Friday, August 29
Patrolman, two others die in head-on crash on U.S. 2
The names of two people killed in a head-on collision on Tuesday evening (Aug. 26) on U.S. Highway 2 west of Hungry Horse have been released, as well as a woman who died Thursday afternoon (Aug. 28).
Thursday, August 28
CFHS teams prepare for first action of season
Columbia Falls High School athletes in fall sports conclude pre-season practice either this week or next week in preparation for season openers.
Getting a handle on lake impacts
Cities in the Flathead are easy targets in setting pollution limits
Bulldog football kicks off Saturday
Healthy and excited Whitefish team looks ahead to a brand new season; Havre is up first
Council delays decision on downtown design
Restrictions to Central Avenue offices generate most discussion
Dennis Peterson
Dennis Clyde E. "Pete" Peterson, 61, a long time resident of the Flathead Valley, passed away August 15, 2008, at his home in Whitefish.
So what if the Hungry Horse Dam broke?
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Samuel McMasters
Samuel Adam McMasters, 43, died Aug. 20, 2008, in Seattle. An unexpected heart illness in 1999 resulted in major surgery in Missoula, followed by a complete recovery. Recently the problem recurred and he was airlifted from St. Patrick's Hospital in Missoula to the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, where he died from complications.
Loves Whitefish folks
We have loved Whitefish since the first time we arrived. The people are the best we have ever met in this country.
Too much litter
My wife and I just spent a week in the Whitefish area vacationing. What a beautiful place.
Our natural resources being tied up
To the editor,
Prospects for missing Glacier hiker grow dim
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
The common-sense candidate
John Fuller wants to chair House education committee, use coal revenue to fund schools
Sipe retires as fire chief after 30 years
Long-time department leader to remember the people he served
Spikers open at Whitefish Tip-off Tourney
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
The doughnut rolls
When Mike Jopek and the others on the City of Whitefish Land Growth Committee set out to develop a Critical Land Ordinance Policy to regulate growth, it included the now infamous "doughnut" that included a two-mile radius beyond the city limits. A firestorm of protest erupted from the residents of that area objecting to their being regulated and their land values diminished by a regulatory body for which they could not vote. It is this kind of insensitivity that led to the cry, "No taxation without representation," and the onset of the American Revolution. Consequently, the county commissioners rescinded the inter-local agreement. Despite clear constitutional and common law precedents that reinforce the county's position, the city has chosen to continue its appeal and act as if the "doughnut" belongs to the City of Whitefish.
Patrolman, Hungry Horse man die in head-on crash on U.S. 2
The names of two people killed in a head-on collision on Tuesday evening on U.S. Highway 2 just east of the House of Mystery have been released.
Volleyball starter tournament on Saturday
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Quiet zones are needed
The quiet zone proposal is simply an attempt to enhance this beautiful place we call Whitefish. It's an attempt to reduce the noise pollution that has increased right along with our population.
The Yoodle Snook Beastie Book
Life is not easy for would-be poets. There is frustration and mental suffering. Over ten years ago, when we still had young grandkids, I woke up in the middle of the night recalling son Shannon's photo of a grizzly bear digging under logs. Suddenly a wild rhyme began running through my head… over and over. It wouldn't go away, so finally got up and wrote it down on a piece of paper.
Retracing Hungry Horse News roots
Origin of the Hungry Horse News name is probably general knowledge. However, it is interesting to me to read records and recall some details I had forgotten through the years.
Federal judge favors city on sign ordinance
City did not violate equal protection rights when it tore down billboard sign last year
Appaled by library moves
I am appalled by what happened recently with the library trustee appointments. I am disappointed by the actions taken by the Flathead County Commissioners when they shuffled the board's make-up.
Obama will not change gun laws
During this presidential campaign, we Montanans are going to hear some DC lobbyists and former elected officials saying some alarming things about guns. It's time to call these people out - and tell them to stop distorting the facts to scare us into ignoring the real issues for Montana's sportsmen and women.
Flathead Basin Commission hears of new coal mine
By HEIDI DESCH / Hungry Horse News
Lake Institute gathering data for TMDL model
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
Firefighters say thanks
We would like to show our appreciation for the support the last few weeks as our community was asked to contribute to the growth of Whitefish Fire Department. Thanks to all of those who helped make this possible either with a Yes vote or involvement in the awareness campaign. We look forward to improving the services we provide.
Big Mountain Trail Run draws a big field
The Big Mountain Trail Run took place at Whitefish Mountain Resort on Saturday, Aug. 23. It was a beautiful, cool and sunny day — perfect conditions for a trail run. A total of 51 competitors from as far away as New Jersey and Lousiana participated. The youngest competitor was 6-year-old Leo Ginepra from Kalispell. The oldest competitor was 74-year-old Sally Porcarelli of Whitefish. She has competed in this event for over 20 years. All proceeds from the event benefited the Glacier Nordic Ski Team.
Ryan Simonson-DePratu
Ryan Robert Simonson-DePratu, 26, of Fairfield, a derrick hand on the oil rigs, died from injuries from an industrial auto accident while working in Rock Springs, Wyoming on Thursday.
Mid-Am tournament was a huge success
Volunteers make it happen
Wednesday, August 27
Bowman family sues Bigfork Schools, coach, ex-A.D.
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Obituaries
Mae Ruth Fewer, 46
Letters to the Editor
Conservation bond
Dupont talks growth at Bigfork chat
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Off and running
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
New coaches, fresh start for girls soccer
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Letter from the editor
Is it polling or pulling?
Antique boat show makes waves in Lakeside
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Getting a handle on growth's impacts on water
By RICHARD HANNERS / for the Eagle
Sportsmen should get behind Obama in November
Land Tawney
Getting ready for back to school sports, that is
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Love Times Three: Somers couple has triplets
By JACOB DORAN / Bigfork Eagle
Woods Bay committee seeking larger group
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Coach Peck, four seniors, return to Vals volleyball
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Thursday, August 21
City backs off annexation
By HEIDI DESCH / Hungry Horse News
Local lab wins big in Canada
JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
BHS cheerleaders get ready for new season
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Bigfork resort tax map hits another snag
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Letters to the Editor
Memorial vandalism
Fall athletes report to practice
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Voters pass mill levy
Whitefish voters overwhelmingly approved the idea of raising their property taxes in order to support 24/7 firefighter-paramedic services.
Edwin Lee
Edwin Bryce Lee, passed from life on Aug. 8, 2008 at the age of 85.
Bowman family sues Bigfork Schools
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Celebrating 62 years of news and photographs
Not a month goes by that I don't hear the name of Mel Ruder.
Swan River 4-H Club has strong showing at fair
By JACOB DORAN / Bigfork Eagle
Farmers market a roaring success
In downtown Whitefish, you can eat the scenery
Pepper-spraying dog was an over-reaction
To the woman who pepper-sprayed my dog while passing below my house last evening:
Member/guest tourney slated for this weekend
The very popular member/guest tournament will be held Saturday and Sunday with the first day on the South Course followed by the North on Sunday.
Candidate wants to keep the Flathead special
Steve Qunell of Whitefish has two words for voters —growth and planning
Plenty of ideas for Glacier's 100th birthday
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Printer retires
After 40 years with the company, I have submitted my resignation to the Hagadone Corporation and will be retiring effective Aug. 29.
Local cyclist invited to race in Europe
Marshall Opel meets Levi Leipheimer after winning bronze in California race
Lake Co. density map under fire
By ANDREW FISH / for the Eagle
Leave trains alone
For you newcomers and NIMBYs who do not like trains, there are two passenger trains a day going either east or west. Get on one because you won't be missed.
Bike down Big Mountain in 15 minutes flat
Runaway Train is part of resort's effort to become a mountain-biking destination
Letter from the editor
Endorsing a lack of endorsements
Great picnic
The annual Stumptown Historical Society community picnic on Monday, Aug. 4, was an unbelievable success and an incredible joy.
Park outlines Sun Road fall schedule
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Learning people to write good
G. George Ostrom
Hoops camp results
The Columbia Falls basketball camp hosted by high school varsity boys coach Cary Finberg drew about 120 players this year in grades 3 through 12 recently.
Halpin and Uibel win Whitefish Lake Triathlon
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
A victory for the donut
The Montana Supreme Court's decision to deny the city of Whitefish's request for an emergency injunction means that Flathead County can proceed with assumption of the jurisdiction of the donut.
Lillian Stackhouse
Lillian J. Stackhouse passed away on Aug. 10, 2008, at the age of 94.
Kids can play outside
After reading Mr. Brainard's letter "Tossed from gym," I can imagine the severe psychological damage and physical deterioration suffered by the students affected by this "toss out." The audacity of the school district to allow a group of mostly out-of-state fly-fishermen to use the gym for a meet during the summer.
A night at the Fair
It only comes around once a year, but the Northwest Montana Fair is better than most holidays — you can't eat funnel cakes at Christmas. People from around the Flathead showed up on Friday night to watch the PRCA Rodeo, enjoy fair food and take in the sights.
Unnecessary use of fire department
To the editor,
Flyfishing conclave success
On behalf of the board of directors of the Whitefish Convention and Visitor Bureau, I want to thank the many volunteers who contributed to the success of the recent International Fly Fishing Federation Conclave.
Bigfork man found dead in Flathead Lake
Bigfork Eagle
Bigfork helicopter tours go sky high
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Drug-testing approved for high school
School board OKs suspicion-based program to be implemented right away
Wednesday, August 20
Bowman family sues Bigfork Schools
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Thursday, August 14
Joan Lawlor
Joan Marie Lawlor (also known as Debra Brown), 63, passed away peacefully from natural causes on Aug. 7, 2008, at Colonial Manor in Whitefish.
Short-sighted politics bad for county's future
For more than a decade, the balance of power in Flathead County has been tilted toward a short-sighted view of growth that has ignored the common-sense vision of the majority of our residents and the thousands of hours they have put into planning our shared future. At stake are the very things that make the Flathead a special place to live, work and raise a family.
North Shore parcel set to become park
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
New Glacier superintendent has been hitting the trails
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Resort tax glitch could nullify 2004 sunset vote
Local-option tax proposal could also affect city tax
Chickens could come home to roost
City zoning allows livestock, but some say permits are too expensive and restrictive
Fall sports practices begin Aug. 18 in CF
Practice for all fall sports at Columbia Falls High School begins Monday, Aug. 18.
Library expansion depends on funding
I would like to respond to some recent articles that were written about the library location in Kalispell. I was on the Flathead County Board of Trustees for more than 10 years, so I know the background of the library system.
Likes trains
With all the controversy going on regarding the trains, I feel compelled to express my views.
River Road may lose its rural status as developers plan large subdivision
By HEIDI DESCH / Hungry Horse News
Need help fighting senior exploitation
Senior exploitation is and has been an ongoing subject for our seniors over the years. It is becoming a very large and overwhelming problem with our seniors. They are being exploited by friends, loved ones, by caretakers and even home health personnel. Without even knowing what is happening to our seniors they begin to rely on these people or loved ones and don't even realize they have already started working on their mental state — depending on their condition. Our seniors are very vulnerable.
Celebrating 62 years of news and photographs
Not a month goes by that I don’t hear the name of Mel Ruder.
Marks' parting gift: A downtown parking plan
Escalating costs prohibit both parking garage and emergency services center
State O-Mok-See slated Aug. 30-31
Smith Valley Saddle Club of Kalispell will host the 2008 Montana State O-Mok-See. It will be held at the Flathead Valley Fairgrounds in Kalispell over the Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30 and 31. Starting time is 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
Sailing away the summer days
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Babe Ruth
Once again we were able to follow the state 13-year-old Babe Ruth championship team to a Pacific Northwest Regional Tournament. This year it was held in Kelso, Wash.
Results of Boogie to the Bank 10K run, 5K walk
Here are results of the Boogie to the Bank 10K run and 5K walk, sponsored by Glacier Bank during Heritage Days on July 26:
Fire seems to be following family
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
Coming down from the mountains
After 33 years on the ski patrol, John Gray has found settled down as a farmer
Pay Equity still an issue in the Rocky Mountain West
By Pat Williams
Obituaries
Francis (Frank) Mac Donald, 84
Annual Swan Lake Huckleberry Festival continues to draw fans
By JACOB DORAN / Bigfork Eagle
Whitefish Marine dies while serving in Iraq
Marine Cpl. Stewart Trejo killed in vehicle accident in Anbar province
Camp gets kids excited about outside
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Letters to the Editor
Conservation bond
Park staff looking for 100-year celebration ideas
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Plenty of choices at Bigfork's multiple markets
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Charles Carlson
Charles A. "Chuck" Carlson, 84, of Kent, Wash., passed away July 24, 2008, at Veterans Hospital in Seattle after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Capitalism and the AP News
The Associated Press Bureau in Helena serves the state of Montana media without any major competition. All the newspapers, television and radio stations, covering state news must rely on AP because… there isn't anyone else. United Press pulled out years ago.
Swan Valley still searching for cell service
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Letter from the editor
Every four year, five rings of fun
Jerald Pierce
Jerald D. "Jerry" Pierce, 68, passed away at his residence in Hungry Horse on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008.
Upper Rumble Creek Lake: the precipitous path to a hidden treasure
By JACOB DORAN / Bigfork Eagle
Leave sign alone
So now what? A painted ice cream cone on a shop that sells ice cream cones. So what?
Helen "Ella" Bear
Helen "Ella" Agnes Bear, 92, passed away Aug. 4, 2008, at the Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Whitefish.
Friday, August 8
Great food, rides, animals, shows, the Northwest Montana Fair has it all.
Northwest Montana Fair events start this week
Thursday, August 7
Bigfork teen has seen the world
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Bigfork packed for annual festival
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Fire danger ramps up as area dries out
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Anderson leads CFST to seventh at state meet
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
Vandalism a growing problem at state forest
Just north of Whitefish lays Stillwater State Forest, which encompasses roughly 93,000 acres and is the oldest and largest state forest in Montana. The forest earns revenue in support of various trust beneficiaries, such as Common Schools of Montana, Montana School of Mines, University of Montana. Revenue is earned by managing state school trust lands for agricultural and grazing leases, timber sales, mineral leases, commercial and residential leases, and recreation.
About 'Backpacker' Girls
"Who in the world are those good lookin' young wimmin across our table?" That's what I was wondering while sitting down at the West Glacier Cafe last Thursday morning. The Over the Hill Gang was gathering for weekly adventures and it is not unusual for strange faces to appear. Get query calls and letters from across the nation. Two weeks ago we had five lawyers from Baltimore who had phoned me, seeking info for a hike with "The Gang;" however, these two ladies appeared from right out of the blue.
Letters to the Editor
Circus abuse
Kay Landon
Kay Landon left our world to venture to a special place in heaven on July 24, 2008.
A turtle, a ranger and a marijuana sting
It's not very often that things get dull around here in the summer. Something is always happening, but even so, it's still fun to troll the Internet first thing in the morning and find out what's going on in the other nooks and crannies in the world.
Little sympathy for builder
It is hard to feel much sympathy for Brendon Retz. If he would really like to restore his reputation in Whitefish, he should focus on actions rather than words.
Something about the history was familiar
Doctor and patient are neighbors 16 years after helicopter crash in Alaska
Road issues
My wife and I are frequent visitors to Whitefish and have been for a number of years. For the first time, I felt it necessary to write and express my feelings regarding the road-surfacing in and around Whitefish this July.
City moving forward with quiet zones'
Funding available to silence train horns at State Park, 2nd St. railroad crossings
Supreme Court denies city's motion
Court's action gives county a free hand to plan and zone in the 'doughnut' area
Another bylaws change for BLUAC
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Leave the sign
Good Lord, here we go again, a little more government please.
About "Backpack" Girls
G. George Ostrom
Beware of added land related tax burdens
Clarice Ryan
BHS juniors back from Europe
Two Bigfork High School juniors, Jade Bosic and BreeAnn Bunyea, both 15, recently returned from Europe and a three week adventure as "Student Ambassadors" with the "People to People" delegation which was founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. They had the opportunity to visit, Great Britain, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland.
Junior Tour concludes at Eagle Bend
The Eagle Bend stop on the Junior Tour was Aug. 4, and this is the one of the season. Some local players have played quite well during this year's tour events.
Supports conservation bond
What a breath of fresh air. The Flathead County Commissioners are considering putting a land and water conservation bond on the November ballot. Such a move will prove widely popular and would help protect our natural beauty, clean water and access to hunting, fishing and the outdoors. That sounds like a good deal to me.
Keeping an eye on the lake's health
Whitefish Lake Institute is involved in numerous projects protecting water quality
Glacier All-Stars go 2-2 at regional tourney
Three players suffer broken bones as team battled the top teams in the Northwest
'Doughnut' facts not that complicated
Don't you just love it when a person who wants to conceal their true agenda regarding an issue starts by saying how "complicated" it is. Case in point: Bill Baum's observations on the "doughnut debate debacle" where he states, "There is much more to this controversy than meets the eye… And it's complicated." One could almost take that as an insult. I suppose if you present the Whitefish Critical Areas Ordinance and the doughnut area as a single issue, it could be, but these are two very different issues.
Nelson's celebrates 60 years in business
A small-town hardware store survives in an era of box stores
High gas prices crimping rural health care
Bigfork area especially hard-hit in the Flathead
Maxine Freeman
Maxine Evelyn Freeman, 79, passed away peacefully in her sleep July 31, 2008, while under hospice care in Kalispell. She was born on July 5, 1929, to Max and Evelyn Walters in Havre and lived in Chinook. At age 5 she moved to the Flathead Valley and lived on the family farm while attending her grade school years at Birch Grove School. During her high school years at Flathead High School, Maxine worked at Norm's serving ice cream and popular drinks of the time.
Conservation bond presents rare opportunity
Bill Baum
Glacier Prep goes 2-2 in Regional BR Tournament
By DAVID ERICKSON / For the Hungry Horse News
People sparking fires around the Valley
Firefighters in Northwest Montana have responded to numerous human-caused fires recently and agencies are asking the public to be mindful.
Boy Scouts' Camp Melita Island abuzz with activity
By JACOB DORAN / Bigfork Eagle
Obituaries
$10 million conservation bond not a 'done deal'
To the editor,
Rebecca Curran Roberts
Rebecca Curran Roberts, 57, best friend, mother and grandmother, passed away July 26, 2008, at her home in Whitefish.
Letter from the editor
If at first you don't succeed, tri again
Ideal conditions at annual Montana Cup races
By JACOB DORAN / Bigfork Eagle
Great food, rides, animals, shows, the Northwest Montana Fair has it all.
Northwest Montana Fair events start this week
Big Mountain's superpipe axed
Resort to redirect resources to other terrain park features
Boogie to the Bank 5K results
Here are complete results of the Heritage Days Boogie to the Bank 5K race, sponsored by Glacier Bank and held July 26 in Columbia Falls.
Tournament brings together business and government leaders
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Gobbling up the view: Turkey flies through man's window
By HEIDI DESCH / Hungry Horse News
