Stories for September 2009

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Thursday, September 24

September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Fond farewell

Joe Sova / Hungry Horse News

Making a Mark
September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Making a Mark

Students look to create Park centennial art display

Charges in wreck that killed C-Falls woman, son
September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Charges in wreck that killed C-Falls woman, son

An Evergreen teen has been charged with the deaths of a pregnant Columbia Falls woman and her 13-year-old son after she allegedly drove her car into oncoming traffic.

September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Thanks for the welcome, Bigfork

Letter from the editor

Council candidate wants clarity and fairness
September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Council candidate wants clarity and fairness

As a developer, Bill Kahle knows the value of regulations — they protect property values and ensure that Whitefish remains a place where he wants to raise his family.

Week in photos, Oct 1
September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Week in photos, Oct 1

September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Obituaries

CARLA ANN ALBRECHT-ALLEN

Sunrift Gorge approach to Siyeh Pass a challenging ascent
September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Sunrift Gorge approach to Siyeh Pass a challenging ascent

There are two main approaches to Siyeh Pass, one of them involving 1,000 feet less elevation gain than the other. Smart people take the easy approach.

September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Rosalie Berg

Rosalie K. Berg, 70, a longtime resident of Whitefish, died Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009, at her home. Born July 10, 1939, at Great Falls to Leonard and Josephine Shortell, she came to Whitefish in 1945 with her family where she attended grade school and high school.

September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

C-Falls spikers regrouping with new offense

When you find a need to generate more offense in volleyball, you change your attack.

Homecoming pep rally
September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Homecoming pep rally

September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Commissioners approve change

The Flathead County Commissioners looked to put an end to a two-year zoning debate by approving a zoning change along Montana 83 on Sept. 16.

September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Janet Sproul

Janet D. Sproul, 79, died peacefully Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009, at Heritage Place. She was born in New York City on June 27, 1930, the daughter of Elmer and Madeline Fly. She married Lewis "Dill" Sproul June 10, 1949. Janet had been a long-time resident of the Flathead Valley, residing for an extended period of time at Star Meadows.

September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Real health care reform for all Montanans

When I was home during the whole month of August, I talked with people across the state about their health care concerns and experiences. I talked to a young woman struggling to pay rent while paying for her expensive prescription drugs out of her own pocket.

Valkyries working hard despite record
September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Valkyries working hard despite record

The Valkyries soccer team is still without a win this season, but last week they held both of their opponents scoreless until the end of the game, losing to Columbia Falls 1-0 on the road Sept. 15 and Libby 2-0 at home Thursday.

September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

North to California?

Got to thinking about "Wrong Way Corrigan" this week. Remember him? Probably not! Iris "never heard of him" and she's in early seventies. Near as I recall, Corrigan had generated nationwide publicity regarding a daring non-stop solo flight diagonally across the United States from the northeast coast to the southwest coast. This was prior to WW II, before reliable shortwave radio and radar. He took off in his small plane with crowds cheering but then nobody heard anything about him … until he landed in Ireland. Swore up and down he was surprised as everyone else. Had no idea how such a thing could have happened.

September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Upholding the Eagle's tradition

Letter from the editor

Rec trail work proceeding on budget
September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Rec trail work proceeding on budget

By next summer, recreationists will be able to hike or bike from Lion Mountain Loop Road to Beaver Lake Road on a new single-track trail that includes a spectacular traverse of a cliff band overlooking Skyles Lake.

'Dogs tie Pirates in defensive battle
September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

'Dogs tie Pirates in defensive battle

An inch too far, a foot too wide.

By Jerry Sprunger
September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

By Jerry Sprunger

U.N. scientists: Glacier on 'pedestal'
September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

U.N. scientists: Glacier on 'pedestal'

Two scientists from the United Nations are touring the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park and the Canadian Flathead to see for themselves the potential impacts of proposed mines in the region.

September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Evergreen teenager faces deliberate homicide charges

Community spirit sprouts at local garden

September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Elmo couple starts partnership, new life with Habitat for Humanity work

Elmo residents Dennis and Jan Wolfe may be retired, but they are also proving that the golden years of life don't have to be characterized by inactivity.

September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Season-ending bash for Farmers Market

City budget: Expect tax increase

Libby swats Lady Bulldogs in three games
September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Libby swats Lady Bulldogs in three games

The Whitefish volleyball team dropped a quick three games to Libby on Thursday, losing to the Lady Loggers 3-0 in a conference match.

Vikings soccer keeps record even
September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Vikings soccer keeps record even

The Bigfork Vikings soccer team split their conference matches last week, shutting out Columbia Falls on Sept. 15, 4-0, and losing to Libby 3-1.

Mustangs fall to Bigfork in first game
September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Mustangs fall to Bigfork in first game

The Somers Mustangs played their first game of the season against Bigfork last Thursday, falling behind in the second half after keeping pace with the rival team for most of the first half.

September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Cheers for Volunteers

Marguerite Schenck has lived in Whitefish all her life. She met her future husband, Ed, on her 21st birthday, and the rest is history. Together, they raised five children and built a ski resort.

September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Budget reduces taxes by 12 mills

Total appropriations for this year's city budget are about 56 percent higher than last year's, but the net property tax levy will be about 10 percent less.

Lady Bulldogs good to the last shot
September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Lady Bulldogs good to the last shot

The Lady Bulldogs soccer team knows how to finish.

September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Talk-radio host loses assets in bankruptcy

Whitefish Pilot

September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Business down after summer tourism

Business from summer tourism in the Bigfork and Lakeside areas was down slightly this year, but still higher than anticipated, according to local business owners.

Baldy Fire
September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Baldy Fire

September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Bigfork High School misses AYP goal

For the first time, a Bigfork school has failed to make Adequate Yearly Progress.

September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Patricia Thompson

Patricia Lou (Roney) Thompson, 77, of Whitefish, died Sept. 9, 2009, at Heritage Place in Kalispell.

C-Falls boys second, girls third in X-C at Pablo
September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

C-Falls boys second, girls third in X-C at Pablo

Columbia Falls finished second in varsity boys cross country competition and third in the girls division at the Ronan Invitational on Saturday in Pablo. Flathead High took team honors in both divisions. The Wildcats had the top four finishers among Class A boys runners.

September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Thursday

Columbia Falls Baseball Association will hold its annual board of directors elections Thursday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. in the F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber main office. The public is welcome. Anyone with a child playing baseball in Columbia Falls can participate and vote for incoming directors.

Belly River Country
September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Belly River Country

Wildcat golfers earn triangular meet crown
September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Wildcat golfers earn triangular meet crown

Paced by Tanner Lineberry and Jordan Mueller, the Columbia Falls High School boys golf team captured the team title at last Thursday's golf invitational at Meadow Lake Resort and followed up on Saturday with a third-place finish in Libby.

September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

The best health care system in the world

Our country has a health care system that the rest of the world envies. We've always been at the forefront of medical research and innovation, and people come here from all over the world to address their health care problems.

Harriers place 2nd and 3rd in Ronan
September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Harriers place 2nd and 3rd in Ronan

The Whitefish High School cross-country teams came away from the Ronan Invitational with a good idea of where they stand at the mid-point of the season.

September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Tax reappraisals are not fair

Please everyone, protest property taxes if you believe your newly appraised home value is unfair. Remember that the Montana Legislature recently allowed the Department of Revenue to re-assess the actual market value of your homes in July 2008, before the bottom dropped out of the market and the recession started, and the following Legislature's mitigation failed to eliminate those huge increases. I am very angry about the unfairness.

Bulldogs topple Stevensville 25-14 on the road
September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Bulldogs topple Stevensville 25-14 on the road

Bulldog football coach Patrick Dryden likes what he has seen from his team in their last three games.

September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

North Fork Road really a true jewel

To the editor,

Cats fall one rally short of Dillon, 24-19
September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Cats fall one rally short of Dillon, 24-19

Coming from behind to take the lead three times, Columbia Falls came up a rally short in a 24-19 non-conference football loss to visiting Dillon on Friday night.

September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Likes Sweeney

Citizens of Whitefish, let's be Frank — as in Frank Sweeney, that is.

Vikings score first win in three years
September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Vikings score first win in three years

Just after 9:30 p.m. on Friday night, the Bigfork Vikings football team ended an era they hope to never return to. They won their first game in three years with a 35-29 overtime victory beating No. 9 ranked Plains in both of the teams' first District 7B game of the season.

September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Not airing Obama speech wrong

To the editor,

September 24, 2009 11 p.m.

Vikings finally get what they've been waiting for

I went out to dinner in Bigfork with my dad, who was in town from Seattle, prior to Friday night's football game. As we were leaving the restaurant a friend of mine who worked there asked me what we were off to do. I looked at him and said, "I'm going to go watch the Bigfork football team win their first game in three years."

Thursday, September 17

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Alcohol tax hikes equal tax cuts

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. According to a recent report from the University of Montana’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research, state residents collectively spend $510 million every year dealing with the effects of drinking. If each person in Montana had to pay an equal share, his or her annual alcohol tax bill would total around $530.

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Columbia Falls man harvests first wolf from Bob Marshall Wilderness

Northwest Montana News Network

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Obama's speech denied to students

Editor's note: The following letter was sent to Whitefish school superintendent Jerry House.

Foundation seeks remaining funds for building
September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Foundation seeks remaining funds for building

Members of the Friends of the Bigfork Fire Department are hoping that last Friday's "Brats, Burgers and Band" fundraiser raised enough to round out the final costs of a three-year project.

Bulldogs post more than 500 yards against Anaconda
September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Bulldogs post more than 500 yards against Anaconda

For every Anaconda score, the Bulldogs had an answer — his name, Daniel Simmons.

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Corey Ladvala

On Sept. 11, 2009, we lost our beloved Corey James Ladvala, age 31.

Federal grant could boost downtown project
September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Federal grant could boost downtown project

A little known federal transportation grant could provide the money needed to get Second Street reconstructed from Spokane to Baker avenues — under city direction.

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Problems of female griz

Grizzlies remain in news, so decided to run this surprising report from Nov. 10, 1999:

Lady Bulldogs top Bigfork, tie Hamilton
September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Lady Bulldogs top Bigfork, tie Hamilton

Whitefish 2, Hamilton 2

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Mallams, McConnell take second in tourney

Bulldog golfers Joel Mallams and Kiley McConnell both had outstanding rounds at last week's Whitefish / Glacier Invitational Tournament, taking second place for the boys and the girls.

Cats v. Dillon
September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Cats v. Dillon

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

No lying allowed in hunting stories

Having just won a local contest for the best hunter’s sad story, my plans for a big night of fun and luxury at the Outlaw Inn here went haywire when my husband just wouldn’t go. I’d been having too much fun with the subject by saying all we had to do was pack an overnight bag and walk over to the Inn just a few blocks from our home. Besides, my husband wasn’t the eager beaver he’d been 40 years ago…but I did try.

Frosh football team gets first win since 2006 in St. Ignatius
September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Frosh football team gets first win since 2006 in St. Ignatius

The Bigfork Vikings football program got its first taste of victory since the 2006 season last Tuesday when the froshmore team shut out St. Ignatius on the road 25-0.

A runner for life
September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

A runner for life

Of all the individual feats accomplished by the record field at Sunday's Two Bear Marathon and half marathon, none may have been as personal as Sandy Jahnke's.

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Sen. Baucus introduces health care reform legislation

After more than a year of preparation, and holding more than 40 health care events in the state, U.S. Sen. Max Baucus on Wednesday introduced the America's Healthy Future Act, his landmark health care reform legislation that will lower costs and provide quality, affordable health care coverage for all Montanans and all Americans.

District adds fourth teacher to kindergarten
September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

District adds fourth teacher to kindergarten

Two days before classes started this fall at Bigfork Elementary School, Jessie Smiley began decorating her kindergarten classroom.

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

City politics

I am writing to say how upset and disappointed I am that the Whitefish City Council has voted to award the 'streetscaping" contract before the test period ran out.

Local takes 6th at international kayaking championship
September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Local takes 6th at international kayaking championship

Under dark skies and bright lights Jonny Meyers, a Bigfork native, started off freestyle kayaking's biggest show – the men's World Freestyle Championships finals – in Thun, Switzerland, earlier this month, and took home sixth place among more than 100 paddlers from 32 countries.

Tennis legend Jack Kramer dies at 88
September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Tennis legend Jack Kramer dies at 88

The 1940s tennis star Jack Kramer died at his home in Los Angeles on Sept. 12 at the age of 88. He had soft tissue cancer, according to the Los Angeles Times.

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Lyrik Xander Fainter

Lyrik Xander Fairster, son of Steve and Stacy Fainter, of Kalispell was born Sept. 1, 2009, at North Valley Hospital.

Bigfork High School adds three to new year's staff
September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Bigfork High School adds three to new year's staff

Bigfork High School has added three new staff members for the 2009-2010 school year, all of whom have been impressed by the school's supportive and welcoming environment.

Made in Montana Day
September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Made in Montana Day

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Teenager faces deliberate homicide charges

The 16-year-old driver of a car that plowed into oncoming traffic on U.S. 93 near Church Drive on March 19, killing two, was charged last week with two counts of deliberate homicide by the Flathead County Attorney's Office.

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Pros and cons of the secret ballot

In the reconstruction period following the Civil War, black people who had been slaves were given their first opportunity as free citizens to vote. Allowing those who hadn't even been legal persons the fundamental right of citizenship was unbearable for unreconstructed Confederates. Brutal harassment of unsure and frightened black voters was rampant at the traditionally open polling places in the South in the 1870s.

Cook-off benefits area children
September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Cook-off benefits area children

Last Saturday, Flathead residents indulged in a 16-year tradition that each year draws crowds to Lakeside, either to compete or satisfy their judicious palettes in the annual Shrine Chili Cook-off.

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Cheers for volunteers

In 1993, Bridget Wirth, with her husband Jeff and three children, were "blown out of Florida" by Hurricane Andrew. Having often visited Whitefish on vacations, they decided this was the place they wanted to make their permanent home and raise their family.

Kats bounce back, blitz Bigfork, 1-0
September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Kats bounce back, blitz Bigfork, 1-0

Hard-nosed defense and a lone goal in the 62nd minute allowed Columbia Falls to record a girls soccer 1-0 shutout victory over visiting Bigfork on a hot Tuesday afternoon. The win evened the Wildkats' Northern A Conference record at 1-1 after a 4-2 loss to Libby last Saturday. C-Falls is 3-2 overall.

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Wildcats use balance to beat Browning, 28-14

Columbia Falls got right back on track in a defensive aspect, holding Browning to 83 yards of offense in a 28-14 non-conference victory Friday night in Browning.

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Fern Wirtz

Fern D. (Mack) Wirtz, 84, a long-time resident of Kalispell, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 19, 2009, at the Missouri River Nursing Home in Fort Benton after seven years of complications from Parkinson's disease. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Croxford Funeral Home. Services were not held at that time to prepare for a "celebration of life memorial" to be held in Kalispell on Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Lawrence Park Pavilion from 1 to 4 p.m.

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Letters to the Editor

Music and mingling

'Bigfork wins' - Bigfork v. Plains
September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

'Bigfork wins' - Bigfork v. Plains

Assisted living center breaks ground near junior high
September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Assisted living center breaks ground near junior high

Work started last Thursday on an assisted living facility near Columbia Falls Junior High.

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

CFAC hopeful for long-term BPA deal

The Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. will continue to operate through October while it tries to hammer out a longer term deal for power with the Bonneville Power Administration.

When it comes to bears, prevention proves cure
September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

When it comes to bears, prevention proves cure

Terence McClelland spent his summer traveling from camp to camp, spreading the word about food and garbage and toiletries and how, if you're camping in bear country, you need to secure them in a bear proof container or in your rig.

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Spikers 10th in Tip Off Tournament

Columbia Falls head coach Addy Hines continues to see improvement on the volleyball court as the Wildkats won six of 13 sets in the Tip Off Tournament last weekend in Anaconda. The tourney matched teams from the Northwestern A and Southwestern A conferences against each other in two-set matches.

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Somers schools start alert system

Northwest Montana News Network

Late goals lift 'Dogs to win over Stillwater
September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Late goals lift 'Dogs to win over Stillwater

Whitefish 4, Stillwater Christian 1

Columbia Falls second in X-C at Frenchtown
September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Columbia Falls second in X-C at Frenchtown

Led by top-10 finishers Leesa Benner, Nikki Moser and Jinise Osborne, Columbia Falls brought home second place in the girls division in the King Ranch Invitational on Tuesday in Frenchtown. Hamilton was the titlist with 58 points and C-Falls was two points behind with 60.

Former school converted to event center
September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Former school converted to event center

For countless students and teachers, fall means a return to the classroom and another year of sharing one of life's most challenging times with familiar faces, often in an equally familiar setting. However, one group of local students and staff were not among them.

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Upholding the Eagle's tradition

Letter from the editor

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Linabary named as WSN editor

West Shore News

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

School issues from a student's point of view

Editor's note: This is the first of a new series of columns about Whitefish schools written by a student at Whitefish High School.

Council incumbent addresses the issues
September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Council incumbent addresses the issues

Frank Sweeney is the only incumbent among this year's four Whitefish City Council candidates. He was appointed to the council after Shirley Jacobson resigned.

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Valkyries fight for fifth in Anaconda tournament

The Valkyries volleyball team showed that they can still hang with the big schools last weekend, placing fifth among 12 schools, all the rest of which were Class A, at the Northwest Versus Southwest Tip-Off Tournament in Anaconda last weekend.

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Harriers sweep meet in Eureka

The Whitefish High School boys and girls cross-country teams came away with team titles at the Eureka Invitational meet on Sept. 11. Four teams participated in the event.

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Problems with female griz

The Trailwatcher/G. George Ostrom

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Judge OKs wolf hunt with possible catch

Montana hunters were given the green light to go after gray wolves last week — but the judge who issued the OK left open the question of whether the wolves should be returned to the federal endangered species list.

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Fire destroys man's home

Biker dies in Sun Road crash

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Thursday

Mark Riffey of Rescue Marketing is the facilitator at a Brown Bag Series event Thursday, Sept. 17 from noon to 1 p.m. in the Freedom Bank conference room in Columbia Falls. Riffey’s topic is, “Why (almost) every small business needs a Web site and how you can get one without getting ripped off.” There is no cost and everyone can bring a sack lunch.

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Fred Karper

Fred M. Karper, 79, of Columbia Falls, formerly from Shippensburg, Pa., went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009.

September 17, 2009 11 p.m.

Furlough-layoff debate laid to rest

City looks at changing code enforcement

Thursday, September 10

Old engines, new life
September 10, 2009 11 p.m.

Old engines, new life

September 10, 2009 11 p.m.

Harlie June Fischer

Harlie June Fischer, daughter of Clayton and Amy Fischer, of Whitefish, was born Aug. 29, 2009, at North Valley Hospital.

September 10, 2009 11 p.m.

Swine flu, West Nile virus are here

The Flathead City-County Health Department confirmed Sept. 10 a case of H1N1 Òswine fluÓ influenza illness in Flathead County. The disease is affecting both children and adults within the county, and the number of persons experiencing influenza like symptoms appears to be increasing.

Back to School Bash
September 10, 2009 11 p.m.

Back to School Bash

September 10, 2009 11 p.m.

Thursday

Literacy Volunteers of Flathead County will hold several hour-long introductory training sessions that are crucial for new volunteers. Training will take place at 35 Fourth Street West, in Kalispell, on Thursday, Sept. 17, at 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and on Sept. 21 at 5:30 p.m. Call 257-7323 for more information.dkins Animal Adoption Center.

Wednesday, September 9

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Fake $100 bills circulating around Montana

The Billings office of the Unites States Secret Service has put out a warning to business owners and consumers in Montana concerning an unusually high number of high-quality counterfeit $100 bills.

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Cheers for Volunteers

Florence Fletcher was born and raised in Whitefish. As a daughter of Ross and Alice Donahue, she is 'related to half the community." Marriage to husband Jack took her to Portland, Ore., where they raised three sons and now have eight grandchildren.

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

DeWit takes fifth at Mission

The Columbia Falls High School golf teams opened their competitive season at the Ronan High School Invitational last Thursday at the Mission Mountain Golf Course. Wildkat senior Kelsey DeWit shot a solid 95 finishing in fifth place overall, while freshman Morgan Love's 108 landed her in 12th place. As a team, the Kats posted a score of 474 finishing 4th in the five-team field. Also competing for the Kats were junior Courtney Tamburelli (129) and freshman Maggie Panasuk (142).

Bars go smoke-free Oct. 1
September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Bars go smoke-free Oct. 1

Call it another milestone in Montana's colorful history — Sept. 30 is the last day smoking will be allowed in Montana's bars and casinos.

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Gary Nelson

Gary A. Nelson, 62, of Whitefish, died Sept. 5, 2009, at Four Horn Reservoir near Cut Bank.

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Obama speech wasn't shown live in C. Falls

President Barack Obama's speech wasn't shown live to Columbia Falls students when it aired Tuesday.

Lady 'Dogs lead pack at Libby cross-country meet
September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Lady 'Dogs lead pack at Libby cross-country meet

The Whitefish High School boys and girls cross country teams ventured to Libby for an invitational meet on Sept. 4 and came away with a good idea of where they stand as competitive teams.

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Library issues

The general public deserves some details about the brewing library controversies.

Girls split the bill
September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Girls split the bill

The Columbia Falls girls soccer team split the weekend bill, beating Park High School 2-1 Friday, but then they let a lead slip away and lost to Belgrade 3-2 Saturday.

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

With poor economy, FVCC enrollment skyrockets

NVH ranks high among consumers

Two ties and a loss for Bigfork boys soccer
September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Two ties and a loss for Bigfork boys soccer

Every other year Bigfork travels to Eastern Montana to take on Billings Central and Laurel. Last weekend the Vikings made the trip over and came back with a 2-2 tie from Laurel and a 3-0 loss in Billings Central.

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Whitefish golfers score well at three tourneys

The Whitefish High School golf teams competed in three different tournaments this past week, at East Glacier, Mission Mountain Golf Club and Big Mountain Club.

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Harriers off to a solid start

The Columbia Falls cross country teams started out the season on a strong note, with the boys taking second and the girls fourth at the Libby Invitational last week.

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Thanks to waterpark

To the editor,

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Council struggling with budget cuts

Questions about tax figures provided by the county assessor's office has confounded the Whitefish City Council's difficult job of finishing next year's budget under trying economic times.

Cats roughed up by Broncs
September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Cats roughed up by Broncs

The Columbia Falls football squad was roughed up by the Hamilton Broncs last week at home, 32-12.

Little bear makes it to Bronx Zoo
September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Little bear makes it to Bronx Zoo

A grizzly bear cub from Glacier National Park was scheduled for a trip to the Bronx Zoo via FedEx on Wednesday.

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

City budget increases from sewer project

An early look at the city budget shows an increase in overall appropriations, but most spending is expected to remain the same in the 2009-2010 budget.

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

John Richard Kavanagh

John Richard (Dick) Kavanagh, 88, passed away Thursday, Sept. 3 at a Spokane, Wash., hospital.

Ladies fall in state rematch
September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Ladies fall in state rematch

Madisen Cross stood her ground in front of the net — even as she was being drilled with an onslaught of shots from every direction.

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Social programs 'historical failures'

History has taught us that Government Social Programs are almost always unsuccessful. Most of the past social programs have been started by Democrats. They have always had good intentions, but their results have almost always been a failure. Politicians always want to be judged on their good intentions rather than the results of their efforts. Do you need proof? Then let's examine the following historical facts;

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Harlie June Fischer

Harlie June Fischer, daughter of Clayton and Amy Fischer, of Whitefish, was born Aug. 29, 2009, at North Valley Hospital.

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Commission asked to reverse zoning decision

Members of the two Bigfork committees that helped produce, revise and finalize the updated Bigfork Neighborhood Plan appealed to the Flathead County Commissioners last week, requesting the commission reverse a decision to make a last-minute change.

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

FWP updates plans for Flathead Lake islands

Fish, Wildlife & Parks recently adopted an updated management plan for Wild Horse Island State Park and three nearby islands.

Vikes fall to Loyola 49-9 in season opener
September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Vikes fall to Loyola 49-9 in season opener

The Vikings knew that their first game of the 2009 season would be a tough one to try to break their three year losing record in, and they were right as they fell to Loyola Sacred Heart 49-9 at home Friday night.

Spikers lose to Dogs, beat Maidens
September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Spikers lose to Dogs, beat Maidens

The Columbia Falls volleyball team opened its conference play with a loss to Whitefish at home last Saturday, 20-25,17-25, 25-17, 18-25.

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Thursday

Taste Of Whitefish will take place Sept. 10. Billed as the "most anticipated event of the year," the best chefs in town will assemble on Central Avenue in front of the O'Shaughnessy, with fine wines and a beer tasting offered by Great Northern Brewing Co. Music will be provided by Sound Sound. Tickets cost $35 for chamber members and $40 for non-members. For more information, visit the chamber office at 520 East Second Street or call 862-3501.

Injuries plague 'Dogs trip east; boys lose twice
September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Injuries plague 'Dogs trip east; boys lose twice

Down 2-5 with four minutes left against Laurel High School, Bulldogs boys soccer coach O'Brien Byrd looked down his bench in search of an answer.

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Rehberg staffer improving after boat crash

Northwest Montana News Network

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

'Dogs run over Browning

The Bulldog's ground game seems to have found its footing.

Volleyball starts season off 2-0
September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Volleyball starts season off 2-0

The Valkyries varsity volleyball team had a strong first week of play, beating both Thompson Falls and Deer Lodge.

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

The 11 cent atonement

That will be $1.89. I handed the clerk $2 and she returned a penny and a dime. As I turned to leave, I was confronted by an all too familiar thing — the plastic jar with a slot cut through the top to facilitate the passage of money. On the front, for all to see, was the photograph of someone facing terrible health problems and a description detailing the huge medical and financial challenges the family faced.

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Improvement for boys team, even in two losses

The Columbia Falls boys soccer team dropped a pair of games last weekend, but even in the losses, they saw some improvement.

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Fun With the Chicken Fad

Even knowing man has been to the moon, who out of us commoners could ever imagine such an ultra high tech break-through as "diapers for chickens?" This is surely welcome news for the "Chicken People" of Whitefish.

Grinnell Glacier, the quintessential Glacier experience
September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Grinnell Glacier, the quintessential Glacier experience

What began as a fairly dreary day, accented by grey skies that seemed to warn of a coming rain, slowly transformed into a sunny trek up the side of Mt. Grinnell.

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Focus on affordable health care reform

Our county has a health care system that the rest of the world envies. We've always been at the forefront of medical research and innovation, and people come here from all over the world to address their health care problems.

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Democracy - necessary, not perfect

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Whitefish City Council for performing the thankless job of governing our city, and commend them for approving the first major projects included in the downtown master plan. For providing the leadership, and more importantly, the stewardship that will ensure the qualities that make this community the great place that it is will be not just maintained but enhanced for future generations.

No 'I' in Lady Bulldogs
September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

No 'I' in Lady Bulldogs

The Lady Bulldogs volleyball squad showed off their strong team-focused play last week as they opened Northwestern A conference play against Polson and Columbia Falls.

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Vets Home $1 million project

GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Bowmans settle lawsuit with schools

Bigfork Eagle

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

Focus turns to blood sample in boat wreck

Whitefish Golf Club celebrates 75 years

September 9, 2009 11 p.m.

PAC back in Whitefish promoting conservation

Montana Conservation Voters (MCV), a statewide organization based in Billings, will play a role again in this year's Whitefish elections.

Friday, September 4

September 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Donald Redding

Donald Orlando Redding, 86, of Columbia Falls went home to be with the Lord on Aug. 27, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on Dec. 23, 1922, in Leoti, Kan., he was the son of Orlando and Mabel Redding.

Endless Feast
September 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Endless Feast

September 4, 2009 11 p.m.

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.

Apgar mountain
September 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Apgar mountain

Thursday, September 3

September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

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.

September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Lynn Carlson

We celebrate the life and mourn the untimely loss of our beloved Lynn Carlson, age 52, who died Aug. 26, 2009, at her home in Whitefish. She will be sorely missed.

September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Letter from the editor 

Thanks for the memories 

Bulldogs take the sting out of 'Jackets
September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Bulldogs take the sting out of 'Jackets

Bulldogs varsity soccer is off to an impressive start.

September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Wildcat football cruises past Stevi, 27-7

When the pressure was on, the Columbia Falls defense did not give in during Friday's season opener at Stevensville.

Player breaks leg in Vals' 3-0 loss
September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Player breaks leg in Vals' 3-0 loss

The Valkyries soccer team's numbers problem got even worse last week when they lost two girls to injuries, including sophomore Miranda Miller who broke her leg during the opening minutes of Bigfork's 0-3 loss to Columbia Falls Saturday afternoon at home.

Vikes start season with shutout win
September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Vikes start season with shutout win

The Vikings started off their season on the right foot, beating Valley rivals Columbia Falls 3-0 in their season opener at home Saturday.

Locals want library director investigated
September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Locals want library director investigated

About a dozen irate White-fish residents told the Flathead County Library Board on Aug. 27 they were unhappy with the management direction of the county library director.

September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Landon Nicholas Conklin

Landon Nicholas Conklin, son of Jon and Brooklin Conklin, of Whitefish, was born July 28, 2009, at North Valley Hospital.

September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Top of the list

In a letter to the editor in the Whitefish Pilot two weeks ago, Marcus Brainard criticized Jackie Fuller and questioned her leadership as an athletic director. To "blame" Ms. Fuller for retirements is ludicrous.

September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Council considers future of plan

With no county business on the agenda - and not enough members present to constitute a quorum - the Lakeside Community Council's August meeting functioned as an informal roundtable to discuss the future of the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan revision.

September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Flathead schools report failing 10th grade scores

Supreme court upholds Schauf conviction

September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Boys soccer blanked by Bigfork, 3-0

Minutes on the field and match experience is what the young Columbia Falls boys soccer team needs early in the 2009 season as they seek to mature and sharpen individual skills.

Bulldog spikers dominate starter tourney
September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Bulldog spikers dominate starter tourney

The Lady Bulldogs varsity volleyball team showed on Saturday they can make some noise in the competitive Northwest A Conference.

September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

The 'Oldman' bear review

The Trailwatcher  / G. George Ostrom

Rehberg out of hospital after boat crash
September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Rehberg out of hospital after boat crash

An Aug. 27 boat crash on Flathead Lake put five people, including U.S. Congressman Denny Rehberg, in the hospital after a powerboat driven by state Sen. Greg Barkus slammed into a rocky embankment at Wayfarers State Park in Bigfork.

Reeve, Kizer, Thompson lead Wildkats past Vals, 3-0
September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Reeve, Kizer, Thompson lead Wildkats past Vals, 3-0

Senior McKenzie Reeve scored two goals and sophomore McKenzie Kizer had another, leading Columbia Falls to a 3-0 non-conference victory over Bigfork in the soccer season opener Saturday at the Carlyle Johnson County Park complex in Bigfork. Sophomore goalkeeper Niesha Thompson had the shutout.

Wildkat spikers win three in Season Starter Tourney
September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Wildkat spikers win three in Season Starter Tourney

Wins and losses were not really on the mind of Columbia Falls head volleyball coach Addy Hines during the Whitefish Season Starter Tourney on Saturday to issue in the 2009 season. Hines was looking for areas that need improvement as the Wildkats prepare for the Northwestern A Conference opener Saturday at home against Whitefish.

September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

North Fork's challenging terrain

GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News

Football team hopes to turn the tide this year
September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Football team hopes to turn the tide this year

It is no secret that the Bigfork High School football team has been on a losing streak for longer than anyone cares to remember, but that is not stopping the 41 players and seven coaches from giving the upcoming season their all in an attempt to turn things around.

River clean-up work has begun
September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

River clean-up work has begun

Efforts to clean up and protect the Whitefish River from further pollution caused by decades of railroading in Whitefish began last week.

September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Painting Polebridge

Park Side gives $10,000 to Task Force

Kirk says he'll enforce softwood pacts
September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Kirk says he'll enforce softwood pacts

U.S. Sen. Max Baucus served as tour guide last week to U.S. Trade Ambassador Ron Kirk as they visited F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber Co.'s mill here.

September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Cheers for Volunteers

Gary and Mary Sloan are native Montanans. He hails from Troy and she from Superior. Each gravitated to Whitefish, he for the elk hunting and she for the skiing. Although they had not known each other, they met, married and retired from the Whitefish school system, he as an English instructor and she as a Home Economics teacher.

Boat accident injures Rehberg, Barkus
September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Boat accident injures Rehberg, Barkus

An Aug. 27 boat crash on Flathead Lake put five people, including U.S. Congressman Denny Rehberg, in the hospital after a powerboat driven by state Senator Greg Barkus slammed into a rocky embankment at Wayfarers State Park in Bigfork.

September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Letters to the Editor

Kudos to cafe

September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Remembering Kennedy in Montana

In 1960 Montana and the other states of the Rocky Mountains were the campaign stomping grounds for Ted Kennedy. That summer and fall the 28-year-old Ted was out here working for his brother Jack's presidential campaign. The youngest Kennedy was travelling, most often by car, up and down the Rockies going door to door, working the streets, visiting college campuses, and making sure that he was seen and heard wherever a crowd had gathered.

'Flying Tiger' truck a local effort
September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

'Flying Tiger' truck a local effort

"This has been my goal all year long, to get it ready to put in the show," said Dean Cooper.

September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Lakeside park plans make progress

Northwest Montana News Network

September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Closure of some green box sites rankles residents

Some folks in eastern Flathead County predict that trash could pile up along U.S. Highway 2 if proposed trash site consolidation goes forward.

Ponies wear out 'Dogs in opener
September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Ponies wear out 'Dogs in opener

The Bulldogs varsity football team never had a chance to catch their breath on Saturday as the Havre Blue Ponies kept fresh legs on the field and ran past Whitefish for a 28-12 win at Memorial Field.

Lady Bulldogs soccer post six goals in opener
September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Lady Bulldogs soccer post six goals in opener

The Whitefish varsity girls soccer team is going to be fun to watch this season.

September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Bigfork ready to rumble with car show

A look at the BHS cross country team

September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Detectives investigate 'touchy' case of lake crash

Northwest Montana News Network

September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Jean Robinson, 80

Jean Robinson, age 80, passed away on Monday, August 24, 2009 at her residence in Lakeside, Montana. She was born on October 31, 1928 in Winnetka, Illinois the daughter of Andrew Thomas and Harriett Ida (Mohr) Kearney.

September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Bulldog golfers take fifth at Great Falls

The Bulldog boys and girls golf teams traveled to Great Falls for their first tournament of the 2009 season, the CMR and Great Falls High Invitational tournament.

September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Thanks, Glacier Bank

To the editor,

September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Merging of climate change and energy

Whether one believes in global warming or not, climate change and our nation's energy policies are merging. Rising global temperatures have become a divisive issue; many believe them to be a part of the natural cycle, while others point to the diminishing polar ice shields as proof that our emissions are killing our planet.

Glacier Nordic Ski Team has new head coach
September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Glacier Nordic Ski Team has new head coach

Larry Bruce and his wife Molly announced they are retiring from coaching the Glacier Nordic Ski Team after nearly 20 years with the club.

Rehberg, five others injured in boat wreck
September 3, 2009 11 p.m.

Rehberg, five others injured in boat wreck

Five people, including Montana Rep. Denny Rehberg and state Sen. Greg Barkus, R-Kalispell, were injured Aug. 27 when the speedboat they were riding in crashed into rocks on the east shore of Flathead Lake about 10:20 p.m.