Ellington

Money for community-based services a win-win

As Congress searches for ways to stimulate the economy at the state level, boosting federal Medicaid funding should be at the top of the list.  And the state legislature would be wise to follow suit by preserving the funding for the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services outlined in the Governor’s budget.  Preserving these funds is a win-win for the state.

Kats rally, nip Bravettes, 49-47

It’s not how long you hold the lead in a basketball game, it’s a matter of who’s ahead at the final buzzer.

Hanging by a thread

There’s a wall in my house that we shored up this summer, not because it was going to fall down or anything. No, not that bad. It just had a sag in it. It was one of those walls that extends down from the ceiling and the cupboards hang on it and, over time, it began to sag, ever so slightly.

Study: Glacier an economic engine

Glacier National Park is not just a World Heritage site, a beautiful landscape, a home to many interesting and exotic species. It’s also an economic engine, according to a new study commissioned by the National Park Service.

Another Bigfork-area home goes up in smoke

Fire on Winterhawk Drive is the third in 10 days

Snowflakes mixed with ash on Monday afternoon as a home on Winterhawk Drive north of Bigfork was engulfed in flames.

Result of BPA suit: $17 million loss to CFAC

A multi-tiered federal lawsuit had a poison pill for the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. — it effectively ceased a $17 million annual payment from the Bonneville Power Administration.

Give the gift of wilderness next Christmas

Next year, at this time, Montana’s Congressional Delegation can lay a wonderful gift under our Christmas tree — wilderness.

2009: Where to go from here

Letter from the editor

Alex Strickland

Remembering the blizzard of 1951

Not too long ago several of us were talking about the weather and the severe storms years ago.

Trout Unlimited sponsoring fly tying classes

Starting on Jan. 12, and continuing for five consecutive Monday evenings, the Flathead Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited will conduct free fly tying classes for anyone interested. The classes will be held at Kalispell Middle School, 205 Northwest Lane, starting at 7 p.m. in the school library.

Wildcats shock Flathead, 67-49

Playing opponents from a higher classification will usually make a basketball team better, and getting a dominating win can really be a confidence booster.

'Elves' needed Jan. 10 for Undecorating Day work

Bigfork Eagle

New boys basketball award

During this boys basketball season, the coaching staff will be honoring the player of the week who is a non-starter for that week’s game that has contributed the most to the team in terms of statistics, minutes played and inspirational play. The team member will receive a certificate which will allow him to have a free foot-long Subway sandwich of his choice at the Bigfork Subway. Thus the name given for the reward is “Sub of the Week.”

In tough times, family is still grateful

Mark and Jenny Morgan know things could be worse.

No let up in winter weather expected

Keep those shovels handy and the snowblower gassed up, there’s plenty more of the white stuff headed for the Flathead.

Alfred Western, Jr.

Alfred W. Western, Jr., 55, passed away Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008.

Lena's First Kiss and Mike's Uniform

"Vas joost tickled pink” to get new “Ole and Lena” book for Christmas from Margie Dornfeld. Margie was born in Minot, N.D., thus has been a deep appreciation and understanding of the Scandahoovian sense of humor. She is the one who bought me a hat that says, “I’m Not Norwegian, but Am Taking Pills For It.”

George Waldheim

George Manning Waldheim, 96, quietly passed away Thursday, Dec. 25, 2008, at his Columbia Falls home.

BPA plans talks with aluminum companies

The Bonneville Power Administration is finding a bit of a silver lining in a lawsuit that challenged its contracts with aluminum companies.

2008: The year in sports

Change is inevitable and sports is not immune to this natural process. The Bigfork area saw a great deal of change, as well as the carrying on of traditions in sports throughout 2008. The high school, in particular, had a lot of change, and even changed some negative traditions.

Hearing hope for brighter days

I saw a robin in a tree today as I walked home to lunch. I wouldn’t have known the robin was in the tree, but it called and the call of a robin is distinctive, not so much in June, when it’s common, but in December, when it’s not.

Walking on thin ice

Been ice fishing yet?

A look back at 2008

It’s an easy trap to fall in, to call each year we just lived through the most important, or the best or the worst. But superlatives might just be in order for 2008. Nationally, we’ve seen body blows to the economy, a continued war in Afghanistan and Iraq and one incredibly long — and mercifully over — election season.

Big snows get Blacktail off to strong start

Whether or not the sun was shining last week, faces were shining brightly on Blacktail Mountain, with both the skiers and Blacktail staff grinning from ear to ear over the highly anticipated Christmas Eve opening and near perfect conditions that prevailed throughout the weekend.

Eight B.C. snowmobilers buried in Canadian Flathead

Eight snowmobilers were buried by an avalanche in the Canadian Flathead on Sunday.

Lady Bulldogs fall to Polson by a bucket

By DAVID ERICKSON

Tourist businesses plan to hang in there

Half say booking is down for next year, about a third saw a decline this year

The 2008 tourist season was not a banner year across Montana, according to a survey of tourist businesses, and two-thirds of them expect either a level year or a down year in 2009.

Front page photo

Front page photo

Freezing Fun

David Erickson / Whitefish Pilot

Group helps kids deal with cancer

Angie Olsen and Geri Cochrane are trying to cultivate a tree.

Foreclosures up 400 percent in Flathead

Its a buyers market out there

By RICHARD HANNERS

Supreme Court issues ruling in so-called doughnut case

Whitefish will get preliminary injunction to maintain the status quo until final decision

By RICHARD HANNERS

Conversation, attitude important in tough times

What in the world is the most important to you? That’s a question that can be interpreted in many ways, depending on your frame of mind.

Vikes edged by Big Sky, game against Libby axed

The Bigfork varsity boys basketball team will still be searching for their first win of the season when they come back after the holiday break. They lost last Tuesday’s game against Big Sky, 57-53, and their game against Libby was canceled due to the weather.

Tourist businesses plan to 'hang in there'

The 2008 tourist season was not a banner year across Montana, according to a survey of tourist businesses, and two-thirds of them expect either a level year or a down year in 2009.

Obituaries

Guidotta Bourne, 94

Guidotta Bourne, 94, at Aromas, California on December 19, 2008.

Still not a fan of the neighborhood plan

Reporter Alex Strickland has sunk to a new low in his efforts to defend the Bigfork Neighborhood Plan. When Mr. Strickland gets it wrong, he really gets it wrong. By quoting one phrase - out of context – he distorts my criticism of the plan and makes it sound like I have become a supporter or proponent of the plan. This is NOT an accurate representation of my comments: I remain opposed to many key sections of the plan.

Get ready for a white Christmas

It may have been a little late to the party, but winter is here to stay.

Missoula's towering talent dominates Bigfork

The Bigfork girls varsity basketball team hosted their first home game last Tuesday, and were visited by a big guest — last year’s Class AA state champions Big Sky High School — who beat the Vals 70-42.

Letters to the Editor

Crime(stopping) pays

Back in Ninety Eight

G. George Ostrom

Confessions of a bah-humbug

Letter from the editor

Alex Strickland

Words without opposites

Noon every other Monday is the deadline for me to deliver this column to those newspapers which have the sense—good or bad, I can’t say—to print it. This Thursday is Christmas, but there is no holiday from deadlines for the folks who put out newspapers, even weekly ones. There will be a paper published this week, and it will be on time. And I have to fulfill my obligation to send in my column because some editors may be counting on it to take up space and some readers may be counting on it to take up time.

Two Ferndale houses burn in 16-hour span

Two fires were sparked over the weekend by residents trying to keep the blast of arctic temperatures out of their homes, according to Ferndale Fire Chief Marvin Eaves.

BHS one of two area schools to pass yearly progress standards

Results from the Annual Yearly Progress Report (AYP) mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act are in, and while Bigfork High School continued its record of consecutive passing marks, the school’s math scores have taken a tumble.

Vikes JV team keeps winning ways

Bigfork High School’s junior varsity basketball team continued their winning streak last week when they beat Big Sky High School, 53-50.

School board holds last meeting of 2008

The District 38 school board held its final meeting of the year last Wednesday and, thanks to the winter storm bearing down on the Flathead, made it a quick one.

Elsie Repnak

Elsie Repnak

Waiting for the penguins

Lake almost frozen

David Erickson / Whitefish Pilot

Huge stimulus package could help Sun Road

A Trail Runs Through It supporters also want a piece of the action

A stimulus package under consideration by president-elect Barack Obama aimed at getting the economy going again could provide needed money for Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Association asks for Sun Road funding

The National Parks Conservation Association is calling on the Obama Administration to fund a host of projects through his proposed economic stimulus plan, including $21 million for the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Shop with a Cop

Detective Steve Hughes gathered a group of kids around him at the entrance to Target last week.

Property owners' rights are severely limited

To the editor:

Give gift certificate for a pet

To the editor:

From logging camp to the big stage

Pop artist Annette Strean to perform here, performs regularly with Blue Man Group

Annette Strean will return to the Flathead Valley for a Christmas visit. The talented vocalist grew up in Whitefish before moving to Nashville and making a name for herself with her electronic-pop band Venus Hum, as well as her performances with the legendary Blue Man Group.

Back in Ninety Eight

“Top News” for 2008 will be reviewed by all media this week. To provide a break, I’m going back ten years.

Foreclosures up 400 percent in Flathead

It’s a buyer’s market out there

By RICHARD HANNERS

Dorothy 'Dot' Baldwin

Dorothy “Dot” Mavis Bell Baldwin, 88, passed away at the Immanuel Lutheran Home on Dec. 16, 2008.

Crimestoppers

Crimestoppers

B-ball reunion

B-ball reunion

Many thanks for helping children

To the editor:

Supreme Court issues ruling in doughnut case

Whitefish will get preliminary injunction to maintain the status quo until final decision

By RICHARD HANNERS

Freezing fun

David Erickson / Whitefish Pilot

Telemarkers compete at World Cup races in France

By DAVID ERICKSON

Mat Dogs do well at Eureka tourney

By DAVID ERICKSON

Dan Lundgren

Dan Lundgren, a resident of West Glacier and Kalispell, passed away Monday, Dec. 1, 2008, at the Montana Veterans’ Home in Columbia Falls.

Lions clubs also impact Australia

Most of us do not realize that our local Lions clubs are part of an international organization.

Lady Bulldogs fall to Polson by a bucket

By DAVID ERICKSON

Dogs get swarmed by the Pirates

Idol limited to just 11 points

By DAVID ERICKSON

Coupon problem

oupon problem

Wilderness for next Christmas

Next year, at this time, Montana’s Congressional delegation can lay a wonderful gift under our Christmas tree — wilderness.

Robert Sandquist

Robert C Sandquist, 88, a Merchant Marines captain, died Nov. 17, 2008, in Yuma, Ariz. He was born Sept. 16, 1920, in Chicago, Ill.

Tourist businesses plan to 'hang in there'

Half say booking is down for next year, about a third saw a decline this year

By RICHARD HANNERS

fort to reduce rates appreciated

The Public Service Commission has accepted an agreement which will result in reducing rates for all QWEST customers and expanded Internet service in 27 rural communities around Montana.

Edith Butters

Edith Butters

Mat Cats crown four champs, place second at Eureka

Sal Baccaro, Justin Whitman, Kelly Houle and Kodie Kenfield captured individual championships, leading the Columbia Falls wrestlers to second place at the Buzz Lucey Memorial Tournament on Saturday in Eureka.

Business owner was helpless to alcohol stings

I remember the day well. It was early in the morning and the phone rang. The voice on the other end belonged to one of our employees; she called to tell us that the night before, our swing-shift man failed an alcohol sting. Both of us (my wife and I) felt the bottom fall out from under us. Good God, no — not another failed sting. We had already had three, and we knew this one would be bad. We could hardly believe it.

Columbia Falls Aluminum plant to shut down

Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. on Tuesday announced to workers it was shutting down its plant here.

CFHS sweeps Flathead in basketball; Mat Cats second in Eureka tourney

Columbia Falls basketball teams swept Flathead High School in a varsity doubleheader Friday night (Dec. 19) in Kalispell.

Rohnda Rose

Rhonda Rose

While others seek help, Stoltze looks ahead

Headlines as of late have all been about bailouts — bailouts of banks, bailouts of financial firms, bailouts of auto companies.

Campaign cash flow posted online

Dupont, Jopek and Tutvedt outspent opponents 2-1, Zinke and MacLean were roughly tied in Senate District 2 race

Whitefish Pilot

Edith Butters

Edith Butters, 88, of Mead, Wash., formerly of Columbia Falls, died on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008, at an extended care facility in Spokane, Wash., due to natural causes.

Mat Cats rally for 39-37 win over Libby

Fate was in the capable hands of Shawn Whitman and Jarrett Smith to wrap up Columbia Falls’ conference wrestling dual against Libby on the Mat Cats’ home mat Tuesday night.

Montana settles into the deep freeze

Richard Hanners / Whitefish Pilot

County should get serious on dust problem

To the editor:

Mr. Kaltschmidt goes to Washington

But Montana delegation votes against $14 billion bailout for automakers

By RICHARD HANNERS

Bulldogs lose by a point to AA Glacier

Foul trouble costly for Whitefish

David Erickson / Whitefish Pilot

Ghosts from Christmas Past

There were hidden dangers in our homes at Christmas 20 years ago, and they may still be lurking. This column from 1988 is a “public safety” report. There are things the government wants us to worry about, and you readers know, we rarely joke here about bureaucratic concerns —

Dorothy Heil

Dorothy Allene Heil, 47, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, in Kalispell after a long battle with her illness. She was born on April 14, 1961 in Butte to Donald J. and Helen A. (Ashley) McMillan.

Emily Leighty

Emily Leighty                       

City councilor defends city attorney

I debated for a long time whether or not I wanted to spend my newfound time addressing a letter to the editor. It rarely matters if one is telling the truth. I finally decided that the people of Whitefish do, however, deserve to hear what I have to say.

Flathead Valley goes into the deep freeze

Blizzard blankets the state and won’t leave

David Erickson / Whitefish Pilot

CFHS students giving back to our community

The busy holiday season provides many opportunities for the enjoyment of activities, family and friends. The season also provides the opportunity to give back to the community through service project and volunteering. Service projects provide a win-win for the school and community as the students develop leadership and interpersonal skills, and gain an enhanced awareness of the issues and needs in the community. Students almost always find their involvement rewarding and enjoy the time spent giving back to the community.

Bailout not right for Montana

I recently voted against the proposed government bailout of Detroit’s Big 3 automakers. After all the hearings and debate on the Senate floor, I didn’t believe this bailout was the right thing to do for Montana.

Rena Cain

Rena Jean (Caldbeck) Cain, 57, died Dec. 8, 2008, in Columbia Falls. She was born Jan. 13, 1951, in Kalispell. Rena was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter and sister. She grew up in the Kalispell area with seven siblings.

Big 3 automakers need to restructure

Once again, the President and House Democrats have brought forward a massive bailout plan which falls short of providing adequate protections for taxpayers. As a result, my offices are again being flooded with calls from folks in Montana with one request — vote no.

He's the bike man from Hungry Horse

Rusty Larsen likes garage sales. Can't drive by one without stopping in, poking around, picking up something. Mostly he’s looking for bikes, or bike parts. Seats. Cranks. Gears. Cables. You name it.

Welcoming back Bigfork's student journalists

Letter from the editor

Alex Strickland

Full buses prompt first-time hitchhikers

Two longtime friends e-mailed me about their first experiences as hitchhikers. Delays and full transit buses turned a routine trip into a hitchhiking experience in Glacier National Park.  

Lady 'Dogs battling inexperience, injury

Whitefish Pilot

City attorney explains salary

Questions raised at Dec. 1 city council meeting

Whitefish Pilot

Brunch with Santa support overwhelming

To the editor:

Wildcats bounce back from loss to Dillon, roll past Anaconda, 87-65

It was a difference between day and night for the Columbia Falls varsity basketball team during opening weekend action at the Western A Tip-off Tournament in Hamilton and Corvallis.

Raymond Schott

Raymond R. Schott, 76, passed away Sunday, Dec.7, 2008, at the Montana Veterans’ Home, where he has resided since 2005.

Idol verbally commits to play ball at MSU

Whitefish Pilot

Commissioner looks back at career

Hall says his skin is tougher but it was all worthwhile

Richard Hanners / Whitefish Pilot

Whitefish Realtors meet on city attorney

It was an enlightening meeting today (Dec. 9) in Whitefish. Some 30-40 Whitefish Realtors called the Northwest Montana Association of Realtors (NMAR) president and Government Affairs Committee to task for trying to overthrow the constitutionally-elected Whitefish government and oust John Phelps, Whitefish City Attorney, as they successfully did to former city planner Bob Horne.

Carl Naldrett

Carl Allen Naldrett, Jr., 85, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, surrounded by his family at home in Evergreen. He was born on May 19, 1923 in Salt Creek, Wyo., to Carl Allen and Cleata (Cochran) Naldrett, Sr.

State turns down heli-skiing proposal

‘Test case’ received ‘considerable opposition’ from the public and from adjacent land agencies

Richard Hanners / Whitefish Pilot

Wildkats competitive in losses to Dillon, Anaconda in Tip-off Tournament

Competitive. That’s the best one-word description of the Columbia Falls varsity girls hoop team in its games in the Western A Tip-off Tournament last weekend.

Winter storm rocks the East Shore

Ronan man killed, hundreds of trees uprooted by strong winds

A winter storm that slapped the Flathead Valley on Friday night caused the closure of Highway 35, knocked out power along the East Shore of Flathead Lake and killed one person, according to a spokesman with the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

Obituaries

Roy Eugene Murray, Jr., 88

Flathead Coalition meets with BP exec

Less than a week after a group of concerned citizens asked British Petroleum to at least temporarily suspend plans for a proposed coalbed methane project northwest of Glacier National Park, the provincial government of British Columbia has given the company tacit approval to proceed.

He's the bike man from Hungry Horse

Rusty Larsen likes garage sales. Can't drive by one without stopping in, poking around, picking up something. Mostly he's looking for bikes, or bike parts. Seats. Cranks. Gears. Cables. You name it.

Obama should appoint Roosevelt to Interior post

Key components of leadership are listening and learning. Obama seems to understand this to the relief of at least some of us who did not support him. He has exhibited careful, sure-footed leadership in this transition period. Obama projects stability, and in the shadow of a teetering economy, that is the leadership we need.

Vals split at Hamilton tourney

The Bigfork girls basketball team started their season off last weekend with one win and one loss at the Hamilton Tip Off.

State lands deliver $70 million to public schools

Discussion continues over fate of 440-acre Woods Bay parcel

Bigfork Eagle

Lakeside development assumes new name, image

In early September, the former Eagle’s Crest subdivision, south of Lakeside surprised locals by changing the decorative lettering at the entrance of the gated community, assuming both a new name — Lakeside Club — and what developer Trevor Schaeffer calls a new image.

Girls working to make up for lack of numbers

The Bigfork High School girls basketball teams will try to make up for what they lack in numbers with commitment and dedication.

Auto bailout wasn't right for Montana

I recently voted against the proposed government bailout of Detroit’s “Big Three” automakers.  After all the hearings and debate on the Senate floor, I didn’t believe this bailout was the right thing to do for Montana.

Bigfork Neighborhood Plan grinds through workshop session

The Flathead County Planning Board and members from a pair of Bigfork committees went through the laborious task of work-shopping each page of the Bigfork Neighborhood Plan on Thursday evening. The end result looks to be a plan with language that more closely reflects the Flathead County Commissioners’ view that such advisory documents are non-regulatory.

Full buses prompt first-time hitchhikers

Two longtime friends e-mailed me about their first experiences as hitchhikers. Delays and full transit buses turned a routine trip into a hitchhiking experience in Glacier National Park.   

Bigfork fifth grade team goes undefeated

Perfection is rare in sports. Especially in youth sports. But the Bigfork Middle School fifth grade boys basketball team has experienced one of the rarest types of perfection in sports; an undefeated season.

Easing economic woes for Montana senior citizens

Montanans are struggling financially. This is evident every time I travel throughout the state. The day-to-day living expenses are starting to add up as the instability of the U.S. economy continues.

'A Touch of Christmas' draws new faces

Audiences from around Flathead Lake came to enjoy the Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre benefit concert, “A Touch of Christmas,” last Saturday, where it was staged in a more traditional and festive setting.

Not just jumping on the wagon

A couple of weeks ago I found myself trying decide if I was a bandwagon Griz fan, or just a sports fan lucky enough to be living in the right place at the right time. Two incredible games later I’ve decided I am a University of Montana Grizzly football fan, and always will be no matter where I live.

Board denies request for yoga convention

Northwest Montana News Network

County should get serious on dust problem

To the editor:

Letters to the Editor

Ten Commandments

While others seek help, Stoltze looks ahead

Headlines as of late have all been about bailouts - bailouts of banks, bailouts of financial firms, bailouts of auto companies.

Holiday parade enjoys warmer temps, bigger crowds

While last year’s parade left many disappointed due to the frigid temperatures and general lack of participation, this year’s parade recovered much of what had been lost in the previous year.

Signs designed for avalanche alerts

They're not there to tell motorists the wrong temperature. But that's about all large illuminated signs along U.S. Highway 2 have been doing since they were put up a couple of weeks ago.

Post Office ready for busiest weeks of the year

If you think getting all of your Christmas presents wrapped, boxed up and addressed, just try delivering them. The staff of the Bigfork Post Office is braced for their busiest week of the year as parcels from all over the world stream into Bigfork for the holidays.

Vikes off to a bumpy start

The boys varsity basketball team had a rough start to their season, going 0-2 at the Hamilton Tip Off last weekend.

CFHS girls unveil new offense at Western A Tip-off Tournament

With just one senior and two returning starters, the Columbia Falls varsity girls team expects to show improvement through the 2008-09 basketball season.

Gas leak forces evacuation in Mosquito Flats neighborhood; frigid weather continues

Winter arrived in Columbia Falls over the weekend, but the predicted blizzard didn’t drop as much snow as first thought. Even so, about 40 people in the Mosquito Flats neighborhood had to be evacuated Sunday morning after a gas substation sprung a major leak.

Linda Tamburelli

Linda Marie Tamburelli, 66, lost a very courageous battle with cancer on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008. We have lost a loving wife, a generous mother, a devoted grandmother, sister and the best friend anybody could possibly have.

Gun rules relaxed for national parks

By CHRIS PETERSONHungry Horse News

The Department of Interior late last week approved rule changes that will allow gun owners with concealed weapons permits to legally carry guns in national parks.

Some Big Mountain ski slopes opened Tuesday

Northwest Montana News Network

The Whitefish Mountain Resort opened some terrain on the north slopes of Big Mountain on Tuesday morning (Dec. 9), resort officials announced Monday afternoon.

Study gives griz mortality a mixed review

By CHRIS PETERSONHungry Horse News

A new report by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gives the human-caused grizzly bear mortality rate in the Northern Continental a mixed review.

Morris Neugebauer

"Damn it!" as Morrie would say. Way too soon, Morris David Neugebauer, 64, of Whitefish rode out of this life at "High Noon" on Thanksgiving Day 2008 surrounded by love.

Wildcat cagers open season at tourney with more strength, size

By JOE SOVAHungry Horse News

Despite having a younger team, Columbia Falls has more varsity experience than the Wildcats had to start last season, according to returning head coach Carey Finberg.

Lucille Gibson

Lucille Marcia Gibson, 86, of Columbia Falls passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008, due to natural causes. Lucille was born on April 22, 1922 in Columbus, Neb., to Sutton and Martha Woods.

Mat Cats double Dogs; Houle champ at Polson

Columbia Falls opened the 2009 high school wrestling season by doubling Whitefish in a Northwestern A Conference dual Friday, then the Mat Cats placed ninth at the tough Polson Invitational on Saturday.

Storm closes Highway 35, kills one

Bigfork Eagle

Gun rules relaxed for national parks

The Department of Interior late last week approved rule changes that will allow gun owners with concealed weapons permits to legally carry guns in national parks.

Obituaries

Linda Tamburelli

Blizzard, sub-zero temps expected in Flathead

A blizzard is expected starting Friday night (Dec. 12) and running into Saturday for the greater Glacier National Park area and the Flathead Valley.

Letters to the Editor

Cancer support group looking for your help

Hader's Fishin' Yarn

Had a fine visit with Richard Hader this week. Had never met him before but knew right off he was a very wise and insightful man. Came to my house to tell me he had carefully saved and preserved every single issue of the Kalispell Weekly News for the eight years I had owned and published it, 1974 to 1982. He kindly offered to give me the collection.

Wildcat cagers open season at tourney with more strength, size

By JOE SOVA

Some Big Mountain ski slopes opened Tuesday

Northwest Montana News Network

Winter weather on the way

Weather Service issues Blizzard Warning

Bigfork Eagle

CFHS girls unveil new offense at Western A Tip-off Tournament

With just one senior and two returning starters, the Columbia Falls varsity girls team expects to show improvement through the 2008-09 basketball season.

Study gives griz mortality a mixed review

A new report by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gives the human-caused grizzly bear mortality rate in the Northern Continental a mixed review.

Columbia Falls churches noted

Special edition commemorating the first 100 years in Columbia Falls also had my stories concerning two 100-year-old churches, St. Richard’s Catholic and the Methodist. It was published July 25, 1991.

Mat Cats double Dogs; Houle champ at Polsonn

Columbia Falls opened the 2009 high school wrestling season by doubling Whitefish in a Northwestern A Conference dual Friday, then the Mat Cats placed ninth at the tough Polson Invitational on Saturday.

Wildkats work on new offense

With just one senior and two returning starters, the Columbia Falls varsity girls team expects to show improvement through the 2008-09 basketball season.

Northern Lights win home hockey tourney

For the first time since it began, the home team won the sixth annual Whitefish Women’s Winter Face-off hockey tournament.

Letters to the Editor

Cancer support group looking for your help

Some Big Mountain slopes opened

Northwest Montana

Company plans helicopter tour business and school near landfill

A helicopter company that ran tour flights over Whitefish during Fourth of July weekend and has proposed heli-skiing on state lands in the Whitefish Range and North Fork now plans to set up its main business near the Flathead County landfill.

Hader's Fishin' Yarn

Had a fine visit with Richard Hader this week. Had never met him before but knew right off he was a very wise and insightful man. Came to my house to tell me he had carefully saved and preserved every single issue of the Kalispell Weekly News for the eight years I had owned and published it, 1974 to 1982. He kindly offered to give me the collection.

Parks boss struck by community spirit

After seven months heading up the city’s parks and recreation department, Karl Cozad says he’s amazed by the generosity, collaboration and grassroots volunteerism here in Whitefish.

Gun rules relaxed for Parks

The Department of Interior late last week approved rule changes that will allow gun owners with concealed weapons permits to legally carry guns in national parks.

Mat Cats double Dogs; Houle champ at Polson

Columbia Falls opened the 2009 high school wrestling season by doubling Whitefish in a Northwestern A Conference dual Friday, then the Mat Cats placed ninth at the tough Polson Invitational on Saturday.

Bulldog grapplers fall to Chiefs, Wildcats

The Bulldog wrestlers opened up their season at home on Friday night, going down 0-63 to the Ronan Chiefs and 27-54 to Columbia Falls. It was the opening dual of the 2008 Northwestern A wrestling season for all teams.

Obituaries

Linda Tamburelli

Railroad quiet zones equipment is in place

Soon trains will not sound sirens at State Park Road and Second Street crossings

Neighbors near the Second Street and State Park Road railroad crossings might be glad to know train locomotives will soon be passing by without blasting their sirens.

Flathead Coalition meets with BP exec

B.C. government OKs coalbed methane project northwest of Glacier Park

Less than a week after a group of concerned citizens asked British Petroleum to at least temporarily suspend plans for a proposed coalbed methane project northwest of Glacier National Park, the provincial government of British Columbia has given the company tacit approval to proceed.

Night of Lights Parade

Annual Night of Lights Parade entertains a large crowd along Nucleus Avenue on Friday (Dec. 5)

Churches noted

Special edition commemorating the first 100 years in Columbia Falls also had my stories concerning two 100-year-old churches, St. Richard’s Catholic and the Methodist. It was published July 25, 1991.

Golden Agers budget shortfall hurts seniors

Survey results reveal missed meals and loneliness issues

Recent downturns in income combined with the cost of some needed repairs have left the Whitefish Golden Agers with a looming end-of-year deficit. And with results from a recent quality-of-life survey revealing that loneliness and hunger face many seniors, a budget shortfall is not the sort of news the center hoped to hear at their monthly board meeting.

Doug and Rollie Smith race moved to California

After months of negotiations, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association has decided to move the sanctioned NORAM ski race formerly known as the Doug and Rollie Smith Memorial to Mammoth Mountain in California.

Study gives griz mortality a mixed review

A new report by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gives the human-caused grizzly bear mortality rate in the Northern Continental a mixed review.

Wildcats open season at Western A Tip-off Tourney

Boys have more strength, size this season

Despite having a younger team, Columbia Falls has more varsity experience than the Wildcats had to start last season, according to returning head coach Carey Finberg.

Wave Ryders swim team doubles in size

Bigfork’s local swim team, the Wave Ryders, are now four meets into their season, and it is looking to not only be the biggest team, but one of the best as well.

Vandalism is shameful

Letters to the Editor

We are outraged and appalled at the person(s) who chose to vandalize the newly installed Ten Commandments on the west side of Hwy. 35 just before entering Bigfork. We have spoken to the generous people who installed the Ten Commandments and they have received numerous calls from people like us who are saddened and disappointed by the vandalism. However, some calls have been from people offering to help pay for a new sign.

Bigfork chamber running new gift certificate program

With belt-tightening all over and the always-tempting option of Internet shopping, the Bigfork Chamber of Commerce has unveiled an ingenious way to encourage people to keep their money in Bigfork.

Obituaries

Pearlys Udella Gilbert Stinger, 84

Hader's fishin' yarn

The Trailwatcher

G. George Ostrom

Echo Lake Store building destroyed in fire

By ALEX STRICKLAND

Boys building on years of experience together

BHS basketball preps for start of season

Head Bigfork High School boys basketball coach Lyle Whiteman and his assistant coaches Jason Hall and Michael Edwards spent the beginning of last week watching potential players show off their best moves. But in the end Whiteman had to narrow down the group of about 50 candidates to three teams.

Guns in the park are a bad idea

Letter from the editor

Alex Strickland

VFW gives awards for firefighter, EMT of the year

The Bigfork Veterans of Foreign Wars honored some of Bigfork’s finest last Thursday when they recognized the firefighter and emergency medical technician of the year.

Whitefish and San Francisco

San Francisco is bigger than Whitefish. That fact clearly dictates political issues being remarkably diverse. For instance, down in the "City by the Golden Gate" the people have just decided to forbid police from arresting "girls of the street." Prostitution is still a crime under existing state law, but "The City's" cops aren't going to enforce it anymore. Hanky panky for pay is basically decriminalized within city limits. Proponents of the new ordinance say the measure will free up $11 million spent last year on harassing, arresting and prosecuting those ladies engaged in the "oldest profession."

Whitman, Benner earn most valuable cross country honors

Junior Shawn Whitman and freshman Leesa Benner received Most Valuable Athlete honors during the Columbia Falls High School cross country awards gathering after the completion of the 2008 season.

Consensus is that growth here will take a hiatus and then resume

By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot

Toys for Tots picking up steam

Northwest Montana

Beetle kills provide challenge for forest managers

Guest column

Ellen Simpson

Two AEDs given to BHS, new unit installed at football field

The student body president and vice president at Bigfork High School presented the district office with two automated external defibrillators on Monday, which were purchased by Serra Valentine using money donated from community members.

Let it snow, I beg you

Alex Strickland

Schweitzer should follow other Dems on environment

An open letter to the governor:

Night of Lights coming Friday

It's been a town tradition for more than two decades, and it's always a special evening to kick off the Christmas season. And this year there is something new and exciting.

Looking to the Griz to brighten my fall

I was the first person to fight the idea that summer was ending when the rainy and cold days started to outnumber the sunny ones. I love summer, and winter too, but I just struggle to find a reason to appreciate the shoulder seasons. I am a firm believer that if it is not hot out, it should be snowing.

R ec trail land swap details 'memorialized'

Silicon Valley entrepreneur Michael Goguen will donate $3.1 million total

Marian Cullen

Former teacher and homemaker Marian L. Cullen, 87, of Great Falls died of natural causes Nov. 29, 2008, at a long-term care facility.

Women's hockey tourney at Ice Den

By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot

Letters to the Editor

Hospitality lives here

Big Mountain opening uncertain

By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot

Council reacts to attack on city attorney

By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot

Saddlehorn gives about $40k to community groups

On Monday evening, the very day that the country was officially declared to be in a recession, the Saddlehorn Foundation gave nearly $40,000 to community groups in Bigfork and around the Flathead Valley.

Local racers take on Mexico's desert

Bigfork's Terry Leonard and Jay Manning left last month's Baja Los Cabos 300 race in Mexico with the confirmation that a bad day of racing is still better than any day at work. However, they would have rather left with the first place finish it looked as though they had secured halfway through the race.

Alexander Anderson

Alexander "Bud" Stephen Anderson passed away Nov. 24, 2008, in Palm Springs, Calif.

Concert features traditional and sacred Christmas music

Getting into the Christmas spirit means music and one of the most traditional holiday mood-makers is Handel's "Messiah." On December 13 and 14, Glacier Symphony and Chorale will perform this beloved work along with J.S. Bach's "Magnificat," another sacred but lesser-known piece. The Saturday night concert will be performed at 7:30 p.m. at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center, and Sunday's concert will be held at 3 p.m. at Flathead High School in Kalispell. Chorale Conductor Jim Stanard prepared the singers. John Zoltek, GSC Music Director, will conduct the performances.

County sets aside $100,000 for dusty roads

By HEIDI DESCH / Hungry Horse News

BLUAC approves project for prominent corner

The Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee gave the thumbs-up to a proposal that would develop mixed use business, commercial and residential on the corner of Highway 35 and Holt Drive in Bigfork.

Tracing history of C-Falls mayors

The First 100 Years — 1891 to 1991 — in Columbia Falls was the theme for special section printed July 25, 1991.

Chicken regs given the nod

By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot

Innovative family mill, Stoltze turns 110

By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News

Mat Cats open at Whitefish

By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News

Alma 'Polly' Keeler

Alma “Polly” Keeler went to be with her Lord and Savior on Nov. 26, 2008, after a long battle with cancer. Polly was born on Jan. 6, 1943, in Gillette, Ark., to Ed and Mary Mack.

Holidayfest in Lakeside this Saturday

The 12th annual West Shore Holidayfest is set for this Saturday, Dec. 6. This festive one-day event is held in the Lakeside School gymnasium from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A great mix of attractions is offered throughout the day, with no admission charged.

Morris Neugebauer

“Damn it,” as Morrie would say. Way too soon, Morris David Neugebauer, 64, rode out of this life at “High Noon” on Thanksgiving Day 2008 surrounded by love.

Blacktail, skiers anxious for opening day

It's December, and all over Montana children are anxiously awaiting-well, Christmas, but also-that fluffy white stuff that serves as the primary ingredient in snow forts, igloos, snowmen, sledding hills and a plethora of related snow art and architecture.

Laura May Lytle

Laura May (Thompson) Lytle, 87, passed away peacefully Nov. 26, 2008.

Speaking Out

Establishing park has financial advantages

Obituaries

Edna Marie Ahlefeld, 75

Lots of awards handed out at football banquet

Four Whitefish Bulldogs received all-conference honors at the annual banquet Tuesday night — guard Dustin Beck, receiver Aaron Tkachyk, tackle Dylan Dryden and defensive end Josh Backer.

Learning to Fly

By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot

Stunt studs pump up BHS cheer

The Bigfork High School cheerleading squad's performances are about to get a lot more powerful with the addition of four "stunt studs."

Prepare your body for the ski season

By SAMANTHA GILMAN

Adopt a family with the Rotary Club

As we celebrate Thanks-giving and approach the Christmas season, I celebrate and thank the good Lord for blessing me with the ability to care for my family.