Friday, October 30
Neighbor expresses concerns about proposed Spencer Lake timber sale
For the past 20 years, we have enjoyed recreating in the Spencer Lake State Trust Land area. We have seen this area become discovered by local outdoor lovers and usage has grown dramatically. We feel that this is great and are happy to see so many people enjoying what we know is a wonderful resource and asset to Whitefish.
Thursday
The Whitefish Community Foundation will hold its 2009 Community Grant Awards Presentation at the O’Shaughnessy on Thursday, Nov. 5, beginning at 6 p.m. The board of directors will host the event with hors d’oeuvres and no-host wine and beer. The Whitefish High School Drum Line and Jazz Band will perform during the social hour. A video on the Foundation’s work over the past few years at 6:30 p.m. Last year, the Foundation distributed 30 grants totaling $117,000 to local nonprofits during the awards event. More than 39 nonprofit organizations will receive grants this year. For more information or to RSVP for the awards presentation, contact Linda at 406-863-1781.
Challengers win
Voters in Whitefish showed they wanted a change in government by casting ballots for three new city councilors in the city's second all-mail election.
JV, freshmen end season
Whitefish Pilot
Bulldogs fall short in title match
The comeback kids from Whitefish finally met their match – and it happened to be a familiar foe.
Slopes case goes against city
The Montana Supreme Court's Oct. 27 ruling in the Walton case will cost the city of Whitefish a lot of money at a time when most cities are cutting back on expenses, but it doesn't affect the city's legal authority to enforce its Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO).
High School freshman visit Muldown, discuss healthy living
"Have you ever taken drugs?"
Revisions completed for Lakeside Neighborhood Plan
UPDATED: Meeting scheduled for Nov. 2 to discuss Eagle's Crest.
It's tourney time
The Lady Bulldogs volleyball squad picked up some momentum going into the divisional tournament with consecutive wins over Ronan and Stevensville.
Cheers for volunteers
Betty Baldwin, a third-generation native of Whitefish, is a daughter of railroader Ray Nelson and his wife Fern. She married her husband Bill 57 years ago, and they have five children, 13 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.
Verdella McCulloch
Verdella McCulloch, 100, died Oct. 22, 2009, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.
Project manager appointed for new high school
The Whitefish School District board of trustees has chosen a company to serve as project manager for construction of a new high school here.
Players to watch at divisional tourney
Matt Baldwin / Whitefish Pilot
Week in photos - Nov. 5
Streetscaping hailed at real estate meeting
I recently attended a two-day forum sponsored by Newwest.net titled "Real Estate Development in the Northern Rockies." This was the fourth annual gathering of a very diverse group including; economists, developers, urban planners, environmentalists, Realtors, architects, engineers, philanthropists and others. The focus of this event was to share information about current trends in development in the Rocky Mountain West.
Columbia Falls 15, Hamilton 8
Museum struggles to find funds
It's hard to be one of more than a dozen non-profits in a small community, especially in the current economic situation n at least that's what the Bigfork Museum of Art & History has found.
Hidden tax
I voted for the Whitefish sales tax — no regrets. We have new streets and tax relief was our reward.
Thursday, October 29
Restoration plans concern councilors
The Whitefish City Council continued to raise questions and concerns about the ongoing Whitefish River cleanup following a presentation at their Oct. 19 meeting by the Environmental Protection Agency's on-scene coordinator.
Crittenden to play for Grizzlies
Whitefish senior running back and linebacker Derek Crittenden has verbally committed to play for the University of Montana's football team next season, according to Bulldog coach Patrick Dryden.
Tanner Cage Levi Gordner
Tanner Cage Levi Gordner, son of Tanner and Kristy Gordner, of Whitefish, was born Oct. 10, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Wave Ryders pile up medals at meet
The Wave Ryders Swim club racked up 160 medals Oct. 17-18 at the Fall Frenzy swim meet at The Wave — nearly twice as many as the second-place team from Missoula.
Thursday
The Whitefish Chamber of Commerce’s pre-Halloween Gone Fishin’ social will take place at the Great Northern Brewing Co., on Central Avenue, on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5-7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public and will include brewery tours, complimentary snacks, beverages and a chance to win door prizes.
City looking at alternative energy projects
Two alternative energy projects under consideration by the city could end up saving taxpayers money and move Whitefish one step closer to a very long-term goal of sustainability.
A virtual taste test of new teaching format
There are some new courses being offered at Whitefish High School this year, but you won't find any teacher making new lesson plans. The teachers of these classes are instructing from classrooms anywhere from Cambridge to Kentucky. The classes are virtual.
Pictures are more perfect
I'm not a big fan of cliche's, but there are a few that carry quite a bit of truth with them. The one that is leading me to bring this up is, "a picture is worth a thousand words." Many of the photos I have taken for the paper have captured moments that words wouldn't give 100 percent justice to. However, this cliche has been especially true on several occasions when I have caught a frame or two that shows that a referee of one of the games I'm covering made an incorrect call or missed calling a foul or penalty that was flagrant.
Chipper crashes on Highway 35
Sen. Barkus enters 'not guilt' plea
How did we get here?
Every 10 years or so, it is tradition for this columnist to write a brief history of the beautiful valley where we live. It is time again.
Apgar left out
To the editor,
The clinic, the mural, the bulbout and gun sales
Whitefish Pilot
Championship preview - clash of state titans
Saturday's state championship soccer game between Whitefish and the Billings Central Rams will be a clash of the Class A titans.
Overcoming his fears
Former civil-rights era cop finds peace among the bears of the Bob Marshall Wilderness
Bulldogs topped by Wildcats
The number on the back of Daniel Simmons' jersey was barely legible, and Maxl Smith had chunks of turf smeared across his face.
How did we ever get here?
The Trailwatcher/G. George Ostrom
Negative campaigning not good for Whitefish
The next time you ask yourself why you don't see more good people run for office or our own Whitefish City Council, you can look to what we had happen this last week. The negative attack mailer that went out from Rick Blake is one of the reasons.
Jon Forrest Hall Jr.
Jon Forrest "Bear" Hall Jr., 65, passed away on Oct. 5, 2009 at his home in Columbia Falls due to heart and cancer complications.
Vikings end season in first place
Finishing the season in first place is great for any team, but it is especially sweet for the Vikings football team which tied Eureka and Plains for first place in District 7B with a 4-1 record.
Cats take state title
Last Saturday Columbia Falls cross country coach Richard Menicke listened intently to the placing announcements at the end of the state championship meet.
Flying into the finals
Bulldog captain Matt Danczyk has something rarely seen in high school sports — the "it" factor.
Medical marijuana interest growing
It's been five years since 62 percent of Montana voters approved a ballot initiative allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Interest has really taken off since then — particularly this year.
Relaxation is a state of mind
Letter from the editor
Candidate eligibility
For whatever reason (or reasons), the Whitefish City Council race in Whitefish has become a one-sided mudslinging contest and not from the proponents. It appears that a faction has taken it upon themselves to be the leaders of this effort, and more importantly has turned it into what appears to be almost a personal vendetta.
Library concerns aired before city council
All-mail ballots creates loophole in election law
Week in photos Oct. 29
Somers Middle School students celebrate Red Ribbon Week
The week, celebrated throughout the United States, encourages students not to use illegal drugs.
A first-hand experience with swine flu
Letter from the editor
Schoolhouse News
The Whitefish School Board of Trustees, like any wise stewards, takes the business of long-range planning very seriously. Over the past few years, the board has taken a visionary view of capital projects in the district and made decisions that will improve not just our district infrastructure, but district instruction and student achievement for years to come.
Cats crush Dogs for playoff berth
What better gift could the Columbia Falls Wildcats give their beleagurered fans than an overpowering 33-14 defeat of Whitefish, securing Flathead Valley bragging rites and a home-field playoff berth this Saturday?
Barkus pleads not guilty to felonies
State Sen. Greg Barkus pleaded not guilty this week to three felony charges stemming from an August boat crash on Flathead Lake that injured five people, including U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg.
Sally Lou Hoye
Sally Lou Hoye, 67, received her angel wings on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009 after passing away at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell, Montana. She was born on October 11, 1942 in Williston, N. D., to Alfred M. and Vivian J. (Moothart) Hoye.
Remembering Bad Rock School
GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News
CFAC offers worker retraining
Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. workers won't be left out in the cold when the plant shuts down later this week.
Ferne Cohen
Ferne Lewis Cohen passed away Oct. 13, 2009.
Revisions completed for Lakeside Neighborhood Plan
UPDATED: Meeting scheduled for Nov. 2 to discuss Eagle's Crest.
Vandenburg wins LeGrizz
A total of 84 runners from eight states and four Canadian provinces completed the 28th annual Le Grizz 50-Mile Ultramarathon footrace on Oct. 10. The Le Grizz event is USA Track & Field Montana's 50 Mile Championship race.
Talbott: The man who loved Columbia Falls
Get lost in the Corn Maze
Supreme Court rules against city in Walton case
At presstime, the Pilot learned that the Montana Supreme Court ruled against the city of Whitefish in the Walton case on Oct. 27.
Volunteers
Mike and Margrette Kinne are native Montanans, he from Billings, she from Miles City. They have four children and seven grandchildren.
Kats have rough tourney in Missoula
The Columbia Falls volleyball team had a rough time of it at the Missoula tourney Friday, going 0-14 in pool play.
Carolyn Louise Van
Carolyn Louise Van, 76, passed away Oct. 21, at her home in San Jose, Calif. She died peacefully with members of her family at her side.
C. Falls hunter poaches wolves
A Columbia Falls man has pleaded guilty to poaching two wolves near Whale Creek up the North Fork.
Let's build an arch
Tom Hess / Hungry Horse News
Museum struggles to find funds
It's hard to be one of more than a dozen non-profits in a small community, especially in the current economic situation – at least that's what the Bigfork Museum of Art & History has found.
Nancy McLean Sieh
Nancy McLean Sieh, 82, died Oct. 16, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Hospital. She was born on March 10, 1927, in Goshen, Ind., the daughter of John and Arlione McLean. She attended high school in Goshen and in Spooner, Wis., and Stephens College in Missouri. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roderick W. Sieh, in 1993. She is survived by four children, John Sieh, Becky Youel, Amy Malone and Barbara Sieh; and her sisters Marilyn Schmidt and Mari Jo Bosco. Before moving to Montana, she resided Rice Lake and Stone Lake Wisconsin. She was an avid birdwatcher and animal lover, and she enjoyed spending time in Glacier National Park. Her gentle spirit and generous heart touched all who knew her.
Montana cyclocross season in high gear
Whitefish Pilot
PAC leader explains position on candidate
Editor's note: The following letter was addressed to Whitefish mayor Mike Jenson.
The tradition continues
The Lady Bulldogs cross-country team won the Class A state championship in Missoula on Oct. 24 with a score of 59 points — 15 more than runner up Glendive. Lewistown finished in third with 91.
Thursday, October 22
Highways dedicated to Patrolmen KIA
The families of three Montana Highway Patrol troopers killed on Flathead roads won't soon forget their loss. And neither will area drivers who will see newly dedicated signs reminding them of the officers' sacrifice.
BHS shares online classes
Home-school students will now be able to take advantage of online classes offered through Bigfork High School free of charge.
Lady 'Dogs cruise to win in first round
Led by a hat trick from senior Mere-dith Reed, the Lady Bulldogs easily put away the visiting Frenchtown Broncs 4-0 on Oct. 17 in the first round of the state Class A soccer playoffs.
Eaton leads Whitefish girls at divisionals
The Whitefish cross-country teams had a very successful competition this past weekend at the Northwestern A Championship meet held at the Silver Fox Country Club in Pablo.
Candidate responds to mailer
I would like to address the several mailers which have been circulated here in Whitefish and over the Internet in recent weeks misrepresenting who I am and where I live.
Cheers
Louise LaBrie, 92 years young, has deep roots in Whitefish, where she has spent her entire life. Old-timers will remember her parents Roger and Pearl Smith and the feed store and service station that Roger owned and operated. Louise proudly proclaims that her mother was the first white child born in this area.
Planning Board recommends guiding document for plans
The Flathead County Planning Board will send a 10-step document aimed at guiding interested communities on how to start a county-sanctioned neighborhood plan to the County Commissioners for approval.
City evaluates attorney contract
The glory of Glacier without the long drive
Bulldogs top Livingston in first round of playoffs
Talk about pressure situations.
Locals share art of hooking
More than 100 people came out last Thursday in Somers to see a group of hookers – rug hookers.
Week in Photos - Oct. 29
Whitefish JV wins in doubleheader
The Whitefish JV volleyball team defeated Corvallis and Hamilton in a doubleheader on Oct. 15.
Woodrow Garrison "Woody" Hutchens Jr.
Woody Hutchens went to "Live with Jesus' on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009. Woodrow Garrison Hutchens Jr., was born Feb. 6, 1946, in Staunton, Va., to Woodrow G. and Glenna M. (Wine) Hutchens of Greenville, Va. He attended grade school and high school there.
Homecoming a lesson in school spirit, pride
Homecoming week at a school is supposed to be one of the best weeks each fall for students, faculty and the community. It is supposed to be full of fun, tradition and the execution of a well planned out sequence of events.
The clinic, the mural, the bulbout and gun sales
Whitefish Pilot
Valkyries take it to the net
The Bigfork Valkyries volleyball team continued to have success last week, beating both Plains and Troy in three matches each.
Impressed by photos
To the editor,
Stricter regs for political signs moves forward
The Whitefish City-County Planning Board last week voted 5-1 to send on to the city council amendments to the city's sign regulations — including some "minor housekeeping items."
Pirates pound Bulldogs
The Polson Pirates football team was as good as advertised.
Thursday
The Flathead Valley Community College Student Government will host a free Halloween Carnival for Kids Oct. 29 from 5-7 p.m. in the Arts and Technology Building on the college’s Kalispell campus. Open to parents and their children under age 8, the event will include face painting, cookie decorating, bouncing eyeballs game and other festive games. Kids are encouraged to come dressed in costume. For more information, call 756-3668.
Hello, Columbia Falls
Tom Hess / Hungry Horse News
Letters to the Editor
Competition has many facesThe American society welcomes both public and private sectors. America would not be if it was only public. America would not be if it was only private. It's the effort from both the private and public sectors that has made this country. The competition has been healthy and productive. Often times the competition has been complementary. Medicare and Medigap plans are an example. This is Americanism.
Hearing to halt neighborhood plans postponed
Final phases of Eagle’s Crest withdrawn
Whitefish sweeps doubleheader with Corvallis, Hamilton
The Lady Bulldog volleyball team capped off a long day of play on Oct. 14 as they easily topped Hamilton 3-0 in a non-conference win.
BHS runners prepare for state
The Bigfork High School cross-country team finished their regular season with solid performances in last Thursday's Running Edge meet in Missoula.
Winter proving tough on deer herd
When general hunting season starts Sunday, folks will likely see fewer whitetail deer in the woods.
October 29, 2009 week in pictures
Whitefish mourns loss of Ted Lund
Long-time community figure Ted Lund, the last of Whitefish Winter Carnival's original penguins, "Mr. Whitefish" to many, died at his home Oct. 14. He was 92.
Spikers drop two
The Columbia Falls volleyball team had a tough week, losing two non-conference matches.
Local girl gets active to fight scoliosis
Sports were never really of any great interest to Bigfork High School senior Lena Olson, until she found out they were her key to freedom.
Cats clobber Freeman in tune up for Dogs
Several players couldn't travel because of the flu, and those who were healthy enough to play faced a five-and-half-hour bus trip to Freeman High School in Washington state, but the Columbia Falls football team overcame their adversity, held the Scotties scoreless in the first half, and won 34-6.
On Ted Lund
With the passing of Ted Lund, Whitefish has lost a dear friend and one of its leading citizens. At the same time, America has lost a perfect example of "the greatest generation."
Rural schools of past, today
GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News
Fairy Tale Ball
A portrait of a remarkable American
President Barack Obama isn't the first American president to win the Nobel Peace Prize. The first president, as well as the first American, to receive that coveted honor was a one-time member of the Montana Stock Grower's Association. Theodore Roosevelt was also the first and only future president to win the Congressional Medal of Honor.
D. William "Bill" Giroux
D. William "Bill" Giroux, 81, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, passed away Sept. 13, 2009 at the Nebraska Medical Center. He was born Sept. 18, 1927 in Columbia Falls to the late Joseph and Lillian (Kruger) Giroux. He attended elementary and high school in Columbia Falls where he played football and basketball. Bill was a mechanical engineer for Peter Kiewit & Sons and retired in 1986 after 39 years of employment.
Sun Road work chugs along this fall
Construction crews will work on the Going-to-the-Sun Road until snow forces them to stop, park spokesman Wade Muehlhof said earlier this week.
A first-hand experience with swine flu
Letter from the editor
Students learn about hardships in Africa
Two high school students recently learned the hard way about extreme poverty in Third World countries after volunteering in Africa.
About 'First Wife Iris'
It still comes up all the time, "Why do you call her 'First Wife Iris'?" It started about 45 years ago in this column … just happened. She didn't know what to make of the reference but knew I meant it in an affectionate and humorous way. To enlighten newer readers about "First Wife Iris," I've dug out a column written exactly 20 years ago:
Friday night football preview
Friday's match-up with rival Columbia Falls (5-3, 2-1) is sure to pack the stands at the Wildcats' home field Oct. 23.
Supreme Court rules against city in Walton case
At presstime, the Pilot learned that the Montana Supreme Court ruled against the city of Whitefish in the Walton case on Oct. 27.
Vance Allen
Vance Allen, 82, of Great Falls, a former Great Falls and Whitefish businessman, died of cancer Oct.15, 2009, at Peace Hospice in Great Falls.
Dirty politics don't belong in Whitefish
I am writing to express my gratitude to the Whitefish City Council for their courage and leadership in conducting the city's business. In the midst of a global recession, our city has balanced its budget, actually lowering the city levy by 10 percent.
Ball to raise money for new center
Bigfork Playhouse Children's Theatre is hosting the ball to benefit the new Fine Arts Center.
Alice Stewart McNall
Alice Stewart McNall, 95, passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. She was born September 19, 1914 in Benge, Washington, the fifth of seven children, to Forby and Josephine Stewart.
Obituaries
Eloise S. Berg
Theodore F. (Ted) Lund
Theodore F. (Ted) Lund, 92, a prominent longtime Whitefish resident, died Wednesday morning (Oct. 14) at his home. Ted was born at Eden Valley Township, Sherwood, N.D., on August 20, 1917, to Theodore A. and Katherine A. (Bade) Lund, the youngest of nine children. He received his grade school education at Eden Valley school and was a 1934 graduate of Sherwood High School. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Following high school graduation, he worked with his parents on their farm. In 1936, he became employed as a recreational leader in Sherwood under the Works Progress Administration as well as supervising the National Youth Administration employees for three years.
New Internet TV business moving to Whitefish
Gun club opponents lose appeal to county board
Ryder Keith Conley
Ryder Keith Conley, son of Tiffany Walt and Ronald Conley, Jr., of Whitefish, was born Oct. 6, 2009, at North Valley Hospital.
Cats take division crown
Girls capture second
Thursday, October 15
Evelyn Sullivan
Evelyn M. Sullivan, 98, our beloved mother, "went to the Lord" on Oct. 3, 2009, at Heritage Place in Kalispell.
Manage the forest
Letter to Editor
Tester bill can break forest policy logjam
I was blessed to be born in Northwestern Montana and to grow up in the middle of the majestic and towering forests surrounding Libby. I loved those trees then and, like so many Americans, I love them even more now.
For some BHS staff, Homecoming is daily
Last week's Homecoming celebration gave students at Bigfork High School the opportunity to show off their school spirit and athletic skills while welcoming back former students to their alma mater.
Williams wins Whitefish Invite
That's one way to tune up for the cross country conference championship. Sophomore Derrick Williams won the Whitefish Invitational last Saturday with a time of 16:24. Teammate Justin Whitman was third with a time of 16:25 and brother Shawn Whitman was fourth with a 16:27.
Week in Photos - Oct. 22
Group advocates North Fork wilderness
There's a renewed push for wilderness in the North Fork. Headwaters Montana, a relatively new conservation group has released a plan for land conservation on both sides of the border.
Fire prevention takes new meaning
Letter from the editor
The week in photos Oct. 22
H1N1 vaccinations begin Thursday in Flathead
Residents get ready to spruce up Frostys for winter season
District 6 continues to lose students
Enrollment counts in School District 6 are down again this year.
Randall Joseph Gradnigo
Randall Joseph Gradnigo went home to his father on Oct. 7, 2009 in Lake Charles, La.
Friday night football preview
Friday's match up with the Polson Pirates will be a true test for the Bulldogs on both sides of the ball.
Lucille Edith Henderson
Lucille Edith Henderson, 93, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009 at the Brendan House with family by her side. She was born on March 12, 1916 in Bottineau, N.D., to John and Irene (Nine) Fraser.
Barkus faces felony charges in boat crash
State Sen. Greg Barkus, R-Kalispell, faces three felony counts related to a boating accident on Flathead Lake near Bigfork on Aug. 27.
'Dogs secure top seed in playoffs
Whitefish Pilot
Ruth Matteson
Ruth Matteson of Columbia Falls died peacefully in her sleep Oct. 8,2009 at Edgewood Vista, an Alzheimer's care facility in Evergreen.
River cleanup work poses questions
BNSF Railway's environmental consultants dropped off a draft copy of their Whitefish River cleanup work plan at City Hall last week.
Fire burns Terrace Hill home
Virginia King was at home with her 3-year-old daughter Friday morning when she heard an explosion in the basement apartment of her rental house on Terrace Hill Road in Bigfork.
Obituaries
Anthony Rodriguez
Changes to Bigfork Neighborhood Plan are an 'injustice'
In my opinion, a grievous injustice has been wrought upon the residents of Bigfork by virtue of the actions of two Flathead County Commissioners.
Committee looks for business owners to oversee voluntary tourism contribution
Those that spearheaded the voluntary tourism tax in Bigfork are looking to hand off their efforts to a group of business owners.
'Dogs slip by Loggers
Whitefish held off a late surge from the Libby Loggers on Oct. 9, and the Bulldogs came home with a 21-20 conference victory.
CFAC to shut down Oct. 31
The Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. will shut down operations Oct. 31, a company official announced Wednesday morning.
Girls finish year on high note
They may not have made the playoffs, but they still showed they could play.
Health care: An historic challenge
We Americans were once the great adventurers. Exploring the landscape of public policy, we became the world's most innovative people. The quintessential challenge to that once great tradition of boldness is the reform of health care.
Cheers for volunteers
In 1964, the lure of skiing pulled Mark Schmidt to Whitefish from Minnesota. He spent his first years as a ski patrolman, then became a ski instructor with Karl Hinderman and spent summers as a muleskinner packing for the Forest Service.
Aluminum Co. announces closure
The Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. will cease operations and release 88 employees on Oct. 31, a company official announced Oct. 21.
Thursday
The River’s Edge Park committee meets tonight (Oct. 22) at 7 p.m. in council chambers in Columbia Falls.
Klothes Kloset busier than normal
GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News
Head of the Fishbowl
Whitefish Mountain Resort's Fishbowl terrain park has a new crew leader for the upcoming ski season.
Cold weather doesn't slow the Bulldogs' pace
Bulldog runners love running at home. The Whitefish cross-country teams were out to prove that if the weather is cold, all that they need is a quick pace to warm things up. And the results show that it's going to take a lot more than cold temperatures to slow down the boys and girls from Whitefish.
Whitefish golfers win state
The boys golf team at White-fish High School capped another great season with the state's top prize of another championship — the fifth state title in the last six years, maintaining the Bulldog golf tradition.
Board reviews Lakeside Neighborhood Plan
The Flathead County Planning Board decided to go ahead with a review of the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan last week, a step that continues to move the plan forward even with a pending lawsuit and injunction to stop it.
Girls soccer ends season on high note
It was a tough season for the Bigfork High School girls soccer team, but they ended it with two solid games that resulted in a tie with Columbia Falls and a win over Polson.
Veterans Home Birds
Letters to the Editor
A better way
Boat wreck an accident
To the editor,
Libby spikes Whitefish in five
The Lady Bulldogs volleyball squad dropped a close conference game at Libby on Oct. 10 — losing the final two sets, 3-2, after taking a 2-1 lead.
Viking Creek restoration underway
Dancing zombies lurking at The Wave
Work clears way for new lakefront park
West Shore News
Pirates spoil Cats homecoming
Last week, coach Bill Coleman said he expected Polson to run the ball right at the Cats.
Lady 'Dogs snag No. 2 playoff seed
Despite two conference losses to close out the regular season, the Lady Bulldog soccer team grabbed the No. 2 seed for the state Class A playoffs.
The Tennis Ball Cure?
In all these many years of life, I had never ever heard of "fasciitus", but that is what close family members and friends have diagnosed as my current physical problem. They say it is pronounced "fash-ee-eye-tis." Having decided to go with non-professional diagnosis, it seemed natural to go with non-professional treatments, and that has proven confusing.
Teachers weigh in on grading scale issue
Whitefish High School is unique compared to other high schools in the valley and most Montana colleges in the fact that its grading is done on a 92-83-74-65 scale rather than 90-80-70-60. This designates a 92 as an A minus, an 84 as a B minus, and so on.
Boys soccer ends season with hard fought match
The Bigfork Vikings soccer team played two games last week that ended in a 4-3 score, one of which went in their favor.
School closure notices go streamlined
Stimulus money funds forest projects
Comments don't represent state
To the editor,
Shay OK at center of Hardin jail controversy
For nine years, Becky Shay was a reporter for the Billing Gazette, covering everything from Indian issues to education to the small town of Hardin.
Wants Sweeney
The candidates for Whitefish City Council have now all had their say, both in the press and two town-hall meetings. After reading carefully what each has had to say and listening to their public comments, one candidate clearly stands above all the others; that candidate is Frank Sweeney.
Barkus faces felony charges for boat crash
More than 40 days after a boat crash on Flathead Lake that injured five people, including U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg, charges have been filed against State Sen. Greg Barkus, alleging he was driving the boat under the influence of alcohol.
Lakeside community thinks positive
Letter from the editor
PAC telephone survey claims local voters are dissatisfied
In a telephone survey completed last week by We Love Stumptown PAC, Rick Blake's one-man political action committee, more than half of the 400 respondents said the city of Whitefish was "on the wrong track." Twenty-one percent thought the city was "on the right track," and 27 percent were undecided.
Thursday, October 8
Bulldogs' season down to the wire
"It was a story of too little, too late," Bulldog soccer coach O'Brien Byrd said.
FBIA explains positions
Editor's note: The Flathead Business and Industry Association's political action committee will support Bill Kahle, Phil Mitchell and Chris Hyatt for Whitefish City Council this year.
One of America's coolest small towns
People who live here could give a pollster a hundred reasons why they like Whitefish. It could be the skiing, boating, hunting, fishing and hiking. It could be the people — their neighbors, the volunteers, the movers and shakers, or the outspoken characters. Or it could be just the laid-back, small-town atmosphere.
Bar owners think positive as smoking ban goes into effect
It used to be that when a customer came in and bought a retail bottle of beer to take home his family could smell the Tall Pine Lounge on him when he walked in the door.
Golfers do well at divisional tourney
The Columbia Falls High School golf teams punched their tickets to the state tournament by finishing among the top-three teams at the Northwestern "A" Divisional Tournament held last Thursday at Meadow Lake Golf Resort.
Letters to the editorDayton Daze a 'whopping' success
The Chief Cliff Volunteer Fire Department once again extends its thanks to Dennis and the gang at the Idle Spur for hosting another fabulous Dayton Daze celebration.
Lakeside residents feed fire crews
It takes a lot to feed 175 firefighters – at least that's what Lakeside residents discovered last week.
Lady 'Dogs spike 'Kats, sweep season series
The Lady Bulldogs volleyball team easily put away rival Columbia Falls in three games on Oct. 1 in Whitefish's Homecoming match.
BHS gets spirited for Homecoming this week
Students at Bigfork High School are expressing their school pride with Spirit Week on Oct. 5 through 9, in honor of Homecoming
Week in photos - Oct. 15
Lynn Carlson
A memorial service will be held for Lynn Carlson, who died Aug. 25, 2009, at the All Saints Episcopal Church on Sunday, Oct. 11, beginning at 2 p.m. The church is located at 2048 Conn Road, which is off Highway 40 about halfway between Whitefish and Columbia Falls.
State Class A golf
Businesses challenge community to support B&G Club
Three area business owners are working to help the Boys and Girls Club of Glacier Country and are challenging their counterparts to join in.
Lawmakers listen to lobbyists
The years 2002 to 2008 were great times in the real estate market. Construction was up, homes sold and were worth record highs. Not true today, as worldwide market collapse hit the real estate industry hard. This is bad news for homeowners and local businesses when it comes to property taxes, as the slump puts our market values far below their assessed value.
Homecoming heartbreak
Two touchdown connections between brothers Mac and Willie Roche — including one in the final minute of play — weren't enough to overcome an early 16-point deficit on Friday against a tough Ronan team.
Helen Annie (Bitterman) Nash
Loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, wife, sister, and aunt, Helen Annie (Bitterman) Nash passed away on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009. Helen was born in Havre, on Dec. 9, 1923 to Adolph and Annie Amelia Bitterman. She attended school in Havre.
Scientists here say they made an impression on U.N.
After a solid week of meetings and tours, American scientists and conservationists feel good about their recent visit with a delegation from the United Nations.
T-shirt shop a good run for artist
The first time the White-fish Pilot did a story on the Northwind Shirt Company, it was Dec. 2, 1976, and silk-screened T-shirts were a hot new retail item in tourist shops around the country.
Lakeside community thinks positive
Letter from the editor
Defense leads Lady Bulldogs to two shutouts
Meredith Reed and Becca Strellnauer delivered on Homecoming night, as the Lady Bulldogs soccer team rolled to a conference win over Bigfork on Sept. 28.
BHS Homecoming
Fire breaks out in residential neighborhood
Jasmine Linabary/Bigfork Eagle
Betty L. Buck
Betty L. Buck, 66, of Columbia Falls, passed away on Monday, Sept. 28, 2009 at her home in Columbia Falls.
Advantages can be found in unwanted change
On page C1 in this week's paper you will find the second installment of a two-part series I wrote about the anniversary of Eagle Bend Golf Club. I spent my "extra" time over the last month researching these articles, and I discovered a lot of interesting information.
Abortion is genocide
To the editor,
Student survey looks at grading system
Whitefish High School has long been known for its unique grading scale. Unlike Flathead, Glacier and Columbia Falls high schools, Whitefish grades its students on a 92-83-74-65 scale rather than a 90-80-70-60 scale. This scale designates an A minus as a 92, a B minus as an 83, a C minus as a 74, etc., and sets Whitefish apart from many schools in the nation.
Irene Corbett celebrates 100th
GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News
Humans have right to survive like wildlife
To the editor,
No burning continued through October
It's hard to believe that it is time to write another article about what is happening at the Bigfork Fire Department. With August temperatures in September, the Flathead County Commissioners has extended no burning through the month of October or until we receive significant rainfall.
Spikers come back to down Frenchtown in five games
The Columbia Falls girls volleyball team got its second win on the season, downing Frenchtown in thrilling fashion, 13-25, 21-25, 25-19, 25-14, 15-6.
New dance studio offers classes locally
Lakeside parents who want to enroll their children in dance classes no longer have to make the 30 minute commute to Kalispell now that the Lakeside Dance Studio opened its doors.
Baldy Fire demonstrates need to be prepared
Saturday evening the Lakeside QRU was dispatched to an emergency medical call unrelated to the wildfire that had just started growing on Baldy Mountain.
Realtors defend telephone survey
Curling slides into the Ice Den
Refutes drunk claim
To the editor,
Family twice bitten by high winds - lose barn
High winds that hit south of Columbia Falls last week caused damage at one residence on Eckelberry Drive.
Danny Richards
Danny Richards, 91, of Columbia Falls, formerly of Bemidji, Minn. passed away Sep. 16, 2009 at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.
Thursday
Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials will be at Snappy’s Sports Senter in Kalispell on Thursday, Oct. 15. from 6-8 p.m. to answer any questions about hunting, big game and regulations.
Likes Sweeney
I was motivated to write after reading some very negative letters to the editor in the Pilot in the past few weeks and after receiving Tim Grattan's inflammatory and erroneous political mailer.
Bulldogs finish 1, 2 at Flatfish tourney
The Lady Bulldogs won this year's version of the Flatfish Invitational golf tournament by an 11-shot margin over CMR of Great Falls. CMR may well be the best Class AA girls teams in the state this year, Whitefish coach Terry Nelson said, and should be contenders for the title at their state tournament next week.
Fist Fight With a Griz
Human conversations are amazing in the way odd or forgotten subjects pop up out of nowhere. That's the way it is in my coffee chats with Over the Hill Gangers. Someone last Tuesday recalled the Glacier Park hiker lady who drove an attacking grizzly off her husband by slugging the beast with her binoculars. Most of us recalled that unusual incident from the days before pepper spray; however, no one seemed to believe or recall of a young man taking on a grizzly with his bare hands.
Harriers take title at Thompson Falls
Running some of their fastest times of the year, the Columbia Falls boys cross country team took first at the Thompson Falls invitational last week, while the girls placed second.
Candidate says there's too many city regulations
Whitefish City Council candidate Phil Mitchell doesn't like the direction the city is headed, and he blames the current council.
Eagle Bend turns 25
Editor's note: This article is part one of a two-part series commemorating the 25-year anniversary of the Eagle Bend Golf Club. This week, read about the history of Eagle Bend’s development. Watch for part two on the golf course’s impact on the Bigfork community in next week’s Eagle.
Eaton sets course record in Thompson Falls
The Whitefish High School cross-country teams love to run at Thompson Falls. The course is fast, the area scenic and the competition very good. The Bulldog runners also seem to run very, very well on the course.
Leadership fails to see North Fork as jewel
To the editor,
Cats edge Libby in thriller
The Columbia Falls football team put together two impressive drives in the last four minutes of the game to beat Libby last week 22-21 away, taking the lead on a 23-yard field goal by Mitchell Wassam with 58 seconds to play.
Rough hike, good fishing
Deer hunting expected to be good across state
McDonald Creek critters
Homecoming parade
As the 2009 Home-coming parade entries gathered in the Whitefish High School parking lot last Friday, the atmosphere was exhilarating and capped a week of activities that celebrated a phenomenal student body, staff, and community.
Cheers for volunteers
Jerry Quinn found the Flathead in 1962. He and a buddy were traveling between Illinois and California and "came to the end of the road" in Butte.
Dakota Brayden Bras
Dakota Brayden Bras, son of Robin Anderson and Brandon Bras, of Whitefish, was born Sept. 17, 2009, at North Valley Hospital.
Valkyries ride five game win streak
The Valkyries continued their successful season last week, adding wins over Eureka and St. Ignatius to their now 8-2, 7-1 record.
Thanks for finding son
To the editor,
Federal stimulus is falling short
In February, Congress passed a so-called stimulus bill that was designed to take credit for any economic recovery occurring over the next decade. That's why the stimulus is spread out over 10 long years. That's why its proponents are spending $18 million for a Web site to promote it and millions more on highway road signs to remind drivers where their money is being spent.
Vals dash Kats playoff hopes
The Kats didn't get the job done. And Bigfork, with just one substitute, played a heckuva game.
Vikings bring home second win
The Vikings football team showed that winning games is no longer a fluke for the Bigfork program, as they beat Thompson Falls 22-20 on the road Friday night.
Cats drop match to Polson
The Columbia Falls boys soccer team dropped another game last week, losing to Polson 2-0 Friday.
Thursday, October 1
Curiosity inspires desire for news
Letter from the editor
Investigators seek information on Baldy Fire origin
West Shore News
Reforming health care a chance to restore nation's boldness
We, Americans, were once the great adventurers. Exploring the landscape of public policy, we became the world's most innovative people.
'Dogs serve up win over Ronan
Whitefish 3, Ronan 0
Baldy wild fire consumes more than 200 acres
Residents of 160 Lakeside homes were encouraged to prepare for evacuation last weekend as a wildland fire spread on Baldy Mountain.
Good news for Columbia Falls
GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News
Phone survey gets voters riled up
Talk last week about a telephone survey that appeared to be connected with this year's Whitefish City Council elections created a buzz among concerned voters.
Candidate wants to listen to the people
Whitefish City Council candidate Chris Hyatt says he wants to listen and promote civility in local government. He says he wants to be the voice not only of residents and their children, but also their grandchildren.
Valkyries score fast wins in all three conference matches
The Bigfork High School volleyball team brought their conference record up to 5-2 last week with quick wins over Plains, Superior and St. Ignatius.
A history lesson on Tim Grattan
As with many of the residents of Whitefish, I recently received a mailer from Tim Grattan explaining his concern for many of the decisions the Whitefish City Council has made over the past few years. I'm writing to say I agree with him and appreciate the time and money he obviously spent to get this mailer out to the citizens of our town.
Valkyries bring home first season win
The Valkyries soccer team finally got their first win of the season, beating their conference rivals the Lady Pirates on Thursday night in Polson, 4-1.
Fires in Lakeside, N. Fork keeps neighbors nervous
It was a close call as residents of 160 Lakeside homes were encouraged to prepare for evacuation last weekend as a wildland fire spread on Baldy Mountain, but weather should help ease fears of the fire growing much more.
Homecoming parade
Harriers top 'A' school at Missoula
Columbia Falls harriers had a solid meet and the Mountain West Classic in Missoula last Saturday, with the boys being the top class A school at the meet.
Righting a Sun Road wrong
Wall that went unfinished for more than 20 years now fits
Kats drop match to Loggers
Brooke Cady and Kayla DeWit both had seven kills for Columbia Falls. But the Kats had a tough time against Libby in Libby, losing in three straight games, 25-26, 25-13 and 25-18 on Sept. 24.
Myrna Ash
Myrna Paulette Watterud Ash died Sept. 25, 2009, following a valiant fight with cancer in Salt Lake City, Utah.
City closes on Depot Park
Attorney finds loophole in no-parking regs
Harriers run strong at Missoula
The Whitefish cross-country teams had a great competition on Sept. 26 at the Mountain West Classic in Missoula. One of the premier meets in the Pacific Northwest, it attracts more than 1,200 runners from Montana, Washington and Idaho.
'Jackson Sundown'
The Trailwatcher/G. George Ostrom
Boys blanked by Dogs, Pirates
The drubbings continue.
Stop bail outs, help the people
To the editor,
Blessing the Beasts
Bulldogs get gritty win against Loggers
Whitefish 2, Libby 1
Cats thump Chiefs, 31-6
The Columbia Falls football team started out their conference play with a blowout against Ronan last week, 31-6.
Likes Mitchell
We are pleased to endorse Phil Mitchell for the Whitefish City Council. We have known Mr. Mitchell for several years and know him as a dedicated volunteer with a history of public service.
Wants to set the story straight
Friends, fellow citizens of Whitefish – this town we all call our home:
Eagle Bend turns 25
Editor's note: This article is part one of a two-part series commemorating the 25-year anniversary of the Eagle Bend Golf Club. This week, read about the history of Eagle Bend’s development. Watch for part two on the golf course’s impact on the Bigfork community in next week’s Eagle.
Cheers for volunteers
Don Phillips was born in Whitefish. He and Jean, his wife of 38 years, have lived and raised their family in the same neighborhood where he spent his childhood. They have two children, Aaron, a teacher, and Aarica, a librarian.
Kats lose to Libby, Whitefish as playoff hopes dim
It was a decidedly topsy-turvy week of soccer for the Columbia Falls girls and now they'll probably have to win their remaining games to have a shot at the playoffs.
Businesses ask for climate change legislation
Man battles through while recovering from brain damage
Morrow honored at chamber banquet
For more than 25 years, John Morrow responded to the call without hesitation.
Performing arts center opens doors
The Bigfork Playhouse Children's Theatre's latest endeavor, an after-school performing arts center for Bigfork youth, opened its doors earlier in September with a handful of children from Swan River School and Bigfork schools among the first beneficiaries of its programs.
Property owners shocked by reappraisals
Skyrocketing reappraisals have some Whitefish property owners wondering if they'll be able to hold onto their homes for another six years — especially older residents on fixed incomes.
Lady Bulldogs nip 'Kats in soccer thriller
Whitefish 1, Columbia Falls 0
Thursday
Flathead Valley Community College Theatre will present Tina Howe’s masterpiece “The Art of Dining” on Oct. 8-10 and 15-17. Centered in a little restaurant known as The Golden Carousel, Howe tells the story of Cal, a restaurant manager who uncontrollably eats due to nervous exhaustion, and his wife Ellen, a cook whose patience has reached an end with Cal’s inability to let her finish a single dish before it is devoured. Faced with rising debt, the couple is forced to cater to customers bordering on the insane, from a paranoid writer to the couple whose only remaining sexual pleasure is lived vicariously through fine dining. The cast includes Nathan Adkins, Jami Jacobson, Aly Root, Joshua Kelly, Karrisa Brown, Jon Shaw, Nicole Slye, Heather Smith and Holly Croft. The play contains adult language and minor sexual content. Performances will begin at 7 p.m. with a matinee performance on Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 general admission and $5 students and seniors available in advance at the FVCC Bookstore or online at www.fvcc.edu. For more information, call 756-3962 or e-mail rhaptons@fvcc.edu.
Week in photos - Oct. 8
CFBB recycling efforts up for grant
People across the United States will have an opportunity to vote throughout the month of October to help keep Bigfork green.
Easy Off used to make fake $50 bills
Columbia Falls police nabbed a pair of alleged creative counterfeiters last week, after they allegedly tried to pass fake $50 bills on a couple of businesses here.
Endorses Mitchell
This is a letter of endorsement supporting Phil Mitchell for Whitefish City Council for the following reasons:
Obituaries
Charles "Chuck" Delaney
PTA involves parents in schools
Two years ago, the Whitefish Education Foundation decided to publish a directory for our students and make it available to parents. This had been done on a small scale at Muldown Elementary School about nine years ago by some involved parents, and the foundation thought it would be a good idea to publish it district wide. After completing that task, the foundation decided to focus their efforts elsewhere, as it was a labor-intensive endeavor.
Golfers ready for divisional
Led once again by Kiley McConnell and Reed Platke, the Bulldog golf teams had a productive week in tournament play.
Deadline approaches for property tax appeals
Time is running out for Flathead and Lake county residents who wish to appeal their recent property tax assessment.
Wilderness designation positive for forest
To the editor,
