Thursday, November 29
Trent Lott and Daschle's 'old friend'
Trent Lott was all ready for me.
Election decision will wait to January
Last tied election in 1995 had parallels with today’s events
Turkey Trot draws from all over
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Grapplers ready for opener against Ronan
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Hansen, Epperly pull double duty
By FAITH MOLDAN / Bigfork Eagle
Fish and game commissioner shoots grizzly
By CHRIS PETERSON / For the Pilot
Firemen: answering the call to duty
Listening to a Columbia Falls volunteer firemen call on my scanner today brought back a lot of memories.
Thanks for support of BBBS bowling fundraiser
To the editor,
Saved by 'Bill'
Moving slowly into winter and slowly moving from first big holiday of the season, skiers and boarders have a lot to be thankful for.
Candidate lists qualifications
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who supported me in this past election.
Bigfork's youth deserve the best
When I took the job here in Bigfork I had a few preconceptions about the place I would be working. I had only visited the Village in the summer but summer must end, I knew, and when that happened I feared a sleepy little hamlet devoid of anyone who isn't old enough to collect social security.
Flathead Lake featured on new plates
By JACOB DORAN / Bigfork Eagle
Legislators claim planning meeting violated rules
At the Nov. 1 meeting of the Flathead County Planning Board, Gordon Cross, the acting chairman, and Jeff Harris, Flathead County planning director, showed a blatant disregard for the taxpaying citizens of the Flathead Valley and the Montana Constitution.
Women's Hockey Tourney Schedule
Whitefish Northern Lights
Paul Hollister Larson, 66
"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain… I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far…" (Philippians 1:21, 23) Those words from the Apostle Paul were immediately on the lips of Paul H. Larson when he was informed just last week that his death was imminent as his body was being ravaged by diabetes.
Blacktail still waiting for snow
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Hwy 209 to be paved, sealed
Bigfork Eagle
Man could be banned from Columbia Falls
By HEIDI DESCH / Hungry Horse News
Brother, sister thrive performing for crowds
By FAITH MOLDAN
Newspaper Staff Members
Managing editor
Sign is too big
Does the appearance of the entrance to our community matter? Do you care whether a 23-foot-high sign was approved for the height of the North Valley Hospital sign? All other businesses have to have 10-foot-high signs. Does this matter? Sure it does.
Hill fourth in bulls at Canadian Finals
West Glacier bull rider Beau Hill took fourth at the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton earlier this month.
Store's opening delayed by elk collision
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Bowling success
The board of directors, staff and participants of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County would like to thank the community for the wonderful response to the recent Bowl For Kids' Sake fundraiser.
About us
Youth hockey in full swing
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Winter adult recreation leagues begin in January
Kalispell Parks and Recreation winter adult dodgeball, basketball and volleyball begins in mid-January. Entry deadlines are Dec. 19.
Deborah Horn Wilke Beesley
Deborah Kay Horn Wilke Beesley, 47, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007 at her home in Columbia Falls.
Ski area projects mostly on schedule
Chairs 1 and 6 are ready to run, but Chair 2 will be delayed a few weeks
New teachers at Bigfork schools bring youth, energy
By FAITH MOLDAN / Bigfork Eagle
CFHS matmen have more experience, depth this season
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
Stormwater project gets started
By ALEX STRICKLAND
FWP commissioner shoots at charging grizzly
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Northshore Nordic Club introduces new name
By FAITH MOLDAN / Bigfork Eagle
Whitefish Pilot
PO Box 488
Wednesday, November 21
You can blame it on Reuben
The 2007 World Series is now history but while watching the seemingly endless playoffs and then the finals, it still bothered me seeing the dozens upon dozens of brand new, perfectly good, baseballs either hit or thrown by players and batboys up in the stands. It certainly wasn't like that in the "olden days."
GNP Superintendent Holm announces retirement
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Losing our Freedom, one rule at a time
Thanks to the media the public has been alerted that professional and occupational boards under the Montana Department of Labor and Industry can be unreasonable and inflexible. The Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists adopted an administrative rule in 2004 that made the use of a barber pole or any likeness thereof by anyone other than a licensed barber unprofessional conduct and punishable by suspension of license and/or fines. No consideration was given to Melissa Franklin, owner of the Clip Joint, who used the barber pole for 9 years before the rule was adopted, nor was she given an opportunity to challenge the barber test without attending a barber college.
Western Building Center asks city for help with expansion
By HEIDI DESCH / Hungry Horse News
Dramatic growth could snarl traffic on U.S. 93
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
Sen. John Cobb is man of principle
Retiring state Sen. John Cobb is, by all accounts, a man of principle. As such, in his 24 years of legislative service, he has only managed to deeply offend two groups of people — the Democrats and the Republicans.
The Village undergoes its annual transformation
By FAITH MOLDAN - Bigfork Eagle
Barber pole rule is unjust
Thanks to the media, the public has been alerted that professional and occupational boards under the Montana Department of Labor and Industry can be unreasonable and inflexible.
Alex Strickland/Bigfork Eagle
Blanche Seecombe and her youngest son Bob, 75, celebrate her 106th birthday on Saturday at the Lake View Care Center in Bigfork.
Students go folfing for the planet
Environmental club hosts tournament to raise funds and awareness
It's Reuben's Fault
By G. George Ostrom
Flathead sees recent rash of burglaries to homes, businesses
By ALEX STRICKLAND - Bigfork Eagle
Local group gathers goodies for soldiers
By ALEX STRICKLAND
Ferda signs to play ball for UM
University of Montana women's basketball coach Robin Selvig announced Monday that Ashley Ferda has signed a letter of intent to play with the Lady Griz beginning with the 2008-09 season.
A Thanksgiving all star
Letter from the editor
Soccer Tournament
The Adrien’s of Columbia Falls went 5-0 to win the U14 girls division of the Whitefish 5-on-5 soccer tournament held the first weekend of November. Team members are, from left, McKenzie Kizer, Cortney White, Madison Sandefer, Lupa Stene-Ayers, Katy Darling, Cedar Jordt. in the back is coach Aaron Jordt.
Property owners will be doing infastructure improvements
To the editor,
Something to be thankful about
Soldier recovering from ambush in Afghanistan is home for Thanksgiving
Basketball practice for boys and girls teams started Monday.
The Wildcats open the wrestling season on Dec. 1 at the Polson Invitational. In basketball openers, the CFHS boys and girls teams play in the Western A Tip-off Tourney on Dec. 7 and 8 in Columbia Falls and Whitefish.
Search for man missing in Wyoming suspended
On Monday afternoon, the extensive search in the Wind River Range of Wyoming for the husband of a seasonal Glacier National Park ranger was suspended. Fremont County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Jerry Evagelatos said Friday that from 45 to 60 people were searching for missing 46-year-old Clay Rubano, an employee of the National Outdoor Leadership School in Lander, Wyo. Rubano's wife, Rachael Jenkins, is a seasonal park ranger.
Joseph Eastman
Joseph Henry Eastman, age 80, passed away Nov. 3, 2007, in Puyallup, Wash.
Seniors lead the way
By FAITH MOLDAN
Bigfork School Board to try bond again
By ALEX STRICKLAND - Bigfork Eagle
Monument for the community
We'd like to thank the following businesses and organizations that have generously contributed labor, funds and materials to the Community Spirit Monument helping to make this dream become a reality:
Team Exile comes up 100 miles short in Baja 1000
By TERRY LEONARD - for the Bigfork Eagle
Coalition's voice on exploration heard
It was a last-minute decision, and I’m glad I made the right choice. I got a call from Will Hammerquist mid-afternoon on Monday. He asked if either Chris Peterson, Heidi Desch or I would be coming to the Flathead Coalition open house that evening.
No simple answers for big debate
By FAITH MOLDAN - Bigfork Eagle
Election recount ends in a tie vote
Council waits for advice from the city attorney before choosing a winner
Hungry Horse Rural Fire District has full board
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
Thursday, November 15
Gaiser finishes Ford Ironman triathlon
By JOE SOVA - Hungry Horse News
Representatives have not done job on wilderness bill
Will the most recent congressional legislation intended to designate new wilderness areas in Montana become law? Not a chance. Does it deserve to become law? No.
Big donation
The O'Shaughnessy Foun-dation has done it again.
Canyon Plan Update Committee members named
By JOE SOVA - Hungry Horse News
Attending Missing Man Table ceremony an honor
On Sunday, Veterans Day, I was invited to take in the Missing Man Table ceremony at the Montana Veterans' Home. The invitation came from MaryBeth Arnold, one of the first people I met when I moved to Columbia Falls. I really knew her before I came to the Flathead. She was scouting around for a place for me to live in town.
Killer's appeal denied
By NICHOLAS LEDDEN - for the Bigfork Eagle
School grateful
North Valley Music School would like to thank everyone who attended our third annual wine event fundraiser at The Loft.
Agenda is form not function
Having watched from the sidelines, I'd like to present a few observations regarding what appears to be some heavy-handed behavior of the Whitefish city council, planning board and the entities they enlist.
Feeling pain at the pump
In this week's Eagle you'll find a story about rising gas prices and the effects on the local economy. You'll also find a cartoon right below this column about the increasing cost at the pump. The fact that this was in no way planned speaks volumes about how this subject is weighing on people's minds throughout the community.
McGrew wins recount - for now One-third of ballots are 'under votes'
By RICHARD HANNERS
Whitefish finally beats Libby, then falls to Lewistown in title match
Historic numbers for Whitefish
Bigfork business looted, Alex Strickland/Bigfork Eagle vandalized
Bigfork Eagle
A Mighty Wind
By CHRIS PETERSON - Hungry Horse News
Thurman comes alive, aides in successful season
By FAITH MOLDAN
By FAITH MOLDAN - Bigfork Eagle
What Mandy Williams lacks in experience coaching high school basketball, she makes up for with her love of the game.
Thanks, county for road dust control money
To the editor,
There are 'anti-huggers' among us
Saw three sixth-grade boys walking away from a school last Friday. They were obviously a carefree trio, arms draped around each others' shoulders. All were enjoying a jaw breaker-type lollipop which made their cheeks bulge, and they were laughing over some specially shared joke.
French student thanks veterans
The Veterans Day Assembly last Friday at Whitefish High School reminded me that I am alive today because of all the men and women who gave their life for liberty.
Glacier United girls headed to Europe
A Whitefish girls soccer team will be heading to Europe next summer to participate in an international soccer tournament. The team will travel to Barcelona, Spain, to compete in soccer matches with teams from around the world.
Local woman starts teen leadership program
By ALEX STRICKLAND
Hislop, Fields named All-State in soccer
Seven Columbia Falls High School players have been named to their respective Northern A All-Conference teams for 2007, including four players from the Wildkat girls team and three from the Wildcat boys squad.
Foreign workers continue to fill the labor void
By CONSTANCE SEE - Whitefish Pilot
Housing cost
Affordable housing in the Flathead Valley? What a joke.
Senate passes multi-year Amtrak funding
Bill heads to the House, includes studies for two new long-distance rail lines
Tragedy as boy, 3, drowns in bathtub
By HEIDI DESCH - Hungry Horse News
Bigfork High School athletes named all-conference, state
By FAITH MOLDAN - Bigfork Eagle
Mountain lion attacks hunter in Swan
A hunter was attacked by a mountain lion Sunday morning in the Squeezer Creek area south of Swan Lake and was treated for his injuries and released from the hospital.
FV players 'Kickin' it - Euro-Style'
By DIANE MARCH - For the Hungry Horse News
Husband of GNP ranger missing in Wyoming
As of Friday afternoon, the husband of a seasonal Glacier National Park ranger was still missing in the Wind River Range in Wyoming. Fremont County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Jerry Evagelatos said Friday that from 45 to 60 people were searching for 46-year-old Clay Rubano, an employee of the National Outdoor Leadership School in Lander who was missing since last Saturday. Rubano's wife, Rachael Jenkins, is a seasonal park ranger. According to Evagelatos, Rubano had plans for a day hike above the falls on the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River. Rubano did not show up for work at NOLS on Monday and his car was found that afternoon in a parking lot about 10 miles south of Lander. Evagelatos said three helicopters and seven dogs were part of the search effort. The weather has been fairly warm in the area where Rubano was hiking, with a small amount of snow, according to Evagelatos, but the area is brushy and thick — hampering search efforts.
Gas prices jump nationwide
By ALEX STRICKLAND
Bigfork woman to head Montana kids' home
By ALEX STRICKLAND
The Anti-Huggers
By G. George Ostrom
Barbara Thomas
Barbara Jean Thomas peacefully went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007, at home in Columbia Falls, surrounded by family.
Thursday, November 8
Shirley E. Fuller
Nee McDaniel (Aunt Shirley) passed away on October 26, 2007 at 9pm. Shirley loved the Village of Bigfork and the people there. She moved with her daughter and son-in-law to Phoenix, AZ for health reasons. Shirley leaves behind three children and their spouses; Toby and Hyon Fuller; Cathy and Clay Bloomquist and Tim and Chris Fuller; eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She also leaves her only sister Lois Sullivan and her children, Debbie and Les Ingram, Christie and Bob Hand and Jeff Sullivan.
Senators Baucus and Tester seek North Fork protection
Editor's note: Sens. Baucus and Tester recently wrote to the Bush administration about coal mining projects in Canada.
Seeing the world through war: A veteran's story
By Alex Strickland / Bigfork Eagle
BSC mulls lighting concerns
By ALEX STRICKLAND Bigfork Eagle
Flathead Fat Tires grateful
As many of you may or may not know, Whitefish is now home to an impressive bicycle dirt-jump park, located in Armory Park near the Whitefish Airport.
Costume contest was big success
A big thank you to Bulldog Saloon, Casey's, Great Northern Bar and Grill, The Remington, VFW Lounge Lounge and Flathead Beverage for sponsoring this year's Halloween in the 'Fish Costume Contest.
Man bitten at bear park, again
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Take the time to say thanks
A friend of mine — also a writer — likes to call our profession "poofy." He heard it called that in a speech once when the speaker was explaining how it was sometimes embarrassing to explain to someone that you write stories for a living when they farm the land or blacksmith or, worst of all, when they are a soldier.
Veteran recalls World War II 'bonsai' attack on Saipan
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
District unveils high school plan
Conceptual plan could double floor space, school board will look at levy on Nov. 13
Carlson runs her way to success in first season
By FAITH MOLDAN / Bigfork Eagle
Jenson, Muhlfeld, Friel and McGrew are all winners
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
World Community Day success
Another successful year at the Klothes Kloset in Columbia Falls was recognized during the World Community Day observance last Friday (Nov. 2). Many volunteers and shoppers are responsible for the total income shown at $57,900.31.
Bigfork newcomers do well at home speech, debate, drama meet
Bigfork Eagle
Growth policy gets council nod
Two years in the making, city's master plan will come back Nov. 19 for a final vote
Bigfork Elves called to action
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
CFHS winter sports meeting Tuesday
Columbia Falls High School will hold an orientation/information meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 13 for all parents and athletes who are planning on participating in boys basketball, girls basketball and wrestling during the 2007-08 school year. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the CFHS Little Theater.
Threat note found at school
By ALEX STRICKLAND Bigfork Eagle
Little rock, big bear
So I threw this little rock at a big bear the other day and I know what you're thinking — how does that make any sense because anyone with any sense knows that it makes absolutely no sense to throw a small rock, a tiny rock, at a great big animal like a grizzly bear?
Montanans send their opinions on property taxes
Rep. Mike Jopek, D-Whitefish, is an independent-minded farmer.
Toys For Tots kicks off holiday program
Hungry Horse News donates $10 for each new subscription
Veteran's Day thoughts
This weekend we celebrate an important day for America's veterans. Veterans Day is dedicated to honoring the sacrifice of the millions of Americans who have bravely served for our country's freedom. Each year, thousands of families from all over the country come out in their Red, White, and Blue, proudly wave our flag, and recognize the heroes of America's past and present.
Students make donation to Bigfork Fire
By FAITH MOLDAN
Take time to appreciate our American veterans
To the editor:
Valkyries place third
By FAITH MOLDAN
Wildkat spikers fall short of qualifying for state
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
School names October Peacemakers
By ALEX STRICKLAND
Glacier Twins meeting Nov. 15
The Glacier Twins American Legion baseball organization has scheduled a general meeting for Thursday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. in the downstairs meeting room at Mountain West Bank, 601 Spokane Ave. in Whitefish.
Defending state champs headed to state tourney this weekend in Bozeman
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
October Highs
By G. George Ostrom
Local women's team sweeps UM
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Thursday, November 1
Spikers face Ronan at divisional
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
PPL to drop lake levels
By ALEX STRICKLAND
Veterans Day ceremony set Nov. 8 at CFHS
The Murphy Donaldson Chapter of the National Honor Society of Columbia Falls High School is proud to present the annual Veterans' Day Assembly on Thursday, Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. in the high school gymnasium.
Tanner Kolodejchuk
Tanner Robert Kolodejchuk, 22, died on the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2007 at the Columbia Falls home of his Aunt Brenda and Uncle Dave Stewart from medical complications.
Saddlehorn gets nod from BLAUC
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Whitefish PACs register with state
One will not support or oppose candidates, the second one will
Speech, debate, drama team hopeful
By FAITH MOLDAN
City council should lead by example
It's time to move on. The present city government needs to change, and we need a council that respects individual ideas and opinions, keeps the city out of court and better exercises its fiscal responsibilities.
Runaway Blazer crashes into barn
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Witches gather to celebrate Samhain
By CONSTANCE SEE / Whitefish Pilot
Sun Road work going full bore
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Girls lose heartbreaker in OT
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Whitefish gridders trampled by Broncs
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Somers Middle celebrates teacher's life, Red Ribbon Week
By Jacob Doran
Vulnerability of education
Not until Monday night's Board of Trustees work session did I fully realize the vulnerability of education in Columbia Falls School District 6, and some of the other school districts in Montana.
Common sense government
I, like many people who live in and around Whitefish, have watched our community and current city council go through many contentious debates over the last two years. I have been surprised to see our community be drawn into a divisive debate over property rights and growth.
Too many taken too soon
In this week's Bigfork Eagle there are two stories concerning lives ended long before their time. Dawn Bowker, a teacher at Somers Middle School was killed by a drunk driver on her way to work this time last year. Jeffrey Bowman collapsed at football practice only months ago and died a week later in a Kalispell hospital room.
Bike-jumping park becomes a reality
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Cats suffer 24-0 loss to Hamilton
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
The Yoogle Snook Book
Woke up during the night, 11 years ago, with a nonsense poem running through my head. No idea how it got there unless it was from recent picture I'd taken of a grizzly bear's rear end. The poem wouldn't go away so I did mental editing. Got up and wrote it down.
Teachers bring love of learning to Bigfork Elementary.
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Introduction from the new BSC head
My name is Craig Wagner and I have just been elected to the Bigfork Steering Committee as Chairperson. I thought maybe those of you who don't know me would like me to introduce myself to you. I am an enrolled Blackfeet Indian in Browning, MT.
Canadian group chimes in on coal plans
Sometimes there is a moment in the history of a province — a pure, perfect moment — to do something extraordinary, like building a world-renowned children's hospital or hosting a green Olympic games.
BHS begins Viking Gym
By FAITH MOLDAN / Bigfork Eagle
Spikers down C-Falls in three
Whitefish ends overall regular season 11-2, heads to divisionals in Ronan this weekend
Report shows missing physical, good on-field response
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Conservation key election issue
As a member and regular volunteer for the Flathead Chapter of the Montana Conservation Voters, I strongly encourage Whitefish residents to find out where the candidates stand on conservation issues and vote for the people who pledge to protect the qualities that make Whitefish our special home — not just an asset in someone's portfolio. You can learn more on the Web site www.mtvoters.org.
A mother's love
By ALEX STRICKLAND
Strong setbacks are common sense to maintaining clean water
I literally grew up on the shores of Flathead Lake, the third generation of Flathead Valley residents. My family members were among the first merchants in Demersville in the 1880s. I carry on a tradition of a lifetime of business in the Flathead Valley.
Montanans know best about taxes
In the 2007 legislative session, Montanans helped craft legislation which is very helpful to homeowners. I ask for that help again.
First Best Place looks to buy old First Citizen's Bank
By HEIDI DESCH / Hungry Horse News
Vals end regular season 5-5
By FAITH MOLDAN / Bigfork Eagle
Why shoot an albino bear?
To the editor,
Boys beat Libby in nail-biter to claim state title and unprecedented 30th straight win
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Hill riding, Mufasa among stock at PBR World Finals
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
