Monday, August 31
Photos of week Sept. 3
Thursday
Whitefish’s First Thursday Gallery Nights will take place at more than a dozen downtown art galleries on Thursday, Sept. 3 (tonight), from 6-9 p.m.
Glacier scenes X
Friday, August 28
Whitefish Lake Swim
Rehberg suffers broken ankle in boat crash
Bigfork Eagle
Boat crash injures Rehberg, four others
Bigfork Eagle
Rehberg, Barkus, three others injured in boat crash
While his state director Dustin Frost remains hospitalized with a head injury, U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg was released from Kalispell Regional Medical Center Monday and headed for his home in Billings.
Thursday, August 27
Audit finds flawed claims process
An audit of selected county claim warrants conducted after allegations of inappropriate spending by the American Dream Montana organization found no misappropriation of money, but cited several deficiencies in the way claims are processed.
Plenty of differences between original neighborhood plan and 2009 revision
The Lakeside Neighborhood Plan revision was forwarded to the Flathead County Planning Board by the Lakeside Community Council last month, signaling the beginning of the lengthy county process required to enact the document.
Effort to restore Red Bridge looks at funding
Finding funding seems to be the next hurdle in a plan to restore the Red Bridge in Columbia Falls.
Flathead's wooden boat tradition on display
From bark covered canoes to steam powered commercial ships and gasoline-driven tour boats and pleasure craft, wooden boat building has been a tradition on Flathead Lake for centuries.
Questions raised over Central Ave. mock-up
Gangs of Whitefish
Wrong choice to kill bear
To the editor,
Bulldogs soccer young and hungry
Coach O'Brien Byrd doesn't want to call this season a rebuilding year for the Bulldogs boys soccer team. He hates that clich.
Bigfork girls soccer team filled with newcomers
The Bigfork High School girls soccer team is working hard to get all of its athletes on the same level before their season starts on Saturday, Aug. 29, with a home game against Columbia Falls.
Cheers for Volunteers
Hi, they call me Rover, but that's just my stage name — my real name is Addie. I'm a German shepherd. Pictured with me are my buddies, Emily, a poodle, and RJ, a Bichon. They share my stage name.
Gerald Lakes
Gerard Anthony Lakes, 27, passed away Friday, Aug. 14, 2009, in Brooks, Alberta, Canada. The cause of death is still unknown at this time. Gerard was born June 20, 1982, to Mike and Lucie Ann (Purdy) Lakes. He spent his childhood riding dirt bike with his father Mike and brother Mark, and hunting and fishing with his grandpa Clarence.
Businesses key for local fund-raisers
Anyone who operates a business in Bigfork knows there are two very distinct — but nearly equal — economies at play in the Village.
A mystery of nature in the Flathead
Thomas Kuehl
Judge allows hearing on wolf hunts
U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy has granted a request for a hearing to consider a preliminary injunction that would halt pending wolf hunts in Montana and Idaho. The three-hour hearing is scheduled for Aug. 31 at 9 a.m. in the U.S. District Court in Missoula.
Candidate wants reasonable government
After much thought about the city's direction lately and living here for 31 years, I have decided to run for Whitefish City Council. With our present economic conditions here, we need someone who has a business sense and ability to make some hard decisions for the local voters. We do not need more lawsuits — we need people who can solve problems and move on.
Letters to the Editor
Last week the Bigfork Eagle ran a letter to the editor titled "Hooligans in Bigfork?!" containing unsubstantiated accusations concerning a group of downtown businesses. The letter should not have been printed, as it did not meet our required standards to hold civilized public discourse on our opinion pages.
Griz cub necropsy released
A necropsy has determined that the grizzly yearling darted by Glacier National Park rangers on Aug. 17 died from internal bleeding due to laceration of the bear's jugular vein.
Government should go after tax cheats
It is well past time that our government went hightailing after these corporate and wealthy individuals who hide their income in off-shore accounts to avoid paying taxes. President Obama is in hot pursuit of these tax cheaters, so stand back and watch the sparks fly.
Kudos to Fuller
I would like to respond to the letter written about the job Jackie Fuller is doing as the current athletic director at Whitefish High School. I have been following the Whitefish Bulldog sports program for close to 30 years now and have watched the loyalty and true Bulldog tradition of past coaches and players.
CFBB gearing up for annual auction event
In a summer of anniversaries, the Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork's 9th annual auction might not be the longest or the most impressive streak. But it might be the most useful.
Wildkats spikers reload for 2009 campaign
With three returning starters, Columbia Falls High School is reloading on the volleyball court for the 2009 season.
Faro takes all of Pete's money
GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News
Wildkats open with lots of speed, experience
With all but three players returning for 2009, the Columbia Falls High School girls soccer team and its coaches anticipate an excellent season. The Wildkats open the year Saturday with a non-conference match at Bigfork; match time is 1 p.m.
Glenn Speer
Glen Evan Speer, 51, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009, in the comfort of his parents' home — surrounded by his family. Though our beloved Glen is gone from here, he will always be felt in our hearts.
Up the Danny On at Glacier Nordic Run
Eighty-six runners competed Saturday in the Glacier Nordic Trail Run, a 4-mile run up the Danny On Trail on Big Mountain, with 2,200 vertical feet of climbing. The race benefits the Glacier Nordic Ski Team.
Joseph Jankovsky
Joseph Charles Jankovsky III, 40, died peacefully in his sleep on Aug. 12, 2009, in Columbia Falls, after battling a long-term illness. Joe was born, May 5, 1969, in Colorado to Joe and Jeanne Jankovsky. His younger years were spent in the Arapahoe Basin in Colorado, with his family. Later the cattle industry moved them to Montana. They settled in Eureka in 1980 where Joe attended school. He graduated from Lincoln County High in 1988. Then Joe attended Northern Montana College in Havre and Northern Idaho College in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, before moving to Federal Way, Wash., where he met his wife, Kristi.
Merle Voigt
Merle M. Voigt, 84, a lifetime resident of Whitefish, died Aug. 23, 2009, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
BHS soccer player starting charity
Wooden boats on display in Lakeside
Change of season both subtle, startling
Letter from the editor
Superintendent challenges critic
Marcus Brainard, your letter in the Aug. 20 Whitefish Pilot was amazing. This is almost as good as your letter to the Pilot dated July 31, 2008, "Tossed from gym." In both letters you misled the Whitefish community with false accusations, no proof and, most importantly, lacking the intestinal fortitude to address issues in person.
Young, thin Wildcats in a rebuilding mode
Rebuilding is the proper way to describe the Columbia Falls High School soccer program.
About 'Trying Matters'
Was "almost" on a jury one time but defense attorney gave me the "heave ho." Serving on juries is not only a citizen's "right" within our legal system, but also a serious responsibility; however, there are reasons veteran reporters are not often chosen by lawyers in criminal trials … maybe never.
New coach, new class, lots of experience
While some may be wondering if Bigfork High School's switch to Class B was a necessary one, the volleyball team's roster may be the perfect example of the decline in numbers that were the basis of the decision.
Mollusk invasion will wreak havoc
Imagine Montana's premier fishing lakes and streams are devoid of fish. Imagine further Montana's water recreation tourist industry has collapsed. Finally, imagine the devastating economic impact these scenarios would have on those Montana businesses that depend on fishing, water recreation and tourism, and the businesses that service them. Unfortunately, these catastrophic events could occur if Montana does not act immediately and boldly to stop the spread of two small aquatic invasive species – Zebra and Quagga Mussels.
Bigfork Rotary members secure grant for Zambian village
It's unlikely that most Bigfork residents could pinpoint the remote central-African nation of Zambia on a map, but thanks to the work of a few Bigfork Rotarians, more than $20,000 is on its way to help a small village there.
Boat crash injures Rehberg, four others
Bigfork Eagle
Wildcats kick off season Friday night at Stevensville
Wildcat pride on the football field came through in a big way during the 2008 season at Columbia Falls High School, and don't expect that to change this year.
Thursday
An orientation for fifth-grade students and their parents and guardians will take place at Whitefish Middle School on Thursday, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m.
River clean-up to begin in September
The Environmental Protection Agency has ordered BNSF Railway to begin removing contaminated sediments in the upper reach of the Whitefish River by Sept. 25.
Montanan rides around the world as hunger advocate; first stop Whitefish
Chris Sorbi has embarked on the ride of his life.
Rehberg injured in boat crash
U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont., was in stable condition in a Kalispell hospital Friday after a boating crash Thursday night.
Silent speed racers
Boat racing is back in Whitefish — albeit much quieter.
Streetscaping will be positive
I am writing in response to the recent negative feedback that has been focused on the Whitefish City Council with regard to the Downtown Master Plan implementation.
Letters to the editorQRU proves plenty of service to West Shore
The Lakeside Quick Response Unit has just finished their 28th year serving the upper West Shore and Lower Valley community. We were dispatched to 242 emergency calls during the year, an 8 percent increase over the previous year. Every year we are called to a variety of emergency situations.
Tester bill will address forest issues
My friends from Norway were astounded a few years ago as we drove through the forests of western Montana. Their shock was at the waste they saw.
C-Falls men earn black belts
Artist donates painting to Glacier Institute
Twice is nice at lake swim
The water may have been choppy and chilly, but that didn't deter two local swimmers going for repeat wins on Sunday at the Whitefish Lake Swim.
Bigfork boys soccer team has short, strong bench for new season
What the Bigfork High School boys soccer team lacks in quantity this season they hope to make up in quality.
Thursday, August 20
Vets Home gets funding for energy projects
The Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls is the first Montana recipient of energy-efficiency funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Gov. Brian Schweitzer and the Department of Environmental Quality announced last week.
Rangers shoot 'conditioned' griz
Sow killed, one cub dies after tranquilization; other sent to the Bronx Zoo
Too narrow
Dear Mayor Mike Jenson and Whitefish City Council Members:
Cheers for Volunteers
Paul Jeremiassen, his wife Ann and two children came to Montana from California. Their dream was to retire to a quiet, community-based location in the mountains. Previous visits, a sister in Eureka and a mother in Whitefish made this area a natural.
Cynthia Marie Kobylenski, 52
Our beloved Cynthia Marie Kobylenski passed away Sunday August 9. How does one begin to describe the life force of Cindy? To begin, Cindy was born May 30, 1957 in Riverhead, New York to Helen and Frank Ruskowski.
Thursday
An orientation for fifth-grade students and their parents and guardians will take place at Whitefish Middle School on Thursday, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m.
Gaiser sprints away with triathlon
Scott Gaiser wasn't going to let this race slip away in the final few meters — not like he's done in the past.
Fire season getting rained out
Unusual August rains and cool temperatures have all but snuffed out the possibility of a big fire season in Northwest Montana.
Back to school news and reminders
It's that time of year when the thoughts of back to school come upon all of us. The start of a new school year is always an exciting time, not only for students and their parents, but for our teaching staff, as well.
Hunters education class offered at Somers Middle
West Shore News
Change: A farewell to the Flathead
Changes change us.
Property taxes will go up for most Montanans
More than half the state's homeowners will see higher property taxes, according to figures posted by the Montana Department of Revenue. Here in the Flathead, more than three-quarters of homeowners will see a property tax hike.
Sleep tight, soldier
Martin City woman and friends sew pillowcases for troops
BHS sports prep for season in Class B
As Bigfork High School's athletic teams gear up for their new seasons most are undergoing signicicant changes as the school competes in Class B for the first time since the 1996-1997 school year.
Gambling revenue down for the year
Revenue collections from electronic gaming machines in Montana and the Montana Lottery were down 3 percent in fiscal year 2009 compared to the previous year.
Alda Zerr
Alda Pearl Zerr, of Whitefish, 86, passed away Aug. 16, 2009, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center of complications due to pneumonia.
Lack of information delays city budget
Free, reduced-price meals available in District 6
Hiker dies in fall on Ahern Pass
A 67-year-old retired Great Falls neurologist died from a fall on Ahern Pass in Glacier National Park about 2 p.m. Saturday. Dr. William H. Labunetz had been hiking with four others and had climbed Iceberg North earlier in the day. Two of the party broke off, and the remaining three planned to use goat trails to climb down to Ptarmigan Tunnel and then return to Many Glacier campground, where they were staying.
Letter from the editor
Pretty lucky to have the Park
Canyon Community's new pastor
GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News
Jason Wade Rauthe, 35
Jason Wade Rauthe, 35, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday Aug. 9, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center surrounded by his family and friends. He was born Jan. 24, 1974 to Brad and Susan (Riddle) Rauthe in Kalispell, MT.
Hunter education sign-ups Aug. 27
Registration for the Columbia Falls Hunter Education Course will be held on Thursday, Aug. 27 and Monday Aug. 31 at the Columbia Falls City Hall Council Chambers. Hours on both days is 6 to 8 p.m.
Work funded for plume investigation
Montana could see a boost in tourism
Letters to the Editor
Making best of bikes
First West Nile virus case confirmed in Montana
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services recently confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in Montana for 2009. The case was identified in a Lake County adult. According to health officials, the individual most likely acquired the infection in Lake County after receiving numerous mosquito bites.
Lakers meeting highlights North Shore
There was a recurring theme at the Flathead Lakers annual meeting last week at Flathead Lake Lodge in Bigfork. The time to protect land around the Lake, they agreed, is now.
C-Falls opens fall seasons Aug. 28, 29
With Bigfork dropping from Class A to Class B in all sports but soccer, Columbia Falls will have just four conference opponents in football, volleyball, cross country and golf during the 2009-2010 school year.
BHS gets new football scoreboard
Bigfork EagleJust in time for the new school year Bigfork High School had a new scoreboard installed on their football field to replace the one that was destroyed in a windstorm at the end of April.
Martha Buzzell
Martha May Buzzell, 97, entered into rest on Aug. 15, 2009, and this earth lost a very special soul. Martha was born April 20, 1912, in Cottonwood, north of Havre, to William and Cora Staples. She married Curtis Jay Buzzell, March 28, 1931.
Can the government be trusted?
Since Sens, Baucus and Tester can't or won't respond to my comments on the new healthcare program, perhaps they will welcome an open letter to the public.
Cultural Attractions
No one seems to know exactly why certain changes are happening in France and Holland but … there are strange things blowing in the winds of human affairs. Several young Parisian ladies recently told Time Magazine that if you see a woman going topless these days in France, she's probably getting along in years, because the modern women are more demure and modest. There are reasons I find these new attitudes difficult to understand.
Palmer drops out of race
Councilor Nick Palmer announced near the conclusion of the Whitefish City Council's difficult Aug. 17 meeting that he is withdrawing from this fall's council elections.
Strawberry Lake hike steep but stellar
Rising through the mists of what had proven to be a fun and challenging ascent to Strawberry Lake, my breathing was finally beginning to regulate.
Local TV districts make switch
West Shore News
Highway 82 zone change to commission
Bigfork Eagle
Council approves streetscaping bid
Reconstruction of Third Street from Spokane to Baker avenues will proceed this fall, now that the Whitefish City Council has approved the low bid by Sandry Construction, which also includes the 200 block of Central Avenue next spring.
Assessments can be appealed informally
Downtown business and local homeowners can thank Senate Republicans when we pay an additional 15 percent in property taxes in the coming months.
Co-op looking at rate hike, geothermal power
With the Bonneville Power Adminstration raising rates by 7 percent on Oct. 1, Flathead Electric Cooperative could be looking at raising its rates by 3.5 to 4 percent.
Running the 'Dogs
If the Whitefish Bulldogs football team had accumulated any dust over the summer, the season's first two-a-day practice surely washed it off.
'Best Little Whorehouse' review
Community news
America's best idea? National parks
Dayton Duncan has been to all 58 national parks in the U.S. His favorite? Glacier. But not for the reasons you might think.
Most Montanans will see property tax hike
More than half the state's homeowners will see higher property taxes, according to figures posted by the Montana Department of Revenue. Here in the Flathead, more than three-quarters of homeowners will see a property tax hike.
Week in pictures, August 27
Friday, August 14
County planning director, under investigation, responds to allegations
Whitefish Pilot
Scenes from the Fair
Week in pictures, Aug. 20
Whitefish Lake Triathlon 2009
Royal Marcus Blackwell
Royal Marcus Blackwell, son of Cole and Chelsi Blackwell, of Whitefish, was born Aug. 3, 2009, at North Valley Hospital.
Thursday
The Columbia Falls Lions Club meets at 6:30 a.m. on the first and third Thursdays each month at the Back Room, in the same building as the Nite Owl Restaurant. Contact a Lions Club member for information about joining the organization.
Thursday, August 13
Sun Road sees night closure
The night-time road closure on Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road (Sun Road) will be expanded to the Loop to allow crews to prepare the stretch of road from Crystal Point to Haystack for paving in September. Starting Monday, Aug. 17, the Sun Road will be closed from the Loop to the west side of Logan Pass Monday through Thursday, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., and from 2:15 a.m. to 6 a.m.
Kansas State cheerleaders come to BHS camp
The Bigfork High School cheerleading squad received a big boost for their upcoming season, with a clinic taught by Kansas State University cheerleaders and advisors.
Tester's bill fails reality check
Senator Jon Tester's "new style jobs and wilderness Bill," introduced July 17, models the current mode of Congress' handling of legislation:
Docks restaurant trying to attract boaters
Fans of The Docks Restaurant in Lakeside should already know that the restaurant has reopened under new management, since the community has been abuzz with talk about some of the changes that have taken effect.
Council candidates want full 6-week streetscape trial
We are writing regarding rumors we have heard regarding the downtown streetscape project. Specifically, we are concerned that the Whitefish City Council may act to engage the contractors prior to the conclusion of the six-week trial period for the extended sidewalk mock-up.
Baucus raises red flag on gold exploration near Glacier
Montana Sen. Max Baucus has fired off a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton concerning more mining threats to the North Fork of the Flathead.
Glacier all-stars go 0-4 at regional tournament
It was like the movie Ground Hog Day for the Glacier 14-year-old Babe Ruth all-star team at the regional tournament last week in Moscow, Idaho. The next day was a carbon copy of the day before.
Future questions
After many years of public process and multiple public meetings, where residents took the time to turn out and provide feedback on the future of downtown Whitefish, last-minute protests — based largely on misinformation and small-town chatter — are throwing confusion and question into what is a positive step for the future of Whitefish.
Jason Rauthe
Jason Wade Rauthe, 35, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday Aug. 9, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center surrounded by his family and friends. He was born Jan. 24, 1974 to Brad and Susan (Riddle) Rauthe in Kalispell.
Local Venture Crew summits Mt. Rainier
On the afternoon of Aug. 4, Venture Crew 2917 of Whitefish scrambled up the last rocky slopes separating them from their goal. Moments later, they stood at the top of the windswept summit of Mount Rainier, exhausted but victorious.
Skate camp encourages confidence in the park
The calls of, "dropping!" echoed off the concrete at Dave Olseth Memorial Skatepark on Wednesday.
Zip line, alpine slide offer big fun in Whitefish
As I sat in my harness attached to a cable stretching through the trees of Big Mountain, it became apparent that I was about to embark on either the most fun or the scariest thing I had done in a long time.
Thursday
The Columbia Falls Lions Club meets at 6:30 a.m. on the first and third Thursdays each month at the Back Room, in the same building as the Nite Owl Restaurant. Contact a Lions Club member for information about joining the organization.
Jack Hanna films 'Wild' show in Bigfork
Jack Hanna, the wildlife enthusiast who made a name for himself by introducing the world to exotic animals on television, is turning his career in a more family-oriented direction, and hoping that viewers of his show "Jack Hanna's Into the Wild" will follow his example.
Cheers for Volunteers
Myni Ferguson spends most of her waking hours on community projects. Of Scottish origin, she was born in Bombay, India, moved to Singapore, and attended boarding school in Scotland and business school in London.
The Last Time I Saw Johnny
The last time I saw Johnny Robischon was 56 years ago … under unusual circumstances. Memories of that complicated event began creeping back last Sunday when his obituary appeared in the paper. John was a good friend and classmate of my younger brother Ritchey, two years younger than I.
Rollins rancher breeding super-lean 'buff beef'
Most everyone in America has a dream.
Letter from the editor
Lake report some encouraging news
Hiking to Turquoise Lake
BHS artist making a splash
School board OKs budgets that increase slightly
A Ride to Remember
Jean Reithmeier Paul, 78
Jean Reithmeier Paul, age 78, of Bigfork, passed away on Friday, July 31, 2009 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell, Montana. She was born on January 9, 1931 in Kansas City, Kan. to Darrell and Violet (Smith) Garrett.
Leave Central Avenue alone
Could we please leave poor old Central Avenue alone? It's just fine the way it is. Whitefish has been "diddled" and "improved" until it has lost its unique character.
Lakeside rider 5th at Event
For many riders throughout the U.S. and Canada, the Event at Rebecca Farm represents a major opportunity to compete on a world-class course without having traveling to Europe. Jeannine Pukas, of Lakeside, is certainly no exception.
Pedacter Project still popular after almost 10 years
Pedacter Project is by no means a new band in the Bigfork area, but after nearly a decade together they still manage to pack the dance floor at venues all over the village and throughout the Valley.
Common sense in government
My name is Rick Blake and I love this town. My two children go to school here. My wife performs regularly with our local theater companies. We ski, we boat and we give thanks every day for the stunning natural beauty that surrounds us.
Heat, high volume lead to sewer smell
It's not an uncommon occurrence when the days get hot and Bigfork is packed with people, but the sour scent drifting over town from the Bigfork water treatment facility is still an unwelcome summertime guest.
Royal Marcus Blackwell
Royal Marcus Blackwell, son of Cole and Chelsi Blackwell, of Whitefish, was born Aug. 3, 2009, at North Valley Hospital.
Thanks for support of WAEA
To the editor,
Letters to the Editor
Patients first
Dark skies regs kick in next week
The deadline for Whitefish property owners to make their outdoor lighting "dark sky" compliant is only four days away — Aug. 17.
Cosley collection bound for Columbia Falls
The Joe Cosley Collection has found a perfect home at Glacier Discovery Square in Columbia Falls. As part of a partnership between the First Best Place Task Force, a non-profit community organization here, the Northwest Montana Historical Society and Glacier Park Books and Videos, it was announced Friday that the story of the legend of Joe Cosley — mountain man, trapper, one of the first Glacier Park rangers, and larger-than-life hero of Columbia Falls — will finally be on display at a new space in Discovery Square, the local community center.
Darrell Slaybaugh
Darrell A. Slaybaugh, of La Pine, Ore., passed away July 27, 2009.
Bids submitted for downtown street project
The low bid for reconstruction of Third Street and the 200 block of Central Avenue recently came in close to the engineer's estimate. The two segments of the overall downtown infrastructure improvement project were bid together.
Riders cut through the fog at Grizzly Downhill race
The calendar said it was August, but the thermometer read more like November — and that pesky Big Mountain fog machine was making a rare summer appearance, soaking the ground with dew.
Whitefish's daredevils on motorcycles
Former Whitefish resident missing in Bering Sea
Recalling Columbia Falls history
GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News
Remembrances of days past in the Flathead
W Richard Dukelow
Glacier All-Stars knocked out at regional tourney
It was like Groundhog Day for the Glacier 14-year-old Babe Ruth all-star team at the regional tournament last week in Moscow, Idaho.
Letters to the editorLakeside Shoreline Park Plans Available for Comment
The proposed Lakeside park plan is available through September 30 for public viewing and comment at the West Shore Community Library, 100 Bierney Creek Road, Lakeside. The library is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. For library information call 844-3917.
Wildcat grid practice begins Friday
Columbia Falls High School practice for fall sports is on the horizon, with the first football workout set for Friday under new head coach Bill Coleman.
Salazar supports North Fork protection
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar on Monday pledged his support for a long-term solution that would protect the Flathead River from mining threats.
State of the Lake: Clean and clear
Flathead Lake is still among the cleanest large lakes in the world, but increased pollution and rising temperatures paint an uncertain future, according to Dr. Jack Stanford of the Yellow Bay Biological Station.
Thursday, August 6
Nelson swims to high-point state honors
Karyssa Nelson of the Columbia Falls Swim Team captured high-point honors in the girls 9-10 age group at the 2009 Montana State Swim Meet last weekend in Roundup to cap the summer league. Nelson took gold in the 100-meter freestyle and the 100 individual medley.
Glacier in the Clouds
Golf camp gets kids ready for the links
Golf is one of the most beloved summertime activities in Bigfork, and thanks to the Eagle Bend Junior Golf Academy the interest is also spread to the children of the community.
Cheers for Volunteers
Ronnie Budge spent her early days in the area of Salt Lake City and Jackson Hole Wyo. She married her childhood friend, Charles Budge, whose career with the National Park Service led to an interesting and nomadic lifestyle. His various duties from ranger to park superintendent led to 11 different national parks, one of which was Glacier.
William Plummer
William "Bill" Russell Plummer, 58, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, following a short battle with cancer. He was born on July 18, 1951, in Missoula, to Charles and Sylvia Plummer.
Lifted to safety
When the phone rang at Chris Holt's house on July 25, she expected it was her daughter, Stella Holt, calling from Glacier Park.
Glacier 14-year-olds drop first two at regional
Games played by the Glacier 14-year-old all-stars in pool play in the regional Babe Ruth tournament in Moscow, Idaho, are ones the players and coaches would like to erase from memory.
NFYC retains title in Montana Cup Regatta
Last weekend, yachts from Canada to Idaho competed in the annual Montana Cup races on Flathead Lake, between Somers and Mission View Terrace, taking advantage of some of blue skies on Saturday and near perfect winds on Sunday.
Week in pictures, Aug. 13
Autos, dingbats, and the AP
The Trailwatcher / G. George Ostrom
Austyn Darrel Schwegel
Austyn Darrel Schwegel, son of Kyle and Mindy Schwegel, of Columbia Falls, was born June 23, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Missing kayaker found safe Tuesday night
A search for a missing kayaker in Glacier National Park ended happily after the boy was rescued Tuesday evening.
Somers Reunion recaptures forgotten historyBy Jacob Doran / West Shore News
The highly anticipated Somers Reunion, which took place last Saturday in the Somers fire hall, drew a sizable crowd of current and former Somers residents from all over the United States, as well as those from more distant shores.
North Flathead Yacht Club retains Montana Cup
Hiking to one of Glacier's best views
Thursday
The Columbia Falls Lions Club meets at 6:30 a.m. on the first and third Thursdays each month at the Back Room, in the same building as the Nite Owl Restaurant. Contact a Lions Club member for information about joining the organization.
NRA grant helps gun club update range
A large-scale renovation of the pistol range at the Bigfork Gun Club south of Ferndale is complete thanks to a $4,600 grant from the National Rifle Association.
NV Hospital appoints new chief of staff
Dr. Mirna Bowden is North Valley Hospital's new chief of staff. As a physician dedicated to advocacy and outreach, Bowden, a board-certified in OB/GYN, is a perfect fit for the position.
Wave Ryders pull in 17 golds at state meet
The Wave Ryder Swim Club finished their long course season last month by earning 46 medals at the state meet in Bozeman, 17 of which were gold.
Triplett makes Draft Teamster Hall of Fame
Whitefish resident, Tom Triplett, 81, has been selected as an inductee for the Montana Draft Teamster Hall of Fame.
Former Bulldogs coach set to join Providence staff
Former Whitefish High School boys basketball coach Eric Stang has accepted a position as graduate coaching assistant at Providence College in Rhode Island.
Council fails to pass vendor amendment
Salazar may visit Whitefish
Robert Dale McMurren, 87
Robert Dale McMurren, loving husband of Irene McMurren passed away on July 25, 2009, at 9:20 p.m. at his Bigfork Ranch after a short battle with cancer. Dale is survived by his wife Irene McMurren, sister Kathryn Hopp, son Alec McMurren, daughter Kay McMurren and grandchildren, George, Kelly, and Matthew O'Connor, Anna and Issac McMurren.
Fire department working for citizens
As the new Fire Chief, I am excited to be in this new position. I have a great paid staff and volunteers. They are truly dedicated individuals. I will be writing a monthly column to let the community know what we are doing at the Bigfork Fire Department.
Council sends neighborhood plan to planning board
The Lakeside County Water & Sewer District meeting room resounded with applause, last Tuesday, when the Lakeside Community Council announced a unanimous vote to send the recent Lakeside Neighborhood Plan update on to the Flathead County Planning Board to begin the next phase in the revision process.
Harris responds to allegations
Late last month, Flathead County planning director Jeff Harris submitted a formal response to the Flathead County Board of County Commissioners, regarding allegations of abuses brought before the commissioners in early July by supporters of the property-rights group American Dream Montana.
Property taxes mitigated by House bill
Within the next couple weeks, all property tax owners in the state of Montana will receive their new property value assessment notice from the Montana Department of Revenue. There will be bad news and good news.
Raymond Murphy
Raymond Dennis Murphy, 72, of Plains passed away Thursday, July 23, 2009, following a motor vehicle accident. He was born Oct. 15, 1937, in Great Falls to Evelyn and Lee Murphy.
Autos, Dingbats and AP
Few years back my car was acting up so drove it to the garage. Relying on my vast mechanical wisdom going back to Model-T Fords, I helpfully told the service manager, "You should probably check the distributor."
Irene Shafer
Irene Shafer, 83, passed away peacefully Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009, at home — surrounded by family — after a short battle with cancer.
Foundation for a renaissance
Barry Conger / For the Hungry Horse News
Bigfork golf prodigy leading local youth tour
At just 11 years old, Ryan Keenan of Bigfork is already making a name for himself in Montana's golf community.
Gerald Foster
Gerald Riker "Skin" Foster, 88, died July 28, 2009, at his home in Whitefish, after spending what he knew would be his final days joking with family, greeting friends and eating his favorite foods.
Good turnout for arts festival
Sweltering temperatures on Saturday may have sent crowds packing a little earlier than usual from the annual Bigfork Festival of the Arts' first day, but sunshine kept things brisk for the more than 150 vendors who lined the streets of downtown Bigfork.
In Glacier, ongoing effort to save an iconic tree
If you had been out hiking the Scenic Point trail in Glacier National Park last week you may have noticed something odd: The trees were shaking.
Letter from the editor
Map change consequences remain to be seen
BLUAC OKs Hwy 83 zone change
A controversial zone change application for two Highway 83 properties that was denied in 2007 was back before the Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee last Thursday evening, where it was recommended for approval by a 5-2 vote.
William Long
William "Bill" Chester Long, 58, passed away Tuesday, July 28, 2009, at his home in Columbia Falls.
Tax hikes on alcohol good for MT
Many Montanans tend to oppose tax increases, across the board. So it's surprising that we're so complacent when it comes to the enormous burden imposed on us by the abuse of alcoholic beverages.
Remembering friend Irene Shafer
I lost my Hungry Horse source and a good friend. The community will miss a cheerful, helpful, knowledgeable, longtime volunteer.
Huge spruce falls, misses house and garage
Council OKs street funds, equipment
West Shore Food Bank readies for BBQ benefit
The West Shore Food Bank will hold it's first ever barbecue benefit at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8 at the Edgewater RV & Motel in Lakeside.
Pikas doing well in Glacier
It looks like a cute little rat, but is related to the rabbit, and while it lives in some of Glacier National Park's harshest terrain, it doesn't hibernate.
Effort intensifies to garner support for Lakeside plan
In order to continue to garner support from Lakeside and Somers communities, concerned members of those communities plan to produce an e-newsletter called The Lakeside-Somers Voice.
Wave Ryders swim well at state meet
The Wave Ryders swim coach has a new look — a very aerodynamic one.
Protecting public land through legislation
Sen. Jon Tester, with the announcement of his public land legislation, is reclaiming Montana's pride in our long history of protecting the land through legislation.
Man makes unusual defense arguments against traffic tickets
A Whitefish-area man was found guilty of three misdemeanor traffic violations at city court on July 30 after making a series of unique defense arguments.
Sharron (Geis) Robertson
Sharron "Duff" Robertson, 61, formerly of Columbia Falls, passed away at her home in Trout Creek July 28, 2009, from causes associated with cancer.
Jenkins tops at Colgate state competition
Before Jonathan Jenkins steps onto stage he knows that folks often wonder how he's going to play a guitar.
Dale Reynolds
Dale Earl Reynolds, 74, passed away in his sleep Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, due to complications of throat cancer. He was born Sept. 15, 1934, to Merlin and Alice (Nunn) Reynolds along with his twin sister Gale for the whopping price of $12. He often spoke of how the doctor charged Merlin double the going price since there were two babies. They were the fifth and sixth of 10 children. His birth took place in Bemidji, Minn., but his family moved to Montana in 1936, where Merlin found work at the Kalispell Mercantile and Alice was a full-time mother and homemaker.
Seahawks stay alive in senior SB tourney
For the first time ever, Columbia Falls has a men's senior softball team this year, the Seahawks. The team is sponsored by Dick and Charlotte Sapa at the Blue Moon.
Donald Zanto
Donald K. Zanto, 62, passed away from natural causes at the Montana Veterans' Home in Columbia Falls on July 29, 2009.
