Ellington

11-28-12 Community Events

CASA Christmas Concert

Comments sought on public safety

Public comment is being sought for ways to make the Lakeside and Somers area safer for pedestrians.

District 29 joins co-op

The Somers School District 29 board of trustees unanimously decided to have the district join the Northwest Montana Schools Cooperative Agreement in an effort to save the district money during their regular board meeting on Nov. 20.

Girls basketball focuses on fundamentals

With only four returning varsity players, the Bigfork High School girls basketball team has some fundamentals to work on before the season starts.

Deer season ends with big harvest numbers

Whitetail deer and mule deer harvests finished slightly ahead of last year’s totals as the season wrapped up on Sunday at the six northwest Montana check stations.

Black Friday shoppers opt for Bigfork

It was the day after Thanksgiving and all through the town, deals were made and no one was knocked down. Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year and typically associated with big box stores and stampedes at their doors, but last Friday the shops in Bigfork were busier than usual.

Water rights compact up for review

Misperceptions about a proposed water rights compact between the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, the federal government and the state of Montana may be fueling unnecessary suspicion and concerns, a staff attorney for the commission charged with drafting the compact says.

Local dancers perform in 'The Nutcracker'

Umbrella hovering above her head, a china doll tiptoes across the stage. Her bent knees lead the audience from the blue of her Chinese frock to her rapidly moving pink ballet shoes.

FVCC offers dual credits

Flathead Valley Community College will host an informational session on its Running Start program on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. in the large community meeting room inside the Arts and Technology Building on the FVCC campus.

'Messiah' performances to be held in Bigfork, Whitefish and Kalispell

The Glacier Symphony and Chorale continues its annual holiday tradition of bringing George Frideric Handel’s iconic choral work “Messiah” to three venues in Flathead Valley over the weekend of Dec. 7-9.

Cocoa Martini to give four concerts this week

Bigfork and three other Flathead Valley locations will be buzzing with the sounds of Seattle-based jazz trio Cocoa Martini, accompanied by the Bill Anschell Trio this week.

We need to stay informed about the proposed water rights compact

The federal government is in the process of closing down the nation’s natural resources and thereby our wealth. Here in Montana the primary current risk is water which may become managed and controlled by the federal government through administration of the upcoming CSKT Water Use Compact soon to be voted on by the Montana state legislature. The decision would impact some 350,000 people living both on the reservation as well as throughout 11 western counties from the Canadian border down to Butte, and to the western border.

Bigfork Playhouse Children's Theatre deserves our support

There is treasure in Bigfork that you may not have discovered yet. It is the Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre. During the Summer Playhouse’s off season there are many other performances at our theater, including plays by Bigfork children and youth from the elementary and middle school.

People move to Montana because there is still an element of 'the wild'

“Where the Wild Things... Aren’t!”

Basketball team brings home gold

The Whitefish Thunder adult team went undefeated at a recent Special Olympics State Basketball Tournament en route to bringing home a gold medal.

How commercial can we make the holidays?

Grey Thursday, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. All over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Really??

U.S. Champion to skate at Ice Den

Professional figure skater Ryan Bradley left the ice in 2011 on his own terms — with a U.S. Figure Skating Championship gold medal in hand.

Brewery, B&B don't fit zoning regs

My home, the home of my mother, and Susan Prilliman’s home on Third Street West are adjacent to Ryan Zinke’s main house, the proposed “Snow Frog Inn.” A fence is the only buffer separating our backyards.

Nov. 28 Community Events

Solid Waste Board Meeting about Bigfork’s dump site

Disrespectful process at planning meeting

I attended the Nov. 15 Whitefish Planning Board hearing on Ryan Zinke’s planned unit development. Mr. Zinke proposes to convert his properties on West Second Street into an inn and a microbrewery. Six close neighbors expressed serious concerns about the consequences these projects would have on their lives and properties.

Whitefish Thunder

We are the mothers of two special needs adults in Whitefish, Cedar Vance and Arthur Madeira.  The Special Olympics is a highlight for them year round with skiing in the winter, horseback riding, track, biking and bowling in the spring/summer, and basketball in the fall.

Clara IsaBella DeVall (Larson)

Clara IsaBella DeVall (Larson), 93, passed away Nov. 24, 2012 at the Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center.

Jerrold Vernon Barnes

Jerrold Vernon Barnes, 82, a lifetime Whitefish resident, passed away Nov. 18, 2012.

Kendall Donne Carpenter

We lost a very dear husband, father, son, brother, mentor and friend when Kendall Donne Carpenter, 57, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Whitefish on Nov. 6, 2012.

Walter E. Ingraham

On Nov. 19, 2012 with his bride of 54 years in his arms and his family’s love at his side, Walter E. Ingraham slipped peacefully from this life to the next with the Lord in heaven.

Kalispell Lakers sign new team manager

The Kalispell Lakers Baseball organization announced the long-term signing of their current team manager and head coach Ryan Malmin last week. Malmin has been with the Lakers since 2006 with an overall career record of 489-263.

Tribal water deal not expected to have local impact

As the state works toward a final water rights compact with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and the federal government, the city of Whitefish is preparing to deal with decisions made about off-reservation water rights.

FVCC Theatre to present 'Almost, Maine' play

The Flathead Valley Community College Theatre will bring a heartwarming saga of love, broken hearts, and healing to its stage this winter as it presents “Almost, Maine.”

2 subdivision regs made permanent

Whitefish City Council quickly dealt with four provisions to Whitefish’s subdivision regulations that were set to expire this year.

GNP Superintendent Cartwright to retire

After 40 years of government service, Glacier National Park Superintendent Chas Cartwright announced his retirement, effective at the end December. It is unknown at this time who will serve in the interim as Acting Glacier National Park Superintendent until the position is filled.

BNSF named top military employer

BNSF Railway was recently honored as one of the most military friendly employers in the U.S.

Christmas Stroll to feature tree lighting

With roasted chestnuts, fires for warming cold hands and a bit of holiday cheer the annual Whitefish Christmas Stroll is set for Friday, Dec. 7 in downtown Whitefish.

Political donations aren't hindering charity donations

A new poll conducted survey for the American Red Cross shows that most Americans say that their contributions to political causes earlier this year and Hurricane Sandy relief efforts will not reduce their year-end contributions to charity.

Firearms industry on an upward trajectory

Gun building has a long history in the Flathead Valley. But a “perfect storm” of Montana’s hunting and gun culture, entrepreneurship and rampant political fear about gun owners’ rights has the local gun-building business booming as never before.

Glacier Mall saga one of bad timing

Eleven years after Wolford Development, of Chattanooga, Tenn., first proposed building a giant shopping mall in the Flathead Valley, the 485-acre site for the proposed mall north of Kalispell has reverted back to the previous owner.

Bankruptcy counseling group gets $10,000 grant

The Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana received a $10,000 grant to provide legal counseling to clients considering bankruptcy or other alternatives related to financial difficulties.

FVCC to offer Tibetan culture presentation

Whitefish-based travel specialist and photographer Don Nelson will give a presentation about the people and culture of Tibet at Flathead Valley Community College on Nov. 29.

Fixing pension plans is job one

Now is the perfect time to travel the Swan Valley. The numerous deer usually on the road are now aware of hunting season and very scarce. The three-point buck I passed on the way to Helena must have sensed that I wasn’t carrying a rifle as he stood next to the road and watched me pass.

Political uses of sex offender list not uncommon

As chairman of the Montana Sex Offender Treatment Association’s legislative committee, the last three legislative sessions have created experiences that I could have never predicted. Personally, I backed into successfully evaluating and treating sex offenders in the early 1980s and co-founded our state organization in 1986. 

Assisted suicide issue not over

A recent AP article which recently appeared in most major newspapers in our state incorrectly stated that Montana is the third state to allow assisted suicide, along with Washington and Oregon.

A North Fork Thanksgiving story

The Thanksgiving feast at Sondreson Hall is always well attended. Each of the last two years, there were about 80 people attending. This year, wow. At 3:20 p.m. when I arrived, it was already packed and difficult to find a seat. By 4 p.m. when dinner was served, more tables had been set up and the dinner line stretched almost completely around the hall, and some folks sat at the tables waiting for the line to get shorter.

Myrna Dull

Myrna Joy Dull, 66, of Columbia Falls passed away peacefully on Nov. 18, 2012 at the Brendan House in Kalispell.

A Heidi column

There are things a father never forgets about his kids. One of those memories involves my eldest daughter, Heidi Ostrom Duncan.

Charles Peterson

Charles “Dean” Peterson, 75, passed away Nov. 16, 2012, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

Marie Coulson

Marie Elizabeth Coulson, 99, passed away Nov. 23, 2012, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.

MatCats have depth this season, open against 'Dogs

The Columbia Falls wrestling team should field one of its strongest teams in years. The Wildcats have 46 on the roster and are three and sometimes four wrestlers deep in each weight class, coach Jessie Schaeffer said.

Thompson snares four interceptions for Montana Tech

Columbia Falls High School alumni Nate Thompson had a good season as a defensive back for the Montana Tech Orediggers in Butte. The Orediggers also had a good year, going 8-3 overall.

Williams has solid frosh year

Former Columbia Falls standout runner Derrick Williams is doing well as a freshman at the college level. Williams took 117th at the NAIA Cross-Country Championships in Vancouver, Wash., on Nov. 17.

Deer numbers up, elk numbers down

White-tailed deer and mule deer harvest finished slightly ahead last year’s totals at Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ six Northwest Montana check stations as the season wrapped up Sunday, Nov. 25.

Outdoor news

New DREAM director

Combat fishing goes digital

I’ve got an idea for a video game. The game has danger, lack of respect, nastiness, cussing, possible fighting and, for a better rating, I might throw in some sex. The fact I don’t play video games means I pretty much don’t know what I’m talking about.

Community news

Chamber luncheon

Benefit to help girl with cancer

There’s been an outpouring of support for a Columbia Falls teenager suffering from cancer as the community comes together for Taylor's Wish.

Handel's 'Messiah' at three venues

The Glacier Symphony and Chorale will perform George Frideric Handel’s iconic choral work “Messiah” on Dec. 7-9 at three venues in the Flathead Valley.

First-time buck still in velvet

Eleven-year-old Zack Pletcher had a big surprise when he shot his first buck last week — the mule deer was still in velvet, which is rare this late in the year.

Snow guns stay silent with warming trend predicted

Snow conditions at Whitefish Mountain Resort are shaping up nicely with opening day just 10 days away. A settled base depth of 30 inches was reported at the summit of Big Mountain on Monday and temperatures were in the 20s.

Good will trumps vandals in Hungry Horse

Hector Martinez of Allied Cleaning gave Hungry Horse a bit of the holiday spirit Wednesday, Nov. 21.

Swan River extends school day five minutes

The school day will be five minutes longer for students at Swan River School as of Nov. 26. In order to meet state requirements for instructional time throughout the year, the Swan River school board approved to extend the day until 3:15 p.m. during their regular meeting on Nov. 13.

Hockaday Museum free to everyone on Nov. 23-24

The Hockaday Museum of Art is opening its doors with free admission on Nov. 23-24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day as a thank you to the community for continued support.

Vincent Robert Dvorak

Vincent Robert Dvorak, 82, passed away peacefully Nov. 8, 2012. He was born on Jan. 20, 1930 in Dickinson, N.D., to parents Joseph and Anna “Splichal” Dvorak.

Beyond the stopwatch

Matthew Smeltzer has a weakness for high-tech gadgets. His home office is littered with laptops and wires, and looks like something out of NASA’s mission control center — minus the cat and two dogs sleeping by the wood stove.

Something fishy at planning meeting

I just returned from the Whitefish Planning Board meeting where I witnessed absolute disregard for public concern about Ryan Zinke’s Planned Unit Development request, which amounts to a major zone change that will impact an entire neighborhood.

Dedicated decorators

A HUGE thank you to the many volunteers who turned out to hang the Whitefish winter decorations on Sunday morning. It was a treat to have several generations, including many new faces, of Whitefish folks on hand to help with this great project.

The facts of protecting community, promoting healing of sex offenders

As chairman of the Montana Sex Offender Treatment Association’s legislative committee, the last three legislative sessions have created experiences that I could have never predicted. Personally, I backed into successfully evaluating and treating sex offenders in the early 1980s, and co-founded our state organization in 1986.

Cheers to Mechem and Swope

Jim Mechem and JeanAnne Swope are retired Presbyterian ministers with a combined total of 90 years in the ministry, mainly in New Jersey, New York City and the Adirondacks.

Planned brewery, B&B irks some residents

Members of the Whitefish City-County Planning Board contend the West Second Street neighborhood is evolving.

High school construction budget back on target

New cost estimates for the Whitefish High School construction project put the building’s cost per square foot below original projections and within the $19 million budget.

100-foot tower to help broadband signal

The Whitefish City-County Planning Board last week recommended a request to put a 100-foot wireless broadband tower on vacant land.

FVCC students inducted into international honors society

Flathead Valley Community College had 29 of its students inducted into Alpha Iota Pi chapter the Phi Theta Kappa international honors society during their fall induction ceremony by president Taylor Keltner.

Donnie McPheeters

Donnie McPheeters, 53, of Hungry Horse, passed away Oct. 24, 2012, in Hungry Horse, due to an accident.

Rupp is new coach for Glacier Twins

The Glacier Twins American Legion Baseball Board of Directors have named Bob Rupp, of Columbia Falls, as the head coach and general manager of the Twins for the 2013 season.

C-Falls speakers tops at Hamilton

The Columbia Falls speech and debate team continued its roll as it won in Hamilton on Nov. 16-17. The Wildcats not only won the Class A division, they outscored all other teams in all classes, coach Tara Norick said.

True stories of the Pilsner Bear

Mid-November and we have only scattered patches of snow, and temperatures have been moderate for this time of year. Low temperature at my cabin in the last two weeks was 12 degrees, but most nights have been in the mid-20s, and we even had two nights above freezing.

Giddy news in review

With the 2012 political campaigns over and the state legislature not in session, I’m having trouble finding nutty stuff to write about, although I feel it is time for some humor.

Is compromise in D.C. possible?

Folk philosopher Will Rogers once commented that “We elect our presidents, be they Republican or Democrat, then start daring ‘em to make good.” Implicit in Rogers’ observation is that either a Republican or a Democrat is capable of making good.

Partisan talk

It has been years since I’ve written to the editor on political issues and concerns. I must say I’ve had to restrain myself numerous times, but after reading an obscure article about Schweitzer telling the state attorney general-elect Tim Fox not to be too partisan, I had to respond.

Rose Creek hatchery home to kokes

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reports that 3.8 million fertilized eggs from kokanee salmon are now incubating at the Rose Creek Hatchery site.

Outdoor news

Native plants

Another reason why you need a boat

Calendar-wise, we should be right in the middle of the annual lake whitefish spawning run up the Flathead River. As of this writing, I’ve been whitefishing three times. Total of seven hours. Five bites. One fish.

Park proposes replacing historic Many Glacier bridge

Glacier National Park is considering replacing the aging bridge over Swiftcurrent Creek in Many Glacier with a single-span structure — a move the Park admits is at odds with the historic character of the area.

Park wants to expand Sun Road stream work

Glacier National Park would like to do more in-stream work such as dredging and rip-rap on waterways along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Glacier Park proving a safe haven for bats

Glacier National Park is a safe haven for a host of creatures — grizzly bears, wolverines, bighorn sheep and mountain goats, just to name a few. It’s also proving to be a haven for a creature few people see but most fear — bats.

O'Neil's request for gold denied

Longtime Republican legislator Jerry O’Neil says he was mostly trying to make a point when he requested he be paid for his work in Helena in gold and silver coins, but the Montana Legislative Services Division had to respond to his request and come up with an answer.

Water rights compact out for comment

A proposed water rights compact created by negotiating teams representing the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, the state of Montana and the U.S. government was released for public review and comment on Nov. 8.

'Festival of Trees' returns

Glittery ornaments sparkle off a backdrop of green at the Bigfork Museum of Art and History “Festival of Trees” fundraiser that opened Saturday during the Holiday Art Walk in downtown Bigfork.

Holiday ballet performance Dec. 1-2

The Noble Dance Performing Company will present Winter Celebration 2012 at the Whitefish Middle School auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 1, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2, at 2 p.m.

Community news

Honor society

Grizzlies of the Gobi: On the edge

The typical picture of a grizzly bear in Montana is of a bruin strolling through lush woods eating huckleberries, or working its way up an avalanche chute as it mows down cow parsnip.

Tip o' the hat to the Bigfork Elves

Once again our village of Bigfork is ‘dressed’ for the season. It was my pleasure to join with the 2012 version of the Bigfork Elves in the fun of putting up the Christmas greenery and lights. As many years as I have been involved with the Bigfork Elf Force, I am always impressed with the wonderful turnout of volunteer elves that come together to make our town ready for Christmas.

Seeing is believing

Saturday was my first time decorating downtown with the Bigfork Elves. I moved here right after Christmas last year, so I completely missed the decorating and all of the other holiday festivities our village is known for.

Fighting that tears at the nation's fabric doesn't make us stronger

For Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham to blast away at the Obama administration about the 9-11 attack on our consulate in Benghazi, Libya in which four Americans were killed, including Ambassador Chris Stevens is unconscionable.

Pay attention to water rights changes

Water is essential to all life. The value of our property, our homes and even the ability of people to exist and maintain a livelihood depends upon availability and use of water. We must be aware and voice opinions on the proposed plan for control and management of water rights in 11 western Montana counties, impacting over 350,000 residents plus businesses and industries.

Flora Romera Pedrasa

Elon Florine (Flo) Gilcrease Nelson

Births

Three groups offer Thanksgiving options

Three different groups across the valley are providing free Thanksgiving dinners this week thanks to the efforts of a host of volunteers and donors.

Reflections program calls for student artists' work

Students are encouraged to create art inspired by the “Magic of the Moment” for this year’s Reflections art program, a contest for students in kindergarten through twelfth-grade offered by parent-teacher associations nationwide.

Deer and elk harvest steady in northwest Montana

Over the last week, hunters checked in 180 white-tailed deer, 164 of which were bucks, 37 mule deer, and nine elk at the six northwest Montana check stations.

BHS athletes named All Conference and All State

The following Bigfork High School students were named All Conference and All State for volleyball and football for the 2012 fall season.

Kerr Hydroelectric Project update shows low water outflow

Representatives from PPL Montana, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bonneville Power Administration, and Bureau of Indian Affairs conferred on Nov. 14 regarding current and projected operation of the Kerr Project. The current outflow is about 10,700 cubic feet per second (cfs) and the lake elevation, as of Nov. 20, is 2,890.35 feet, which is 2.65 feet from the full elevation of 2893.0 feet.

Moderate snow accumulations expected at ski resort

The slopes at Whitefish Mountain Resort could get a healthy dose of winter weather this week. Light to moderate snowfall accumulations are expected Monday, good news for skiers counting down the days to the resort’s Dec. 8 opening day.

Night of Lights, Brunch with Santa coming up

The annual Night of Lights parade in Columbia Falls will be handled this year by the Columbia Falls Rotary Club.

Cartwright to retire from Glacier Park

Glacier National Park superintendent Chas Cartwright has announced his retirement. Cartwright took the helm of the 1-million-acre-plus Park in May 2008.

Amtrak proposes surcharge for ski bags

Gov. Brian Schweitzer and local tourism officials are concerned about a $10 surcharge proposed by Amtrak to handle ski bags. The fee, they say, could deter skiers from choosing to visit Whitefish and ski at Big Mountain.

Extreme partisanship lead to GOP punishment

Now that the election has been decided and we have heard all the excuses from certain pundits as to why Romney did not win, something comes to my mind in all this. And this particular ‘trend-of-concern’ was not picked up by the media, not realized, and certainly not expected.

Volunteers needed for Ronan Community Thanksgiving

Volunteers and donated supplies are needed for the ninth annual Ronan Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Ronan Community Center on Nov. 22.

Montana could raise $1 million for victims of Hurricane Sandy if we all contribute toward it

Augusta High School Student Council is trying to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Sandy. We came up with the idea of how much money we could raise if we could just get every person in Montana to donate one dollar. With just one dollar from each person, the state of Montana could raise at least one million dollars.

Resident sounds rallying cry for dump

Concerns about trash piling up in ditches and a firm belief in people-power drove Bigfork resident Charlotte French to send an email to everyone she knows asking them to rally against Flathead County’s decision to close the Bigfork green box site on Montana 83.

Rose Creek grows Kokanee for Montana

The orange glow of roughly 3.8 million Kokanee salmon eggs populates the round water-filled incubators that line the insides of Rose Creek Hatchery’s fish troughs.

Vikings finish the season 9-2

It was a close game for Bigfork High School’s football team as they lost to second-ranked Malta 23-13 in the Class B semifinals game on Saturday.

Montana could raise $1 million for Hurricane Sandy victims

Augusta High School Student Council is trying to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Sandy. We came up with the idea of how much money we could raise if we could just get every person in Montana to donate one dollar. With just one dollar from each person, the state of Montana could raise at least one million dollars.

Generosity needs recognized

We all are endowed with interests and passions that occupy us beyond our careers or day-to-day lives. Whether it is sports, outdoor enthusiasm or education, you rarely have to look far to find a not-for-profit organization backing a wide array of these interests. It is with many of these organizations that we are able to see our communities evolve and grow with strength.

Rhode Island elementary student seeks info on Montana

(Editor’s note: The following letters were sent to the Bigfork Eagle from a middle school student and his teacher in Rhode Island seeking information on Montana for a class project.)

Military service is respectable

Military service is not big in my family. It’s not one of those things my sister and I considered as we left the nest, it wasn’t even a figment of our imaginations.

Thelma Catherine Stanley

Thelma Catherine Stanley, 94, of Carmel, Calif. and formerly of Kokomo, Ind. was born the second of seven daughters to Edith (Pavey) Wright and Jesse Wright on Feb. 7, 1918 in Prairie Township, Ind. She passed away on Nov. 3. She graduated from high school there in 1936. On March 14, 1937, she eloped with (Paul) Merton Stanley. Sustaining the effects of the Depression they spent their first few years living with his paternal grandfather, then Merton’s parents, Audra Mae (McAfee) and Charles Archie Stanley. Thelma’s mother passed away when Thelma was in her late 20s, and she always loved her mother-in-law as her own mother.

Loyola meet brings BHS experience

Although only seven members of Bigfork High School’s speech and drama team attended this weekend’s meet at Loyola High School in Missoula, competing against 40-50 kids in every event gave them experience they can take to the next meet.

Veterans Day

'Nutcracker' to perform Thanksgiving weekend

The holiday season is here and Christmas is just around the corner, and with that comes the Northwest Ballet Company’s 19th annual performance of “The Nutcracker” at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts on Thanksgiving weekend.

Children's Theater seeks performers for 'A Christmas Carol'

The Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theater invites students in grades 3-12 and adults of any age to audition for the fourth annual production of “A Christmas Carol.”

Holiday Art Walk to begin after decorating ends

Community volunteers known as the Bigfork Elves will gather at 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, in front of the Bigfork Inn to decorate the village with fresh garlands and trees, red bows and colored lights. Their efforts will create a colorful background for an old-fashioned Christmas celebration known for good food, great music, art and of course, Santa Claus.

Bigfork Soroptimist Club offers scholarships for working women

The Bigfork Soroptimist’s are accepting applications for their Women’s Opportunity Awards for women who serve as the primary wage earners for their families and are seeking financial assistance to go back to school.

Wayne Ray Hulford

Wayne Ray Hulford passed away Nov. 3, 2012, at the age of 78.

Vera Zinn

Vera Louise Zinn, 80, passed away on Nov. 5, 2012, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish, with most of her family by her side.

Whitefish battles Whistler in 'Ski Town Throwdown'

Whitefish is set to battle online with Whistler, British Columbia in Powder magazine’s “Ski Town Throwdown.”

47 percent revisited

Some of you may remember my letter about Gov. Mitt Romney’s comments that 47 percent of Americans don’t pay taxes and are essentially on some form of government assistance and feel victims of government.  

Football team a class act

In this day and age, especially in this time of year, I hope the people of Whitefish are refreshed by a positive story as opposed to a negative political ad.

Wildcat speakers win at Missoula tournament

The Columbia Falls speech and debate team took first among Class A schools at the Garden City Tournament on Nov. 9 and 10.

Volunteers help preserve vintage winter decorations

The lighted garland strung across the streets of downtown Whitefish, punctuated with red bells, snowflakes, wreaths and snowmen have become an iconic scene that many know so well.

Bell making his mark on motocross circuit

On a typical weekend, Brad Bell finds himself blasting around a dirt track on a finely-tuned motorcycle at break-neck speeds as he flies through the air and guns the bike through tight corners.

Lapp awarded for Park conservation

She enjoyed working for Jack Potter. Now she’s the first person to win the award named after him.

Recognition for those that give

We all are endowed with interests and passions that occupy us beyond our careers or day-to-day lives. Whether it is sports, outdoor enthusiasm or education, you rarely have to look far to find a not-for-profit organization backing a wide array of these interests. It is with many of these organizations that we are able to see our communities evolve and grow with strength. It is by means of active participation and fiscal contributions that entities such as these are able to thrive. We in the Flathead Valley are blessed with a population that actively participates in both of these traditions.

Trail easement gets unanimous support from city

In a vote that is being lauded as a historic moment for Whitefish land conservation, city council on Nov. 5 unanimously approved a deed of public recreation use easement that creates permanent public access to state lands around Whitefish Lake and to the Whitefish Trail.

Silver and gold, please

Editor’s note: House District 3 Republican Jerry O’Neil sent this letter to the Legislative Services last week. He shared the letter with the Hungry Horse News.

Dead horse alert

Saw another road-kill deer on Willow Glen Drive Election Day morning and was reminded that a year or two ago the Chief Fish and Game Commissioner hit a buck in eastern Montana then put his tag on it, not knowing it was illegal. That convinced me I might save valued readers some grief by reviewing a column from eight years ago. Read up:

Whitefish River cleanup nearly complete

The major work to clean up the Whitefish River should be complete by the end of the month.

Top down approach hurts Forest Service

One reader who was also at the meeting to discuss a collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service to aid them in planning the future of the Whitefish Divide objected to my comments about the Forest Service. The reader noted that their relationship with the Forest Service had always been positive and that it was counterproductive to insult them on the eve of what might be sensitive negotiations.

Outdoor news

District ranger

Avalanche web site ready by Nov. 16

The Flathead National Forest is expected to have its new avalanche center web site up and running on Friday, Nov. 16.

Wolf hunt slow so far

The Montana wolf hunt may be going slowly, but the number of wolves removed from the landscape by government hunters and trappers is well above last year.

Waterway, resort axed from city's master plan

The concept of a downtown waterway and resort was officially scraped by Whitefish City Council last week as the city decided to move forward with updates to the downtown master plan.

Goosed by the fog

Reading Bruce Auchley’s “getting lost” story in last week’s Hungry Horse News, I was reminded of one of the many times I’ve been “turned around” in the woods.

Institute visit opens musical minds

The machinations of music are far more than notes. The machinations of music require a mind as open as the Montana sky. Radiohead on the trumpet? Why not.

National Forest launches new avalanche center

The Flathead National Forest’s plans for the Flathead Avalanche Center are coming together. The center will provide avalanche forecasting three days a week as well as reports on incidents in the Flathead and Kootenai national forests and Glacier National Park, said Tony Willits, avalanche and snow specialist coordinator for the center.

Community news

Farmers market

Town Pump kicks off food drive

The Town Pump Charitable Foundation hopes to raise more than $2 million in its 11th annual fundraising campaign for food banks across Montana, including the Columbia Falls Food Bank.

Campaign cash failed to sway

Registered voters in Columbia Falls may not have sat on the same side of the political aisle, but they seem to have one thing in common: They claim money spent on this year’s election had little impact on how they actually voted.

Glacier Institute nets $20,000 grant from Tom's of Maine

The Glacier Institute is going green with a lot of help from Maine — and friends across the world.

Flathead County Election 2012 Results

Lakeside willing to pay for green box site

All who attended last Tuesday’s Lakeside Community Council meeting agreed — Lakeside residents would willingly pay more to keep the Blacktail Road green box site open despite reasons why the county wants to close it.

Judge lifts injunction affecting Lakeside plan

A Flathead District Court judge lifted a court order last Tuesday that had prevented a 2010 update of the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan from taking effect.

Comments sought on camping improvements at Finley Point

Montana State Parks is seeking public comments on a draft Environmental Assessment for a project to improve camping at Finley Point State Park on the south end of Flathead Lake.

Mack Days tournament reels in over 2,300 fish

The sixth week of the Fall Mack Days Fishing Event ended with 2,292 lake trout entered and a six-week total of 9,266 lake trout. Friday was the best day for the anglers with 886 entries. Turning in the first 100 lake trout limit per day was Mike Benson of Lonepine. Terry Krogstad of Kalispell also had a great day with 76 fish entries followed by Max Martz of Corvallis with 75.

Local National Guard deployed

Local soldiers in the Montana Army National Guard’s 495th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion deployed from Montana earlier this week, and are en-route to Fort Hood, Texas. The unit is deploying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Bigfork school district responds to Pertussis outbreak

As of Friday afternoon there were four confirmed cases of Pertussis, more commonly known as “whooping cough,” in the Bigfork School District and antibiotics were recommended to students who came in contact with the infected.

Lakeside residents willing to pay to keep their green box site open

All who attended last Tuesday’s Lakeside Community Council meeting agreed — Lakeside residents would willingly pay more to keep the Blacktail Road green box site open despite reasons why the county wants to close it.

Assault rifles and a nonviolent Christian vision

This is NOT a letter advocating gun control. That argument would be pointless in our present stage of cultural and societal evolution. This is a letter, however, questioning the morality and appropriateness of a Christian institution and an arms manufacturer joined in an unholy union of mutual support.  

Cheers to Murray Craven

Murray Craven, born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, retired to Whitefish after 18 years of distinguished professional hockey.

Democrats come out for Obama, Republicans sweep the Flathead

Nationwide and in Montana’s statewide elections, the Democrats came out strong in this year’s general election, while in the Flathead the Republicans pretty much made a clean sweep of all races. Election results were still uncertain when this report went online.

FoodFest to raise money for BMS trip

Bigfork seventh- and eight-graders need to raise $1,800 each to go on a trip to Washington D.C. in April.

Architect explains food bank design

My name is Ross Anderson and I am the architect for the new North Valley Food Bank. June Munski-Feenan, the Food Bank founder and executive director, along with other food bank board members have asked me to write this letter in response to questions the board has received about the perceived high price of the proposed new facility.

Richard Joseph Picard

Richard Joseph Picard, 74, went to our Heavenly Father on Nov. 3, 2012 surrounded by family and friends.

Ned Mayo

Ned Henderson Mayo, 76, passed away peacefully on Oct. 29, 2012, at his home in Whitefish from kidney cancer. He was born Feb. 24, 1936 in Pittsburgh to Robert and Ruth Mayo, the oldest of three children.

Gerald “Jerry” Johnson

Gerald “Jerry” Kenneth Johnson, 78, passed away Oct. 31, 2012 at the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer, Alaska.

Lady Dogs miss state berth

The Lady Bulldogs entered the Northwestern A divisional volleyball tournament as the No. 1 seed with their eyes set on a state playoff berth. What they didn’t see coming was a young and athletic No. 4 seeded Frenchtown team that cut through the competition like a buzz saw.

Bigfork adds donation spots for aid organization

When Argolida Kela was nine years old, she received a box that changed her life.

Gingerbread house to take center stage at open house

Sparkling cardboard peppermint pinwheels and an elf grinning from ear to ear greet customers walking through the front door of The Barn, an antiques and consignment store on Montana 82.

Hammer Nutrition celebrates 25 years

There was a time when Coca-Cola mixed with Gatorade was a go-to sports drink for endurance athletes. A Snickers bar was in every marathoner’s gym bag and nearly any sugar-laden product was the energy fuel of choice.

Groups work to prepare valley for emergencies

Flathead County played host to 1,100 reported cases of suspicious activity, 288 physical disturbances, 240 burglaries, 180 drug investigations, 158 property crimes, and two kidnappings so far this year. And some of the risks that come with living in the Flathead are the potential for natural disasters and massive power outages.

Restoration work helps mend Haskill Creek

Work to restore a quarter-mile portion of the Haskill Creek streambank is nearing completion. The work is part of a larger effort to return the creek basin to a more natural state.

Coal power can't compete in modern and dynamic market, regulations been in the works for decades

Pennsylvania Power and Light’s announcement of the closure of the Corette coal-fired power plant in Billings has fueled a preposterous blame game. The timing is glaringly obvious — just weeks before an election.

Playing hooky from the holidays

The best Thanksgiving I’ve ever had was the one where my family and I skipped it.

Community Events

Committee considers City Hall design competition

An architectural design competition may determine the look of a new Whitefish City Hall.

$4,400 reward offered in deer poaching case

Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Game Wardens are looking for information that will lead to the conviction of the person(s) involved in the illegal shooting of at least 19 deer during a two-year period in the Whitefish area.

Judge releases edited Barkus boat crash report

A state judge last Wednesday released a redacted investigative report in the 2009 boat crash that injured U.S. Senate candidate Denny Rehberg, a document that confirms many facts of the case and includes some new details.

Reward for deer poaching clues at $4,450

The cash reward being offered for information about a series of recent deer poachings in Whitefish continues to go up. The reward is now at $4,450 as game wardens continue to seek tips that lead to the arrest of the person who shot 19 deer in a two year period in the Whitefish area.

Mack Days tourney enters the final stretch

2012 Fall Mack Days is in its final days and lake trout anglers are reeling in the fish. Total entries in the event are at 11,940. The seventh weekend total was 2,672, which is just nine shy of the best three-day weekend in 2011. Anglers turned in 1,029 lake trout entries on Friday, 928 on Saturday, and 715 on Sunday.

Senior Tour and Tea Day set for Nov. 8

The Hockaday Museum of Art’s Senior Tour and Tea Day is set for Nov. 8 for residents over the age of 60 to have free entry to the museum for a guided tour with free coffee, tea, and cookies from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests are asked to meet at the front desk at 10:30 a.m. for the tour.

Flathead County election results delayed

Election results in Flathead County were held up Tuesday night by the large number of voters who showed up on Election Day to register, a ballot machine that broke down, a shortage of ballots at polling stations west of Kalispell, and a ballot left in a machine locked inside West Glacier School.

Springsteen donates concert tickets to raffle

North Valley Music School is selling raffle tickets for a chance to win two tickets to the Nov. 30 “Wrecking Ball” tour of Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band in Oakland, Calif.

Racking up the bear encounters

In my neighborhood, Trail Creek, the early snow translated to hunter success. Although I have yet to get my winter’s meat, my close neighbors have harvested two bull elk and at least four whitetail bucks.

About millionaires

Yes, I went to Washington as a “Kennedy New Frontiersman” and worked on the staff of a liberal U.S. Senator, Lee Metcalf, while working hand in hand with another liberal Senator, Mike Mansfield. Mike was more flexible in his politics than Lee, but he was a Democrat. I actively campaigned for all three.

Richard Picard

Richard Joseph Picard 74, went to our Heavenly Father on Nov. 3, 2012, surrounded by family and friends.

Donald Negri

Donald Warren Negri, 83, of Somers, died Oct. 13, 2012, at home.

Kats dream the impossible dream, earn state berth

They made the improbable, probable. After winning just two games in the conference all season long, the Columbia Falls volleyball team came up with three huge wins in the Northwest Class A volleyball tournament Nov. 2-3 to earn a trip to the state tournament.

Williams all- conference at Carroll College

Derrick Williams, a 2012 Columbia Falls High School graduate and a freshman at Carroll College, earned all-Frontier College honors in men’s cross country this fall.

DeWit player of the week

Columbia Falls alumni Kelsey DeWit was named the Frontier Conference Player of the Week for Oct. 29 in women’s basketball. DeWit graduated from Columbia Falls in 2009.

All state, all conference soccer players named

Three Columbia Falls girls were named to the Northern Class A girls all-state soccer team. Two boys and eight girls were named to the Northern Class A all-conference team.

Talk on bats in Glacier Park

Montana House and the Glacier National Park Fund will co-host a free and public presentation by Glacier National Park wildlife biologist Lisa Bate on “What’s So Important About Bats?” at Montana House, in Apgar Village, on Saturday, Nov. 10, at 4 p.m. Bate will discuss current findings of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Bat Inventory and Monitoring Project that started in 2011. Reservations required. Call 888-5393. There will be an open house after presentation.

No Park entrance fee for Veterans Day weekend

Entrance fees to Glacier National Park will be waived on Veterans Day weekend, Saturday through Monday, Nov. 10-12, , in honor of those who serve and have served in the U.S. military.  

Plans for new avalanche center making progress

The Flathead National Forest’s plans for the Flathead Avalanche Center are coming together. The center will provide avalanche forecasting three days a week as well as reports on incidents in the Flathead and Kootenai national forests and Glacier National Park, said Tony Willits, avalanche and snow specialist coordinator for the center.

Outdoor news

Banff films

Deer harvest in Northwest ahead of last year

Northwest Montana hunters are seeing more success than last year, according to figures from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ six Region 1 game check stations.

Getting lost - and found again

This is a story of getting lost while hunting. This is a story of how easy it is to get turned around in the dark. This is my story.

Pike are biting at Smith Lake

Fishfull Faithfull know I honor “secret” (Duck Lake, really?) spots and tend to avoid “hotspots” unless the fishery can absorb the additional pressure.

Residential sales see boost as prices settle out

Signs that the real estate market in Flathead County might be making a come-back is welcome news to buyers and sellers, but it has come with a price as the market adjusts to the past four years of recession.

Community news

Veterans Day

Columbia Falls man faces DUI No. 4 charge

A 44-year-old Columbia Falls man pleaded not guilty to felony DUI in Flathead County District Court on Oct. 25. Rodney Hoerner faces 13 months with the Department of Corrections, a five-year consecutive and suspended sentence, and a $1,000 to $10,000 fine if convicted of his fourth DUI.

Plea bargain offered in shooting

A 29-year-old Hungry Horse woman involved in a July 21 shooting in Hungry Horse may get a five-year suspended sentence if an Oct. 18 plea agreement is accepted by the judge.

Making Columbia Falls streets safer for school kids

Shirley Vickery enjoys her job as a crossing guard at Glacier Gateway Elementary School in Columbia Falls. But she’s nearly been hit by passing vehicles twice while doing her job this year.