Thursday, August 24
William Baldridge
William Gregory Baldridge passed away Aug. 13, 2006, at the Montana State Veterans Home.
Huckleberry Festival
To the Bigfork Eagle and Mike Richeson and his staff: Thanks for the 25 years you have supported the Swan Lake Huckleberry Festival.
Letter from the editor
Art on display
Seeing double: Whitefish has two goalies
The Whitefish soccer team has a problem, but according to head coach O'Brien Byrd, it's a good problem to have.
Memories of Spotted Bear
The weekend of July the 20th, (1985) was a biggy at Spotted Bear Ranger Station for dozens of us who had been associated with that wilderness outpost of the U.S. Forest Service. When I first got the written invite to the dedication of the new log Ranger Station, I felt insulted because it said they were inviting all the "old timers". I called Forest headquarters and raised hell about being called "old". The young man on the line explained that was just a term they used for anyone who worked there forty or more years ago.
William Van Ham
William Frederick Van Ham, 64, of Miles City, passed away Aug. 17, 2006, at the Holy Rosary Heath Care Center, in Miles City.
Turn off the music and exercise
Editor's Note: The following letter was also sent to the board of directors of The Wave.
Franklin John Palicz
Franklin John Palicz, age 81, passed away at his home in Kalispell, Mont., on Aug. 15, 2006. He was born Nov. 22, 1924 in Omaha, Neb., to Andrew and Margaret (Marten) Palicz.
A dangerous and deceptive initiative
Since I grew up in a rural community, and Froid was my hometown, I appreciate the importance of your local newspaper.
Garold McConnell
Garold Melvin McConnell, 88, passed away peacefully in his sleep at North Valley Community Hospital Aug. 18, 2006, after a short illness.
Funds needed for school program
The Whitefish Community Center has decided to suspend the start of after-school programs for grades K-4 until additional funds are raised.
Go vegan
If you think the production of foie gras is a cruel process, you might be interested in what goes on in the production of other animal-for-food products. I won't get into it here, but I recommend a book by John Robbins titled The Food Revolution to anyone interested in finding out the truth about the barbaric practices used in the animals for food industry. The book is not about opinions on the subject; it contains well researched facts.
A long line of corrupt leaders
I have been interested in politics ever since Hoover blew the whistle, Mellon rang the bell, Wall Street gave the signal and the country went to hell.
Letters to the Editor
Sign destruction
Thursday, August 17
Olson named new Whitefish hoops coach
Twenty-five years after playing basketball under coach Julio Delgado, Tim Olson is joining ranks with his former coach to help lead the Whitefish High School basketball program.
Property rights have a history
"….promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity."
Montana boys win regional golf tourney
The Montana boys defeated the Alberta boys for only the second time in the 14-year history of the Montana/Alberta Cup last week at Whitefish Lake Golf Course.
Growth policy comments
I was pleased to see that a good number of valley residents took time to comment on the Flathead County Growth Policy draft last week. I must commend the members of the planning board and planning staff for their diligence, and for being
Sports
Chandler Melton / Whitefish Pilot
Dismayed by Wave dispute
Editor's note: The following letter was sent to The Wave's board of directors:
Letters to the Editor
Firefighter Recruiting
James Boerner
James (Jim) Vincent Boerner, 80, of Whitefish, entered into his eternal rest Aug.10, 2006, at his home in Mountain View Manor.
Letter
As I write this my wife and I are sitting in the open air restaurant of the British High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria. It will never compare to the clean air and wonderful scenery of the Flathead, but we cast our gaze over Aso Rock, The 'White House', Senate and judiciary, and the National Christian Center, among other landmarks. The weather carries a cool breeze under overcast skies. I have just read through your recent editorial and wish to take this opportunity to commend you. Those of us who live abroad may be more sensitive to the freedoms and luxuries of home than those who live there. Our thanks goes out to all those who work diligently in the military, but also in diplomacy to keep our land safe and advance freedom and democracy world wide. We are also grateful for those working to reduce threats at home and abroad.
Thanks to the Sheriff's Department
During one of the recent violent wind and thunder storms, my family, consisting of myself, my husband and our two dogs, found ourselves, if not literally, definitely figuratively in deep water.
Kathy Cantu
Kathy Ann (Sandefur) Cantu, 50, "passed into the arms of our Savior, the Lord Jesus," on Aug. 7, 2006, at Healthcenter Northwest, in Kalispell.
Protests planned for Cheney's visit
Vice President Dick Cheney was scheduled to visit Whitefish on Wednesday in a fund-raising effort for embattled Montana Sen. Conrad Burns, who is running neck-and-neck with Democratic challenger Jon Tester in recent election polls and fund-raising efforts.
Beautiful music in the wild
Strange and exotic things can happen in the high places. On the morning of Aug. 3, two members of The Thursday Over the Hill Gang were working their way with me up the second tier of waterfalls near the base of Mount Oberlin midst one of Glacier Park's most beautiful collections of vast scenery, wild flowers, crystal ponds, wildlife and red rock formations. It is a giant amphitheater overflowing with all mother nature's miracles on the Crown of the Continent.
Letter from the editor
Scientific bullies
John Pohl
John R. Pohl, a resident of Whitefish, formerly of Dayton, Ohio, passed away after injuries sustained in a traffic accident on Aug. 9, 2006, near Dixon.
Mr. Richeson,
Have just read your editorial in the August 10 issue of the Bigfork Eagle and very much appreciate the honor you gave to World War II veterans. I am one of those, serving in the US Navy in the midst of the battles in the South Pacific in a Fleet Tanker under Admiral (Bull) Halsey's Third Fleet, and one of the fortunate to come back alive. Having joined the Navy at the age of 17 in 1943, I also lied about my age, and served until the war's end. I will be attending my 20th annual Navy Reunion in Farragut, Idaho, September 8th through 10th. This will be our final reunion because of the few of us that are left. Thank you for your interesting article.
Roger Smith
Roger Edward Smith, 65, passed away Aug. 13, 2006, at his home in Libby with his wife Merry at his side.
The Wave protects diversity
I would like to respond to Ms. Coco's letter about diversity at The Wave. As a long-time member (since the grand opening) I have seen a lot of changes at The Wave driven by members' requests, demands and complaints, as well as the management just trying to streamline operations.
Signs of the times
On Saturday night, August 12th, dozens of signs opposing the Milhous Kootenai Condo development were systematically destroyed. These signs were posted on private properties along Sunburst Drive in Ferndale. Many signs were addressed to the Lake County Commissioners. Their destruction represents a direct attempt to deny citizens the constitutional guarantees of "freedom of speech" and the right to address the Government for a redress of grievances.
Thursday, August 10
Has Image
Jean Yarnell (Foster, Winter)
Diverse town, diverse values
I am getting tired of reading about all of those "deeply offended" by the disallowing of Christian music in their cycling class.
What do you think should happen with the six acres of
Flathead County-owned green space in the Lake Hills
Alberta/Montana Cup kicks off
Chandler Melton / Whitefish Pilot
True stories
My Daughter Jan told me this true story.
Honor Montanans with tax rebate
My Republican father would say it's a sad day for his party when Democrats come up with a better property tax rebate plan. My Democratic mom would laugh and say she knew she was right all along in raising an independent minded child.
Sports Briefs
The Wave Golf Scramble will take place at the Whitefish Lake Golf Course on Aug. 19 beginning at 2 p.m. The event is a fund-raiser for The Wave's scholarship program and the Youth Swim Club. Prizes include $15,000 in cash for a hole-in-one, longest drive and closest to the pin. Team entry fee is $300. For more information, call The Wave at 862-2444.
More important issues than music
Talk about the ultimate "tempest in a teapot." I just returned from Europe, where the conversation is Israel, Iraq, Darfur and the probable next terrorist attack on Great Britain. Also, lest I forget, Italy's victory in the World Cup.
Invitations sent out for Cheney, Burns visit
The office of Vice President Dick Cheney has confirmed an Aug. 16 appearance in Whitefish to raise funds for Sen. Conrad Burns' re-election campaign.
Lily Ediger
Ediger, 93, of Whitefish and formerly of Wolf Point, died Aug. 4, 2006, at Colonial Manor.
John Sitton
John Allan "Jack" Sitton, 70, peacefully "slipped into the arms of his Savior" surrounded by family on July 30, 2006. Between his fighting spirit and the support of his wife, he lived a full life for 2 1/2 years after hearing he only had weeks to live. He was sustained by the prayers and support of those who knew and loved him.
Letters to the Editor
Bigfork Farmer's Market
Christopher John Shupert
Christopher John Shupert, 25, died at Kalispell Regional Medical Center on August 2, 2006, from natural causes. He was born in Kalispell, MT on July 5, 1981. He was the second of three sons born to Dan and Jeri Shupert. Christopher spent his childhood life in Trego and the remainder of his life in Kalispell.
Letter from the editor
The giants among us
Cal Ripken team gives it their all
It was a great pleasure to be in Eugene, Ore., this past week to watch the 11-year-old state champion Cal Ripken baseball team in action.
Dorothy Brumbeloe Johnson
Dorothy Brumbeloe Johnson, 86, passed away on Saturday, August 5, 2006 at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell, Montana. She was born on June 22, 1920 in Roanoke, Alabama to James Bracy and Anne Haden (Reid) Brumbeloe.
Caboose update
In response to those who are concerned about the Red Caboose diner, the city's architectural review committee has told me the caboose is in substantial compliance with the design plans the city approved.
Thursday, August 3
'Making waves'
I am a member of The Wave in Whitefish and had been a faithful attendee of Bob Bouillon's 5:30 a.m. cycling class. By nature, I prefer to avoid conflict, but The Wave board's recent decision to ban Christian music has prompted me to make a public point and to "make waves," so to speak.
Shirley M. Frayer
Shirley Marguerite Frayer (nee Erickson) born 03/21/1939 was peacefully united with heaven on Thursday 07/27/2006 at 7:50 p.m. at St. Joseph's hospital in Atlanta, GA.
Michael Steckler
Michael William Steckler, 60, passed away July 26, 2006, at Health Center Northwest, in Kalispell, after a courageous battle with mesothelioma (asbestos caused) lung cancer for almost two years.
The real property tax reduction
We have come to expect half-truths and spins early in a national campaign, but Mike Jopek is starting pretty early for a Montana legislator. The Republican Handshake with Montana promised a property tax decrease months before the Democrat's Square Deal.
From Tee to Green
Golf course wear patterns
Headphones the answer to music dilemma?
Recent issues at The Wave remind us that tastes have varied since before the Romans (de gustibus non disputandem).
Habitat works for Flathead families
While the beautiful Big Sky country draws more and more middle and upper class individuals into Montana every year, the low-income population and the need for affordable housing is also rising. In October 1989, Montana graciously welcomed Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley, the first Habitat affiliate of the state.
Bigfork Eagle editorial
Power of the pedal
William Kennedy
William J. "Pete" Kennedy, 92, passed away July 24, 2006, at Colonial Manor in Whitefish. He was born July 26, 1913, in Kansas City, Mo., to William A. and Marie (Feeney) Kennedy.
William J. "Pete" Kennedy
William J. "Pete" Kennedy, age 92, passed away July 24, 2006 at Colonial Manor in Whitefish, Montana. He was born July 26, 1913 in Kansas City, Missouri to William A. and Marie (Feeney) Kennedy.
Barbara Anne Ristine
Barbara Anne Ristine, age 57, passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 at her residence in Kalispell, Montana. She was born on May 4, 1949 at Huntington, Indiana the daughter of Norbert and Margaret (Young) Karst.
Our Busybody World
I was just kidding when I told management at the Summit Health Club I was going to resign if they didn't get a "Smoking Room."
Letters to the Editor
Rockin' for Ravenwood
Belize volunteer in need of support
My name is Monica Senin, and apart from the past four years I spent at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., I have lived all of my life in Whitefish.
