Stories for March 2010

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Thursday, March 25

Dog sledding
March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Dog sledding

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Marijuana is not good for society

I vehemently disagree with Ms. Seefeldt’s opinion piece in the March 18 Whitefish Pilot. Perception-altering drugs like marijuana are not good for society. Here’s why.

Class B switch alters road to state for tennis players
March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Class B switch alters road to state for tennis players

Bigfork High School's boys and girls tennis teams are in full swing and looking forward to the start of their new season.

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

The big uproar over marijuana

Marijuana, smoked regularly, is bad for you. Just like smoking cigarettes is bad for you. If smoked regularly, marijuana users greatly increase their risk of developing lung cancer. Studies have shown that the risk of depression in adolescents increases with marijuana use (even up to a decade after continual use) and although it hasn’t been proven, studies are suggesting that certain mental illnesses and psychoses may be onset by marijuana abuse. Studies have confirmed that marijuana use exacerbates symptoms of schizophrenic patients.

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Sign ordinance revision inching closer

Columbia Falls not considering pot moratorium

National Telemark Championship
March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

National Telemark Championship

Whitefish Pilot

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Show appreciation for area's large birds

The spring-summer season is rapidly approaching the Flathead. Ospreys and bald eagles will soon be returning. These species are two of our most majestic large birds.

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Otter afternoon

Electric gains crop of new businesses
March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Electric gains crop of new businesses

Bigfork's Electric Avenue has been experiencing a mini-boom in new business, despite the recession.

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Campaign seeks to provide voters a choice

As another opportunity for voters to select their representatives approaches, we face a deluge of political posturing from the entire spectrum of ideologies. My reason for entering the fray once again is to provide voters in Senate District 5 a choice.

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Otters eat lunch

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Cheers for volunteers

Ron Ottsen, an Iowa native, migrated to California where he spent 30 years as a psychiatric social worker helping youngsters with troubled lives. Seeking a rural area for retirement, he found Whitefish, which he thoroughly enjoys. His close knit family consists of a sister, Sandra, and a brother, David, and their families.

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

High five

The Whitefish School District Education High Five Project, which kicked off in February, has brought in a total of $22,000 as of March 15. Thank you parents, staff and community members for making this such a huge success. There's still time to donate. Please go to our Web site at www.wfef.org for more information.

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Wayne H. Mackie

Wayne H. Mackie, 60, of Coram passed away on March 12, 2010 at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Health department warns of norovirus

Voters to face large field of candidates for primary, general elections

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Co-op defends look at joining Oregon group

Flathead Electric Cooper-ative general manager Ken Sugden defended the Co-op's decision to consider joining an Oregon-based utility cooperative during the Co-op's annual meeting on March 20.

High stakes in Tommy Moe Dual Slalom
March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

High stakes in Tommy Moe Dual Slalom

Tommy Moe Dual Slalom took place at Whitefish Mountain Resort's Lower Ed's Run on March 21. About 50 children ages 5 to 12 competed.

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Jane E. Friske

Beloved mother, Jane E. Friske, 74, passed away at her home in Columbia Falls on Saturday, March 13, 2010 from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Superintendent search down to three candidates

The field for Bigfork's next school superintendent has narrowed to three candidates who will be visiting the community over the course of the next few weeks.

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

FEC members to see rate increase

Flathead Electric Cooperative members will likely see a 5 percent increase to their bills this year.

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Local man draws national attention for survival story

Two weeks ago musician Louis Rogers was sitting at home in Lakeside preparing for a road trip to Idaho to perform for some friends.

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Five swimmers compete at sectionals

The Wave Ryder Swim Club wrapped up its short course season last weekend by taking five swimmers to sectionals in Federal Way, Wash.

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Pfc. Nicholas Scott Cook

Pfc. Nicholas Scott Cook, U.S. Army, died in Dab Sar, Konar Province, Afghanistan.

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Pam "Crowley" Pool

Pam "Crowley" Pool left this world at the age of 50 with her sister Lori at her side in her home in Clackamas, Ore., on March 9, 2010.

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Clever detective work leads to return of lost camera

In September 2009, I decided to take my son Brett on a trip before he went off to college. Our plan — fly fishing in Montana with my friend Darin Gardner, a master fisherman and outdoorsman. We had never been to Montana. We couldn’t wait to go.

Week in photos - April 1
March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Week in photos - April 1

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Jopek withdraws from local House race

Whitefish Pilot

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Hit-and-run snowboard accident on the mountain

Dr. Doug Pitman’s excellent opinion piece in the March 4 Whitefish Pilot noted that excessive speed and poor judgment are significant contributing factors to injury and death on ski hills.

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Ethan Arlin Patterson

Ethan Arlin Patterson, son of Matt Patterson and Brittany Seubert, of Whitefish, was born March 15, 2010, at North Valley Hospital.

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Memories of Silver Hills

G. GEORGE OSTROM / For the Hungry Horse News

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Wall Street reform ends 'too big to fail'

You’ve probably already seen the ads on TV or heard them on the radio. Out-of-state groups are shelling out millions to sway your opinion on a very important bill I’m working on in the Senate Banking Committee — a bill that finally ends the era of “too big to fail” on Wall Street.

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Comfort from afar

K.J. HASCALL / Hungry Horse News

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Streetscaping

Are the changes proposed and accepted for Central Avenue by three members of the city council, the mayor, the city manager and the 100 members of the Heart of Whitefish contrary to the architectural standards of Whitefish?

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Candidate pool gains one, loses one

In the past week, the pool of candidates for the open Bigfork School District superintendent position has gone through a series of changes.

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Student excels at MATHCOUNTS

New publisher for the Bigfork Eagle named

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Thursday

Friday

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

A new way to let your voice be heard

Letter from the editor

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Sports commentary: Time to spring out of winter activities

Last week I was digging through my purse for my keys, as I commonly do, and I had to stop and laugh as I looked at the contents of my bag which included sunglasses, fleece gloves, sun tan lotion and my ski pass.

Track team will draw on past success
March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Track team will draw on past success

This year's Columbia Falls track team will draw athletes from a boys' cross country team that won a state title last fall.

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Judy Eslick Beslanowitch

Judy Eslick Beslanowitch, 67, passed away March 15. She is survived by her two daughters and their families: Lora and Norm Merz; children Jessica, Jake and Jordan. Danell and Bob Glover ; children Alesha, Auston, Aaron and Amberly.

Local J3 skiers race at Mt. Bachelor
March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Local J3 skiers race at Mt. Bachelor

Three members of the Whitefish Mountain Resort Ski Team traveled to Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort, in Oregon, for the 2010 Western Region Junior Championship on March 18-21.

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Students surveyed for ideas on exams

Whitefish High School requires that all of its students participate in semester exams at the culmination of each semester.

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Eighth-grade team takes Trinity tournament

For the first time, the Somers Middle School eighth-grade girls basketball team won the tournament at Trinity Lutheran School this month.

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Donald Gustafson

Donald O. Gustafson, 77, died March 19, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Second downtown vending permit OK'd

Whitefish Pilot

Park to begin plowing Sun Road April 1
March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Park to begin plowing Sun Road April 1

Glacier National Park announced it will begin plowing the Going-to-the-Sun Road next Thursday (April 1) as well as the Camas Road.

March 25, 2010 11 p.m.

Battle between young andmore experienced brings in donations for food bank

The second annual Bigfork Alumni Basketball game raised $807 for the Bigfork Food Pantry on Saturday.

Thursday, March 18

Hungry Horse's fallen hero
March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Hungry Horse's fallen hero

"Bein' up on a mountain with that board strapped on is home to me. Shakin' beyond the point of functioning then just goin' for it. Amazing feeling. The best feeling possible is that moment when the butterflies in your stomach carry you into that adrenaline rush. Its freedom, its when you can feel most alive."

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Week in photos - March 25

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Pfc. Nicholas Scott Cook

Pfc. Nicholas Scott Cook, U.S. Army, died in Dab Sar, Konar Province, Afghanistan.

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Alumni games

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Three Bigfork basketball players earn All-State nods

The Vikings and Valkyries basketball teams fared well in the selections for this season's All-Conference and All-State teams.

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

School district weighs possible schedule change

Anglers kick off Spring Mack Days

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Festival to showcase well-known guitarists

If resident David Feffer has it his way, Bigfork and the Flathead Valley will soon become the center for guitar innovation in the world.

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Worries about making state budget cuts

Last week I spent four days in Helena pouring over our budget problems.

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Marijuana offers alternative

After reading of Joe Coco's concerns regarding medicinal marijuana use in the March 20 Pilot, I can summarily say, "Don't believe everything you think."

24 Hours of photos
March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

24 Hours of photos

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Pam "Crowley" Pool

Pam "Crowley" Pool left this world at the age of 50 with her sister Lori at her side in her home in Clackamas, Ore., on March 9, 2010.

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Deadline nears to run for board positions

Bigfork Eagle

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Cheers for volunteers

Janet Weiss spent most of her life in California as a teacher, comptroller and mother. She and former husband Doug have a son, Kurt, a daughter, Dana Taylor, of Whitefish, and four grandchildren.

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Remembering horse races on Nucleus

GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News

Local students appear on Somers stage
March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Local students appear on Somers stage

Somers Middle School was teeming with chameleons, goats and a wise-cracking boar Saturday as the Missoula Children's Theatre's tour team presented "The Amazing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe."

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Liam Benjamin Littlefield

Liam Benjamin Littlefield, son of Susan and Matthew Littlefield, of Wrentham, Mass., was born Dec. 26, 2009, at Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Bigfork schools face budget shortfall

The Bigfork School District is looking at its biggest deficit in recent memory for its 2010-2011 budget – a shortfall of approximately $297,000.

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Thursday

The Columbia Falls High School Centennial Art Project Gallery Night is Thursday (today), March 25 at 6 p.m. at Glacier Discovery Square. A collection of art created by local high school students in commemoration of the Park Centennial will be unveiled. Music by North Valley Music School.

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Low snow forces venue change

With snow disappearing on the lower half of Big Mountain, the U.S. Telemark National Championship course has been moved from Ed's Run to Ptarmigan Bowl, closer to the summit. The course will follow the same path as the upper portion of the Doug and Rollie Smith downhill race.

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Robert J. "Bob" Murphy

A loving husband and a dear friend, Bob Murphy, 75, died of natural causes on March 3, 2010 at home.

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

City manager issues challenge

In March 2010, every household across the nation will receive a census form. Many households in Whitefish have already received their census form. Required once every 10 years by the U.S. Constitution, the 2010 Census will attempt to count every man, woman and child living in the United States.

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

The Preacher Epilogue

G. GEORGE OSTROM / For the Hungry Horse News

Funeral service for Nick Cook
March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Funeral service for Nick Cook

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Next adventure

K.J. Hascall / Hungry Horse News

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Hungry Horse soldier killed in Afghanistan

A 19-year-old Hungry Horse man was the 41st Montanan soldier to die in Iraq or Afghanistan.

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Supreme Court election ruling is 'breathtaking'

"These people are my enemies — fierce, bitter, implacable. But they are your enemies, too. As they crush me today, they will crush you tomorrow. They will force you to dwell in Standard Oil houses while you live, and they will bury you in Standard Oil coffins when you die."

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Discovering reminders of the past

Letter from the editor

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Pfc. Nick Cook funeral

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

World Cup champion returns for Nationals

Heads up to the young guns of the U.S. free-heel circuit — an old champ will be buckling up the boots once again.

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

The downtown business shuffle

Class of 2014 to inaugurate Freshman Academy

Spring Scenes
March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Spring Scenes

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Slippery slope

The entire controversy surrounding the operation of Second Street Pizza’s mobile stand on Central Avenue, which has resulted in the Whitefish City Council issuing a moratorium on temporary vending permits, is beginning to take on a disturbing aspect that we should all watch very closely.

Vals' hopes for state tournament dashed
March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Vals' hopes for state tournament dashed

The Valkyries nearly defied their two-and-out state tournament curse last weekend, but after struggling in the fourth quarter two days in a row that was not their fate and they were bounced with loses to Fairfield, 56-49, and Columbus 61-60.

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Sports commentary: Community gives support, takes home memories from tournament

As I stood in front of the student section taking pictures of the Bigfork-Columbus game Friday afternoon at the Class B State Tournament in Belgrade, tired from the five-hour drive I had just made from Bigfork, I heard something that immediately reminded me why I was glad to be there.

Schweitzer asks for leases canceled in N. Fork
March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Schweitzer asks for leases canceled in N. Fork

Gov. Brian Schweitzer asked Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar to cancel energy leases on hundreds of tracts of Forest Service land in the North Fork Monday.

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

BPCT production provides 80s flashback

It was in the 1980s that Karen Kolar directed a special guy's drill team from Bigfork High School to perform "Thriller" at the state boys basketball tournament, with then-high school student Brach Thomson as Michael Jackson.

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Letter to the editor

A dream realized

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Show appreciation for area's large birds

The spring-summer season is rapidly approaching the Flathead. Ospreys and bald eagles will soon be returning. These species are two of our most majestic large birds.

Kats go 1-2 at state tournament
March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Kats go 1-2 at state tournament

The Columbia Falls girls ended their season by going 1-2 at state. They opened the tournament last Thursday with a loss to eventual champion Billings Central 64-52.

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Robin Howell Hintz

Robin Howell Hintz passed away on Sunday, March 7, 2010 as a result of a tragic accident.

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Visions of Glacier

Junior high honors classmates

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Letters to the editor

Peaceful Gardens

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Plan to pool BPA power sounds alarm bells

A plan for the Flathead Electric Cooperative to join an interstate group of electrical utilities has several past and present Co-op officials alarmed about losing access to low-cost Bonneville Power Administration power.

March 18, 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

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Lakeside considers stormwater project

It looks like Lakeside residents will be following in the footsteps of their peers on the East Shore by working to tackle stormwater runoff issues in the area.

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Plan to pool BPA allocation raises alarm bells

Man to tell of son lost to binge drinking

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Council wants to expand pot moratorium

Following a joint session with the Whitefish City-County Planning Board on medical marijuana Monday, the Whitefish City Council agreed to modify its existing moratorium so it eliminates home-based caregivers.

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Terry DuFaye Johnson

Terry DuFaye Johnson, 73, of Columbia Falls passed away Tuesday March 9, 2010 at North Valley Hospital from pneumonia. He experienced long term dormant multiple sclerosis.

March 18, 2010 11 p.m.

Slaybaugh earns league honors

Whitefish senior Jessica Slaybaugh earned second team all-conference honors in the Northwestern A division for her play on the Lady Bulldogs basketball squad.

Thursday, March 11

March 11, 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

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Marijuana moratorium could be extended

Concerned that the White-fish City-County Planning Board was not in synch with them on drafting a zoning ordinance for medical marijuana, the Whitefish City Council directed staff on March 1 to bring back the urgency ordinance limiting the new industry so it can be extended for another six months.

Valkyries head to the big dance
March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Valkyries head to the big dance

After a week of rest and practice since taking second in the Western B Divisional Tournament, the Bigfork Valkyries head into the first round of the Class B State Tournament in Belgrade tonight, March 11.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Remembering Mark Twain

In 1895 at the age of 59, Mark Twain began a world tour, in which he performed in more Montana cities (five) than in any other state.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Skaters take on hockey marathon

It's guaranteed to be a high-scoring affair when the Flathead Performance Youth Foundation hosts a 10-hour ice hockey game this Saturday night at the Stumptown Ice Den. The scoreboard may not even have enough space to keep track of all the pucks hitting the net.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Richard E. 'Dick' King

Our uncle and friend, Richard E. "Dick" King, 85, of Columbia Falls, died of natural causes Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, after a short illness. Dick was born Nov. 21, 1924, in Whitefish, the third son of Edgar H. King and Margaret M. Taber King.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

The social costs of marijuana

I am opposed to allowing marijuana establishments to operate in Whitefish because the social costs of marijuana are higher than its benefits.

Kats look to make mark at state
March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Kats look to make mark at state

The Columbia Falls girls basketball team will head to state this weekend unranked and a little overlooked.

Mining bill starts N. Fork preservation
March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Mining bill starts N. Fork preservation

In a two-page bill with simple language, Montana Sens. Jon Tester and Max Baucus last week introduced legislation that would withdraw federally-owned North Fork lands from mining and geothermal leasing.

'Robinson Crusoe'
March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

'Robinson Crusoe'

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Lakeside explores natural gas

At least one Lakeside resident has had it with his propane bills. Resident Jim Andler wants access to natural gas in Lakeside, and he says he's not alone.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Filing deadline nears for election

Bigfork Eagle

Solider remembered for adventurous spirit
March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Solider remembered for adventurous spirit

He was a daredevil. He loved to jump out of airplanes and snowboard, but he didn't much like playing football.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

1909 Board of Trade

GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

School district to face budget shortfall

The Bigfork School District is looking at its biggest deficit in recent memory for its 2010-2011 budget — a shortfall of approximately $297,000.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Jade Helen Ulrich

Jade Helen Ulrich, 12, passed away suddenly on Saturday March 6, 2010 near Libby.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Bigfork drops into loser-out play

The Valkyries made a valid attempt to take down two-time defending state champions Fairfield in the first round of the Class B State Tournament on Friday night in Belgrade, but they were unable to seal the deal and lost 56-49.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Theresa Marie Martin-Collum

Theresa Marie Martin-Collum was born on May 20, 1922, in Coram. Her parents were the earliest arrivals to the Flathead Valley. Her father, Anaclet Alcid, (Buck) Martin, was the powder man on Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. Her mother, Hattie Melanie White-Martin, had been both a teacher and a train dispatcher. The Martins, along with the Cheffs and Mollmans, had arrived from Canada before any other settlers and her father founded Martin City.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

'Robinson Crusoe' on stage this weekend

West Shore News

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Terry DuFaye Johnson

Terry DuFaye Johnson, 73, of Columbia Falls passed away Tuesday March 9, 2010 at North Valley Hospital from pneumonia. He experienced long term dormant multiple sclerosis.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Local students put science skills on display

Local girl to compete in state poetry contest

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Schwaderer, Watson new tennis coaches

Whitefish High School has two new head coaches joining the tennis program this spring. Mike Watson will lead the Lady Bulldogs, and Chris Schwaderer will head up the boys team.

Boys take bronze at state
March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Boys take bronze at state

The Columbia Falls boys basketball team won three games in a row at the state tournament last week in Butte. But the one loss in the opener meant they were playing for the bronze.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Family attends Winter Olympics

When Maureen Hein and husband Ray Hein, along with Maureen's sister Mary Sullivan and her husband Paul Sullivan, took their children, to the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary they didn't realize it was such a popular trip that it would inspire a re-do of sorts 22 years later.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Kudos to Atkinsons

What would the town of Whitefish do without Richard and Carol Atkinson?

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

AG's pilot program already in effect here

Recession slowed growth

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Cheers for volunteers

Bambi Goodman began life in Oak-land, Calif., where she met Matt, who was destined to become her husband. Fate dictated that in search of employment and education they each ended up in Missoula.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Events showcase Village life in off-season

In the month of February, residents set out to prove that Bigfork is still a happening place in the winter and they did so with unexpected success.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Canyon school to remain open one more year

Canyon Elementary will remain open for one more school year, but with a reduction of programs.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Thursday

Whitefish Middle School drama students will perform “Jack and the Beanstalk” and “The Princess and the Pea,” two fairy tales for the price of one, in the Whitefish Middle School auditorium on Thursday and Friday, March 18 and 19, at 7:30 p.m. The plays are directed by teacher Glenda McGunagle and student Katie McGunagle. Tickets are $6 adults and $4 students and seniors, available in advance at Whitefish Middle School, Muldown Elementary School and Imagination Station in Whitefish and Kalispell. One dollar from every ticket will go to the auditorium remodeling project.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Commission approves settlement

The Flathead County Commissioners voted Monday to accept a settlement agreement to end a lawsuit between the county and developers of the North Shore Ranch near Somers, but with one amendment that may allow the land to be protected.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Gilman wins freeskiing title

Local skier Mitch Gilman recently won the Subaru U.S. Extreme Freeskiing Championships at Crested Butte, Colo. Gilman claimed top honors and first place in the 12-15 year-old division on Feb. 18 in the second stop of the IFSA Junior Freeskiing Tour.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Duckin' under the rope for the 10 inches

The fog lifted and betrayed us. The ski patrol saw tracks in the West Bowl and waited. When we climbed back into the ski area, they were there. Busted. Our season passes pulled, Bobby Conat smiled an illegal smile and said, "Now I know what Bobby McGee meant when she sang, 'Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose.'"

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Keeping the Village spirit alive

Letter from the editor

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Winter Classic celebrates 25 years of giving

The Whitefish Winter Classic will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Thursday through Sunday, March 12-14. Over the years, the organization has raised more than $1 million to assist Flathead Valley children with non-covered medical costs.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Annie Alberta Halleman, 79, of Columbia Falls, passed away peacefully at home on March 3, 2010, after a prolonged illness.

Annie is survived by her husband, Charles Halleman of Columbia Falls, her children; Diana Stone Treglown of Montana, Danny C. Stone of Louisiana, Joe Halleman of Maryland, Dan Halleman of Colorado, Marcia Halleman of Montana, Steve Halleman of Virginia and her grown grandchildren; Lorien A. Hanson of Montana, Ben Halleman of Colorado and Amanda Halleman of Maryland.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Jeremy Adam Dodge Sanders

Jeremy Adam Dodge Sanders, 13, passed away suddenly on Saturday March 6, 2010 near Libby.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Vote on 'doughnut' lawsuit is unanimous

The Whitefish City Council will formally request that Flathead County Judge Katherine Curtis delay a decision in the city's "doughnut" lawsuit against Flathead County while the city continues informal negotiations with the county commissioners.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Four die in two-vehicle accident

A 17-year-old Libby boy, a 59-year-old Columbia Falls woman and her two grandchildren were killed Saturday evening in a two-vehicle collision near Happy's Inn.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Locals compete in Andorra Randonnee race

Local ski-mountaineering racers Brandon French and Ben Parsons competed recently at the Ski Mountaineering World Championship in the Pyrenees mountains of Andorra and finished with good results among a stacked field of elite European racers.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Bigfork boy brings home three gold medals

Last week TJ Sward took part in something he never imagined he would — alpine skiing —and he did quite well at it as he won three gold medals at the Special Olympics on Big Mountain Feb. 28-March 2.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Vals lose it in the last second

The Valkyries nearly kept their season alive Friday when they held the lead over Columbus in the loser-out game until the final two seconds when Bigfork fell 61-60.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Ruby Juanita

Greene Kvam

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

State review backs RR District testing

State officials have accepted the results of a city-sponsored study of an underground diesel plume caused by spills at BNSF Railway's locomotive fueling station in Whitefish, a Superfund site.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Sydney Paige Redding

Sydney Paige Redding, daughter of Kim and Matt Redding, of Whitefish, was born Feb. 11, 2010, at North Valley Hospital.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Ramona Jeanine (Shepherd) Bauer

Ramona Jeanine (Shepherd) Bauer, 59, passed away suddenly on Saturday March 6, 2010 near Libby.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Ruth Maher-Lindsey

Ruth Ann Maher-Lindsey, 84, a former Whitefish resident, left this world on Feb. 26, 2010, at her home in Lake Forest, Calif., with her children at her side.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Barkus trial postponed until November

Prescribed burns begin

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Family battles cancer inch at a time

Knights frying up dinner

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Ross named varsity football coach

Chad Ross has been named Whitefish High School's head varsity football coach for the 2010 season. He brings extensive on-field experience to the Bulldogs sideline, as well as collegiate-level coaching knowledge. Ross replaces Patrick Dryden who stepped down this winter after four seasons at the helm.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

An early April Fool

The Trailwatcher /G. George Ostrom

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

A groomer's perspective on Big Mt policy

I've been reading numerous letters and editorials about the hiking ban at Whitefish Mountain Resort. I've held my tongue long enough. Finally, people need to hear this from the groomers perspective.

Local students show off science skills at school fairs
March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Local students show off science skills at school fairs

A ten-foot rocket, several solar cookers, a hover craft and a replica of a house could all be found in the Somers Middle School gymnasium last week as local students competed in the school level science fairs.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

'Back to the 80s'

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

BPCT production provides 80s flashback

It was in the 1980s that Karen Kolar directed a special guy's drill team from Bigfork High School to perform "Thriller" at the state boys basketball tournament, with then-high school student Brach Thomson as Michael Jackson.

March 11, 2010 11 p.m.

Hunting of yesteryear gone in Montana

Last night I had a pleasant dream. I was a 14-year-old boy living in Great Falls and hunting deer for the first time. My father, brothers and I had just crossed the Missouri River using the ferry at Carter. Suddenly, we spotted four huge mule deer bucks.

Thursday, March 4

March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Filing deadline nears for election

Bigfork Eagle

It was close, but still a crown for the girls
March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

It was close, but still a crown for the girls

The Columbia Falls girls basketball team squeaked into the state tournament last week, taking the Northwest A divisional crown over Polson 48-46 in a game that saw the Cats two best players foul out in the fourth quarter.

March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Solutions emerging for property tax problems

Republican legislators have sponsored five and attended seven public forums on property taxes and have had numerous meetings with property owners during the last four months. The present property tax process is unacceptable. It is neither predictable nor stable. No one should be taxed out of their home.

Vikings come up short at divisionals
March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Vikings come up short at divisionals

The Vikings' season of success came to a halt at last weekend's Western B Divisional Tournament in Pablo as Bigfork lost out during the semi-final round.

March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Twain's whirlwind tour of Montana - and the world

In 1895 at the age of 59, Mark Twain began a world tour in which he performed in more Montana cities (five) than in any other state. Departing Elmira, N.Y., with his wife and daughter Clara, Twain began the tour. Traveling by train across the northern states, the first stop was Cleveland.

March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Don K Chevrolet acquires Subaru franchise

Stimson celebrates 100th birthday

March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

My Wrist Doctors

G. GEORGE OSTROM / For the Hungry Horse News

March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Walking ends

Last Friday, Old Man Walking turned 70 and I ended my walk. The results have been overwhelming. From two young boys emerging from a car, each handing me a dollar bill, to a young lady at Glacier High sending in a personal check of $25 and to the student council at the Middle School raising $500, the kids of Whitefish have been amazing.

Vals secure spot at state
March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Vals secure spot at state

It was a weekend filled with highs and lows for the Bigfork Valkyries, but in the end they received the reward they've been working for all season — a berth at the Class B State Tournament — after a 40-31 win over Eureka in Monday night's challenge game at the Western B Divisional Tournament in Pablo.

Glacier scenes, March 10
March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Glacier scenes, March 10

March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Winter Classic celebrates 25 years of giving

The Whitefish Winter Classic will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Thursday through Sunday, March 12-14. Over the years, the organization has raised more than $1 million to assist Flathead Valley children with non-covered medical costs.

March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Council calls for vendor moratorium

The Whitefish City Council directed staff on Monday to come back with a moratorium on new downtown food-vending permits until the current ordinance can be repealed.

March 4, 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

March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Columbians guest at national festival

City listens for leaks, earns water award

March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Residents oppose settlement

Flathead County Commissioners opted to take another week to decide on whether to go forward with a settlement agreement to end a lawsuit between the county and developers of North Shore Ranch near Somers after a pubic meeting Monday where residents spoke out overwhelmingly against the agreement.

Week in photos - March 11
March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Week in photos - March 11

Anne Miller has breakout Nordic season
March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Anne Miller has breakout Nordic season

Every night prior to a race, Glacier Nordic Ski Team coach Ben Morley had each team member write their goals for the ski season on a blank index card. The skiers were to focus on the written words and use that vision as motivation to accomplish whatever it was they were after. For some, it was to post a certain time or to improve on a technique.

March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

James Anderson

James M. Anderson, 79, died peacefully at North Valley hospital in Whitefish on Feb. 23, 2010, with complications of emphysema.

March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Vikes slip up, move into consolation bracket

With one starter still nursing a pulled groin, another diagnosed with bronchitis and a sophomore running the floor at point guard for only his third full game of the season, it wasn't an ideal night for Bigfork to take on Loyola, but they boys rolled with it until midway through the fourth quarter when they squandered their once 17-point lead.

Cats barrel their way into state
March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Cats barrel their way into state

"Three more games. Three more games," that was the chant of the Columbia Falls boys basketball team after they took the Northwest A Divisional crown last Saturday.

Climber says he bagged Cleveland
March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Climber says he bagged Cleveland

A Whitefish mountain climber claims to have summitted all of Glacier National Park's 10,000 foot peaks after he bagged Mount Cleveland in a 17-hour round trip Feb. 23.

Whitefish skiers at Telemark World Cup
March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Whitefish skiers at Telemark World Cup

The U.S. Telemark Ski team put together a strong performance at the Telemark World Cup in Colorado on Feb. 21-23 at Steamboat Ski Resort and Feb. 25-28 at Keystone Ski Resort, including a top-10 performance from Whitefish skier David Hobbs.

March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Sports commentary: One for all, and all for the win

Saturday night was a pretty emotional day for the Bigfork High School basketball programs and their fans.

March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Basketball was talk of the town

Letter from the editor

March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Samples show need for water treatment

Preliminary data from stormwater samples confirm that the Bigfork Stormwater Project is in fact needed, officials report.

Hikers protest new uphill policy
March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Hikers protest new uphill policy

A steady stream of skinners, hikers and snowshoers took to the slopes of Big Mountain on Sunday after ski lifts closed.

March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Sports commentary: Fair-weather Bigfork fans seen but not heard

It was great to see the number of Bigfork fans who made the trip to Pablo each day of the Western B Divisional Tournament, but what was less commendable was the fair-weather fan attitude that was exuded by the non-student section during these games.

Big Mountain dummy derby
March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Big Mountain dummy derby

Forest super announces retirement
March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Forest super announces retirement

Flathead National Forest Supervisor Cathy Barbouletos is retiring after 31 years of managing public lands across the western United States.

March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Thursday

The Hungry Horse News will host the Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours on Thursday, March 11 from 5-7 p.m. Mel Ruder and Chris Peterson photos will be on display. Refreshments will be served.

March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Ethel Lillian Carpenter Garpstad

Ethel Lillian Carpenter Garpstad entered into eternal life on Monday, Feb. 22, 2010. She left this world peacefully with her daughter at her side.

Students learn teamwork through robotics
March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Students learn teamwork through robotics

Students at Somers Middle School aren't just reading or dreaming about robots – they're creating them.

March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Public input missing from hiking policy

It's unfortunate that the actions of a few bad apples spoil things for the rest of us, but as we all know, this is how we end up with regulations and laws in the first place. Many people such as me (a season-pass holder the last eight winters' have been skinning up the mountain without incident for years, being respectful of the groomers and avoiding winch-cat operations where they occur.

March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Utility fees could increase

The Whitefish City Council listened to proposals to raise rates for sewer and garbage collection during a work session on Monday. A public hearing on the changes will likely take place in April.

March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Commission to weigh settlement

Audition Monday for children's theatre show

March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Council approves plan, sends it on

Lakeside Community Council members breathed a sigh of relief last week as they voted to pass the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan on to the Flathead County Planning Board for the second and, they hope, the last time, after a more than two-year effort to revise the document.

Sheep hitch a ride to new home
March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Sheep hitch a ride to new home

About 40 bighorn sheep got an unlikely ride below a red helicopter last week on their way to new homes.

March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Other hazards exist on Big Mt

The recent collaborative effort to improve safety and reduce risk by limiting uphill traffic at the Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort by the Forest Service and the resort's administrative staff begs the question: What are the true risks of skiing and snowboarding on Big Mountain?

March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Scary rides

GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News

March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Hungry Horse soldier dies in Afghanistan

The Associated Press reported early Wednesday morning that the body of Army Pvt. Nicholas S. Cook of Hungry Horse had arrived in the United States. Cook died in Afghanistan during operation Enduring Freedom, but defense department officials would not release any more information until Cook's family had been notified. Cook, 19, graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 2008.

March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Bighorn sheep removed from Wild Horse

Patrol increases due to season, requests

March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

Protecting North Fork not over

The recent headlines just about said it all: "B.C. bans mining and energy extraction in the Flathead."

March 4, 2010 11 p.m.

It's that time again: Spring burning season underway

Spring is less than a month away. Spring open burning began Monday, March 1. A permit is not needed during the months of March and April.