Friday, October 29
At issue
Not everyone in Bigfork is Republican. I'm a Vietnam vet and I'm voting for Kerry. He served in Vietnam, not like Bush and Cheney. Kerry fought for his right to speak out. We need a reasonable man for President, not an ideologue. Under Bush we pay 90 percent of the cost of a questionable war. In the first Iraq war we paid 10 percent because we had a real coalition with us.
Allen Haag
Allen Haag, 59, passed away on Friday, Oct. 22, 2004 at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish. He was born on April 8, 1945 in Kalispell, the son of Raymond Emil and Irene Vivian Haag.
The great hunter's delusion
My sons, sons-in-law and grandsons are out in the woods as I write this. They think they are having fun but thankfully . . . I know better.
Carrie Ellen (Weed) Wade
Carrie Ellen (Weed) Wade, 92, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004, at the Lakeview Care Center in Bigfork after a short stay. She was born On May 8, 1912 in downtown Bigfork to Alexander and Marie K (Gehres) Weed.
Kenneth Edward Caverly
Kenneth Edward Caverly, 73, passed away Sunday, Oct. 17, 2004 at his residence in Bigfork. He was born on May 1, 1931, the son of Henry Louis and Rachel Elizabeth (Fox) Caverly of Somers.
Disclosure By Joe Brenneman
As I run for Flathead County Commissioner, some people seem very interested
Charles E. (Charley) Branson
Charley Branson, 93, of Echo Lake passed away on Oct. 18, 2004. Charley is survived by his wife, Oma of Brendan House in Kalispell, son Charles Michael Branson of Fremont, Calif., daughters Patsy Byington of Chino, Calif. and Charlotte Mills of Costa Mesa, Calif., five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and two great grandchildren, as well as many close and wonderful friends.
Strate Talk
Halloween 1944
Wednesday, October 27
Around town
Seniors Halloween
The Great Hunter's Delusional
My sons, sons-in-law and grandsons are out in the woods as I write this. They think they are having fun but thankfully . . . I know better.
Editorial Viewpoint
Recent surveys conclude that editorial endorsements rarely change the minds of voters. With that in mind, the Whitefish Pilot will not make candidate endorsements. The Pilot sponsored last week's debate and provided candidates bios in order to provide you with food for thought, instead of spoon feeding you.
In my View
We Must Move Forward Together
James Russell Hutchens
James Russell Hutchens, 85, passed away at his home on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004 after a long struggle with cancer. His wife of 63 years was at his side.
Muddy memories
The ball squirted loose and the Whitefish kid went after it and three Columbia Falls kids went after it and they all started to slide to me. One Columbia Falls kid that was slicker than the others slid all the way to my feet.
Look, up in the air, it's
One guest speaker for Super Adults said when he was asked to participate and learned it was "for men and women 55 and over" thought it might be a driving club for speeders. He admitted how wrong he was.
Beulah Fox
Beulah K. Shamp Fox died peacefully in her sleep Oct. 22, 2004, in Clarkston, Idaho. She was born Jan. 31, 1916, in Mount Vernon, Wash., to Daniel and Mary White, ninth of 10 children.
Letters to the editor
Brown on Brown
Gubernatiorial race: 'What will Montana be like after your leadership?'
The future of Montana
James Wagner
James W. Wagner, 74, passed away Oct. 18, 2004, at Brendan House in Kalispell. He was born April 21, 1930, the son of Charles W. and Velma Parker Wagener, at Kalispell.
Girls head to Laurel for state title game
Neither rain nor snow seems to stop the Wildkat girls soccer team from their quest for a state A crown.
James Hutchens
James Russell Hutchens, 85, passed away at his home Oct. 20, 2004, after a long struggle with cancer. His wife of 63 years was at his side.
Kenneth Caverly
Kenneth Edward Caverly, 73, passed away Oct. 17, 2004, at his residence at Bigfork. He was born on May 1, 1931, the son of Henry Louis and Rachel Elizabeth (Fox) Caverly at Somers, Montana.
No on I-147
Plenty of money is being put into this year's election, and in the next five days we'll see an even greater bombardment of political ads on the TV, radio and print.
Wednesday, October 20
Cats break Vikings' curse
Hungry Horse News
Strate Talk
Nostalgic October
'Fire' unfair
I was appalled at the biased presentation in the PBS film "The Fire Next Time" public screening at the Liberty Theater in Kalispell recently.
That's Debatable
Nearly 70 people attended a debate for local political candidates on Tuesday night at the Whitefish Central School.
Phyllis Ann Wicklund
Phyllis Ann Wicklund, beloved mother, daughter and sister, joined her creator and loved ones gone before her, Monday Oct. 11, 2004 at home in Kalispell due to natural causes. Phyllis was born to Ellis and Maribelle (Briggs) Wicklund on Jan. 20, 1940 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Canned adventures
For whatever reason my wife has done a lot of canning this year. Every weekend for the past three weeks, our kitchen has resembled a sauna. We've got chutney and green tomato relish and pears and apples and applesauce and tomatoes and peaches, and something called "picadilly" that looks kind of like road kill in a mason jar.
Around town
Clinic canceled
Girls give Belgrade taste of same medicine
It took a little while, but the Columbia Falls girls soccer team rolled through the first round of the playoffs last week, dropping Belgrade 5-0.
Legislature will make crucial choices
The way I see it in the next legislature many issues will have to be addressed that will have a definite impact on you, your families and the community. Many of these concerns do not have simple solutions.
Obituaries
Cora Orndorff
Bigfork Eagle Editorial
The haves and have nots
Letters to the editor
Brenneman understands big picture
An open letter to Bob Brown
Dear Bob,
Hate
"If you would destroy a man, first teach him to hate."
Buckle your seatbelt; drive carefully, don't hate
Hate . . . .
A blanket approach to oil
North Fork oil headlined the Hungry Horse News in the Oct. 17, 1947, issue. Mel's story quoted editor John W. Pace in the Jan. 7, 1892, issue of the Columbian stating, "On the North Fork, many gallons of oil have been gathered from the surface of water bodies, and samples sent east have been pronounced of the best quality."
Thursday, October 14
Bruce H. Becker
Bruce H. Becker, 75, died at Veteran's Hospital in Yountville, Calif., on Sept. 29, 2004. Born on March 16, 1929, in Des Lacs, N.D., he was the son of the late Robert Sr. and Mayme Becker of Des Lacs. He was a graduate of St. Leo's High School in Minot, N.D. and of The College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
Relay in Bigfork?
Good morning Bigfork. My name is Susan and for the last four summers I have had the opportunity to participate in the Flathead Valley Relay for Life. Our community has always been so generous in contributing to this worthy cause, donating to my team-The Bigfork Hope Helpers-thank you very much for that. I would like to ask everyone if Bigfork would like to have its own Relay For Life?
Act in haste, repent at leisure
If we are going to fix the school funding issue, let's at least do it thoughtfully.
Be aware
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The goal of this month is to increase public awareness about the realities of domestic violence and encourage all individuals to take action by being a part of the solution by preventing violence before it occurs. By and large, men have not been historically engaged on the issue of preventing violence against women and children. Yet men play a key role in setting social norms for other men-whether permitting and perpetuating inappropriate male behavior or, conversely, promoting more positive attitudes and behavior related to violence against women.
Bigfork Eagle Editorial Creating life
Having a child does not necessarily mean giving birth to one. There are countless numbers of children across the globe longing for loving parents. There are between 100 and 200 million orphans throughout the world. Many dream of stability and safety. They hope for affection and care. They are waiting for their lives to begin. Others have nothing to base such dreams on, for they have never known
Mustang madness
How far should taxpayers go in buying birth control for untamed horses?
Joyce Grinsteiner Briden
Joyce Grinsteiner Briden, 59, passed away Aug. 16, 2004, of natural causes at her residence in Florence, Ariz. She was formerly a Bigfork resident. Joyce was born November 2, 1944 in Bismark, N.D.
Wednesday, October 13
Mustang Madness
How far should taxpayers go in buying birth control for untamed horses?
Kerry's ready to be president?
Some people actually believe that a President should be chosen by his ability to lead. Nonsense! It's all about winning. Fortunately, John Kerry's core belief is winning and has the record to prove it.
Typecast
My daughter, Sophia, is in the seventh grade this year. That means she is beginning to take what I like to refer to as "classes that don't matter so much."
Kats edge Dogs to take conference title
All that matters is the W.
Jopek brings new ideas to legislature
Changing times, natural beauty and evolving human demographics require new thinking. Mike Jopek is an ideal candidate for this task. He is an innovative thinker and naturally questions most processes instead of rehashing and repackaging old solutions to the same problems using tired rhetoric. I am certain that he will bring new solutions to address our state's problems. One party has had complete control of this state for 10 years. We need to change the leadership in Helena for more balanced, moderate government.
Carlo Gallo
A memorial service for Carlo "Barp" Gallo, who died Sept. 4, 2004, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 15, 2004, at the Whitefish Cemetery with Military Honors. A luncheon to follow at the VFW in Whitefish.
Bush says one thing, does another for veteran's
,A lie told often enough becomes the truth" Vladimir Lenin
Look at our problems first
To the editor,
Maxine Lodinoff
Maxine Lamerson Robertson Lodinoff passed away on Oct. 5, 2004, at the Colonial Manor.
She speaks of film
The Fire Next Time, our film about the Flathead Valley, which is being screened this week in the valley, is about how the community deals with conflict. The challenges over growth, the environment and rapid change are being felt deeply in other parts of the country, but most especially in the West. I believe the story of what Flathead Valley citizens are experiencing can encourage other towns to take a hard look at how they're dealing with these changes, as well.
Roman Schwegel
Roman (Romey) P. Schwegel, 74, passed away on Oct. 7, 2004, at North Valley Hospital.
The Way I See It - Why I Will I Vote Yes on I-147
The Whitehall Ledger - Whitehall, Montana
Lights for soldiers
"Lighting a Soldier's Way Home" is one of the new projects at the Montana Veterans Home. It's patriotic, symbolic, worthwhile. The community has an opportunity to use it as well as helping finance the endeavor.
Solution to insurance rates lies in free market
I see an article in the Daily Inter Lake by Dan Weinberg, the Democrat candidate for Senate District 2, where he states that he wants to "Work to place controls on how insurance companies invest. They should not be taking financial risks with our money."
Farmer's Market great success
The 2004 Downtown Whitefish Farmers Market came to a close on Tuesday, September 21, and a big "Thank You" is in order to all who helped make this inaugural season a great success.
Plum Creek responds
To the editor,
Breaking News:
America - circa 2007. Our military is cut to 50% of its current size. The CIA operates on 20% of its present funding. American individuals are not allowed to own guns - any guns. The United States is under the authority of the World Court. The United Nations commands our military engagements around the world.
Committees debunked
To the editor,
Brenneman understands the big picture
There are alot of discussions right now about state and national political contests. The truth is that the race that will have the most immediate impact on our day to day lives is right here in the Flathead. Joe Brenneman is running for county commissioner. Joe is a 4th generation farmer and firefighter. He sits on a variety of agricultural and business boards but most importantly he is a consensus builder. He understands the challenges that the Flathead is facing and believes that we are all county citizens whether we live in Bigfork, Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, or the country.
Bill Beck proponent of insurance incentives
According to insurance industry statistics, health insurance premiums rose almost 500% faster than wages in 2002. As we approach the 2004 elections, there is going to be much discussion on the perceived health care crisis. Montanans must look deeper to find the real reasons why health care costs are spiraling out of control.
By Paul Peters Whitefish Pilot
The Bulldogs suffered a set back
Thanks to the wonderful Whitefish community
The family of Davita Colker Bryant would like to express their appreciation to the friends of Davita and Brian, and to the community, for their outpouring of love and support during these difficult times.
In any sport, achieving a perfect season is a tough goal to accomplish, but the 2004 Bulldog boys golf team did just that.
Boys golf ends with a perfect record
Debbie Hedman
Debbie Hedman passed away Oct. 12, 2004, at Brendan House in Kalispell after a three-year battle with lung cancer. A memorial service will take place Saturday, Oct. 16,, at the Buffalo Hill Funeral Home in Kalispell at 2 p.m. A full obituary will follow next week.
Wednesday, October 6
Postal worker goes above and beyond duty
I would like to commend the dedication and integrity of Ronald Dryden, an employee of the Kalispell Post Office. Mr. Dryden recently went the extra mile in locating an open envelope which I had mistakenly placed in the mail in Whitefish. He was able to find the lost envelope at the Kalispell P.O. And when I asked him by phone to see if my $200 in cash was still there, he volunteered that there actually was $300. Several years ago, Mr. Dryden similarly rescued a valuable airline ticket that was erroneously mailed by my husband.
Luella E. Gnauck
Luella E. Gnauck, 83, of Whitefish, went to be with her Lord on Monday, Sept. 27, 2004, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.
Whitefish Pilot
Cross-valley game puts Whitefish in second standingBy CHRISTINE HENSLEIGH
Trash 'n Treasure sale was a success
The 32nd annual North Valley Hospital Auxiliary Trash 'n Treasure Sale is history. We had a most successful sale, which will insure continued support for hospital projects and medical scholarships for another year. We wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge the many contributions from the Western Building Center, Rocky Mountain Images, and the North Valley Hospital. To the local new media, we thank you for the excellent coverage, interviews, and reminders. We appreciated the "hardware" loans from the Whitefish Credit Union, VFW, Christ Lutheran Church, and Whitefish Church of God. Our gratitude and best wishes go to the personnel and management of the Food Pavilion for all your contributions this and past years. Special thanks go to our workers who spend innumerable hours making this a success each year and to the community for your continuing donations and support.
Payment in kind
To the editor,
City bureaucrats need to respond to concerns
About a month ago the Pilot published my opinion letter titled "Asphalt Coercion," where I expressed my distress about the city's utility supervisor "pave or have your water terminated" letter that was sent to numerous folks this last summer.
Mostly moose
Nothing all that funny happened last week, so I've decided to turn to a serious subject for once: Moose.
Thanks for support at car wash
Last Saturday the Whitefish High School Boys Junior Varsity soccer team held a car wash to raise money to help pay for uniforms and transportation to their games. The weather was fantastic and everyone seemed to want to have their cars washed. We send a big thank you to all that stopped and had the boys wash their cars. We also want to thank the varsity soccer team and their coaches for all their hard work with the car wash, Mike's Conoco for the use of their parking lot and NAPA for donating the soap. Every one's generosity was amazing and we thank you all very much.
Commander in Chief
To the editor,
Lois Jandron
Lois Ann Jandron passed away in the arms of God and her soul mate Fred on Sept. 15, 2004. She was surrounded by her loved ones at home after an amazing and wonderful summer with pancreatic cancer.
Lamberson rescues neighbors from burning 5th St. home
John Lamberson
Joseph Hays
Joseph W. Hays, 84, passed away Sept. 20, 2004, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.
Samuel Bakshas
Samuel E. Bakshas went into the loving arms of his Lord on Sept. 8, 2004, in Spokane, Wash.
Guest opinion
Parents hope for justice
Kats thump Dogs to take conference lead
How sweet it is.
Jay Rowe
Jay Lyle Rowe, age 71, passed away on Oct. 2, 2004, at his home in Columbia Falls.
Vote for clean air
To the editor,
Nelson the obvious choice for Supreme Court
This year's Supreme Court race between Justice Jim Nelson and legislator Cindy Younkin gives voters an easy choice. Montanans need hard-working legal minds on the bench, not legally inexperienced politicians. The choice demands Justice Nelson.
Ted Wolfe Jr.
A mem-orial service for Ted Wolfe Jr. of Whitefish will be held on the first anniversary of his death, Wednesday, Oct. 13, at 10 a.m. at Glacier Memorial Gardens. The Rev. David Kauffman will conduct the service.
The great debate
It is vital for every American to watch or listen to the presidential debates. Vital. We as citizens of this great land need to hear what our next commander in chief is saying-and not saying.
Many thanks
Sometimes in a lifetime we can never repay someone for his or her kindness. In this case the community of Creston and Mountain Brook and those in the Creston Fire District can say thank you and help the Paul Lambert Family. It was Paul and Loretta Lambert that donated land so the community could build the Creston Fire House on Foothill Road. To all of us that is worth millions so we can have fire and emergency protection. All we could say at that time was thank you.
Please keep fruit and garbage away from bears
For the last few weeks, several tired and frustrated Montana Fish Wildlife and Park bear specialists have been trapping, darting and chasing bears in neighborhoods all over town. My neighborhood, Dakota Avenue, has received an extraordinary amount of bear activity. Because the bears are around so frequently, our family has worked hard to pick fruit, bring in garbage and take down the bird feeders. Yet, as I walk around town, I see countless garbage cans tipped over and trash spread all over yards.
James Carrico
James Carrico, 81, of Great Falls, retired railroad engineer, died Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2004, at a hospital in Great Falls.
Search and rescue
Tough, compassionate, dedicated, knowledgeable—all describe volunteers in the North Valley Rescue Association. Jack Thompson is longtime president at the helm of the organization, which was incorporated in 1972.
Donald A. O'Keefe
Donald A. O'Keefe passed away Thursday, Sept. 31, 2004, peacefully asleep at his home.
Health Facts Confusion
Whenever I read some alleged new finding of fact or information that seriously affects my health, I immediately set about analyzing the truth or falsity of the statement. Perhaps we all do that. For example, years ago a thing came out from eastern researchers saying cranberries cause cancer. Within a few minutes I had accepted the validity of the research and told Iris that she should never ever buy another cranberry. Within weeks other people came out with a statement that cranberries were better for you than three weeks in Hawaii.
Florence Termaat
Florence A. Termaat, age 81, passed away on Sept. 30, 2004, at her residence in Kalispell. She was born on Jan. 9, 1923, in Lewistown, the daughter of Charles and Minnie Ruth (Ekstein) Thomas.
Understanding of the judicial role is paramount for voters
Frank Morrison
Albert Joseph Christian
Albert Joseph Christian, 87, died Thursday Sept. 30, 2004, at Northern Montana Hospital in Havre of natural causes.
The majority view
This issue we bring you the story about a film The Fire Next Time: A Not in Our Town Special coming to town about the uglier side of Flathead County's politics.
Dorothy Marie Cox
Dorothy Marie Cox, age 88, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2004 at her residence in Kalispell, Montana. She was born on Sept. 7, 1916 in the Demarsville community south of Kalispell, the daughter of William and Florence (Dowling) Lanegan. She was one of 13 children.
Midway Rental rescues stranded kitty
Thank you to all the wonderful folks at Midway Rental for rescuing the disabled woman's cat. Her cat was stuck atop a 60-foot tree for five days and you offered to help when no one else would. Special thanks to Caleb, from Midway Rental, without whose ingenuity and courage the cat would never have been saved.
Friday, October 1
Mt. St. Helens erupts
MOUNT ST. HELENS, Wash. (AP) - Mount St. Helens belched a thick plume of white steam and ash today,
