Saturday, January 31
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
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
Contact us:
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Foster named facility chief at Glacier Park
Glacier National Park has hired from within, naming Jim Foster its new chief of facilities management.
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.
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.
Dogs sink Pirates
It’s official — the Bulldogs are on a roll.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Higher education and the economy
George M. Dennison
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.
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.
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.
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.
Support for elderly can hurt young workers
I
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Orris Kastella
Orris A. Kastella, 83, of Whitefish, died Jan. 15, 2009, at Colonial Manor, in Whitefish.
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.
Cornelius Meckler
Cornelius Alvin “Conn” Meckler, 84, passed away at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls on Jan. 12, 2009.
Wolf myths noted
To the editor,
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.
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.
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.
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.
Money headlines state government talk
Legislative Viewpoint
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 27
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.
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
WEB UPDATE: Vikes, Vals beat Flathead
Jordan Dawson
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.
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.
Thursday, January 22
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.
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.
Letters to the Editor
Thank You To The Elves
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Leaving a legacy for future generations
Carol Bibler
The price of impatience
George Ostrom
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.
Obituaries
Lollie Sue Boushie, 55
Wednesday, January 21
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Foul trouble proves costly for Lady Bulldogs
By DAVID ERICKSON
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.
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.
City sewer, water rates could rise
The City of Columbia Falls may be forced to raise sewer and water rates this year.
Yeti Snowskate Jam to be bigger, better
By DAVID ERICKSON
Duane Fredenberg
Duane Harry Fredenberg passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Jan. 16, 2009, after a brief battle with cancer.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bulldogs rally to whip Cats at home
By DAVID ERICKSON
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.
Vivian Sprunger
Vivian Sylvia Sprunger, 85, passed away Jan. 11, 2009, at Brendan House in Kalispell.
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.
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.
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.
Michael Eve
Michael John Eve, 49, passed away Monday, Jan. 12, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
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.
Chester Francis
Chester Lee Francis, 93, of Whitefish, died Jan. 13, 2009, at North Valley Hospital.
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 20
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
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
Jerry Smith
Jerry A. Smith, 52, of Columbia Falls passed away Jan. 7, 2009.
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, January 15
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.
Winter weather poses plenty of fire hazards
Bigfork Eagle
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Klundt having a big year for Lady Bulldogs
By DAVID ERICKSON
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.
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.
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.
Getting started in the 2009 Legislature
Rep. Scott Reichner
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.
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.
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.
$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.
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.
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.
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.
Pay raise
Pay raise
Letters to the Editor
(Santa) Hats off
Sylvia Bronson
Sylvia Krona Bronson, 73, “released her earthly ties” on Dec. 30, 2008, “and entered the arms of Jesus.”
Mike Eve
Former Whitefish finance director Mike Eve died Jan. 12 after a year-and-a-half battle with cancer. He was 49.
Dorothy Ann Larsen
Dorothy Ann Larsen, 88, died from a stroke on Jan. 2, 2009.
Columbia Falls area calendar
Biz After Hours at Belton Chalet Jan. 15
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.
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.”
New stuff, old names
G. George Ostrom
Bigfork man pleads guilty to 2007 Ferndale killing
Bigfork Eagle
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.
Mary Mecchi
Mary Ellen Doyle Mecchi, 85, went to be with her Lord on Jan. 5, 2009.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bigfork-area student wins prestigious scholarship
By his own admission, Creston-born Shane Colvin either has an “insatiable curiosity” or is an “academic masochist.”
Wednesday, January 14
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.
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.
Thompson resigns as grid coach
Columbia Falls High School will have a new head football coach next fall.
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 13
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.
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.
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.
Elsie Neier
Elsie E. Neier, 90, died Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, at Brendan House in Kalispell.
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.
Monday, January 12
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
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.
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.
Bigfork man pleads guilty to Ferndale killing
Bigfork Eagle
Thursday, January 8
Welcome to Sea Kitten High School
PETA suggests school district change name to protect fish — and stop flyfishing
Thompson resigns at Wildcat head coach
Columbia Falls High School will have a new head football coach next fall.
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.
Wednesday, January 7
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Come undecorate this Saturday
Bigfork Eagle
Getting out of economic mess major priority
To the editor,
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.
Mat Dogs grapple Glacier and Libby
By DAVID ERICKSON
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wilson should have checked Skeptics Society before column
To the editor,
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.
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.
Top stories of 2008: CFHS football, cross country among highlights
Columbia Falls High School provided two of the top local sports stories in 2008.
Babies welcome the New Year
The Flathead Valley’s New Year’s babies took their time arriving this year.
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.
What you should know about CPSIA
One of these days, my granddaughter would love a homemade teddy bear.
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.
Neighbor-hood plan slated for local approval
The Bigfork Neighborhood Plan is finally on its way, this time for real.
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.
Bigfork man pleads guilty to Ferndale killing
Bigfork Eagle
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.
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.
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.
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.
Central Ave. project needs second look
I
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.
Muriel Lindsey
Muriel I. Lindsey, 95, of Columbia Falls, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008, at the Brendan House in Kalispell.
Mary Liggett
Mary (Toennis) Liggett, 90, former Miles City resident, passed away of natural causes at Colonial Manor in Whitefish on Dec. 25, 2008.
Geraldine Ryan
Geraldine “Gerry” Mae Ryan, 70, passed away Dec. 29, 2008, at her home in Columbia Falls.
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.
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
Tuesday, January 6
'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.
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.
Local Pyramid Scheme Targets Trusting Women
By RICHARD HANNERS
Rezoning could leave non conforming properties
Recent SUPREME COURT decision could delay implementation by the county
By RICHARD HANNERS
Winter blast brings deep snow to the Flathead
Skiers find lots of powder, but avalanche danger is increasing
By RICHARD HANNERS
David Morris
David Morris
Monday, January 5
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, January 1
'78 championship team gathers for reunion
The Lady Bulldogs never lost a Class A basketball game all season
By DAVID ERICKSON
Jacqueline Nelson
Jacqueline Nelson
Dealing with the snow
David Erickson
Rezoning could leave nonconforming properties
Recent Supreme Court ‘doughnut’ decision could delay implementation by the county
By RICHARD HANNERS
Karen Breckon
Karen Breckon
Local mushers ready to race this weekend
By DAVID ERICKSON
Winter blast brings deep snow to the Flathead
Skiers find lots of powder, but avalanche danger is increasing
By RICHARD HANNERS
Dogs take state in running, golf, tennis, track
2008 sports in review
By DAVID ERICKSON
Local pyramid scheme targets trusting women
By RICHARD HANNERS
David Morris
David Morris
