Stories for January 2010

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Thursday, January 28

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Local's story featured on TV show

Bruce Piasecki of Bigfork Propane thought his 22-minutes of fame were over in 1997, when "Dateline" aired a piece about his 1995 rescue of a boy who had been mauled by a grizzly bear.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Wave Ryders strong at Invite

The Wave Ryders Swim Club sent 39 racers to the KATS Winter Invitational in Kalispell on Jan. 16-17 and took home 170 personal-best times.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Winterfest kicks off Saturday

West Shore News

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Mazur claims third straight divisional title

Debaters Joe Mazur, Jack Hyer and Josh Schott led the Whitefish speech and debate team to a second-place finish at the Northwest Divisional Speech, Debate and Drama Tournament held in Whitefish on Saturday.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

My unforgettable Horse experience

Devin Schmit / Hungry Horse News

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Borderline

To the editor,

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Regarding Famous Quotes

G. GEORGE OSTROM / For the Hungry Horse News

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Speech, drama teams take third

For the second year in a row, the Bigfork High School speech, debate and drama team grabbed third place at divisionals in both speech and drama.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

LeRoy Donald Tallman

LeRoy Donald Tallman, 62, passed away at home Jan. 14, 2010. He was born on Sept. 19, 1947, in Enid, Okla., the son of Lester and Avadeam Tallman, but most of his life was spent in Coram.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Biomass surplus creates opportunity for Stoltze

When Smurfit-Stone closed its Frenchtown mill, an opportunity was created for F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber in Columbia Falls.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Vals outscore Lady Bulldogs

Although the first quarter was the slowest of the Valkyries' season, the Bigfork varsity girls basketball team picked up a 45-26 win over St. Ignatius on Friday night.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Canyon's store needs

To the editor,

Tragic fire kills three
January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Tragic fire kills three

Hungry Horse News

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Evergreen's shining achievement

GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Local skiers make top-15 in slalom

Madeline Williams and Michela Millette placed in the top-15 at the Rocky Mountain Invitational slalom race on Jan. 24 at Red Lodge Mountain. Williams scored a time of 2:04.34, and Millette finished at 2:06.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Famous quotes

Trailwatcher/G. George Ostrom

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Jim, Wanda and Jamie Barry

The Barry family — Jim, 63. wife Wanda, 52, and son Jamie, 15, — died from smoke inhalation at their Columbia Falls home early Friday morning, Jan. 22, 2010. Initial reports indicate that a fire started in the chimney of their wood-burning stove and the family perished before rescue teams arrived.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Connecting through technology

Letter from the editor

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

51st Whitefish Winter Carnival

Going To The Sun Celebrating Glacier National Park's Centennial

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Hot air debate

To the editor,

Week in photos - Feb. 4
January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Week in photos - Feb. 4

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

UPDATED: LNPC finishes up work on plan

After more than two years of work, the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan Committee is celebrating completing their work on the plan.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Cheers for Volunteers

Kay Lorenz, a self proclaimed “Montana gal,” was born in Billings, where she received her early education. In high school during the war years, she met Dick. After his military service and her stint at the University of Montana-Missoula, they married and later moved to Great Falls.

Free-throw shooting saves Vikes' record By JORDAN DAWSON/Bigfork Eagle
January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Free-throw shooting saves Vikes' record By JORDAN DAWSON/Bigfork Eagle

The Vikings split their time this week between Class A and Class B play, but beat both their opponents; Libby, 43-41 and Eureka, 74-40.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Elite competition at Whiteout

Brandon French cruised through 4,675 feet of elevation gain and loss to post the best overall time in the third annual Whitefish Whiteout ski mountaineering race on Jan. 23 at Whitefish Mountain Resort. More than 50 racers from across the region competed in the event.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Five place at speech, drama state

Bigfork High School speech and drama didn't have enough participants to bring back any team trophies from the state meet in Missoula last weekend, but they did leave with some individual hardware.

Dual vs. Dogs wraps up grapplers' regular season
January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Dual vs. Dogs wraps up grapplers' regular season

While they didn't have a great week as a team, the Columbia Falls wrestling squad had some solid individual performances.

Skijoring
January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Skijoring

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Property tax worries continue to flow

The Lake County Courthouse was full of frustration Jan. 19, as residents and representatives alike spoke about flaws and problems they feel were brought on by the recent property tax reappraisal.

Bulldogs take Pirates to brink
January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Bulldogs take Pirates to brink

It may have been Whitefish's fourth consecutive defeat, but Saturday's 64-58 loss at conference foe Polson proved the Bulldogs are still a force to be contended with come tourney time.

The week in sports
January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

The week in sports

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Looking back: A decade in review

Community events

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Patricia Dolven

Patricia Rose Dolven, 69, died Jan. 5, 2010, as the result of a car accident near the Montana-Idaho border.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Pelton adds second Elvis performance

Bigfork Eagle

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Wesley Reed Chapin

Wesley Reed Chapin, son of former Columbia Falls resident Pat Chapin, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep at the family home in Thunder Bay, Ontario, on Dec. 19, 2009.

Wailers, N. Lights sweep tourney
January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Wailers, N. Lights sweep tourney

Whitefish women's ice hockey teams made a clean sweep at the Flying Mules Tournament in Missoula on Jan. 15-17.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Holiday thanks

A big thank you to those who turned out on Sunday, Jan. 24, to take down, transport and store all the city Christmas decorations at the Armory.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Libby ends Vals' winning streak

The Valkyries basketball team ended their nine-game winning streak Tuesday night as they fell 44-41 to Libby following a 17-12 fourth-quarter run by the Lady Loggers' led by Jackie Mee, who scored 13 points in the final period.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Obituaries

The Bigfork Eagle runs obituaries and death notices for people who have lived in the Bigfork area. To submit, e-mail

Lady 'Dogs struggle in pair of losses
January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Lady 'Dogs struggle in pair of losses

The Lady Bulldogs struggled to put points on the board against No. 5 ranked Polson as the Lady Pirates rolled to a 67-30 conference win. The defeat dropped Whitefish to 0-4 in league play and 0-11 overall.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Respect our agents

To the editor,

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Council favoring in-house attorney

Doughnut governance proves a knotty issue

Sizable donation aides holiday streetlight effort
January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Sizable donation aides holiday streetlight effort

An $8,000 donation from Glacier Park, Inc. will help the Columbia Falls Lions Club purchase new holiday streetlights for 2010.

Benedict scores decision, pin
January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Benedict scores decision, pin

Tanner Benedict scored Whitefish's only points Jan. 19 and Jan. 22 at Northwestern A wrestling duals against top-ranked Polson, here and away. The Pirates rolled to 78-3 and 75-6 wins respectively.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Vals take down Eureka

The Bigfork Valkyries used an early lead to defeat their 7B rivals, the Eureka Lady Lions, 59-41 Friday night on the road.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Lake County residents express property tax concerns

Artful Bra Project draws attention to cancer

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Thursday

Friday

Girls split non-conference bill
January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Girls split non-conference bill

The Columbia Falls girls basketball team had a disappointing loss against AA Glacier last Friday 48-45, but bounced back to hammer Loyola on Saturday, 60-44.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

U.N. scientists call for an end to mining in Canadian Flathead

Hungry Horse News

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Rigby Lee Bauer

Rigby Lee Bauer, daughter of Mike Bauer and Stacey Lee, of Butte, was born Jan. 8, 2010, at St. James Healthcare, in Butte.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Wildcat speakers sweep individual events to take title

Homebuyer tax benefit expires soon

Winter Carnival documentary to premiere
January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Winter Carnival documentary to premiere

Dancing Yetis, parading Penguins, Keystone Cops and some guy named King Ullr.

Glacier Nordic team dominates Glide race
January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Glacier Nordic team dominates Glide race

The Glacier Nordic Ski Team swept first place in every event at the Glacier Glide Nordic race on Jan. 24 at Whitefish Lake Golf Club. The strong performance boosted momentum for the team as they head to Soldier Hollow in Utah for a Junior Olympic qualifying race this weekend.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Students meet the Challenge

Students at Whitefish High School are taking care of business this year with DECA, the high school's business and marketing club.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Vikings top St. Ignatius

The Vikings used a 20-4 lead in the first quarter to give 12 of the boys from the Bigfork program playing time in Friday night's 66-23 victory over St. Ignatius, and all but two of them scored.

Cave Club earns national recognition
January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Cave Club earns national recognition

Bigfork High School teacher Hans Bodenhamer knew his students in Cave Club were doing some "amazing" work, but he got confirmation of it last week when he found out the club had earned national recognition.

Boys' streak comes to an end
January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Boys' streak comes to an end

From 10-0 to ugh and two. The Columbia Falls boys basketball team's winning streak ended last week in dramatic fashion as they lost to Glacier in overtime Friday, 65-63, and then to Missoula Loyola Saturday night 67-52.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Vending permit debated

The Whitefish City Council gave city planning director David Taylor the OK to renew a temporary vendor permit for Dave Sheeran's Second Street Pizza business. The permit would be good for 60 days.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Whitefish featured in Florida school essay

Editor's note: The following was written for a school essay. The Seely family lived in Olney from 1992 to 2000.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Seeing the Lone Ranger – without his mask

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, we were all thrilled by the television antics of the Lone Ranger, his magnificent stallion Silver and his faithful Indian companion Tonto. Galloping across the western plains, the Lone Ranger fought for justice and apprehended (weekly) the bad guys. But no one ever saw the Lone Ranger without his white suit and matching mask.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

BSAC to recommend final design engineer for stormwater project

The Bigfork Stormwater Advisory Committee could be recommending a final design engineer to Flathead County as early as this week, moving the stormwater project one step closer to its construction phase.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Supreme Court: Social Security number needed to fish and hunt

The Montana Shooting Sports Association was handed an unfavorable decision by the Montana Supreme Court in MSSA's lawsuit claiming that it violates the right to privacy in the Montana Constitution for Montanans to be required to divulge a Social Security number in order to legally hunt and fish in Montana.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Taxi service is returning

It looks like Whitefish will be getting taxi service within the next week or two, about six months after Josh and Peggy Hertlein shut down Whitefish Taxi for economic reasons and headed to Helena.

January 28, 2010 11 p.m.

Investigation finds 'no wrongdoing'

The results of a third-party investigation into Flathead County Planning and Zoning staff released Wednesday clear planners of allegations of improprieties.

Thursday, January 21

A star resurrected
January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

A star resurrected

Eight years after its demise, Black Star golden lager is back on tap.

Vale shares experiences on drama team
January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Vale shares experiences on drama team

James Vale, a junior at Bigfork High School, moved to the area this year from New Jersey. In the fall he made big contributions on the Vikings football team, and now he is making his mark on the speech, debate and drama team.

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

West Glacier kids' big show

GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News

Vikes hang on for wins
January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Vikes hang on for wins

The Vikings (9-1) finally met their match last week and teetered on taking their second loss of the season — twice — but managed to pull of wins over Class A teams Ronan, 66-52, and Whitefish, 60-57.

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Meeting on property taxes to be held in Lake County

Bigfork Eagle

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

51st Whitefish Winter Carnival

Going To The Sun Celebrating Glacier National Park's Centennial

Local skier ranked among world's best
January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Local skier ranked among world's best

Whitefish skier Mitch Gilman, 13, has been named one of the best skiers in the world by "Powder" magazine.

Winter Carnival coronations
January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Winter Carnival coronations

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Houle takes second at Jug Beck

Kelly Houle turned in the best performance for the Wildcat wrestling team last weekend at the Jug Beck classic, but came just two points shy of a championship.

Lady 'Dogs search for balance
January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Lady 'Dogs search for balance

Plug one leak and another springs. So goes the trials and tribulations of a team searching for its first win.

Vals come out strong
January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Vals come out strong

The Valkyries (8-2) met up with some familiar faces last week, the Maidens and the Lady Bulldogs, and defeated them both with ease as if Bigfork had never left Class A competition.

Week in photos - Jan. 28
January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Week in photos - Jan. 28

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

More light, please

TOM HESS / Hungry Horse News

Biologist predicts grizzly bears' removal from endangered list
January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Biologist predicts grizzly bears' removal from endangered list

The lead biologist in the recovery of grizzly bears said he expects the bears in the greater Glacier National Park area will come off the Endangered Species List within five to six years.

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

New Valley-wide group forms to share stormwater resources

An interest in stormwater issues drew representatives of local governments, non-profit groups and businesses from across the Valley to Bigfork on Wednesday, Jan. 13, for the creation of the Flathead Stormwater Resource Group.

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Sled dog success

On behalf of all the mushers who attended the Flathead Sled Dog Days race on Jan. 8 and 9, we would like to thank Brooke Bohannan, Sean Hard and Katie Davis for organizing such an outstanding race. We know they work hard all year to put this race together, and their effort paid off with a record 34 teams attending this year's event.

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Filing begins for election

Local Operation Cookie Drop seeks goodies for U.S. troops

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Sci-fi Surgery

Bighorn conservation strategy approved

Girls drop Maidens, Dogs
January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Girls drop Maidens, Dogs

Hungry Horse News

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Hal Framness

Hal Framness passed away on Jan. 12, 2010. He was born to Nestor and Dot Framness on Aug. 8, 1942, in Gillett, Wis. Hal married Elaine Holmes in 1961. They had four children — Mark, Robin, Larry and Elmer; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Cell phone use can pose health hazards

I read with interest Katie McGunagle's article regarding cell phone use by students at Whitefish High School. I agree with the survey results to continue the "no cell phone policy" and see no educational or emergency need on campus.

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

BSC to address insurance questions

Bigfork Eagle

'Hansel & Gretel'
January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

'Hansel & Gretel'

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Three die in house fire

A couple and their teenage son died Friday, Jan. 22, in a house fire on the North Fork Road just outside Columbia Falls.

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Thursday

Free meals

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

School board prepares for search

The Bigfork School District board will determine in a workshop next week how to go about the search for a new superintendent.

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Winterfest kicks off Saturday

West Shore News

Woman and her Belgian shepherd ready to rescue
January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Woman and her Belgian shepherd ready to rescue

When a 7.0-magnitude earthquake shook Haiti last week, Kim Gilmore was put on 24-hour standby.

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Cheers for Volunteers

Jessie Harring, born in Hungary, received her early education in Budapest and Switzerland. Her life was disrupted by World War II, the memories of which "are in the past, and should be kept in the past." She prefers to forget the tragedies and to concentrate on all the good things life has to bestow.

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Numerous positions up for election

Tribes propose project to net lake trout

Winterfest
January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Winterfest

'Dogs come up short to top-ranked C-Falls
January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

'Dogs come up short to top-ranked C-Falls

It could have been an upset for the ages — but Goliath wouldn't topple.

C. Falls v. Glacier
January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

C. Falls v. Glacier

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Steele, Miller place at Nordic qualifiers

The Glacier Nordic Ski Team had a strong showing at the season's opening qualifier event Jan. 16-17 in Bozeman.

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

The 2000s: Looking back to look forward II

Special to the Bigfork Eagle

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Lengstorf killed in Afghanistan

Planning board looks at marijuana zoning tonight

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Joshua Lengstorf

Sgt. Joshua "Link" Allen Lengstorf, 24, died on Jan. 3, 2010, in Ashoque, Afghanistan. He and three other soldiers were on foot patrol when they struck an improvised explosive device and came under small-arms fire.

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Get active with winter sports

Letter from the editor

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Joseph L. "Joe" Bellerose

Joseph L. (Joe) Bellerose, Jr., 66, died Jan. 13 at the Montana Veterans' Home in Columbia Falls. Joe was born in Burien, Wash., to Joseph and Gladys (Zetterburg) Bellerose on Sept. 3, 1943, and was raised and educated in Burien. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1963, and received his honorable discharge in 1965.

Sizable donation aides holiday streetlight effort
January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Sizable donation aides holiday streetlight effort

An $8,000 donation from Glacier Park, Inc. will help the Columbia Falls Lions Club purchase new holiday streetlights for 2010.

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Selfless and anonymous acts of kindness

During the holiday season, I witnessed many, many acts of kindness and service which truly demonstrate the heart of our schools and community working together.

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Costain first at freeskiing event

Parkin and Ladd Costain, 8, both Whitefish Mountain Resort Freestyle Team members, traveled to Red Resort, in Rossland, B.C., last weekend to compete in the first Junior Freeski Event of the year.

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Bulldogs scratch out wins on mat

The Whitefish wrestling team had some success on the mats at the Rocky Mountain Classic in Missoula on Jan. 15-16.

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Obituaries

The Bigfork Eagle runs obituaries and death notices for people who have lived in the Bigfork area. To submit, e-mail

Boys go ten and oh!
January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Boys go ten and oh!

If success is a virus, then the Cats are sick all over. Last week the Columbia Falls boys basketball team dropped Ronan 67-35 and Whitefish 73-50 to stretch their winning streak to 10 games.

City appoints representatives to pre-release board
January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

City appoints representatives to pre-release board

The Columbia Falls City Council Tuesday chose three representatives to join a Flathead Valley committee tasked with siting a pre-release center, even while hearing from one citizen who says the center shouldn't be located here.

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Sidewalks will go wider

After many years of public process, conflicting petitions and a contentious council election filled with campaign promises, the downtown streetscaping project will continue with wider sidewalks.

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

LNPC examines recommendations from Citizens for a Better Flathead

The Lakeside Neighborhood Plan Committee reviewed recommendations from Citizens for a Better Flathead last week and made a number of minor revisions to the plan.

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Nazi Recollections

G. GEORGE OSTROM / For the Hungry Horse News

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Downtown towing on New Year's looks fishy

Thoughts regarding the towing of cars in Whitefish on New Year's Eve night (actually after midnight):

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Property tax system 'antiquate'

I believe that outside money, speculation, lucrative financing, over building and greed are the major factors that resulted in the real-estate bubble throughout the United States.

Good news for Railroad District
January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Good news for Railroad District

Property owners in Whitefish's Railroad District and east of the middle school received good news last week — lab results from 25 soil-borings revealed little or no contamination from underground diesel fuel plumes originating in the BNSF Railway Superfund site.

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Elvis to appear in Bigfork

Bigfork Eagle

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Auditions approaching for Bigfork variety show

Bigfork Eagle

January 21, 2010 11 p.m.

Safe, and bankrupt?

To the editor,

Thursday, January 14

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Jacqueline "Jackie" Evelyn Smithey Cornelius

Jacqueline "Jackie" Evelyn Smithey Cornelius, 83, died peacefully in her sleep Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010, at her Whitefish home.

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

BSC to address insurance questions

Bigfork Eagle

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Jack R. Iverson

Jack R. Iverson, of Columbia Falls, passed away Jan. 1, 2010. He was born Oct. 16, 1948, in Thief River Falls, Minn., to Gordon and Hilda "Ginger" Iverson.

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

About Common Things

G. GEORGE OSTROM / For the Hungry Horse News

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

51st Whitefish Winter Carnival

Going To The Sun Celebrating Glacier National Park's Centennial

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Elvis to appear in Bigfork

Bigfork Eagle

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

WHS debaters dominate at C-Falls tourney

Bulldog debaters grabbed first and second places in both policy debate and Lincoln-Douglas debates at the Columbia Falls Speech and Debate Tournament on Saturday, Jan. 9.

Girls battle back to .500
January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Girls battle back to .500

Slowly, but surely, they're righting the ship. The Columbia Falls girls basketball team had a solid week, dropping Class B Eureka last Thursday 56-39 and Libby 54-44 Friday.

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Jacqueline Cornelius

Jacqueline "Jackie" Evelyn Smithey Cornelius, 83, died peacefully in her sleep on Jan. 5, 2010, at her home in Whitefish.

Week in photos - Jan. 21
January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Week in photos - Jan. 21

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Two Community Council seats up for 2010 election

West Shore News

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Now is time for restraint

As I was sitting in City Hall during the recent swearing ceremony of the new Whitefish City Council, I found the public comment to be the most interesting. For the most part, the comments represented a summation of the issues that have challenged Whitefish last year, to include the controversial street-widening project, the extension of Seventh Street, and concern over the tone of the last election. What was not addressed, however, is the need for fiscal restraint to reflect the state's most recent economic forecast.

Glacier Park Ranger remembered as 'consummate outdoorsman'
January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Glacier Park Ranger remembered as 'consummate outdoorsman'

Steve Frye remembers the trip well. It was an awful bushwhack up the headwaters of Bowman Lake. The brush was thick all around. But Bob Paul, the leader of this expedition, turned around and looked at them and smiled.

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Hope amidst the gloom

TOM HESS / Hungry Horse News

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Election forum is scheduled

The Commissioner of Political Practice is coming to Whitefish. Our political process in the last eight years has had some surprising events — detectives, mailers sent by anonymous sources, aerial photos of candidates' houses, campaign signs being stolen, court cases, etc. all quite dramatic and startling in a town this size.

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Three grapplers go 6-0 on the weekend

Three Columbia Falls wrestlers went undefeated and the team took third last weekend at the Western Montana Duals tournament held in Ronan.

Dryden resigns as 'Dogs football coach
January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Dryden resigns as 'Dogs football coach

Citing a desire to explore "the next chapter in my life," Bulldog varsity football coach Patrick Dryden is stepping away from the gridiron.

Olney musher readies for Yukon race
January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Olney musher readies for Yukon race

Behold the power of cheesecake.

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Write a column to share your thoughts

Letter from the editor

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Voters asked to renew funding for rural fire

The Columbia Falls Rural Fire Department is looking to renew its funding for another 10 years.

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Council delays decision on Viking Creek RV proposal

Citing significant changes in the Viking Creek developer's original proposal, the Whitefish City Council on Monday agreed to reopen the matter for public comment.

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Mush ado about dogs

Sara Parr, of Whitefish, won the eight-dog class at the Flathead Sled Dog Days event Jan. 8-9 on the groomed trails near Olney.

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Coming soon to a location near you

In what the government calls "the largest peacetime mobilization in U.S. history," the 500,000 enumerators of the U.S. Census Bureau are geared up and prepared to conduct the 2010 census.

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

My snow angels

To the editor,

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Whitefish man wins state lottery

Robotic surgery comes to North Valley Hospital

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Vikes push past Ronan at home, Vals defeat Whitefish on the road

Thirteen was the Valkyries' lucky number Thursday night as they put up that magic number of points in each of the first three quarters in their game against Whitefish, and added an additional 16 in the fourth quarter to take a 55-38 victory.

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Swan Hill Homestead developers propose 'green' Bigfork subdivision

FWP to hold meeting on regulations

Bulldogs' run breaks Broncs
January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Bulldogs' run breaks Broncs

The Bulldogs looked emotionally spent as they took the floor at the Dawg House on Jan. 9 for the opening tip-off against the Frenchtown Broncs.

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Frozen rails, friendly staff

GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News

Winter scenes
January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Winter scenes

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Thursday

Whitefish Chamber of Commerce’s Gone Fishin’ social will take place at FishchWorks Building Services, 201 Second Street, on Thursday, Jan. 21, from 5-7 p.m. The Tulikivi soapstone masonry wood heater and bake oven will be fired up with Truby’s Wood-Fired Pizza. Fondue For You Catering and Piggy Back BBQ will be on-hand with methods and materials.

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Meeting on property taxes to be held in Lake County

Bigfork Eagle

Vals roll past Plains and Troy
January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Vals roll past Plains and Troy

The Valkyries (6-2, 5-0) varsity girls basketball team has still yet to find an opponent in District 7B that can come close to topping them, and last week was no exception as they beat Troy on the road 57-12 and Plains in a home game 62-25.

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Vikings still perfect against Class A

With just 11 seconds left on the clock, Travis Knoll put in a pair of free throws that secured the 43-41 win for the Bigfork boys basketball team Tuesday night in Libby.

Offensive woes for Lady 'Dogs
January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Offensive woes for Lady 'Dogs

Whitefish extended their losing streak to eight games after decisive road losses to Flathead and Frenchtown last week in which they posted consecutive quarters in both games with just four points.

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Jerrold William "Jerry" Collins

Jerrold William "Jerry" Collins, 67, passed away on Monday, Jan. 5, 2010, at his residence in Kalispell. He was born on Sept. 6, 1942, in Kalispell, the son of John William and Ada E. (Lloid) Collins.

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

A decade in review

Special to the West Shore News

Vikes conquer in Plains, Troy
January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Vikes conquer in Plains, Troy

The Bigfork Vikings cruised through another week of District 7B play untouched as they took out Plains 69-48 on Thursday and Troy 59-34 on Saturday both on the road.

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Voluntary tax group to include more businesses

The group that formed the Bigfork Enhancement Contribution is looking to branch out from the downtown area and include businesses on Montana Highway 35.

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

When snow falls, school officials head out to monitor conditions

While others are still curled up in warm beds on cold winter mornings, a few people from Bigfork School District are already on the road.

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Locomotive with a view

Quiet north border requires protection

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

BHS senior tries hand as marine biologist

Editor's note: This is the second article in a two-part series on an interest in marine biology at Bigfork High School. Read about the new science class at Bigfork High School in the Jan. 7 edition of the Bigfork Eagle.

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Obituaries

The Bigfork Eagle runs obituaries and death notices for people who have lived in the Bigfork area. To submit, e-mail

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

The 2000s: Looking back to look forward

Special to the Bigfork Eagle

Canyon Elementary could close to save budget
January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Canyon Elementary could close to save budget

Hungry Horse News

Bulldogs vs Wildcats
January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Bulldogs vs Wildcats

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Rollins woman crashes into police vehicles in chase

Opinion: An unusual Flathead pioneer

Whitefish vs Columbia Falls
January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Whitefish vs Columbia Falls

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Robert Mercier Paul

Robert Mercier Paul was born in 1915 in New York City, the son of George A. and Mabel Paul. He passed away due to natural causes at Willamette View Manor in Portland, Ore., on Jan. 3, 2010, at the age of 94.

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Kinzer set to retire

Russ Kinzer, superintendent of the Bigfork School District, told staff this week that he intends to retire at the end of the school year.

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Cheers for volunteers

Joan Smith, though born in North Dakota, spent her childhood in Great Falls, where she graduated from high school. While attending Northwestern University in Illinois, she met her future husband, Larry, who was destined to become a CPA in Chicago.

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Bigfork sweeps speech and drama in C. Falls

The Bigfork High School speech and debate team had a big day Saturday in Columbia Falls as they took first place in both speech and drama among Class B schools.

January 14, 2010 11 p.m.

Canyon closure meetings announced

School District 6 will host two public meetings to discuss the projected 2010-2011 budget shortfall and the possible closure of Canyon Elementary School. The first meeting will be held Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m., at Canyon Elementary, 200 North St., Hungry Horse, and the second on Thursday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m., at School District 6 headquarters, 501 6th Ave., West.

Monday, January 11

Sled Dog Days
January 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Sled Dog Days

January 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Alahna Jo Hader,

daughter of Angela Michelle Hader and Johnathan Luke Hader of Kalispell, was born Jan. 5 at North Valley Hospital.

A clear day
January 11, 2010 11 p.m.

A clear day

January 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Vals outscore Ronan Maidens

The Bigfork Valkyries beat former conference foes Ronan 52-36 in a home game Tuesday night.

Week in photos - Jan. 14
January 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Week in photos - Jan. 14

The American Dipper
January 11, 2010 11 p.m.

The American Dipper

January 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Voluntary tax group to include more businesses

The group that formed the Bigfork Enhancement Contribution is looking to branch out from the downtown area and include businesses on Montana Highway 35.

January 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Thursday

State Farm Lyle E. Mitchell Insurance Agency, 1123 9th St. W., will hold an open house Thursday, Jan. 14 from 1:30-4 p.m. Following will be the Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours from 5-7 p.m.

Thursday, January 7

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Cheers for volunteers

Mark and Nancy Svennungsen are retired stalwarts of our business community — she with 24 years as owner/operator of the Village Shop and he from his optometry practice.

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Setting out resolutions for 2010

Letter from the editor

Snow show
January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Snow show

Center showcases winter offerings

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Obituary

Eloise S. Berg, 78

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Glacier Nordic preparing for qualifiers

After a little more than two months of training with this year's Glacier Nordic Ski Team, coach Ben Morley says a number of team members are on the fast track to qualify for Junior Nationals.

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Our settlers and their schools

GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News

Freestyle team strong at rail jam
January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Freestyle team strong at rail jam

Whitefish Mountain Resort's Freestyle Ski and Snowboard Team took home wins in four of eight divisions at last week's New Year's Eve Rockin' Rail Jam, the team's first event of the season.

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Do people have a right to get their fix in Whitefish?

Editor's note: The following is a letter to the Whitefish City Council.

Voting block emerges on new city council
January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Voting block emerges on new city council

A new Whitefish City Council showed its face Monday night with a split vote right out of the starting gate.

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

About us

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Thursday

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive Thursday (today), Jan. 7 at the North Valley Community Room on Nucleus Avenue from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

First baby of the new year

King Ullr LI: Yetis attack skiers

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Foreclosures signal more trouble ahead

A Web site that tracks foreclosures across the United States lists 31 bank-owned homes currently for sale in the Columbia Falls area, an indication of the shaky economy here. In addition to the bank-owned homes, there are 10 properties listed for sale by trustee auction.

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Ralph Johnson

Ralph W. Johnson, 79, died Dec. 22, 2009, at Colonial Manor in Whitefish after a long battle with cancer.

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Free Cruises and Old Jokes

G. GEORGE OSTROM / For the Hungry Horse News

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

BLUAC hears from Swan Hill Homestead developers

The Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee heard an update from developers Thursday on a potential subdivision on Swan Hill Road.

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Robert Mercier Paul

Robert Mercier Paul, 94, passed away Jan. 3, 2010, in Portland, Ore., from natural causes.

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

New council agrees to help Twins project

The Whitefish City Council stepped up to the plate on Monday by agreeing to help the Glacier Twins with their new grandstand proposal.

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Bigfork schools closed due to weather

Bigfork Eagle

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Theodore "Ted"  Edward McDonald

Theodore "Ted" Edward McDonald passed away at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls on Dec. 31, 2009, at the age of 86, after a massive stroke Dec. 5.

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Stormwater project final design goes out to bid

After two years of preparation work, the Bigfork Stormwater Project may be under construction this year.

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Nelson, Brist garner Coach of Year honors

Whitefish High School boys golf coach Terry Nelson and girls cross-country coach Bill Brist were selected as Coach of the Year in Class A by the Montana Coaches Association after leading their respective teams to state titles this past season.

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Avalanche danger heightens

Recent snowstorms have ramped up the avalanche danger here.

Vikes and Vals cruise past Plains
January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Vikes and Vals cruise past Plains

The Bigfork High School boys and girls basketball teams both dominated Plains Thursday night in conference play.

'Dogs pick up pace
January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

'Dogs pick up pace

Willie Roche exploded for 18 points and snagged six rebounds to lead all scorers as Whitefish routed Ronan 59-39 in a Northwest A league match at the Dawg House on Jan. 2.

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Letters to the editor

Dayton Christmas giveaway

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Cooper's opens in time for New Year's

A last-ditch effort to cobble together a suitable drinking establishment paid off as Central Avenue's newest bar — Cooper's — opened in time for the New Year's Eve celebrations.

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Wilson's apology

To the editor,

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

New science class aims to keep seniors at BHS

Since science is only required for two years and some seniors just opt not to take additional classes, Bigfork High School was looking for an additional offering that would entice senior students to stay in school full time.

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Census Bureau needs workers

Double duty: For first time speakers compete in two events

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Stimulus

Whitefish's North Valley Food Bank will help "jump start" the economy with $3,500 in cash donated in $10 and $20 bills that were included in the Christmas food boxes for more than 200 families.

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Austin Anthony Sellers

Todd and Camille Sellers of Hungry Horse are the parents of a son, Austin Anthony Sellers, born Nov. 23, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces, and was 21 1/4 inches long.

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Council to review bylaws

FWP seeks assistance in poaching cases

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Providence Home children ride for free

Math teachers keep watch on student progress

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Lady 'Dogs fall to Maidens; remain winless

The Ronan Maidens broke a 29-game losing streak that spanned two seasons with a 42-32 win over the Lady Bulldogs.

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Red buses and Park pix

TOM HESS / Hungry Horse News

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Roger H. Ganiere

Roger Henry Ganiere, 89, died Friday, Dec. 25, 2009, at Lake View Care Center in Bigfork.

Eighth-grade boys unstoppable
January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Eighth-grade boys unstoppable

The boys on the eighth-grade basketball team from Bigfork wrapped up their middle school career in style with another undefeated season.

Motel move makes way for park
January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Motel move makes way for park

People are used to seeing hotels on the side of the highway, but those passing through Lakeside are getting used to seeing motels move down it.

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Two BLUAC seats up for 2010 election

Bigfork Eagle

Food bank responds to upsurge in gift needs
January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Food bank responds to upsurge in gift needs

The number of West Shore families in need tripled this holiday season, as the West Shore Food Bank and its friends provided gifts to more than 240 families.

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

On thin ice: How to stay safe this winter

As we enter our winter months, lakes, ponds, streams and rivers throughout the Flathead Valley freeze over.

Superfund cleanup is No. 1 story
January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Superfund cleanup is No. 1 story

Underground diesel plumes threatening Whitefish River and the Railway District, skyrocketing property reappraisals, a $440,000 ruling against the city, a contentious city council election and medical marijuana businesses coming to Whitefish are last year's top five stories.

Vals cruise by Bluehawks
January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Vals cruise by Bluehawks

The Bigfork Valkyries emerged from the Holiday Break with a new plan of attack that earned them a 47-30 victory over Thompson Falls on Saturday.

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

In win over Eagles, boys record now 6-0

The streak continues. The Columbia Falls boys basketball team is 6-0 after edging Big Sky last weekend in Missoula.

Vikes struggle but still top Thompson Falls
January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Vikes struggle but still top Thompson Falls

The Vikings basketball team struggled in their first game back from the Holiday Break, a home game against Thompson Falls, but they were able to come away with a 51-44 victory.

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Obituaries

The Bigfork Eagle runs obituaries and death notices for people who

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Correcting the record

While away with family, I read in the papers that my fine colleague, Sen. Bruce Tutvedt, R-Kalispell, may have misinformed folks at the recent town hall meeting in Kalispell about House Bill 658 and property reappraisal.

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Generosity strikes SMS

Generosity made the positive atmosphere at Somers Middle School last month. Monthly, Somers Middle School has a character builder on what the ideal citizen should possess. Students who practice this trait are recognized or "caught in the act."

January 7, 2010 11 p.m.

Want to get an obituary in the West Shore News?

The West Shore News runs obituaries and death notices for people who have lived or live on the West Shore of Flathead Lake. To submit, e-mail