Friday, April 30
Abell, Harrison win; levy passes
Two-time former trustee Charlie Abell and incumbent trustee Ruth Harrison were the winners of Tuesday's Whitefish School District board election. Two seats were open and four candidates filed.
Fetveit, Shellerud take council seats
The Lakeside Community Council will gain two new faces after Tuesday's election.
Thursday
The Boys and Girls Club holds a Youth Night on Thursdays at Glacier Discovery Square. It’s a safe and fun place for youth to hang out. Middle school kids are welcome from 5 to 7 p.m. and high school age from 7 to 9 p.m. There is no cost.
Tree falls through Echo Lake home
Five seconds. For one Bigfork resident that was the amount of time that could have changed or even ended his life Monday.
Incumbents retain seats in Bigfork elections
In Bigfork's two local elections Tuesday, incumbents held on to their seats.
Star Spangled Students
Thursday, April 29
Cash problems continue to dog city budget
There were no great surprises in the city's financial report for the third quarter, Whitefish city manager Chuck Stearns told the city council on April 19.
Candidate pleads guilty to disorderly conduct
Shawn Bailey, the Constitutional Party candidate for House District 3 recently pleaded guilty to a charge of disorderly conduct stemming from a Dec. 10 incident where police used a Taser on him.
Christine Koch
Christine Koch was born Dec. 15, 1913, to Leber and Anna Mary (Faller) Hecker 10 miles west of Dickinson, N.D.
Wants Abell
As a Whitefish educator 'retired) and a graduate of Whitefish High School, no other election is as personal for me as our school board selections. I seek out those with vision, knowledge, willingness to learn, and an overriding insistence for quality education for our youths.
Valkyries outdo competition on the track
The Bigfork track and field team continued to show the importance of quality over quantity, especially on the girls side as they handily won the Seeley-Swan Invitational on Saturday.
Wants Harrison
We highly recommend Ruth Harrison for the Whitefish School Board.
Biking the Sun Road
McLaughlin resigns from debate team
Whitefish High School speech and debate head coach Pat McLaughlin announced last week that she will step down from the helm of the team she helped build the foundation for 30 years ago.
Carlson breaks record at Top 10 meet
In her final weeks at Bigfork High School, Kayla Carlson continues to leave her mark in the world of high school running in Montana, and after Tuesday's Russ Pilcher Western Montana Top 10 meet, she has yet another accomplishment to add to her list — a new record.
Local runners at Boston marathon
Former Whitefish High School standout runner Claire Anderson posted the top time in the Boston Marathon on April 19 among women from Montana.
Candidates compete for school board positions
West Shore News
Senators top Twins twice
The Glacier Twins dropped a pair of games at the Legion Class AA Helena Senators on Saturday, losing 6-0 in game one and 9-3 in the nightcap.
Solan Taj Tallman
Solan Taj Tallman, son of Michelle Richards and Brett Tallman, of Kalispell, was born April 4, 2010, at North Valley Hospital.
Karalee (Stewart) Koppang
Karalee (Stewart) Koppang was born June 3, 1944 in Seattle, Wash., to Bruce and Vera Stewart. She passed away on April 14, 2010 at her home in Oregon City, Ore.
Bowling alley employees to face trials
MDOT looks at possibility of replacing Swan River Bridge
School district cuts staff, programs
After four months of committee discussions, the Bigfork School Board adopted a number of personnel and program cuts for next year to make up for a $297,000 budget shortfall.
Frederick Herman Krause
Frederick Herman Krause, 90, "Broke Camp" for one last time on April 12, 2010 at the Montana Veteran's Home in Columbia Falls.
Seven dresses
K.J. HASCALL / Hungry Horse News
Park revises bear policy
Glacier National Park has revised key parts of its bear management policy in the wake of a decision to remove a grizzly sow and her cubs from the Two Medicine area last summer.
Supports Abell, Elespuru
Friends, as you are aware, the school board election is slated for May 4, and the absentee ballots are already out. I am sure you share my concerns over the declining enrollment at our schools and the loss of funds that goes along with it. I am appreciative of all the candidates that have put their hat in the ring and are willing to donate their time and effort to serve.
Supports Abell
Charlie Abell presents an interesting set of credentials that ultimately qualify him for election to another term on the Whitefish School Board.
Whitefish sprinters dominate at Libby
The Whitefish boys and girls track teams together grabbed seven first-place finishes Saturday at the Libby Invitational.
Likes Abell
I am writing this letter in support of Charlie Abell. Charlie, as we all know, is again seeking a position on the Whitefish School Board.
Lady Bulldogs struggle in softball tourney
Whitefish's softball squad went 1-3 at the Frenchtown Tournament on April 23-24, topping Corvallis 5-2 after falling to Frenchtown, Stevensville and Florence.
Exchange students to sing at state
Tar Buddhakosa's first language is Thai, and Cristian Saavedra's is Spanish. At school, the two Whitefish High School exchange students speak and write in English — but together as a singing duet, it's all Latin.
Attic vermiculite removal stirs up air pollution concerns
Election coverage continues
Bigfork tennis dominates
Saturday brought clouds, lots of wind, a down pour of rain, popcorn kernel-sized hail, sunshine and a whole lot of high school tennis to Bigfork as the town played host to the annual Bigfork Flight Tournament.
Gore and the Glaciers
G. GEORGE OSTROM / For the Hungry Horse News
Lakeside QRU celebrates EMS Week
National Emergency Medical Services Week is May 16 through 22. This year's theme is "Count On Us When Seconds Count!" The Lakeside Quick Response Unit wants to invite all our neighbors to join us in celebrating and honoring those on the frontline of medicine. Emergency medicine begins with education and prevention to reduce the frequency and intensity of medical emergencies. Everyone plays a part in that effort.
Remember to vote May 4
Letter from the editor
Hands-on learning
CFHS students learn about child care in HERO preschool
Violet May Carlson
Violet May Carlson, 89, of Columbia Falls, passed away on April 15, 2010.
Wants forward-looking school board
The Whitefish School District Board of Trustees is comprised of seven citizens elected to represent the community in setting district policies, adopting the budget, placing tax levies and bond issues on the ballot, hiring personnel including the superintendent, and for providing the necessary facilities for the education of our community's youth.
Girls take third at Libby Invitational
Boys take first place
Danczyk commits to School of Mines
Whitefish High School senior Matt Danczyk has committed to play collegiate soccer with the Orediggers at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colo.
Likes Abell, Elespuru
In my opinion, both Charlie Abell and Peter Elespuru will make excellent new members on the Whitefish School Board.
Senior unhappy about new no-smoking policy
How very disappointing to find this nanny state, citizen police attitude here in Montana. I moved here specifically from regulation-ridden Seattle to find the personal freedom and liberty Montana was known for.
Lady Bulldogs swat Maidens
The Lady Bulldog tennis team continued their winning ways Saturday in Ronan when they knocked off the Madiens 5-2 in a conference dual.
Two face off for Kalispell board seat
Two candidates are competing for the open high school seat on the Kalispell School Board that represents Somers, Lakeside and Kila.
Is Mt. Kilimanjaro calling you?
Whitefish father and son climbing team Jon and David Hunt recently summited Mt. Kilimanjaro, at 19,341 feet the highest mountain in Africa and one of the tallest free-standing mountains in the world. They were joined by David's friend Dan Vinson.
Brenda Kay (Hoerner) Blakney
Brenda Kay (Hoerner) Blakney passed away peacefully at her sister's house in Columbia Falls, on April 17, 2010 after a short battle with cancer. She was met in heaven by her parents.
Local guide to attempt first descent in Selkirk Range
No-fall skiing means exactly that — fall and the result is disastrous. A single missed turn or slip of an edge could separate a safe descent from an emergency situation.
Peter John "Pete" Viano
Peter John "Pete" Viano, 84, passed away on Thursday, April 22, 2010 at WEL-Life in Kalispell. He was born on Nov. 25, 1925 in Kalispell, the son of Gaston and Mary (Zadra) Viano.
'Dogs use wild winds to top Chiefs
Whitefish battled through wicked weather conditions at Ronan on Saturday to win their conference tennis dual 5-2 over the Chiefs. It was the Bulldogs' second win of the season.
BHS sports take big budget cuts
When the Bigfork School Board was faced with the task of balancing the budget for next year one of the main areas they cut from was the athletics and activities fund at the high school, which was reduced by $25,720.
Tennis teams wallop Ronan
Both Columbia Falls girls and boys tennis teams downed Ronan in convincing fashion Monday.
Letters to the editor
Serving with search an honor
Rose Marie Goodsel
Rose Marie Goodsel, 72, passed away April 23, 2010.
Student ideas for eco-friendly high school
In honor of Earth Day last week, the Whitefish High School Environmental Club called for students to wear green and practice earth-friendly activities. Students also were surveyed about Earth Day to shared ideas on what they would like to see to make the high school "greener."
Thursday
The Boys and Girls Club holds a Youth Night on Thursdays at Glacier Discovery Square. It’s a safe and fun place for youth to hang out. Middle school kids are welcome from 5 to 7 p.m. and high school age from 7 to 9 p.m. There is no cost.
Glacier announces campground dates
Pizza Hut finalist for best in country
Board rejects schedule change
OPINION: Our neighbors the coyotes
Injuries bite Kats in Frenchtown
The Columbia Falls girls softball team picked up a key conference win against Libby last week and went .500 at the Frenchtown tourney, though they suffered some injuries to key players.
Cheers for volunteers
Joanna Barnes was born and raised in Whitefish. Daughter of longtime railroader Otto Howke and Vonda, she solidified her ties to Whitefish by marrying into the extensive Barnes family.
Former Whitefish fire chief Dave Sipe dies
Former Whitefish fire chief Dave Sipe passed away on Sunday morning at his home in Kalispell after a long fight with cancer.
Branding announced for Bigfork
The consortium of Bigfork organizations gathered last week to announce the new branding for the Village — "Bigfork: Where Flathead Lake begins."
Charles J. Schaeffer
Charles J. Schaeffer, 63, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 17, 2010 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. He was born on Aug. 14, 1946 in Fargo, N.D., to Wilbur and Helen (Rudick) Schaeffer.
David Sipe
David Bruce Sipe, 61, an amazing husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, in the comfort of his home on April 25, 2010. Dave's strength and positive attitude throughout his long battle with cancer was an inspiration to many.
Thursday, April 22
Clara Tennant: Always the teacher
Editor's note: Throughout the next few weeks, the Bigfork Eagle will feature the stories of some of Bigfork schools' longest serving teachers and staff as they prepare to retire at the end of the academic year.
Theater history in a box
The whole thing was in a box. A banker's box. Half a century of theater history in a yellowing banker's box.
Marijuana patient killed in Kalispell
A medical marijuana patient in Kalispell was killed last week, and two men have been charged in connection with his death.
Taste of Bigfork
Canyon group unites for tourism bid
A group of business owners in the Canyon have joined together to create a group called "Gateway to Glacier - The Canyon" in order to explore opportunities to expand shoulder-season business.
Council wants input on railroad quiet zone
Bailey interested in politics at a young age
Five vie for fire district seats
Residents will have five candidates to choose from for the two open seats on the Bigfork Rural Fire District Board.
Boys 400 relay tops at Missoula Invite
The Columbia Falls boys track team had some very nice performances at the Missoula Invitational last week. The boys won the 1,600 relay with Derrick Williams, Kaleb Johnson, Shawn Whitman and Patric Jessat.
Bigfork prepares for flight tournament
Saturday Bigfork will host the Bigfork Flight Tournament, which is now in its third year. It used to be that the Cut Bank teams would swing down to Bigfork on their way back from playing Libby, but a few years ago the Loggers decided they wanted to join in the tournament. Last year Mission competed in the tournament as well. This year, Troy will make it a four-team tournament. Conrad had also planned to attend, but a scheduling conflict has made that unlikely.
Man acquitted of scalding young boy
A 28-year-old Whitefish man was acquitted last week of all three felony charges in connection with the severe burning of a young boy in a bath tub in 2008.
No deal reached on North Shore Ranch
Local reps ask for legal action against health care reform bill
Hikers were on Big Mountain before lifts
Since long before the ski area and lifts were established, people have been hiking up Big Mountain to ski. I've been skiing for 48 years, 26 of those at Big Mountain. Twenty-six years ago, only a very small group of people hiked up the mountain. Over the years, their number has increased dramatically, and they are hiking at all hours of the day.
Letters to the editor
Music program displays high level of talent
Garden
Members of the White-fish Community Garden wish to thank all the participants of Saturday's very successful second annual garden party, which was held on site behind the United Methodist Church on Wisconsin Ave.
Girls split with Blue Ponies
The bats went hot. Then they cooled. The result was a softball split with Havre last Saturday.
Keenan takes top honors in Thompson Falls
With just two matches left before the divisional tournament, Bigfork's boys and girls high school golfers had yet another strong showing Saturday while playing in the Thompson Falls Invitational at River's Bend Golf Course.
Boys tennis team still sorting out rotation
The Columbia Falls boys tennis team had a tough time against Polson, Corvallis and Stevensville last week, losing to the Pirates 7-1, Corvallis 7-0 and Stevi 6-1.
Old arguments, new solutions in N. Fork
They were decades old arguments. But in a new forum.
Marijuana march set for May 1
Proponents hope to raise awareness, erase stereotypes
Cheers for Volunteers
Michelle Kuntz, born and raised at Whidbey Island, Wash., and attended Whitworth College in Spokane and the University of Houston. Her mom was the choir director of her church back home, and a handsome young navy pilot named Al was her star tenor.
No deal for North Shore sale
Waste found in Bigfork Bay actually was cattails
Twins open with losses in Missoula
The Glacier Twins AA baseball team kicked off their season April 18 with a doubleheader in Missoula against the Mavericks at Lindborg-Cregg Field.
Girls beat Stevi for first win of the season
The Columbia Falls girls tennis team had some highs and lows last week. On Thursday at home they won just one match against Polson, but over the weekend they beat Stevensville 8-1 and lost to Corvallis 6-1.
House numbers help emergency workers
If you have to call 911, could emergency vehicles find your home?
Road litter
Walkers, runners, bikers and boarders, are you one of the lucky residents of Whitefish who can quickly leave the city limits on your own power to enjoy the Armory-Voerman-Dillon "loops"?
Golfers shine in pair of tournaments
Bigfork High School's golf teams had a busy and successful week last week, as three of the team's golfers placed in the top 10 in the Bigfork Invitational on Thursday and the Plains Invitational on Saturday and the boys team placed second at both matches.
Day care a draw for school district
Room 133 is not like Bigfork Elementary School's other rooms. In the place of desks and tables it has playpens, and the children in the room don't get report cards or have homework.
Lady 'Dogs softball continues hot streak
After an 11-0 rout over Browning and a 4-1 win against conference foe Libby last week, the Lady Bulldogs softball squad may be on to something special.
Likes Harrison
I would like to urge School District 44 voters to vote for Ruth Harrison for the Whitefish School Board. Ruth has been serving on the school board and has the experience of how the process works. It would be a shame to waste the experience by not re-electing her.
Christine Koch
Christine Koch was born Dec. 15, 1913, to Leber and Anna Mary (Faller) Hecker 10 miles west of Dickinson, N.D.
Pilot news
Speaking on behalf of many parents and high school staff members, we sincerely appreciate the Whitefish Pilot's current edition of pics and articles displaying active and happy Bulldog students, whether it be attending prom, preparing and perfoming at the upcoming music festival, participating in track, tennis, softball and/or other various clubs and organziations.
Details of fatal avalanche released
The victim of a deadly avalanche that occurred March 31 on Peak 6996, next to Mt. Shields, at the south end of Glacier National Park may have survived the initial impact of the slide and tried to walk off the mountain.
Bulldogs rally for first tennis win
Whitefish boys tennis coach Chris Schwaderer felt the team was due for a win heading into a dual with Stevensville on Saturday.
Karalee (Stewart) Koppang
Karalee (Stewart) Koppang was born June 3, 1944 in Seattle, Wash., to Bruce and Vera Stewart. She passed away on April 14, 2010 at her home in Oregon City, Ore.
Lady netters out last Stevensville
After three crushing defeats to start the tennis season, the Lady Bulldogs finally found their stroke against a tough Stevensville team on Saturday.
Violet Carlson
Violet May Carlson, 89, of Columbia Falls, passed away April 15, 2010.
Candidates compete for two open school board positions
Bigfork Eagle
Swan River School sees deficit
Decreasing enrollment, skyrocketing insurance costs and state budget cuts will leave Swan River School facing a $50,000 deficit in its 2010-11 school year budget, Principal Peter Loyda said.
Bigfork Flight Tournament
Students gain skills through projects
Letter from the editor
Middle School Talent Show
Spring days on the North Fork
LARRY WILSON / Hungry Horse News
Likes Abell
If you are looking for a "yes man" who will "go along to get along" to elect to the school board, don't vote for Charlie Abell.
Thursday
Volunteer work days on the A Trail Runs Through It recreation trail project will take place on Thursday, April 29 (today), and Saturday, May 1. The goal is to complete the spur trail from the Skyles Lake trailhead to the main trail. Volunteers are asked to meet at Grouse Mountain Lodge at 9:30 a.m. with work gloves, eye protection, water and lunch. For more information, e-mail David Noftsinger at david@forestoration.org or call 314-0160 or visit online at www.trailrunsthroughit.org.
Bigfork hosts record-breaking meet
It was a fast day at track Saturday when Bigfork High School hosted its sixth-annual invitational meet, as nine meet records were broken among the boys and eight among the girls. This included three by Bigfork athletes and a Valkyrie tied a record.
Wives Wanted
G. GEORGE OSTROM / For the Hungry Horse News
Freestyle team wraps up season in Colo.
Current and former members of the Whitefish Mountain Resort Freestyle Team took on the best of the best at the U.S Snowboard Association's National Championship earlier this month at Copper Mountain, Colo.
Prom thanks
I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to those involved with this year's Whitefish High School Prom. It was a beautiful evening at The Lodge At Whitefish Lake, and our Whitefish High School students were delightful.
Caden Edward McConnell
Caden Edward McConnell, son of Amy and Cameron McConnell. of Augusta, was born in Great Falls on Feb. 22, 2010.
Election coverage
Doughnut meeting continues
In the fire: My story
"Stay down," the assistant Ferndale fire chief Ken Sharr yelled. I was doing my best to keep up with the four firemen ahead of me as we entered into a Ferndale home on our hands and knees pulling a fire hose with us.
Thursday, April 15
CFalls native to be honored in D.C.
A Columbia Falls graduate and Bureau of Land Management ranger has been named one of the top law enforcement officers in the nation and could spend some time with President Barack Obama.
Cowabunga
Vals escape snow for win in Eureka
It took the Bigfork girls tennis team traveling to Eureka to find courts dry enough to play on Tuesday, but the Vals managed to do it and come back to a snow-covered Bigfork with a 6-0 victory.
Everett Oslo Gardner
Everett Oslo Gardner, son of Keith and Lindsey Gardner, of Whitefish, was born March 24, 2010, at North Valley Hospital.
Senior 'Dogs lead at C-Falls Invite
The Whitefish track team was anchored by a handful of tried and true upperclassmen Saturday at the Columbia Falls Invitational.
Likes Silliker
I am writing in support of Jack Silliker, who is a candidate for Whitefish School District Board of Trustees.
Famous mascot disappears from Fox's
After consolidation, city jail set to close in June
Come together on road
To the editor,
Bulldog netters slip at Bigfork
The Bulldogs No. 1 doubles team, Joel Mallams and Jake Morison, grinded out a 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 win over Ryan Gembala and Evan Jordt at Bigfork on Saturday to seal their first win of the season.
Training with fire
Local boy to attend national business competition in May
Revenue dept. turns back alcohol law changes
Waste found in Bigfork Bay
Local reps ask for legal action against health care reform bill
More info
The recent Whitefish Pilot article about my running for trustee on the school board was not completely accurate or complete. Hopefully, this will clarify and add to the information presented.
Tennis courts slated for Ben Williams Park
In less than a year tennis enthusiasts in Lakeside won't have to drive to Kalispell or over to Bigfork to get some time on the court.
Logging
Since Spencer Mountain represents both a high value recreation area and a potential revenue generator, I'm hoping that Department of Natural Resources and Conservation foresters will be unusually creative when developing any final timber harvesting plans for that area.
Thunderblades win national title
Montana Thunderblades goalie Taylor Hulslander, of Whitefish, snagged 19 saves in the USA Hockey Tier II U-16 national championship game, and forward Dylan Gamble, also of Whitefish, tallied two assists to help lead the Midget Minor team to a 5-4 win over the Atlanta Fire.
Thursday
The Boys and Girls Club holds a Youth Night on Thursdays at Glacier Discovery Square. It’s a safe and fun place for youth to hang out. Middle school kids are welcome from 5 to 7 p.m. and high school age from 7 to 9 p.m. There is no cost.
Teachers ask to drop weighted grades
Columbia Falls High School teachers want to discontinue use of the weighted grading system while retaining advanced placement classes.
Voluntary tax group gains non-profit status
Bigfork residents will have a new acronym to keep track of as the group that started the voluntary tourist tax has its official name — the Bigfork Tourist Promotion Assessment.
Lakeside QRU breaks ground on new building
West Shore News
Eagle office gets a new look Letter from the editor
"Wow, those newspapers smell strong," a woman who came into our office Monday said.
Lake riprap case settled
Chamber gets serious about economic development here
Man acquitted of scalding young boy in tub
Whitefish Pilot
Local tourism bureau undergoes scrutiny
Concerns about the Whitefish Convention and Visitor Bureau took up much of the Whitefish City Council's April 5 meeting.
Big bats lead Lady Bulldogs
For the three seniors on the Lady Bulldogs softball team, Saturday's 6-3 win over conference-rival Columbia Falls at Smith Fields was long over due.
Memorial suggested
A recent article about the new veterans memorial in Kalispell brought to my attention that the private community who spearheaded the site with no tax dollars is in critical need of funding and apparently is $35,000 in debt because of construction and maintenance costs.
Board names new district superintendent
Bigfork schools have a new superintendent — Cynthia Clary.
Council is two for two on urgency ordinances
The Whitefish City Council enacted two urgency ordinances during a busy April 5 meeting.
Valkyries crush Lady Bulldogs
The Lady Bulldogs tennis squad was swept 7-0 by Bigfork on Saturday, with the Valkyries winning each match in convincing fashion.
Don't ignore the tip of the iceberg
Long after the unsinkable Titanic settled at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, people asked whether the disaster had been avoidable. Titanic had been the greatest ship the world had ever seen, but hubris excused reckless speeds in dangerous waters and critical warning signs were ignored.
Vikes earn second place on home links
The weather turned the corner just in time for the Bigfork High School Invitational at Eagle Bend Golf Club Thursday.
West Point cadet ready to be leader
Freshman year at the United States Military Academy at West Point tends to thin the pool of cadets looking to make a splash among the ranks of the U.S. military. Of the 10,000 who apply to the school, about 1,200 are accepted, and hundreds of those won't make their sophomore year.
Pave section of road
To the editor,
Ida Landon
Ida A. Landon, 90, died April 6, 2010, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.
Don't throw my heart in the trash
K.J. Hascall / Hungry Horse News
First week brings packed schedule for tennis
The singles players on Bigfork High School's boys and girls tennis teams had a successful opening week as they won a majority of their five matches.
Letters to the Editor
Report animal cruelty
Bigfork track
Cover-ups and Plots
G. GEORGE OSTROM / For the Hungry Horse News
Parent responds to school board candidates
School board candidate Peter Elespuru says, "The whole school district is tired … It lacks concern for all the students." Peter Elespuru, do your homework.
Week in photos 4-22-10
Bigfork wrestling: Working to provide opportunities
PART ONE: This is the second of two articles focused on wrestling in Bigfork.Bigfork hasn't had a high school wrestling program for eight years now, but that hasn't kept it from being a topic of concern for coaches and parents in the area.
Boys win home track meet
The weather at the Columbia Falls Invitational was nearly perfect, with long lines at each event, and a win for the home boys' team — not a bad way to start off the track and field season Saturday. In past years, the invite has been marred by rain, snow or both. Last year's meet was cancelled altogether.
Tennis squads drop two to tough Libby team
The Columbia Falls girls and boys tennis teams both lost to Libby last week in their first matches of the season, but even in the losses, there were some bright performances.
Great season
Once again, Big Moun-tain closes after another winter season. Thanks to everyone who works on or supports the mountain operations.
Likes Harrison
I am writing this letter in support of Ruth Harrison, incumbent trustee for the Whitefish School Board. I have had children in the Whitefish school district for 10 years and have been very involved within the schools as a volunteer, as an active member of PTA and on various other school board appointed committees. I have worked directly with Ruth on some of these committees as well as been witness to her involvement at school board meetings.
Music festival will test students and staff
Whitefish High School has participated in District Music Festival for 50 years. This year, it will be hosted by Whitefish Middle School on April 15-17.
Top 10: Worst of basketball
Last week I looked back at highlights of this year's basketball season. However, not everything that occurred was a highlight. So here is a list of 10 things I for one could have done without during the 2009-2010 basketball season in Bigfork.
Hidden fee
The funding mechanism of the Whitefish Convention and Visitors Bureau is questionable at best and dishonest at worse. As a participant in the collection of the 1 percent add-on to rental charges, I am heartened by the city's efforts to seek out a definitive answer to this concern.
Common sense needed with wolfs
On my recent annual spring outing, I encountered some very large paw prints of a canine creature. They could have been tracks of a mighty big dog, but in the remote location where I found them, I think they were the tracks of a wolf.
Plum Creek asks for log waste landfill
Plum Creek wants to turn a former gravel pit into a landfill to dispose of its log waste.
With poor hitting, girls drop opener to Bulldogs
The Columbia Falls girls softball team lost its season opener to Whitefish 6-3 last Saturday. The Kats suffered from an anemic offense in their first loss to the Bulldogs in at least four years.
Three vie for council
West Shore News
April 22, 2010
'Break a Leg' opens Friday
Theatergoers know that saying "good luck" to an actor or actress could get you in a heap of trouble, but they may not know that whistling is equally as bad.
Thursday, April 8
Egg hunt brings joy to all ages Letter from the editor
Verdie Malgrun carefully extracted each of her vibrant blue and pink Easter eggs from the vinegar water last week as she decorated them. The blue were her favorites.
Council approves new QRU building
The new Lakeside QRU building is inching closer to construction as members seek a conditional use permit that will allow the quasi-public building to be constructed.
Letters to the Editor
Please don't trap my cat
State to study North Fork Road
The Montana Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting on a corridor study of the North Fork Road from the Camas Road south to the Blankenship Road.
Prom Grand March
Della Mae Babcock
Della Mae Babcock, 88, of Kalispell, passed into eternity March 19, 2010, at the Heritage Place. She is survived by her sons and their wives, Howard and Dede Babcock of Monroe, Wash., and Bruce and Trisha Babcock of Kalispell; and daughter, Lynn Jacobsmeyer, and her husband, Wayne, of Columbia Falls. Della was blessed with nine grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Limits on how Spencer project money can be used
School candidates talk to the Pilot
Sixteen Wives and The Garden Wall
G. GEORGE OSTROM / For the Hungry Horse News
Big Mtn. snow totals down, but visitors up
Whitefish Mountain Resort shut down its lifts Sunday, marking the end of a ski season that was defined by a pesky El Nino weather pattern that offered skiers plenty of sun and Glacier Park views, but not much snow.
Never the same after turnovers
K.J. Hascall / Hungry Horse News
Obituaries
The Bigfork Eagle runs obituaries and death notices
Tennis teams strong with athletes, light on experience
The Columbia Falls boys tennis team will see 23 athletes looking to make their mark in 2010.
Bulldog runners try to stay healthy
Bulldog track coach Derek Schulz has just one goal in mind for the team right now — to keep everyone on the team healthy. A twisted ankle in April can linger into May, and that's when results become relevant.
BHS golf team battles elements in two-day Missoula tournament
It wasn't exactly golfing weather last Thursday and Friday, but Bigfork High School's golf team trudged through the nasty conditions of the Loyola Sacred Heart Invitational in Missoula and fared well at the two-day tournament.
Board names new district superintendent
Bigfork schools have a new superintendent — Cynthia Clary.
A fond goodbye to Stewart Udall
Stewart Udall died last month. He loved the West and had a greater influence on the protection and enjoyment of its wild places than any person since President Teddy Roosevelt.
A dog sledding excursion
MY EXPERIENCE
44th Creston Auction kicks off this weekend
Forty-four years ago in Creston's fields, farmers were gathering to auction livestock and goods prior to the start of the season.
Joan Kowatsch
Joan Kowatsch, beloved mother of five, grandmother of 13, and great grandmother of 26, passed into eternity on Saturday, April 3, 2010. She greatly enjoyed the outdoors, camping and gardening with the love of her life, John, who proceeded her in death in December 2007. Joan spent 20 years as a respiratory therapist until her retirement in 1990. Joan lived in "many" western states including Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado, California, and finally Hungry Horse, Montana.
Julia Lamberson
Julia Lamberson, 85, passed away at her home in Whitefish surrounded by family on March 29, 2010.
Bigfork wrestling: Grappling with a seven-year loss
PART ONE: This is the first of two articles focused on wrestling in Bigfork. Pick up a copy of next week's Bigfork Eagle to read about what has been done to try to reestablish wrestling in Bigfork since 2003.
Performers raise funds for schools
Cowabunga is returning to the stage this weekend after a year's hiatus due to the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts lobby renovation.
Court reverses gun club ruling
The Montana Supreme Court last week reversed and remanded back to Flathead County District Court an earlier decision to dismiss a lawsuit over a shooting range on Farm To Market Road.
Baked by the sun
Gone are the smell of diesel fuel and the background hum of the generator at the Polebridge Mercantile. In the generator's place stand two solar panels, which provide power to the famous store — silently, and at little cost to the environment — which is exactly what owners Flannery Coats and Stuart Reiswig wanted.
Thursday
The Columbia Falls Library Association will hold mini-workshops on gardening techniques Thursday (today), April 8 from 6-8 p.m. at Glacier Discovery Square. Workshops include extending your growing season, dehydrating foods, growing herbs, fruit trees and shrubs, canning foods and the benefits of bees. The event is free.
Student explorer working at fire department
Students at Whitefish High School are taking a jump start on careers with several classes geared towards career-building and life skills — Jobs for Montana Graduates, Interpersonal Relations, and Personal Development.
Park avalanche kills lone snowboarder
Brian Wright had climbed and descended Glacier Park's Mt. Shields dozens of times this winter before an avalanche on the northeast face of the mountain took his life March 31.
Loren Kreck Memorial
The April 17 celebration of Loren Kreck's life has been moved to the Whitefish Ice Rink and Saddle Club to accommodate the large number of friends and family expected to attend. The rink is as 725 Wisconsin Avenue.
New 'Lake Book' now available
Commission to look at state redistricting
Girls of spring take to the diamond
This year's Lady Bulldogs softball team may be young — the team features six freshman — but coach Alan Compton thinks the girls could be a surprise success.
Track has strong first showing
Bigfork's track and field teams emerged from their first meet of the season with top placings in several events and also did well in the team scoring Saturday at the Columbia Falls Invitational.
Lori Riggs
Lori was born June 29, 1958 in Boise, Idaho to Richard A. Mabe and Patricia Ann Mabe. Following a long battle with cancer, she died March 28, 2010 with her loving family by her side.
Cheers for volunteers
Dayle Vondal says "volunteering is my hobby." He volunteers at North Valley Hospital, North Valley Food Bank and Whitefish Community Center, where he was recently crowned King of the Golden Agers for the Winter Carnival.
Good turnout for tennis teams
It's a rare spring when Whitefish's tennis teams are able to get on the hard court this early in the season. Typically, players are wielding snow shovels as often as racquets in the first weeks of practice clearing the court of snow.
Blacktail, other area mountains close
It's been a little tough to tell what season is presiding over Bigfork these days, but one sure sign that winter is over is that all of the ski areas have officially closed for the season.
State should clean up after harvest
West of Whitefish, state public lands of Spencer Mountain offer world-class outdoor recreation. But better get ready for a tussle to save the existing recreation on Spencer.
Alpine team third in Northern series
Skiers from the Whitefish Mountain Resort Alpine Race Team competed in the Northern Division Alpine Championship at Bridger Bowl Ski Area on April 2 and 3.
Canyon principal fined $400 for theft
Matt Fawcett, former principal of Canyon Elementary in Hungry Horse, was cited for shoplifting Feb. 5 at Smith's in Kalispell.
Common sense needed with wolfs
On my recent annual spring outing, I encountered some very large paw prints of a canine creature. They could have been tracks of a mighty big dog, but in the remote location where I found them, I think they were the tracks of a wolf.
Top 10: Best of Bigfork basketball
I watched the University of Washington Huskies men's basketball team go from leading to losing two weeks ago during their Sweet 16 matchup against West Virginia in the NCAA Tournament and somehow it made me feel a little bit better about Bigfork High School's boys and girls basketball teams' seasons. After all, that game didn't end much differently than the ones that concluded the Vikes' and Vals' seasons this year.
April 15, 2010
Lake access poses problems
Resident Dave Hadden has walked parts of the North Shore of Flathead Lake nearly every morning for about 10 years and he's never seen traffic on the beach like there's been this spring.
Three Republicans vie for House District 3 seat
Crews steadily plow Glacier Park roads
Thursday, April 1
House candidate wants to jump-start local economy
Returning from talks in Victoria, B.C., about finalizing efforts to stop coal, oil and gas development in the Canadian Flathead, Will Hammerquist stopped by the Pilot last week to talk about his bid to represent Whitefish in the Montana Legislature as a Democrat.
BHS golf teams swing into action
Bigfork High School's golf team is adjusting to its new time slot – spring, and Steve Hullett, the team's head coach, believes it is a change for the better.
Open burning allowed through April
As we approach the month of April, I would like to remind all residents that there is open burning for one more month.
Ava Jane Anderson
Ava Jane Anderson, daughter of Cory and Sarah Anderson, of Columbia Falls, was born March 22, 2010, at North Valley Hospital.
Spring returns to the Village
Letter from the editor
Gene Haverlandt
Gene Albert Haverlandt, 63, died peacefully on March 13, 2010, surrounded by family in his home in Wasilla, Alaska.
Big Mountain season finale
Committee approves zone change
The Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee voted unanimously last week to recommend a zone change request for a pair of properties on McCaffery Road.
Need to vote on power deal
I attended the Flathead Electric Co-op board meeting on March 20. After listening to the board, I am extremely concerned about spending millions of dollars to join a consortium and sharing our main source of power with companies outside of Montana.
Five to vie for open board positions
Lake County sheriff's race to be hotly contested
Week in photos April 8, 2010
Rangers recover body of skier killed by avalanche in Glacier
The body of a solo skier apparently killed in an avalanche on Mount Shields was recovered Thursday evening by Glacier National Park rangers.
Six opt for early retirement from schools
Three teachers and three staff members at Bigfork schools have opted to take the early retirement incentive, offered this year to help the school district with its budget shortfall.
Co-op delays decision on joining power group
Jill Evans 63rd First Lady
I can ride my bike with no handlebars
K.J. Hascall / Hungry Horse News
School layoffs, levy on horizon
Shrinking student enrollment is blamed for a forecasted $325,000 deficit in next fiscal year's Whitefish High School budget, but with taxpayers tightening their own belts, school district board trustees decided now wasn't a good time to ask voters to support a levy to make up the difference.
Costain sweeps freeskiing events
Ten-year-old Parkin Costain, of Whitefish, completed a clean sweep of all four Canadian Junior Freeskiing events this season with a first place in the 11-and-under category at Lake Louise Ski Area, in Alberta, this past weekend.
Glacier experiences turned into art
Coach focuses on teaching life skills
Sheriff's candidate takes aim at morale
Lance Norman, one of two candidates challenging incumbent Mike Meehan in the all-Republican sheriff's race this year, says he's running because morale in the sheriff's office is "at its lowest level in years — and the primary reason is "a lack of quality leadership at the top levels."
Exhibit features, educates about Western icon
Curator Denny Kellogg hopes residents will walk away with more than just an appreciation for bison-inspired art at the Bigfork Museum of Art & History's new exhibit opening today, April 1.
Letters to the editor
Please don't trap my cat.
Glacier Park avalanche victim ID'd
The victim of a deadly avalanche on Mt. Shields in Glacier National Park has been identified as 37-year-old Brian Wright, a part-time resident of Whitefish, according to the Flathead County Sheriff's Office.
Local voices must overwhelm lobbyists
By now, most folks will attest that the Legislature does not have a clue about the pain caused by high property taxes. On many policy decisions, we're mired in partisan argument with no appetite for fixes, listening only to lobbyists.
Third coach was a charm, struggle for seniors
By the time most student-athletes are seniors they have ran more miles in practice than they can count, learned more plays than they care to remember and sat through more motivational speeches than they can shake a stick at, but they buy into the program for one more year because they know it is their last chance to accomplish their goals.
Rowe, Owens anchor softball team
The core of any successful softball team is simple: pitching and catching.
Otter Afternoon
Obituaries
The Bigfork Eagle runs obituaries and death notices for people who have lived in the Bigfork area. To submit, e-mail
Let courts determine Seals case
I respect and honor Sen. Ryan Zinke for his military service and thank him. But his opinions expressed in the Feb. 18 Whitefish Pilot are a very different matter. He is entitled to his opinions, of course, but not his facts, and they are in error in important respects.
Silliker takes league honors
Bulldog forward Connor Silliker was awarded Northwestern A all-conference honors for his exceptional play on the basketball hard court this season.
Cherry Growers discuss future of industry
Class looks to help those in need
Dr. Loren Kreck
Dr. Loren Kreck, a retired Columbia Falls dentist, passionate defender of wilderness and lifelong outdoor adventurer, died Friday, March 26 of natural causes. He was 89.
By K.J. HASCALL / Hungry Horse News
They must have been perched on armchairs and snuggled up under the covers day and night to read that many books.
A dog sledding excursion
MY EXPERIENCE
Committee seeks applications to fill open one-year position
Bigfork Eagle
Candidates vie for board seats
Bigfork Eagle
Derek Crittenden going into Grizzly country
When offered the choice between playing collegiate football for the Grizzlies or Bobcats, Whitefish's highly recruited defensive back, Derek Crittenden, had to go with the maroon and silver.
Cheers for Volunteers
Elmer Ward came from Minnesota to Whitefish to accept employment at Plum Creek. He will, at the drop of a hat, relate many stories about the early days of Plum Creek and the activities he performed during his 39 years of service on the green chain, the trimmer and clean-up crew.
1936 in Glacier Park
G. GEORGE OSTROM / For the Hungry Horse News
BHS ready for first track meet Saturday
This year's Bigfork track and field program is packing a one-two punch, with the girls bringing the successful past and the boys holding down their side with the numbers.
Schools to face deficit
The Somers School District will be facing tough decisions in April as it prepares to deal with a $164,000 deficit in its 2010-11 budget.
Freestyle team dominates Corn Cup
Whitefish Mountain Resort's Freestyle Ski and Snowboard Team garnered six overall champions at the Corn Cup freestyle competiton last weekend on Big Mountain and 22 of the total 44 top-three finishes to wrap up a strong competitve year at home.
A fond goodbye to Stewart Udall
Stewart Udall died last week. He loved the West and had a greater influence on the protection and enjoyment of its wild places than any person since President Teddy Roosevelt.
New Flathead Forest head eager to learn
When Chip Weber, the new superintendent of Flathead National Forest, starts work on May 10, he'll already have a full agenda before him. Learning about the community and the employees of the Forest. Learning about resources. Determining long-term goals for the Forest. And having fun in a new playground.
A wise and serious man for the West
Stewart Udall died last week. He loved the West and had a greater influence on the protection and enjoyment of its wild places than any person since President Teddy Roosevelt.
Thursday
The Columbia Falls Library Association will hold mini-workshops on gardening techniques Thursday (today), April 8 from 6-8 p.m. at Glacier Discovery Square. Workshops include extending your growing season, dehydrating foods, growing herbs, fruit trees and shrubs, canning foods and the benefits of bees. The event is free.
Rose Boyd
Our Mom, Rose Boyd, left this world on March 25 and went to be with her loving husband, Neil. Rose was born in Chelsea, England on Aug. 19, 1920. She met the man of her dreams while he was serving in England during World War II and she was serving in the Women's Land Army of England. They married in 1944 and she traveled all the way to America on a ship coming through Ellis Island. She then rode a train across the United States to Neil's family in eastern Montana where she waited for him to join her. From this union there were four children — Rosemary, Carol Ann (Candy), Sherry Lynn and Danny. They lived in several places around Montana before settling in Hungry Horse in 1952. Rose was very active in the lives of her children and their activities as well as in the community they chose for their home. She belonged to many of the local organizations, including the VFW Auxiliary, Fireman's Auxiliary, local scouting troops, the PTA and was a member of the local Civil Air Patrol when it was active in the 1950s.
