Thursday, December 31
Local authorities crack down on alcohol abuse
Flathead County planning department peer-reviewed
Improving city transportation grid won't be easy
The last time the Whitefish City-County Planning Board saw the Whitefish Transportation Plan was in March 2008. The board at that time advised the city council to hold off approval until it saw the Montana Department of Transportation's plan for how a reconstructed U.S. 93 will run through town.
Skiing in Glacier
New Year's Eve Rockin' Rail Jam
An urgent message from King Ullr LI
A mysterious death up the North Fork
Committee votes to leave Lakeside Club designation
NOTE: This article contains a correction.
Ralph W. Johnson
Ralph W. Johnson, 79, died Dec. 22 2009, at Colonial Manor in Whitefish after a long battle with cancer.
Audition for 'Hansel and Gretel' on Tuesday
Property tax reappraisals mar budget
ARTFusion robbed on Christmas
A Christmas Day robbery has left ARTFusion on Electric Avenue with more than $1,500 in losses.
Sports: Year in photos
Hazel Clarke
Hazel Clarke, 96, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 26, 2009, at her home, surrounded by family in Columbia Falls. She was born on April 14, 1913, to Carl and Ingeborg Zakariason.
Boys on the road most of January
The Columbia Falls boys basketball team will put its perfect record to the test in January — and nearly all of it will be on the road.
100 days in Glacier.
Polar Plunge
Thank you, Commissioner Dupont
GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News
Grandstand project moving forward
Work on a new stadium grandstand at Memorial Park in Whitefish is under way, according to Glacier Twins Board president Colby Miller and Grandstand Task Force chairman Bob Lockman.
Cheers for Volunteers
What do snowmen have in common with volunteers? At our Whitefish Library, Joey Kositzky and her staff of Skeeter Johnston, Mary Powers, Sue Madler and Barbara Turner, plus a host of volunteers, believe their snowmen epitomize volunteerism — they spread cheer, comfort and good will and expect nothing in return.
Getting back in the game: Part IV
EDITOR"S NOTE: This is the fourth piece in the series looking at athletes' recoveries from injuries this fall.
Education payouts not in line with Montana wages
Montana State Univer-sity-Bozeman just hired a new president, Waded Cruzado, from New Mexico. The taxpayers will pay $280,000 a year for her expertise, plus housing, car expenses, disability and country club benefits — that's $135-plus an hour.
MSU pays too much
To the editor,
Fire Chief plans to recruit more volunteers
The Columbia Falls Fire Department needs volunteers.
Jeanette McNamara
Jeanette Yankers McNamara died at her home in Whitefish on Dec. 28, 2010.
Ferda alternate for Shrine Game
Tyson Ferda, of Whitefish, was chosen as an alternate offensive tackle for the West football team at the 64th annual East-West Shrine Game, which will be played next year in Butte on July 17. The Montana Shrine Game is the premier all-star game in Montana, and has a long history of distinguished players and coaches. It is one of the oldest high school all-star football games in the U.S. Since 1947, the Montana Shrine Game has raised more than $1million and made the public aware of free orthopedic and burn-care available at the Shriner's Hospital for Children in Spokane, Wash.
Bigfork schools closed due to weather
Bigfork Eagle
Officials watching property tax adjustments
Editor's Note: This is part two in a two-part series looking at the effect of property tax adjustments. See the Dec. 23 edition for the impact on Lake County.
2009 sports remembered
For Whitefish sports fans, 2009 featured a plethora of individual champions engraving their signature into local sports lore.
Benjamin Quinten Nelson
Benjamin Quinten Nelson, son of Leif and Gloria Nelson, of Whitefish, was born Dec. 18, 2009, at North Valley Hospital.
Looking back at a year in Bigfork
This week residents will say goodbye to 2009 and hello to a new year.
FWP seeks help with poaching cases
From sports to speech, an athlete's journey
Two BLUAC seats up for 2010 election
Bigfork Eagle
Attack on 'The Times'
G. GEORGE OSTROM / For the Hungry Horse News
Thursday
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive Thursday (today), Jan. 7 at the North Valley Community Room on Nucleus Avenue from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Cul de sac raises city road-ownership issues
Plans for a cul de sac on a five-lot subdivision along State Park Road created lively discussion during the Dec. 17 Whitefish City-County Planning Board meeting.
That's it, I quit
To the editor,
Roger H. Ganiere, 89Roger Henry Ganiere, 89, died Friday, Dec. 25, 2009, at Lake View Care Center in Bigfork.
He was born to Henry and Katherine (Fischer) Ganiere in Amboy, Minn., on Sept. 4, 1920. They moved to New Richland, Minn., in 1929 where he finished schooling. Roger worked on the family farm until 1942 when he married Vita Virginia Bertelson in Albert Lea, Minn. They moved to Columbia Falls in 1943.
Not really funny
What a wonderful Christmas Day surprise — newspaper headlines proclaiming that the Senate has given President Obama a health care victory. In keeping with the spirit of Christmas giving, then Obama's victory must be a victory for the people.
Looking back at a year on the West Shore
This week residents will say goodbye to 2009 and hello to a new year.
The sun sets along the Flathead River in this previously unpublished photo from 2009. (Chris Peterson photo)
Looking back on 2009
YEAR in SPORTS 2009
The year 2009 was all about adapting and overcoming for athletes, coaches and spectators of sports in Bigfork.
Looking back from 2020
Our esteemed sister publication, the Daily Inter Lake, just ran a multi-part series looking back on the biggest news of the last decade.
Lone skier triggers out-of-bounds slide
A lone skier triggered a slide last week on the southeast side of Hellroaring Mountain, which is above Hellroaring Basin and west of the hill with the TV and radio towers, which is west of Whitefish Mountain Resort's Summit House.
Thursday, December 24
Pirates out-gun 'Dogs in fourth
The Bulldogs were up four points and poised to open the conference schedule with a win when Polson's Tim Rausch simply took over the court.
Protect the voters
To the editor,
Cheers for volunteers
Eric May, though born out of state, has Montana genes with deep roots in Whitefish. His parents, Bucky and the late Linda May, both Montanans, were teaching in California when Eric was born. Old-timers will remember his great uncle, Joe May, who shortly after World War II owned the bowling alley on Central Avenue.
Vikes solid in opening week
The Bigfork Vikings basketball team beat two of their three opponents over the past week, but they had victories in those that counted most – the conference games.
Senior center adopts single mom, children
Protecting Columbia Falls
About 'Merry Christmas'
G. GEORGE OSTROM / For the Hungry Horse News
Seals charges are unfair
The criminal assault charges filed against three Navy Seals for allegedly hitting one of the most notorious terrorists in Iraq during his capture was another case of this government's assault on our military in time of war.
Vals play steady in opening games
The Valkyries downed both of their conference opponents, Eureka and Mission, but lost their non-conference matchup with Loyola this week.
Hagen takes over as fire chief
The City of Columbia Falls has a new fire chief.
Blacktail ski area ready for the holidays
It has been a busy week for Blacktail Mountain Ski Area, which officially opened for the season on Saturday, and also started its holiday schedule this week to accommodate families on vacation.
Douglas C. Hale
Douglas C. Hale, 86, died Dec. 12, 2009, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. He was born in Whitefish to Sidney and Christina “Tiny” Hale on Aug. 18, 1923. He was a direct descendant of Nathan Hale. He was raised and educated in Whitefish and, in 1942, along with a large group of other Montana men, enlisted in the U.S. Navy, calling themselves “The Pearl Harbor Avengers.” He served the duration of the war, being honorably discharged in 1946.
Glacier Blues
Visions of inversions
Glacier Blue
Marijuana collective might sue over moratorium
The executive director of a Bozeman-based medical marijuana collective has not ruled out suing the city of Whitefish over a moratorium on such businesses that was recently approved by the Whitefish City Council.
Senators on gold mine
Dear Secretary Clinton:
Cats stay perfect, drop Braves, Spartans
The Wildcats stuffed coal firmly in the stockings of two AA basketball squads last week in a Christmas break send-off of Flathead and Sentinel.
Looking back: A decade comes to a close
It's hard to believe that in another week it will be the end of the decade.
Lady Pirates cruise past Whitefish
Nicole Davey buried a season-high 28 points and Breanne Kelley added another 10 to lead Polson's high-powered offense to a 64-26 win Dec. 18 over the Lady Bulldogs in Whitefish.
Whitefish man arrested after entering vehicle
New U.S. 93 couplet design presented to board
Somers basketball teams come out strong at tournament
Blacktail opens, starts holiday schedule
Outgoing mayor: 'I don't feel safe in my own town'
As Mayor Jolie Fish prepares to relinquish her seat next month, there's at least one item of city business that remains on her mind.
History lesson: First in a series
GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News
Steele wins Nordic race in Essex
Whitefish High School junior Jack Steele took the top spot in the Kick Out the Kinks Nordic ski race Dec. 20 at the Izaak Walton Inn in Essex.
Committee votes to leave Lakeside Club designation
NOTE: This article contains a correction.
Bigfork bird count reveals rare species
Birders were out on the hunt Saturday, not for Christmas dinner but to tally all the birds and each of their species in the Bigfork area as part of the annual Christmas Bird Count by the National Audubon Society.
Thursday
The 11th annual First Night Flathead will continue to offer nonalcoholic, family-style events on Thursday, Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve, at venues in Kalispell and Columbia Falls.The Tropical Montana Marimba Ensemble will play during the countdown to midnight at the Red Lion Hotel ballroom in Kalispell.Andre Floyd and Mood Iquana will lead the countdown to midnight at Discovery Square in Columbia Falls. Children’s activities will be offered at the Kalispell Center Mall and the Red Lion Hotel ballroom beginning at 3 p.m. Buttons for admission to all First Night Flathead events cost $12 in advance and $16 at the door. Admission for children under-6 is free. A portion of the proceeds will go to Glacier National Park Fund’s Centennial Campaign. For a complete schedule and more information, visit online at www.firstnightflathead.org.
New tenant on the Ave
Piney Creek Interiors is the new tenant at 100 Central and will be open for business at their new location by late April, says owner Deena Brenden.
Jackson Ryder Davis
Jackson Ryder Davis, son of Willie and Brianna Davis, of Columbia Falls, was born Oct. 29, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
2009: Year in photos
The dog who came in from the cold
About 20 locals felt the Christmas spirit last week when they teamed up to rescue a stray dog that had been evading the city's animal control officer for several months.
'Merry Christmas'
The Trailwatcher/G. George Ostrom
Holiday season has more than arrived
Letter from the editor
Campus views
Whitefish High School has lost a much-loved student, son, brother and friend. Derek Martin, a student at Whitefish High, passed away on Dec. 10. Derek was a senior planning to graduate in June and attend college in the fall of 2010.
Removing an elected position is a big deal
This is the first time in our many years of public service that we have weighed in together on a local issue. We think it's a big deal or we wouldn't be doing it.
2009: Sports year in review
Kats beat Braves, but lose to Sentinel
The Columbia Falls girls basketball team split the AA bill last week, downing Flathead Thursday night 47-29 at home, but losing to Missoula Sentinel 63-38 away Saturday.
Locals top red kettle donations
The bells have been ringing again outside local businesses for the Salvation Army and people are stepping up to their call, especially in Bigfork, according to the local branch of the organization.
Letter to the editor
A dream realized
Flip your turn signal
To the editor,
County watching property reappraisal adjustments
With only 15 percent of the informal reviews of property tax reappraisals completed, it's going to be a little while before Flathead County officials can really measure the effects of any adjustments to property tax payments on local budgets.
Reappraisal adjustments mar budget
Editor's note: This is part one in a two-part series looking at the effect of property tax adjustments. See next week's edition for the impact on Flathead County.
State seeks money from Flathead County for Highway 35 fixes
Emergency services officials recognized by local VFW
Grapplers place four in Eureka
Four Bulldog wrestlers placed at the Buzz Lucey meet in Eureka Dec. 19, giving the club a good shot of confidence heading into the Christmas break.
Houle named top wrestler at Buzz Lucey tournament
Senior Wildcat wrestler Kelly Houle continues to shine. Houle was named the most outstanding wrestler at the Buzz Lucey tournament in Eureka last week.
Sled Dog Days returns to valley
Thirteen teams have already signed up to run in the third annual Flathead Sled Dog Days races in the Whitefish Range north of Whitefish.
Douglas Leonard Strong
Douglas Leonard Strong (Radar to so many), 47, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009 after a long, courageous battle at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. Doug was born April 19, 1962 in Bremerton, Wash., to Leonard "Sparky" and Nancy Strong.
Douglas Hale
Douglas C. Hale, 86, died Dec. 12, 2009, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.
Flathead Valley feels impact of plant closing
The permanent closure of the Smurfit-Stone Container Corp. plant in Frenchtown is a "devastating" blow to independent logging and hauling contractors in Columbia Falls.
Thursday, December 17
Cats go 2-0 at tip-off tourney
The standings merely mark them as wins, even if they were on the ugly side of the scale. Last weekend the Columbia Falls boys basketball team edged Dillon 33-32 Friday in Ronan and then held off Stevensville 79-70 Saturday in Polson at the Western A tip-off tourney.
High school absence policy reviewed
The Whitefish High School student handbook states 'students can accumulate 10 absences each semester. If a student has over 10 absences and tardies in any class, he/she will be given an F and lose credit in the class."
Anthony Rodriguez, 78
Anthony J. Rodriguez, 78, died Oct. 10, 2009, at his home in Frannie, Wyo. He was born Oct. 2, 1931, to Louis Rodriguez and Jenny Terraciano in Hazelton, Pa.
Residents say tax system 'broken'
The state's property tax systems is broken, area residents told Montana legislators at a town hall meeting last week at Flathead Valley Community College.
Celebrating with music
Christmas Stroll
Sun Road work remains a priority says superintendent
With more than 550 structures, 725 miles of trails and one of America's most famous roads to maintain and rehabilitate, Glacier National Park Superintendent Chas Cartwirght must make some hard choices.
Thursday
Columbia Falls City Hall will be closed Dec. 25, 2009, and Jan. 1, 2010, for the holidays. It will also close at noon on Thursday (today), Dec. 24 and Jan. 31. For emergencies contact the Police Department at 892-3234.
Salon to give free hair cuts to in-need kids
It was a CNN report that inspired Laurie Pacheco, owner of Her Alibi Salon and Spa in Bigfork, to action.
Lakeside QRU gets new home
West Shore emergency services have now taken a giant leap forward – the Lakeside QRU will soon have its own building.
Aubrie Lynn Hagemeier, daughter of Jeffrey and Heidi Hagemeier of Kalispell, was born Dec. 8, 2009 at North Valley Hospital.
She weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces and was 18.5 inches long.
Letter to Tester and Baucus
Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester:
Girls drop two at tip-off tourney
The road wasn't kind to the Columbia Falls girls basketball team as they dropped two games at the Western A Tip-Off tourney last weekend.
Court upholds ruling in condo lawsuits
Three Lakeside condominium projects were correctly required to go through Flathead County's subdivision review process, the Montana Supreme Court declared in a recent decision.
Richard 'Dick' Kling
Richard "Dick" Kling died Saturday, Oct. 24.
Barkus attorney plans challenges in boat crash case
Artist shares love for outdoors, state
Bulldogs pile up conference awards
Five Bulldog football players were elected to the Northwest A all-conference first team.
Cecelia O. Todnem, 92
Cecelia O. Todnem, 92, died Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, at the Lake View Care Center in Bigfork.
Changes in the ranks
Letter from the editor
Thinking of the Fish
Oh, Whitefish, what a long time it has been. I first moved to Whitefish in 1995 at the age of 21. Looking for a new adventure in life, I left Illinois and drove out West with my belongings and enough cash to get an apartment and a snowboarding pass.
Duncan R. Campbell, 91
Duncan R. "Scotty" Campbell, 91, died Thursday, Nov. 27, 2009, at his residence in Bigfork.
They'd rather make toys than buy them
School board clarifies gun policy
Thanks to my new friends
TOM HESS / HUNGRY HORSE NEWS
'Christmas Joys'
Lady Bulldogs drop two at Tip Off tourney
The Lady Bulldog basketball team dropped both their games at the Tip Off Tournament Dec. 11-12, in Polson and Ronan.
Holidays songs 3
William A. "Bill" Lawson
William A. "Bill" Lawson, 87, a resident of the Flathead Valley for 55 years, died of natural causes on Dec. 7, 2009, at Heritage Place in Kalispell. Bill was born June 23, 1922, in Roundup to Howard and Isabelle (Isaacson) Lawson.
Charles W. Tustin
Charles W. Tustin, 82, died Dec. 12, 2009, at his home in Coram. He was born at San Jose, Calif., to Clifford and Margaret Tustin August 23, 1927, and was raised and educated there. He served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps and, following his honorable discharge, attended San Jose State College and University of California-Berkeley. He married Adele Pfeffer in 1953 in California.
Douglas Leonard Strong
Douglas Leonard Strong (Radar to so many), 47, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009 after a long, courageous battle at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. Doug was born April 19, 1962 in Bremerton, Wash., to Leonard "Sparky" and Nancy Strong.
Cheers for Volunteers
Phyllis Bjorsness says she is fortunate that 43 years ago the railroad transferred her husband Al, from Minnesota to Whitefish.
Derek Martin
Derek Martin, 18, of Whitefish, passed away Dec. 10, 2009, near Columbia Falls. Derek's birth brought smiles to Eric and Lori Martin on Oct. 25, 1991, in Kalispell. He was raised and educated in Whitefish. Derek was a senior at Whitefish High School, where he loved sharing the halls with his favorite physics teacher, his mom. Aside from being a student, Derek also worked with his dad at Western Building Center in Columbia Falls.
Michele D. Rogers
Michele D. Rogers, 57, formerly of Montana, died Monday, Dec. 7, 2009 at her home in Stockbridge, Vt.
Court to allow donations for fines starting Friday
Forest Service plans to cut discounts for seniors
Boys start season with pair of wins at area tournament
A new coach, new philosophies for the program, an almost entirely new team and new opponents have brought a lot of change to the Bigfork Vikings basketball team, but so far that change looks good on them as they start the season 2-0 after the Tip Off Tournament in Polson and Ronan on Friday and Saturday.
Bulldogs split at Tip Off
The Bulldog boys basketball team came away from the Tip Off Tournament in Polson and Ronan with a split after topping Hamilton on Dec. 11 before losing to a powerful Dillon team the next day.
Charles 'Chuck' Delaney
Charles "Chuck" Delaney died Sept. 22, 2009. He left his caring friends and family after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Leave Shay unfencedTo the editor,
The Shay engine holds a special spot in our hearts at it was designed by a distant relative, Ephraim Shay. Just as important, it has been a special place for generations of Columbia Falls residents and visitors.
Please give Grimaldi some credit
To the editor,
Getting back in the game: Part III
The old saying "you don't know what you got until it's gone" became a reality for multiple Bigfork High School athletes this fall season as they incurred serious injuries that kept them from playing some of their favorite sports.
Health care: A change in the right direction
Winston Churchill said, "There is nothing wrong with change, as long as it's in the right direction." This past summer, Congress embarked on an effort to change the way health insurance companies operate and make improvements in our nation's health care system. As Montana's Insurance Commissioner, I believe this effort is a fundamental change in the right direction.
Emergency Services Center ahead of schedule
Construction of Whitefish's new Emergency Services Center is well ahead of schedule, city manager Chuck Stearns told the Whitefish City Council on Dec. 7, and the building should be open ahead of the June 30 scheduled completion date.
Decade comes to a close
Letter from the Editor
Council tables Viking Creek RV proposal
Bike path calls for 3rd bridge
Engine repairs 'encouraging/
It is encouraging to learn our City Council is interested in restoring the Shay engine.
Students learn lessons through movement
Students at Bigfork Elementary School are moving their hips to learn multiplication tables and parts of speech as part of a new dance program designed to use movement to put classroom lessons in a different light.
Grapplers show progress
The Columbia Falls wrestling team is coming into form as the season progresses. The middle needs a little work, but the ends are doing pretty darn well.
Merry Christmas
Dealing with 'new doggie'
The Trailwatcher/G. George Ostrom
Holidays songs 2
Vals find areas needing improvement in opening games
The Valkyries split their games in the Tip Off Tournament in Polson and Ronan, losing to two-time defending state champions Anaconda 56-28 on Saturday after defeating Frenchtown 47-35 on Friday.
Week in photos - Dec. 24
Underdahl takes command at Veterans Home
Montana native and 20-year Army veteran Joren Underdahl, 37, is exactly what he wants to be — the new superintendent of the Montana Veterans Home.
Letters to the Editor
No idle hands here: Gifts of expression
Taxi service explored in public forum
For a taxi service to thrive in Whitefish, it needs to be safe, reliable and possibly run under a nonprofit status, a group of about 20 citizens, business representatives and city officials concluded at a public meeting on Dec. 10 at the Whitefish Community Center.
Thursday, December 10
Take precautions to prevent holiday fires
It's the season for sharing in fire safety. Each year fires occurring during the holiday season claim the lives of more than 400 people, injure 1,650 and cause more than $990 million in damage nationally.
Week in photos - Dec. 17
Grapplers drop Dogs in opener
The Columbia Falls wrestling team had a solid start to its season, taking down Whitefish last Friday 58-15 in a dual and then placing seventh at the Polson Invitational Tourney behind some tough AA schools Saturday.
Richard 'Dick' Kling
Richard "Dick" Kling died Saturday, Oct. 24.
Cramped street creates problems for residents, city
Parking along Fran Lou Park Lane has become problematic for its residents and the city as it attempts to provide services to the neighborhood.
Follett chosen as Carnival Grand Marshal
Old-time hunting
Braden Lukas Thacker
Braden Lukas Thacker, son of Robyn Kraft and Luke Thacker, of Whitefish, was born Nov. 26, 2009, at North Valley Hospital.
Holiday concerts
Speakers place second at Ronan meet
Despite the absence of key competitors, Whitefish pulled off a second-place finish at the Ronan Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament. Columbia Falls took first and Stevensville took third out of the nine Class A schools that competed.
Flathead girls do well in regional soccer play
Team Montana, sponsored by the Flathead Valley Soccer Camp, competed in the U-16 seven-team Premier Division and finished third at the Patriot's Cup in Mesa, Ariz., on Nov. 6-8.
Santa to visit Hungry Horse
GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News
Getting back in the game: Part II
The old saying "you don't know what you got until it's gone" became a reality for multiple Bigfork High School athletes this fall season as they incurred serious injuries that kept them from playing some of their favorite sports.
Josephine "Dolly" Rose Barry Siderius
Josephine "Dolly" Rose Barry Siderius, 91, Kalispell, passed away Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, at Brendan House in Kalispell. An Indian midwife assisted with her birth on Jan. 29, 1918, near Lone Pine. She was the youngest of five children born to Delphine and Adloir Barry.
Vikes get first win with new coaches
The froshmore Vikings basketball team started their season off with a bang, dominating the Stillwater Christian School junior varsity team 58-33 in their first game of the season Monday night at the Bigfork High School gym.
Subcommittee formed to discuss options for Eagle's Crest
The Lakeside Neighborhood Plan Committee formed a subcommittee to brainstorm alternatives for what to do with the land use designation for a portion of the Lakeside Club, also known as Eagle's Crest.
Putting a spin on class
The Glacier Woodturners Association made a special visit to Ryan Boyle's wood shop class Dec. 7 at Whitefish High School to demonstrate different techniques for shaping wood into works of art.
Young authors making their own story
Sixth graders see, touch pieces of ecosystem
Arts opportunities for youth unexpected
Letter from the editor
Lady Bulldogs stumped by Wolfpack full-court press
By the time the Lady Bulldogs scored their first bucket of the basketball season, Whitefish was already down 18 points to a powerful Glacier High team.
Anthony Rodriguez, 78
Anthony J. Rodriguez, 78, died Oct. 10, 2009, at his home in Frannie, Wyo. He was born Oct. 2, 1931, to Louis Rodriguez and Jenny Terraciano in Hazelton, Pa.
Local school nominated for national recognition
Lakeside Elementary School is one of three Montana schools nominated for the 2010 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award.
Solutions exist for property taxes
Do you understand all about property taxes in Montana? It is so confusing and the blame editorials and articles from our governor and the bill sponsor do not help.
Sewer district project gains recognition
Local music teacher debuts CD in Bigfork
City shows interest in pre-release center
The Columbia Falls City Council is looking at the possibility of locating a planned pre-release center here.
'Dogs' Adams voted to elite soccer team
The Great Falls Tribune selected Bulldog soccer player Travis Adams to the annual Super-State team last week.
Chamber launches new marketing strategy
The Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce announced a new strategy for advertising the community last week.
God Bless the Night of Lights
TOM HESS / HUNGRY HORSE NEWS
BPCT welcomes adults in holiday play cast
When Diana Rahdert showed up for auditions for the Bigfork Playhouse Children Theatre's "Bah, Humbug! A Christmas Carol," she sat down by a man sitting by himself, one of the few other adults in the room.
John Garrity
John L. Garrity, 86, died Dec. 1, 2009, at The Springs at Whitefish.
Eco group grades Whitefish Resort a 'C'
Whitefish Mountain Resort received a "C" grade from an environmental watchdog group in regards to the resort's ecological impact — the third consecutive year the resort has received such a score from the group.
Whitefish man shot in robbery west of Kalispell
A 26-year-old Whitefish man with multiple gunshot wounds who was dropped off at Kalispell Regional Medical Center on Saturday, Dec. 5, has been linked to a robbery on West Springcreek Road, west of Kalispell.
Business owners say 'Yes, we're open'
I've driven by your place a million times and never noticed your shop.
Tinkering with 'free enterprise'
The Trailwatcher/G. George Ostrom
George Edwin Sowl
George Edwin Sowl was born March 8, 1919, in Spokane, Wash., and left this earth to be with the Lord our Savior on Dec. 3, 2009.
Young Vals keep it close, but lose first game
The Valkyries froshmore basketball team dropped their first game of the season 43-37 to the Stillwater Christian School junior varsity team in a Monday night home game.
Kats make quick work of Broncs
After a slow start, the Columbia Falls girls basketball team poured it on to drop the Frenchtown Broncs in their season opener last Saturday, 55-37.
Thursday
Columbia Falls Junior High bands will perform Thursday (, Dec. 17 with a 2:30 p.m. show by the sixth grade and grades 7-8 performing at 7 p.m.
Crittenden selected for all-state
Bulldog senior Derek Crittenden was named to the Class A all-state football team for his efforts on the defensive line this season.
500,000 steps later
When I "created" Old Man Walking in September, I really didn't think through the idea of walking six kilometers a day for 151 consecutive days, ending on my 70th birthday, nor did I have any idea of what the public reaction would be.
Interim zoning prohibits medical marijuana
Mayor Mike Jenson broke a tie vote on Monday, Dec. 7, as the Whitefish City Council adopted an interim zoning ordinance that prohibits medical marijuana businesses in Whitefish and within one mile of the city limits. The law went into effect when Jenson signed it after the meeting ended.
Commentary: For the love of winter
Two weekends ago I was chatting with Bigfork High School varsity boys basketball coach Paul LaMott at the final day of the Bigfork Little Hoopsters program and he said to me, "If people didn't already know that winter is here and that it is officially basketball season, they will when they see this week's paper."
Food bank thanks the community
It's a great way to shop and donate at the same time for North Valley Food Bank. Safeway had a volunteer food gathering with live music, while Super 1 Foods has their yearly 'sack sale" of groceries (turkeys and hams also) for your purchase at the checkout stands.
Bigfork planner honored by award
Bigfork got state recognition for its neighborhood plan last week, as Shelley Gonzales, chairwoman of the Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee, earned the Montana Association of Planners' "Community Planner Award."
Holiday thanks
On Sunday, Nov. 22, the city of Whitefish was decorated for the Christmas season by an enthusiastic group of volunteer-citizens, Whitefish High School honor students, local business people and four Flathead Electric Cooperative bucket truck operators, along with Terry Conat's bucket truck and the city's bucket truck.
Charles 'Chuck' Delaney
Charles "Chuck" Delaney died Sept. 22, 2009. He left his caring friends and family after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Cats cruise past Broncs
Nick Emerson made a little history Saturday night. The 6-4 senior came off the bench and did something no one from Columbia Falls has done in a game in the home gym — he dunked the basketball.
Cheers for volunteers
Patricia Jarvi, a retired Whitefish school system librarian, daughter of Lucille and Charles Linn, was born and raised in Whitefish. She has three children, five grandchildren and one great grandchild, and she admits to an addiction to "kids and books."
Glacier out guns 'Dogs 45-17 in second half
It took two quarters for the Glacier Wolfpack to rev up their offensive engine, but once it was roaring, there wasn't a Bulldog on the court powerful enough to soften the noise.
Cecelia O. Todnem, 92
Cecelia O. Todnem, 92, died Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, at the Lake View Care Center in Bigfork.
Rice, Benedict post wins for Bulldogs
Dalton Rice scored a pin for Whitefish in the opening round of a wrestling meet against rival Columbia Falls to set the tone for what should be a successful season for the 135-pound senior.
Thursday, December 3
Holidayfest
North Fork Road paving necessary
To the editor,
More West Shore children in need this holiday season
The number of West Shore children in need this holiday season is rising and the West Shore Food Bank is trying to make sure they still get some joy this Christmas.
Woman sentenced for role in robbery
Fundraiser, raffle for Dixon melon farmers
Whitefish Resort opening day
Montana should not opt-out of health care option
At a recent Montana community forum, farmers and ranchers gathered to discuss the ongoing health care debate. Questions about the Senate's recently unveiled bill filled the room, including: "Would Montana opt out of the public option if given the choice?"
Columbia Falls lights up next Friday
This year's 24th annual Night of Lights celebration will pay tribute to the centennial of Glacier National Park and the year it was founded, organizers say.
Lessons from my first Thanksgiving dinner
Traditions are great and it's always nice to do things we are good at, but sometimes trying new things can be even more rewarding.
Numbers up on BHS girls teams
The Bigfork High School girls basketball program didn't have enough girls tryout to require the coaches to make cuts last week, but they did have plenty of girls to fill three teams for this season.
A Magical Holiday
Engagements
Sherman and Arnlund to wed
Lady 'Dogs focus on hustle
With only one senior on the roster for the Lady Bulldogs basketball team, prospects for success this season are low — just don't tell that to coach Sean Duff or any of the girls sweating it out at two-a-days.
Grapplers look for individual success
With the team's roster filling only nine of the possible 15 weight classes this season, the Bulldog grapplers are looking to pin down individual titles.
Local man follows in family's footsteps in Marines
When local Trevor Erickson dons his U.S. Marine Corps blues, he's fulfilling his life goal to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather.
My radioactive friend
GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News
Fond memories of Shay engine
To the editor,
Thursday
Flathead Valley Community College Theatre will present the popular Broadway musical "Cabaret" at the collegeís Black Box Theatre on Dec. 10-19. Shows will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12. The musical is set in early 1930s Berlin, just before the rise of the Hitler regime. The show is recommended for mature audiences. Tickets are $20 general admission and $10 students and seniors available online at www.fvcc.edu/student-life/theatre, at the FVCC book store or by calling 756-3814.
Week in photos - Dec. 10
More than $38K spent on city election
The deadline for filing campaign financial reports for the Whitefish city election passed last week. Three new city councilors were elected this year and an appointed incumbent was defeated in what has been characterized as a contentious if not "mean-spirited" election.
Annual Holidayfest kicks off Saturday
For those who didn't want to brave the crowds Thanksgiving weekend at area stores, the Somers-Lakeside PTA is offering an alternative that's much more family friendly.
Council recommends denying variance for 'boat cave'
Ski season soon to open in Flathead
Golden Agers expanding horizons
A major remodel, a new name and a partnership with Flathead Valley Community College mark a growing role for the Whitefish Community Center.
Outlasting the 'Beast'
Whitefish High School has a history of graduates who have gone on to top universities, Ivy League schools and military academies. In fact, it continues to produce such graduates. Last year alone, Whitefish High School proudly boasted five appointments to military academies.
SRS feeds families in need with coin harvest
Shaw to retire from Bigfork Branch Library
Getting back in the game: Vikes, Vals fight to come back from injuries to be part of BHS' basketball program
The old saying "you don't know what you got until it's gone" became a reality for multiple Bigfork High School athletes this fall season as they incurred serious injuries that kept them from playing some of their favorite sports. Many student athletes become injured at some point during a season, especially those who push themselves the hardest. However, this year some of those injuries meant time spent in a hospital for Bigfork's student athletes and a few even required surgery. Although they are young enough to still be quick healers, they have all had to struggle with missing playing time and the idea that they may not even recover in time for the start of the basketball season. They are all nearly back to their old selves, but they have all learned some valuable lessons from the incidents.
Chase ends with arrest, damaged cruisers
A Kalispell youth led police on a high speed chase through Columbia Falls last Wednesday, wrecking a stolen car into the U.S. Highway 2 Flathead River bridge in a crime that has as many twists and turns as a snake on the side of the road.
Night of Lights
County will help with jail closing
Flathead County is willing to give some assistance to Columbia Falls with transporting and holding prisoners, after the city closes its jail this spring.
Man comes home after Air Force career
After 22 years in the U.S. Air Force and 22 hours in the air, Aaron Aldrich is back home in Columbia Falls.
Cheers for Volunteers
Jacky Severson, born and raised in Cut Bank, moved here with husband Jim 25 years ago. Married for 60 years, they have a close and loving family consisting of two children, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Duane C. Peterson
Duane C. Peterson passed away on Thursday Nov. 26, 2009, with Betty, his loving wife of 47 years, by his side.
Edna Kelch
Edna B. Kelch, 91, passed away Nov. 22, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.
Bulldog boys go to work
Get ready for some blue-collar basketball.
Legislators to hold town hall meeting on property taxes
BIGFORK EAGLE
Ski Foundation keeps sport alive in valley
There has been the zero-degree game, the wild-game dinners and, of course, the Warren Miller ski films.
Training building nearing completion
The Bigfork Volunteer Fire Department has conducted some minor exercises at its new training facility in Echo Lake but hopes to have full use of the building Jan. 1, according to fire chief Wayne Loeffler.
Bigfork schools' stormwater system a 'success'
The new stormwater system, installed this summer at Bigfork's schools, has proven itself in the fall's wet weather, according to Superintendent Russ Kinzer.
New coach has high expectations
Of the 40 boys who attended the first day of tryouts for the Bigfork High School basketball program, 31 made it through the two-day screening, which was filled with conditioning, drills and continual reaffirmation of the commitment that would be required to be part of one of the three Vikings teams.
River cleanup work will continue into December
Cleanup work on the Whitefish River will continue to mid-December, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, with bank stabilization work and sampling continuing after that.
Anthony Lee "Tony" Mueller
Anthony Lee "Tony" Mueller, 39, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. He was born on April 23, 1970, in Whitefish to Robert and Gloria (Boushie) LaRocque.
Little Hoopsters
Love, and unlocked cars
G. GEORGE OSTROM / For the Hungry Horse News
Nighttime thieves
On Saturday night (Nov. 21), someone took it upon themselves to help themselves to the contents of our truck. It was parked in front of our house, and obviously these people decided to wait until the house was dark and then went to work.
Storm blankets resort for opening day
Whitefish Mountain Resort was covered with about 5 to 10 inches of new snow over the Thanksgiving weekend, shoring up conditions for opening day on Saturday, Dec. 5.
Learning the Montana way
TOM HESS / HUNGRY HORSE NEWS
Find ways to give this year
Letter from the editor
Shared mission binds guild together
Donations help fill pantry
