Thursday, September 25
Support the troops
People of the Flathead Valley, and beyond, please come forward. Please continue the uniquely American wartime tradition of supporting our troops in combat.
Just say 'NO'
I recently read an article which defied any idea of fair play and common sense. It seems a couple in their eighties offered an apartment for rent. What followed appears to me to be a complete miscarriage of justice. Allegedly, the person was denied the rental because she had a teenage daughter. According to the article, the rental owner suggested that the apartment would not be suitable for the rental applicant due to there not being anything close to the area to provide entertainment or conveniences suitable for a teen. What happened after this is both bizarre and disgusting to me.
Children's Theatre at Crossroads for 'Wonderland'
By Jacob Doran / Bigfork Eagle
Jerry Scott
Jerry Scott's spirit was lifted up to almighty God on Sept. 10, 2008.
Course records set at Two Bear Marathon
Rain and wind doesn't slow hundreds of runners, German man is overall winner
Golfers sweep in Libby, take third in Missoula
The Whitefish High School boys and girls golf teams each finished in third place at the Missoula Invitational last Thursday and Friday. The strong field of teams included teams from Great Falls, Butte, Bozeman, Flathead, Glacier and hosting Missoula schools.
Wilson off base on North Fork Landowners' fees
To the editor,
Qunell speaks to Bigfork sustainability group
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Youth soccer takes a community
As we become involved in our special interest groups, it's hard to imagine how they could have survived without us. Before we become involved, the activity is "not our concern." I would venture to say that youth activities, whether we have children or not, are our concern.
Alex Strickland/Bigfork Eagle - Ariana Shults heads the ball against Columbia Falls on Saturday. The Vals tied the Wild Kats 2-2.
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
House candidate keeps busy in the interim
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
Bulldogs overpower feisty Wildcats
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Taking an after school LEAP
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Late goals give Cats 5-3 soccer win over Bigfork
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
Steve Myers
Steve Myers, 50, passed away Sept. 15, 2008, at his home in Columbia Falls.
$10 million conservation bond on ballot
By HEIDI DESCH / Hungry Horse News
Mistakes cost dearly in Cats' 36-22 loss to Stevi
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
Septic waste disposal poses challenge for county
Northwest Montana News Network
Two-wheeled observations
I've been riding my bike around town lately, not so much because I need the exercise, but because I'm cheap and hate filling the tank more than once a week.
Students make kindness commitment
By HEIDI DESCH / Hungry Horse News
The political game of misinformation and fear
By Steve Qunell
Toni Foster
Toni Rae Foster, 61, passed away Sept. 3, 2008.
Plum Creek small mill in Kalispell suspends operations for rest of year
Plum Creek's finger-joint stud manufacturing facility in Kalispell will suspend operations for the rest of the year. The company will monitor the market to determine if and when demand for the re-manufactured wood product made by this plant increases sufficiently to warrant resuming production.
Odd connections fill the writing life
Being a journalist fills one's life with strange encounters and connections, if not relationships. We meet people briefly, let them (or cajole them to) entrust us with their stories and then we're gone.
Marion Trapp
Marion Virginia Trapp, 86, passed away Sept. 13, 2008, at her residence in Bigfork.
Support the Healthy Montana Kids Plan
Last spring, I met a little girl named Emily who needs new glasses because of a progressive vision problem, but her family can't afford them and she has no health insurance. It was a story I've heard too many times from too many Montanans.
Spikers defeat Ronan
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
Food bank fundraiser
The Town Pump matching funds program for North Valley Food Bank comes back to help one of their own, the mother of a five-year old.
Lady Bulldogs pummel the Wildkats
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Auditor candidates debate health care and coal
By RICHARD HANNERS / for the Eagle
Big Mountain Nordic track nixed this year
Good news for everyone else — La Nina is back
Report sees resilient Montana tourist industry
Montana's nonresident travel is not always understood
Subdivision does not belong in rural area
I'm proud of our valley this week, and I believe your readers should know why. On Sept. 10, the Flathead County Planning Board denied a proposed subdivision eight miles west of Whitefish on the Stillwater River that would chop up 40-plus acres into one-to-three acre lots.
State auditor candidates debate health care and coal
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
Farmer says agriculture will continue here
By RICHARD HANNERS / Northwest Montana News Network
After road blowout, Bulldogs look for fresh start
Homecoming game against Bigfork this Friday starts conference schedule
Vals start season 2-0
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Lying for Fun and Profit
As if it wasn't enough with the 2008 election campaign heating up, Alas! The general hunting season is nearing. This is truly a time when regular folk must be on guard against false information … not just from public figures but also from our normally honest friends and neighbors. Did research on this subject 10 years ago and it bears repeating for the public good:
Floy Stalcup
Floy "Idella" Stalcup, 97, passed away Sept. 8, 2008, at Heritage Place in Kalispell.
Vikings drop home opener 21-6
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Thursday, September 18
Lady Bulldogs win home conference opener
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Lady spikers lose extra-game thriller to Bigfork
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Drew Coco wins Flathead Invitational
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Ruth Snyder
Ruth Snyder, 76, passed away Monday, Sept. 8, 2008, at her home in Columbia Falls.
FWP holds meeting on proposed North Shore park
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Whitefish woman beats Olympic gold medalist
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Judge denies motion in steep slopes case
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
Rae Kalbfleisch
Rae Virgil Kalbfleisch, 78, of Shelby, went to join his wife Ann on Sept. 8, 2008. He died of natural causes.
Letter from the editor
Don't make the race about race
Carlson finishes fifth in Flathead meet
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Harriers run well at Flathead Invite
Shawn Whitman earned 11th place, leading Columbia Falls to seventh place in the varsity boys division of the Flathead Invitational on Saturday at the Kidsport Complex in Kalispell. The Wildcats were the second best Class A team, beaten only by Hamilton.
Wildcats shut out by Loggers, 2-0
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
City Beach bond election turned down
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
Bulldogs can't find endzone in Frenchtown
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Cats edged by Maroons, 26-19
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
Imbroglio
Now that the citizens of the county have had a good laugh over the machinations of city attorney John Phelps' attempt to get Mrs. Spoonovers to remove her delightful and whimsical mural, it is time for the adults to step in and bring this embarrassing situation to a close.
CFBB auction nets more than $30,000
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
AG candidate wants to break Democrat hold
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
Marion Virginia Trapp, 86
Marion Virginia Trapp, age 86, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 3008 at her residence in Bigfork, Montana. She was born on January 11, 1922 in Boulder, Colorado the older of two children of Caroline (Kirby) and Bayne Vogel.
Getting ready for the big time
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Griz DNA study results released
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Take a ride or walk on our trails
This has been a wonderful summer in Whitefish — mild weather, no forest fires and a special year for the introduction of new bike and pedestrian trails.
Many Glacier winter caretaker dies
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
How Montana's legislature works
By Jim Elliot
Flathead Lake Protection Association donates $20,000 to station
By JACOB DORAN / Bigfork Eagle
Bulldog strikers plunder the Pirates
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
City budget hikes property taxes about $20 per average home
By HEIDI DESCH / Hungry Horse News
Vals pick up season's first win
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Positive attitude about economic development
Despite the downturn in the economy and drop in the stock market earlier this week, attitudes were positive during the Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce monthly economic development meeting Tuesday morning at the Back Room.
Swan Hill TV District getting ready for digital
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
The Insect Incident
It looked as if someone had dropped a brilliant bejeweled broach on my garage apron. The early morning sun made it shimmer and gleam like something expensive in a Tiffany window. It was a large dragonfly, brought to earth in a dangerous spot by the chilled predawn air. I cannot exaggerate its brilliance. The 2-inch-long body was entirely a mosaic of tiny incandescent turquoise and cobalt sapphires from head to tail… indescribably intricate. The shimmering translucent wings were stretched over an unbelievable delicate and elaborate frame of veins.
Letters to the Editor
Energy meeting
CFHS focus on student growth
The high school is off to an excellent start for the 2008-09 school year. As summer came to a close the custodial staff put the final finishing touches on the school and after a summer of hard work they had the school looking great for the return of the students. Freshmen students were welcomed to high school on Aug. 25 during the freshmen orientation. CFHS Assistant Principal, Scott Gaiser, continues to seek new ideas to assist freshmen in their transition to the high school and the success of the program was demonstrated by a turnout of approximately 94 of the freshmen students! Mr. Gaiser is also working to establish an Academic Coaching program where faculty members volunteer to assist freshmen students with organizational skills and tracking their progress in classes. A successful freshmen year is foundational to a successful high school experience. The total enrollment for the freshmen class is 200 students, making it the smallest freshmen class we have seen in years. The current enrollment at CFHS is 825 students, down from 872 students at the same time last year.
Thursday, September 11
County speeds up 'doughnut' zoning change
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
New world record set on Whitefish Lake
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Glacier National Park Fund to make former Sunrise Bakery its new home
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
To lower gas prices, all options on the table
By Denny Rehberg
Vomit sounds, pika poop: just another day in Glacier
This summer I've volunteered for a couple of projects in the Park. One is the citizen science loon survey and the other is the pika, goat, and Clark's nutcracker surveys. The idea is to get baseline data on all the species and then, later on, see how the critters are doing 5, 10, 15 years down the line.
Baumgartner leads Cats to 42-0 blitzing of Browning
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
Four more, what for?
To the editor,
Boys and girls are champs at Ronan golf tourney
Both the Whitefish boys and girls golf teams won the Ronan Invitational last Thursday at Mission Mountain Golf Club. The field included all Western Class A teams, from Hamilton to Libby, plus squads from Browning, Glacier and Flathead. A total of 13 teams competed in the one-day event.
Council is right
In my opinion the Whitefish mayor and city councilors made the proper decision when they voted to use tax-increment financing (TIF) money to fund the construction of the Emergency Service Center, instead of using this money to fund the building of a three-story parking structure. The emergency center will house the fire and police departments and a new jail.
Road Dust: A real and spreading problem
By Steve Qunell
Short-handed Lady Bulldogs split two games
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Billings Central gives Whitefish a scare
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Bigfork PTA back in action after hiatus
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Schools head back to court against State
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
Local contract mail carrier nets coveted award
By JACOB DORAN / Bigfork Eagle
School's decision on Peck mystifying
The Bigfork School District's decision to abruptly part ways with Bigfork High School Principal Thom Peck the Friday before the first day of school makes little sense, not least because of the district's insistence on keeping mum over the circumstances.
Project will create 'speedway'
A new city is about to rise on the hill. While your eyes were blinking, Whitefish approved another massive PUD for the Wisconsin strip.
Senate candidate wants smaller government
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
Vice Presidential candidate Biden stumps in Kalispell
By DAVID ERICKSON / Northwest Montana News Network
Win or lose; it's still a great game
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Kindness will lead the way
Leadership matters, it always does. We as a community have the courage to look past our own agendas and care for others, to serve.
CFHS harriers win JV boys, girls titles at Libby
Columbia Falls captured both the junior varsity boys and girls titles at the Libby Invitational on Friday to open the cross country season. Freshman Justin Whitman was the winner of the JV boys race, and sophomore Madison Stolte took top honors in JV girls.
Learning People to Write Good
"How to Write Good" was the headline over a humorous item in our last Reader's Digest. That kind of grammatical tom-foolery has been around for a long time. A regular feature in my Kalispell News reported on people helping others and was titled "Done Good". At first a few readers said, "George, you shouldn't say people 'done good'." A favorite grade school teacher called laughing to say, "George. I learned you better than that." Eventually the idea was accepted for what it was… having fun with bad grammar. I didn't invent "done good", but got inspiration for its use from one of the funniest books I ever read.
Peck officially removed as BHS principal
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Harold Mohn
Harold R. Mohn, 92, of Kalispell, passed away on Friday, Sept. 5, 2008, at the Montana Veterans' Home in Columbia Falls. He was born on July 3, 1916, in the Flathead Valley, the son of the late Alfred and Bertha (Lee) Mohn.
City moves ahead with parking plan
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
Logan Arnst
Logan Daniel Arnst, 16, left this world on Sept. 5, 2008, although his gift remains. Words seem minimal to express his life.
Vikings get new basketball coach
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Bulldogs upset Butte Central
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Bigfork teen hoping to paddle to graduation
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Wildkat spikers swept by Polson
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
Biden to Montana:Change is needed
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Vals come close, but go 0-2 over the weekend
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
School, sewer department agree on hookup
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Vikes fall short against bigger competition
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Marie Antonsen, 93
Marie Antonsen, age 93, of Bigfork, passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2008 at Lakeview Care Center in Bigfork, Montana. She was born on August 14, 1915 in Denmark.
Sewage issues
A troublesome situation has come to my attention that needs to be given some serious consideration. An application is being processed for a State permit to allow raw sewage to be dumped on the ground very near to a well developed residential area. Should this permit be granted, the owners of the adjacent and nearby properties will experience very negative impacts to their expectation of a clean living environment, as well as a decrease in their property values. I find this very disturbing.
Cross-country off to good start
The 2008 high school cross-country season began with an upbeat performance by both the boys and girls teams from Whitefish High School at the Libby Invitational this past weekend.
Condos with a view offered in online auction
By RICHARD HANNERS / Whitefish Pilot
Friday, September 5
Zone change could pave way for Columbia Falls subdivision.
By HEIDI DESCH / Hungry Horse News
Thursday, September 4
Leave train noise alone
With all the controversy going on regarding the trains, I feel compelled to express my views.
Tom Shupert
Tom Kenneth Shupert, 62 went peacefully on Aug. 27, 2008 after a short battle with cancer.
Young CFHS boys open at Park High
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
There is no excuse for cruelty to animals
To the editor,
Former trustee on library issue
As a former Flathead County Library trustee, I would like to briefly discuss my position on the Tidyman's property in downtown Kalispell as a potential library location.
Road dust litigation ill-advised
In an Aug. 28 letter to the editor, Mr. Dennis Groebe stated, "at the last meeting of the North Fork Landowners' Association, it became very clear that a 'small vocal minority' has decided to portray the position that the North Fork property owners do not want any steps taken to control the road dust, while the NFLA Board acknowledged that in their own recent poll, 77 percent of the respondents stated that they desired the road to be maintained and some form of 'dust control measures' to be implemented."
Whitefish golfers do well at opening tourney
The Whitefish High Bulldog golf teams got into full swing with their first tournament of the year at the Meadow Lark Country Club and Eagle Falls Golf Club in the Great Falls Invitational.
Lady spikers look sharp at Tip-off Tourney
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Still no sign of missing man in Glacier
By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Council OK's big subdivision east of town
By HEIDI DESCH / Hungry Horse News
Ride bike? Wear a helmet
You don't always think you need to wear a helmet to ride a few blocks across a small town on (relatively) quiet streets. The threat is cars, right?
Lady Bulldogs look dominant again
Girls allow only one shot on goal against Lady Yellowjackets in soccer opener
The Name Game
Started a column about my latest adventures in home plumbing repair but got too distraught to finish it before going through additional "mild brandy rehabilitation" treatments. No use whimpering to good readers about my pain and mental suffering. So! Using the hand that still works pretty good, I've typed out (stolen) some interesting history on the naming of Flathead settlements.
Proposes traffic solutions
I have been coming to Whitefish since 1993. I have seen it grow from a sleepy resort town to a bustling city.
Charles Quimby
Charles Ray Quimby, 89, passed away at his home in Kalispell on Aug. 26, 2008, of natural causes with his friend, companion and wife, Geraldine, of 66 years at his side. He was born Aug. 11, 1919, to Charlie Jared Quimby and Ollie (Thomas) Quimby in a log cabin behind the East Glacier Inn in Glacier National Park.
Hungry Cats host Browning in season opener
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
Missing vehicle may have caused fatal wreck
Highway Patrol trooper and couple from Hungry Horse killed in accident
Bulldogs lose late lead to Blue Ponies
Whitefish football team looks to be very competitive in conference
Kat spikers post 6-4 mark in WF tourney
By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News
Mural art
Oh give me a break. The city of Whitefish is going to make Mrs. Spoonover's remove its mural sign while not enforcing its restrictions on illegal billboards placed within Whitefish by national advertisement firms.
Third car may have caused triple fatal
By RICHARD HANNERS / Northwest Montana News Network
Supports land and water bond
As a longtime Flathead Valley resident, I am excited about the opportunity to vote yes on a land and water conservation bond in November. It's what the Flathead Valley needs.
'The whole place went nuts'
Montanans played key roles in convention
Wayne Pennecard
Wayne C. Pennecard, 84, left this world for a new adventure on Aug. 27, 2008. Wayne passed at his home in Whitefish, with his son and daughter at his side.
City and county sit down at the table
'Doughnut' transition team finds some common ground
Bulldog boys sting Yellowjackets on the road
By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot
Wednesday, September 3
Bigfork is ready for some football
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Letters to the Editor
Vote yes for conservation
Annual Jazz fest has date with Bigfork
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Bigfork's Season Begins
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
Schweitzer's 'New Day' leaves much desired
Bruce Hanson
With first day looming, school construction on target
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Jensen named assistant principal at BHS, Peck out
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Letter from the editor
Time flies, so this must be fun
A holiday brought to you by working people
By Jim Elliot
Absentee ballots available Oct. 6 for early voting
By RICHARD HANNERS / for the Eagle
Bigfork soccer's triple threat
By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle
BLUAC approves small zone change
By ALEX STRICKLAND / Bigfork Eagle
Knowing names of the neighborhood
G. George Ostrom
