Thursday, April 30
Montana is long on authenticity
Letter from the editor
Answers about the Bigfork Enhancement Program
For the Bigfork Eagle
Commissioners vote 3-0 for neighborhood plan
More than four years of work culminated in less than seven minutes on Thursday morning when the Flathead County Commissioners made a brisk 3-0 vote to adopt a resolution of intent to make the Bigfork Neighborhood Plan part of the county growth policy.
C-Falls boys win Libby Invite; girls earn second
Senior Stephen Baumgartner took top honors in the 100- and 200-meter dashes and ran a leg on the winning 400 relay, leading Columbia Falls to the boys title in the Libby Invitational on Saturday.
Wildkats take three in tourney; fall to Ronan
Columbia Falls won three of four softball games in the Frenchtown Tournament last weekend, picking up wins over Hamilton, Corvallis and Anaconda before a loss to Frenchtown.
16-year-old finishes atop Spring Mack Days
POLSON - For a 16-year-old to put in a 12-day total of 714 lake trout and take the honors of top fisherman in the 2009 Spring Mack Days tournament might seem like an astonishing feat, but for those who have shared Flathead Lake with him, it may not have been a huge surprise that Pablo's Stephen Naethe did just that.
2008 Chamber community service awards announced
The Whitefish Chamber of Commerce recently announced winners of their community service awards for service to the Whitefish community in 2008.
State approves timber harvest above lake
A timber-harvesting project on 5,570 acres overlooking Whitefish Lake has been approved by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.
Averill, Driver face off for school board seat
Two seats came up for election on the Bigfork School District 38 board this year, but only one challenger stepped up for the May 5 ballot.
Bulldogs keep rolling in tennis battles
The Bulldog boys tennis team kept up their winning ways over the weekend, destroying both Stevensville and Ronan on the road by the same score, 6-1.
Taste of Bigfork a culinary wonderland
The veterans of Taste of Bigfork are easy to spot along Electric Avenue. They're the ones with modest plates, walking slowly from restaurant to restaurant, spreading out their consumption over the event's full four hours.
Endangered rivers
Calling the Flathead Valley home for 15 years has been a privilege. Owning a cabin on the North Fork is an even greater one. We live in a region that provides us with a myriad of outdoor recreational experiences that we all love. Our communities are safe. Neighbors are friendly. My car keys are usually in the ignition. We enjoy more than our fair share of the world’s clean water, air and wildlife.
Wind, snow wreak havoc on both sides of Divide
High winds on the west side and heavy snow on the east side of the Divide were causing havoc in the Columbia Falls area Tuesday.
How to save $21 billion a year
merica is upset with the mind-numbing salaries and bonuses being paid on Wall Street, but is unaware of one of the greatest income inequities in the U.S. It has been fostered by Congress for years, and our congressmen not only support it but they enlarge it annually.
Save the trees
Not too long ago, most of the trees were removed at the former Greenwood Trailer Court just south of the old North Valley Hospital. This was universally regarded as a disgrace to the city of Whitefish.
FWP defends mountain lion euthanization
The euthanization of a mountain lion found in Columbia Falls last weekend has caused a bit of a stir, as some folks claim the cat could have been saved.
The Budget Debate Ends
The debate over the budget took center stage as the Republicans and the Democrats squared off over how to fund the 8.1 billion dollar House Bill 2 and how to spend the 820 million dollar House Bill 645, also known as the Federal stimulus bill. The Republicans wanted a balanced budget by ensuring expenditures equal revenues and keeping a minimum of 250 million dollars in the ending fund balance. The Republicans justified their position by pointing to the almost one billion dollar drop in the ending fund balance from a year ago and an estimated 130 million dollar reduction in this year's tax receipts. The democrats viewed the existing 250 million ending fund balance as "money under the mattress' and were less concerned about balance as they were about funding the new initiatives. The Democrats justified their position by pointing to a 70 percent voter approved increase for Healthy Kids and a rising demand for public services in tough times. As the two sides clashed and vied for public support, a compromise was reached that addressed the two largest issues: Education and Healthy Kids.
'Cat netters top Bigfork
All three doubles teams earned victories, propelling Columbia Falls to a 4-3 boys win over Bigfork in the Wildcats' home opener Monday.
Glacier will see $17.5 million in stimulus money
Several projects in Glacier National Park will get a multi-million dollar shot in the arm from the recently passed economic stimulus bill.
James Stephens
James Bart Stephens, 83, passed away April 22, 2009, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.
Cast your vote for student achievement
On May 5, you will elect school board members for your local district. The vote you cast is vitally important.
Fire damages Columbia Falls garage
Help from neighbors and a fast response by the fire department likely helped save a Karen Road couple from disaster last week.
Legislature ending
he end of the 61st Legislature is drawing near. The majority of the bills that are going to pass have passed. What remains on the agenda are the budget, stimulus spending and property tax reappraisal.
Middle school hosts track meet
The Bigfork Middle School track team started their season last week by hosting a non-scoring meet Friday.
Thursday
The Whitefish Parks and Recreation Department will host a public meeting soliciting public comments for the development of a comprehensive parks and recreation master plan. The meeting will be held in the Whitefish City Council chambers on Thursday, April 30 (today) and in the library meeting room on Thursday, May 7, both dates from 7-9 p.m. Topics will include program services, park facility development and acquisition, trail development and urban tree management. For more information or a copy of the interest survey, call 863-2470 or e-mail
County to start Bigfork field upgrades
Baseball season starts this week in Bigfork, and despite a tightening of pocketbooks, the Flathead County Parks and Recreation Department is scrapping together funds to make some needed improvements to area fields.
BHS track teams making strides
Bigfork High School's boys and girls track teams continued to improve this week as many of the athletes had personal bests at the Stone Invitational Track Meet in Frenchtown on Saturday.
Twins fall to Lakers in season opener
The Glacier Twins AA team, under new head coach Billy Sapa, kicked off their 2009 American Legion Baseball season last Tuesday against the Lakers on Griffin Field in Kalispell.
Do I hear 30 dollars?
Some of Montana's tastiest — and spendiest — pies were on the auction block Friday night at the Swan River Hall, with some delicious offerings bringing in bids in the triple digits.
Council leaning toward mandatory housing program
The Whitefish City Council is leaning toward implementing mandatory inclusionary zoning for affordable housing, but they're still weighing how they want to proceed.
Letters to the Editor
Raptor thanks
Why I'm an optimist
The Trailwatcher / G. George Ostrom
Duane W. Mitchell, 89
Duane W. Mitchell, age 89, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell, Montana. He was born on December 8, 1919 in Polson, Montana to Everett and Uiva Hazel (Noel) Mitchell.
Lady Bulldog tracksters win Libby Invite
The Whitefish girls track team captured the overall team title at the Libby Invitational track meet on April 25 by a comfortable margin.
Tuesday, April 28
Cat's death sad
To the editor,
Women of Rollins unveil 'Montana Blossoms'
Every year, the Women of Rollins Club works through the fall, winter and part of the spring to create a unique quilt, which is then displayed at various events and establishments in the Flathead and raffled at the annual fireman's barbeque in July.
Wind, snow wreaking havoc on both sides of Divide
High winds on the west side and heavy snow on the east side of the Divide were causing havoc in the Columbia Falls area Tuesday.
Trees part of Marantette history
Years ago, County Commissioner Leon Lenon thought we should have a Forest Service ranger station in Columbia Falls.
Arbor Day, 2009
Vote for Barb Miller
I am voting for Barb Miller for a Lakeside Community Council seat on May 5 and I hope you will too!
County begins work on Ben Williams Park
It's been a long time coming, but last week a crew from the county parks department began work on Ben Williams Park in Lakeside.
Thursday
The Whitefish Parks and Recreation Department will host a public meeting soliciting public comments for the development of a comprehensive parks and recreation master plan. The meeting will be held in the Whitefish City Council chambers on Thursday, April 30 (today) and in the library meeting room on Thursday, May 7, both dates from 7-9 p.m. Topics will include program services, park facility development and acquisition, trail development and urban tree management. For more information or a copy of the interest survey, call 863-2470 or e-mail parksadm@cityofwhitefish.org.
Click photos to pause. - - Photos by David Erickson / Whitefish Pilot
Why I'm an Optimist
Few Americans remember the "Big Depression" of 1929. It was challenging but working together we recovered quite well. Recall my father losing his good job, car and home. Best job for awhile was Dad getting a dollar a day and gallon of milk working 10- to 12-hour shifts on a ranch.
Three candidates vie for community council seats
Jacob Doran / West Shore News
In the end, sides come together on budget
Looks like there is a solution to the budget debate. I am writing this on Sunday so it will have time to get into the newspaper, but the conference committee came to an agreement last Saturday.
'Cyberbullying' can be problem
Alan Robbins / For the Hungry Horse News
Jon Aubert
Jon Thomas Aubert "went home to Heaven to join his Father George J. Aubert" on Sunday, April 19, 2009.
Monday, April 27
Up to 14 more inches of snow expected from Essex to Marias Pass
Last week St. Mary saw about 10 inches of snow as a spring storm blew through. By Thursday morning, areas like Babb and Many Glacier could see up to two more feet of snow, according to the National Weather Service.
Thursday, April 23
Truck crashes on Highway 35 near Flathead Lake
FINLEY POINT — Just over a year from the Highway 35 tanker crash and spill on the East Shore that spurred millions of dollars in cleanup efforts, yet another "truck and pup" flipped off the side of the highway Monday morning.
WEB UPDATE: Commissioners vote 3-0 to adopt plan
More than four years of work culminated in less than seven minutes on Thursday morning when the Flathead County Commissioners made a brisk 3-0 vote to adopt a resolution to make the Bigfork Neighborhood Plan part of the county growth policy.
Bigfork Youth Baseball getting started
Spring is here and that means so is baseball season. Bigfork Youth Baseball has hit the fields and is gearing up for their opening games in the coming weeks.
Rowe tosses no-hitter; shuts out Libby
Morgan Rowe has come into her own in the pitching circle.
Bike ride brightened by lion in tree
A mountain lion in downtown Columbia Falls? For the past 19 years I've heard stories about such happenings, even stories about cougars taking small pets and stalking young children after hard winters.
The Week in Pictures April 16-23.
CLICK PHOTOS TO PAUSE. Photos by David Erickson / Whitefish Pilot.
Legislature prepares to compromise on changes
HELENA – After four months and more than 1,300 bills on subjects ranging from pancakes to the death penalty, the Legislature is heading down the homestretch, facing decisions this week on billions of dollars in spending and a measure to hold property taxes in check.
How to save $21 billion a year
America is upset with the mind-numbing salaries and bonuses being paid on Wall Street, but is unaware of one of the greatest income inequities in the U.S. It has been fostered by Congress for years, and our congressmen not only support it but they enlarge it annually.
Cheyenne Forsse, daughter of Brian and Dena Forsse of Bigfork, was born February 28, 2009 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. She weighed 8 lbs. 6 oz. and was 21 inches long.
She joins siblings Anthony, 15 years old, Victoria, 8 years old and Brendan, 6 years old.
Property-tax reappraisal could make recession worse
Unemployment in the Flathead Valley recently hit 12.2 percent, and a dozen other counties in the state are nearing or already in double-digit unemployment status. Contrary to what many believed, Montana was not immune to this downturn but just late in joining the recession — which next month will become the longest since the Great Depression.
Letter from the editor
Election time is upon us again
Sabo retains seat on school board
The Bigfork School Board voted to keep Denny Sabo on the board last Wednesday night, as Sabo was the only candidate running for his high school trustee seat.
A stimulus program for the Flathead
Thank you, Big Mountain (oops, I mean Whitefish Mountain Resort) for all the groomed runs, smiling faces at the lifts and other facilities, fresh air, beautiful views, and a lifetime of ski friends and good memories. Thanks from all of us.
Loves town as is
Next time I have to take the pickup or the van downtown, I’ll probably just drive the darn thing on to the stores where I can park close and not have to worry about punching a hole in another vehicle when I back out of my parking space. All you folks who drive a larger rig, go park off the main street ‘cuz a bunch of downtown merchants don’t want your outfits parked in front of their stores.
Vals tennis puts together strong week
The Bigfork girls tennis team won all three of their matches this week. They beat Whitefish 4-3 and Ronan 4-1 on Saturday in Whitefish and hosted Glacier on Monday and beat them 4-3. The boys team beat Ronan 7-0, but lost to both Whitefish and Glacier 6-1.
Possible hospital closures upsetting
It upset me when I first read that Shriners Children's Hospital in Spokane was one of six possibly scheduled for closure. It still does.
Collision
Bulldogs shaking the rust off their rackets
The Whitefish boys had a long day of tennis on Saturday, but they managed to beat both Bigfork and Ronan by the same score, 6-1, under sunny skies.
Prestegaard wins pole vault at Missoula invite
Whitefish pole vaulter Kaleb Prestegaard won his event at the Missoula County Invitational track meet on Saturday, clearing 14 feet even. The Bulldogs finished in fifth place out of 21 schools, with 50 points. They finished behind Corvallis in first place with 95 points but ahead of Glacier (44 points' and Flathead (43).
Glacier is primary draw for two-park visitors
Glacier National Park is the primary draw among tourists who come to Montana to visit both of the state's big national parks.
Blue Ponies leave Lady Bulldogs in the dust
The undefeated Havre Blue Ponies came to town on Saturday and took no mercy on the Lady 'Dogs, but the Whitefish girls at least got a chance to learn from a tough and talented softball team.
Don't believe pit hype
To the editor,
Kenneth Lytle
Kenneth Arthur Lytle, 86, passed away April 17, 2009, at The Springs at Whitefish from heart failure. He was born July 28, 1922, to Melvin and Ruth (Fry) Lytle in Somers.
Theater readies for open house, unveiling of new lobby
A walk down Electric Avenue these days yields a different view than it did at the start of last fall, with all eyes on the new face of the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts.
C-Falls thinclads win 21 of 32 events versus Libby
Columbia Falls won 11 boys events and 10 in girls competition in a dual against Libby on Tuesday at the CFHS track and field facility. It was a non-scoring meet, and places were awarded for the first four finishers in each event.
Letters to the Editor
Tea Party thanks
Columbia Falls girl dies from accident injuries
A 6-year-old Columbia Falls area girl died last Friday from injuries she suffered in a four-vehicle crash a day earlier on Montana 35 near McWenneger Slough east of Kalispell.
New housing starts decline
Construction of new single-family houses in Flathead County during the first quarter of 2009 were down 50 percent compared to the same period in 2008.
On the road with The Boss
Whitefish man has been Springsteen's sound engineer for almost 30 years
Misadventure with the Swan Rangers
My first adventures — be they in golf, football, snowboarding or driving in Los Angeles—have often been misadventures. And my first adventure with the Swan Rangers, last Saturday, was no exception.
Plum Creek to permanently close Pablo sawmill
Plum Creek Timber Co. today (Monday) announced it would permanently close its Pablo sawmill, and the future of its sawmills in Evergreen and Columbia Falls could be in doubt as well.
Hotels, resort see fewer ski-season visitors
With the nationwide economy in shambles, it should be no surprise that the local economy took a hit this winter with fewer people overall visiting town and the mountain.
How to Be Humble
Hold on to your hats! Just awhile back we discussed the problem of RUIs. i.e. horsemen "Riding Under the Influence." Then, scanning an old floppy disk from my news gathering days, look what I found!
Saying so long from the Legislature
We are now in our final week of the 61st session of the Montana Legislature. We are finalizing three very important bills at this time, HB 2 (state budget), HB 645 (stimulus bill) and HB 658 (mitigate reappraisal).
It is generational theft
I am writing to voice my concerns about the massive spending that is going on in Washington, D.C.
Select soccer champs!
Holly Barnes for the Pilot
'Kats win three against Whitefish
Columbia Falls picked up two wins in singles matches and one in doubles in a varsity girls tennis dual Tuesday at home against Whitefish.
Thursday
The American Red Cross will take its blood drive to the Whitefish High School on Thursday, April 23, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
No consensus on Jensen Road dust
A proposal to pave Jensen and Berne roads outside Columbia Falls came under heavy scrutiny at a meeting last week.
Tuesday, April 21
Plum Creek trims 39 more jobs
Plum Creek's employment base has been cut further. The company recently cut 39 employees in Montana, spokeswoman Kathy Budinick confirmed.
Community Club backs fund raiser for decoy patrol car
This month's meeting of the Lakeside Community Club brought with it a volley of discussion about the upcoming community fair, which raises money for a multitude of charities throughout the Valley.
Spoklie's West Glacier Gravel Pit
Have you been to the Spoklie pit? If not, kindly do so before signing on to Ms. Fagre's West Glacier hype (WSN letter 4/15/09) about how harmful this pit may be to Glacier National Park. This gravel pit does not border the park, as in-between lies private timbered lands, Burlington Northern railway, more forest lands, and the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Further, the "controversial" pit is located well inland of the river on a plateau that includes Spoklie's 35.4 acres, void of any streams or surface drainages. Pursuant to the legally binding agreement struck two years ago with the Flathead County, 11+ of Spoklie's 35 acres is to be maintained as a buffer zone for aesthetics, wildlife, and other values.
The Week in Pictures April 16-23.
CLICK PHOTOS TO PAUSE. Photos by David Erickson / Whitefish Pilot.
Thursday
The Columbia Falls Lions Club meets at 6:30 a.m. on the first and third Thursdays each month at the Back Room, in the same building as the Nite Owl Restaurant. Contact a Lions Club member for information about joining the organization.
Senate and House set to meet on differences
Just a couple more days. At this time it is difficult to determine the outcome of some of the highest profile bills in the '09 legislative session, even though they have passed both the House and Senate.
Somers teacher seeks Ravenwood experience for 6th graders
Growing up in the Flathead Valley affords area youth many opportunities that are inaccessible to children in other parts of the country.
Lakeside group seeks to extend Foys to Blacktail trails
Recent months have yielded much hype about the Foys to Blacktail Trails project, and many Lakeside residents have discussed creating an extension of the trail system that would reach the town itself. However, one Lakeside group plans to do more than discuss the subject.
Monday, April 20
Plum Creek trims 39 more jobs
Plum Creek's employment base has been cut further. The company recently cut 39 employees in Montana, spokeswoman Kathy Budinick confirmed.
Thursday
The Columbia Falls Lions Club meets at 6:30 a.m. on the first and third Thursdays each month at the Back Room, in the same building as the Nite Owl Restaurant. Contact a Lions Club member for information about joining the organization.
Mountain goats at goat lick (for full screen, click on four arrows at lower left).
Columbia Falls 6-year-old dies from injuries in Thursday crash
A 6-year-old Columbia Falls girl died Friday from injuries she suffered in a four-vehicle crash Thursday morning on Montana 35 near McWenneger Slough east of Kalispell.
Friday, April 17
Columbia Falls children, two others injured in four-vehicle crash east of Kalispell
Four people were injured Thursday morning in a four-vehicle crash on Montana 35 near McWenneger Slough east of Kalispell.
Columbia Falls thinclads post fast times, good marks at Flathead Time Trials
Eleven boys and nine girls were place winners in individual events for Columbia Falls High School at the Flathead Time Trials on Tuesday at Legends Stadium in Kalispell. The non-scoring meet was the first action of the season for the C-Falls thinclads.
Smith, Downen, Ruby re-elected to Flathead Electric Co-op board
Incumbents Emery Smith, Jay Downen and Alan Ruby have been re-elected to the Flathead Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees. Ballots were due at the offices of auditing firm JCCS by April 10, and FEC announced the election results Friday.
Parts of Sun Road, Two Medicine Road open to vehicles; Many Glacier Road remains closed
WEST GLACIER — Officials at Glacier National Park report that the Going-to-the-Sun Road (Sun Road) is currently open 10 miles to Lake McDonald Lodge on the park's west side, and six miles to Rising Sun on the east side. East side crews have cleared the roads into Many Glacier and Two Medicine Valley, but a melt-out period will be necessary before these roads can open for vehicle use. All other park roads remain closed to vehicles due to snow.
Thursday, April 16
Young Bigfork actor takes the stage in 'High School Musical'
It's been a while since fans of the Bigfork Playhouse Children's Theatre have seen one of the theater's veteran performers, Casey Brown, who was known for his role as the Wizard in the Wizard of Oz and Harold Hill in the Music Man Jr.
Wildkat netters win twice in doubles against Polson
Columbia Falls opened the girls tennis season Tuesday at home against Polson and earned wins in two of the three varsity doubles matches. The Pirates swept the four singles matches and took the dual, 5-2.
Local researcher keeps an eye on fastest falcon
Snowbirds of Bigfork are starting to make their way back to their summer homes, and a pair of Peregrine Falcons who live in the area just got back a few weeks ago themselves to the delight of the wildlife biologists who have been studying the birds for the past two years.
Montana Anniversary Stuff
Just read a majority of Americans aren't keeping up knowledge of history. That's not good. History is fascinating and here's a quick fix.
Lady Bulldogs fall to Wildkats
Things were looking good early, but the Lady Bulldogs couldn't keep up with the Wildkats and fell 8-16 in a chilly Western A softball meeting on Tuesday evening.
Thursday
The Whitefish Chamber of Commerce’s Gone Fishin’ social will be hosted by Mountain Lake Mortgage and Piggyback BBQ at the Piggyback BBQ restaurant, 102 Wisconsin Avenue, on Thursday, April 16, from 5-7 p.m. Food and drinks will be provided.
Columbia Falls thinclads post fast times, good marks at Flathead Time Trials
Eleven boys and nine girls were place winners in individual events for Columbia Falls High School at the Flathead Time Trials on Tuesday at Legends Stadium in Kalispell. The non-scoring meet was the first action of the season for the C-Falls thinclads.
Producers need to take a stance
A friend recently sent me an essay lamenting how 545 Americans (our President, Congress and Supreme Court) are ultimately responsible for the host of problems the other 300 million Americans are currently experiencing.
Efforts to boost money for CHIP, K-12 schools rejected in Senate
HELENA – State senators approved a state budget of nearly $8 billion last week, with Democrats trying and failing to insert more money for schools and for children's health insurance.
Not good for Whitefish
This letter-to-the-editor contains comments against the proposed development called The Banks of Whitefish to accompany the issues I voiced before voting against the project. Three other Whitefish City-County Planning Board members, including the chairman, voted against the project.
Eagle Bend off to a fast start
Eagle Bend Golf Course made it feel a little more like spring in the Flathead last week with their official start of the season on Wednesday.
Snow melting away on golf course
Course opening
Smith, Downen, Ruby re-elected to Flathead Electric Co-op board
Incumbents Emery Smith, Jay Downen and Alan Ruby have been re-elected to the Flathead Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees. Ballots were due at the offices of auditing firm JCCS by April 10, and FEC announced the election results Friday.
Dr. Hugh Rogers
Dr. Hugh Rogers 'reached the end of his earth's journey" on his birthday, April 1, 2009, due to injuries sustained in an airplane accident on the Hungry Horse Reservoir. Dr. Rogers was born in Concordia, Kan., on April 1, 1959, to Dr. Bob and Marjory Rogers.
With two weeks left, Mack Days nearing last year's totals
It was another great weekend of trout fishing on Flathead Lake for the 2009 Spring Mack Days.
C-Falls boys edged by Pirates, 4-3
Grant Getts, Vadim Zvyagelskiy and Parker Johnson earned wins for Columbia Falls in singles, but Polson won the other four matches and posted a 4-3 win over the Wildcats in their season opener Tuesday afternoon in Polson.
Teen saves brother from drowning
When an ordinary vacation turned into a nightmare life-or-death situation for a Whitefish family last week, the quick thinking and heroic actions of one young man made sure the story would have a happy ending.
Alice Rock-Shero
Alice "Pete" Rock-Shero, 86, passed away Friday, April 10, 2009, at her home in Columbia Falls.
Not representing Whitefish
On April 6, the Whitefish City Council made it very clear that they do not represent the merchants or citizens of Whitefish. They had received copies of the petition and signatures in each packet on March 31 which opposed the widening of the sidewalks, narrowing Central Avenue by three feet, also opposing the bulbouts and raised crosswalks.
Steering committee fills vacant seat
The Bigfork Steering Committee appointed Jim Lohse to act as the vice-chairman of the committee until October, filling the seat left vacant after the death of Elna Darrow in February.
A little Montana history lesson
G. George Ostrom
Tracksters start 2009 fast
The Whitefish track and field team kicked off their 2009 campaign on Tuesday at the Kalispell Time Trials.
School District won't float levy
Due to economic constraints on the community and the uncertainty of funding for the next biennium, Columbia Falls School District 6 trustees voted unanimously to cancel the May 5 elementary and high school district mill levy elections during Monday's regular board meeting.
Railroad District neighbors air concerns
Several residents and property owners addressed the Whitefish City Council on April 6 about their concerns over the future of Whitefish's downtown Railroad District.
Medical facility could go to Missoula
North Star Institute, a not-for-profit venture based in Whitefish, has announced it will not build a 24-bed comprehensive-treatment facility for eating disorders near North Valley Hospital.
Columbia Falls drops 11-3 softball decision to Polson
Polson built a 10-0 lead and cruised to an 11-3 Western A softball victory over Columbia Falls on Thursday in Columbia Falls.
Shriners evaluation Saturday
One of the highlights of the year for Flathead Valley Shrine Club members is the opportunity to help provide screening for youngsters for possible admittance into a Shriners Hospital for Children.
Cell phone use in schools now a dramatic issue
Dave Wick / For the Hungry Horse News
Scientists tracking migration to learn more about virus, birds
A couple of weeks ago, fields south of Columbia Falls were filled with tundra swans, making their slow trek north.
Voice of the Bulldogs
Randy Dawdy was the voice of the Bulldogs at baseball, football and basketball games for close to 30 years, and now he is facing his own challenge.
John Webster Cory, 88
John Webster Cory, 88 passed away peacefully at his home in Bigfork, MT, on Friday, April 10, 2009. Mr. Cory was born July 15, 1920 in Spencer, IA, to John W(William) Cory, Jr. and Arlene Webster Cory.
School funding proposal has local district worried
It's been four long months since Bigfork School Superintendent Russ Kinzer started working on the budget for the 2009-2010 school year, but decisions in Helena threaten to demand a rewrite.
Letters to the editorCelebrate Earth Day
Life as we know it could not survive without pollinators, those insects and birds that carry pollen from one blossom to another. And yet many pollinating species are in decline, especially the honey bee. Honey bees are not just for making honey! They are busy workers, pollinating orchards and crops around the globe, but they are not native to the Americas.
Letter from the editor
And so at last, it comes to this
Many Glacier, Two Medicine roads plowed
Glacier National Park plow crews have cleared the Two Medicine Road to the campground and the Many Glacier Road as well. Both roads could open to vehicles by the weekend, depending on the weather and snow melt. The Going-to-the-Sun Road could also open to vehicles to Avalanche by this weekend as well, though plans weren't finalized as of presstime.
Wildkats outslug Whitefish, 16-8
Pounding out 15 hits, Columbia Falls erupted for seven runs in the fifth inning, rallying for a 16-8 Western A victory over Whitefish on a cool, windy evening in Whitefish.
Plenty of work behind egg hunt
Don't blink at the start of Bigfork's annual Easter egg hunt, you might miss the whole thing.
Tuesday, April 14
Thursday
The Whitefish Chamber of Commerce’s Gone Fishin’ social will be hosted by Mountain Lake Mortgage and Piggyback BBQ at the Piggyback BBQ restaurant, 102 Wisconsin Avenue, on Thursday, April 16, from 5-7 p.m. Food and drinks will be provided.
Barbara Coppock: A story etched in time and art
Behind every artist, there is a story, which chronicles the journey, influences and challenges that shaped the individual.
Bigfork Easter Egg Hunt
Community council appoints members to new committee
The Lakeside Community Council met two weeks ago to appoint members to the newly formed Lakeside Town Center Committee, which will investigate the need to update and revise the existing zoning for the town center area of the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan.
Session coming to a close early in Helena
The 61st legislative session is finally winding down. The state has no huge surplus so things are different this time. If you've read my weekly session columns in the past, you know that I'm pretty careful with the taxpayer's money.
Letters to the editorLakeside park is a good thing
The proposed Lakeside Park is not a bad thing. Interestingly, we were entertained by Noel Bartlett's recent letter (WSN 4/8/09) telling us how harmful a Lakeside park would be for those with adjacent shoreline property and how hazardous it would be for swimmers because the near-shore area serves as a boat cruising lane. Apparently it is OK for the non-public to swim from the many private beach areas in Lakeside including Mr. Bartlett's multimillion dollar property, but if a property - God forbid - goes public, swimming instantly is just too dangerous.
Whitefish motel robbed
A man who escaped on motorcycle robbed the Holiday Inn Express on the U.S. 93 strip in Whitefish about 11 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7.
Draft plan almost done
After more than a year of intensive study, countless volunteer hours and an aggressive meeting schedule, the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan Committee is nearing completion of their draft revision of the neighborhood plan.
Where there's a will there's a way to chill it
Is it just me or do the Republicans in the Montana Senate seem a little schizophrenic? A couple of weeks ago they cut 15,000 kids from eligibility in the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIPS) because they said they didn't have the money (they did), and last week they passed three bills that would help the mentally ill in crisis situations even though they didn't have the money (they didn't). Well heck, just use the money they took from the kids' health care piggy bank.
Thursday, April 9
Plane crash kills Whitefish man
Northwest Montana News Network
North Fork makes Endangered Rivers list
On a bright blue day at Blankenship black bugs come off the water and land on your head and arms and hat. They would be annoying if they weren't such a good omen, because these black bugs are no ordinary bugs.
Downtown eyesores
Has any city official looked at the old Truby’s or Coaches Corner lately? They are both totally disgusting.
Not even pro sports are immune from hard times
I typically try to separate my sports from matters of the rest of the world, like family, relationships and money. However, I read an article the other day that mentioned that baseball is the newest thing to feel the crunch from the economy.
About Girl Wrestlers
The way I figure it, my youngest grandson had a good reason to be very concerned and confused the Saturday of March 28, 2009. He was facing a dilemma he had not imagined as a first year wrestler. In desperation he asked his father, "What should I do, Dad?"
Seven letter winners return for 'Kats
After postponement of the first two match dates, the Columbia Falls girls tennis team is scheduled to open the season next Tuesday, April 14 by hosting Polson. Action at Columbia Park begins at 3:30 p.m.
Lady Bulldogs fall to Libby in bitter cold
The Whitefish Lady Bulldog softball team kicked off their 2009 campaign under less-than-ideal conditions on Friday.
Fine weather gives Mack Days best weekend yet
Great fishing weather made the fourth weekend of the 2009 Spring Mack Days the most successful weekend so far in the seven weekend event.
Alternative view on Badger-Two Medicine issue
Looking southward from Red Crow Mountain in today's Glacier National Park, one is blessed with a view of the pristine landscape of the Badger-Two Medicine, which is nestled between the Continental Divide and the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. All Montanans can agree that the wild character of this area is inviting. But the eye does not capture the depth of its cultural significance.
Eagle Bend open for first rounds of the year
Winter weather may have kept the big day from coming sooner, but recent blue skies and warmer temperatures finally allowed Eagle Bend Golf Club to open all 27 holes and their practice facility yesterday, April 8.
Bigfork tennis sweeps Stevi, splits with Polson
The Bigfork boys and girls tennis teams found some success last Friday in Polson even though both teams were missing players who had left early for spring break. Both teams beat Stevensville 7-0, the boys beat Polson 4-3 and the girls lost to Polson 4-3.
Flocks descend on the Flathead
For a rare few weeks every year, there might be as many waterfowl in the Flathead Valley as there are people. That's certainly been true for the past few weeks, as volunteers and biologists have counted incredible numbers of migrating birds all across the Valley.
Doris Elaine Long, 78
Doris Elaine Long, age 78, passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at Brendon House in Kalispell, Montana. She was born on April 26, 1930 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Joseph and Susan (Mliner) Loss.
Swan cell service extended
Residents of the Swan Valley are a little bit closer to having cellular phone coverage, as provider Cellular One recently announced the construction of a new tower near Condon.
Letters to the Editor
Thanks, Brach
Whitefish man dies in plane crash
Hugh Rogers, 50, a popular veterinarian here in Whitefish, died Wednesday, April 1, after his plane crashed on the ice on Hungry Horse Reservoir about 35 miles south of the dam. There were no other people aboard the plane.
Daisy Fain
Daisy Fain, 67, of Norris, passed away March 21, 2009, at the Madison Valley Medical Center at Ennis.
'Cats have experience and youth
Able to get outdoors only twice during the first two weeks of the practice season and with the first two dates postponed, the Columbia Falls boys tennis team is anxious for its first outside competition. The Wildcats' duals against Bigfork last Thursday and Whitefish on Saturday were called off due to weather and court conditions.
Streetscaping goes forward without changes
After listening to nearly two hours of public comment at their April 6 meeting, the Whitefish City Council approved downtown streetscaping plans without any additional changes. The vote was 4-1, with councilor Turner Askew opposed and councilor Ryan Friel absent.
Migrating birds provide special spectacle
Driving across the north end of Flathead Lake along Highway 82 is never a letdown for scenery, but of late the prettiest 10 miles in the Valley have been especially amazing.
Two locals honored for tourism work
Two Whitefish residents took home top awards at the Governor's Tourism Conference in Helena last week
Bridge access bill wins approval
HELENA – The state House gave final approval last week to a bill that would allow anglers, floaters and hikers to gain access to the state's rivers and streams via public bridges on public roads.
City Council shoots down gun law
Taking a complete turn in direction, the Columbia Falls City Council has decided against a law change that would have allowed firing weapons in the city for special events.
Bigfork's 'Big Guns' get behind Flathead Tea Party
Unlike the events of December 16, 1773, no one was disguised when they attended the Flathead Tea Party last Saturday. Rather, it seemed that all 800 or so people at the event in Kalispell's Depot Park wanted their face to be seen and their voices heard.
In the news 50 years ago
Among the top news stories in Columbia Falls 50 years ago was Easter Sunday groundbreaking ceremonies for the new St. Richard's Catholic Church on Highway 40 West.
Erickson is 62nd First Lady of Whitefish
Meg Erickson is not used to being in the spotlight. She would rather focus on the hundreds of patients she and her staff help every year at Shepherd's Hand Free Clinic in Whitefish.
The 2009 Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt
Support for Badger-Two Medicine plan
To the editor,
Jazlyne Gabriellah Jetty
Jazlyne Gabriellah Setty, daughter of Tiffany Bruner and Joseth Jetty, of Whitefish, was born March 22, 2009 at North Valley Hospital.
Legislature winding down in Helena
The legislative session is drawing to a close. Both the main budget and stimulus bill have been transmitted to the Senate. They're reducing state spending to keep up with the declining estimates of Montana's tax revenue in these difficult economic times.
Hard choices
The daunting task before the Senate Finance and Claims Committee last Friday was the budget shortfall in the $8.1 billion House Bill 2.
Snowmobiling season winding down
The general snowmobiling season on 800,000 acres of the Flathead National Forest ended March 31, but several areas remain open for late-season snowmobiling as conditions permit.
Dr. Hugh Rogers
Dr. Hugh Rogers 'reached the end of his earth's journey" on his birthday, April 1, 2009, due to injuries sustained in an airplane accident on the Hungry Horse Reservoir. Dr. Rogers was born in Concordia, Kan., on April 1, 1959, to Dr. Bob and Marjory Rogers.
Barbara Coppock: A story etched in time and art
Behind every artist, there is a story, which chronicles the journey, influences and challenges that shaped the individual.
Thursday
The Columbia Falls Lions Club meets at 6:30 a.m. on the first and third Thursdays each month at the Back Room, in the same building as the Nite Owl Restaurant. Contact a Lions Club member for information about joining the organization.
Whitefish motel robbed
A man who escaped on motorcycle robbed the Holiday Inn Express on the U.S. 93 strip in Whitefish about 11 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7.
Randy Bocksnick: 45 years a barber, a photographer, a Columbia Falls icon
There was little fanfare. A half eaten bundt cake. A simple sign on white posterboard.
Finally, it's softball season
When the Columbia Falls softball teams open Tuesday at Whitefish, the Wildkats will be more than ready for their first outside competition of the season.
Legislators face the final bills
The legislative session is drawing to a close. House Bill 2 and the stimulus bill have been transmitted to the Senate for review. They are in the process of reducing state spending to keep up with the declining revenue estimates in these difficult economic times.
Tuesday, April 7
Thursday
Local historian Bob O’Neil will lead a discussion of “I Will Be Meat for My Salish, by Bon Whealdon, at The Museum at Central School’s History Book Club meeting on Thursday, April 9, at 6:30 p.m. at the museum, 124 Second Avenue East in Kalispell. Whealdon’s book provides an authentic window into life on the Flathead Indian Reservation through oral interviews conducted in the 1920s and 1930s and preserved by the Montana Writers Project. For more information, call 756-8381.
Legislature winding down in Helena
The property tax reappraisal sub-committee came up with a new term, "outliers." And, compared to the other 54 Montana counties, Lake County has the most outliers and Flathead County is second.
Storage project continues to fuel zoning discussion
Discussion about future zoning along Deer Creek Road, as well as in the scenic corridor of U.S. Highway 93 in the Lakeside neighborhood planning area, continued into last week with several community groups providing a forum for local residents to express their frustration over changes that have taken the community by surprise.
Proposed Lakeside Park a bad thing
Letters to the EditorLike most issues in life, there are two sides to every story.
Schweitzer speaks to Lakeside-Somers Chamber
Last Tuesday, West Shore residents and business people filed into the Vista Linda restaurant in Somers for a chance to hear a different kind of speaker than is usually recruited by the Lakeside-Somers Chamber of Commerce for their month meetings - the Governor.
Storage facility set to open in July
According to the owner of a recently cleared parcel on U.S. Highway 93, just north of Deer Creek Road, the boat and RV storage units now planned for the site should be completed and ready to rent in July.
Good things from Going-to-the-SunLetters to the Editor
Letters to the Editor
Last July, Montana and America celebrated the seventy-fifth anniversary of the opening of Going-to-the-Sun Road. In many ways, the story of the building of Going-to-the-Sun road is the story of early Montana: hard-scrambling men and women who risked life and limb to achieve a vision for a tomorrow that would be better than the past.
Saturday, April 4
Mat Cats runner-up at Little Guy State Wrestling Championships
Seven Columbia Falls athletes captured individual state titles, leading the Mat Cats to second place in the large team division of the Western Montana Little Guy Wrestling Championships on Saturday in the CFHS gym.
Thursday
The Columbia Falls Lions Club meets at 6:30 a.m. on the first and third Thursdays each month at the Back Room, in the same building as the Nite Owl Restaurant. Contact a Lions Club member for information about joining the organization.
Thursday, April 2
Easier-to-read Eagle hits the racks
In the 36 years the Bigfork Eagle has been serving the community, the paper has undergone countless changes in style, size and content. Today's edition features the latest of those changes; the paper you grabbed from your mailbox or off the rack is a bit narrower than usual.
VonFeldt, Woody to play in Down Under football games
Columbia Falls High School juniors Dustin VonFeldt and John Woody have been invited to represent Montana football in the 21st annual Down Under Sports Tournaments this summer in Australia. The tournaments span June 18-29.
The Good Old Days
GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News
Girls and boys tennis teams split openers
Whitefish Pilot
Plum Creek donates $60,000 to FVCC
Recognizing that its own staff cuts are at least part of the problem, Plum Creek has given $60,000 to Flathead Valley Community College for worker retraining.
Forgotten lakefront park may have a future
Whitefish Pilot
Head-on claims another Flathead trooper
For the third time in 18 months, a local Montana Highway Patrol trooper has died after being in a head-on crash while on duty.
BHS students collecting info on failed school bond
When Bigfork resident Chris Stubbins started a leadership program for high school juniors in 2007, she intended it to be a one-year program. The only problem was that once the year was up, the juniors didn't want to leave.
Whitefish man dies in plane crash
Hugh Rogers, 50, a popular veterinarian here in Whitefish, died Wednesday, April 1, after his plane crashed on the ice on Hungry Horse Reservoir about 35 miles south of the dam. There were no other people on the plane.
Playing guitar with prosthetic arm, Jenkins wins Colgate Country Showdown
Jonathan Jenkins entered the 28th Colgate Country Showdown on a whim.
Letters to the Editor
Words hurt
McLaughlin is coach of the year
Class A speech coaches from across Montana have chosen Pat McLaughlin, head speech and debate coach at Whitefish High School, as the 2009 Coach of the Year.
WEB UPDATE: One dead in plane crash on Hungry Horse Reservoir
Bigfork Eagle
Jensen, Porrovecchio to lead BHS
Matt Jensen and Matt Porrovecchio were named Bigfork High School's principal and activities director, respectively, for next school year at last week's school board meeting.
Travis Vandersloot
Travis Charles Vandersloot, 29, passed away Monday, March 23, 2009, as a result of an automobile accident near Somers.
Elmer Searle memories
G. George Ostrom / The Trailwatcher
Streetscaping ferment is good, consultant says
Whitefish Pilot
Are we 'too small to matter' in bailout fiasco?
One of the sore points almost everyone has about the bailout of the banks and companies is that they "are too big to fail." That was probably the most unfortunate choice of words that Bush's Secretary of the Treasury, Henry Paulsen, could have used when he decided to bail out AIG; so what are we — "too small to matter?" People I talk with feel that there is a perfectly legitimate way to handle those companies and that is the bankruptcy route. If it's the only recourse for the little guy, it should be good enough for the big guys.
Democratic hypocrisy
To the editor,
BHS track gears up for meet
There may still be snow on the ground, but that isn't keeping Bigfork High School's track and field team from preparing for their upcoming season.
Proposed storage facility ignites opposition
Deer Creek residents and those who travel U.S. Highway 93 between Somers and Lakeside were shocked on Tuesday morning to find heavy equipment busily clearing a 6.5 acre parcel just north of Deer Creek Road.
Whitefish veterinarian killed in plane crash on Hungry Horse Reservoir
A plane crash killed a Whitefish man Wednesday, rescuers discovered, after a satellite picked up a signal from an emergency locator transmitter that afternoon in Western Montana, according to the Flathead County Sheriff's Office.
BLUAC gives thumbs up to zone change request
The Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee voted unanimously to recommend approval for a zone change application for 55 acres on River Bend Road bordering the Swan River, from SAG-5 to SAG-20, which board members called a positive move.
Board gives neighborhood plan unanimous recommendation
Just two weeks shy of a full year since it first went before them, the Bigfork Neighborhood Plan got a unanimous recommendation for approval from the Flathead County Planning Board on Wednesday night.
Wrestlers fare well at state tourney
Bigfork Eagle
Wave Ryder swimmers do well at sectionals
Whitefish Pilot
Approval speaks volumes for plan
Letter from the editor
Circle of life provides meals
CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News
Collision claims the life of another trooper
Northwest Montana News Network
Elmer Ackroyd Searle, 90
Elmer Ackroyd Searle, age 90, passed away on March 24, 2009 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell, Montana. He was born in Magrath, Alberta, Canada on October 5, 1918 to Heber LeRoy and Susan Isabel (Ackroyd) Searle.
In West Glacier, support for four-day week
Plans to switch to a four-day week at West Glacier Elementary got a warm reception at a meeting last week.
Land trust hauls in $1 million grant for land acquisition
The Flathead Land Trust was awarded a $1 million federal wetlands grant last week for conservation along the Flathead River and the North Shore of Flathead Lake.
Columbia Falls Invitational opens track and field season Saturday
Mother Nature might not be very cooperative, but the track and field season is scheduled to begin Saturday at the Columbia Falls Invitational. It's a scored time trial meet that will include anywhere from eight to 15 schools. Events begin at 10 a.m., weather permitting.
Erin Thompson
Erin Julie Thompson, 35, was taken along with her unborn child and her 13-year-old son, Caden Odell, on March 19, 2009, as the result of a tragic automobile accident north of Kalispell.
Tax bills may not help Whitefish
Dud Mahler
House approves stimulus spending
HELENA – Last week the House approved a plan to spend millions in federal stimulus dollars, despite attempts from Republican legislators to change or reject the bill. The final vote was 64-35.
Mat Cats runner-up at Little Guy State Wrestling Championships
Seven Columbia Falls athletes captured individual state titles, leading the Mat Cats to second place in the large team division of the Western Montana Little Guy Wrestling Championships on Saturday in the CFHS gym.
Thursday
Eric Pei, Flathead Valley Community College Fulbright scholar-in-residence and visiting professor at Liaoning University, Shenyang, China, will speak about China Today at FVCC's Arts and Technology Building on April 2 at 7 p.m. The free event is part of FVCC's 17th annual Honors Symposium. For more information, call 756-3822 or visit online at
Canyon folks are neighbors
I feel I have to respond to the comment made by Mayor Mike Jensen at the Whitefish City Council work session concerning vendors.
Reward to stop graffiti
The staff of Whitefish Mountain Resort
Wednesday, April 1
Thursday
Eric Pei, Flathead Valley Community College Fulbright scholar-in-residence and visiting professor at Liaoning University, Shenyang, China, will speak about “China Today” at FVCC’s Arts and Technology Building on April 2 at 7 p.m. The free event is part of FVCC’s 17th annual Honors Symposium. For more information, call 756-3822 or visit online at www.fvcc.edu.
Photos, audio and slideshow by David Erickson / Whitefish Pilot
A final salute to fallen Montana Highway Patrol trooper Mike Haynes, 28 of Kalispell. He died March 27 from injuries sustained in a head-on crash with a speeding and alcohol-impaired driver in the wrong lane in the early morning hours of March 23. Funeral services were held at Glacier Memorial Gardens on March 31.
