Ellington

Hamilton and Russell place high in Turkey Trot

Columbia Falls runners Kelly Hamilton placed seventh among the women and Chris Russell placed ninth among the men in the fourth annual 5K Turkey Trot in Whitefish on Nov. 18, Thanksgiving Day.

'Dark money' political group fined $260,000

A state judge in Helena has ordered a political group accused of violating the state’s campaign finance regulations to pay a $260,000 fine.

Felony assault charge lowered in road rage case

The felony assault charge against a 28-year-old Columbia Falls man charged in a March 26 road rage incident was lowered to a misdemeanor in a plea deal.

Grandmother's DUI charge lowered in plea deal

A felony criminal endangerment charge against a 49-year-old Kalispell woman who allegedly was drunk while driving with her granddaughter in the passenger seat was lowered to a misdemeanor in a plea deal earlier this year.

Opposes RV park

This is a second letter in response to the proposed Glacier Gateway RV Resort. After writing our first letter, we have reconsidered the proposal and now vehemently oppose the proposal to change the scenic corridor to include this subdivision/RV resort.

Recycling services continued another year

The Flathead County Solid Waste Board approved a one-year extension for recycling services Tuesday.

CSKT water compact violates constitutional rights

This is a response to Rep. Daniel Salomon who used CSKT Water Compact Commission talking points instead of facts to rebut my recently submitted letter to the editor on the problems I see with the proposed Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes water compact.

Obama on pardoning the Presidential Turkey

The following remarks about pardoning the Presidential Turkey were made by President Barack Obama on the White House’s North Portico on Nov. 27, 2013.

Protecting species

The Canada lynx and grizzly bear were both listed as threatened species decades ago.

Senior Showcase event marks Rapids program's progress

C-Falls tops Class A speech teams in Kalispell

Wilderness Act turns 50 next year, events on tap

Glacier Park ecologist awarded

Study counts 600 black bears in Glacier Park

Two RV parks on two planning board agendas

After fire, donors help family get new home

Well known C-Falls builder dies

Michael Nashton Jr.

Michael Lee Nashton Jr., 22, died Nov. 23, 2013.

Iran: It's not about nuclear weapons

If you want to understand the U.S.-Iran controversy, know this: It is not about nuclear weapons.

FWP seeks comments on fishing derby schedule

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking comments on fishing contests proposed for next year’s open water season.

Arrest made in Whitefish stabbing

A 39-year-old woman was arrested in Whitefish following a stabbing incident last night, Monday, Nov. 25.

Snow and cold forecasted for holiday weekend

The National Weather Service in Missoula is concerned about a major change in the weather for the holiday weekend.

Road-kill salvage permits now available

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials have made permits to salvage deer, elk, antelope or moose killed in vehicular collisions available online beginning Tuesday, Nov. 26.

Unusual 'prior act' claims filed in Park murder case

Court documents filed Nov. 25 in the murder case against Jordan Graham, 22, of Kalispell, include unusual allegations about prior acts by the newlywed accused of pushing her husband off a cliff in Glacier National Park on July 7.

Iran nuclear agreement was a step backward

If there is one thing I learned from serving 23 years as a U.S. Navy SEAL Commander, it’s never negotiate with your enemies from a position of weakness.

Obama speaks about Iran and immigration

The following remarks about Iran and immigration reform were made by President Barack Obama at the Betty Ong Chinese Recreation Center, in San Francisco, on Nov. 25.

Mack Days fishermen haul in 14,330 lake trout

Deer harvest still ahead of last year

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 1 officials report that deer harvest in Northwest Montana is well ahead of last year for the same point in the season, according to results from the area’s six check stations.

West Coast coal terminal drawing Montana comments

A proposed bulk coal exporting terminal in Washington state has drawn comments from opponents and supporters in Montana as concerns are raised about potential impacts by trains hauling the coal from Montana to the seaport.

Columbia Falls Night of Lights

Columbia Falls will celebrate the Night of Lights on Friday, Dec. 6, with fairs, vendors, Santa Claus and a parade.

Budget woes could change hatchery operations

Emphasis could shift from recreational to restoration efforts

Coram man charged with beating up girlfriend

U.S. 2-Highway 40 project planned

Klothes Kloset announces annual donations

Study: Campers travel about 200 miles to destination

FWP looks to help more public-private park projects

Rocky Front bill OK'd by key Senate committee

A bill that would add 67,112 acres to existing wilderness along the Rocky Mountain Front recently garnered unanimous bipartisan support from a key Senate committee.

Freight cars derail at Essex

Five freight cars on an eastbound BNSF Railway train derailed at Essex on Thursday, Nov. 21, around 7:15 a.m.

Rembering that fateful day 50 years ago

Following the Nov. 24, 1963, funeral of our assassinated president, John F. Kennedy, the mourners’ cars were leaving Arlington National Cemetery. A Kennedy aide, Pat Moynihan, and a newspaper columnist, Mary McGrory, riding in the same car, were exchanging sorrowful looks when Moynihan said, “Mary, we’ll never laugh again.”

Libbie Lapp goes to Haiti to help teach first aid

Helping those in need comes naturally for Libbie Lapp.

Bigfork Chamber elections coming

The Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner is Dec. 4 at BruMar Estate in Bigfork.

20th annual Nutcracker next week in Bigfork

The Northwest Ballet Company will bring its 20th annual production of the “Nutcracker” to Bigfork next week.  

Yoga instructor convicted of misdemeanor charges in California

A yoga instructor with studios in California and Bigfork was convicted last week on four counts of sexual battery, Pasadena, Calif., city attorney Michele Beal Bagneris said.

Surveying the hawk owls of Glacier Park's burns

Mow says Park's budget woes could get worse

Raising funds, the old-fashioned way

MHP report: Flathead third in fatal crashes last year

A familiar Glacier Park face retires

Spikers go 2-2 at state volleyball tournament

Sports news

Huck art work on display at C-Falls library

Forest Plan orientation event scheduled

The Flathead National Forest’s Forest Plan revision team will host an orientation meeting at the Red Lion Inn in Kalispell on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 4 to 8:30 p.m.

Park visitation cut in half for October

With a government shutdown blocking tourists from entering Glacier National Park for half the month, visitation at the Park was down sharply in October. The government shutdown closed the Park from Oct. 1 to Oct. 16.

Northwest Montana hunting numbers ahead of 2012

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 1 officials report that according to the six Northwest Montana check stations, deer harvest in Northwest Montana is now ahead of last year at the same point in the season.

Leonard Knutson

Leonard Knutson, 85, noted builder and longtime resident of Columbia Falls, passed away Nov. 15, 2013.

Outdoor news

Sun Road a top picturesque road

Only one man

Sentence revoked for 'magic trick' assailant

Martin City man could possibly face DUI No. 6 charge

Mountain snowpack growing

After this past weekend storm, the mountain snowpack continues to grow. The SNOTEL site at West Flattop Mountain in Glacier National Park recorded 47 inches of snow on the ground — 16 inches of snow fell there over the weekend.

William Frishkorn

William “Bill” Frishkorn, 67, died Nov. 13, 2013. He was born Feb. 3, 1946, in National City, Calif., to Elmer and Marjory Frishkorn. After his graduation from Spring Valley High School in 1963, he moved to Rosemont, Minn., where he lived with an aunt and uncle on their dairy farm.

Leonard Knutson

Leonard Knutson, 85, died Nov. 15, 2013, at North Valley Hospital.

Judge won't dismiss premeditated murder charge

A federal judge turned down a request to drop charges against a Kalispell newlywed accused of killing her husband by pushing him off a cliff in Glacier National Park on July 7.

Sun Road ranked among 10 most picturesque roads

With snowfall, avalanche forecasts could come sooner

One-time meeting to save American Legion post

Dec. 3, 2013, at the Columbia Falls City Council Chambers at 7 p.m. will be the one and only attempt to re-organize the American Legion Post No. 72.

Celebrate 16th annual America Recycles Day

Nov. 15 marked the 16th America Recycles Day. More than ever, recycling is something to celebrate all year in Montana.

Bigfork speech, debate and drama capture first places

Bigfork High School speech, debate and drama won first places in speech and drama Nov. 2 at a Columbia Falls High School meet.

On Faith: Having a relationship Christ instead of religion

Donald here. Glad you picked up a copy of the Bigfork Eagle. Lots of other papers to read, lots of internet noise these days. Glad you chose to invest your time here. You have taken a road less traveled ... and yes, it will make all the difference. Enjoy.

Donald Neu

DONALD NEU

Bigfork Children's Theater presents mystery production

The Bigfork Summer Playhouse Children’s Theatre presents “Monsters, Murderers and Madmen” this weekend and next weekend in Bigfork.

After-school program gets Verizon grant to build robotics class

Budding engineers will get a leg up on their education with an $8,000 grant recently awarded to a Bigfork afterschool program.

Swan Lake trout netting finishes for year

The fifth year of targeted gillnetting to remove non-native lake trout in Swan Lake wrapped up in late October.

News from Bigfork schools

Parent Teacher Conferences for all grades begin on Wednesday, November 13 – Thursday, November 14, from 4:00-7:00 p.m.  Students in Grades K-5 should have received appointment letters indicating when your child/children are scheduled to meet with their homeroom teachers.

State senator misrepresented facts on expanded Medicaid

Which of our neighbors should be denied a checkup from a family doctor? Who should go without the preventative cancer screening today that could save their life tomorrow?

Kenneth Dillard

Kenneth Ray Dillard, 52, of Columbia Falls, died Nov. 11, 2013, in Odessa, Texas.

Preventing war with Iran is top priority

The best way to keep Iran from building a nuclear bomb is for the Obama administration and its nuclear client Israel to stop threatening the Islamic Republic.

Obama speaks about aid for the Philippines

The following statement encouraging Americans to support relief efforts in the Philippines was made by President Barack Obama on Nov. 13, 2013.

Vals place fourth at divisional

The Valkyries volleyball team didn’t have much success against 6B Deer Lodge and Loyola, but were able to defeat Ronan and Thompson Falls to finish fourth in last week’s divisional at Florence.Bigfork finished the season as the best team in District 7B.

Heartbreaker: Vikings lose quarterfinal to Baker, 34-28

In a quarterfinal matchup between No. 2 and No. 3, the second seed came out on top.

Solid Waste chairman's term likely ending; Bigfork lobbied for replacement

After a letter writing campaign by the Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork, it appears that Kalispell’s representative on the Flathead County Solid Waste Board will be replaced.

Peace Corps volunteers complete 292 kilometer run

Sally Kintner, a Flathead Valley resident who worked at Glacier Park for several years and played in the Glacier Symphony, recently took on a 175-mile run across northern Ethiopia to promote HIV awareness and education.

Cats corral Blue Ponies

C-Falls all state, all conference soccer selections

Wildkat spikers win Northwest A crown

Biologists disagree over bull trout health in Flathead

American Legion post surrenders its charter

Student teaching in Brazil had life-changing impacts

Hunter numbers up, success rate about the same

Hunter numbers are up slightly at the six Northwest Montana check stations through Nov. 10, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials reported, and the harvest through the third weekend of the general hunting season was very similar to last year.

Bitterly cold arctic system expected this weekend

The National Weather Service in Missoula is forecasting another cold arctic weather system moving into western Montana on Saturday and Sunday.

Sheriff's board finds no violation in Oct. 10 shooting by deputy

Wildcat speakers edged by Hamilton

Outdoor news

Community news

Terrence Ren

Suspended sentence for man in Stoltze copper theft case

Tester speaks about America's veterans

To all service members and veterans: Thank you for your service to our country and for protecting the freedoms that all Americans enjoy.

Zinke says he has no links to PAC he helped start

Republican U.S. House candidate Ryan Zinke says he stepped down from Special Operations for America, a political action committee he helped start, before he started running for office.

Daines speaks on behalf of veterans

Our country would not be what it is without the soldiers and veterans that we honor today. I am proud to be the son of a U.S. Marine. Through him, I first saw the valor and courage of the fighting men and women who served in our armed forces.

Defense claims government conspired against newlywed

Premeditation charge could hinge on blindfold theory

Four charged in Whitefish deer poaching cases

Four people have been charged in a series of poaching incidents last year where 19 deer were allegedly shot and left to waste near Whitefish.

Disturbed by treatment of county's seniors

I was deeply disturbed after reading the write up in recent newspapers the Lapps’ proposal that the Flathead County Commissioners sign a two-year lease on the Red Barn that the Lapps own and have been renting to the Agency on Aging.

Man re-sentenced for 2011 shooting incident

A 36-year-old former Columbia Falls man was re-sentenced Oct. 4 for a shooting incident two years ago in Columbia Falls.

Mona Gulbranson

Mona Lisa Boushie Gulbranson, 55, died Nov. 5, 2013, at her home in Martin City.

Whitefish area whitetail poachers charged

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks game wardens have charged four individuals with numerous counts of wildlife violations related to whitetail deer poaching in 2012.

Veterans have made huge sacrifices

The voice of the veteran is important and needs to be heard. While active duty service members should remain politically neutral, those who have taken the oath to defend the Constitution have a duty to speak out to defend the very freedoms that they swore to protect.

Obama talks about the economy

The following remarks were made by President Barack Obama at the Port of New Orleans on Friday, Nov. 8.

Flu season arrives in the Flathead

Flu season has hit Montana with Flathead and Gallatin counties reporting influenza cases.

Montana Tea Party responds to Bohlinger's comments

On Nov. 4, former Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger announced his candidacy for the Montana U.S. Senate seat in next year’s election. Today, Bohlinger told Chuck Johnson, Lee Newspaper Capital Bureau Chief, that his decision to run was driven by last month’s federal government shutdown, which he blamed on the “Tea Party Taliban.”

Vals shoot down T. Falls to claim district title

The Bigfork Valkyries are district tournament champions.

Vikings headed for Round 2 after defeating Townsend

After a tough game for three-and-a-half quarters, the Bigfork Vikings pulled ahead to defeat the visiting Townsend Bulldogs Saturday, 28-7.

Hellroaring log harvest underway

If you’ve seen logging trucks on the road in Bigfork, they might be coming from the east shore of Flathead Lake.

Veterans Day surprise from Congress

In a few days, Americans will observe Veterans Day. Some will observe it with a day off from work or checking out the special Veterans Day sales that will be held in department stores. But the real meaning of the day should be to think about the great sacrifices of the men and women who deserve to be honored. Instead, these same honorable men and women may be dishonored by a Congressional vote next week on the Furthering Asbestos Claims Transparency (FACT) Act.

Remembering Veterans Day

The members of American Legion Auxiliary Columbia Falls Unit 72 would like to express our sincere appreciation for the men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces.

Bohlinger announces he will run for U.S. Senate

Former Republican Montana Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger announced Nov. 5 that he will run next year as a Democrat for the U.S. Senate.

New rescue helicopter arrives in the Flathead

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and Two Bear Air announced Nov. 7 the arrival of the much-anticipated Bell 429 rescue helicopter.

Donald Veidt

Donald Lewis Veidt, 89, passed away Nov. 1, 2013, at Harbor View Medical Center in Seattle.

Crow Nation should be heard in coal export debate

When it comes to developing our energy resources, Montanans have grown accustomed to the federal government getting in the way. But as coal development projects in the state move forward, the latest roadblock is coming from right here in Montana.

Addressing mental illness

We have another tragedy concerning the mentally ill in the killing of young Steven Henning.

Daines announces run for U.S. Senate

The following statement was made by Republican Congressman Steve Daines when he announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate on Nov. 6 in Bozeman;

Three troublesome grizzlies captured and killed

It was a quiet season until October

Ream recruited to UGF cheerleading team

Jessica Ream, a 2013 graduate of Columbia Falls High School, was recruited by the University of Great Falls Cheerleading Team and will receive a cheer scholarship.

Speech team golden at home meet

Kats scratch Lady Bulldogs on Halloween

Look for Cats to run against Havre

Teen hunter survives big October storm

Outdoor news

Former Park biologist claims staff warned about shuttle buses

Climate change and crowds tough on harlequins

Drunk driving is no accident

Former Park ranger takes on 175-mile run in Ethiopia

Recalling World War I's 'Powder River Gang'

John Henry “Gatling Gun” Parker had earned his moniker by providing the covering fire for Teddy Roosevelt’s immortal assault on San Juan Hill. Nearly 20 years later, his six-feet three-inch frame made him an easy target while charging at the head of his command, the 362nd U.S. Infantry.

C-Falls Veterans Day assembly scheduled

The National Honor Society of Columbia Falls High School will present the annual Veterans Day Assembly in the Columbia Falls High school gymnasium on Monday, Nov. 11, at 10:30 a.m. Seating will begin at 10 a.m.

Lovering is front runner in C-Falls election

Columbia Falls City Council candidate Jenny Lovering was the front-runner in official results from the Nov. 5 municipal election. There were five candidates for three seats on the city council.

Quiet election shifts makeup of city council

There were no yard signs, no election mailers and not a single letter to the editor printed about the slate of council candidates in this year’s city election. Even the Whitefish Chamber’s council candidate debate was canceled due to a lack of interest.

Whitefish gets rematch with Belgrade

Whitefish travels to Belgrade (7-2, 4-0) on Saturday for a Class A quarterfinal playoff game. The winner advances to the semis to take on Dillon or Laurel.

Major donation boosts school music department

The Whitefish School District music program received a significant boost from an anonymous donor this week.

Whitefish featured in new Warren Miller ski flick

When the 64th Warren Miller ski flick “Ticket to Ride” makes its Whitefish debut this month, more than a few segments will be quite familiar to local skiers and snowboarders.

Working-class musician Mike Murray releases new record

At one point in his young career, Whitefish musician Mike Murray was so sure he needed to be in Nashville, Tenn., he all but moved his family 2,000 miles across the country. Countless other musicians had cut their teeth working the live venues along the Music City riverfront — Murray was ready to be the next.

Dogs truck past Butte Central in first round

Receiver Jed Nagler found an opening, quarterback Luke May lobbed a perfectly timed pass over the middle, and with a single play Whitefish was off and running to its first Class A football playoff win at home in a decade.

Zinke distances himself from PAC

(AP) — Congressional candidate Ryan Zinke says he has distanced himself from the political action committee he helped launch now that he is running for office.

Hunting numbers remain strong near Olney

Hunters in northwest Montana continue to have limited success thus far this season.

Lip balm company denied use of school building

The Whitefish Independent High School building on Park Avenue has housed a plethora of businesses and organizations over the past 60 years. It’s been used as a church, a physician’s office, a day care and now a school, to name a few.

Whitefish angler reels in $5,000 trout

The most lucrative fish ever caught in the 11-year history of the tribally sponsored Mack Days fishing tournament came ashore last month, netting a Whitefish angler $5,000.

Rams drop Lady Dogs in soccer championship

The juggernaut that is the Billings Central girls soccer team proved to be too much for the Lady Bulldogs.

Students run for their lives in Halloween Howl

Whitefish Middle School students ran through the school’s gym last week like ghosts and goblins might be chasing them.

Police calls: Aggressive St. Bernard charges mail carrier

Whitefish man sentenced on heroin charge

A Whitefish man who admitted selling heroin to an informant just eight days after being released on house arrest in another case has been given a four-year sentence.

Spikers open divisional tourney against Columbia Falls

The Whitefish volleyball team opens the Northwest A Divisional Tournament on Friday with a tough draw.

California shooting victim had multiple run-ins with police

The 32-year-old Whitefish man shot and killed by northern California law enforcement last month reportedly had multiple run-ins with police during the week leading up to the fatal shooting.

Pavilion planned to increase learning on Whitefish Trail

While orchestrating a high school field trip on the Whitefish Trail this past spring, I was amazed by the abundance of learning opportunities within a short walk from the trailhead.

FREEFLOW students assist with study on Viking Creek

Whitefish Lake Institute and a group of Whitefish High School students recently collaborated on a water quality study on Viking Creek.

Three Grizzly Bears Captured and Euthanized

Three grizzly bears were captured by Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks Grizzly Bear Biologists and euthanized with the assistance of local veterinarians, according to FWP Grizzly Bear Management Specialist Tim Manley. The bears had become food-conditioned and caused conflicts resulting in property damage and in one case, lots of dead chickens.

Montana's energy industry supports economic growth

Our nation has dug itself into a debt problem. Years of going without any national budget whatsoever have taken their toll. When you don’t plan for how to spend, you overspend — every teenager with his first job knows that.

Leo Nigg

Leo Simon Nigg, 85, died on Nov. 1, 2013.

Ronald Bronson

Ronald A. Bronson, 79, passed away at his Kalispell residence on Nov. 1, 2013.

Salvation Army gears up for the holidays

The Salvation Army is looking for individuals, groups or organizations to ring the bells during their annual Christmas Kettle Season from Nov. 22 through Christmas. For more information, contact Bob Blake at 257-4357.

Fire destroys trailer home

Muzzleloader hunter kills big ram

Deer and elk harvest remains slow

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reports that the number of deer and elk checked at the six Northwest Montana game stations has been slower than last season.

The shutdown

Marion murderer's parole denied

Brian Winters

Brian Lee Winters, 45, of Columbia Falls, passed away Sept. 22, 2013.

Local roller derby action kicks off Nov. 16

Flathead Valley Roller Derby’s Misfits will hold their first home bout this season at the Flathead County Fairgrounds Trade Center on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 7:30 p.m., taking on Snakepit, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Snow coming to the local mountain ranges

Weather forecasters call for up to a foot of snow in the mountains of Northwest Montana on Sunday, as a cold front moves across the region.

Snow storm to pound Whitefish mountains

Up to a foot of snow could fall in the mountains of Northwest Montana this weekend as a cold front moves across the region.

Spawning surveys show positive results

City considers boat restrictions on Whitefish River

Whitefish City Council will consider a resolution Monday that could lead to a six-mile stretch of the Whitefish River being limited to manually-powered watercraft or those with small electric motors.

Helping patients navigate through breast cancer

'Autumn Giants' is theme for GSC's November concerts

Commissioners approve new districts for themselves

Mining giant acquires B.C. lands for conservation

Coal export restrictions hurt Montana's economy

When it comes to developing our energy resources, Montanans have grown accustomed to the federal government getting in the way. But as coal development projects in the state move forward, the latest roadblock is coming from right here in Montana. On a recent visit to the Crow Indian Nation, we learned how local opposition to coal exports is impacting one of the poorest communities in the state.

Outdoor news

Park Conservancy retail store

Hunters' time to shine, we hope

It’s fall. If you’re a hunter, this is your time. Your time to enjoy crisp mornings on a ridge as dawn breaks, to take in evenings at camp around a fire under a shimmering night sky, to put meat on the table.

Operation Christmas Child helps children around the world

Jennifer Bach wants to help children around the world have a brighter holiday.

Jazz group performs at Bigfork Nov. 9

The Judy Carmichael Trio performs Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m. at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts.            

Storm water project moving forward in Bigfork

Paving Bridge Street from Highway 35 to the old bridge in downtown Bigfork would be included in a completion of the Bigfork Stormwater Project.

Grading policy approved at Bigfork elementary, middle schools

The teachers won.

Newlywed wanted to keep cops at bay

Documents unsealed in Glacier Park murder case

Inflation is the last thing we need

“Some economists say more inflation is just what the American economy needs to escape from a half-decade of sluggish growth and high unemployment,” the New York Times reports.

Commission member rebuts op-ed on CSKT water compact

The following opinion piece is a rebuttal to a recent column written by Sen. Verdell Jackson, R-Kalispell, about the proposed Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes water compact.