Thursday, March 25
The big uproar over marijuana
Marijuana, smoked regularly, is bad for you. Just like smoking cigarettes is bad for you. If smoked regularly, marijuana users greatly increase their risk of developing lung cancer. Studies have shown that the risk of depression in adolescents increases with marijuana use (even up to a decade after continual use) and although it hasn’t been proven, studies are suggesting that certain mental illnesses and psychoses may be onset by marijuana abuse. Studies have confirmed that marijuana use exacerbates symptoms of schizophrenic patients.
Electric gains crop of new businesses
Bigfork's Electric Avenue has been experiencing a mini-boom in new business, despite the recession.
Cheers for volunteers
Ron Ottsen, an Iowa native, migrated to California where he spent 30 years as a psychiatric social worker helping youngsters with troubled lives. Seeking a rural area for retirement, he found Whitefish, which he thoroughly enjoys. His close knit family consists of a sister, Sandra, and a brother, David, and their families.
FEC members to see rate increase
Flathead Electric Cooperative members will likely see a 5 percent increase to their bills this year.
Pfc. Nicholas Scott Cook
Pfc. Nicholas Scott Cook, U.S. Army, died in Dab Sar, Konar Province, Afghanistan.
Local J3 skiers race at Mt. Bachelor
Three members of the Whitefish Mountain Resort Ski Team traveled to Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort, in Oregon, for the 2010 Western Region Junior Championship on March 18-21.
Ethan Arlin Patterson
Ethan Arlin Patterson, son of Matt Patterson and Brittany Seubert, of Whitefish, was born March 15, 2010, at North Valley Hospital.
Memories of Silver Hills
G. GEORGE OSTROM / For the Hungry Horse News
Judy Eslick Beslanowitch
Judy Eslick Beslanowitch, 67, passed away March 15. She is survived by her two daughters and their families: Lora and Norm Merz; children Jessica, Jake and Jordan. Danell and Bob Glover ; children Alesha, Auston, Aaron and Amberly.
Health department warns of norovirus
Voters to face large field of candidates for primary, general elections
Superintendent search down to three candidates
The field for Bigfork's next school superintendent has narrowed to three candidates who will be visiting the community over the course of the next few weeks.
Comfort from afar
K.J. HASCALL / Hungry Horse News
Sign ordinance revision inching closer
Columbia Falls not considering pot moratorium
Clever detective work leads to return of lost camera
In September 2009, I decided to take my son Brett on a trip before he went off to college. Our plan — fly fishing in Montana with my friend Darin Gardner, a master fisherman and outdoorsman. We had never been to Montana. We couldn’t wait to go.
Eighth-grade team takes Trinity tournament
For the first time, the Somers Middle School eighth-grade girls basketball team won the tournament at Trinity Lutheran School this month.
Pam "Crowley" Pool
Pam "Crowley" Pool left this world at the age of 50 with her sister Lori at her side in her home in Clackamas, Ore., on March 9, 2010.
Students surveyed for ideas on exams
Whitefish High School requires that all of its students participate in semester exams at the culmination of each semester.
Student excels at MATHCOUNTS
New publisher for the Bigfork Eagle named
Wall Street reform ends 'too big to fail'
You’ve probably already seen the ads on TV or heard them on the radio. Out-of-state groups are shelling out millions to sway your opinion on a very important bill I’m working on in the Senate Banking Committee — a bill that finally ends the era of “too big to fail” on Wall Street.
Otters eat lunch
Week in photos - April 1
Candidate pool gains one, loses one
In the past week, the pool of candidates for the open Bigfork School District superintendent position has gone through a series of changes.
Donald Gustafson
Donald O. Gustafson, 77, died March 19, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Class B switch alters road to state for tennis players
Bigfork High School's boys and girls tennis teams are in full swing and looking forward to the start of their new season.
Hit-and-run snowboard accident on the mountain
Dr. Doug Pitman’s excellent opinion piece in the March 4 Whitefish Pilot noted that excessive speed and poor judgment are significant contributing factors to injury and death on ski hills.
Streetscaping
Are the changes proposed and accepted for Central Avenue by three members of the city council, the mayor, the city manager and the 100 members of the Heart of Whitefish contrary to the architectural standards of Whitefish?
Park to begin plowing Sun Road April 1
Glacier National Park announced it will begin plowing the Going-to-the-Sun Road next Thursday (April 1) as well as the Camas Road.
Co-op defends look at joining Oregon group
Flathead Electric Cooper-ative general manager Ken Sugden defended the Co-op's decision to consider joining an Oregon-based utility cooperative during the Co-op's annual meeting on March 20.
High stakes in Tommy Moe Dual Slalom
Tommy Moe Dual Slalom took place at Whitefish Mountain Resort's Lower Ed's Run on March 21. About 50 children ages 5 to 12 competed.
Second downtown vending permit OK'd
Whitefish Pilot
Battle between young andmore experienced brings in donations for food bank
The second annual Bigfork Alumni Basketball game raised $807 for the Bigfork Food Pantry on Saturday.
National Telemark Championship
Whitefish Pilot
Track team will draw on past success
This year's Columbia Falls track team will draw athletes from a boys' cross country team that won a state title last fall.
High five
The Whitefish School District Education High Five Project, which kicked off in February, has brought in a total of $22,000 as of March 15. Thank you parents, staff and community members for making this such a huge success. There’s still time to donate. Please go to our Web site at
Local man draws national attention for survival story
Two weeks ago musician Louis Rogers was sitting at home in Lakeside preparing for a road trip to Idaho to perform for some friends.
Show appreciation for area's large birds
The spring-summer season is rapidly approaching the Flathead. Ospreys and bald eagles will soon be returning. These species are two of our most majestic large birds.
Thursday
The Boys and Girls Club holds a Youth Night on Thursdays at Glacier Discovery Square. It’s a safe and fun place for youth to hang out. Middle school kids are welcome from 5-7 p.m. and high school age from 7-9 p.m. There is no cost.
Marijuana is not good for society
I vehemently disagree with Ms. Seefeldt’s opinion piece in the March 18 Whitefish Pilot. Perception-altering drugs like marijuana are not good for society. Here’s why.
Sports commentary: Time to spring out of winter activities
Last week I was digging through my purse for my keys, as I commonly do, and I had to stop and laugh as I looked at the contents of my bag which included sunglasses, fleece gloves, sun tan lotion and my ski pass.
Jane E. Friske
Beloved mother, Jane E. Friske, 74, passed away at her home in Columbia Falls on Saturday, March 13, 2010 from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Campaign seeks to provide voters a choice
As another opportunity for voters to select their representatives approaches, we face a deluge of political posturing from the entire spectrum of ideologies. My reason for entering the fray once again is to provide voters in Senate District 5 a choice.
Jopek withdraws from local House race
Whitefish Pilot
Five swimmers compete at sectionals
The Wave Ryder Swim Club wrapped up its short course season last weekend by taking five swimmers to sectionals in Federal Way, Wash.
Wayne H. Mackie
Wayne H. Mackie, 60, of Coram passed away on March 12, 2010 at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.
Otter afternoon
Dog sledding
Thursday, March 18
Festival to showcase well-known guitarists
If resident David Feffer has it his way, Bigfork and the Flathead Valley will soon become the center for guitar innovation in the world.
Kats go 1-2 at state tournament
The Columbia Falls girls ended their season by going 1-2 at state. They opened the tournament last Thursday with a loss to eventual champion Billings Central 64-52.
Pam "Crowley" Pool
Pam "Crowley" Pool left this world at the age of 50 with her sister Lori at her side in her home in Clackamas, Ore., on March 9, 2010.
Terry DuFaye Johnson
Terry DuFaye Johnson, 73, of Columbia Falls passed away Tuesday March 9, 2010 at North Valley Hospital from pneumonia. He experienced long term dormant multiple sclerosis.
Letters to the editor
Peaceful Gardens
Cheers for volunteers
Janet Weiss spent most of her life in California as a teacher, comptroller and mother. She and former husband Doug have a son, Kurt, a daughter, Dana Taylor, of Whitefish, and four grandchildren.
Plan to pool BPA allocation raises alarm bells
Man to tell of son lost to binge drinking
Week in photos - March 25
Slippery slope
The entire controversy surrounding the operation of Second Street Pizza’s mobile stand on Central Avenue, which has resulted in the Whitefish City Council issuing a moratorium on temporary vending permits, is beginning to take on a disturbing aspect that we should all watch very closely.
Council wants to expand pot moratorium
Following a joint session with the Whitefish City-County Planning Board on medical marijuana Monday, the Whitefish City Council agreed to modify its existing moratorium so it eliminates home-based caregivers.
BPCT production provides 80s flashback
It was in the 1980s that Karen Kolar directed a special guy's drill team from Bigfork High School to perform "Thriller" at the state boys basketball tournament, with then-high school student Brach Thomson as Michael Jackson.
Liam Benjamin Littlefield
Liam Benjamin Littlefield, son of Susan and Matthew Littlefield, of Wrentham, Mass., was born Dec. 26, 2009, at Newton-Wellesley Hospital.
Bigfork schools face budget shortfall
The Bigfork School District is looking at its biggest deficit in recent memory for its 2010-2011 budget – a shortfall of approximately $297,000.
Marijuana offers alternative
After reading of Joe Coco's concerns regarding medicinal marijuana use in the March 20 Pilot, I can summarily say, "Don't believe everything you think."
Slaybaugh earns league honors
Whitefish senior Jessica Slaybaugh earned second team all-conference honors in the Northwestern A division for her play on the Lady Bulldogs basketball squad.
Robert J. "Bob" Murphy
A loving husband and a dear friend, Bob Murphy, 75, died of natural causes on March 3, 2010 at home.
Low snow forces venue change
With snow disappearing on the lower half of Big Mountain, the U.S. Telemark National Championship course has been moved from Ed's Run to Ptarmigan Bowl, closer to the summit. The course will follow the same path as the upper portion of the Doug and Rollie Smith downhill race.
Alumni games
Worries about making state budget cuts
Last week I spent four days in Helena pouring over our budget problems.
Three Bigfork basketball players earn All-State nods
The Vikings and Valkyries basketball teams fared well in the selections for this season's All-Conference and All-State teams.
Vals' hopes for state tournament dashed
The Valkyries nearly defied their two-and-out state tournament curse last weekend, but after struggling in the fourth quarter two days in a row that was not their fate and they were bounced with loses to Fairfield, 56-49, and Columbus 61-60.
School district weighs possible schedule change
Anglers kick off Spring Mack Days
Letter to the editor
A dream realized
Local students appear on Somers stage
Somers Middle School was teeming with chameleons, goats and a wise-cracking boar Saturday as the Missoula Children's Theatre's tour team presented "The Amazing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe."
City manager issues challenge
In March 2010, every household across the nation will receive a census form. Many households in Whitefish have already received their census form. Required once every 10 years by the U.S. Constitution, the 2010 Census will attempt to count every man, woman and child living in the United States.
Sports commentary: Community gives support, takes home memories from tournament
As I stood in front of the student section taking pictures of the Bigfork-Columbus game Friday afternoon at the Class B State Tournament in Belgrade, tired from the five-hour drive I had just made from Bigfork, I heard something that immediately reminded me why I was glad to be there.
Lakeside considers stormwater project
It looks like Lakeside residents will be following in the footsteps of their peers on the East Shore by working to tackle stormwater runoff issues in the area.
Discovering reminders of the past
Letter from the editor
Thursday
The Columbia Falls High School Centennial Art Project Gallery Night is Thursday (today), March 25 at 6 p.m. at Glacier Discovery Square. A collection of art created by local high school students in commemoration of the Park Centennial will be unveiled. Music by North Valley Music School.
Pfc. Nicholas Scott Cook
Pfc. Nicholas Scott Cook, U.S. Army, died in Dab Sar, Konar Province, Afghanistan.
Visions of Glacier
Junior high honors classmates
Schweitzer asks for leases canceled in N. Fork
Gov. Brian Schweitzer asked Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar to cancel energy leases on hundreds of tracts of Forest Service land in the North Fork Monday.
24 Hours of photos
Hungry Horse soldier killed in Afghanistan
A 19-year-old Hungry Horse man was the 41st Montanan soldier to die in Iraq or Afghanistan.
The Preacher Epilogue
G. GEORGE OSTROM / For the Hungry Horse News
Funeral service for Nick Cook
Supreme Court election ruling is 'breathtaking'
"These people are my enemies — fierce, bitter, implacable. But they are your enemies, too. As they crush me today, they will crush you tomorrow. They will force you to dwell in Standard Oil houses while you live, and they will bury you in Standard Oil coffins when you die."
Plan to pool BPA power sounds alarm bells
A plan for the Flathead Electric Cooperative to join an interstate group of electrical utilities has several past and present Co-op officials alarmed about losing access to low-cost Bonneville Power Administration power.
Deadline nears to run for board positions
Bigfork Eagle
Spring Scenes
World Cup champion returns for Nationals
Heads up to the young guns of the U.S. free-heel circuit — an old champ will be buckling up the boots once again.
Show appreciation for area's large birds
The spring-summer season is rapidly approaching the Flathead. Ospreys and bald eagles will soon be returning. These species are two of our most majestic large birds.
Hungry Horse's fallen hero
"Bein' up on a mountain with that board strapped on is home to me. Shakin' beyond the point of functioning then just goin' for it. Amazing feeling. The best feeling possible is that moment when the butterflies in your stomach carry you into that adrenaline rush. Its freedom, its when you can feel most alive."
Pfc. Nick Cook funeral
The downtown business shuffle
Class of 2014 to inaugurate Freshman Academy
Remembering horse races on Nucleus
GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News
Robin Howell Hintz
Robin Howell Hintz passed away on Sunday, March 7, 2010 as a result of a tragic accident.
Thursday, March 11
Filing deadline nears for election
Bigfork Eagle
Canyon school to remain open one more year
Canyon Elementary will remain open for one more school year, but with a reduction of programs.
Thursday
The North Valley Senior Citizens Center will host a Book and Puzzle Sale Thursday, March 18, through Saturday, March 20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Friday, March 19, the sale will run until 7 p.m., along with a Pancake Supper from 4 to 7 p.m. For more information call Roxy at 892-4087.
Commission approves settlement
The Flathead County Commissioners voted Monday to accept a settlement agreement to end a lawsuit between the county and developers of the North Shore Ranch near Somers, but with one amendment that may allow the land to be protected.
Solider remembered for adventurous spirit
He was a daredevil. He loved to jump out of airplanes and snowboard, but he didn't much like playing football.
Lakeside explores natural gas
At least one Lakeside resident has had it with his propane bills. Resident Jim Andler wants access to natural gas in Lakeside, and he says he's not alone.
Marijuana moratorium could be extended
Concerned that the White-fish City-County Planning Board was not in synch with them on drafting a zoning ordinance for medical marijuana, the Whitefish City Council directed staff on March 1 to bring back the urgency ordinance limiting the new industry so it can be extended for another six months.
Kats look to make mark at state
The Columbia Falls girls basketball team will head to state this weekend unranked and a little overlooked.
Family attends Winter Olympics
When Maureen Hein and husband Ray Hein, along with Maureen's sister Mary Sullivan and her husband Paul Sullivan, took their children, to the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary they didn't realize it was such a popular trip that it would inspire a re-do of sorts 22 years later.
Local students show off science skills at school fairs
A ten-foot rocket, several solar cookers, a hover craft and a replica of a house could all be found in the Somers Middle School gymnasium last week as local students competed in the school level science fairs.
An early April Fool
The Trailwatcher /G. George Ostrom
Mining bill starts N. Fork preservation
In a two-page bill with simple language, Montana Sens. Jon Tester and Max Baucus last week introduced legislation that would withdraw federally-owned North Fork lands from mining and geothermal leasing.
Gilman wins freeskiing title
Local skier Mitch Gilman recently won the Subaru U.S. Extreme Freeskiing Championships at Crested Butte, Colo. Gilman claimed top honors and first place in the 12-15 year-old division on Feb. 18 in the second stop of the IFSA Junior Freeskiing Tour.
Cheers for volunteers
Bambi Goodman began life in Oak-land, Calif., where she met Matt, who was destined to become her husband. Fate dictated that in search of employment and education they each ended up in Missoula.
'Back to the 80s'
1909 Board of Trade
GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News
Vote on 'doughnut' lawsuit is unanimous
The Whitefish City Council will formally request that Flathead County Judge Katherine Curtis delay a decision in the city's "doughnut" lawsuit against Flathead County while the city continues informal negotiations with the county commissioners.
State review backs RR District testing
State officials have accepted the results of a city-sponsored study of an underground diesel plume caused by spills at BNSF Railway's locomotive fueling station in Whitefish, a Superfund site.
Kudos to Atkinsons
What would the town of Whitefish do without Richard and Carol Atkinson?
Remembering Mark Twain
In 1895 at the age of 59, Mark Twain began a world tour, in which he performed in more Montana cities (five) than in any other state.
Annie Alberta Halleman, 79, of Columbia Falls, passed away peacefully at home on March 3, 2010, after a prolonged illness.
Annie is survived by her husband, Charles Halleman of Columbia Falls, her children; Diana Stone Treglown of Montana, Danny C. Stone of Louisiana, Joe Halleman of Maryland, Dan Halleman of Colorado, Marcia Halleman of Montana, Steve Halleman of Virginia and her grown grandchildren; Lorien A. Hanson of Montana, Ben Halleman of Colorado and Amanda Halleman of Maryland.
Locals compete in Andorra Randonnee race
Local ski-mountaineering racers Brandon French and Ben Parsons competed recently at the Ski Mountaineering World Championship in the Pyrenees mountains of Andorra and finished with good results among a stacked field of elite European racers.
'Robinson Crusoe'
Jeremy Adam Dodge Sanders
Jeremy Adam Dodge Sanders, 13, passed away suddenly on Saturday March 6, 2010 near Libby.
Hunting of yesteryear gone in Montana
Last night I had a pleasant dream. I was a 14-year-old boy living in Great Falls and hunting deer for the first time. My father, brothers and I had just crossed the Missouri River using the ferry at Carter. Suddenly, we spotted four huge mule deer bucks.
Events showcase Village life in off-season
In the month of February, residents set out to prove that Bigfork is still a happening place in the winter and they did so with unexpected success.
Local students put science skills on display
Local girl to compete in state poetry contest
Ross named varsity football coach
Chad Ross has been named Whitefish High School's head varsity football coach for the 2010 season. He brings extensive on-field experience to the Bulldogs sideline, as well as collegiate-level coaching knowledge. Ross replaces Patrick Dryden who stepped down this winter after four seasons at the helm.
Vals lose it in the last second
The Valkyries nearly kept their season alive Friday when they held the lead over Columbus in the loser-out game until the final two seconds when Bigfork fell 61-60.
School district to face budget shortfall
The Bigfork School District is looking at its biggest deficit in recent memory for its 2010-2011 budget — a shortfall of approximately $297,000.
Ramona Jeanine (Shepherd) Bauer
Ramona Jeanine (Shepherd) Bauer, 59, passed away suddenly on Saturday March 6, 2010 near Libby.
Four die in two-vehicle accident
A 17-year-old Libby boy, a 59-year-old Columbia Falls woman and her two grandchildren were killed Saturday evening in a two-vehicle collision near Happy's Inn.
Bigfork boy brings home three gold medals
Last week TJ Sward took part in something he never imagined he would — alpine skiing —and he did quite well at it as he won three gold medals at the Special Olympics on Big Mountain Feb. 28-March 2.
Schwaderer, Watson new tennis coaches
Whitefish High School has two new head coaches joining the tennis program this spring. Mike Watson will lead the Lady Bulldogs, and Chris Schwaderer will head up the boys team.
Terry DuFaye Johnson
Terry DuFaye Johnson, 73, of Columbia Falls passed away Tuesday March 9, 2010 at North Valley Hospital from pneumonia. He experienced long term dormant multiple sclerosis.
The social costs of marijuana
I am opposed to allowing marijuana establishments to operate in Whitefish because the social costs of marijuana are higher than its benefits.
Skaters take on hockey marathon
It's guaranteed to be a high-scoring affair when the Flathead Performance Youth Foundation hosts a 10-hour ice hockey game this Saturday night at the Stumptown Ice Den. The scoreboard may not even have enough space to keep track of all the pucks hitting the net.
Family battles cancer inch at a time
Knights frying up dinner
AG's pilot program already in effect here
Recession slowed growth
Boys take bronze at state
The Columbia Falls boys basketball team won three games in a row at the state tournament last week in Butte. But the one loss in the opener meant they were playing for the bronze.
Sydney Paige Redding
Sydney Paige Redding, daughter of Kim and Matt Redding, of Whitefish, was born Feb. 11, 2010, at North Valley Hospital.
Richard E. 'Dick' King
Our uncle and friend, Richard E. "Dick" King, 85, of Columbia Falls, died of natural causes Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, after a short illness. Dick was born Nov. 21, 1924, in Whitefish, the third son of Edgar H. King and Margaret M. Taber King.
Ruth Maher-Lindsey
Ruth Ann Maher-Lindsey, 84, a former Whitefish resident, left this world on Feb. 26, 2010, at her home in Lake Forest, Calif., with her children at her side.
Jade Helen Ulrich
Jade Helen Ulrich, 12, passed away suddenly on Saturday March 6, 2010 near Libby.
Keeping the Village spirit alive
Letter from the editor
Ruby Juanita
Greene Kvam
Bigfork drops into loser-out play
The Valkyries made a valid attempt to take down two-time defending state champions Fairfield in the first round of the Class B State Tournament on Friday night in Belgrade, but they were unable to seal the deal and lost 56-49.
Duckin' under the rope for the 10 inches
The fog lifted and betrayed us. The ski patrol saw tracks in the West Bowl and waited. When we climbed back into the ski area, they were there. Busted. Our season passes pulled, Bobby Conat smiled an illegal smile and said, "Now I know what Bobby McGee meant when she sang, 'Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose.'"
'Robinson Crusoe' on stage this weekend
West Shore News
Theresa Marie Martin-Collum
Theresa Marie Martin-Collum was born on May 20, 1922, in Coram. Her parents were the earliest arrivals to the Flathead Valley. Her father, Anaclet Alcid, (Buck) Martin, was the powder man on Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. Her mother, Hattie Melanie White-Martin, had been both a teacher and a train dispatcher. The Martins, along with the Cheffs and Mollmans, had arrived from Canada before any other settlers and her father founded Martin City.
BPCT production provides 80s flashback
It was in the 1980s that Karen Kolar directed a special guy's drill team from Bigfork High School to perform "Thriller" at the state boys basketball tournament, with then-high school student Brach Thomson as Michael Jackson.
Barkus trial postponed until November
Prescribed burns begin
Winter Classic celebrates 25 years of giving
The Whitefish Winter Classic will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Thursday through Sunday, March 12-14. Over the years, the organization has raised more than $1 million to assist Flathead Valley children with non-covered medical costs.
A groomer's perspective on Big Mt policy
I've been reading numerous letters and editorials about the hiking ban at Whitefish Mountain Resort. I've held my tongue long enough. Finally, people need to hear this from the groomers perspective.
Thursday, March 4
Solutions emerging for property tax problems
Republican legislators have sponsored five and attended seven public forums on property taxes and have had numerous meetings with property owners during the last four months. The present property tax process is unacceptable. It is neither predictable nor stable. No one should be taxed out of their home.
Council calls for vendor moratorium
The Whitefish City Council directed staff on Monday to come back with a moratorium on new downtown food-vending permits until the current ordinance can be repealed.
Winter Classic celebrates 25 years of giving
The Whitefish Winter Classic will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Thursday through Sunday, March 12-14. Over the years, the organization has raised more than $1 million to assist Flathead Valley children with non-covered medical costs.
Sheep hitch a ride to new home
About 40 bighorn sheep got an unlikely ride below a red helicopter last week on their way to new homes.
Other hazards exist on Big Mt
The recent collaborative effort to improve safety and reduce risk by limiting uphill traffic at the Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort by the Forest Service and the resort's administrative staff begs the question: What are the true risks of skiing and snowboarding on Big Mountain?
Anne Miller has breakout Nordic season
Every night prior to a race, Glacier Nordic Ski Team coach Ben Morley had each team member write their goals for the ski season on a blank index card. The skiers were to focus on the written words and use that vision as motivation to accomplish whatever it was they were after. For some, it was to post a certain time or to improve on a technique.
Big Mountain dummy derby
Council approves plan, sends it on
Lakeside Community Council members breathed a sigh of relief last week as they voted to pass the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan on to the Flathead County Planning Board for the second and, they hope, the last time, after a more than two-year effort to revise the document.
My Wrist Doctors
G. GEORGE OSTROM / For the Hungry Horse News
Public input missing from hiking policy
It's unfortunate that the actions of a few bad apples spoil things for the rest of us, but as we all know, this is how we end up with regulations and laws in the first place. Many people such as me (a season-pass holder the last eight winters' have been skinning up the mountain without incident for years, being respectful of the groomers and avoiding winch-cat operations where they occur.
Vikes slip up, move into consolation bracket
With one starter still nursing a pulled groin, another diagnosed with bronchitis and a sophomore running the floor at point guard for only his third full game of the season, it wasn't an ideal night for Bigfork to take on Loyola, but they boys rolled with it until midway through the fourth quarter when they squandered their once 17-point lead.
Residents oppose settlement
Flathead County Commissioners opted to take another week to decide on whether to go forward with a settlement agreement to end a lawsuit between the county and developers of North Shore Ranch near Somers after a pubic meeting Monday where residents spoke out overwhelmingly against the agreement.
Students learn teamwork through robotics
Students at Somers Middle School aren't just reading or dreaming about robots – they're creating them.
Whitefish skiers at Telemark World Cup
The U.S. Telemark Ski team put together a strong performance at the Telemark World Cup in Colorado on Feb. 21-23 at Steamboat Ski Resort and Feb. 25-28 at Keystone Ski Resort, including a top-10 performance from Whitefish skier David Hobbs.
Basketball was talk of the town
Letter from the editor
Commission to weigh settlement
Audition Monday for children's theatre show
Week in photos - March 11
Protecting North Fork not over
The recent headlines just about said it all: "B.C. bans mining and energy extraction in the Flathead."
Hikers protest new uphill policy
A steady stream of skinners, hikers and snowshoers took to the slopes of Big Mountain on Sunday after ski lifts closed.
Vikings come up short at divisionals
The Vikings' season of success came to a halt at last weekend's Western B Divisional Tournament in Pablo as Bigfork lost out during the semi-final round.
Sports commentary: One for all, and all for the win
Saturday night was a pretty emotional day for the Bigfork High School basketball programs and their fans.
Sports commentary: Fair-weather Bigfork fans seen but not heard
It was great to see the number of Bigfork fans who made the trip to Pablo each day of the Western B Divisional Tournament, but what was less commendable was the fair-weather fan attitude that was exuded by the non-student section during these games.
Filing deadline nears for election
Bigfork Eagle
Utility fees could increase
The Whitefish City Council listened to proposals to raise rates for sewer and garbage collection during a work session on Monday. A public hearing on the changes will likely take place in April.
Ethel Lillian Carpenter Garpstad
Ethel Lillian Carpenter Garpstad entered into eternal life on Monday, Feb. 22, 2010. She left this world peacefully with her daughter at her side.
Twain's whirlwind tour of Montana - and the world
In 1895 at the age of 59, Mark Twain began a world tour in which he performed in more Montana cities (five) than in any other state. Departing Elmira, N.Y., with his wife and daughter Clara, Twain began the tour. Traveling by train across the northern states, the first stop was Cleveland.
Walking ends
Last Friday, Old Man Walking turned 70 and I ended my walk. The results have been overwhelming. From two young boys emerging from a car, each handing me a dollar bill, to a young lady at Glacier High sending in a personal check of $25 and to the student council at the Middle School raising $500, the kids of Whitefish have been amazing.
Thursday
Friday
Forest super announces retirement
Flathead National Forest Supervisor Cathy Barbouletos is retiring after 31 years of managing public lands across the western United States.
Glacier scenes, March 10
James Anderson
James M. Anderson, 79, died peacefully at North Valley hospital in Whitefish on Feb. 23, 2010, with complications of emphysema.
Climber says he bagged Cleveland
A Whitefish mountain climber claims to have summitted all of Glacier National Park's 10,000 foot peaks after he bagged Mount Cleveland in a 17-hour round trip Feb. 23.
Don K Chevrolet acquires Subaru franchise
Stimson celebrates 100th birthday
Columbians guest at national festival
City listens for leaks, earns water award
Scary rides
GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News
It's that time again: Spring burning season underway
Spring is less than a month away. Spring open burning began Monday, March 1. A permit is not needed during the months of March and April.
Vals secure spot at state
It was a weekend filled with highs and lows for the Bigfork Valkyries, but in the end they received the reward they've been working for all season — a berth at the Class B State Tournament — after a 40-31 win over Eureka in Monday night's challenge game at the Western B Divisional Tournament in Pablo.
Samples show need for water treatment
Preliminary data from stormwater samples confirm that the Bigfork Stormwater Project is in fact needed, officials report.
Cats barrel their way into state
"Three more games. Three more games," that was the chant of the Columbia Falls boys basketball team after they took the Northwest A Divisional crown last Saturday.
Bighorn sheep removed from Wild Horse
Patrol increases due to season, requests
Hungry Horse soldier dies in Afghanistan
The Associated Press reported early Wednesday morning that the body of Army Pvt. Nicholas S. Cook of Hungry Horse had arrived in the United States. Cook died in Afghanistan during operation Enduring Freedom, but defense department officials would not release any more information until Cook's family had been notified. Cook, 19, graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 2008.
It was close, but still a crown for the girls
The Columbia Falls girls basketball team squeaked into the state tournament last week, taking the Northwest A divisional crown over Polson 48-46 in a game that saw the Cats two best players foul out in the fourth quarter.
