Ellington

Week in pictures, Aug. 6

Week in photos

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.

Glacier Scenes IX

Mary Owens

Mary Olive Owens, 77, passed away on July 23, 2009, at her home in Martin City. She was born on Jan. 24, 1932, in Indiana, the daughter of Robert Harold Bergen and Letha Cooksey Bergen.

Raymond Murphy

Raymond Dennis Murphy, 72, of Plains passed away Thursday, July 23, 2009, following a motor vehicle accident. He was born Oct. 15, 1937, in Great Falls to Evelyn and Lee Murphy.

Rushed plan comes at too high a price

$1,500,000,000,000. That's the price tag of President Obama and Democrat Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi's new health care proposal. The plan that Democrats unveiled last week would spend $1.5 trillion dollars over the next 10 years as government attempts to frantically restructure our health care system. Despite the enormous price tag, this rushed plan would still leave up to 17 million Americans without health insurance and endanger the insurance coverage of millions more.

Tumbling tree narrowly misses Wagner home, garage

Beryl Wagner must be a really sound sleeper.

FDR touring cars will hit Sun Road

In 1934, the country was in dire straights. Unemployment was high. Wars loomed. But still, the President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, wanted to see this new road across Glacier National Park. The Going-to-the-Sun Road, they called it.

Thursday

Friday

Eleanore Wink

On a beautiful summer morning, Eleanore C. Wink, 89, passed away of natural causes on July 20, 2009, in Whitefish.

Wave trainer brings inspiration to the gym from Alaska's peaks

The Wave's newest personal trainer, Jason Hampton, has guided clients to some of the highest peaks in Alaska.

Raymond Murphy

Raymond Dennis Murphy, 72, of Plains passed away Thursday, July 23, 2009, following a motor vehicle accident. He was born Oct. 15, 1937, in Great Falls to Evelyn and Lee Murphy.

Alexander Joseph Crowley

Alexander Joseph Crowley, son of Hillary Smith and Jay Cowley, of Whitefish, was born July 12, 2009, at North Valley Hospital.

Glacier Park visits up in 2009

Coverage of The Event at Rebecca Farm

Cheers for Volunteers

Peter "Pete" Fauske volunteers at the Whitefish Community Center (formerly Golden Agers). He and Ardella, his wife of 55 years, have three children, nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She, too, volunteers at the center.

Rollins BBQ enjoys good weather, high praise

Sunday's 32nd Annual Buffalo and Turkey Barbeque in Rollins was hailed as another great success by organizers and patrons, despite a slight drop in attendance from last year.

High school sports start-up schedule

All individuals wanting to participate in a fall activity at Whitefish High School will need to have a current physical and a signed Whitefish High School activities release form before participating in an activity.

Let voters decide on Central

After attending several Whitefish City Council meetings to hear opinions on the downtown streetscape, I decided to address the city council to request that they allow the people to vote in November and hold off construction until spring.

Thanks to Burger King staff

To the editor,

No clear path at Lake Co. zoning meeting

After three years of work by a volunteer committee to investigate the possibility of zoning in north Lake County, the community still seems prepared to agree to disagree until more information is available.

After 20 years, 78-year-old calls it quits

Few people have as much history on the West Shore or have worked there as long as former Lakeside County Water and Sewer District secretary Lois Buck.

Mac Attack coming this weekend

The 11th Annual Great Montana Mac Attack hits the Flathead this weekend giving anglers the opportunity to compete for some of Flathead Lake's largest lake trout and $35,000 in cash and prizes.

Flathead shows support for wounded warriors

Bigfork welcomed three injured soldiers and an injured marine last week, after they arrived from Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio as part of an outreach program to help them readjust to civilian life called Wounded Warriors.

Montana forests face onslaught of pine beetles

We are in the midst of a dramatic transformation of the forested landscape in many parts of Montana. Thousands of acres of pine forests — which had been a continuous sea of green — are now mottled with an ever-increasing number of bright red trees.

Veterans' Cemetery gets $150,000 makeover

Sun Road construction goes to night work

Public restrooms needed downtown

At the July 20 Whitefish City Council meeting, Whitefish Chamber of Commerce president Sheila Bowen expressed the observation by many citizens and visitors that Whitefish does not have a public toilet anywhere downtown.

Thanks for help with dog

This last weekend, out on my walk, a dog that was being walked with the owner bit me. The owner did not give me any information of who she was or where she lived. I did report the incident to the Whitefish Police Department, and they started looking for her.

Former C-Falls man killed in Plains wreck

Matt Unrau / For the Hungry Horse News

Surynt, Johnson, Nystuen, Monaghan win Boogie titles

It was a record turnout for the Glacier Bank Boogie to the Bank in Columbia Falls. A total of 441 runners and walkers participated in the Heritage Days event on a warm Saturday morning.

Cell tower near Glacier Hills draws ire

Driving through Hungry Horse is the first time it becomes obvious.

The downtown parking puzzle

For the past few years since I bought the building the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce and Whitefish Real Estate occupies, I have paid for three parking spots — two for the chamber and one for WRE. These spots are next to our office and where Big Mountain Tire stood.

Letters to the Editor

Band-Aid not enough

Bigfork Boy Scouts have the run of Melita Island

Summer is the season eagerly awaited by the entire Scouting world all year long, as a time of hiking, camping and earning as many merit badges as possible.

Candidate states positions

After giving this much thought and consideration, I am running for the Whitefish City Council. I am a father to three young children whom my wife and I have chosen to raise in the city of Whitefish for all it has to offer.

Where's the Bears?

Am going to question a few Glacier Park policies this week. Time has come to do my job … again.

Shodair Soccer Classic showcases Whitefish's best

The 10th annual Shodair Soccer Classic took place in Helena on Saturday, with the games showcasing the best graduates from A and AA high school teams across the state.

Somers reunion promises good friends, good memories

Jacob Doran / West Shore News

Local paddler back from global kayak trip

David Meyers started kayaking the Swan River near his Bigfork home half a lifetime ago — well half of his 18 year-old life that is — and his passion for the sport recently took him on a trip to the other side of the world.

Letter from the editor 

Following the light easy in Montana

Officers now two-wheelin' through town

Fire chars Haskill Basin home

Cherry glut could soften market

With lots of fruit on the trees here in Montana and a bumper crop in Washington state, growers may well decide to leave some Flathead Lake cherries unpicked this season.

Good government supports growth

I have recently had the privilege of serving as the interim CEO of Montana West Economic Development. I had previously served on that board of directors for several years, served 10 years as the chairman of the Job Service Employers Committee and served on the State Workforce Investment Board for six years.

3-on-3 hoop tournament champions crowned

Teams from Columbia Falls took home most of the hardware in the Heritage Days 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament held Saturday. The tournament was sponsored by the Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

Dale Duff in his Cadillac touring car. (Chandler Melton photo)

FDR touring cars will hit Sun Road

Jetskier injured in crash

A 49-year-old man from Nevada was seriously hurt on Friday, July 24, when his personal watercraft collided with his friend's craft about 300 yards off City Beach.

Mary Owens

Mary Olive Owens, 77, passed away on July 23, 2009, at her home in Martin City. She was born on Jan. 24, 1932, in Indiana, the daughter of Robert Harold Bergen and Letha Cooksey Bergen.

City to repeat Central Ave. experiment

The city hopes to begin reconstruction of Third Street from Spokane to Baker this fall, followed by Central Avenue from Second to Third in the spring, and the city must advertise for bids soon.

Lakeside shows support for wounded warriors

Lakeside welcomed three injured soldiers and an injured marine last week, after they arrived from Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio as part of an outreach program called Wounded Warriors to help them readjust to civilian life.

Bigfork Relay for Life brings in big bucks

Paul Sullivan Jr. was too young to remember the day that he and his family found out he had cancer. Nor does he remember the emergency surgery he had to travel from Missoula to Salt Lake City for, or the news he was given that he more than likely wouldn't live. But his mother Mary and father Paul do, and at the opening ceremonies of Bigfork's Relay for Life on Friday evening Mary shared that tragic tale of hope, that thankfully came with a happy ending.

Final plan meeting goes smoothly

The Lakeside Community Council held a public meeting last Tuesday to gather community input and provide additional opportunity for residents and landowners to offer public comment on the recent revision and update of the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan.

Letter from the editorWisdom from the world's oldest

It was recently announced that a Great Falls man, Walter Breuning, is now the world's oldest at 112.

Cyclists feast at Pig Farm race

The grilled hot dogs may have been sidelined at the Granja del Cerdo mountain bike race on Saturday, but local cyclists kept things cooking on the single track anyway.

Alfred Binnie

Dearly loved Alfred E. "Alf" Binnie, 89, passed away at Brendan House with his wife Joan at his side on July 17, 2009.

2009 Lakeside 5K results by time

15:43 Carl Nystuen, Lakeside

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.

Bee Hive gets go-ahead on assisted living center

The Columbia Falls City Council Monday chose to keep a buffer between residents and an assisted living center.

Sick Pony reunites locals for summer of music

Community events

On personal interests

Personal interests ranging from Lions clubs to Shriners Hospitals for Children to class reunions form paragraphs for my column this week.

Mount Aeneas: The best short hike

One of the very first glimpses of the Flathead Valley I ever received from higher elevations came while on a hayride to the Jewel Basin.

The 'Other' Indian Wars

American Indians, i.e., Native Americans, have a right to harbor ill will against the whites who came to this continent and successfully waged war against them for the ages old reason, "territory." There was never any doubt as to eventual winners because the whites had better weapons and there were more of them. Crow Chief Plenty Coups and a few others realized that fact and adjusted their tribe's strategy accordingly.

Sue Libby

Sue Libby, 76, peacefully lost her eight-year battle with congenital heart disease July 19, 2009. She was born in Wenatchee, Wash., April 24, 1933.

Letters to the Editor

Parade and health care

Gillnetting lake trout will kill bull trout

I read with great interest the recent opinion regarding native fish by Chris Schustrom, the Trout Unlimited representative in the Flathead Valley. Schustrom's letter was long on emotion but short on real facts. I would like to clarify several issues, but please, go to the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Park Web site and read the environmental analysis for Swan Lake and learn for yourself.

Critical areas ordinance is a tax

I have been an enthusiastic resident of the City of Whitefish for more than 37 years, deeply involved in the development of the Grouse Mountain and Lion Mountain subdivisions. I have worked closely since then with every city council, planning board and architectural review committee that has governed this wonderful town.

Glacier 15-year-olds place fourth at state

Glacier's 15-year-old Babe Ruth team fell short in its quest for a state title as the all-stars finished fourth at the state tournament last weekend in Havre.

Student athlete health testing

Nothing brings a community or school together more than our area sports and the athletes that participate in them. It doesn't matter if it's a Little League baseball game, Rotary basketball, soccer game or the Friday night high school football game being played under the lights.

Community band continues in 40th year

The Glacier Symphony may get much of the Valley's musical attention, but this year marks the 40th anniversary of one of the Flathead's best-loved traditions: The Flathead Community Band.

Mobile vendor regulations approved by council

New regulations for temporary mobile vendors were approved by the Whitefish City Council at their Monday meeting. The vote was 4-1, with councilor Nancy Woodruff in opposition.

Cheers for volunteers

Bill Baldwin, a Whitefish resident since age five, does his volunteering at the North Valley Food Bank, in Whitefish.

Dog park

Well, it looks to me like there is one "development" in Whitefish that is pretty much making everybody happy — and then some.

Festival Amadeus returns to Whitefish

The Glacier Symphony and Chorale will present Festival Amadeus — six days and nights of music and events in Whitefish from July 27 through Aug. 1.

District 6 plans to use funds for track

Fundraising goes hybrid

Private eye to investigate planning office

A private investigator will look into alleged wrongdoings by Flathead County Planning Director Jeff Harris and the office he oversees after county commissioners voted last Thursday to sign a $5,000 contract with Moonlighting Detective Agency.

Glacier Babe Ruth just shy of state title

Glacier's 15-year-old Babe Ruth team fell short in its quest for a state title as the All-Stars finished fourth at the state tournament last weekend in Havre.

Local taxi business picks up last fare on Saturday

The city of Whitefish lost local taxi service on Saturday evening.

MASH star Jamie Farr headlines NVH fundraiser

Bissell science teacher win national award

Spending stimulus money

To the editor,

Heritage Days buttons worth total of $300

There's a secret to this year's Heritage Days buttons. A secret that could mean cash for a few lucky button owners.

City begins search for new fire chief

The City of Columbia Falls is determining whether or not to hire another full-time fire chief.

Whitefish U-11 All-Stars win state tourney

Speak softly and carry a big… glove?

Emily Guinevere Davis

Emily Guinevere Davis, daughter of Amanda and Michael Davis, of Kalispell, was born July 6, 2009, at North Valley Hospital.

Heritage days

Gore back as Rollins fire chief

This year there is reason to celebrate at the annual barbeque as a former Rollins fire chief has returned to the office. Longtime fire chief Terry Gore, who stepped down about five year ago after serving eight years in the office, agreed to take up the mantle once again and was installed as chief of the Rollins fire department in late June. That news has a lot of people excited.

Prep all-stars head for state tourney

With a grueling all-star schedule behind them, the Glacier Prep team is back in action this week at the state tournament in Great Falls.

Blaze chars Haskill Basin home

A fire ripped through the home of Whitefish resident Tracey Thomas early Wednesday morning, leaving the interior of her two-story Haskill Basin Road house charred and uninhabitable.

Week in pictures July 30

Rollins readies for 32nd annual BBQ

The events of last weekend included more happenings than one person could attend in a day, but the fun isn't over yet, because the last Sunday of July is the annual Buffalo and Turkey Barbeque in Rollins.

Triplett focused on national bull riding title

Matt Triplett of Columbia Falls stood solidly in second place after the first round of bull riding at the National High School Rodeo Association Finals this week in Farmington, N.M.

Staying afloat

Using an oversized stick for balance, Carl Motes-Conners leans into the current of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River.

Bigfork ready for biggest bash of the year

The Bigfork Festival of the Arts is often referred to with superlatives. The best in the Valley. One of the finest in the West. And this year — without a doubt — the biggest festival ever.

Glacier Summer

Get the facts on fishing in Flathead, Swan

Mike Howe/ For the Hungry Horse News

The Puppy Paternity Suit

Never owned a wire haired terrier before, but we're learning fast … they are agile. "Amy" is 5 years old and can clear three feet standing flat footed or dive through a six-inch crack between fence boards at top speed. She did that this week chasing a black rabbit out of our yard. That is why Ol' George is busy putting netting on two hundred feet of our fence, and that is why I'm reaching back to rework a column from 25 years ago:

Alpine vistas abound from Six Mile Trail

There is no shortage of visually stunning trails in the Swan Range, which is not to say that they're all accessible by early July, since snowshoeing can be tricky in wet snow.

Reservation wildlife board meets July 22

The Flathead Reservation Fish and Wildlife Board will meet on Wednesday, July 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Polson City Library at 2 First Av. East in Polson. Major items on the agenda include bird hunting regulations, and the FWP state 2008 accomplishments and planned 2009 projects report. According to Board Chairman Sid Rundell, the public is encouraged to attend and ask questions or express their views.

Showthyme fund-raiser key for Abbie Shelter

For more than a decade, Blu and Rose Funk have held a dinner each November to benefit Kalispell's Abbie Shelter for battered women and children, but because of the limited space, they could only host 56 guests. This summer, for the first time, the Funks have changed the format to a less formal burger and ice cream social affair and their hopes for participants have increased significantly.

Letter from the editor

Finally feeling like summer

Big Blooms

Bear grass going gangbusters in Glacier this year

Twins heats up at Sapa-Johnsrud tourney

The Glacier Twins made an inspirational run at the Sapa-Johnsrud Memorial Tournament in Whitefish last weekend, finishing in second place after falling to Lethbridge 0-11 in the championship game.

West Shore's Big Weekend

County dust program not as advertised

The Flathead County Commissioners and the county road department have pulled a true "fast one" regarding their cost-share dust-control program.

Mildred Emerson

Mildred Hardie Emerson, 84, died July 10, 2009, at her home near Columbia Falls.

Glacier 14s win state Babe Ruth crown

Getting revenge from a first-game loss, the Glacier 14-year-old Babe Ruth all-stars captured the District 1 Tournament title with a 10-4 victory over Bozeman on Sunday in Bozeman.

Glacier Twins earn second in Sapa-Johnsrud Memorial

The Glacier Twins made an inspirational run at the 25th annual Sapa-Johnsrud Memorial Tournament in Whitefish last weekend, finishing in second place after falling to Lethbridge 11-0 in the championship game.

Bigfork High School gets new coat of paint, drainage system

The sounds of students may be gone, but there's plenty of racket this summer at Bigfork High School as multiple construction projects are under way while the classrooms are empty.

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.

Lakeside ready for annual fair on Saturday

Typically, the third Saturday of July is the busiest day of the summer, and with a lineup of events like those planned for this weekend, it is sure to be one of the busiest yet.

Man drowns in Glacier Park's Swiftcurrent Lake

A Pennsylvania man drowned in Glacier Park's Swiftcurrent Lake early Tuesday morning after the canoe he was in flipped.

Skate park proposed in Lakeside

A West Shore resident and former professional snowboarder laid out an ambitious plan for a new skatepark in Lakeside earlier this month, but the Lakeside Area Park Committee was lukewarm on the proposal.

Student-athlete health should be top priority

Nothing brings a community or school together more than our area sports and the athletes that participate in them. It doesn't matter if it's a little league baseball game, rotary basketball, soccer game or the Friday night high school football game being played under the lights.

First Descents Camp

Crews put Old Airstrip Fire 'dead out'

Farmers market enjoys new location

Blackfork upsets defending champs in Glacier Challenge

The fastest time in the seventh annual Glacier Challenge multi-sport race in Whitefish on Saturday, July 11, was posted by the Blackfork team.

Triplett headed for national finals

It's not the bull you draw at the National High School Rodeo Association Finals, it's how you ride him.

Bigfork players make big contributions at tourneys

Glacier's 15-year-old Babe Ruth All-Stars fought back from two early pool play losses and finished second in the district tournament last weekend in Ronan and Polson. Kalispell American League outscored Glacier 9-7 in Sunday's championship game.

Whitefish Credit Union's Charlie Abell to retire in August

In 1965, Big Mountain was 18 years old, Whitefish was generally a logging and railroad community, and over at the Whitefish Credit Union, Charlie Abell was earning $350 a month as a collector.

Elmer Fauske

Elmer Allen "Spick" Fauske, who became ill in 2007 and went to the Montana Veterans Home, where he enjoyed teasing the staff of angels, left us with a shower of fireworks on July 4, 2009.

Glacier opts for solar power at Logan Pass

Memories of Lake McDonald Lodge

Kayak camp a haven for cancer-stricken youth

It's not uncommon to see a group of kayakers making their way down the North Fork, but the 30 or so kayakers paddling last Thursday weren't just any group. They were First Descents campers and volunteers.

Glacier All-Stars win state baseball championship

For members of the U-14 Glacier All-Stars baseball team, it was deja vu all over again.

School board chooses new high school principal

Whitefish High School has a new principal. The school board approved the selection of Dave Carlson at their Tuesday, July 14, meeting.

Twilight zone or power grab?

To the editor,

MFMU vows to take case to Supreme Court

Montanans for Multiple Use could appeal its case against the Forest Service to the U.S. Supreme Court, the organization announced last week.

Thanks to schools

In response to Robert Graham's editorial about Whitefish High School in the June 25 Whitefish Pilot, I would like to add my thoughts.

Reunions mean memory lane trip

Many class reunions underway in Columbia Falls will certainly bring a lot of memories to the forefront.

Whitefish stimulus cash defended on Senate floor

Fire Safe Council wants to help community be proactive about wildfires

Adeline Everin

Adeline Everin, 84, a longtime resident of Columbia Falls, passed away on July 3, 2009, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish. She is survived by her husband, Basil; daughters, Diane Allen and Vicky Fisher; and grandsons, Brett Fischer and Clayton and Tyler Allen.

Helen C. Anders, 93

Helen C. Anders, age 93, passed away Thursday July 2, 2009 at her hospice residence in Kirkland, Washington. Helen was born June 14, 1916, in Oldham, South Dakota to the Reverend Andrew K. and Belle Lundy Gaard. She grew up in Slater, Iowa, where her father was a Lutheran pastor and graduated from high school in Cylinder, Iowa. Helen attended Waldorf College, Forest City, Iowa. There, she met a handsome young music student named Wilbur Anders. The two of them transferred to St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota, and after graduation, they were married in Cylinder, Iowa on June 30, 1939. Helen and Wilbur relocated to Bozeman where the two of them began their lifelong vocation as dedicated school teachers. In Bozeman, their son Jon was born in 1943. They also lived in Washington State for several years before returning to Montana in 1957, where they began teaching at Bigfork High School. It was here that their daughter Deborah was born in 1958. Helen taught English for 23 years before retiring in 1980. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Harlan, and husband Wilbur who passed away in 1990. Helen is survived by her children Jon Anders and wife Nukhet of Hamilton, MT; Deborah Eliasen and husband Mark of Kirkland, WA; grandchildren David Anders of New York City, Deniz Anders of Seattle, WA; Anders and Morgan Eliasen of Kirkland, WA

Discovery Regatta sets sail Saturday

On July 18, 2009 Discovery Developmental Center will again be "Sailing into the Future" in a benefit regatta hosted by the North Flathead Yacht Club. Join past and present friends and family of Discovery, members of the NFYC and families, and many other community families and businesses in this sixth annual benefit for Discovery.

Flathead Monsters going to nationals

Flathead Monsters are headed to the U-16 "A" Western Nationals in Phoenix, Ariz. The pool play games will begin on July 27 with double elimination play beginning on July 30. This is a four-game guarantee tournament with college coaches in attendance. The Flathead Monsters are mostly comprised of girls from Whitefish, Glacier, Flathead and Columbia Falls high schools. The team has gone 14-7-1 this season and is looking forward to great competition and college exposure in Arizona. A car-wash fundraiser for the team will be held Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at SunShine/Whitefish Auto Glass in Whitefish on the U.S. 93 strip. The team hopes to raise $3,000 to $5,000 to cover expenses. Team members include coach Alan Compton, coach Lance Mortensen, Hailey Mortensen, Heather Bailey, Madison Tveidt, Bailey Tveidt, Kaitlyn Wehrli, Niki Birky, Madison Sandefer, Casidee Skiles, Christyne Hanson, Jessie Compton, Amanda Dunlap and Erin Fitzsimmons.

Bigfork teen lost, found in Jewel

Bigfork Eagle

The week in photos

BNSF to halt property purchases

In an attempt to mend fences with frustrated locals, railroad officials last week announced an end to property acquisitions in downtown Whitefish and a new tack the company hopes will improve relations and move pollution clean-up efforts forward.

Cheers for Volunteers

Mimi Beadles discovered this area through a summer job in Glacier National Park. Her love of animals prompted her to open what has developed into the Flathead Spay and Neuter Task Force.

Kenneth Ritter

Kenneth G. Ritter, 69, died Saturday, July 11, 2009, at his home in Columbia Falls. He was born at Sidney on March 20, 1940, the son of George and Gertrude Ritter. The family moved to Great Falls when he was a young boy where they had lived at the Great Falls Meat Packing Plant. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

Letters to the Editor

Finding peaceThe Chinese government continues to display an unreasonable and unworthy suspicion of freedom of conscience and restricts independent religious expression. We hear alarming reports of the detention of worshipers and religious leaders, with churches and mosques vandalized or demolished. Traditional religious practices in Tibet have long been the target of especially harsh and unjust persecution. For the past 10 years adherents of the Falun Gong spiritual movement have been singled out for arrest and abuse.

Adeline Everin

Adeline Everin, 84, a longtime resident of Columbia Falls, passed away on July 3, 2009, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish. She is survived by her husband, Basil; daughters, Diane Allen and Vicky Fisher; and grandsons, Brett Fischer and Clayton and Tyler Allen.

Farmer's Market - by the numbersRising Sun serving beveragesNelson Technologies mixes old and new

Mobile restaurant serving up Filipino fare

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.

Man drowns in Swiftcurrent Lake in Glacier Park

A 22-year-old former Glacier Park Inc., employee drowned in Swiftcurrent Lake on the east side of Glacier National Park early Tuesday morning. The body of James R. Greene of Harrisburg, Pa., was located shortly before noon about 20 feet from shore in about eight feet of water.

Glacier Scenes VII

Photos of the Week

Farmer's Market - by the numbers

Nelson Technologies mixes old and new

Inside North Fork Road open

Glacier National Park officials announced the opening of the Inside North Fork Road to all traffic as of mid-morning Friday, July 10. The Inside North Fork Road is the Park's oldest, built in 1901 when oil was struck near Kintla Lake. The Inside North Fork Road is a 28-mile narrow, bumpy, gravel road between Fish Creek and Polebridge, providing access to some of the Park's most pristine wilderness areas.

Possible drowning in Glacier Park

Glacier National Park officials are investigating a possible drowning at Swiftcurrent Lake on the Park's east side. Rangers were notified about 3:30 a.m. Tuesday that two males had been canoeing on Swiftcurrent Lake. The canoe reportedly tipped over at about 3 a.m. Both males reportedly attempted to swim to shore, but only one person made it safely. The other person was missing, and possibly drowned.

Council extends comment period

The Lakeside Neighborhood Plan Committee presented a summary of comments received on the draft Lakeside plan revision to the Lakeside Community Council, last Tuesday, having made a number of changes to the draft based upon those comments.

Big money rolls in for sewer project

By the time the dust — and the paperwork — settled after this spring's Montana Legislature in Helena, the view from the Bigfork Water and Sewer Department was decidedly green. More than $1 million in grant money had been awarded for the next phase of its plant upgrades.

Famous Swan Lake canoe shop a family business

Parade float winners

Whitefish man killed in boating accident

Bigfork Eagle

Two Bear races have new name, new director

The fifth annual Two Bear Marathon and Half Marathon will take place on Sunday Sept. 13, with start times at 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. respectively.

Roland Franklin Koons

Roland Franklin Koons, 79, went to be with the Lord on July 2, 2009 after a courageous battle with acute leukemia, with his loving wife at his side.

Stimulus savior: District 6 gets $1.87 million

Saved by the stimulus, you might say.

John Ost

John Christ Ost, 58, passed from this life June 26, 2009, at his home in Denver.

Not too late to change downtown plan

Today, I received in the mail an announcement from Robert Peccia and Associates regarding the Whitefish Downtown Infrastructure Improvements Project with their "Project Update." What I found of particular interest and motivation to write this letter was the information provided regarding the Third Street design.

Thursday

Alpine Theatre Project will present its first musical of the season with the regional premiere of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” The multiple Tony Award-winning comedy will be performed in the Whitefish Middle School auditorium from July 9-26 at 8 p.m. on Tuesdays-Saturdays and at 6 p.m. on Sundays. The musical chronicles the experiences of six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling bee championship of a lifetime and stars Betsi Morrison, Jodi Kimura, Nick Spear, Rebecca Spear, Mickey Fisher, Jarran Muse, Ryan Appleby, Charissa Bertels and Ron DeStefano. For tickets, call 862-7469 or visit online at

Old Airstrip Fire burning on Crane Mountain

 A lightening-caused wildfire has burned about 10 acres above Woods Bay since it started Sunday afternoon, but low temperatures and high humidity have aided firefighters in getting a handle on the blaze, according to the Forest Service's Swan Lake District Fire Officer Brad Gillespie.

Krause, Ray and McConnell strong at July 4th tournament

The annual Fourth of July tournament was completed last Saturday with new champions recognized for their excellent play. University of Montana standout Rose Stepanek claimed the ladies title by a six-shot margin, while University of Washington team member Jens Braght finish four ahead of his nearest competitor.

Letter from the editor

Parade spectacle doesn't disappoint

12U all-stars third in Firecracker Invitational

Bouncing back from their first loss of the all-star season, the Columbia Falls 12U team routed Trail, B.C., 9-1 to claim third place in the Firecracker Invitational last weekend in Kalispell.

Health plan needs a fair hearing

After 60 years of suffering the enormous, costly inequities in private health insurance, Congress finally recognizes that only a common effort, led by the national government, can reform what is an obsolete, broken health-insurance model.

Commends candidates for city council

I commend the five candidates who have filed to run for the Whitefish City Council. Their willingness to step up to the plate and commit the time and effort to make this community better are admirable, particularly because these will not be easy jobs.

Planning department has let citizens down

Recent guest editorials have attempted to shape the discussion on the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan and the Somers Plan effort as anti-planning verses planning. That argument is out-dated, trite and misses the whole point of the discussion. It couldn't be farther from the truth and those individuals fostering this viewpoint should be ashamed of themselves.

Cheers for Volunteers

Jack Dunne volunteers at the Stumptown Historical Society's Whitefish Museum. Upon meeting him, you will quickly learn that he is a native Montanan and raised "Butte Irish," that his wife Audrey is deceased, and that he has three daughters, six granddaughters and three great grandchildren, the last of which is "finally a boy."

Noah James Newbury

Noah James Newbury, son of Kyle and Sydni Newbury, was born June 25, 2009, at North Valley Hospital.

Glacier 15 all-stars nearly win tourney title

Oh, so close.

Council election heats up

A last-minute filing has turned the Columbia Falls City Council election into a race.

Commissioners hear case against Harris

Allegations of wrongdoing on the part of Flathead County planning director Jeff Harris intensified last Wednesday, when former Flathead County Commissioner Dale Williams and Kalispell attorney and mayoral candidate Tammi Fisher joined the efforts of American Dream Montana to force Harris' resignation or dismal.

Hard to-pronounce-hike produces big views

Some lakes have names that are descriptive and easy to remember—like Scenic Lake, Crystal Lake, Spruce Lake, Goat Lake, Mirror Lake, Strawberry Lake and countless others that come to mind. Unless you are fluent in tribal dialects Otokomi Lake is not likely to be remembered as one of those, but it does make for a decent hike and backcountry camping destination.

Lakeshore regs approved with nine changes

Whitefish Pilot

Bigfork student restores dad's sailboat for senior project

When Jennifer Wirth had to select a topic for her senior project she knew right away what she wanted to do, restore her father's old sailboat. Her father, however, wasn't so keen on the idea.

Emergency services face budget pressures

Idaho Timber plant to close permanently; 26 will lose job

Mother's Power uses sun and wind

"I'm powered by the sun this afternoon," Brad Lee told the crowd at the Farmer's Market last week.

Dorothy Steele

Dorothy Mollie Steele, 89, passed away Saturday June 20, 2009, in Kirkland, Wash. She was born on March 27, 1920, in Hope, N.D., to Andrew and Augusta Nygaard.

FWP seeking comment on Flathead Lake parcel

Bigfork Eagle

Letters to the Editor

Celebrating right

Jack Tillman

Jack L. Tillman, 75, died July 4, 2009, at his Columbia Falls home, after a few years illness.

Man killed in boating accident

A Whitefish man was killed and his wife seriously injured when their boat was struck following the Fourth of July fireworks display in Lakeside.

Paul A. Hansen, 78

Paul A. Hansen, age 78, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at his residence in Bigfork, Montana. He was born on April 12, 1931 in San Francisco, California the son of Paul and Ina (Rasmussen) Hansen.

Names in news past

Names are always news so I am capitalizing on this theory for a column. Perhaps some of these former students will be attending Heritage Day class reunions.

The Worst Birthday

Some birthdays can never be forgotten … others never recalled. Most of us are like that. "First Wife Iris' gave a big party last year, so I can remember that one pretty well. Since then when people ask, "How are you doing George?" it's been fun to say, "Very good — for a guy over eighty." Their replies are usually nice, "Oh! You don't look eighty," or some other thoughtful falsehood.

High school principal selection down to one

An interviewing committee has narrowed down the candidates for a new Whitefish High School principal to one, school district superintendent Jerry House said last week.

LNPC answers allegations of misconduct

Following a hearing, last Wednesday, at which individuals representing the property-rights group American Dream Montana addressed their grievances to the Flathead County Commissioners, members of the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan Committee and supporters rebutted allegations of misconduct, defending both their work and the planning processes.

Lakeside motel could become park

Fourth of July festivities guide

Thursday

Alpine Theatre Project will present its first musical of the season with the regional premiere of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” The multiple Tony Award-winning comedy will be performed in the Whitefish Middle School auditorium from July 9-26 at 8 p.m. on Tuesdays-Saturdays and at 6 p.m. on Sundays. The musical chronicles the experiences of six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling bee championship of a lifetime and stars Betsi Morrison, Jodi Kimura, Nick Spear, Rebecca Spear, Mickey Fisher, Jarran Muse, Ryan Appleby, Charissa Bertels and Ron DeStefano. For tickets, call 862-7469 or visit online at www.alpinetheatreproject.org.

Mother's Power uses sun and windFarmer's Market - by the numbersNelson Technologies mixes old and newMobile restaurant serving up Filipino fare

No one hurt in Lakeside house fire

West Shore News

4-year-old nearly drowns after falling into Boundary Creek in Glacier Park

A 4-year-old Utah boy who almost drowned in Glacier National Park is recovering. The boy was walking across a bridge at Boundary Creek about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday when he fell off and was swept into Boundary Bay – located at the southern end of Upper Waterton Lake, just below the Canadian border, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

WEB UPDATE: Fireworks spark .5-acre blaze at BHS

Bigfork Eagle

Whitefish man killed in boating crash on Flathead Lake

A 27-year-old Whitefish man was killed and his wife was injured in a boating crash on Flathead Lake on Saturday.

Bigfork Fourth of July Parade

The Polebridge Fourth of July Parade

By Jerry Sprunger

Lakeside IB student heading to West Point

In recent years, the Somers school district has turned out a number of exceptional students who excel both academically and in their ability to lead and influence others in positive ways. And while Duncan Aylor is no exception to the rule, he would be the first to say he's done nothing extraordinary.

Lewis 'Jack' Washburn

Lewis John (Jack) Washburn, 71, went to rest on May 25, 2009. By his side was his loving wife Donna and devoted daughter Desria.

Marlene Kay Siblerud, 69

Marlene Kay Siblerud, 69, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2009 as the result of a car accident near Somers, Montana - just one week after the passing of her dear father, Art Rasmussen. Marlene was born December 21, 1939 in Kalispell, Montana to Arthur and Bea (Bern) Rasmussen.

Heinle continues annual fireworks tradition

For 13 years, Lakeside business owner Rudy Heinle has endeavored to make Lakeside a destination spot for boaters on Flathead Lake who want to celebrate the Fourth of July by watching fireworks over the water.

Signs point to Whitefish River clean-up

Whitefish Pilot

Single-payer health insurance makes sense

Matt Himsl, a long-time state senator from Kalispell, had a great influence on my political thinking. Beginning in my teen years, I spent many enriching hours exploring ideas with him.

Mona Lee Ellsworth Lytle, 89

 Mona Lee Ellsworth Lytle, age 89, passed away on Friday, May 29, 2009 at the Immanuel Lutheran Home. Mona was born on March 1, 1920 in Great Falls, Montana the second child of Charles and Ina (Washburn) Spence.

Landowners sue to stop planning

Northwest Montana News Network

LNPC reviews plan comments

The deadline for written comments on the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan draft revision, on Friday, June 19, brought numerous comments from Lakeside residents and property owners, which members of the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan Committee spent much of last week reviewing and responding to.

High school reunion events

Joint reunion for members of eight Columbia Falls High School classes takes place Friday and Saturday, July 24 and 25.

Teacher asks community to invest in Lakeside school courtyard

Another year has come and gone at Lakeside Elementary, and the sound of students busily attending the courtyard gardens has faded. However, one Lakeside teacher hopes the children's voices will soon be replaces with the voices of volunteers.

Fireworks fly at City Beach

The city's annual Fourth of July fireworks display at City Beach will start around 10:30 p.m. Jack Cross, a professional pyrotechnician from Polson, is coming back to put on the display.

Ennis purchases Bay Shore Motel

The battle for the Bay Shore Motel in downtown Lakeside came to an end last Monday morning, when By The Lake Realty finalized a deal with Bruce Ennis, who last year purchased the neighboring Mattson property with the intention of converting the land into a county park.

Letters to the editorPlan has been public

The Lakeside Neighborhood Plan draft, that is still undergoing changes from public input, is being developed in a process that has, from the very beginning been entirely open to the public. The volunteer committee, lead by Debbie Spaulding and Barb Miller should be very proud of their work fairly measuring public opinion, researching the issues, and balancing differing viewpoints.

Whitefish runners take top spots in Lake Run

Whitefish Pilot

Retiring the flag…with dignity

W. Richard Dukelow

Camp sites setting attendance records

Prime weather conditions and a struggling economy have helped local state parks see an increase in visitors this year.

Thursday

First Thursday Gallery Nights takes place on July 2 at galleries across downtown Whitefish. Jest Gallery, 305 East Second Street in Whitefish, will hold a reception for East Glacier-based artist Roger Rink and his recent work, ìBig Sky.î The Walking Man Frame Shop & Gallery will host an opening reception for Montana artist Peter Moore and his exhibit ìThe North Fork & Beyond." Stumptown Art Studio will hold an opening reception for artist Shannon Webster's exhibition of paintings called ìObservations.î

Coal mine threat to Glacier draws United Nations attention

A United Nations delegation will travel to Glacier National Park and the North Fork to see for itself the threats of mining and coal bed methane development could have on the Park.

Bruce Opalka

Bruce E. Opalka, 69, died after a short but courageous battle with acute leukemia, at St. Patrick's Hospital in Missoula, on June 24, 2009. His family and his loving and devoted wife of 36 years were by his side.

Mary (Coyne) Ruis

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, Mary Edna (Coyne) Ruis, passed away from complications of lung cancer June 15, 2009.

Glenn Shepard

Glenn Jay Shepard, 59, died Thursday, June 18, 2009, as a result of a four-wheeler accident near Hungry Horse. He was born to Harold and Sadie (Fox) Shepard on Oct. 30, 1949, in Polson.

Whitefish U-11 all-stars make noise at Jack Zerr

Whitefish Pilot

Fourth of July golf tournamentBy Terry Nelson

Once again, a large contingent of players will descend on the Whitefish Lake Golf Course for the very popular Fourth of July Tournament. Play will start Thursday, July 2, and conclude on Saturday, July 4. Derbies will be held after both Thursday and Friday's rounds.

C-Falls 12U wins Zerr tourney crown

Columbia Falls' 12-and-under all-star baseball team "ran the table" in the Jack Zerr Tournament last weekend at Smith Fields in Whitefish, capturing the tourney title.

Weekends made for a Sun Road drive

Columbia Falls High School Honor Roll

Now's the time to save our native trout

Now is the time to conserve, protect and restore our native bull trout and westslope cutthroat. In the Flathead and Swan valleys the single largest immediate threat to these highly-prized fish is the non-native lake trout that prey upon and compete with our native species.

10U posts 1-3 mark in Lindsley tourney

Getting off to a rough start, the Columbia Falls 10U all-stars recovered for a win over Corvallis in the Dick Lindsley Tournament last weekend at the Talbott Road complex, but fell short in three other games.

Myrtle Bean

Myrtle Drovdahl Bean passed away on June 18, 2009, in Poulsbo, Wash.

Now's the time to save fish

President, Flathead Valley Chapter Trout Unlimited

Head Start buys former Christian School

Head Start finally has a place to call its own in Columbia Falls.

Marlene Siblerud

Marlene Kay Siblerud, 69, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2009, as the result of a car accident near Somers — just one week after the passing of her dear father, Art Rasmussen. Marlene was born Dec. 21, 1939, in Kalispell to Arthur and Bea (Bern) Rasmussen.

Early Bird fields elite racers

Whitefish Pilot

Bigfork High hires new boys basktball coach

Bigfork High School's search for a head boys basketball coach has ended with the selection of Californian Paul La Mott.

Cheers for Volunteers

Nine years ago, Barbara Leverenz with husband Jack came to Whitefish from Illinois. Their love of the West and previous contacts with Whitefish convinced them that this was where they wanted to spend their retirement years.

Behavior not OK

To the editor,

Fireworks rules lax in Flathead County

There isn't much in the way of rules to stop Fourth of July revelers from turning Flathead County into a giant fireworks display, only common sense.

Do Coyotes Bite People?

Coyote attacks on humans was a topic at coffee recently, and that sent me digging for info.

Palm reunion brings disco back to Whitefish

State timber sale project on hold

County, co-op unveil methane power plant at landfill

In Flathead County anyway, one man's trash is power for the rest of us.

Ladies golf clinic gets duffers back to basics

I began golfing last spring as a way to get outdoors during the warmer months when I was living in Seattle and golf courses seemed to be one of the only stretches of green I could get to in under an hour. That being said, I definitely haven't been able to spend much time working on my game since then. However, a couple of week's ago I heard that Tom Seaward, one of the assistant professionals at Eagle Bend Golf Club was offering women's golf lessons, so I decided to check out Monday's class.

David Jenkins

David Franklin Jenkins, 59, born in Everett, Wash., in 1950 to Bernie and Jean Jenkins of Camano Island, Wash., beloved husband and father and treasured member of the Jewish community, passed away at his home on June 28, 2009, with his loving wife by his side.

City juggling funds to balance budget

Whitefish Pilot

BLUAC OKs permit for wine tastings

The Coffee Cellar coffee and wine shop in the Branding Iron Station building is one step closer to being able to serve what they sell after the Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee gave a thumbs up for a conditional use permit for the business.

Many Glacier Hotel could see millions

The Many Glacier Hotel could see another $8.5 million in funding for upgrades to the 94-year-old structure.

Letters to the Editor

Commissioners speak out on Somers meeting

Letter from the editor 

Democracy suffers at the hands of thugs