bronson, 73, “released her earthly ties” on Dec. 30, 2008, “and entered the arms of Jesus.”

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Bigfork-area student wins prestigious scholarship

By his own admission, Creston-born Shane Colvin either has an “insatiable curiosity” or is an “academic masochist.”

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Enjoying the worst holiday ever

Letter from the editor

Alex Strickland

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Lollie Boushie

Lollie Sue Boushie, 55, died Jan. 14, 2009 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. She was born April 10, 1953, in Browning to Frank and Mary Jane (Crosswhite) Boushie.

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Getting started in the 2009 Legislature

Rep. Scott Reichner

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Mary Mecchi

Mary Ellen Doyle Mecchi, 85, went to be with her Lord on Jan. 5, 2009.

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Cats dominate Libby, edged by Polson

Columbia Falls split its Northwest A Conference boys basketball openers last weekend, rolling to an easy 57-34 win over Libby on Thursday before a 62-60 loss at Polson on Saturday.

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Sled dog race is a success

On behalf of all the mushers and the very friendly, loving sled dogs that participated in the second annual Flathead Sled Dog Days Race that was held Jan. 3-4, we would like to thank Brooke Bohannan, Sean Hard and Katie Davis for their wonderful race.

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Bigfork man pleads guilty to 2007 Ferndale killing

Bigfork Eagle

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Swearing in, new bills as work begins in legislature

Families met on the floor of the House for swearing in ceremonies last week. It is an awesome state we serve in the most beautiful room of the capitol. Many first-timers were awestruck, and all of us are humbled by the chance to serve the taxpayers of our great state.

January 15, 2009 11 p.m.

Vals stun Wolfpack

The varsity Vals showed last week that whether their opponent is big or small they can rise to the challenge and leave with a “W.”

Wednesday, January 14

January 14, 2009 11 p.m.

District 6 school board facing budget shortfall

As expected, there is a disagreement on what part of the Montana state budget should go toward public education.

January 14, 2009 11 p.m.

Thompson resigns as grid coach

Columbia Falls High School will have a new head football coach next fall.

January 14, 2009 11 p.m.

Semitool lays off 200 more in Flathead Valley

Semitool announced layoffs recently. The company has cut about 200 jobs from its Flathead and Libby workforce, on top of 100 job cuts in the valley this fall.

January 14, 2009 11 p.m.

Hunters tracking dogs found safe inside Park

Glacier National Park Rangers and North Valley Search and Rescue teams found two hunters inside the Park boundary after their hunting dogs went into Glacier and one man was cited in the incident.

January 14, 2009 11 p.m.

In Glacier, super predicts staff cuts

Need for private funding will also increase, Cartwright says

When Chas Cartwright looks at Glacier National Park’s future his prediction includes operating with less federal funding and his hope to achieve a formal wilderness designation for the Park.

January 14, 2009 11 p.m.

Mat Cats go 2-4 at Duals

Mat time. And lots of it. That’s what’s most important for a high school wrestling team at this point in the season.

Tuesday, January 13

January 13, 2009 11 p.m.

Some programs in danger of losing funding

Well, the 61st legislative session kicked off in Helena in the midst of a snow storm on Jan. 5. The results of the fall election formed a 27-23 Republican majority in the Senate and a 50-50 split in the House. The key issues during this legislative session are shaping up to be the state budget, stabilizing the economy, and working to mitigate the property tax reappraisals.

January 13, 2009 11 p.m.

Christian Motorcyclists Association

Christian Motorcyclists Association is composed of dedicated, sincere members with a goal described as reaching people through Christ in highways and byways through the avenue of motorcycling.

January 13, 2009 11 p.m.

Elsie Sonnenberg

Elsie A. Sonnenberg, 87, passed away Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish. She was born Nov. 4, 1921, in Phillips County, Montana.

January 13, 2009 11 p.m.

One more "wolf expert" speaks out

If most Montana newspaper readers are like me, they may be getting over saturated by “Letters to the Editor” about wolves. Few of us had any idea there were so many “wolf experts” who are writing terrifying tales about how those big, wild canines will soon take over and possibly destroy civilization as they once knew it. Others compose tear-stained complaints about any control action at all. I have to apologize, but please find the patience to hear from one more “self-appointed wolf expert” … me.

January 13, 2009 11 p.m.

Elsie Neier

Elsie E. Neier, 90, died Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, at Brendan House in Kalispell.

Monday, January 12

January 12, 2009 11 p.m.

Wildkats sweep Libby, Polson while boys split; Mat Cats go 2-4 at Ronan

Columbia Falls swept Libby and Polson in varsity girls basketball last weekend to open the Northwestern A Conference season. The Wildkats beat Libby 40-33 Friday (Dec. 9) in Libby, and rolled past Polson 55-40 Saturday in Columbia Falls.

Friday, January 9

January 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Wildcats roll past Libby, 57-34

Columbia Falls held Libby to a combined six points during the middle two quarters Thursday night (Jan. 8) en route to a 57-34 boys basketball victory in the Wildcats' Northwestern A Conference opener at CFHS. The Wildcats play Saturday at Polson in another league game.

January 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Leonard Knudsen

Leonard Lyle Knudsen, 65, of Coram passed away at home Jan. 6, 2009, into the arms of his father in Heaven and greeted with joy by his mom and dad and two brothers.

January 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Bigfork man pleads guilty to Ferndale killing

Bigfork Eagle

Thursday, January 8

January 8, 2009 11 p.m.

Plum Creek cuts another 145 jobs

Plum Creek manufacturing announced Thursday it will trim 145 more jobs in local mills as the lumber markets and wood products markets continue to slump. In addition, 221 will temporarily lose their jobs through this month and next, and possibly into March.

January 8, 2009 11 p.m.

Thompson resigns at Wildcat head coach

Columbia Falls High School will have a new head football coach next fall.

January 8, 2009 11 p.m.

Welcome to Sea Kitten High School

PETA suggests school district change name to protect fish — and stop flyfishing

Wednesday, January 7

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Diversity evident in Montana State House

Many people don’t know that the state has been issuing a different look to some Montana drivers’ licenses since last July. This was news to me, also, since we don’t have teenagers at home nor do we card for liquor or cigarettes.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Neighbor-hood plan slated for local approval

The Bigfork Neighborhood Plan is finally on its way, this time for real.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Top stories of 2008: CFHS football, cross country among highlights

Columbia Falls High School provided two of the top local sports stories in 2008.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Doughnut and downtown top stories

2008 year in review

While the global story of the year is clearly the Wall Street meltdown, the credit crisis and the recession, the story that occupied the pages of the Whitefish Pilot from Jan. 17 right up to Christmas Eve was the dispute over control of Whitefish’s planning and zoning “doughnut” area.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

The dump is their refuge

A truck lumbers up the hillside, backs up to the pile and releases a load of bags and junk and trash and scraps and all things inedible, unless of course, you happen to be a gull.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

BHS freshman making a big impact at varsity level

Everyone’s first year of high school is full of new experiences and some accompanying stress. Bigfork High School freshman Taylor Peck is no exception. She’s starting her high school career by jumping right into the deep end, as the only freshman to play on a varsity team in both fall and winter sports.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Shooting laws need changes

After reading about the shooting range on Farm To Market Road, my jaw dropped thinking about what a friend had just told me about some friends of his down in Mission Valley.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Shoveling out and happy about it

Letter from the Editor

It’s hard to go anywhere these days and not hear people talking about the weather. Actually, it’s hard to go anywhere at all.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

The Steamer F.F. Oakes

One of the incidents which has always intrigued me is the story of the Steamer F. F. Oakes attempting to go from Columbia Falls up the Flathead River to coal mines in the North Fork.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Come undecorate this Saturday

Bigfork Eagle

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

City awarded $650,000 grant for 24/7 service

City also looking at projects for Obama stimulus funding

Whitefish received some huge news the day after Christmas — $650,280 worth of federal grant money that will help the city transition to 24/7 emergency service has been approved.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

New Web site helps connect BHS schedules, parents

Bigfork High School has established a new resource to increase communication about school activities among parents, students and the community.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Mat Dogs grapple Glacier and Libby

By DAVID ERICKSON

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Community cares about kids

Whitefish is a town known for its dedication to our children. In early December, a small group of individuals were concerned about the upcoming two-week school holiday and the extra burden that would be placed on Whitefish families who have come to rely on our school district’s breakfast and lunch program for their children during the school week.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Stimulus package should include national parks

With more than 10 million out-of-state visitors bringing more than $3 billion into the state annually, tourism is Montana’s second largest industry. Why do people flock here? It’s no surprise when research tells us that visitors come here for natural beauty, clean air, bountiful wildlife and to see two of America’s most treasured national parks: Yellowstone and Glacier.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Dog park construction slated for spring 2009

The Whitefish City Coun-cil approved a construction agreement on Monday for a new dog park facility in Armory Park.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Babies welcome the New Year

The Flathead Valley’s New Year’s babies took their time arriving this year.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Lady Loggers chop down Whitefish girls

By DAVID ERICKSONWhitefish Pilot

The Lady Bulldogs couldn’t find a way to contain Jackie Mee in Libby on Saturday, as the star Lady Logger dropped 18 points en route to a 55-46 Northwestern A win over Whitefish.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Kats unable to stop Tinkle in 70-49 loss to Eagles

Wildkats on the court for Columbia Falls during Saturday's game against Class AA power Big Sky were spectators rather than players in the first half. The Kats faced a 43-14 halftime deficit, and Big Sky went on to post a 70-49 win in Missoula in the first game after the holiday break.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Letters to the Editor

Thanks for the tribute

Thank you for your tribute to Gary Lee on December 16. Special thanks to Mark Hansen and Brenda Jordt for putting yourselves into it with so much gusto…just the way you play ball! Those T-shirts with Gary's high school basketball picture are something else! Gary would have been overwhelmed with all the expressions of love and appreciation — big boys do cry and he would have teared up for sure. It is hard to find words to express my feelings, but my heart was bursting with thankfulness, pride and love for this community when you honored him. Those who knew him well knew where his heart was. The days he spent at the Ferndale basketball court were such a part of who he was. The beautiful plaque you gave me is hanging on my wall here in Kearny, Ariz. and it will come home with me next spring. I cherish it.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Avalanche danger ramped up to high

With rain in the valleys and a wet heavy snow in the higher terrain, the avalanche danger has been ramped up to high, the Glacier Country Avalanche Center is warning.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

New Stuff and Old Names

What’s new? What isn’t? The dictionary defines the word new as, “1 - Never existing before, appearing thought of, developed, made, produced etc. for the first time. 2 - Existing before but not known or discovered for the first time.” That’s good enough for me. There is a lot of “new stuff” out there that most take for granted.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Sled Dog Days results

Two mushers from West Yellowstone won the two events at the second annual Flathead Sled Dog Days races this past weekend.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Getting out of economic mess major priority

To the editor,

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Geraldine Ryan

Geraldine “Gerry” Mae Ryan, 70, passed away Dec. 29, 2008, at her home in Columbia Falls.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Mat Cats fall just short of Class AA Glacier

Kelly Houle, Justin Whitman, Jarrett Smith and Sal Baccaro wrestled to wins for Columbia Falls during a 47-30 loss to Class AA Glacier on Saturday in Kalispell.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Muriel Lindsey

Muriel I. Lindsey, 95, of Columbia Falls, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008, at the Brendan House in Kalispell.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Mary Liggett

Mary (Toennis) Liggett, 90, former Miles City resident, passed away of natural causes at Colonial Manor in Whitefish on Dec. 25, 2008.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Senators ask BPA for CFAC solution

Montana Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester have sent a letter to the Bonneville Power Administration urging them to renogiate a power contract with the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Pedestrian safety

This has been an issue that has been gnawing at me since I moved back here, and that issue is pedestrian safety on Wisconsin Avenue.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

What you should know about CPSIA

One of these days, my granddaughter would love a homemade teddy bear.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Bigfork man pleads guilty to Ferndale killing

Bigfork Eagle

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

New Stuff - Old Names

What’s new? What isn’t? The dictionary defines the word new as, “1 - Never existing before, appearing thought of, developed, made, produced etc. for the first time. 2 - Existing before but not known or discovered for the first time.” That’s good enough for me. There is a lot of “new

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Bulldogs drop two teeth-clenchers

The difference between two confidence-building victories and two momentum-crushing losses turned out to consist of a combined total of two points for the Whitefish boys basketball team over the weekend.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Arvidson rolls 300 game

Jody Arvidson says he does not take the sport of bowling too seriously, but now locked in his memory vault is the perfect game he rolled during the Tuesday Men’s League on Dec. 30 at Glacier Lanes in Columbia Falls.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Eugene Graf

Eugene Ernest Graf passed away at the age of 87 in Waynesville, N.C., on Dec. 28, 2008, where he and his wife Janice had recently celebrated their sixth anniversary.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Cats cruise to 68-44 win over Big Sky

Share the wealth. That was the theme for Columbia Falls in Saturday’s home-court basketball game against Class AA Missoula Big Sky.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Wet, cold snowboarders found out of bounds

Nordic Ski Patrol locates visitors below Chair 8

Four snowboarders who got lost late Saturday afternoon after wandering out of bounds at Whitefish Mountain Resort were located in extremely cold and rough shape about 9 p.m.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Taxes, love and logic

One of the campaign promises made by Montana Republicans in the 2008 campaign was to eliminate the business equipment tax. It’s not the wisest thing to do, but that’s never stopped a politician.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Weather a messy situtation

The National Weather Service in Missoula is predicting heavy rains during the second half of the week that could cause snow loading issues on roofs and minor flooding, according to NWS meteorologist Peter Felsch.

January 7, 2009 11 p.m.

Bowling is back in Bigfork

Nine-month wait for construction of new facility is over

After nine months of waiting, the league bowlers of Bigfork are finally getting back to the lanes. Pick’s Bowling Center in Bigfork opened last week and the alley’s leagues started their season on Monday.

Tuesday, January 6

January 6, 2009 11 p.m.

Local Pyramid Scheme Targets Trusting Women

By RICHARD HANNERS

January 6, 2009 11 p.m.

'78 championship team gathers for reunion

The Lady Bulldogs never lost a Class A basketball game all season

The first and only Whitefish High School girls basketball state championship team recently held a 30-year reunion celebration for their 1978 Class A title win.

January 6, 2009 11 p.m.

Rezoning could leave non conforming properties

Recent SUPREME COURT decision could delay implementation by the county

By RICHARD HANNERS

January 6, 2009 11 p.m.

Winter warnings issued for Flathead County

The National Weather Service in Missoula is predicting heavy rains during the second half of the week that could cause snow loading issues on roofs and minor flooding, according to NWS meteorologist Peter Felsch.

January 6, 2009 11 p.m.

David Morris

David Morris

January 6, 2009 11 p.m.

Winter blast brings deep snow to the Flathead

Skiers find lots of powder, but avalanche danger is increasing

By RICHARD HANNERS

Monday, January 5

January 5, 2009 11 p.m.

Caution: Expected rain could cause roof damage

If you have a lot of snow on your roof, you’ll probably want to get it off as soon as possible.

January 5, 2009 11 p.m.

Wildcats win, Kats fall short in hoops; wrestlers outscored by Glacier

Çolumbia Falls recorded a 68-44 varsity boys basketball victory over Missoula Big Sky on Saturday at Columbia Falls High School while the Wildkats girls squad suffered a 70-49 loss to Big Sky in Missoula.

Friday, January 2

January 2, 2009 11 p.m.

Emergency travel only on county roads

Effective at 8:50 a.m. Friday (Jan. 2), emergency travel only is recommended on all Flathead County-owned roads. The County Road Department is aggressively plowing county roads; however, until the current storm breaks the Flathead County Sheriff's Department advises emergency-only travel.

January 2, 2009 11 p.m.

Man killed in wreck on Monday

An 18-year-old Kalispell man was killed in a two-vehicle accident on snowy roads Monday night about 7:30 p.m. at the intersection of Birch Grove Road and U.S. Highway 2.

January 2, 2009 11 p.m.

Vonzel Role

Vonzel Kaye Role, 61, passed away peacefully at her home on Dec. 21, 2008, with the love of her life, Jack, by her side, after losing a courageous battle with cancer. Although she had dealt with many health issues, not once did we ever hear her complain.

January 2, 2009 11 p.m.

Road, avalanche warnings issued

The Flathead County Sheriff's Office has issued an emergency travel only warning for Flathead County roads effective at 8:50 a.m. Friday morning, Jan. 2.

Thursday, January 1

January 1, 2009 11 p.m.

'78 championship team gathers for reunion

The Lady Bulldogs never lost a Class A basketball game all season

By DAVID ERICKSON

January 1, 2009 11 p.m.

Dealing with the snow

David Erickson

January 1, 2009 11 p.m.

Local mushers ready to race this weekend

By DAVID ERICKSON

January 1, 2009 11 p.m.

Dogs take state in running, golf, tennis, track

2008 sports in review

By DAVID ERICKSON

January 1, 2009 11 p.m.

Jacqueline Nelson

Jacqueline Nelson

January 1, 2009 11 p.m.

Local pyramid scheme targets trusting women

By RICHARD HANNERS

January 1, 2009 11 p.m.

Karen Breckon

Karen Breckon

January 1, 2009 11 p.m.

Rezoning could leave nonconforming properties

Recent Supreme Court ‘doughnut’ decision could delay implementation by the county

By RICHARD HANNERS

January 1, 2009 11 p.m.

David Morris

David Morris

January 1, 2009 11 p.m.

Winter blast brings deep snow to the Flathead

Skiers find lots of powder, but avalanche danger is increasing

By RICHARD HANNERS