Ellington

Halloween events in Whitefish for kids and adults

Central Avenue will be bustling with spooky ghosts and goblins today as Whitefish hosts a fleet of Halloween activities and costume contests for both kids and adults.

Four banks and drugstore teaming up to help children

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

Bigfork volleyballers win two, place second

The Bigfork High School volleyball team picked up wins over Plains and Troy last week, which left them in second place in the district.

Makena Morley sets new state record

It was a perfect day for Bigfork’s Makena Morley.

Vikings roll, will host Townsend Saturday

For at least the second time ever, the Bigfork Vikings finished the regular season undefeated.

Retired Bigfork general talks about Egypt, Syria

Paul Vallely helped start the Glacial Forum because people have a thirst for knowledge.

Stormwater project would pave Bridge Street

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

Standards-based grading pilot project approved

The teachers won.

Bigfork teen dies in one-vehicle accident

A 19-year-old Bigfork man died Monday after a one-vehicle accident on Montana Highway 83.

Traveling preacher's sound equipment torn up

The police log

City to conduct smoke test in sewer system

Non-toxic smoke will be blown into sewer lines near downtown Whitefish on Thursday morning as the city tests for leaks in its sewer system.

Governor visits Stoltze's co-generation plant

Chuck Roady beamed as he stood at the microphone last week in front of the F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber’s new $22 million co-generation plant.

Whitefish looks to upset Rams in soccer championship

The Whitefish girls soccer team is headed back to the Class A state championship match with its sight set on a major upset.

Orozco honored for work as superintendent

A couple times a month, Whitefish School District Superintendent Kate Orozco asks a teacher to relinquish their classroom so she can work with the students.

Football playoffs: Whitefish hosts Butte Central

Whitefish is prepped to host its first playoff football game in a decade this Saturday when they take on the No. 3 seed Butte Central Maroons at Memorial Field at 1 p.m.

Election 2013: Judge Johnson runs unopposed

Even after nearly 28 years at the helm of Whitefish’s municipal court, Judge Bradley Johnson says he still has a passion for the job.

No one home for shootout with police

Whitefish Police evacuated the Chair 3 Apartments and nearby businesses Monday at around noon after getting a report from Veterans Administration officials about a resident who allegedly said he was going to have a shootout with police and kill himself.

New book tells tales of a simpler time in Whitefish

Whether swimming at City Beach, roaming through the first school classrooms only to find a dead body, or repairing old boats for their armada on the Whitefish River, the ingenuity and dare-devil antics of a group of young boys comes to life in Rod Fisher’s new book.

Wilbur Owen Gulbranson

Wilbur Owen Gulbranson, 85, died Oct. 21, 2013 at his home in Columbia Falls following a brief illness.

Olney shows best results in slow start to hunting season

It was a slow opener to deer and elk hunting season last weekend.

Lady Bulldog runners second at state meet

The Whitefish girls cross-country team surprised the field at the Class A state meet in Missoula on Saturday and brought home a well-earned second-place trophy.

Dogs rout Libby to earn No. 2 seed in football playoffs

Make the playoffs and host a playoff game.

Police calls: Knife-wielding man threatens employees

Entrepreneur advocates for school choice

Greg Gianforte of Bozeman is a software entrepreneur, philanthropist and an advocate for school choice.

Chamber updating Whitefish economic blueprint

The Whitefish Chamber of Commerce has checked off a number of items on its economic development to-do list and is now looking to update their priorities for the next five to seven years.

Whitefish hunter takes record bighorn near Plains

Whitefish resident Glen Prestegaard recently took a bighorn ram ranked by the Safari Club International record book as No. 3 in the world for muzzleloader. The ram was taken on public land near Plains during a self-guided trip.

Woman pleads not guilty to meth bender

A Whitefish woman has pleaded not guilty to a pair of felonies after allegedly driving while on a multi-day methamphetamine bender and with her 4-year-old daughter in the car.

Zinke announces run for U.S. House

Bullock visits with C-Falls teachers

Moore hopes to nab city council seat on Nov. 5

Gladys Hedlund

Gladys M. Hedlund, 98, passed away Oct. 23 at The Springs in Whitefish. Gladys moved from Missoula to The Springs in 2011 to be near family. The care and love she received from everyone at The Springs was truly wonderful and much appreciated.

Lawrence Moser

Lawrence P. “Larry” Moser, 63, of Martin City, died Oct. 24, 2013.

President Obama speaks on immigration reform

The following remarks about immigration reform were made at the White House on Oct. 24, 2013.

Does Obama have the courage to pursue peace with Iran?

Settling the nuclear controversy with Iran peacefully will require courage on President Obama’s part. Does he have what it will take to resist those who prefer war?

Cats go 8-0, best since '75 and '76

Speakers win in Frenchtown

C-Falls spikers down Lady Pirates

Mundel takes 9th at state meet

Triplett takes 9th in world bull riding finals

Agnes Cada

Gill netting bad for business

New Cabela's store readies for grand opening

FWP: Hunting opener was slow

Outdoor news

Rawhide sold to Swan Mountain Outfitters

Xanterra has plenty of jobs

MDT will replace South Fork bridge

Stoltze celebrates co-gen plant

Community news

Some Glacier Park Roads closed for winter

Several of Glacier National Park’s roads have closed down for the winter. Closed roads are treated as trails in winter — people can still hike, bike and ski on them as conditions warrant, but pets are not allowed.

McDonald Creek bridge closed Wednesday

The Lower McDonald Creek Bridge, near Apgar Village on the west side of Glacier National Park, will be closed for approximately 12 hours beginning 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30. It is anticipated that the bridge will open to traffic by 6 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, the Park has announced.

Single-digit wind chills predicted with winter blast

A blast of winter is expected in Northwest Montana starting Sunday afternoon.

Update: Family says victim of police shooting suffered mental illness

The brother of a Whitefish man who was shot and killed by California law enforcement last week says the use of deadly force was unwarranted and that mental illness played a role in the incident.

Gladys Hedlund

Gladys M. Hedlund, 98, passed away Oct. 23 at The Springs in Whitefish. Gladys moved from Missoula to The Springs in 2011 to be near family. The care and love she received from everyone at The Springs was truly wonderful and much appreciated.

Wintry blast expected Sunday

A blast of winter is expected in Northwest Montana starting Sunday afternoon, the National Weather Service warned Friday.

Making the Whitefish Trail a safer place

A colleague recently stopped by the Whitefish Legacy Partners office with her Whitefish Legacy Run registration and a story about a recent experience on the Whitefish Trail. To train for the 4.5 mile race, she headed out to Beaver Lake Trailhead to run a loop with a few friends. After passing a few junctions and road crossings, she came upon another junction and took the trail she thought went back to the trailhead.

Options on table for Bigfork green box site

Despite comments its members made about still wanting to close the Bigfork Green Box site, that decision has been placed on hold for now.

Nurse navigators guide cancer patients from diagnosis to recovery

A diagnosis of breast cancer is the beginning of a journey that isn’t just about the disease. When a patient is told they have cancer that’s when the questions begin — about treatment and doctors, payments and health care, and sometimes travel and living expenses.

Food bank facility nearly finished

The North Valley Food Band is getting completed thanks to so many volunteers and donations large and small.

Whitefish home construction stays on upward trend

Subdivisions that sat dormant for years are filling in with new homes at a steady pace this year as construction activity in Whitefish continues on an upward trend.

Breast cancer survivor urges women to be proactive

Last spring, Dawn Platke noticed a lump in her chest. She thought she’d pulled a muscle, but just to be sure she went to the doctor and had a mammogram.

Police calls: Kung-fu dancer seems suspicious

Dogs buck Broncs for playoff berth

Another impressive defensive performance at home Friday helped Whitefish secure a spot in the upcoming Class A state football playoffs.

Shutout puts girls soccer in semis

A nearly impermeable defense led the way as the Whitefish girls soccer team posted a shutout Saturday at home to advance to the semi-finals of the Class A state soccer tournament.

Fire open house thanks

As chair of Fire Prevention Week and Public Relations Committe, I wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to those that helped make this year’s Whitefish Fire Department Open House the most successful gathering yet.

George Marion Colvill

George Marion Colvill passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Oct. 19 due to natural causes after a rewarding life of 85 years.

Alcohol a factor in fatal wreck near downtown

Results from a toxicology test show alcohol was a factor in a fatal wreck last month near downtown Whitefish.

Sale of independent school hits zoning snag

A request that would allow a local lip balm company to move into the Whitefish Independent High School building appears to have hit a snag.

Board OKs proposed cell tower at Memorial Park

Plans for a cellular tower along with an 80-foot light pole at Memorial Park will go before city council next month.

Unlikely donation nets $1 million for Whitefish church

Roger A. Wold, a longtime Whitefish resident who lived a simple, reclusive life prior to his death last year, has given $1 million to Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish.

Mark Raymond McCoy

Mark Raymond McCoy, 56, passed away Oct. 12.

Whitefish P.E.O. touts mission to assist women

Members of P.E.O. work to raise dollar after dollar to assist women in higher education, and they often do it quietly and without much notice.

New road worth the wait

I know there’s been a lot of grumbling about the street construction of Baker and Wisconsin between Second Street and Edgewood. But I would just like to say thanks to the city, state, and private contractors for completing such a smooth and beautiful street for our use. The wait was worth it. Thanks much.

XC runners claim divisional titles

Whitefish cross-country appears to be peaking at just the right time.

North Valley Hospital opens new operating room

North Valley Hospital opened its doors to the public Tuesday evening to showcase a fourth operating room and talk about future plans for the Whitefish hospital.

East 2nd Street reconstruction to begin in March

Road closures and one-way traffic will be the norm next summer for residents along East Second Street as the roadway is rebuilt from Larch Avenue east to the railroad tracks.

Rangers end boys soccer season

The Whitefish boys soccer season came to an abrupt end Saturday as the two-time defending Class A state champions were ousted from the playoffs in the first round.

New subdivision on Lion Mountain approved

A new subdivision planned on Lion Mountain received unanimous support from Whitefish City Council on Monday following nearly two-and-a-half hours of public comment aired by concerned neighbors.

Flathead Forest reschedules meeting, field trip

The Flathead National Forest has rescheduled two public meeting that were cancelled to due to the partial government shutdown. One is an open house that is part of the Forest Plan Revision effort and the other is a field trip for a planned Condon Mountain Fire salvage project.

Zinke announces campaign for U.S. House

Whitefish resident and former state Sen. Ryan Zinke officially announced Monday his campaign for Montana’s lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Spikers do well at Missoula tourney

Kats blanked by Hamilton in soccer playoffs

Mundel takes Northwest A cross country title

Cats extend winning streak to seven

Red buses moving to Columbia Falls? Maybe

The 46 million year old skeeter

BPA won't pay for netting

Candidate wants to practice what she teaches

Council candidate wants to grow the economy

Beer garden, other amenities lined up at waterpark

Cancer survivor says quick detection is key

Raymond Moorehead

Raymond Moorehead, 95, died Oct. 21, 2013, at his home in Columbia Falls.

Wilbur Gulbranson

Wilbur Owen Gulbranson, 85, died Oct. 21, 2013, at his home in Columbia Falls following a brief illness.

Ernest Dickson

Ernest W. “Buz” Dickson, 62, passed away Oct. 19, 2013, at Community Health Center in Missoula following complications of a stroke.

Grant helps Glacier Gateway music program

Kudos to Larry Wilson

Recalling a great mentor

Standing alone with Ostrom

C-Falls man found slumped over wheel, faces DUI No. 4

Man sentenced for abducting baby

Columbia Falls woman wins $25,000

John Hoag

John Tigchon “Jack” Hoag, 98, passed away Aug. 31, 2013, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

Some clarifications on the proposed CSKT water compact

Verdell Jackson’s analysis of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes proposed water compact is flawed.  Verdell does not get to decide what the tribe does and does not get. That will either be decided by accepting the negotiated compact or going through decades of litigation that will impact half of the state of Montana.

Terrance Ren

Black belts awarded

The American Karate Academy recently announced the advancement of five new First Dan Black Belts to the school.

Injustice

Hungry Horse man pleads guilty to drug possession

Wolf plan doesn't have to be a challenge

We continue to hear how difficult it is to manage wolves in the wild, due to depredation on livestock and the decline of elk populations in the state of Montana. We also hear that wolves are waiting at bus stops to drag our children off into the forests, all of which is nothing more than propaganda to serve a very clear purpose.

Countywide funding for 911 dispatch proposed

The Flathead County 911 Administrative Board discussed at their Oct. 9 meeting the idea of creating a countywide special district to pay for the new 911 dispatch center and emergency communications equipment around the valley.

North Valley Hospital offering more financial aid

North Valley Hospital recently announced it has liberalized its financial aid policy in an effort to help uninsured and underinsured patients.

Legislature made right choice on Medicaid

With the growing federal deficit and the need to raise the debt ceiling once again looming large, it has become clear to many of us that the Montana Legislature was right to reject the Obamacare Medicaid expansion.

Costly shutdown

Regulatory reform: A necessity for small business growth

As our nation struggles to fully recover from the Great Recession, the questions on every American’s mind are, “How did we end up in this situation?” and “Where do we go from here?”

Services return at the Flathead National Forest

The Flathead National Forest is open again for business, and employees are working to restore public services following the 16-day partial federal government shutdown.

Leaf pickup in Whitefish on Fridays

Bagged leaf pickup in Whitefish will occur on Fridays beginning Oct. 19 through Dec. 6.

Glacier reopens, but snow closes Logan Pass

The gates to Glacier National Park reopened Thursday morning following a 16-day federal government shutdown that closed all national parks across the country.

Loss of wildlife management and our rural Montana heritage

The human control crew is at it again. However, this time they are utilizing a wildlife ballot initiative known as I-167 as a vector to achieve their non-consumptive use/rural cleansing agenda.

Obama speaks about ending the shutdown

The following remarks were made by President Barack Obama at the Whitehouse on Oct. 17, 2013.

Retired officer thankful for Ty Woods story

Thank you for having the guts to print the story about Ty Woods (Oct. 9, 2013 Eagle).

Morley wins for fifth straight time

She did it again.

Vikings clip Horsemen, 54-14

The Bigfork Vikings accumulated 482 yards of total offense and never punted in rolling to a 54-14 victory over Plains on Friday.

Viking kickers headed to state

The Bigfork Vikings are headed to the state playoffs.

Mark McCoy

Mark Raymond McCoy, 56, passed away Oct. 12, 2013.

Don't look for grown-ups in government

With the government partially closed for over two weeks now and the debt-ceiling deadline upon us, the pundits are demanding that the “grown-ups in the room” finally put a stop to the childish goings-on in Washington.

XC runners control pace at home meet

Bright green jerseys dominated the finishing chute at the Whitefish Invitational cross-country meet Saturday as the Bulldogs cruised to a pair of team victories on their home turf.

Election 2013: Meet council candidate Andy Feury

After a five-year hiatus, former Whitefish mayor Andy Feury is excited about the opportunity to get back into Whitefish politics.

Love of tennis shared by Whitefish siblings

On any given day, as long as there isn’t snow on the ground, you’ll likely find the Frampton siblings out whacking yellow tennis balls around on their backyard court outside of Whitefish.

Election 2013: Meet council candidate Life Noell

Life Noell has seen a lot of changes in Whitefish since his family first moved here in 1996 from Florida. Businesses and buildings downtown have come and gone and the town as a whole has progressed and expanded.

Girls soccer earns No. 1 seed for state playoffs

The Whitefish girls soccer team wrapped up their first conference title since 2010 last weekend with a dominate 10-1 victory at home over Bigfork.

Boys soccer readies for playoff battle with Park High

The Whitefish boys soccer team capped their regular season with a pair of conference wins last week, shutting out Columbia Falls 3-0, and outlasted Bigfork 3-1. The two victories were more than enough to lock up a No. 1 seed in the upcoming Class A state playoffs.

Police calls: Dogs go after laying hens

Defense leads Dogs past Park High

The Whitefish defense was tested, but didn’t break as the Bulldogs escaped Livingston on Friday with a 6-0 non-conference football victory over Park High.

Whitefish hospital expands financial assistance

In an effort to ease the financial burden for uninsured and underinsured patients, North Valley Hospital in Whitefish and its outreach clinics are offering a more liberal financial aid policy.

John Cameron Dustin

John Cameron Dustin, 61, passed away on Friday, Sept. 6, 2013 at his home in Seeley Lake after an eight month battle with cancer.

Outdoor industry focus of economic summit

Some big names in the outdoor industry will speak at a conference hosted by the National Parks Conservation Association next week.

Zinke considers campaign for House seat

Whitefish resident and former state Sen. Ryan Zinke announced Monday that he has formed an exploratory committee as he considers a 2014 campaign for Montana’s lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Council sorts out funding plan for parking garage

Whitefish will move forward with a Special Improvement District as the funding mechanism for a planned downtown parking garage.

WMS athletes are running with a smile

Ask members of the Whitefish Middle School cross-country team to describe their experience running for the Bulldogs and the response ranges from “fun” to “exhilarating” to “scrumdiddlyumptious.”

Proposed cell tower may help baseball team

The Glacier Twins could receive a small infusion of cash from a proposed cell phone tower at Memorial Park.

Glacier Park reopens after 16-day shutdown

Glacier National Park reopened Thursday morning, Oct. 17, after a partial government shutdown ended late the night before.

Trial date set in Glacier Park murder case

A trial date has been set for the Kalispell newlywed accused of killing her husband by pushing him off a cliff in Glacier National Park.

Bigfork VFW commander builds outreach to veterans

The Bigfork Veterans of Foreign Wars sits in a modest building along Montana 35.

Meeting next week on Bigfork grading changes

An informational meeting about standards-based grading will be Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Bigfork schools cafeteria.

Bigfork's annual Tamarack Time a success

The 25th annual Tamarack Time was a success.

Wildcats playoff hopes dashed

The Columbia Falls boys soccer team had one last shot at making the Class A playoffs Tuesday, Oct. 15, but they fell way short.

Zinke considers run for U.S. House

Former state senator Ryan Zinke, of Whitefish, announced Oct. 14 that he has formed an exploratory committee as he considers a 2014 run for the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mundel second at Whitefish

Kats look good, then falter against Frenchtown

Wildkats get back at Whitefish, win 2-1

Cats drub Broncs 54-13, now 6-0

Long-time councilor recognizes changes here over the decades

Long-time resident Mike Shepard is looking forward to serving the community one more time on the Columbia Falls City Council.

City council candidate wants improvements on Nucleus Ave.

Running on empty

George Riley

George Harvey Riley, 53, of Columbia Falls, died Oct. 9, 2013.  

Flathead County board openings

The following Flathead County boards have openings with terms beginning Jan. 1. Anyone interested in serving on a board can submit a letter of interest with relevant information to the Flathead County Board of Commissioners, 800 South Main Street, Room 302, Kalispell MT 59901 by Nov. 15. For more information, call 406-758-5537.  

Community news

Chief speaks on bike licensing and prescription drug disposal

Wildcats' playoff hopes alive

Wildcats tuning up for speech season

Triplett qualifies for World Finals rodeo

Furloughed rangers volunteering

Leo Schaefer

Montana's Forest Products Week

This week marks the third annual Montana “Forest Products Week.” In 2011, the state legislature set aside a week every October in order to recognize the value of Montana’s forest products industry, their contribution to the management of our forest lands, and to the stability of Montana’s economy.

National park rangers ask public not to shoot messenger

In recent days, media coverage regarding the actions of National Park Service rangers has been less than flattering. The image of a United States Congressman yelling at a Park Ranger — doing her job as she was directed — was shameful.

Magazine reports bizarre twist to Glacier Park case

Inside information reported in the Oct. 14 National Enquirer magazine, if true, might explain what happened when Jordan Graham, 22, allegedly pushed her husband, Cody Johnson, 25, off a cliff in Glacier National Park on July 7.

Gaiser wins seniors division in Le Grizz run

A record 99 runners out of 103 starters completed the 32nd Le Grizz 50-Mile Ultramarathon foot race on Saturday, Oct. 12.

Avis Corcoran

Avis B. Corcoran, 90, of Columbia Falls, passed away in Whitefish on Oct. 10, 2013.

Plans scrapped for Whitefish resort hotel

Plans to construct a $70 million resort hotel and convention center in Whitefish have been scrapped.

Melanson, Ware win speeches for Bigfork Toastmasters

Ron Melanson of the Bigfork chapter of Toaastmasters International won second place in Table Topics competition at the area speech contest in Kalispell.

Russell Leroy Miller sentenced in pornoggraphy case

Bigfork resident Russell Leroy Miller was sentenced to pay a $10,000 fine for possession of child pornography.

Taking personal accountability of your life

By Rev. Donald Lamson

Bigfork High School music instructor seeks instruments for band

Randi Tunnell wants to be instrumental in building Bigfork High’s band.

Montana's wolf management challenge

Fewer than 10 years after wolves from Canada were placed in Yellowstone National Park, 153 wolves were making a living in Montana where the overall population had already grown beyond federal recovery goals.

Woman critically injured in standoff

A 54-year-old Columbia Falls woman was critically injured Thursday night, Oct. 10, when SWAT Team members shot her as she approached them with a loaded handgun.

'Drill, baby, drill' - Montana's oil and gas reality

In light of a recent commentary by Tom Power, former economics professor at the University of Montana, it’s apparent that much education is needed on the issue of America’s energy revolution.

Feds say states can pay for reopening national parks

Interior Secretary Sally Jewel announced Oct. 10 that the federal government will allow states to pay the costs of reopening some national parks during the partial government shutdown that had reached its 10th day.

Compromise needed to address national debt

Rather than viewing the recent slight uptick in the economy and leveling off in the national debt as a harbinger of a positive future, John Snow believes it is diverting national attention from the debt crises that continues to pose a mortal threat to out country.

CSKT water compact is flawed

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes proposed water compact should protect existing uses of water both on and off the reservation. The existing human impact on the 8.4 million acre feet of water flowing down the Flathead River each year is so small that it can not be measured. There is not a water shortage.

Orvis, Xanterra, GPI in joint conference next week

Some big names in the outdoor industry will speak at a conference hosted by the National Parks Conservation Association next week.

Vikings roll to big Homecoming win over Troy

Troy didn’t bring enough horses to Friday’s football game in Bigfork.

Cold, snowy winter forecasted for the Northwest

Skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, snowshoers and anyone else who loves snow will appreciate AccuWeather’s long-term forecast for this winter — the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Northwest will be buried in snow.

Park Service retirees claim huge impacts by shutdown

The Coalition of National Park Service Retirees announced Oct. 10 that the 10-day long partial shutdown of the federal government had shut out 7 million visitors nationwide and cost gateway communities $750 million in lost spending by visitors.

The U.S. needs to stop demonizing Iran

Not everyone wants the United States to improve relations with Iran. Some prefer war instead. Not because Iran is a threat to the American people, or the Israelis, but because a friendly Iran would no longer furnish the convenient enemy the hawks in the United States and Israel need.

Tabish rallies to win state golf tourney

Cool, clam and collected. Whitefish golfer Erin Tabish grabbed control of the Class A state tournament on Saturday and sailed to her first individual state championship.

Election 2013: Meet council candidate Pam Barberis

A clean mountain lake. Snow on the ski hill. Miles of trails out the back door.

Election 2013: Meet council candidate Jen Frandsen

Jen Frandsen’s passion for hard work and community involvement is deeply rooted in her family’s working-class heritage.

Road work 'way ahead of schedule'

The massive reconstruction project on West Second Street is ticking along at a good pace. If the weather cooperates and all goes as planned, phase I could be completed as soon as the end of November.

Savings found as WHS work continues

Budget savings are still being found as construction of the new Whitefish High School continues.

City hosts open house on 93 West corridor plan

A public meeting to discuss the Whitefish Highway 93 West corridor plan is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at City Hall.

The Met: Live in HD opera a success

Hats off to all the donors to, and members of, the Whitefish Arts Council, especially Carol Atkinson, who worked hard to bring the Live at the Met performance to the Whitefish Performing Arts Center on Saturday.  

Grant brings back school resource officer

The Whitefish Police Department has received a grant that will return a police officer to the Whitefish School District.

Thomas Michael Unger

Thomas Michael Unger passed away peacefully at his home on Sept. 21, 2013.

Boys XC wins at Thompson Falls

The Whitefish boys cross country team posted their first win of the season last weekend at the Thompson Falls Invitational.

Thanks from Michigan

My husband and I are from Michigan and were visiting Glacier National Park at the end of September. While there I had a medical emergency and I would like to thank the people who helped get me medical attention and to the hospital in a very timely manner.

Police calls: Numerous reports of bears getting into garbage

Jeanette “JP” Helmot Krona

Jeanette “JP” Helmot Krona, 71, passed away Sept. 24, 2013, with her family by her side at Immanuel Lutheran Home due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

Water, garbage rates to increase this month

Residents in Whitefish will see an increase on their water and garbage bill beginning this month.

Corne' and Carrara married

Erika Ann Corne’ and Andrew Michael Carrara were married on Aug. 10, 2013 at the home of the bride’s parents in Whitefish.

Is the sun setting on America?

America is in crisis. Admiral Mike Mullen, the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, recently stated that the greatest threat facing our nation is our enormous debt. While the magnitude of our $16.5 trillion debt is nearly incomprehensible in size, irresponsible in creation and reckless for our children’s future, the monetary threat perishes compared to the danger of losing trust in America itself.

Pitman reflects on time at Whitefish Theatre Company

A group of theater enthusiasts gathered together in the fall of 1978 to talk about starting a community theater. What would come of those meetings is the Whitefish Theatre Co. known today for its season of theater, music and dance.

Kristy Olson

Kristy Renee “Sparky” Olson passed away, still fighting, on Sept. 28, 2013. She was 38 year old.

Canyon School questions

My sister and I visited Hungry Horse in August. We lived in Hungry Horse in 1968-1969 and went to a school house for our elementary years. We walked, yes walked, from the church on the corner there through the open public park across the street then down over to the school. And we walked home.

New beginning: Father of Benghazi hero moves to Bigfork

A man who lost his son in the 9-11 attack in Benghazi, Libya has moved to Bigfork.

Kats win at home, split on the road

C-Falls drubs Bigfork and Libby on the road

Cats split bill, tough road ahead for playoff berth

Chisholm shoots 201 at state golf

Flathead River land put into conservation trust

Environmental groups petition to intervene in Badger-Two Medicine lawsuit

Government shutdown had minimal impact so far

Climate change could wipe out Glacier Park bugs

Man in meth-fueled high speed chase sentenced

Plea deal in Stoltze copper theft case

Plum Creek donates $3,000 to academy

Nomad lands big purchase agreement

Killer of Whitefish soldier gets 30 years

AKE CHARLES, La. (AP) — A 28-year-old Army veteran, who pleaded guilty in June to second-degree murder in the 2010 slaying of a Whitefish soldier at Fort Polk, has been sentenced in federal court in Lake Charles.

Boys soccer regains mojo with victory

The Whitefish boys soccer team stormed back into the win column on Tuesday with an impressive 6-1 conference victory over a physical Polson team.

Girls soccer suddenly dominate

Two more games and two more big wins for the suddenly dominate Whitefish girls soccer team.

Bulldogs oust Pirates on homecoming

Resiliency, heart and a good dose of old-fashioned toughness.

Whitefish volleyball nearly pulls off epic comeback

The Whitefish volleyball team mounted a spirited comeback attempt Thursday against Libby that nearly blew the roof off the newly remodeled gym.

Good people in the world

My husband and I are from Michigan and were visiting Glacier National Park at the end of September. While there I had a medical emergency, and I would like to thank the people who helped get me medical attention and to the hospital in a very timely manner. I know some of the names of the people but many I do not.

New license plate supports Wildcat sports

Williams transfers to CSU-Pueblo program

Stolte, Brunz run well at Thompson Falls

Federal shutdown forces Le Grizz race move to N. Fork

Community news

Lindeen answers questions about Obamacare

Man sentenced for clandestine meth lab

Plans unveiled for East 2nd road work

The city of Whitefish will unveil plans for the reconstruction of East Second Street during an open house in the City Council chambers from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday.

Phone, email

Call 837-3151 or email editor@bigforkeagle.com

Big thanks

We would like to thank the Columbia Falls area Realtors for their recent food drive to help us help our neighbors who are having a rough time.

America in crisis

America is in crisis. Admiral Mike Mullen, the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, recently stated that the greatest threat facing our nation is our enormous debt. While the magnitude of our $16.5 trillion debt is nearly incomprehensible in size, irresponsible in creation and reckless for our children’s future, the monetary threat perishes compared to the danger of losing trust in America itself.

Montana is No. 2 in deer-vehicle collisions

Newlywed faces premeditated murder charge

The 22-year-old Kalispell newlywed accused of pushing her husband off a cliff in Glacier National Park this summer has been charged with first degree murder.

Montana Teachers of the Year support Common Core

As Montana Teachers of the Year, our lifework has been dedicated to engaging Montana students in learning experiences that prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of the future — as individuals at home, work, service and play and as members of local, state, national and international communities pursuing the common good.

Gov. Bullock, it's time to act on climate change

In 2005, then-Gov. Brian Schweitzer directed Montana’s Department of Environmental Quality to create a Climate Change Advisory Council to find cost-effective solutions to global warming. Schweitzer had been in office less than a year, and this seemed like a promising first step on climate change for his administration. But almost eight years later, the state’s resolve to act on climate seems to have dissolved.

Montana ranks second in deer-vehicle collisions

A new report shows Montana drivers have a 1 in 65 chance of colliding with a deer at some point in the next year — the second highest rate in the nation.  

Vikes shoot down Coyotes, 46-14

The Bigfork Vikings pretty much had their way with the Shelby Coyotes last week, and are preparing for a Homecoming game Friday against Troy.

Nighttime 55 mph speed limit permanent for Swan Hwy

The Montana Transportation Commission unanimously approved a permanent 55 mph nighttime speed limit on Montana Highway 83 last week.

O Canada! Waterton Lakes hike reveals beautiful scenery

It was a hike and a half.

Gill netting: Flathead Lake could be next test case for controversial program

Although Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has been using gill netting on Swan Lake for five years, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it should be used on Flathead Lake.

No sign of end to Congressional impasse

Impacts from federal shutdown vary across government

This stand off was inevitable

There has been a lot of back and forth between Republicans recently wondering whether House conservatives and Ted Cruz “should’ve/could’ve.” But whether House and Senate conservatives had started earlier with demands about Obamacare on the continuing resolution or asked for different things like a delay in the employee mandate first instead of outright defunding, this or another impasse was inevitable because of the deep-seated and yet-to-be-resolved difference of opinion on the role, scope, reach and cost of government itself that so deeply divides the nation.

Whitefish man sentenced for heroin possession

A Whitefish man has been sentenced to five years in jail and five years of probation after being convicted of felony drug possession.

New subdivision on Lion Mountain planned

Plans for a new subdivision on Lion Mountain are in the works.

Whitefish woman pleads guilty to fifth DUI

A Whitefish woman pleaded guilty to her fifth offense of drunk driving three weeks after being arraigned.

Girls soccer stays undefeated in conference

The Lady Bulldog soccer team kept its winning streak going last week with a pair of impressive victories over Polson and Stevensville.

Collins new housing authority director

Lori Collins enjoys helping families find a clean, safe and affordable place to live in Whitefish.

Cuts cripple affordable housing efforts

Faced with an ever shrinking budget due in large part to cuts in federal housing assistance, the Whitefish Housing Authority continues to search for ways to help low- and moderate-income families find affordable housing.

Boys soccer looks for fighting spirit

The Whitefish boys soccer team never even put on their cleats at practice Monday.

Albertina Duenweg Valencia

Albertina Duenweg Valencia, 99, passed away peacefully in her sleep in Whitefish on Sept. 23 from natural causes.

Fire safety: Keep an eye on what you fry

How often has the doorbell rung or a child interrupted you while you were cooking, causing you to forget about the chicken you left sizzling on the stove - until smoke filled the house?

After hours pet care in Whitefish

It was great to read the article on Daisy the dog (Whitefish Pilot, Sept. 18) who was attacked by the bear, and to hear of her positive outcome after treatment at Flathead Pet Emergency.  

Whitefish literary journal seeking submissions

What do you hunger for? What feeds your hunger? What satiates your hunger?

Worthy Page Tuttle

Worthy Page Tuttle died peacefully at her home in Whitefish on Sept. 19.

Board rejects phase 3 of Great Northern Heights

A revised plan for phase 3 of the Great Northern Heights neighborhood failed to receive approval from the Whitefish City-County Planning Board at their September meeting.

Dogs shut out in battle with Wildcats

Whitefish football coach Chad Ross knew Friday’s rival contest at Columbia Falls would come down to a battle in the trenches. He just didn’t expect a result that was so one-sided.

Church to host 'pet blessing' on Saturday

All Saints’ Episcopal Church will conduct the annual Blessing of the Pets in honor of St. Francis Day at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Police calls: Another rash of vehicle break-ins

Map and compass course offered

The Montana Wilderness Association, Silver Cloud Associates, and Snappy Sport Senter are happy to announce the timely offering, on October 12th, of an outdoor educational program entitled Reading Map, Compass, Tracks and Sign.  Participants will receive classroom instruction on reading and understanding topographical maps with an emphasis on practical trip planning.  Please bring a calculator, scale or ruler (1/10th of an inch scale preferred), pencils, reading glasses, and a Silva Ranger adjustable declination compass. Snappy's will have this compass available at a sale price for purchase, and a few will be available for use. Students will also be given instruction in the use of this compass.  Additional classroom time will be spent familiarizing the student with the basics of tracking, characteristics of animal families, patterns and gaits.  A field session will follow, with folks utilizing compass and pacing skills, and practicing tracking and sign recognition techniques learned in the classroom.

Can Iran trust the United States?

People ask whether the United States can trust Iran. The better question is whether Iran can trust the United States.

Forest Service lands still open during shutdown

While the federal government shutdown Sept. 30 forced Glacier National Park to close its borders to vacationers, most lands on the Flathead National Forest will remain open.

House Speaker John Boehner - then and now

The Republican Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, John Boehner, and I are friends. We have seldom visited since I left the Congress in 1997, but during John’s first years in the House, I was the chairman of an education committee of which he was a member.

Kats beat Lady Bulldogs in three

Kats settle for tie vs. Polson

Wildcats drop Pirates, 2-0

Wildcats crush Bulldogs, 21-0

Flathead Forest forges ahead with Forest Plan

Kootenai Forest Plan recommends wilderness on Whitefish Range

Glacier Institute celebrates 30th anniversary

Just 10 years ago, the Glacier Institute had to borrow money just to make its payroll. Today, the nonprofit organization that makes the woods a classroom for about 1,200 students and 600 adults each year has a nest egg of $250,000.

Concession contract will 'pull apart the lodges'

Common Core teaching coming to C-Falls

Seat belt award goes to C-Falls woman

C-Falls man pleads not guilty to pot grow

C-Falls native heads national nonprofit

Bozeman woman killed in weekend crash ID'd

A Bozeman woman is dead after crashing a stolen BNSF Railway vehicle into a tree Saturday morning in Whitefish.

Government shutdown closes gates to Glacier Park

The birds are still singing, the elk still bugling, but a federal government shutdown at midnight Monday effectively closed Glacier National Park to all but a select few people.

Farm Bill also expired with shutdown

Farmers and ranchers, along with 90 percent of the country, are frustrated with Congress. Aside from shutting down the government, the one-year farm bill extension Congress granted last session also expired at midnight, while the new Farm Bill has yet to formally reach the conference process.

Mundel breaks school cross-country record

Glacier Lanes bowling results

Chisholm qualifies for state golf

Congressional impasse shuts down Park