Thursday, July 28
David Beckedahl
David Royce Beckedahl, age 55, died July 21, 2005, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.
Robin Waldt
Robin Lucia Waldt, 47, "went home to be with the Lord" on July 12, 2005, at her home in Whitefish.
City councilor gives her side to budget fracas
As you may know, the Whitefish City Council is going through the budget process, and as you may know Judge Brad Johnson came before the council to request an increase in his budget that amounted to an increase of approximately 30 percent.
Tree stops fleeing man in pot bust
During the early morning hours of July 24, Whitefish Police officers were called to an address on Riverside Drive in Whitefish regarding complaints of a loud party and alleged use of illegal drugs.
letter
Jim Stack, along with other members of the Lakeshore Protection Committee, work hard to preserve Whitefish Lake, and it is a thankless job.
Bertha Raemaeker
Bertha Mary Raemaeker, 88, of Lakewood, Colo., and formerly of Cut Bank, died at the Meridian Care Center in Lakewood of natural causes.
As 37-year lakeshore residents, we feel compelled to respond to Dan Averill's statements regarding Jim and Lisa Stack and the Whitefish Lakeshore Protection Committee.
Who exactly does Mr. Averill think would oversee the maintenance of our scenic lakeshore if the committee did not do so? The city has no jurisdiction beyond the city limits, the county's watchdog Tri-City Planning Office is grossly overburdened, a piece of the shore is state controlled, and the railroad owns a great deal of it.
Eleanor Stewart
Eleanor P. Stewart, 75, passed away July 21, 2005, at her residence in Kalispell. She lost her battle with cancer but won the victory over death "through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Phyllis Robinson
Phyllis Jean Robinson, 71, a longtime Whitefish resident, passed away of natural causes at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle on July 20, 2005.
Wednesday, July 27
Heritage Days
Public is invited to Saturday Heritage Day luncheon at North Valley Senior Center. Serving begins at 11 a.m. with sandwiches, dessert, beverage. Roxy Larsen is Center manager.
Woman spends cold, lonely night lost in Park
Hungry Horse News
Henry Russell "Rusty" Vandevanter
Henry Russell "Rusty" Vandevanter, age 88, died peacefully on Sunday July 17, 2005 in Kalispell, Montana.
Brush, my friend
It usually starts out innocently enough.I make a suggestion like, "Hmmm, I wonder what's over that ridge?" or, "I'll bet you it's pretty neat down in that draw, I hear there's some pretty cool waterfalls."
Searchers
Tuesday find drowning
Adelaide A. Fystrom
Memorial services for Adelaide A. Fystrom will be held Aug. 6 at 11 a.m. at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Bigfork.
Unchristian behavior
G.W. Bush flaunts his "morals, values and faith" posture. Considering that Christ emphasized care and support for the poor, peacekeeping and peacekeepers, one must ask whether Bush is really Christian. The Bible makes 3,000 references to concern for the poor.
Plum Creek proposes Swan Valley subdivision
Plum Creek Land Company has proposed a 36-lot major subdivision on 436 acres in the Swan Valley 4 miles south of Ferndale on Highway 83, according to a public notice July 20 from the Lake County Planning Department.
A tale of two Bens
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…
Baucus secures $50 million for Sun Highway
Hungry Horse News
Twins finish season in losing fashion
For the Hungry Horse News
Lake trout find bad news for pristine Glacier fishery
Hungry Horse News
Mildred John
Mildred "Miss Millie" John, age 71, passed away July 12, 2005, at Lake View Care Center in Bigfork.
Henry Russell Vandevanter
Henry Russell "Rusty" Vandevanter, age 88, died peacefully on Sunday, July 17, 2005, in Kalispell. He was born November 1916 in Niarada, Mont., to Joseph and Myrtle (Hatfield) Vandevanter.
Put humans first
This is the story of three bears and the grizzly bear.
Unfair, unbalanced, unjust
The recent PBS documentary about the beautiful Flathead Valley in northwest Montana was very unfair.
Thank you
The members of the Ferndale Volunteer Fire District would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the Ferndale community for the overwhelming display of support at our annual barbecue and fund-raiser.
Birds of a feather
The addition to our family of two great grandchildren came about when our granddaughter Jami married Eric. Alyssa, 9, and Danielle, 7, came to our family celebration in April. With their newfound second cousins they occupied their time in play and after awhile Danielle veered from the group. She became intent on catching a robin.
Let 'er burn
In 11 years while fighting forest fires all over the west, not once did anyone ever bring me a port-a-potty.
Junior golfers
impressive at
Bigfork Eagle editorial
Beyond expectation
Friday, July 22
Twenty four reasons for absolutely nothing
This Sunday, I turn 24.
Exposure
Look on the bright side, you think. It's only 10 steps to those trees and once you're there at those trees you have something to hang onto. Something solid. Something you trust.
Peggy Marie-Jean (Burke) Leimkuehler
Peggy Marie-Jean (Burke) Leimkuehler, age 27, passed away on Friday, July 15, 2005 in Coram.
Soccer camp a ball this year
Hungry Horse News
City council officially OK's Cedar Creek land for sale
Hungry Horse News
Research shows grizzlies in backyards a lot more than previously thought
Hungry Horse News
Twins struggle to play with consistency
For the Hungry Horse News
Council decides to give land back to Schoenberg
Hungry Horse News
Thursday, July 21
Walter Eugene Dupea
Walter Eugene Dupea, 76, went to be with the Lord July 9, 2005 in Bigfork. The oldest son of Tobe Wiley and Mabel Dora (Drube) Dupea of White Sulphur Springs. He was born in Carter, Mont., April 9, 1929.
Protecting the lake
I thought Dan Averill's position was self-serving. His development will bring our city more dollars, but it will benefit him much more.
What's really going on in Flathead County?
I should thank Russ Crowder and "American Dream" for spending a large amount of money to get out the message that we are faced with real growth concerns here in the Flathead and that the commissioners are doing something about it.
Flathead Valley growth, planning and the 'rest of the story'
I should thank Russ Crowder and American Dream for spending a large amount of money to get out the message that we are faced with real growth concerns here in the Flathead, and that the Flathead County Commissioners are doing something about it.
Shirley Witt
Shirley V. Witt, 79, went to be with the Lord on July 17, 2005, after a courageous battle with cancer.
A poem penned
Impossible as it seems, there have been two semis driven over Going to the Sun Highway. I remember both insane-illegal incidents but not dates.
A respectable showing by junior golfers in San Diego
Junior World results
Evelyn Halliburton
Evelyn J. Halliburton, 77, of Fergus Falls, Minn., and formerly of Bigfork, passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2005 at Pioneer Retirement Community in Fergus Falls. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 29 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Bigfork with Pastor Jack Shannon officiating. Internment will be in Bethany Lutheran Cemetery in Bigfork.
Raymond Earl Kalberg
Raymond Earl Kalberg, 83, of Bigfork, passed away on Sunday, June 26, 2005, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. He was born on Aug. 20, 1921 in Hanley Falls, Minn., to Arnt and Ruth (McCall) Kalberg.
Gladys Carr
Gladys Mae Carr (nee Baker), 98, a longtime volunteer and resident of Whitefish, died June 19, 2005, at Bayview Manor in Seattle, Wash.
Phelps L'Hommedieu aced the 145-yard long hole six at the Whitefish Lake Golf Course on Monday, July 18, with an eight-iron. Witnesses included Parker Kelly, Jack Byrd and Paul Jeremiassen.
Craig Nelson, of Whitefish, hit a hole-in-one at the fourth hole at Par 3 on 93 on Sunday, July 17. Witnesses Michelle and Dakota Nelson report he used a pitching wedge on the 130-yard hole.
The Two Bear Marathon, a 26.2-mile run around Whitefish Lake and the Stillwater State Forest, is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 18.
Get ready to run
'I want to hold your cone' could have worked, too
Readers of this column have come to understand that usually when I write a column it means we had a little extra space to fill on this page and, having run out of copy at the last minute, the duty to form sentences out of words in the final moments of the production of the newspaper you're holding falls upon me.
Thursday, July 14
Roy Owen
Roy Alvin Owen, 94, a longtime Whitefish resident, passed away July 8, 2005, at his home of natural causes.
A grave mistake
We will be making a grave mistake if we become reliant on sex offender registries to give us vital information about sexual predators.
A family's plea
On July 2, Tate Brandon Hess lost his life in a tragic accident on the Swan Highway. The one-truck accident was catastropic, and the debris field wide. The Hess family is making a plea to the community that if anyone has discovered any of Tate's things near the accident scene, that they be sent to the family. Numerous items like a duffle bag and journal are so very important. If you have an item or information, please call 755-2293 or (206) 972-7276. Items can be mailed to 138 Ranchetts Road, Bigfork, MT 59911, or P.O. Box 2531.
Carvel Artley
Lt. Col. Carvel R."Bud" Artley, 82, passed away at North Valley Hospital on July 7, 2005, after a long battle with cancer.
Unlikely Grizzly stories
Yes! Grizzly bears have been in the news lately. Editor Chris wrote about them last week and got good pictures. He also told of the pretty lady from Ireland who accidentally got hit with pepper spray during that encounter (June 30) involving The Over the Hill Gang on the Highline Trail.
Alfred Lauritsen
There will be a memorial celebration for longtime Whitefish resident Alfred Lauritsen on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2005, at 1 p.m. on Big Mountain by the fish pond under Chair 1.
The rocket's red glare amazing
My wife and I went to a friend's home on the shores of Whitefish Lake. Fifty new and old friends gathered to celebrate, eat, drink, laugh, hug and kiss and tell stories. From newborn to elderly, we joined to celebrate life and freedom.
Gearing up for the Montana 200
Photo and story by CHANDLER MELTON
Planning for storm water is good idea
There are some people in Whitefish who will criticize the city's proposal to temporarily rein in development while it takes a close look at storm water management, labeling the move drastic and unnecessary, but we don't think so.
Judge is honorable
In the past few weeks, I have read letters stating our local judge was less than honorable and then again was very honorable. I would have to agree with the latter.
Emma Fredrickson
Emma Lou Fredrickson, 82, passed away of natural causes Friday, July 8, 2005, at the Kalispell Regional Hospital.
A letter from the Editor
Losing faith
Dying for a drink
Growing up in Montana there are things I take for common knowledge that aren't. One being our disregard for our wildlife, namely deer. I often hear people say the "stupid thing jumped right out in front of me or $3,000 damage to my car, truck or SUV." I'd say the deer lost more, his life.
Mary Larsen
Mary Josephine Larsen passed away peacefully on July 7, 2005, at age 74 in Shoreline, Wash.
In the past few weeks, I have read letters stating our local judge was less than honorable and then again was very honorable. I would have to agree with the latter.
I worked in the same building with Brad Johnson for nearly 13 years. I viewed a few cases that came before the judge and always felt that Brad was more than fair with them.
Tate Brandon Hess
A uniquely incredible young man, our so very beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend, Tate Brandon Hess, began a new journey after thirty adventurous years. A tragic accident took Tate's well-lived young life, along with his two faithful dog companions, Cassidy and Baxter, on July 2, 2005. The one-truck accident occurred along Swan Lake on Highway 83 near Bigfork—only 20 miles from where he was driving to meet his dear family at the Flathead River Hess Family Montana home that Tate loved so much. He was on his way to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend to hike, to fish, to practice archery, and to share special family time together. With his great passion for life, he fought for four courageous hours to live despite the gravity of his injuries in this unsurvivable accident. His family expresses their deepest gratitude to the many volunteers and responders who tried so desperately and compassionately to save him.
Wednesday, July 13
Not quite ready for prime time
If someone came up to me tomorrow with a contract and wanted to follow me around with a camera for six months, I would do it in a heartbeat.
Gov. visits to express worry about coal mine north of Glacier
Hungry Horse News
Marmot moments
I've been hanging around marmots lately, which is something you normally don't brag about. I mean, you wouldn't walk into a bar and proudly proclaim that you've been hanging around marmots because people will get the impression that your weird.
Stoltze awarded for service to troops
Hungry Horse News
Jr. golfers tee off
The Columbia Falls junior golf team fared well at the Flathead Valley Junior Tour tournament at Meadowlake on Monday.
Polka festival
The Northwest Montana Polka Festival takes place Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 15, 16 and 17, at the Kalispell Eagles Hall. Public is invited to hear the Al Lindborg Band from Polson; Dee and Mee, Portland; and the Little Bohemian Band, Albany, Ore. Hours are from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday; 1 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, and from one until 8 p.m., Sunday.
Woman wonders why someone would kill her dog
Hungry Horse News
Glacier Park Inc. reports $12 million gross in '04
Contract with Park
Twins have a pretty good tourney
For the Hungry Horse News
Emma Lou Fredrickson
Emma Lou Fredrickson, 82, passed away Friday, July 8, at the Kalispell Regional Hospital of natural causes.
Thursday, July 7
I wish to correct the misinformation that was presented in Rick Hanners' column of June 23 regarding specialty license plates.
Yes, I sponsored Senate Bill 118 during the 2003 legislative session. The bill did pass, not fail as he stated. The following changes did take place:
For more than 30 years, I have had the joy of exploring open lands near my home in Whitefish.
Many of the areas I used to access are no longer open to public use, but several parcels of state land in Beaver Lake, Haskill Basin, and Spencer Mountain, for example, still provide walking, biking, skiing and snowshoeing opportunities close to home.
Kootenai sold
I think most everyone knew it was inevitable. The sale of the Kootenai Lodge property went through at 4:40 p.m. Friday.
About bear spray and babies
There have been eleven people killed by grizzly bears in Glacier National Park since that shocking "Night of the Grizzlies" in August 1967.
Duty calls
There are only two workplace occupations specifically protected by the original American Constitution — the clergy and the press. We share a spot in the First Amendment.
Bigfork Eagle editorial
Keen observation
I would like to thank the entire community of Whitefish for the red carpet treatment my family and I received while I was home on leave in early June.
From the time I got off the plane until I had to get back on, I ran into nothing but support and friendship.
While on leave
I would like to thank the entire community of Whitefish for the red carpet treatment my family and I received while I was home on leave in early June.
The Whitefish 12-year-old All-Star team is off to an exciting season, being undefeated and winning two local tournaments.
Columbia Falls hosted the Dick Lindsley Tournament, and the Whitefish team won the championship game against Libby.
Roadless rules
The Bush Administration has asked Western governors to comment on the fate of millions of acres of roadless National Forest lands. As a long-time resident of Northwest Montana (36 years) and an avid hunter and fisherman, I applaud Gov. Brian Schweitzer for his concern about the importance of roadless areas in providing clean water.
Helyne Anderson Trimble
Helyne Anderson Trimble went to be with the Lord Monday, June 27, 2005.
Wednesday, July 6
Irish eyes weren't smiling on this day
"So, have you seen a bear yet?"
Basketball camp
Columbia Falls will hold its annual summer basketball camp next week. It's open to boys and girls and runs July 11 -15. Open from third graders through seniors. The schedule is: Grades three through five, 10 a.m. to noon, grades six through eight, 1 to 4 p.m. and grades nine through 12, 6 to 9 p.m. Cost is $40, you also receive a T-shirt. Camp includes one-on-one competition, free throw, campers of the day. Call 892-7731 for more information. Sign up is at the door at the high school gym.
Aggressive griz sends hikers scurrying
Highline trail closed, griz leaves, Park reopens it
In separate incidents, people nearly drown in Glacier
Hungry Horse News
"Hey John, watch out," Seth the college student said, pointing to his mud covered legs. "I just found a hole back there."
OK, I told him.
City elections lack candidates
Hungry Horse News
Montana Rae Ibsen
Montana "Tana" Rae Ibsen graciously passed away on Dec. 9, 2004 in Pleasanton, Calif., at a premature age 62. Tana was born on Feb. 21, 1942 in Spokane, Wash. At a very young age she moved to Whitefish where she graduated from high school in 1960. After graduation Tana was employed by the U.S. Forest Service, but extended her skills to retail services. Eventually she entered into a partnership and opened a wonderful children's clothing store called "Tyke Town" in Whitefish.
Local mill has to leave timber on the ground in wake of lawsuit
Hungry Horse News
