Ellington

Time for closure on Schweitzer's auto purchases

It is time to put some closure to the issue of Brian Schweitzer's purchase of out of state vehicles. It is my view that Mr. Schweitzer, as well as any of you, has the right to buy your vehicle anywhere you want. I am Mr. Schweitzer's "local dealer" and according to all of our records we were never made any offer by Brian Schweitzer for one vehicle much less two. Having said that, could it have happened without me or my management team's knowledge? The answer is yes. It is ultimately our dealership's loss for not earning Mr. Schweitzer's business, not his. All I know is we will work hard to earn his business next time, should that opportunity present itself. Whoever our next governor is, he will not be perfect and neither are we. It is also my humble opinion that you have the right to vote for our next governor, Mr. Schweitzer or Mr. Brown, I hope you take that opportunity. The only thing that is certain, he'll be from Whitefish.

Editorial View

State land vigilance needed

A successful tourney

To the editor,

Former resident needs Whitefish photos for dissertation

Do you have photographs, sketches, drawings, maps or other visuals depicting Whitefish? If so, would you be willing to share copies of them with a former resident for use in an instructional piece on Whitefish?

Overflights scare goats

To the editor,

Wojciechowski's comments were absolutely right

This is in response to the Wojciechowski letter in the July 22 "Letters To The Editor" column.

A place to rest

To the editor,

Swim team takes third at divisionals

The Columbia Falls swim team took third at divisionals last weekend in Conrad and looks to do well at the state meet in Fort Benton.

Eagle Scout thanks for support

I would like to thank the following businesses and individuals that helped me with my Eagle Scout Project:

Julie (Luce) Craft

Julie E. Luce was the first born child of Ronald S. and Marie Keck Luce on Nov. 1, 1916, in New Richmond, Wis.

Custer's last stand visited

It's been so long since we visited Custer's Battlefield that it has a new name and new features. Family outing was to the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument and Custer National Cemetery the last day of our reunion.

Presidential pondering Monthly Mutterings

As an older citizen and veteran voter in many, many elections; just wanted to say I'm especially not pleased with the campaign being waged between two presidential candidates and their parties. So this election thus far, I have contributed little to the presidential candidates and their parties; I'm focusing more on the Montana candidates.

Around town

Concert series

No Bush bias here

To the editor,

High cost of hooking up

To the editor,

Maryland man dies after Glacier Park crevasse fall

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK — One of the park's most popular glaciers turned deadly for a Maryland man Tuesday afternoon.

Disappointed rodeo fan

To the editor,

Going batty at the Pilot

I'm not a big fan of bats. The truth is, they freak me out big time.

Thoughts of Gordon

A dear friend, Dr. J. Gordon Edwards, is gone to the big alpine meadow in the sky at the age of 84. Last week, Montana newspapers, radio, and TV stations provided coverage about his life in the mountains as the patron saint and guru of Glacier Park mountaineers. The stories also told of his wife Alice and daughter Jane so actively sharing his love of climbing.

A day away from Whitefish

Pure and pristine Upper Whitefish Lake Trapper lore part of mountain lake's charm

Off-hand remarks are hurtful

The old adage, "sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me," is a quaint phrase, but far from the truth of real life. In reality, names can hurt, and they leave lasting scars on the emotional body just as the "sticks and stones" do on the physical body.

Thanks, Karl

A lot of folks donated plenty of time and effort into making Heritage Days 2004 a great success.

Former resident needs Whitefish photos for dissertation

Do you have photographs, sketches, drawings, maps or other visuals depicting Whitefish? If so, would you be willing to share copies of them with a former resident for use in an instructional piece on Whitefish?

Logan James Taylor

Logan James Taylor, 18, passed away on July 16, 2004, from an accident in Whitefish Lake.

In My View

Gene Speer

Keep bear park open as educational tool

My family and I witnessed the grizzly mauling at Great Bear Adventures on Saturday, July 10. While it was a shock to see this, it was an even greater shock to see a 600-pound grizzly bear, sitting against a tree, making sounds like he was crying. Our family could feel the remorse the bear was feeling as if the bear was human. When we arrived at the park, the two smaller bears were playing in the water. They were dunking each other and one was climbing onto something in the pool and jumping on top of the slightly smaller bear. The largest bear of the three, was watching the two youngsters play. They were like a couple of colts, children, cats, playing and frolicking. We had cars behind us so we decided to move on and come back around and watch them play. They were still at it when we came back around. The park employees were sitting on chairs, in the trees, watching the bears closely. They were also watching the vehicles and their passengers closely. The young gentleman that was injured had to tell some folks to roll up their windows. The Park warns each vehicle and person in it, not to get out of the car, keep your windows rolled up, and to lock the doors. They advertise, "Your car is your cage." The man that owns the Park has tried very hard, for a very long time, to meet every rule that the State has given him to comply with. The park is clean, the animals well nourished, and each individual that goes into the park is watched carefully.

Rare birds and lords

A white robin got my attention this week, because I had never seen one before.

Genocide in Sudan is heart-breaking

Recent news reports from Darfur in Sudan have described the genocide that is going on there. My heart aches as I watch our country once again turn its back on a genocide in Africa.

John Cravath

A celebration and memorial for the life of John Cravath will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 31. He passed away last Sept. 14 in Phoenix, Ariz. He was a longtime resident of Whitefish and owned Kamp Karefree, a cabin resort on Whitefish Lake eventually replaced by Mountain Harbor.

Lloyd Jon Trottier

Lloyd Jon Trottier, 79, known affectionately to his family and friends as "Chief," passed away of natural causes on Friday, July 16, 2004, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.

Baucus' opposition of marriage amendment is disappointing

This is a letter I just sent to Montana Senator Max Baucus, someone who supposedly represents Montanans.

Off-hand remarks are hurtful

The old adage, "sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me," is a quaint phrase, but far from the truth of real life. In reality, names can hurt, and they leave lasting scars on the emotional body just as the "sticks and stones" do on the physical body.

I would like to thank the following businesses and individuals that helped me with my Eagle Scout Project:

Midway Rental, Western Building Center and Jeff Nelson, Plum Creek Timber / Plywood Division, Plum Creek Timber Co., Park Side Federal Credit Union, Whitefish Credit Union, Round Up for Safety, Whitefish Kiwanis, Stoltz Lumber, Semi-Tool, Whitefish Baseball, Inc., Kalipell Ready Mix, Scott Gilchrist, Rachel Anglin, Kurt Blades, Joe Wooten, Brian, Kevin and Michelle McDowell, Bruce Dunluck, Ben Sagen, Dan Jacobson, Kendall Slaybaugh, Andy Walker. Karen and Roger Giesy, Kyle Beller, Chet and Bryan Wram, Ryan Giesy, Shirlee Yeats, Barbara King, Class of 1946, Kyle Lengstorf, Luke and Dick Haberkern, The Zignego Family, Phyllis and Randy Sprunger, Wayne Beller, Christoher Clark, Casey Kelch, Annette and Max Schmidt, Greg Greene, Rand McDowell, Bill Leonard, Annette and Max Schmidt, Bob and Bea DePratu, Whitefish Youth Opportunity

Young motocross supporters a shining example of democratic process

Tuesday night, July 6th, children and their families formed a rally to support a Motocross Park at Montana Raceway Park. They were preparing to speak before the Flathead Count Board of Adjustment. The children were dressed in safety gear and motocross outfits. Some carried their trophies. They had been told this was an important meeting and they should act accordingly. The children, ages 4 and higher, lined up in the back of the meeting room by 6:45 p.m. waiting for their turn to speak. The room was very warm (hot) due to all the attendees. Standing and waiting could not have been easy for these bundles of energy. I can not say how proud and amazed I was at the children's patience. You did not hear a peep from then as they quietly waited for their turn. These children surely understood the democratic process. They could not wait to make their voices heard. It was very disappointing at 8:30 p.m. when the comments were postponed to Aug. 3. The children behaved so well, even though they were sad and disappointed. We need to say thank you to the children and their families for respecting the democratic process. I was almost brought to tears as I watched the children, for there surely is hope in the future of the United States with children like these children, who have learned that their voices are respected and important. What a lesson and example they gave to all of us. Thank you children and thank you to the parents, grandparents, teachers and friends who have taught these children the democratic process. They may be little guys and gals today pursuing their love of motorsports, but they are our senators, congressmen, governors and mayors of tomorrow. I salute the children of the Flathead Valley.

James David "Jim" Kline

James David "Jim" Kline died July 14, 2004, at his home in Albany, Ore.

Tami Louise Hovland

Tami Louise Hovland, 46, passed away July 15, 2004, in Lynnwood, Wash.

Bernice A. Willing Pelo

Bernice Pelo died peacefully, after a short illness, at the Waterford Home in Helena, on July 12, 2004.

Garden tour benefits Whitefish Community Foundation

I want to thank you for the wonderful write up regarding The 2004 Whitefish Garden Tour that was in July 8th's Pilot.

Gone too soon

Like so many kids sandwiched between the ages of my own children, Logan Taylor was one of those who grew up in my peripheral vision.

Weed control needed

To the editor,

Hauline Oma Myers

Hauline Oma Myers, 92, passed away in Kalispell, Mont. on Saturday, July 10, 2004. As she used to sing, she is now in that place she knew the Lord would make for her.

An almost impossible job

Flathead Valley residents are an interesting lot. They have all sorts of talents, some job-related and others derived from hobbies and special assignments. While we're here by choice, sometimes a fascinating person passes through the valley. Such is Wes Koster from Minneapolis. He comes frequently to visit his mother who lives just south of Somers. Wes has an unusual job that seems impossible, but he does it with class. He teaches English to foreign immigrants who don't know our language, who are blind, and sometimes deaf, and often don't know the "Braille" system of communicating. On top of it all, Koster is legally blind himself! Could you do it? I could not, but listen to Koster's story…it will amaze you.

Nell E. Childers

Nell E. Childers of Bigfork passed away Thursday, July 8, at Brendon House in Kalispell. Nell was born to Russ & Gladys Asselstine on June 9, 1918 in Great Falls. She lived in Simms until the age of 6 when her family moved to Queenstown, Alberta, (a small town near Calgary). She attended 12 years of school in Canada before moving back to Galata, Montana in 1937.

Luanne M. (Burch) VanArtsdale

Luanne M. (Burch) VanArtsdale, 71 passed away Sunday, July 11, 2004, at Colonial manor Care Center, Whitefish, Mont., after a long battle with lung cancer.

Rattlesnakes remembered

Question: Do I want good pictures of rattlesnakes? Answer: Well certainly. Question: Doesn't everyone? Answer: "No!"

Good medicine

No one likes to go to the hospital. No one likes to be sick. But if one is stricken with an illness or is in need of emergency care, a small town is the place to be.

Quick response

I am proud and honored to be able to say that I am a member of the Bigfork Quick Response Unit/Ambulance. We have a wonderful, caring, and dedicated group of volunteers that give their time to help the people of our community.

Save Sacagawea

This summer Sacagawea, a true American hero, may lose her place on our money. In the next couple of weeks Congress will vote on H.R. 3916, which would remove Sacagawea's image from the dollar coin.

Harold E. "Hap" Simpson

Harold E. "Hap" Simpson passed away on July 9, 2004 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

Robert Odell Anderson

Robert Odell Anderson, age 75, of Swan Lake, Montana passed away at his home on Sunday July 11, 2004. A memorial service will be held on Friday July 16, 2004 at the Bethany Lutheran Church at Bigfork, at 3 p.m., with Pastor Jack Shannon officiating. Cremation has taken place and burial of the cremains will be held at Paynesville, Minnesota at a later date.

Witches brew

The middle kid, Olivia, got bit by a spider about a week ago. It got her right on the neck, and the bite swelled up like a walnut, which is a pretty big, considering Olivia's neck is only the size of an orange, or maybe a grapefruit.

Larry E. Baker

Larry E. Baker was called home to glory by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 9, 2004.

Amazing murals

Artists Clark Heyler and Maria Vekkos have put the finishing touches on another mural on Columbia Falls on the Masonic Temple.

Poisoning questioned

To the editor,

Rabit-proof fence

The other day I was working on a fence in the side yard. At first I was just going to paint the thing. But the more I looked at it, the worse it got, and finally I ended up tearing the whole thing down using a combination of hammers, a nail bar, my pickup and, where need be, my foot.

Swim team takes second at Cut Bank

The Columbia Falls swim team took second place in the season opener last weekend in Cut Bank, behind a strong showing from half of the team's 70 members who traveled to the meet.

Republicans' sample ballot was helpful

I have always exercised my right to vote. I make every effort to research the candidates to determine if they hold my same values. Unfortunately, with Montana's open primary system, it is sometimes difficult to determine if a candidate truly believes what he or she says.

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Friday, May 28, 2004

The Flathead National Forest Management Plan is being revised and folks are sought for input. Topics include fire risk, road access, timber management practices, timber harvest methods, endangered species recovery and recreation opportunities. The last meeting will be held at the Flathead County Fairground Country Kitchen May 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. For additional information, check Web site vjackmt.tripod.com or contact Verdell Jackson at 756-8344, or Jerry O'Neil at 892-7602.

She goes by the Assembly

To the editor,

Open spaces

There are some folks, not many, but some, who don't seem to like conservation easements in this county. Opponents apparently don't like the fact that open space is preserved "in perpetuity," even though many easements still allow traditional uses of the land, such as logging and farming.

Public needs insight about manic-depression

Currently an incident involving manic-depression (also known as bi-polar disorder) is being covered by our local media. I am personally involved in this incident and have been married and living with my husband, who is manic-depressive, for 19 years.

Bryan Hillard Boyd

Bryan Hillard Boyd, 43, caring and loving father, devout Christian, died in his sleep Tuesday, June 29, at his home in Whitefish. He was born Aug. 29, 1960, in LaGrange, Ill.

Monday, June 14, 2004

Vacation Bible school will be held at the Kalispell Christian Church from 9 a.m. to noon June 14 through June 18 for ages three through fifth grade. Call 257-9315 for more information.

Rooting out the Greens

To the editor,

County planning board is professional, knowledgeable

I have read the ridiculous recent letters to the editor by "green" environmental activist Brent Mitchell criticizing the Flathead County Planning office, Planning Board and Flathead County Commissioners.

Local decathlete competes in U.S. Olympic trials

On July 16th and 17th Bryan Anderson will be competing in the U.S. Olympic Trials in Sacramento, Calif.

This is a news headline

This is the story This is the story This is the story This is the story This is the story This is the story This is the story This is the story This is the story This is the story

Hall's negotiating shows leadership

It was encouraging to finally see some movement with the city-county jurisdiction proposal at Tuesday's City Council work session. After a long impasse, both sides seemed willing to give and take in the task of shaping new planning boundaries for Whitefish.

Medical community strives to keep up with growth

The Flathead Valley is growing. As this growth transforms the area, community needs are increasing. From retail to infrastructure, the area is compensating for the increase in population. The medical community is no exception.

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