Thursday, June 26
Columbia Falls teacher killed in ATV crash
A Columbia Falls junior high teacher died after he rolled his ATV while eastbound on U.S. Highway 2 just outside the city Sunday evening.
Glacier Prep 13s takes tourney title
By DAVID ERICKSON / For the Hungry Horse News
Weather, low water keeping boats off lake
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Donald 'Gene' Stone
Gene Stone, 70, died June 4, 2008, after a courageous battle with cancer. His final day was spent at the Hospice Center at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Park plows reach Logan Pass
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Summer's here; I know, I itch
I've considered writing this column for a few weeks now, but was hesitant that declaring the hot season was here would jinx the whole outfit.
Living and painting in light and shadows
By JACOB DORAN / Bigfork Eagle
James Hailey
James Blair Hailey, or Bubba as he was more widely known throughout the Flathead Valley, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on June 20, 2008, at his new home in Somers. He was 53 years old.
Liquor license opposed by homeowner group
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Visitor says thanks
I would like to thank constable Jason Acheson and Hill Brothers Towing for their quick response when I accidently locked my infant daughter and the car keys in the car.
Green project gets the nod - with toy train
Developer: 'What's wrong with a little fun?'
Forest Service insti tuting 'Wildland Fire Use'
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
75 summers on Lake McDonald
Margaret Cooper missed the first Sun Road dedication but plans to be there this year
Twins' bats silent at Ed Gallo Tourney
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Vals play tourney short-handed
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Hosek wins title at memorial trap shoot
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Joseph Howke
Joseph "Joey" Howke Schlinger Foster Buck, 23, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2008 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He was born Feb. 21, 1985 in Kalispell.
BHS grads come back to start summer boat business
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Cat owners who refuse to alter animals the problem
To the editor,
Volunteers help disabled anglers break barriers
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Crew rafts 98 miles in one day
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
FVCC on-campus housing debated
On-campus housing at Flathead Valley Community College was the center of discussion during the FVCC Community Conversations session at the Back Room in Columbia Falls on Tuesday morning.
Virtual High School closer to reality at BHS
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Recalling early days of Park, Sun Road
By RICHARD HANNERS / For the Hungry Horse News
anti-business
Jan "Messmaker" has in every part of her life been against the people who move to Whitefish or who have more than her.
Driver gets 10 years for fatal DUI accident
Schauf wins revocation hearing three days prior to sentencing
Bureaucracy in way of block party
Does anyone out there remember when the city of Whitefish had culture? Reminisce beer barters in the streets? Can you recall dancing to music in the parks? Chili cook-offs? Is there any recollection of those times when bands used to frequent our town and bless us with their musical prowess?
SAL's Menu
It is startling! If you are unemployed, you hardly ever know what day it is. That is why Editor Joe called me the other morning wondering where my column was. That's when I discovered it was a new week and we were already on Tuesday. Inspiration for this week's epistle will have to arrive now… fast.
A citizen redress
June 30, 2008 may be remembered in history as the day Americans began, in earnest, the moral and solemn process of holding their (servant) Government accountable to the Constitution — under threat of withdrawal of allegiance, support and tax money.
Clifford Jones
Clifford E. Jones, 96, passed away June 19, 2008, at Colonial Manor in Whitefish.
Free lift passes at Big Mountain
WSI addresses passholders surprised by summer lift prices
Spend a week on the Front
As many Montanans prepare to launch their multi-day outdoor adventures, we're all wondering how long these cyan-blue skies and fragrant evenings will prevail over hazy sunsets and sore throats.
Flathead 'overwhelmed' with mosquitos
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Berna Newman
Berna Irene Newman, 88, of Columbia Falls, passed away peacefully onJune 16, 2008, at the Montana Veterans Home, where she spent the last three years of her life.
Ruth Hill
Ruth Margaret (Ryan) Hill, 42, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on June 21, 2008. We have no doubt that she received her angel wings and was welcomed with outstretched arms by the Lord.
Glacier Prep wins Don Houston tourney
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
School drug
policy should address problem
Legend Thunder race this weekend
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Twins A fourth at Gallo Memorial
By DAVID ERICKSON / For the Hungry Horse News
Anonymous buyers creating an 'assemblage'
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
Thursday, June 19
Twins come off a tough road trip without a win
By DAVID ERICKSON/For the Hungry Horse News
Biology students get out of the classroom and into the field
JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Tourist bureau's finances need a look
In response to several editorials and letters concerning the Whitefish Convention and Visitors Bureau, I feel the need to put forth my own opinions and concerns regarding this organization. Before starting, I will point out that I am employed by a business in Whitefish that is not a member of the WCVB, so take that bias as you will.
Louise Lynch Skifun, 83
Louise Lynch Skifun, age 83, passed away on November 29, 2007 at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell, Montana. Louise was born on December 7, 1923 in Kalispell, Montana to William and Jean (Wilson) Lynch. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday June 28, 2008 at Bethany Lutheran Church 8559 Montana Hwy 35 Bigfork, Mt. the family request that in lieu of flowers, memorials in Louise's name be made to either the Bethany Lutheran Memorial Fund c/o Bethany Lutheran Church, or Sletten Cancer Fund 1117 29th Street South Great Falls, Mt 59405, or memorial of donors choice. We invite you to leave condolences at
Run, canoe, bike, kayak and run again
Sixth annual Glacier Challenge relay race is July 12, benefits youth home
Group donates $12k to Bigfork schools for supplies, classes
By ALEX STRICKLAND/Bigfork Eagle
Michael Robert Willcut
Michael Robert Willcut, or "Mikey Bob," as his mother called him, was called up to heaven to join his Grandpa Tom Taylor and Grandpa Roger Willcut, on Saturday, June 14, 2008, when the car accident occurred. He was returning from what he loved best, spending time with good friends in the outdoors of Montana.
Looking for the best Bigfork has to offer
By JORDAN DAWSON/Bigfork Eagle
Home values and property taxes
By Senator Jim Elliot
Gas prices top $4 a gallon
By RICHARD HANNERS/for the Eagle
Two Bear adds half-marathon race
Organizers for the 2008 Two Bear Marathon race have added a half-marathon race to the annual event in response to requests from the running community.
Vikes, Vals get in some tournament play
JORDAN DAWSON/Bigfork Eagle
Cherry growers expect late, light harvest
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Fred Edgerton
Fred W. Edgerton died peacefully June 3, 2008, at Hillside Manor, in Missoula, following a long illness with cancer.
Relay for Life
At this moment there are more than 9 million Americans who can proudly call themselves cancer survivors. They continue to get well and thrive because of their sheer determination, the excellent medical care available to them and the work of many researchers who continue to seek a cure. A good portion of the money that will be raised at this summer's American Cancer Society Bigfork Relay for Life will be used by the Society to continue its funding of that cancer research, both nationwide and right here in Montana.
Columbia Falls man killed in rollover accident on U.S. Highway 2
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Dear Winter Sports Inc.
How do we start this conversation? Disappointed? Ashamed? Enraged? Bitter.
Epperly resigns as Vikes basketball coach
JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
When less is more
Campaign spending at the local level sometimes defies conventional wisdom
Forest not a dumping ground
Appalling.
Hooked on extreme racing
10-day Primal Quest is 500 miles long and 100,000 feet high
Time for the city to step up
Sixteen and a half years ago, I was appointed by the Whitefish City Council to serve on the Whitefish Lake and Lakeshore Committee. At the same time, a young man by the name of Jim Stack was appointed by the Flathead County Commissioners to serve on the same committee.
Meeting on Woods Bay yields little progress
By ALEX STRICKLAND/Bigfork Eagle
Gas prices top $4 per gallon
How that will affect summer tourism is not entirely clear
Drug policies move one step forward
Narrow vote, numerous questions may delay full implementation
City council looks at planning priorities
List includes downtown, vacation rentals, a 'new philosophy' and trees
'Fireproofing' watershed not possible
A plan to lessen wildfire impacts to the city reservoir is not in the works
Young martial artist earns black belt
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Avalanches set back Park plows
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Pig-themed mountain bike race coming to the Pig Farm trails
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Hislop, Fields, will play in Shodair Classic
HELENA — A summertime favorite, the Shodair Soccer Classic kicks off its ninth season this summer in Helena. The event begins mid-week with activities for players, and culminates with the women's and men's games on Saturday, July 26, at 5 and 7 p.m. respectively, at Nelson Stadium on the Carroll College campus in Helena.
Triplett wins bullriding title
Takes title as sophomore
A dog's business
Does your neighbor's dog do its business in your yard? Are you tired of stepping around piles when walking?
Park sellers irked about annexation
By HEIDI DESCH / Hungry Horse News
Relay for Life fundraising potty pilfered
By ALEX STRICKLAND/Bigfork Eagle
Drug policy is weak
I'm writing to express my disappointment in the worthless decision the Whitefish School Board made to proceed with voluntary drug-testing.
A thorny experience
"Well, I can numb it and then dig it out, or I can just dig it out and then if it gets a little too intense we can numb it," the Doc says.
Construction under way at elementary school
By ALEX STRICKLAND/Bigfork Eagle
Vose Robertson
Vose A. Robertson, 93, died June 11, 2008, at Heritage Place in Kalispell.
'Golf,' not just another four-letter word
Growing up in the Strickland household, we knew what words were not to be used and which ones were not to be used in vain. The usual suspects were outlawed — not least because my brother was born as I was entering high school and gaining a knack for salty language — and plenty were only to be used with reverence.
Thanks for voting
I want to say thanks to all of the 7,708 voters who turned out to vote for me in the primary. It's truly exciting that so many folks support a new direction in county politics, a direction away from the politics of the past and toward a vision for the future that respects everyone's rights while taking care of this place we call home.
Thursday, June 12
Alice Stocking
Alice Stocking passed away peacefully at North Valley Hospital on June 7, 2008.
Mildred Wittman, 87
Mildred (Trast) Wittman passed away at 8:45 am on June 5, 2008 of unexpected complications following surgery. She was born in Issaquah, WA, October 31, 1920. She was 87. Her parents were the late Arvo A. Trast and Sirri M. (Talus) Trast.
Erma Hoppe
Erma H. Hoppe, of Whitefish, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 4, 2008. She passed away as a result of congestive heart failure. She resided at Colonial Manor for the past year.
Tourism director should step down
This letter is in reference to Jan Metzmaker's article of April 17 stating her opinion. Every businessperson I've spoken to is very upset by her opinion on tourism. Freedom of speech is a wonderful thing, but how can someone with her opposing opinion be in a paid position to head up the office of Whitefish Convention and Visitors Bureau?
Years later, a father's quest for killer continues
By CHRIS PETERSON/Hungry Horse News
Stormwater sidetracks sewer system?
Sue Hanson/BSAC Chairman
Lake County votes for Sheriff's levy
By JENNIFER McBRIDE/for the Eagle
Recounting the Snoose Myth
Imagine the nerve of some people? In 1995, while I was still in shock trauma from learning Ostroms were part Swede not Norwegian… some non-sympathetic guy from Swan Lake wrote me this note:
Orioles take minors championship
JORDAN DAWSON/Bigfork Eagle
Disagreements continue over 911 center
City sees need to move forward but wants assurances on funding and governance
Bandits soccer team splits weekend games
By JORDAN DAWSON/Bigfork Eagle
AA Twins blanked by Lakers
By DAVID ERICKSON/For the Hungry Horse News
Whitefish sits for a portrait
By OLIVIA KOERNIG/Whitefish Pilot
The syndrome that affects us all
As a journalist, I sit through an ungodly amount of public meetings to report back to you, dear reader, about the many intricate, nuanced — ahh, who am I kidding — boring aspects of local government.
There's no such thing as a free lunch
When was the last time you went to the grocery store and were given free food? When was the last time you went to the gas station and left without paying? (Last time we checked that was illegal.) When was the last time you turned on a light at home and did not have to pay an electricity bill?
Veteran of the 'Summer of Love' mingled with the biggest stars
By DAVID ERICKSON/Whitefish PilotAfter a lifetime spent immersed in rock 'n' roll and improvisational music, Ray Thornhill decided he wanted to give something back.
'Doughnut' residents let their hair down
Business group's survey shows strong opposition to city's 2-mile jurisdiction
DNRC land meeting tonight in Bigfork
By ALEX STRICKLAND/Bigfork Eagle
Gary Moses a shining symbol of Glacier Park
To the editor,
Looking for hosts
You and your family can practice the values of compassion and service each and every day when you host an International exchange student in your home. Join EF Foundation for Foreign Study and take the lead in promoting global understanding and cross cultural awareness, all while invigorating your community and its local schools. Students are between 15 and 18 years old and come with their own spending money and insurance. Host families provide room, board, and a caring environment. Families work with a local coordinator to select a student whose interests match their own.
Where have the 80 years gone?
My belief is that we are only as old as we feel. I teased my peers as octogenarians while fully realizing what goes around comes around. Now it is my turn.
Reichner wins HD 9 primary, Dupont defeats Hall for commission
By ALEX STRICKLAND/Bigfork Eagle
A lesson about water quality
A recent trip to northcentral California to visit with a wheelchair-bound younger brother turned out to also provide an interesting analogy, in my judgment, to what's going on in our Whitefish community. Since this could also be applicable in a larger sense to the Flathead area, I decided it might be worth writing a letter describing what I learned.
CFHS grad Pete contributing to Football Club Hasenthal
By JOE SOVA/Hungry Horse News
Wendy Lohre
Wendy Michele Lohre, 47, of Hungry Horse died very unexpectedly Friday, May 23, 2008, after a brief, courageous battle with cervical cancer.
Lightning survivors had guts, composure
By CHRIS PETERSON/Hungry Horse News
New A.D. eager to help BHS and community
By JORDAN DAWSON/Bigfork Eagle
Muldown thanks
Every year, Muldown Elementary School students benefit from tremendous community support for our health enhancement program.
Candidates reflect on lopsided primary results
By RICHARD HANNERS/For the Hungry Horse News
Great coaching
Since April 12, my daughter has been playing softball, her fourth year. Last week, her team lost the last two games of the season, which was no surprise since to my knowledge they hadn't won one this spring.
Frank Ellman
Frank "Bud" Ellman, 82, passed away June 4, 2008, at Heritage Place in Kalispell.
DOT gives deluge of information at meeting
By ALEX STRICKLAND/Bigfork Eagle
Ervin Eder
Ervin A. Eder, 79, of Missoula, passed away peacefully May 3, 2008.
Rodeo team competes out of the spotlight
By DAVID ERICKSON/Whitefish Pilot
Grad party
As parents of Whitefish High School graduating seniors, the Senior All-Night Party Planning Committee would like to express our gratitude to all the volunteers, parent volunteers, area businesses and community members who contributed to the very successful grad-night party on Saturday, May 31.
His legacy will continue
By JACOB DORAN/Bigfork Eagle
Twins get hammered by Lakers in downpour
By DAVID ERICKSON/Whitefish Pilot
Hader, Fairbank, Grilley, Marcille to CFHS Hall of Fame
Four graduating seniors have been inducted into the Columbia Falls High School Athletic Hall of Fame. They are Sarah Marcille, Chase Fairbank, Michael Hader and Chase Grilley.
Thursday, June 5
Reichner wins HD 9 primary
Bigfork Eagle
DNRC to hold meeting on proposed Woods Bay sale
By ALEX STRICKLAND/Bigfork Eagle
Walter Patterson
The Lord called Walter T. Patterson, 79, home to his heavenly reward on May 26, 2008.
Leonard Hetland
Leonard A. "Lennie" Hetland, 88, of Bismarck, N.D., died May 26, 2008, from complications of Alzheimer's at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center under the care of hospice. His journey was long but with the loving care of family and friends it was made easier.
Roadside service: Baby born along Columbia Falls Stage Road
By JOE SOVA/Hungry Horse News
Summer lift passes last straw
Whitefish Mountain Resort stubbed its toes on locals once again. I would like to commend (not!) the Big Mountain management gurus for their well thought out (again, not!) new summer lift policies.
Nickels, numbers and nudity
Who said, "…striking the two coins (pennies and nickels) at well above their face value set the Treasury and taxpayers back about $100 million last year alone?" That statement was recently made by Luis Gutierrez, Congressman from Illinois whose panel oversees the U.S. Mint. He also said each penny costs 1.26 cents to make and a nickel costs 7.7 cents. Are they going to do away with pennies and nickels? I'm guessing "NO," but they are likely to begin using some metal not as pricey as copper, zinc and nickel. There is talk of minting pennies from steel like they did during World War II. There are people like me who don't understand why the government even makes pennies anymore. Small coins made sense in the olden days when we had penny postcards, a first class letter cost 3 cents to mail, and big jawbreakers only a penny.
irginia MacAulay
Virginia Marie MacAulay, 60, of Whitefish, died in Bremerton, Wash., on May 22, 2008.
Rec trail work moving forward - slowly
State report clarifies use of conservation easements on school trust lands
Charging Federal sales tax on gasoline illegal
Before I was taught "New Math," I had learned that 2+2=4. Times, though, have changed and no American seems to know how to add any more. When I buy gas, it says on the pump I'm paying 60 cents for each gallon for support of the Federal government. That's a sales tax — which is illegal for the Feds to do. What does it do with all our taxes? They tell me I'm paying for a war, helping some Arabs create a government in a desert, that isn't going to last more than six months after we decide to leave.
James Benjamin Kehoe, 45
James Benjamin Kehoe, age 45, of Bigfork, passed away at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell, Montana on Tuesday, May 27, 2008. He was born March 11, 1963 in Kalispell, Montana, the son of Jack and Louise (Willier) Kehoe.
BLUAC's woes with county planning office continue
By ALEX STRICKLAND/Bigfork Eagle
Shades of the Safeway store
It's too bad the city council didn't take a longer look at the plans for the new Park Side Federal Credit Union building.
Best fans say thanks
Last week, my husband Billy and I, along with Christine and Paul Sandry, Sheri and Joe Bell, and Denise and Joe Hamilton were nominated, recognized and honored with the "Fans/Boosters of the Year" Award. This is a letter to say "Thanks!"
City street coffers may see trouble
By HEIDI DESCH/Hungry Horse News
Jerry Simpson
Jerry Bruce Simpson died May 30, 2008, from a massive heart failure while at work for the BNSF Railroad.
Pollution flows downhill to U.S.
Recent news from Washing-ton State sent shivers up my spine and struck too close to home.
School Board holds workshop to examine goals
By ALEX STRICKLAND/Bigfork Eagle
Six inducted to BHS 'Wall of Fame' at awards dinner
By FAITH MOLDAN/Bigfork Eagle
Downtown Criterium race returns Saturday
By DAVID ERICKSON/Whitefish Pilot
Dominant year for Bulldog sports teams
By DAVID ERICKSON/Whitefish Pilot
Graduates, teachers are some of Bigfork's best
It would be a lie for me to say that I wasn't dreading Saturday's commencement ceremony at Bigfork High School. Having suffered through graduations of my own, not to mention those of friends and family, I could think of a lot better ways to spend a sunny Saturday in the Flathead.
Red Sox win again as playoffs approach
Bigfork Eagle
Stormwater committee working on education
By ALEX STRICKLAND/Bigfork Eagle
Consequences of the wrong choice
High school and college graduation is a time to celebrate the achievements of our young people each year, but is also a time when youth are especially at risk. It's also a time when many of them face peer pressure, and youth sometimes make the wrong choice.
Obama, Dupont and MacLean win races
Nobody should be surprised that Sen. Barack Obama handily won Tuesday's Democratic presidential primary in Mon-tana. He was predicted to win, and after the polls closed in Montana and South Dakota, the last states with primaries, Obama claimed the national party's nomination.
Hovercraft saves the day
Paddlers rescued in first use by high-tech craft
Cats smoke Dogs, win eight bouts
By CHRIS PETERSON/Hungry Horse News
Stack and Muhlfeld announce resignation from lakeshore protection committee
By RICHARD HANNERS/Whitefish Pilot
Memorial service had great turnout
I'd like to thank the several hundred Whitefish citizens who turned out for this year's Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony.
Art and commerce, the economic cornerstone
Empty storefronts. Housing foreclosures. Skyrocketing gas prices. We are living with the constant reminder of economic uncertainty on a daily basis. Couple this with a geographic area that has yet to reach the critical mass needed to effectively sustain itself economically independent of transient consumers, and the following question must be raised, "What is driving the economic engine of the Flathead Valley?"
Grilley to play hoops at Jamestown
By JOE SOVA/Hungry Horse News
Dupont beats Hall in primary; Democrats support Obama
By CHRIS PETERSON/Hungry Horse News
Jensen named new AD
By FAITH MOLDAN / Bigfork Eagle
County taking stock of the 'doughnut'
Office will need more staff to finish all the work needed to take over from city
Dryden wins main event at Smoker
By DAVID ERICKSON/Whitefish Pilot
Ray Hanson
Ray S. Hanson, 73, of Eureka, died of natural causes May 31, 2008, at his home in Eureka.
Triplett wins bulls at District
Matt Triplett of Columbia Falls was the average champion in bull riding at the Montana High School Rodeo Association District Rodeo last weekend at the Majestic Valley Arena. Triplett had a total score of 134 on two bulls.
