Ellington

93 West road construction ahead of schedule

Reconstruction work on West Second Street continues to move farther west and is running ahead of schedule, according to LHC’s construction manager for the project.

Whitefish home sales up in volume and price

The number of homes sold in Whitefish continued on an upward trend through the first half of 2013.

Police calls: Transient shown the way to Canada

Dr. John Norman Constenius

Dr. John Norman Constenius passed away July 20, 2013 at Expressions in Columbia Falls. Norm was born Sept. 21, 1922, in Minneapolis to John H. Constenius and Esther Paavo Constenius. The family moved to Cokato, Minn. when he was a small child and he grew up on the farm that had been in the family since 1883. He attended school in Cokato.

Richard (Dick) Brown

Dick left God’s waiting room in Florida to be with his Lord and Savior on July 21, 2013.

Politics of the doughnut

For many years I have been interested in, attended many public hearings on, and written editorials about the Whitefish doughnut area issue called the Critical Areas Ordinance.

Young soccer player trains at Olympic development camp

Xander Burger could reach his goal of playing soccer for 10,000 hours sooner than he thinks.

Twins fizzle at district tourney

The Glacier Twins A season hit the skids just as the heat of summer set in.

Joint swim team unlikely this year

Columbia Falls and Whitefish high schools likely won’t have a joint swim team this fall. The team ran into problems with Montana High School Association rules, and now the family that was going to be a major booster is moving.

A new take on recycling

Cal, Gary and Pam,

Hot days bring on Flathead cherry harvest

The Flathead Valley’s cherry harvest is in full swing, running a few days ahead of normal.

Food-conditioned bear killed in Glacier Park

Glacier National Park rangers captured and euthanized a black bear in the Fish Creek Campground area on Monday, July 22, after numerous incidents in which the bear exhibited aggressive and food-conditioned behavior.

Double Dip held on new bike trails

Racers clad in body armor and full-face helmets tested their downhill endurance last weekend at the new bike park at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Woman's life in the arts influenced by chronic illness

Helen Hanson is looking for her next new beginning. She’s not sure what form it will take, but she knows she’ll find it.

Bigfork High Back to School dates

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL:  Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Education fertilized at pollinator garden

Beetles, butterflies, hummingbirds, ants, green spiders and numerous kinds of bees are pollinators.

Pickin' away: Martin regaled nursing home residents for 13 years

He’s still grinnin’, but Bob Martin’s not pickin’ anymore.

Patricia Grotberg

Patricia ‘Trish’ Mary Freeman Grotberg, 59, of Hungry Horse, died on July 27, 2013.

Melvin McPheeters

Melvin McPheeters, 57, died unexpectedly on July 28, 2013.

Alpine Family Medicine wins open division

Joint C-Falls, W-Fish swim team likely won't happen

Fraley handily wins Glacier Bank Boogie 5K

Forest Service to 'grade' its roads

New hostel is geared for bicyclists

Commments needed on roadkill

Park sees surge in visitation

Hungry Horse man dies swimming in Lion Lake

Union picks teachers of the year

Brought back to life by CPR

Former Wildcat in karate Masters Hall of Fame

Montana's federal economic footprint

It’s been quite a party, but the hangover might be a doozy. After four straight years of trillion-dollar annual budget deficits, the news is dawning on all political parties that the federal budget is long due for serious repair, and that less spending is part of the process. As a state that historically has gotten $1.50 back for every dollar it sends to Washington, what does that future bode for Montana? Will our pain be more or less than other regions?

Dora Stewart

Agnes Gingery

Kudos to Nicosia for reaching out

Neil Hyde

Glacier Twins season ends in slide

Cats break records in Hamilton, 2nd overall

Exchange student now VP at aluminum mill

Be all that you can be, Navy vet tells kids

Five years in prison for wife beater

Red Shale wilderness fire grows

The Red Shale Fire burning north of the Gibson Reservoir near Red Shale Creek and Gates Park in the Bob Marshall Wilderness has grown significantly over the past week, forcing several trail closures in the area.

Classic rural scene wins photo contest

Senators introduce cabin fee reform bill

C-Falls man admits having sex with 13-year-old

Good rafting

I have been hearing around town that visitors to the area have been told by some hotel front desk staff and other establishments that the Middle Fork of the Flathead River is running too low to be any fun for rafting. Here is some information on what the river is actually like right now.

Let's Ride: Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo schedule

From carousel ponies to bucking broncos, there will be something for just about everyone to ride at the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo on Aug. 14-18.

Whitefish man, two Idaho officers struggled over gun in fatal shooting

AP — A Whitefish man who was shot and killed by an Idaho State Police trooper last month had been questioned by law enforcement officers for 45 minutes before grabbing a handgun and starting a struggle that ended with the shooting.

Somers supt. gets salary increase

The Somers/Lakeside School District Trustees approved a 7.5 percent salary increase for Superintendent Paul Jenkins last week.

Bigfork's green box site gets six-month extension

The Bigfork green box site got another six-month extension Tuesday.

Climber dies from fall near Grinnell Point

For the fourth time this year, a man has died from a fall in Glacier National Park, and for the second time the victim was an employee at the Many Glacier Hotel climbing a nearby peak.

Park employee falls to death while climbing Grinnell Point

A 21-year-old man fell 60 feet to his death July 25 while climbing Grinnell Point in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park.

State seeks $321,365 fine from political group

In a brief filed in Helena District Court, the office of Montana Commissioner of Political Practices asked that a political group be fined $321,365 — the maximum — because of “blatant and pervasive violations.”

Entire Inside North Fork Road expected to open

Hungry Horse News

The economics lesson Obama needs to learn

President Barack Obama is again turning his attention to the elusive economic recovery. His “pivot” will be for naught, however, as long as he continues to ignore two important points — first, government is a major squanderer of scarce resources, and second, its regulations are impediments to saving and investment.

Wildfire danger in Flathead rated as 'high'

Wildfire danger in the Flathead National Forest has been elevated to a “high” rating as hot and dry conditions persist.

Major donation caps food bank's fundraising campaign

The foundation is poured, roof trusses are up and the fundraising is complete.

Summer Games all about fun

Back in the 1970s, the few tourists still left in Whitefish used to vanish like magic after Labor Day and wouldn’t come back until the ski lifts were up and running in December. Central Avenue emptied, dogs slept with heads on paws in downtown doorways, and shopkeepers rearranged their windows endlessly while praying for early snow.

Glacier 14U wins back-to-back state titles

The 14U Glacier All-Stars won the Babe Ruth Baseball state championship on Sunday with a 10-0 blowout victory over Bitterroot in Hamilton.

Construction crews lend a hand with thrift store renovation

The Soroptimist Thrift Haus was a flurry of activity last week as a construction crew took out windows, pulled out ceiling tiles and removed old bushes for the store’s “Blitz Build.”

Cheers goes to Doreen Cavin

Doreen Cavin, daughter of Ivan and Darlene Ibsen, fondly recalls the wonderful experiences she had as a child in Whitefish, proclaiming “there is no better place to grow up.”

Cycling for Children bike ride this Saturday

Voices for CASA, the fundraising arm of CASA for Kids, is teaming up with Great Northern Cycles for its second annual Cycling for Children bike ride.

Barbara Ann Collier

Barbara Ann Collier, 75, a native Texan, passed away July 17, 2013 in Whitefish.

Summer lunch program keeping kids full

The Whitefish School District’s summer breakfast and lunch program is showing positive results.

Planning board approves 2nd Street proposal

The Whitefish City-County Planning Board has recommended approval of a large-scale development proposed for East Second Street, even after hearing continued opposition from neighbors who say the project is too dense and claims that it will make surrounding streets unsafe.

Rock 'n' roll camp for kids and adults offered

Love classic and current rock ‘n’ roll music? Want to learn and play with other rock musicians? Then North Valley Music School’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp is for you.

New play equipment to be installed at Soroptimist Park

The play equipment at Soroptimist Park in Whitefish should be in a 1980s time capsule — right next to a VHS copy of “The Goonies” and Bo Jackson’s rookie card.

Park Side uses member photos for 2014 calendar

Jessica DeVaan had passed by the scene off West Valley Drive a thousand times — two classic cars left to rust in a field where an old wooden silo and barn still stand.

Eagle editor comes full circle back to Bigfork

It was almost like being 25 again.

Bigfork schools receive high tech upgrade for online connectivity

Bigfork Schools are getting a technology upgrade.

Bigfork prepares for 35th Festival of the Arts

Downtown Bigfork will live up to its national reputation as a great art town during the 35th annual Bigfork Festival of the Arts Aug. 3 and 4.

Bigfork school board sets salaries, school calendar

Bigfork Eagle

C-Falls man charged with horse cruelty

A 64-year-old Columbia Falls man faces two charges of cruelty to animals, one misdemeanor and one felony, after two horses in his care were taken away from him last December.

Firefighters containing new wilderness fire

Forest Service concerned about human-caused fires

State attorneys general go after Internet sex trafficking

Note: The following letter to U.S. Senators about Internet sex crimes was signed by Montana Attorney General Tim Fox.

Lloyd “Red” Elvin

To all that loved this man, join us from far and wide on Saturday, Aug. 3 at 2 p.m. to celebrate his life. Share in the memory of a brother, father, friend, husband, adventurer, skier, fisherman, cool dude, traveler, worker, artist, dreamer, builder, and so much more.

Helen Elizabeth Yeats Andersen

Helen Elizabeth Yeats Andersen passed away July 7, 2013 at the home of her son in Mesa, Ariz.

Nicholas Anton Schmidt

Nicholas Anton Schmidt peacefully passed away June 26, 2013 at the age of 84.

Police calls: 100-pound dog perfectly friendly

Questioning oil trains in Whitefish

Could an oil train in front of Whitefish Depot explode like the one last week in Lac-Megantic Quebec?

Skateboarder respect

My husband and I had the privilege this week to host 19 young skateboarders in our home. I can say that I have never seen a more respectful, generous, or grateful group of young men and athletes.

C-Falls takes third at Conrad swim meet

Morleys cruise to victory

Sixty years on the South Fork

City council goes halfway on U.S. 2 zoning change

Connie Einarson

Muriel Callaghan

Park rangers kill problem bear

Glacier National Park rangers captured and euthanized a black bear in the Fish Creek Campground area on Monday, July 22, after numerous incidents in which the bear exhibited aggressive and food-conditioned behavior.

Henry Anderson

Henry “Hank” William Anderson, 81, avid outdoorsman, loving husband and father, of Columbia Falls, passed away peacefully July 18, 2013, at his home surrounded by his family.

Meet your ranger: Rich Kehr enjoys the challenges of multiple projects

Rich Kehr is a man in the middle.

Great baseball season

The Columbia Falls Baseball 2013 season has come to an end. This season saw some new, fresh, eager faces in our T-Ball Division, as well as some older, determined faces in our Major Division.

FWP seeks comment on ice-fishing derbies

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking public comment on fishing contests proposed for the winter season of 2013-2014.

Entry deadlines posted for Northwest Montana Fair

The deadline to enter 4-H, FFA and Open Class livestock competitions and events at this year’s Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo is 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 1 or as indicated by the department they are entering. No late entries will be accepted.

C-Falls man's DUI No. 4 charge dropped to No. 3

Watershed act

Misses column

Snake in the grass

Snakes alive. I have seen more snakes in and around the vegetable garden in the last week than I can ever remember. Garter snakes, mind you, but still snakes.

Baucus tax reforms are an opportunity for simplicity and fairness

Sen. Max Baucus has taken on the gargantuan task of reforming our nation’s tax code. If done right, it could turn out to be the most significant accomplishment of his career. But with well-established special interest groups standing in the way, it might be more likely that we just get more of the same, or worse yet, a bad deal for Montana.

Whitefish Summer Games growing each year

Back in the 1970s, the few tourists still left in Whitefish used to vanish like magic after Labor Day and wouldn’t come back until the ski lifts were up and running in December. Central Avenue emptied, dogs slept with heads on paws in downtown doorways, and shopkeepers rearranged their windows endlessly while praying for early snow.

Gomez wins 23rd annual Montana 200

Jonathon Gomez of Twins Falls, Idaho, won the 23rd annual Montana 200 at Raceway Park in Kalispell on July 20. More then 5,000 fans packed the stands for the final night of racing.

Petition encourages shooting down drones

A petition in the small town of Deer Trail, Colo., calls for an ordinance that would grant hunting privileges for shooting down unmanned drone aircraft.

Missing Kalispell man died from a fall

Autopsy results from the body found July 12 below The Loop on Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road indicate Cody Johnson, 25, of Kalispell, died in a fall.

Whitefish Mountain Resort bike park expansion completed

After five years of planning and several months of construction, the Bike Park expansion project at Whitefish Mountain Resort is completed, with five new trails more than doubling the downhill freeride experience.

Victims of July 12 wreck on U.S. 93 still in critical condition

Two of the people involved in a head-on collision on U.S. 93 south of Highway 40 on July 12 remain in critical condition.

Victims in head-on crash remain in critical condition

Two of the people involved in a head-on collision July 12 south of Whitefish remain in critical condition.

Sound of Music: a classic story played out in Bigfork

If Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein were to write Sound of Music today, what would be the story line?

A tale of three trout

Our native bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout were doing just fine until the lake trout population exploded in Flathead Lake due to the misguided introduction of Mysis shrimp. Large runs of adfluvial cutts and bulls would head up river every spring to spawn. Several years later, the young return to the lake to grow and mature before beginning their own journey upstream. And the fishing was great.

State tourism office ready to release strategic plan

Forest officials warn about human-caused fires

Substitute goat study for pollution study

Glacier National Park recently announced that they were going to spend $150,000 over the next three years to study the effects on goats by cars going over Logan Pass — something that has been happening for over 75 years.

Michael Catena

Michael J. Catena, 59, passed away suddenly on July 15, 2013.  

Government threatens Montanans' privacy

We take privacy for granted. Too often we mistakenly assume that we are the only ones privy to our personal information. We assume it is within our discretion to decide who has access to the most intimate details of our personal lives. Unfortunately, as the latest headlines have shown, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Hikers Hit by Lightning in Serious Condition

WEST GLACIER, MONT. – The three individuals that were hit by lightning yesterday are in serious but stable condition, and are anticipated to remain in the hospital for several days.

Glacier Park hikers hit by lightning

Three people are in serious but stable condition after they were struck by lightning July 17 in Glacier National Park.

Obama addresses new health care law

The following remarks about the Affordable Care Act were made by President Barack Obama at the White House on July 18.

Former ski champion's health declining

Former Olympic downhill ski champion Bill Johnson is reportedly dealing with a life-threatening infection that has attacked his major organs. His family says he no longer wants to go through treatment.

Montana 200 purse is $50,000

The purse at the 23rd annual Coors Light Montana 200 at Montana Raceway Park this weekend will be more than $50,000.

Victims of Park lightning strike in stable but serious condition

Three Glacier National Park visitors struck by lightning on Wednesday, July 17, were in stable but serious condition by the next day and were expected to stay in the hospital for several days.

Olympic champion skier Bill Johnson's health in decline

Former Olympic downhill ski champion Bill Johnson is reportedly dealing with a life-threatening infection that has attacked his major organs. His family says he no longer wants to go through treatment.

Great Hikes near Bigfork: Red Owl burn

Sixteen

Air show over Flathead Lake July 22

The Kalispell Chamber’s air show committee, including Air Boss Gib Bissell, have arranged for a show of vintage aircraft that will take to the skies on Monday, July 22.

Obama addresses appointment of Cordray by Senate

The following remarks were made by President Barack Obama about the confirmation of Richard Cordray as director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau after Democrats and Republicans in the Senate negotiated a settlement about the use of filibusters to stop presidential appointments. Obama spoke in the White House on July 17.

Rebecca Farm sets new record for competitors

Organizers at Rebecca Farm say more than 600 entries have been accepted to the The Event, the largest equestrian triathlon in the nation.

Edward Kelley

Edward S. Kelley, 86, passed away July 15, 2013, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

Swimmers take 2nd at Fort Benton

Twins: Rough go at Sapa-Johnsrud

Glacier All-Stars win state tourney

Author of new book grew up in Glacier Park

Swan Valley author's homage to Glacier Park

Grizzly mauls woman on Blackfeet Reservation

GAO report: Flathead trails better than average

Stoltze boss calls for trust system on federal lands

Delta to offer seasonal direct flight to Los Angeles

Delta Air Lines will offer an “experimental” seasonal direct flight between Los Angeles and Glacier Park International Airport beginning this winter.

McIntosh and King to marry

Tricia and Tony King announce the engagement of their daughter Kaycee Lynn King, to Tobin Lee McIntosh, son of Marge McIntosh of Westford, Vt.

Twins go 2-2 at Sapa-Johnsrud Memorial

The Glacier Twins were bounced from the Sapa-Johnsrud Memorial Tournament on Saturday in Whitefish following an extra-inning 6-5 loss to the Spokane Cannons.

Flyboarding comes to Whitefish Lake

Leave it up to the French to dream up the next extreme activity. The nation that brought us wing-suit flight and scuba diving has invented the latest craze to hit Whitefish Lake that is a combination of the two — flyboarding.

Police calls: Giant storm of honey bees downtown

Bear mauls woman hiking at Duck Lake

Federal wildlife officials say a bear mauled a woman who was hiking north of Duck Lake late last week on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.

School board snips away at hair rules

Should students be limited in their hair style choices? What is unnatural hair? Those were the questions the Whitefish School Board wrestled with during its July 9 meeting when it came time to approve this year’s student handbooks.

2nd Street project revised for third time

Two sizable housing developments proposed for Whitefish will seek approval from the City-County Planning Board during its Thursday meeting.

Whitefish battles to retain doughnut; city accused of 'secret' meetings

In the continuing struggle to determine control of the two-mile planning “doughnut” around Whitefish, the city has asked a district court judge to allow it to retain control of the doughnut.

Whitefish will appeal doughnut decision

The Montana Supreme Court could have the final say as to whether the city or Flathead County has jurisdiction over the two-mile planning “doughnut” around Whitefish.

Zimmerman case is no grounds for gun control

From the beginning, people who would ban all private guns if they could have used the George Zimmerman case to push their agenda. They push on two fronts: First, they argue that Zimmerman’s 2012 fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin, who had no gun, demonstrates that guns are an unmitigated evil. Second, the antigun lobby is using the case to agitate for the repeal of “stand your ground” laws, which are on the books in many states.

Helen Gryde and Wayne Gryde

Helen Gryde, 71, and Wayne Gryde, 74, passed away on July 9, 2013.

Mary Lucke

Mary C. Lucke, 94, passed away at Expressions in Columbia Falls on April 14, 2013. She was being cared for by her son, Robert Lucke, of Columbia Falls.

Felony DUI arrest on Blankenship Bridge

Marijuana grower given deferred sentence

CPA gets probation in RBM Lumber fraud case

Obama addresses Zimmerman verdict

The death of Trayvon Martin was a tragedy. Not just for his family, or for any one community, but for America.

Name change

Wolf hunt bag limit increased to five

Hungry Horse couple charged with abducting baby

James Samuelson

Robert McBride

Robert Lee “Bob” McBride Sr., 67, passed away in Columbia Falls on July 4, 2013.

Couple passing through C-Falls face meth lab charge

Missing man's body found below The Loop

The body of a Kalispell man missing since July 8 was found below The Loop, a switchback on Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road, on July 12.

Whitefish man admits to stealing thousands in fly fishing gear

A Whitefish man who already had pleaded guilty to felony charges of robbery and burglary in two prior cases has pleaded guilty to felony theft in a new case.

Body of missing Kalispell man found near Sun Road

The body of a missing 25-year-old Kalispell man was found July 12 below The Loop of the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.

Land and water funds essential for Montana

Have you ever used a state fishing access site to get onto Montana’s world-class trout streams? Have you ever taken to the field pursuing big game, or just enjoyed spotting wildlife while traveling our state? And closer to home, have you ever been to a city park, swimming pool or playground?

Teachers get hands-on look at climate change

High school project moves forward despite overages

Total construction costs for the new Whitefish High School are sitting at about $267,000 above estimates following approval of the final bid package for the $19 million project.

Former Bigfork Stage Stop employee pleads guilty to theft

A woman charged with theft of $5,380 from the Bigfork Stage Stop has changed her plea.

A Place of Grace: St. Patrick Episcopal church in Ferndale receives new needlework

Patti Blonda Saville didn’t have to pray about making kneelers for her church. Doreen Thigpen provided all the encouragement Saville needed.

Grateful Nation 5K run has record turnout

Alaska native Matthew Adams easily won Thursday’s Grateful Nation Montana Freedom 5K run.

Law enforcement looking for attackers who used golf club

Northwest Montana News Network

FLATHEAD LAKE MATTERS: A scientist works to untangle the intricate web of Flathead Lake

By DAVID REESE

Local builder injured in Williston explosion

Whitefish building contractor Casey Malmquist was severely burned after a house he was working on in Williston, N.D., exploded on Monday, July 8, around 6:30 p.m.

Flathead ski museum and hall of fame in the works

Dressed in wool pants, knit sweaters and leather boots, ski pioneers Lloyd "Mully" Muldown and Ole Dalen first climbed and skied off the summit of "The Big Mountain" in the winter of 1934.

Police calls: Burglar makes off with ham and swiss

Local Dems hope to 'draft Schweitzer'

A grassroots campaign to persuade former Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer to run for the U.S. Senate made a tour stop July 3 in Whitefish at the Flathead Democratic headquarters.

Cemetery site ruled out by water tests

Another site in the search for a new city cemetery has been eliminated after it was found to have high groundwater levels.

Whitefish Hostel opens in Railway District

Travelers on a budget have a new lodging option in Whitefish.

City Hall needs room to grow

One of the speakers at the public comment portion of the May 20 City Council meeting voiced the opinion that, in the future, the functions of the new City Hall may need more space.

2nd Street adds needed housing

I am writing to show my approval and support for the proposed 2nd Street Residences.

Quality rentals are tough to find

For 25 years I have called Whitefish my home, and for the past five, my husband and I have successfully built and managed a business in town.

Former Bulldog to coach at UM

Kurt Paulson, a 2001 graduate of Whitefish High School, has been hired as an assistant coach with the University of Montana mens basketball team.

Wetland trail opens at Viking Creek

Enter the Whitefish Lake Institute’s wetland interpretive nature trail off of Wisconsin Avenue and it doesn’t take long for the outside world to all but disappear. The birds can be heard chirping, the streams flow under walking bridges and the dense trees create a coolness to the air.

Local golfers in the mix at 4th tourney

It took a few extra holes Saturday afternoon to determine the winners of the 77th annual 4th of July golf tournament at Whitefish Lake Golf Club.

2nd Street project doesn't fit neighborhood

It’s called the 2nd Street Residences, a refreshing name change from 2nd Street Apartments, as it was presented to us at the last neighborhood meeting. Why the name change? Could it be to make it more palatable?

2nd Street development will benefit Whitefish

I am writing in support of the proposed 2nd Street community development. My research and understanding of this development project tells me that it will fill a big need within the Whitefish community — newly constructed quality rentals and affordable single-family homes for working professionals and their families.

Thanks police

Editor’s note: This letter was sent to Kalispell Police Chief Roger Nasset.

Breaking ties with Tiebuckers

“It’s been quite an adventure.”

Park hotel worker killed in 1,000 foot fall identified

A 21-year-old Glacier Park Inc. employee died Tuesday, July 9, after reportedly falling about 1,000 feet on Apikuni Mountain in the northeast area of Glacier National Park.

Dirt Bags offers men a weekly time of prayer, Bible study

Friday was my first time attending the Dirt Bags meeting, and it was a good one.

Alaska man wins Freedom 5K

Alaska native Matthew Adams easily won Thursday’s Grateful Nation Montana Freedom 5K run.

Va. man dies in rollover on Hwy 83

A 46-year-old Virginia man who died of injuries suffered in a rollover crash on Highway 83 has been identified.

U.S. 2 fatal wreck: Teens swerved into oncoming traffic

Twins win some and lose some through the week

C-Falls swim team takes first at Cut Bank

C-Falls team wins Firecracker tourney

Good-bye Gigi

Forest Service campground reservations

Wilderness travel opening up

BNSF Railway donates $50,000 for Park projects

Win $300 in Heritage tic-tac-toe tourney

Lions Club concert

The Montana Midnight Guitar Trio will play at the Lions Club Community Concert at the Don Lawrence Amphitheater in Marantette Park on Thursday, July 11, at 7 p.m. Picnics are encouraged; bring lawn chairs and blankets. A donation of $3 each or $5 per family is requested. In case of rain, the concert will move to St. Richard’s Catholic Church in Columbia Falls. The Montana Midnight Guitar Trio plays all kinds of music — classical, contemporary and jazz — on nylon string guitars and have expanded their repertoire to include rock and pop with percussion and vocals. Paul Gonsorchik teaches guitar in Kalispell and Whitefish, David Murdock is a physician in Kalispell, and Mike Streeter is a sixth-grade teacher in Whitefish. For more information, visit online at www.montanamidnightguitar.com.

Plea reached in Polebridge sex abuse case

C-Falls couple to open hostel downtown

2013 Leaders of Tomorrow graduates

Photo by Crown Photography - Twenty-eight juniors from local high schools received graduation certificates for completing the Leaders of Tomorrow program designed to build leadership skills through participation in the community. The Leaders of Tomorrow program is sponsored by the United Way and managed by a local advisory council of volunteers. From the left, top row, Bryce MacCallum, Bigfork, Jenna McQuire, Flathead, Andrea Getts, Columbia Falls, Jaron Neumann, Stillwater Christian, Travis Kauffman, Stillwater Christian, Jonathan Dittman, Whitefish, Genovieve Gibson, Bigfork, Devin Slater, Glacier, Lonnie Sherman, Glacier, and David Willis, Stillwater Christian; middle row, Natalie Jeude, Flathead, McKenna Miller, Flathead, Alex Hider, Bigfork, McKenzie Hemp, Stillwater Christian, Montana Fountain, Flathead, Peter Venman, Stillwater Christian, Heather Bach, Stillwater Christian, Maddie Lorang, Bigfork, and Kathryn Jentz, Stillwater Christian; front row, Natalie Newberry, Glacier, Sierra Crandall, Glacier, Emily Pataky, Bigfork, Kelly Hendrix, Fathead, Brielle Miller, Stillwater Christian, Mary Gross, Columbia Falls, Raechel Young, Flathead, and Cierra Collier, Glacier. Not shown, Kaitlyn Werk, Glacier.

School news

Dean’s list

Garber claims Firecracker 125 victory

Racing at Montana Raceway Park on Saturday, July 6, started off with the Bandoleros and Brock Denney setting the fast time yet again at 16.0034. Tyler Emond took home the trophy in the trophy dash. Brock Denney came back in the heat to win, as well as getting the checkered in the main event.

Glacier National Park news

Park lecture

Whitefish builder severely burned in North Dakota home explosion

A Whitefish builder working in Williston, N.D. was severely burned after a house he was outside of exploded Monday evening.

Climber falls to death in Many Glacier area

A 21-year-old Glacier Park Inc., employee fell 1,000 feet to his death July 9 while climbing Apikuni Mountain in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park.

Four from Whitefish injured in Conrad collision

Two women and two young boys from Whitefish were injured in a crash near Conrad in Pondera County on Tuesday morning that left one man dead and another child in critical condition.

Fireworks law ineffective

A couple of weeks ago the Whitefish Pilot, once again, published the Whitefish city ordinance regarding fireworks. My initial reaction was one of skepticism. The Whitefish city ordinance regarding fireworks is on the same level as the handheld device ordinance. Both ordinances are ineffective and inequitably applied.

Peters named WHS girls basketball coach

Whitefish High School assistant girls basketball coach Clint Peters is expected to be hired as the next head coach of the varsity girls basketball team.

Baucus issues climate change directive

The following letter was sent by Sen. Max Baucus to President Barack Obama outlining Montana’s priorities for climate change.

WFP ad

Park officials lay out boat inspection rules

Glacier National Park continues its boat inspection and permit program this summer as part of an ongoing effort to prevent introduction of new aquatic invasive species in Park waterways.

What the immigration bill overlooks

In passing the monstrosity known as immigration “reform,” the Senate overlooked a few things of importance. This is unsurprising. A bill on immigration that is backed by leading Republicans and Democrats, big business and government co-opted unions is bound to have missed some things.

Bennie Foss

Bennie L. Foss, 71, died June 22, 2013.

Judge makes ruling on Whitefish doughnut dispute

A Flathead District Court Judge has ruled no standing agreement exists between the city and county for control of the two-mile planning doughnut around Whitefish, effectively giving control of the area to the county.

Montana's cell phone privacy law ahead of the curve

Commissioners approve $78.4 million preliminary budget

Vicki Lamoreaux

Vicki Jean Lamoreaux, 61, passed away July 7, 2013, surrounded by her family.

Historian pens book on Glacier Park Lodge

Glacier Park ghost stories collected in new book

Judge rules against county greenbelt zoning

Flathead County District Court Judge David Ortley ruled last week that the county’s two-year-old greenbelt zoning classification constituted spot zoning and was an “abuse of discretion.”

Support the fight against cancer July 12

Several months ago, I witnessed a miracle in my town. A young woman, Taylor Peterson, faced terminal cancer and her last wish was to enjoy a vacation with her family.

County looks at how to save recycling program

The Flathead County Solid Waste District Board and Flathead County Commissioners took a hard look at the realities of recycling in June and are still looking for a way to save the countywide program.

Phyllis Mollberg-Sienknecht

Phyllis Owen Mollberg-Sienknecht passed away from natural causes on March 18, 2013, at her home in Kalispell.

Robert McBride

Robert Lee McBride Sr., 67, died July 4, 2013 at his home in Columbia Falls.

Eva Ellis

Eva E. Ellis, 93, formerly of Columbia Falls, died of natural causes at Northern Montana Care Center, in Havre, on July 4, 2013.

Oh, deer

The other morning, just before sunrise, seven mule deer walked through the front yard. It was a great sight for several reasons.

Eliene Gridley

Eliene Mary Gridley, 96, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2013, of natural causes at Timber Creek Village, where she had resided for the past year.

Fireworks show ends with blaze of glory

The grand finale of this year’s Fourth of July fireworks display at Whitefish Lake will go down as one to remember.

Bigfork Museum goes organic this month

Four artists will show their work in glass and fiber July 12  to Aug. 10 at the Bigfork Museum of Art and History.

Declaring your own independence

By Donald Lamson

Pest Patrol: protecting Flathead Lake's cherry crop

By DAVID REESE

Bigfork bar owner charged with drug felonies

Bigfork Eagle

Brewery owners withdraw application for wind turbine

 By CALEB M. SOPTELEAN

Flathead Lake MATTERS: How the Bigfork Water and Sewer District protects water quality

By DAVID REESE

Rainbow Family gathering reaches nearly 10,000

The U.S. Forest Service says about 9,700 members of the Rainbow Family have shown up for their annual gathering in southwest Montana.

Local cable TV provider changes hands again

Connecticut-based Charter Communications Inc. has acquired  Optimum West and is now the broadband provider for 375,000 customers in Montana, Colorado, Utah and Wyoming, with cable-television, Internet and telephone services.

Man throws kitten out truck window

The police log

Local group working to bring more flights to the Flathead

A group of Flathead Valley business and tourism leaders have organized to raise money to back airlines willing to bring more direct flights to Glacier Park International Airport.

Whitefish's Rucker first in Lake Run 10k

Nearly 500 competitors came out for the 36th annual Whitefish Lake Run, making good time in hot weather Saturday morning at City Beach.

Downtown hotel plans nixed

Investors have terminated their plans to construct a downtown hotel at Block 46 in Whitefish, citing difficulty with securing financing.

Twins A sweep field to win Ed Gallo

The Glacier Twins A capped off a perfect run through the annual Ed Gallo Tournament with a tough 11-9 victory in the title game over the Missoula Frontiers.

'Thank you' is not enough

I wish I could go back in time so that the Whitefish High School students and I would have an opportunity to meet Mr. Jim Campbell. My recent experiences lead me to believe that Mr. Campbell must have been a deeply generous man, committed to children and to his community.

BJ Peterman

Burton John (BJ) Peterman passed away on May 23, 2013, under care of Hospice Family Care in Gilbert, Ariz. He was able to stay in his own home up until a week before his death.

Plans for Summer Games gaining steam

Plans are rapidly coming together for a revival of the Whitefish Summer Games.

WHS design changes may lead to savings

A potential redesign for a portion of the new Whitefish High School is being considered after the final bid package for construction was pushed back last week for the second time.

Thrift Haus set for extreme makeover

The Soroptimist Club of Whitefish is giving its Thrift Haus store a major makeover later this month in what the group is calling a “blitz build” because the work will be completed in seven days.

Community college continues to expand facilities

Flathead Valley Community College is busy expanding and improving, said college president Jane Karas during a talk June 20 at Grouse Mountain Lodge.

Police calls: 4-year-old having trouble behind the wheel

AERO group working to add direct flights

It’s the classic chicken and egg conundrum.

All-Stars take third at Ed Gallo

The Glacier All-Stars 15U Babe Ruth league team earned some hardware at the annual Ed Gallo Tournament in Whitefish last weekend after topping the Kalispell Lakers A in the third place game.

Debbie Jean Caferro

The celebration of Debbie Jean Caferro’s life was held June 21 at the Whitefish Assembly of God Church followed by a luncheon and graveside services. The Celebration honored a truly amazing woman. The nearly 500 people who attended her service were a testimonial to how many lives she touched and the lasting impact she made on each one.  

Owner withdraws application for wind turbine after heavy opposition

After hearing heavy opposition from a standing-room-only crowd at a Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee meeting, Sandy Clare withdrew her conditional use permit application for a 77-foot wind turbine Thursday.

Senators want answers on domestic spying initiative

Sens. Jon Tester and Max Baucus joined 24 other senators in sending a letter to Director of National Intelligence James Clapper asking him to justify the collection of Americans’ phone and personal information under the Patriot Act.

Corpron wins 12th annual Legend Thunder

Trevor Corpron took first place at the 12th annual Legend Thunder Race at Montana Raceway Park in Kalispell on Saturday, June 29.

Glacier Park news

Goats suffer enough

Goats vs. the Sun Road

What is cost of goat study?

Glacier Twins claim Ed Gallo tourney trophy

Local runners place at Whitefish Lake Run

Langton high point swimmer for C-Falls

Glacier All Stars third at Ed Gallo

Sports news

Flathead Forest moves to campground reservation system

Forest admits thinning is ugly

Waterton recovering from flooding

Sun Road corridor meetings kick off

Relay for Life has circus theme, set for July 12-13

Juveniles are suspects in vehicle break-ins

Dorothy Johnson inducted into Cowboy Hall of Fame

Keep the Park shuttles

Tester: Corporations are not 'people'

Festival Amadeus returns to Whitefish for sixth year

Legislators draft alternative water compact

Agents find heroin in train luggage

Copperhead: Bigfork's Brown featured in Civil War film

“It was the best acting experience I’ve ever had.”