Thursday, February 24
Guest opinion
Bigfork deserves an apology
Never really happy
So the other night as the sun was going down, I found myself at Lake McDonald again, hoping that the light would get good. You know the kind of light I'm talking about. It's pink and gold and blue and purple all at once for about five minutes.
Support a full-day
Recent news articles regarding full-day kindergarten reminded me of the time many years ago when others and I worked with our school board in another community to successfully implement a half-day public kindergarten program. We, too, were regarded as socialists, communists, and given labels unfit for print. Now we see the same mind set of those who would oppose a full-day kindergarten setting as part of the equation for quality education for Montana's kindergarten students.
Unforeseen projects snarl school construction budget
Posted: Wednesday, Feb 23, 2005 - 12:24:26 pm PST
Creston School faces shrinking enrollment difficulties
For the Hungry Horse News
Bowling
18th Annual Benefit Tournament final results: 1st, Laura Hall and Doug Catt, 1,687; 2nd, Jo and Ernie Lake, 1,635; 3rd, Robin and Ron Tucker, 1,629; 4th, Dick Lundstrom and Scott Grasser, 1,609; 5th, Donna Hedge and Pat Miles, 1,578.
Operation Lamar
Male elk start trying to kill each other over the affections of female elk around the last of August, with the mating-game peaking in mid September and tapering off in October. So! Why were several big bulls in Yellowstone crashing horns and shoving each other around and inflicting pain this last weekend? There wasn't a female within a mile.
Sportsmanship lacking
Let me first start with a quote from the Montana High School Association's Mission Statement, "The Montana High School Association promotes participation, equitable opportunities and sportsmanship to encourage growth in citizenship of all participants and spectators." Even after this was announced before the start of varsity basketball in Ronan on Saturday night the following actions of the Columbia Falls crowd were witnessed:
Declining enrollment threatens school
Story and photo
Support the AP program
The Columbia Falls High School administration is looking toward expanding its advanced placement program, which is a good thing.
Homicide suspects plead not guilty in district court
Posted: Wednesday, Feb 23, 2005 - 12:15:15 pm PST
Cats end regular season on a high note
They saved the best for last.
Lost Trail slowly being transformed from ranch to refuge
Hungry Horse News
Thank you
We at the Crew would like to send out a heart felt thank you to all involved in our Locks of Love benefit, Saturday, Jan. 22. Thank you to the staff, you were very helpful and your donation of time and talent was most appreciated. Thank you to the customers who came to donate and those who brought ponytails in, your contribution will make some children very happy! Just to let the community know; donations are welcome at anytime.
Ernest Branden
Ernest "Bud" Branden, 84, passed away Feb. 16, 2005, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.
School wants to expand AP program
Hungry Horse News
New MWA director touts North Fork wilderness
Hungry Horse News
Student of the week
Devon Hagen, a senior at Columbia Falls High School, is student of the week of Feb. 21. He was nominated because he is an outstanding artist and student willing to try anything to expand his knowledge and awareness in art. He is also very involved in his community, volunteering as a firefighter. He is a pleasure to have in class. Devon is the son of Rick and Lisa Hagen, of Columbia Falls, and receives a personal pan pizza compliment of Pizza Hut.
Girls lose first game at divisionals
Hungry Horse News
Wednesday, February 23
Max Baucus supports North Valley Hospital's Critical Access status
I am writing to express my support for the continuation of North Valley Hospital's status as a Critical Access Hospital (CAH). Located in Whitefish, North Valley was designated a CAH through the 'necessary provider' provision of the Medicare law (Section 1820(c)(2)(B)(i) (II). I was proud to author the CAH legislation in 1997, which gives these hospitals special payment consideration and greater regulatory flexibility from Medicare, allowing them to continue providing care to rural, under-served areas. The 'necessary provider' section allows States to certify a facility as a Critical Access Hospital if the facility is determined to be a necessary provider of health care services in its area.
Real public school purpose forgotten
The real purpose of the "Public School System" has been forgotten.
Loren C. "Bus" Torgison
Loren C. "Bus" Torgison passed away early Thursday morning, Feb. 10, 2005 at the Montana Veteran's Home in Columbia Falls after an extended battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Ernest "Bud" Branden
Ernest "Bud" Branden, age 84, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2005 at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.
Boy's hoops put this season to rest
It's the second season. Everybody's 0-0. Anything can happen.
Logic against Glacier Mall sounds familiar
"I don't have a problem with the mall, I have a problem with its location." This was the comment made by Sharon DeMeester in 2002, when the Glacier Mall was proposed to be built in Evergreen. When the proposed location for the new mall was changed from Evergreen to north of Kalispell on U.S. Highway 93, she then spearheaded the opposition to the mall by forming a Citizens For A Better Flathead front group, North 93 Neighbors. With three other individuals (two former Directors of CFBF), she promptly filed a lawsuit to stop the new mall at the new location.
Unforeseen projects snarl school construction budget
SHANNON VELEZ
Mine threatens Montana's good health
Montana is a very special unique place. Its gift to all of us is the place just being itself. The proposed Rock Creek Mine in the northwest corner of the state is threatening the state's good health. The negative impacts caused by this proposed mine would be horrible in every direction. It involves tearing into the side of the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness Area - an irreplaceable spectacular place. Weren't residents and visitors of this area promised it would never be touched by anything but our foot prints?
Operation Lamar
Male elk start trying to kill each other over the affections of female elk around the last of August, with the mating-game peaking in mid-September and tapering off in October. So! Why were several big bulls in Yellowstone crashing horns and shoving each other around and inflicting pain this last weekend? There wasn't a female within a mile.
The real purpose of the "Public School System" has been forgotten
To the editor:
Let me first start with a quote
Let me first start with a quote from the Montana High School Associations Mission Statement,
Brett Alan Lengstorf
Brett Alan Lengstorf passed away Feb. 9, 2005. Brett was born June 26, 1962 to Walter and Barbara Lengstorf in Kalispell. He grew up in Whitefish and graduated from Whitefish High School. On Feb. 19, 1988 Brett married Melissa Estrada a wonderful blessing in his life. Brett was proceeded in death by his father Walter Lengstorf . He is survived by his mother Barbara Lengstorf . His wife, Melissa, and their three sons: Tyler, Trey and Tanner. His sister Yvonne Slaybaugh her husband Kendall and sons: Guy, Jerod and Dan. Brother Wally Lengstorf, wife Wendy and children: Jason, Kyle and Carly. Sister Cecelia Ohs, husband Kim and children: Zach and Miranda. Brother Eric Lengstorf, wife Lisa and sons Josh, Brian and Corey.
Mary Patricia (Patty) Caferro
Long time resident of Whitefish, Mary Patricia (Patty) Caferro, passed away at home in her sleep Saturday, Feb. 19, 2005.
In My View
Politicians could learn from Whitefish
Full Day Kindergarten
Recent news articles regarding Full Day Kindergarten reminded me of the time many years ago when others and I worked with our school board in another community to successfully implement a half day public kindergarten program. We, too, were regarded as socialists, communists, and given labels unfit for print. Now we see the same mindset of those who would oppose a full day kindergarten setting as part of the equation for quality education for Montana's kindergarten students.
I don't have a problem with the mall
To the editor:
Support HB 47 for a full day of kindergarten
Recent news articles regarding Full Day Kindergarten reminded me of the time many years ago when others and I worked with our school board in another community to successfully implement a half day public kindergarten program. We, too, were regarded as socialists, communists, and given labels unfit for print. Now we see the same mindset of those who would oppose a full day kindergarten setting as part of the equation for quality education for Montana's kindergarten students.
Editorial viewpoint
City council's recent decision against a $13,000 campaign for educating the public on deterring bears, but for stiffer enforcement of a law that makes trash cans on streets illegal before 4 a.m. on collection day may indeed make good fiscal sense. and prove to be the best long run option. The decision was made after considering input from city staff who remembered the large public outcry when the original ordinance was passed. After considering both sides, city council ,with the exception of Councilperson Coughlin, voted in favor of stiffer enforcement..
Raymond C. Deist
Raymond C. Deist passed away on Feb. 18th, 2005 in his home in Whitefish.
Unsportsmanlike conduct at Columbia Falls basketball game
Let me first start with a quote from the Montana High School Associations Mission Statement,
Wednesday, February 16
Margery Inez Winter
Margery Inez Winter, age 66, of Kalispell, passed away Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005, from complications following cancer surgery, in Seattle, Wash. She was born July 23, 1938, at home on the family farm in Sheyenne, N.D., to Knute and Gunhild (Rue) Strand.
Girls stifled by Polson's defense, fall to 3-5 in conference
Hungry Horse News
Dorothy Baker Sherman
Dorothy Baker Sherman, age 104, passed away on Monday, Feb. 7, 2005, at Lake View Care Center in Bigfork. She was born on Oct. 8, 1900, at Eagle Grove, Iowa, the daughter of Fred and Carrie (Wilson) Baker.
Guest opinion
Gravel industry is the pits
Letters to the editor
Thanks for a
Pack it in, pack it out
I'm pretty sure someone stole my pack, because it's no longer in the back of the pickup where I left it. Sure, I probably shouldn't have left it in the bed of the truck, but I did and now it's gone.
Canadian coal mine update:
Schweitzer wants study of Flathead
Raymond Covill
Raymond W. Covill died at age 95 on Feb. 9, 2005, at Heritage Place Nursing Home in Kalispell after a struggle with Alzheimer's disease.
Ruth Harriet Young
Ruth Harriet Young, age 86, passed away on Monday, Feb. 7, 2005, at Heritage Place in Kalispell after a seven-year battle with kidney disease. She was born Jan. 10, 1919, in Warren, Ind., to the union of Ralph and Ruth (Brown) Kriegbaum.
Bush BPA plan could wallop electric rates, CFAC
Hungry Horse News
Blacktail is a blessing
When I left Bigfork in mid January for a short vacation, there was approximately a foot and a half of snow on the valley floor and skiing was very good at Blacktail.
Day of Prayer
World Day of Prayer takes place Friday, March 4, at the Klothes Kloset in Columbia Falls. Members of Church Women United are in charge of the 1:30 p.m. program.
Edward "Eddy" Shea
Edward "Eddy" Shea, age 90, passed away on Monday, Feb. 7, 2005, at Heritage Place in Kalispell. Eddy was born on Aug. 30, 1914, in Lima, Ohio. He was a WW II veteran who was wounded at the invasion of Normandy. He worked as an entertainer for most of his life, then as a bartender for several years, not retiring until he was in his 70s. He married Gracie Larsen in 1957, she passed away in 2001. They moved to the Flathead Valley in 1989.
MatCats take fourth at state
Hungry Horse News
Cats drop Bigfork on Fields' buzzer beater
Another buzzer beater kept the Columbia Falls boys basketball team first in conference play Tuesday night.
What's so fair about being fair
The statement "this is a fairness issue" is used to describe virtually every bill that has been presented in this session of the Montana Legislature. I don't believe it.
Tough Laws and Trash Talk
Some call the United States Senate, "The most powerful club in the world." Maybe it is and maybe it isn't but The U.S. Senate is the "Upper House" of the nation's Legislative Branch of government, while The House of Representatives is called "The Lower House." In college and while working in Washington for the U.S. Senate, I had it pounded into my head that the members of BOTH houses are called "Congressmen" or "Congresswoman." Members of The House do not seem to prefer being called "representatives," but do not mind "Congressman." Senators prefer being called "United States Senator." You can look up this kind of information in any good dictionary, American history book, or World Almanac.
These guys are hunting pygmies, setting records
It's the battle of the pygmies. Pygmy fish, that is.
In My View
Mike Jopek
Blockade F.S.
To the editor,
Monday, February 14
Two slain, three charged with homicide
Leader Staff
Amtrak's budget could bust Empire Builder
With Amtrak's entire federal funding threatened to be cut from the President's 2006 budget, a piece of Whitefish history, the Empire Builder, faces closure.
The stalest sandwich on Earth
Hungry Horse News
Dispute ends in gunfire
Bigfork Eagle
Thursday, February 10
Adelaide A. Fystrom
Adelaide A. Fystrom, 95, died at Community Medical Center in Missoula on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2005.
The keys to constructive use of young people's time
Care Corner By Brandee Tyree
Letters
Donations accepted
Financing foolishness
There are several new programs in the news regarding rewards for people who stop doing something illegal or sinful. Was working on a column about that when I found this commentary I did in 1987. It seems this rewrite covers the topic quite well:
Editorial View
It's not always easy making decisions that affect many, and sometimes, the practical elements of government must outweigh their philosophical components. Especially when it comes to everyday items such as roads. City council's reversed decision on JP Road was a reminder of this. Their original 4-2 decision against the district would have killed the $1.1 million dollar project and left the entire city without a necessary route for ever-increasing traffic.
Letters to the editor
Special thanks to a
Bigfork Eagle editorial
Riding the rails
Food for thought
An attack of rheumatism in my knee came about after I crawled around on damp soil in my daughter Jan's garden.
Susan Ann (Steed) Jeffers
Susan Jeffers, 60, passed away peacefully Monday, Jan. 31, 2005, at her home in Bigfork after a long illness. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, sister and grandmother.
Wednesday, February 9
Alvin Reid
Alvin W. Reid, 86, a lifetime resident of Columbia Falls, died at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls on Feb. 6, 2005, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.
Close-up
"Can I see your pass?" the Secret Service guy asked me. I reached into my pocket and my fingers did a little searching. Nope. That's a receipt. Nope. That's a dollar. Ah, the pass!
Enter keyword:
Maximum stories:
School musical
West Glacier School invites the public to its annual silent auction and performance of Jungle Book in conjunction with the Missoula Children's Theatre. Tickets cost $3 per person or $10 per family. The play starts at 7 p.m., with silent auction bids to close 20 minutes after the end of performance.
Hike in RV fees makes sense
Coram Rep. Dee Brown recently introduced a bill that would triple fees on some recreational vehicles.
Former Meadow Lake homeowners treasurer gets prison time
Hungry Horse News
Glacier will consider explosives for avalanche control
Hungry Horse News
Wildkats end losing skid, beat Whitefish
Hungry Horse News
The stalest sandwich on Earth
Hungry Horse News
Last-second shot puts Cats over Loggers
Hungry Horse News
MatCats sending 12 to state tournament
Hungry Horse News
Thursday, February 3
Money matters
I think it's time to tell it like it is the "quality education" flap going on in Helena is not about education-it's about money!
Frank C. Sagen (Buck)
Frank C. Sagen passed away Jan. 20 in Vancouver, Wash. Buck was born January 14, 1931 in Whitefish. The family lived in Whitefish for many years.
Bigfork Eagle editorial
Representation
Vicki Jo Lopez
Vicki Jo Lopez, age 53, passed away on Friday, Jan. 28, 2005, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.
Do you think Mill Creek's subdivision proposal is too dense?
Yes, there are too many units planned for the 38-acre property.
Get the point
It appears to me that some of those who have been elected to represent the interests of the residents of their various states and districts, or those whose terms are still active from previous elections, are somehow missing the point of their selection. It occurs to me that most citizens, when going to the polls, choose a person whom they feel will best carry forward their concerns to Helena or Washington DC.
Bipartisan talk
Bipartisanship is just plain talk in the Schweitzer Administration and at the Capitol thus far this winter. The governor couldn't care less what Republicans think. If he did, he would have taken an interest in SB152, the bill put forth by Senator Don Ryan and the Democrats defining a basic system of quality education.
Carolee Moyer Kurtz
Carolee Moyer Kurtz, 71, longtime Whitefish resident, died peacefully in her sleep Monday morning at her home in Whitefish.
Scurvy Wenches and Shameless Hussies
Calling the average woman a "shameless hussy" was considered a very bad thing in 1909, and it could still get you in trouble if Washington police enforced the existing law; however, that old statute does say it is OK to slander a "common prostitute" with such shocking labels as "wanton strumpet" and "scurvy wench."
The New 'Pub' In Town
There's a new "pub" in town. I'm not introducing a new watering hole. I'm referring to the new guy in town…the publisher of The Whitefish Pilot.
Letters to the editor
Skating club gives thanks
Thank you, Elves
Decorating Bigfork in celebration of Christmas exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and the special people of our community. It is their effort that ensures the success of various projects each year. Over the years Decorating Day has grown and become a fun, festive, and wonderful social interaction for all ages. Thank you to all who participated.
Eleanora Frieda Adams
Eleanora Frieda Adams, 92, went home to be with her Lord on Jan. 25, 2005. She was born in Philips-burg, Mont., on Dec. 23, 1912, the eighth child of nine, to Henry and Marie (Stier) Steber. Eleanora was raised and educated in Philipsburg.
Mildred Hansen Wells
Mildred Hansen Wells, age 87, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2005, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. She was born Feb. 12, 1917, in Sterling, Colo., the daughter of John and Ogle (Smith) Hansen.
Editorial Viewpoint
It's Winter Carnival time and the opinion of the Pilot is that everyone should get out and have a good time. After over 44 years as a way to break up the winter blahs, the Carnival is also a way to get involved in the community. Whether that is working as a volunteer beforehand, participating in the parade or disco dancing at the Dire Wolf, the Carnival is one of the season's big events.
Community Players unleash 'The Hound'
Imagine standing in an English countryside overlooking a dark remote moor. A damp fog is encircling your legs, not a star can be seen in the sky.
Leonard Conrad Larsen
Leonard Conrad Larsen passed away peacefully on Jan. 25, at age 74 in Seattle, Washington. He was born June 3, 1930 in Whitefish to Leonard C. Larsen, Sr. and Ada McLaughlin Larsen.
Wednesday, February 2
Brown bill would triple some RV fees
Hungry Horse News
Napping by numbers
Saturday afternoon I was sitting in my favorite chair watching my favorite nap time show and just about dozed off when the phone rang.
Local seniors worried about Social Security
Hungry Horse News
MatCats drop rival Dogs to give Knutson 200th victory
Hungry Horse News
Justice for all
To the editor,
Turnovers hurt Kats in run against Ronan
Hungry Horse News
No snow
Hungry Horse News
Cats take first in conference in dramatic fashion
Hungry Horse News
Carolee Kurtz
Carolee Moyer Kurtz, well known Whitefish resident, died at her home in Whitefish on Jan. 31, 2005.
Chamber meets
The Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce meets at noon, Feb. 8, at the North Valley Community Room. Guest speaker will be Tom Jentz.
