Saturday, February 28
NORTHWEST A TOURNAMENT UPDATE:Bulldogs still have a chance at state tournament
Whitefish boys defeat Libby in consolation game
By DAVID ERICKSON
WEB UPDATE: BLUAC has no applications to deliberate
The Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee was faced with a stark agenda at its regular monthly meeting on Thursday with no applications to consider.
Northwestern A Divisional Basketball Tournament pairings
Northwestern A Divisional Tournament
WEB UPDATE: Vals advance to championship
The Bigfork girls basketball team beat second seed Libby 56-33 Friday night to advance to Saturday night's Northwest A Divisional Championship game.
Friday, February 27
WEB UPDATE: Vals beat Ronan, face Libby on Friday
The Valkyries knocked out their first opponent of the Northwest A Divisional Tournament Thursday night with a 58-32 win over Ronan.
Thursday, February 26
Guy Winkler
Guy Winkler
Ruth Young
Ruth Ellen Young, of Cottage Grove, Ore., died Feb. 7, 2009, of cancer. She was 81.
Snowskate jam
Snowskate jam
Whitefish seeded No. 1 for divisional tourney
Bulldogs defeat Ronan for 12th win in a row, playoffs start Friday at 2 p.m.
By DAVID ERICKSON
Dupont also wants say in doughnut lawsuit
Flathead County commissioner and county resident jointly file for intervenor status
By RICHARD HANNERS
Columbia Falls boys top Ronan 69-47 in Divisional opener
Five players scored in double figures, leading Columbia Falls to a 69-47 boys victory over Ronan in the first round of the Northwestern A Divisional Basketball Tournament on Thursday afternoon at Glacier High School. The Wildcats vaulted to a quick 15-2 lead and held an advantage of 23 points late in the third period. Mackey Nolan led the Wildcats with 14 points. Kyle Howell added 13, Austin Barth 11, and Mitchell Wassam and Grant Getts 10 each. Nolan Harris was the top scorer for the Chiefs with 11 points.
Hit and run
Hit and run
Fire destroys trailer home in Columbia Falls
A fire destroyed a trailer home off U.S. Highway 2 in Columbia Falls on Wednesday (Feb. 25).
B-ball fundraiser
B-ball fundraiser
Pro bono attorney needed to protect water quality
At the outset of this writing I make full disclosure that although I did attend law school, I am not licensed to practice law. With that said, I would like to hereby offer a friend-of-the-court presentation of a legal matter which may have escaped its notice in the matter of the city of Whitefish’s Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) for setbacks and buffers to alleviate storm water runoff around water bodies.
Budget crisis forcing tough decisions
This past week was a very long and difficult struggle to table bills with little or no substance. Most of the bills that didn’t make it out of committee were tabled by party-line votes.
Births
Ashton William Shade
House passes health care legislation
Several consumer friendly bills have passed the House and are on their way to the Senate for passage this session. Everyone concerned about health care costs will agree with HB263 by Rep. Cary Smith (R-Billings). It is an act requiring certain health care providers and facilities to disclose estimated costs of treatment.
U.S. 93 zoning changes sent back for rewrite
Business leaders oppose a change for different reasons
By RICHARD HANNERS
Anemic stimulus bill will need follow-up jobs bills
During President Franklin Roosevelt’s first term, he and his economic policy assistants were busily developing “economic stimulus” efforts to cope with the devastating effects of the Great Depression.
Politics shape critical vote
Council passes CAO Lite amendment on first reading
By RICHARD HANNERS
X-gamer
Whitefish skier Mitch Gilman, 12, was back in Aspen, Colo., on Feb. 16 to compete for the Rocky Mountain Divisional Championship title. The USSA Divisional event drew a field of 33 athletes on a blue-bird day to Buttermilk’s massive 22-foot high X-Game superpipe. Gilman took first place in two separate competitions in the J4 category (age 11-12) and seventh for all age groups. The U.S. Olympic freestyle team athletes are chosen based on points accumulated from USSA events held throughout the year. Superpipe and slopestyle competitions are held at ski resorts thought the country where athletes earn points and are ranked on a national level. The more events an athlete competes in, the more points earned. Gilman is currently ranked 57th in the nation after competing in two events. He will be competing at the U.S. Open at Copper Mountain on March 1.
Final campaign for auditorium project
A letter-to-the-editor in last week’s Whitefish Pilot has raised a question about the amount of money still owed on the Whitefish Middle School auditorium. The answer is that the fundraising team has raised (and paid off) just over $3.2 million.
People need a say in re-appointing senators
Most people find it hard to believe that we haven’t always elected our U.S. senators, but prior to the approval of the 17th Amendment in 1913, senators were appointed by state legislatures, and Montana was important in bringing about that change.
Senators announce federal funding allotments
Northwest Montana News Network
Bennie Joe Sagen
Bennie Joe Sagen, 56, passed away at his home in Whitefish on Feb. 18, 2009, surrounded by his family after a 9-year courageous battle with cancer.
Lady Bulldogs get a win to end regular season
First divisional tournament game against Polson tonight at 6 p.m.
By DAVID ERICKSON
Student art classes benefit food bank
Teacher will donate her earnings to Save Darfur and Red Cross
For several years now, Stumptown Art Studio has been contributing to the North Valley Food Bank Soup Bowl Fundraiser, with artists from their in-house Clay Co-op volunteering their time, talents, clay and supplies to create unique bowls.
Paul Reagan
Paul Reagan
Broken Binding race results
Stillwater Mountain Lodge and Nordic Center hosted the Great American Broken Binding race and tour on Feb. 21.
Critics of Central Ave. streetscaping circulate petition
By RICHARD HANNERS
Central Avenue
My wife and I recently built the building at 206 Central Avenue next to the Hileman law office, and opened our newest S.M. Bradford Co. store this past November.
Thanks for vets
Thanks for vets
Wednesday, February 25
Stoltze seeks city support for co-gen plant
F. H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company is looking to upgrade its boilers and in the process its plant in a fairly big way.
Remembering a true fisherman
The news came in the form of a Christmas card from his wife. My old fishing partner Don Graham had died in September, 2008.
Karen Shepard
Karen Jean Shepard, 66, formerly of Kalispell, unexpectedly “went to be with the Lord” on Jan. 12, 2009. She was born to Jean and Lloyd Crowell on Nov. 25, 1942, in Detroit Lakes, Minn.
Leonard Long
It is with deep regret and sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Leonard.
Vikes snag first conference win against Polson
Bigfork heads to divisional tourney as sixth seed
As the Bigfork High School basketball team heads to the Northwest A Divisional Tournament in Kalispell today as the underdogs, they take with them a new achievement; a conference win. The Vikes beat third-ranked Polson last Tuesday night 59-55, and showed that on any given night any team can take home the win. Bigfork will have to keep that mantra in mind as they enter the tournament as the sixth seed with a 1-9 conference record and a 3-15 overall season record.
Black powder shoots inside CF city limits?
Columbia Falls is considering a change to its laws that would allow black powder weapons to be fired inside city limits.
Non-profit bullishness admirable, necessary
Letter from the Editor
Alex Strickland
Letters to the Editor
Speaking out
Wildcats nip Ronan, face Chiefs again in Divisional opener
You couldn’t have written a better script for Senior Night on Saturday on Larry Schmautz Memorial Court.
Trying for a steady hand in Helena
As we near the halfway point of the legislature, the pressure mounts. We're striving for a steady hand to get Montana through these tough times. Our state fiscal division has once again lowered our budget surplus estimates for the next two years to $251 million. While that number is significantly lower than originally forecast, we have a surplus. Montana is one of only a handful of states that has a budget surplus. Considering the current national outlook, I think that this a tremendous accomplishment. I think it says two things. First, we have fostered enough economic growth, which broadly includes our energy development policies. Secondly, we have lived within our means. We have used restraint in our government. Unlike other states, we spend less than we take in. I think that this speaks exceptionally well for all of us as citizens of Montana.
JV Vikes lose last two, freshman split
The Bigfork High School junior varsity boys team’s final week wasn’t a very good reflection on how they played all season. They lost 55-33 to Polson last Tuesday and 41-34 to Columbia Falls Thursday night.
BSC debates options for Bigfork plan
The Bigfork Steering Committee met last Thursday to discuss their strategy prior to the March 25 meeting of the Flathead County Planning Board concerning the Bigfork Neighborhood Plan.
Emslie back at the helm of BHS football
Todd Emslie has been selected as the new head football coach for Bigfork High School, a position he is returning to after a five year absence.
Bigfork non-profits concerned about economy, still optimistic
When the Bigfork Museum of Art and History unveiled its new moniker last year, the last thing the board wanted was to associate the organization with the old, dusty stereotype of a museum.
More than 100k acres of Plum Creek land purchased
Another big chunk of Plum Creek lands have been purchased under one of the largest land conservation deals in history.
Another winter ending without Flathead freezing over
Largest freshwater lake in the West hasn’t frozen solid in 19 years
With temperatures in the 40’s across the Flathead Valley much of last week and through the weekend — not to mention a similar forecast for the latter part of this week — it would be easy to assume that the worst is now behind us and the lake is in no danger of freezing this winter.
Second phase of huge Plum Creek land sale completed
Another big chunk of Plum Creek lands has been purchased under one of the largest land conservation deals in history.
Kats rout Maidens 67-23, take top seed into NW A tourney
For the first time in 13 years, the Columbia Falls girls have the top seed in divisional tournament play, but only a primary goal has been accomplished.
School board spots up for election
Bigfork Eagle
Foley family farm life
Perhaps the story of Tom and Jaybird Foley and family near Martin City during the 1940s and 1950s was enticing to me as it was so different from my own.
USFS to propose motorized trail system on Blacktail
The Flathead National Forest’s Swan Lake Ranger District may soon release a proposed action to create a motorized trail system on Blacktail Mountain.
JV Vals beat C-Falls, fall to Polson to end season
Bigfork’s girls junior varsity team gets the bragging rights of being the only Bigfork team to beat Columbia Falls last week, with their 35-25 victory over the Kats on the road.
County libraries want their books back
The Flathead County Library is missing some stuff. A lot of it.
Bill to control riverside development draws fire
HELENA – Riverside landowners asked state lawmakers last week to scuttle a bill that would require builders to keep their distance from the banks of Montana's rivers and streams.
Vals knock off Polson, lose to C-Falls
The Bigfork Valkyries ended their regular season with a 52-48 win in Polson last Friday, and although they only won by four points, it was all they needed to secure the third seed for this week’s Northwest A Divisional Tournament in Kalispell. The Vals were on the road Tuesday as well, but lost to Columbia Falls, 51-36, in a game that secured the conference championship for the Kats.
Monday, February 23
Columbia Falls teams prepare for NW A Divisional Basketball Tournament
Columbia Falls varsity girls and boys basketball teams closed out the regular season by sweeping Ronan on Saturday at CFHS. The Wildkat girls have the top seed in this week’s Northwestern A Divisional Basketball Tournament in Kalispell while the Wildcat boys are seeded fourth.
Sunday
The events for the day with each event beginning a new line but no blank lines between events
Friday, February 20
Wildcats roll past Bigfork, 71-42
Columbia Falls improved to 4-5 in the Northwestern A Conference with a 71-42 boys basketball victory over Bigfork on Thursday night (Feb. 19) in Bigfork. The Wildcats close the regular season by hosting Ronan on Saturday.
Local freestyle skiers compete in Aspen
Three freestyle skiers from Whitefish competed last week on the X Games course at the fourth annual Aspen Open.
WEB UPDATE: Wildcats crush Vikes on Senior Night
Thursday night's Senior Night didn't end in celebration for the Vikings (1-9 conference) as they took a 71-42 loss to Columbia Falls (4-5) for their final regular season game.
Thursday, February 19
Flapjack flops, democracy suffers
Well, the bill that would have designated the “whole wheat huckleberry pancake” as Montana’s official flapjack has flopped. The idea for the bill arose from students at Franklin Elementary in Missoula who wanted to participate in the legislative process. They are not the first, and will not be the last, to request legislation that really doesn’t seem to fit the lofty nature of making law. Since I live in Trout Creek, the officially designated “Huckleberry Capital of Montana” – you can look it up — I was kind of partial to the little critter. Not everyone was though, and thought the Legislature had more important, pressing issues to attend to. Well, it does, but these little silly bills serve their own purpose; there is now an elementary school class that has a better working knowledge of how laws are made than do 90 percent of Montana voters. (And 80 percent of legislators according to a wise guy in Helena whose name will not be made public for his own safety.)
Bigfork elementary students give ice fishing a try
“If you want to catch fish,” John Cloninger told the 45 or so assembled 4th graders from Bigfork Elementary School. “You have to be quiet out on the ice.”
Scott Taylor leads conference, breaks school record in rebounds
6’-5” senior a terror on the boards
Bigfork High School’s varsity boys basketball team isn’t having the most successful season in the school’s history, but senior post Scott Taylor is still managing to leave his mark.
FVCC to host 'College Goal Sunday' on Feb. 22
Flathead Valley Community College will host the fifth annual College Goal Sunday, a program that provides students who want to attend college and their families the opportunity to obtain assistance in applying for financial aid.
Special Olympics coming back to the Big Mountain
Special Olympics Montana, a 38 year-old movement that enables children and adults with intellectual disabilities to train for life through sports, will conduct its State Winter Games on Feb. 22-24 at Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Young Vikes continue winning ways
Bigfork High School’s boys junior varsity and freshman basketball teams continued their winning streaks as both teams took out Whitefish and Ronan last week, and the JV also played Libby and got the win. The JV boys are now 15-2 and the freshman are 13-2.
FOBS to host second annual community prom
The Friends of Bigfork Schools will reach for the stars, this Saturday, when the group hosts its second annual community prom at the BruMar Estate just outside of Bigfork.
WEB UPDATE: Emslie named new BHS football coach
Bigfork Eagle
Vals knock off Whitefish in double OT win
The varsity Vals basketball team (11-5, 5-3) seems to have found their groove, as they knocked off Whitefish 62-56 in double overtime, beat Ronan 66-41 and narrowly missed beating Libby in a 43-37 loss.
Human remains found in Woods Bay
Bones turned over to tribes
Lake County authorities have turned over human remains found in Woods Bay last week to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, according to a tribal spokesman.
Neighborhood plan runs aground at planning board again
The Bigfork Neighborhood Plan cannot seem to get past its penultimate hump — passage from the Flathead County Planning Board.
Vikes edged out in conference play
The Bigfork Vikings (2-14, 0-8) varsity basketball team went 0-3 last week as they were unable to defeat Libby, Whitefish or Ronan in conference match-ups.
Neighborhood plan process fast becoming comical
Letter from the editor
Alex Strickland
JV and freshman Vals sweep
The JV Vals (7-8) beat Libby 38-18 last Tuesday. The junior varsity squad also beat Ronan and Whitefish last week.
Obituaries
Hazel Marie (Irvin) Edgington Ledford, 94
State revenue forecast slips again
HELENA – The Legislature's principal financial forecaster is predicting another $30 million drop in Montana's future revenues.
Greg Ellman
Gregory John Ellman, 51, reached the end of his journey on earth Jan. 28, 2009. He was born March 27, 1957, the youngest child of James and Margaret Ellman.
Bigfork Fire offering preventative inspections for local businesses
Bigfork Eagle
Cats edged by Bulldogs, 61-58
It was not a conference win for Columbia Falls in Friday’s boys game against Whitefish, but coach
Board member's business duties challenged
Northwest Montana News Network
Wednesday, February 18
Tester talks jobs bill with leaders
Local leaders are hoping to see a lot of good from the jobs bill that was signed by President Obama earlier this week.
Donations needed
During these days of uncertainty and concern with the economy and the related effects on all of us, it is important to take care of each other and our community.
Alahna Jo Hader,
daughter of Angela Michelle Hader and Johnathan Luke Hader of Kalispell, was born Jan. 5 at North Valley Hospital.
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Video gambling numbers down
Second quarter marks first revenue decline in a decade
With many Montana manufacturing plants announcing cutbacks and tourist businesses buckling down for a bumpy ride this year, staying in business may be more of a gamble than ever before.
Primary Seatbelt Law draws testimony
It was the Primary Seatbelt Bill that drew the largest and most emotionally charged testimony to the Capital. Senate Bill 237, sponsored by Sen. Dave Lewis (R) from Helena, would have made not wearing a seatbelt a primary offense. Even though the bill was ultimately defeated by a split vote, support and opposition for the bill was spirited from both sides of the isle. It seems like few issues in Helena are as simple as they first appear and the issue of the seat belt is no exemption.
Lake Web site proves need for Internet portal
Thank you for your interest in
Violet Moller
Violet Mae Moller, 86, passed away Jan. 29, 2009, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell, where she had lived since March 2005.
Speech earns divisional crown
They’ve done it again.
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Arizona firm submits plans for former hospital site
High-end river project will have houses, condos and a clubhouse
By RICHARD HANNERS
What would Congress do?
Now that we all feel richer with the new Democrat plan for the stimulating wealth redistribution boondoggle, perhaps it’s time to talk about a redistribution of congressional representatives.
Fiscal responsibility will get us through tough times
The Montana Legislature is getting more interesting each week. We took steps that will, hopefully, provide a steady hand to get Montana through these tough times. Keeping the process accountable and important progress towards building a better future were top priorities.
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WEB UPDATE: Vikes drop Polson for first conference win
It's been a long time coming, but the Bigfork Vikings finally got their first conference win of the season in a nail-biter Tuesday night beating Polson 59-55.
Bulldogs prevail over Cats in thriller
Idol sets scoring record
By DAVID ERICKSON
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Abolish the death penalty
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Big Mountain ski school sets the standard
Everyone can benefit from a lesson, even local ‘experts’
By RICHARD HANNERS
Foreclosures creating buyer's market in 59912
The real estate downturn hasn’t left Columbia Falls unscathed, with a host of properties in the 59912 ZIP code facing foreclosure.
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Corine Hammer
Corine M. (Mann) Hammer, 91, passed away Feb. 4, 2009, at Brendan House in Kalispell.
Web site challenges changes to lake regs
Draft amendments removed from planning board agenda
By RICHARD HANNERS
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Foley pioneer history revisited
Story of the life of Tom and Edna (Jaybird) Foley and nine children near Martin City seemed as if it could have occurred in the 1800s rather than the 1940s and 1950s.
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Prestegaard takes fifth at state, Benedict sixth
By DAVID ERICKSON
CFHS girls clinch divisional top seed
Columbia Falls manufactured a 27-point lead through three quarters and breezed past Bigfork 51-36 in Northwestern A Conference girls basketball Tuesday night on Larry Schmautz Memorial Court. The win gives the Wildkats an 8-1 conference record and the top seed in the Northwestern A Divisional Tournament next week in Kalispell. Bigfork dropped to 5-4 in conference games.
Talk of bio-gen plant at CFAC
The Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. could be a good place for a bio-generation electric plant, Montana Sen. Ryan Zinke said last week.
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Emmett Stallcop
Emmett Austin Stallcop, 88, died Wednesday, Feb. 11,2009, at his home near Columbia Falls.
High-end real estate market sees declines locally
State reports lower reappraisals for Whitefish Lake and Iron Horse
By RICHARD HANNERS
He was there
In response to your Feb. 12 article “City responds to Realtors’ ‘doughnut’ brief” and the statement by former Montana Supreme Court justice Terry Trieweiler, when he was discrediting the efforts by the Northwest Montana Association of Realtors when he stated NMAR’s efforts “have been the subject of severe criticism by numerous members, particularly those who sell real estate in Whitefish.”
Ban hurts bar owners
To the editor,
Lady Bulldogs battle Bigfork to 2OT
By DAVID ERICKSON
C-Falls veteran loses feet in Iraq explosion
A Columbia Falls native is on the road to recovery after he lost both feet in Iraq last November.
Kats clinch top divisional seed
At this time last year, the Columbia Falls varsity girls team was about to be relegated as the No. 6 seed in the Northwestern A Divisional Basketball Tournament. But the Wildkats have gone from the league cellar to the ceiling in just one season.
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lvin Getzlaff
Alvin M. (Al) Getzlaff, 69, passed away Feb. 7, 2009, at his home in Whitefish.
Please tell us how we are doing.
An Unusual Friendship
Number ‘ol George among the countless outdoors people who will greatly miss Pete Hart, former Glacier Superintendent and all-around good guy.
Houle earns second at state
Columbia Falls junior Kelly Houle, sophomore Sal Baccaro and senior Kodie Kenfield concluded the 2008-09 season in style, bringing home Class A medals from the State Wrestling Championships in Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings last weekend.
Marlene Susan Hoffman, 57
Marlene Susan Hoffman, 57, passed away suddenly Jan. 22, 2009, of a massive heart attack. Sue, as everyone called her, “went to be with the Lord were she is celebrating free of pain and able to walk, run, sing and dance with joy.”
Cheerleaders show true sportsmanship
By DAVID ERICKSON
Crime spree leads to prison time
By RICHARD HANNERS
Stimulus reality
All the stimulus money being passed will not help in the near future as any construction project approved will need an environmental impact statement, which could take 3 to 5 years — that is, roads, bridges, power grids and construction projects at a cost of millions.
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Virginia Cornelius
Virginia Cornelius, 90, passed away on Jan. 15, 2009, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.
Local power of education needed
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Eighty-five will keep jobs at CFAC
The Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. plant won’t shut down entirely after all. The plant has negotiated an agreement with the Bonneville Power Administration for about 35 megawatts of power — enough to keep half of one potline open.
Monday, February 16
Greg Ellman
Gregory John Ellman, 51, reached the end of his journey on earth Jan. 28, 2009. He was born March 27, 1957, the youngest child of James and Margaret Ellman.
Sunday, February 15
Houle, Baccaro, Kenfield place at state wrestling
Kelly Houle, Sal Baccaro and Kodie Kenfield of Columbia Falls were place winners at the Class A State Wrestling Championships held Friday and Saturday (Feb. 13-14) at MetraPark in Billings. Houle was second at 215 pounds. Baccaro earned third at 98, and Kenfield was sixth at heavyweight.
Saturday, February 14
Wildkats suffer first conference loss
Columbia Falls held off Libby on Thursday, but suffered its first Northwestern A Conference loss of the season to Polson on Saturday in girls basketball.
Columbia Falls girls, Whitefish boys post wins
Columbia Falls used an 8-0 run early in the fourth quarter and earned a 35-20 girls basketball victory over rival Whitefish on Friday night on Larry Schmautz Memorial Court at CFHS. That moves the Wildkats, who are 7-1 in the Northwestern A Conference, to within one win of locking up the top seed in the divisional tournament Feb. 26-28 in Kalispell. Alyssa Ladenburg led the Kats with 11 points. Whitefish, which played without two starters, was paced by Kate Klundt's 10 points.
Cats fall to Libby, Polson; drop to 3-4 in league
Cary Finberg could not resist digging out old boys basketball scorebooks from the 2001-02 and 2003-04 seasons after the coach’s Columbia Falls team lost to both Libby and Polson last week.
Nolan headed for MSU, Woods to Carroll
Two Columbia Falls Wildcat seniors are taking their football talent to the college football field next season.
Friday, February 13
Web site is critical of changes to lake regs
A Web site posted by Whitefish resident Rick Blake is soliciting comments about efforts by the Whitefish Lake and Lakeshore Committee to revise regulations for Whitefish Lake.
Thursday, February 12
Lakeshore regulations overhaul not yet ready for prime time
The regulations are not a ‘critical areas ordinance’ document, chairman says
By RICHARD HANNERS
Feels honored
Feels honored
Wrestlers headed to state tourney
By DAVID ERICKSON
James Jim Gregg
James R. “Jim” Gregg, 83, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009, at his home in Whitefish.
Special Olympics coming back to the Big Mountain
Special Olympics Montana, a 38 year-old movement that enables children and adults with intellectual disabilities to train for life through sports, will conduct its State Winter Games on Feb. 22-24 at Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Bulldogs riding nine game winning streak
Showdown with Columbia Falls on Friday night
By DAVID ERICKSON
WEB UPDATE: Neighborhood plan stalls again
The Flathead County Planning Board voted 6-3 on Thursday night to continue the hearing about the Bigfork Neighborhood Plan until March 25. The plan first came before the board on April 9, 2008.
Cheryl Bracken
Cheryl Ann Bracken, 58, died Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009, at her home in Columbia Falls. She was born at Chelsea, Mass., to James Lewkowicz and Blanche (Silman) Lewkowicz on May 3, 1950. She and her husband Jack Runge had currently owned and operated Town & Country Kennels in Columbia Falls.
Treasure Clue found
Photo by Chrissy Jackson
Seat belt bill is a lesson in politics
It was the primary seat belt bill that drew the largest and most emotionally charged testimony to the Capitol this week. Senate Bill 237, sponsored by Sen. Dave Lewis, R-Helena, would have made not wearing a seat belt a primary offense.
Resort tax bills could have big impact here
By RICHARD HANNERS
Louise Flaig
Louise Flaig, 37, passed away at her home on Thursday, Feb. 5, after a 2 1/2-year hard-fought battle with cancer. For the past month, she was surrounded by family and friends with all of their prayers.
Municipal court change has costs and benefits
By RICHARD HANNERS
Doris Inman
Doris Ann Inman, 80, passed away Feb. 1, 2009, at the Colonial Manor in Whitefish.
Marlin Spike Martin
Marlin “Spike” Martin
V. Ruby Howard
V. Ruby Howard, 96, returned to God on Feb. 10, 2009, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. She was born June 5, 1912, in the Deer Park District of Flathead County, Montana, to Elmer C. and Minnie (Johnston) Howell.
Carnival helpers
An extra festive and frivolous “thank you” to all those who helped make the parade as fantastic and fabulous as it was this year.
Hall of fame
The Whitefish Hall of Fame Committee would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who helped make our Hall of Fame induction ceremony such a success.
Ugly unemployment facts
With a host of folks having lost their jobs or set to lose their jobs by next week in Columbia Falls when CFAC shuts down, many people are worried about their retirement plans and their health insurance.
Thanks for help
Thanks for help
Robert Search
Robert Search
City responds to Realtor doughnut brief
By RICHARD HANNERS
Wednesday, February 11
Letters to the Editor
Support purchase of Plum Creek land
Alter your pets
To the editor,
Grace Larkin
Grace I. Larkin, 96, a lifetime resident of Columbia Falls, died Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, at Colonial Manor. Born Sept. 17, 1912, at Columbia Falls to Arthur and Ida Green, Grace attended Columbia Falls schools, graduating from Columbia Falls High School in 1930. She was later married to Bud Darling.
Byron Brown
Byron Charles Brown, 84, left this world to join his beloved wife Nettie on Feb. 5, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He was born at Dodson to Violet Pearl Brown and Byron
BHS planning alumni basketball game on March 21
Bigfork High School has set up an alumni basketball game, which it hopes will become an annual event that brings the community and school together.
Young Vikes still dominating
The junior varsity and freshman Vikings teams continue to dominate their opponents as they both won their games against Stillwater Christian and Plains and the JV team also beat Mission, last week all of which were non-conference games.
DOT says trucks to stay on Highway 35 for now
After months of studies and deliberation, the Montana Department of Transportation has decided not to enact any sort of truck ban on Highway 35, according to DOT Director Jim Lynch.
Senate blocks drive for tougher seat belt law
HELENA – A bill that would have allowed police to pull drivers over for not wearing seat belts ended in a tie vote in the state Senate Thursday.
Edward Bott
Edward R. Bott, 82, a World War II veteran of the South Pacific and Korea, died Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009, at his home in Columbia Falls. He was born April 20, 1926, at Forsyth to John Edward and Frances Bott.
Signs up to warn of deer near logging operation
A few dead deer on the side of any road in Montana are no uncommon sight, but when Zena Pirone started seeing them dead in bunches on Highway 35 and South Ferndale Road, she knew she had to do something.
Paul Sampson
Paul Harland Sampson, 77, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009, at his residence in Kalispell.
Newspaper Staff Members
Managing editor
Finberg facing toughest foe
Meeting life-changing challenges on a basketball trip has not been unusual for Dillon’s Craig Finberg. In fact, it has been the norm.
Bigfork chocolate maker whips up Valentine's Day treats with a kick
A box of chocolates always has the potential to add a little spice to a relationship, but the candies made by Bigfork’s Mojo Chocolates make it a sure thing.
Recreation bill clears House
A bill that could limit the liability of businesses like raft companies and outfitters passed the state House last week.
Village bill may yet find its way to House floor
According to Flathead County Commissioner Joe Brenneman, LC0118, better known as the "Community Self Determination Act," may yet see the light of day — possibly even the house floor — thanks to continued support from unincorporated communities like Lakeside that are anxious to have their voices heard by both lawmakers and county government.
Elementary students making books for African schools
It would be difficult to find a place in the world less like Bigfork than rural Uganda, but young students here now have a connection to that war-torn African nation.
Freshman Vals riding 3-game winning streak, JV goes 1-2
The Bigfork High School girls junior varsity basketball team had a roller coaster week, losing to Stillwater Christian last Tuesday 51-44, beating Plains 33-17 and then losing to Mission 32-30.
Martin City pioneer mother
When I learned that Edna Rose (Jaybird) Foley would become 93 years old Feb. 12 a column was born. She is truly a Martin City pioneer mother.
Vikings split Class B games
Bigfork’s varsity boys basketball team picked up their second win of the year last week, taking out Mission on Saturday in a 59-45 non-conference victory, though they lost to Plains last Tuesday 51-43 in overtime.
Look at wolves
To the editor,
Plenty of topics released on the press
Letter from the editor
Alex Strickland
Alvin Getzlaff
Alvin M. (Al) Getzlaff, 69, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009 at his home in Whitefish. Al was born on Sept. 28, 1939, in Bottineau, N.D., to Walter and Lillian Getzlaff.
Court: condos must undergo review
A January district court decision on a pair of condominium projects totaling about 600 units near Lakeside will require the developers to submit to the subdivision review process, potentially setting a precedent for similar projects on unzoned land.
'Billy' Mitchell's Visions
Way, way back sometime? Did a column here about “Billy” Mitchell (1879-1936). Recall discussing the young army officer’s bitter fights with military big shots. Rapid airplane improvements occurred after the Wright brothers’ famous 1903 flight, but Mitchell was almost busted out of the service for suggesting advancing designs could make aircraft useful for dropping bombs in case of war. A little later, the high brass went completely bananas when he suggested the USA should build big ships with a flat deck on top where planes could take off and land at sea. History records that
Christine Baggett
Christine “Tena” Rose Baggett, 67, passed away Nov. 11, 2008, in Spokane, Wash. She was born April 6, 1941, to Chris and Ruth Nelson and grew up in the Flathead Valley in Montana, south of Kalispell.
Vals tear through Class B matchups
The Vals (9-7) hosted Plains High School last Thursday night and Mission on Saturday night and showed just how well they will perform in Class B next year, beating the Trotters 67-38 and the Bulldogs 51-44.
Baccaro, Whitman, Kenfield earn divisional titles
Senior Kodie Kenfield, junior Shawn Whitman and sophomore Sal Baccaro of Columbia Falls earned individual titles Saturday at the Northwestern A Divisional Wrestling Tournament at Libby.
WEB UPDATE: Libby knocks off Vikes, Vals
Tuesday was a disappointing night for Bigfork High School's boys and girls varsity basketball teams as they both narrowly missed beating Libby. The varsity girls lost 43-37 and the boys lost 46-39.
Tuesday, February 10
Baccaro, Whitman, Kenfield win divisional wrestling titles
Sal Baccaro, Shawn Whitman and Kodie Kenfield won individual titles for Columbia Falls at the Northwestern A Divisional Wrestling Tournament held Saturday in Libby. The Mat Cats finished in fourth place. Ronan was the divisional champion, with Polson second and Libby third. Whitefish finished fifth.
Monday, February 9
Craig Finberg battling pancreatic cancer
Craig Finberg is in Zion, Ill., for his first week of chemotherapy for treatment of pancreatic cancer, which was diagnosed in late January.
Sunday, February 8
Columbia Falls girls, boys beaten by Polson
Columbia Falls suffered its first Northwestern A Conference girls basketball loss of the season, falling to Polson 37-33 Saturday in Polson. The Wildkats remain in first place in the league with a 6-1 mark. Kelsey DeWit led CFHS in scoring with 11 points.
Friday, February 6
Smith Valley student arrested after bringing handgun to school
A 14-year-old male was in custody Thursday afternoon (Feb. 5) after he brought a 9mm handgun to Smith Valley School in Kalispell on Wednesday, according to the Flathead County Sheriff Mike Meehan. The youth is a student at the school.
Sunday
The events for the day with each event beginning a new line but no blank lines between events
CFHS girls stop Libby; boys lose to Loggers
Columbia Falls built a 15-point lead and held off Libby in the fourth quarter to post a 52-45 Northwestern A Conference girls basketball victory Thursday night (Feb. 5) on Larry Schmautz Memorial Court at Columbia Falls High School. The win pushed the Wildkats’ conference record to 6-0. Kayla DeWit led CFHS with 18 points, Alyssa Ladenburg added 11 and Shay Grilley nine. McKenzie Reeve had two key 3-pointers late in the third period. Jackie Mee led Libby with 17 points, and Brittany Martin had 16.
Icy roads close Bigfork schools, basketball games cancelled
Bigfork Eagle
WEB UPDATE: Vals drop Plains, Vikes fall in OT
The Vals hosted Plains High School Thursday night and showed just how well they will perform in Class B next year, beating the Trotters 67-38.
Thursday
A reception for Jason Spring, North Valley Hospital’s new chief executive officer, will take place in the hospital’s dining room on Thursday, March 26, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. He started work here earlier this month. The hospital board hired Spring in January. The hospital’s management company, Quorum Health Resources, conducted a national search after Craig Aasved resigned from the top post last July.
Thursday, February 5
Iris Ann Inman
Iris Ann Inman, 80, passed away Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009, at Colonial Manor in Whitefish.
Vals move to 4-2 in conference
The Bigfork varsity Vals hosted Polson and Columbia Falls last week, and beat the Lady Pirates 38-25 on Tuesday but lost to the Wildkats Friday night 49-43 to put their record at 4-2 in conference and 8-4 overall.
Waiting for the world to turn
Letter from the editor
It’s rare anymore to have any real stillness in our lives. So rare, in fact, that when we do have it, it kind of freaks us out.
Gayer Dominick
Gayer Gardner Dominick, 69, passed away peacefully on Jan. 27, 2009, surrounded by family in his home in Whitefish, ending his battle with renal cell cancer.
Sentencing delayed for Ferndale shooter
Bigfork Eagle
Playhouse expansion closing in on completion
The renovation and expansion of the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts is presently in its final stages, and many of the changes to the building’s exterior are already finished.
Andrus tapped to coach in CFL
Bart Andrus, of Bigfork, has taken the position of head coach of the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football league after spending the past NFL season as an offensive assistant coach for the Tennessee Titans.
Stimulus package isn't what the doctor ordered
If the man standing next to you keels over with a heart attack, you're going to administer CPR, give him some aspirin or use an emergency defibrillator to get his heart pumping again. You're not going to lecture him about his eating habits, prescribe a battery of medication that he'll take for the rest of his life and shine his shoes. That's because in a crisis you have to act decisively. While the long-term goals may be worth exploring once the crisis is over, the time to do it isn't when the victim is turning blue in front of you.
JV girls drop a pair of games, freshman team splits
The junior varsity Vals lost to both Polson and Columbia Falls last week at home, 63-24 and 41-35, respectively.
Realtors want say in doughnut lawsuit
The Northwest Montana Association of Realtors (NMAR) has submitted an amicus brief in Whitefish’s lawsuit against the county.
Clear the ice
Shop locally? I’d love to. But too many streets and parking lots in Whitefish are extremely icy.
Graham and Stott post fastest skijoring times
The team of Sherry Graham, riding her horse Duke “Dashing Jose,” and skier Bruce Stott narrowly won the open division at the 2009 Whitefish Winter Carnival skijoring event at City Airport last weekend.
Two local figure skaters pick up high honors in competition
Forty skaters from Montana and Washington attended the Whitefish Figure Skating Club’s second annual Flathead Valley Invitational Competition at the Stumptown Ice Den this past weekend.
Bill would allow wildlife agency to manage bison
HELENA – Wildlife groups and others squared off with the ranching industry last week over legislation that would strip the state Department of Livestock of its responsibility for managing bison that wander from Yellowstone National Park.
Report forecasts 2 percent drop in tourism this year
High gasoline prices likely kept some visitors away last summer
Falling gasoline prices and a determined attitude by prospective vacationers may help soften what otherwise could be a dismal year for the tourist industry in 2009.
Writer finds niche in grant work for the city
It’s been seven years since Jo Ann Dial moved here from the Chicago area. In that time, she has parlayed her writing skills into a technical and grant writing business, Writeworks, that proves its worth to the city of Whitefish more and more each year.
Bulldogs move into first-place tie with wins
There is a new threat in Northwestern Class A boys basketball.
BHS nabs pair of state titles in speech and drama
Bigfork High School’s Wall of Fame is about to get a little bit bigger now that three students won first place at the state speech and drama meet in Butte last weekend.
Lights, camera, action - it is Carnival time
Two local filmmakers capturing 50th anniversary Carnival for documentary
History will be captured on film this winter. Actually, not film. High-definition digital DVD video.
Real estate takes a hit in tough times
Bigfork, lake front home prices take a particularly hard tumble
Northwest Montana News Network
BHS Cave Club mapping out Glacier Park caverns
The Bigfork High School Cave Club spent the last two months of 2008 establishing resource monitoring in newly discovered caves in Glacier National Park.
Convicted kidnapper loses venue appeal
Northwest Montana News Network
Obituaries
Leland Lloyd Hall, 75
Bigfork has the best kind of government
A few years ago, under the direction of the Flathead County Commissioners, the Bigfork Steering Committee performed an extensive study on the feasibility of incorporating Bigfork. The study uncovered several things, including the fact that the cost of incorporating would be too expensive on the local property tax payers. I remember my disappointment over the committee's conclusions. I was, like many others, hopeful for this new government possibility. I was one who thought that Bigfork needed an "identity," and to have representation and autonomy from other governmental bodies.
RUI - Riding under the influence
G. George Ostrom
International hockey tourney comes to Ice Den on Feb. 6-8
By DAVID ERICKSON
BLUAC passes plan amid little fanfare
After four years and nearly 100 public meetings, the Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee unanimously recommended approval to the county planning board concerning the Bigfork Neighborhood Plan. When the floor was opened for public comment for this meeting, the proverbial crickets could be heard chirping.
Plan seeks to reduce sprawl
Draft extension of services plan looks at annexations
The city council began work on updating its 1998 extension of services plan during a work session Jan. 20.
Letters to the Editor
Money flows up
Vikes lose to Columbia Falls, Polson
It was another disappointing week for Bigfork’s varsity boys basketball team, as they lost to Columbia Falls, 80-41 and narrowly missed getting their first conference win of the season against Polson in a 42-40 loss.
Little Guy Wrestling sign-up on Feb. 11 at Swan River School
Bigfork’s Little Guy Wrestling program is about to start up. Sign-ups are from 6 to 6:30 p.m. next Wednesday, Feb. 11, at the Swan River School cafeteria. The first practice will be held at the SRS gym Feb. 16. The team serves kids from all over the north end of the lake and is open to all who are in kindergarten through 8th grade.
Man charged in scalding boy now faces drug charges
A 27-year-old Whitefish man already facing charges related to a young boy’s scalding in a bathtub in October has now been charged with fraudulently obtaining dangerous drugs, a felony.
JV boys split conference matches, freshmen sweep
Bigfork High School’s junior varsity boys basketball team got their first conference loss last week to Columbia Falls, 70-32, but recovered the following night and beat Polson, 49-47.
Merchant kudos
This is a long overdue thank you to our Whitefish merchants who provide their generous giving in so many ways.
Wednesday, February 4
Feeling the pinch
Industry catching its breath as Flathead construction slows
Kats top Vals, go to 5-0 in NW A
In a showdown of two of the three teams vying for the top spot in the Northwestern A Conference, Kelsey DeWit, Kayla DeWit and Alyssa Ladenburg combined for 44 points in a 49-43 girls basketball win over Bigfork last Friday in Bigfork.
Marlin Martin
Marlin “Spike” Eric Martin, 70, of Columbia Falls, passed away Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009, due to heart problems. He was born Nov. 23, 1938, in Glasgow. He was the oldest of five children born to Arnot “Fuzzy” and Mabel (Moen) Martin.
Convicted kidnapper loses venue appeal
The Montana Supreme Court rejected an appeal by a man sentenced to 50 years in prison for the May 2006 abduction of an intoxicated Whitefish woman in Bigfork.
Agencies resume tussle over Libby dam spill
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is renewing its insistence on a test spill of water from Libby Dam to see if the higher flows have any biological benefits for the threatened Kootenai River white sturgeon.
Montana better off than most states
The highlight of last week may have been Gov. Brian Schweitzer’s State of the State address which was upbeat and optimistic. The governor pointed to his administration’s success in creating good-paying jobs, reducing taxes through a $400 rebate check, and providing significant funding increases for education.
Mat Cats head for divisionals
Columbia Falls wrestlers turned in a solid showing during Senior Night last Thursday in a 42-35 Northwestern A Conference loss to Ronan at Columbia Falls High School.
Stimulus bill should help parks, but by how much?
An economic stimulus plan being debated in the Senate this week could mean funds for the Park Service, but just how much remains to be seen.
Building contractors should hone customer base
One of my recent clients is a building contractor who has worked in the Flathead Valley for more than 25 years. He's had great success, considers himself a quality builder of custom homes, remodels, decks, you name it. Yet recently, his business has tapered off and he called to discuss what he might do to get some business.Of course with the current mortgage crisis, which some economists feel could lead into a recession, it's old news that housing starts and construction have taken a hit. Yet there are some bright spots in the market such as commercial starts and some high-end development. Actually, Montana is doing better than other areas of the country, but will the housing finance crisis effect Montana? Would one be foolish to start a spec house anytime soon?
Home probes
Inspectors put houses under the microscope to detect problems
Driver's sentence questioned
A drunk driver who ran down two Flathead Valley teenagers near Plains in March 2007 may serve as little as one year in Montana State Prison — a prospect that has riled some members of the community.
C-Falls native in midst of Madagascar riots
A Columbia Falls native has found himself amidst fighting and revolutionary strife in Madagascar, though his mom says he’s not ready to come home yet.
Wildcats bury Bigfork
Columbia Falls enjoyed its best shooting night of the season as the Wildcats stormed to a 22-8 first-quarter lead en route to an 80-41 Northwestern Conference boys basketball victory over Bigfork last Friday in the CFHS gym.
Dogs' tale touches people's hearts
Amber, the silver Labrador retriever rescued from the cold with nine puppies, became an overnight celebrity since her story and photos of the family appeared in Saturday’s Inter Lake.
Whitefish Pilot
PO Box 488
Robert Stanton
Robert Stanton, 69, of Columbia Falls died on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009, at the Community Hospital in Anaconda.
RUI - Riding Under the Influence
Is it against the law to be “in personal control” of a horse while you are under the influence of corn squeezings or other brain-addling intoxicants? Basically that action in itself is not of great concern to the average police or sheriff’s department; however, exceptions do arise.
Comparing modern recipes to old ones
I was looking through my 1947 Better Homes and Gardens Cook Book and could not help comparing to modern recipes.
Who is Ed Hardy, anyway?
About a month ago a friend of mine from back East said, “Join Facebook, everyone is doing it.”
Wildcats capture fourth straight state speech and debate title
Columbia Falls High School's Speech and Debate team won its fourth consecutive Class A state championship last weekend in Butte. It’s the team’s eighth win in the past 10 years.
Monday, February 2
Sunday, February 1
Columbia Falls wins State Speech and Debate title
Fourth consecutive Class A championship for Wildcats
