Stories for June 2009

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Thursday, June 25

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Dennis Schoepp

Dennis H. Schoepp, 61, a longtime Flathead Valley funeral director, died Thursday, June 11, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He was born Dec. 21, 1947, at Bismark, N.D., and came to Lewistown as a child where he attended school, graduating from Fergus County High School in 1966.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Nellie King

Nellie Chandler King, 76, of Columbia Falls, died Saturday, June 20, 2009, at her home. She was born in Cullman County, Alabama, to Ercy Aaron Chandler and Claudia Marie (Watkins' Chandler and was raised and educated in Alabama. She married Ernest L. King, Sr. on Dec. 8, 1952, at Clio, Mich.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

For centennial, an epic dance

Dancers and a film crew from the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts are filming in Glacier National Park this week for a piece to commemorate the Park's centennial in 2010.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Glacier Scenes VI

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Draft wildfire plan calls for proactive measures

East lakeshore, Haskill Basin, Twin Lakes cited as at-risk areas

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Rain swamps U.S. Open

For thePilot

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Orris Kastella

Orris A. H. Kastella, 83, passed away Jan. 15, 2009, in Whitefish.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Disney brings Christmas to Whitefish

Whitefish Pilot

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Dustin (Dusty) Drown, 25

Dustin (Dusty) Drown, 25, passed away on Friday, June19, 2009 following an accident in Manhattan, MT. He was born in Kalispell Montana on September 20, 1983 to Frank Drown and Denise (Potts' Belt. Dusty attended Swan River School until 1994 when he and his family moved to Manhattan Montana where he then attended the Manhattan schools. In 1999 they returned to Bigfork and attended Bigfork High until his senior year when he returned to Manhattan and graduated in 2002. Dusty was employed with Montana Furniture at the time of his death. Prior he also worked at the "Oasis", "The Depo" and Big Sky Carvers in Manhattan.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

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.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Cheers for volunteers

In, 1971, Sally Porcorelli was looking for snow for her five budding ski racers. She headed for Whitefish from Michigan and upon arrival in June, in the middle of a snow storm, she knew she had found her home.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

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.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Yearbook memories

Four annuals from Flathead County High School in Kalispell were interesting to read.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Party raises $5k for 'Lucky'

If attendance at last Wednesday's fund raiser for Lakeside's decoy patrol is any indication, the car's presence on the West Shore has become nearly iconic to the community, who have been so impressed by the results - reduced speeds - that they say they'll support it 100 percent.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

WEB UPDATE: Somers man shoots son

Northwest Montana News Network

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Somers man shoots son

Northwest Montana News Network

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Flathead shooters head to nationals

Montana will be represented this year at the NRA Jr. Air Gun Championship and Training Summit by five shooters from the Flathead Valley.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Fishing day attracts record numbers

The 16th annual Fishing Without Barriers Day saw record breaking numbers as more than 95 anglers participated in this year's event on Flathead Lake June 18.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Passing zone nixed on Hwy. 93

The Montana Department of Transportation closed a passing zone earlier this month on Highway 93, drawing praise from members of the community, which has lobbied for such changes over the past year.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Letters to the Editor

Being polite not enough

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Wolf Point wins Ed Gallo tourney, Twins 3rd

The Glacier Twins A team started out strong in the 20th annual Ed Gallo Tournament at Memorial Field in Whitefish. The Twins defeated the Kootenai Valley Rangers, of Eureka, 14-5, on June 16 and defeated Spokane 9-4 the next day.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

50 years later, grisly grizzly attack recalled

Joe Williams says he never once thought about dying.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Pink Potty thanks

To the editor,

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Accusations fly over planning tactics

In the wake of last Monday's altercation during an informational meeting held in Somers by the Flathead County Planning Office - during which two sheriff's deputies were called to disband the meeting and restore order - some residents have been left to wonder, "What happened to the right to peaceful assembly?"

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

10-U, 11-U, 12-U teams prepare for state

Players for the three Columbia Falls Cal Ripken League all-star teams have been selected, and they are in competition this weekend as they tune up for their respective district and state tournaments.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Village businesses put shine on for summer

The echo of nail guns and circular saws has finally stopped on Electric Avenue, and as the dust settles the view is decidedly impressive.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

BHS hires volleyball coach, bring back 9 coaches

The Bigfork Public Schools Board of Trustees approved the hiring of a new head volleyball coach, Tammi McDaniel, for the high school at last Wednesday's meeting.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

WEB UPDATE: Ennis purchases Bay Shore Motel

The battle for the Bay Shore Motel in downtown Lakeside came to an end 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.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Deputies called to Somers meeting

The effort to establish a Somers neighborhood plan has been ongoing since 1994, and throughout the various attempts - which have been hitherto unsuccessful - residents of the community who supported such a plan have encountered some degree of opposition.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Student to spend summer studying marine bio

It's hard to pin down how 17-year-old Tia Bakker fell in love with the ocean, since she's been a resident of landlocked Montana for her whole life. But the rising senior at Bigfork High School can't remember a time that she didn't want to be a marine biologist.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Letter from the editorBigfork's best can be found here 

In today's paper on pages B4 and B5 you'll find the results of our second annual Best of Bigfork contest. Eagle readers have been submitting the ballots over the last month or so and the results, I think you'll agree, are pretty darn accurate.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Cherry harvest expected to be above average

Though the first sought-after Flathead Lake cherries won't be picked for about a month, the crop is looking a little above average, according the head of the growers' association, Dale Nelson.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Joyce Workman, 70

Joyce Workman, mother, daughter, sister and friend, died on June 14, 2009, peacefully at her home in Kalispell, surrounded by family and friends she made during her memorable life. She was born to Ross and Mayme (Moore) Duke in Mitchell, S.D., on Nov. 4, 1938.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Stimulus money decisions going on in Helena

Montana's use of the Federal stimulus dollars can be tracked on a state website:

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Time to be proactive on wildfires

Summer in Whitefish is a time to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends and to take advantage of the many recreational opportunities that abound here. Visitors come from all over the world to experience the natural beauty and abundant wildlife that we sometimes take for granted as locals.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Who Should We Rescue?

Recently attended the 31st annual A.L.E.R.T. Banquet. The ALERT team has documented 1,300 "life salvages." Exactly how many of those would have died is a guestimate, but the known number is in the hundreds. Included are 30 victims of grizzly attacks. Most flights were more routine accidents and illnesses. Annual maintenance expenses on the Bell 407 copter are $180,000. In November of 1988, I wrote about 'rescuing people" and the topic is still germane:

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Relay for Life

I am proud of our community. As some of you might know, the Relay for Life, a fundraising event for the American Cancer Society, was held at the Whitefish High School track on Friday, June 19. The event was a great success.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Catherine Reed

Catherine Rose (Nigg) Reed, 85, daughter of Anna Morgan and Simon Nigg, passed away June 9, 2009. Katie was born Jan. 25, 1924, in Conrad, where she attended school.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Epic proportions: the tip of the icefield

The big black bear snorted and pounded his paws on the ground, warning my brother-in-law, Matthew, and I to get back — a request that we were more than willing to comply with.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

The bicep-powered bike

Bikers and hikers on Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road who made it up to The Loop or Logan Pass this past month may have noticed Whitefish resident David Nickelson.

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

Photos of the week

June 25, 2009 11 p.m.

C-Falls fire chief terminated

Columbia Falls Fire Department Chief Bob Webber has been fired.

Saturday, June 20

June 20, 2009 11 p.m.

Glacier Scenes V

June 20, 2009 11 p.m.

Thursday

Friends of Soroptimist Park will hold their annual weed and clean-up neighborhood picnic on Thursday, June 25, at 6 p.m. People should bring a potluck dish, weeding utensils, shovels and rakes. For more information, call Jan Metzmaker at 862 7960.

June 20, 2009 11 p.m.

WEB UPDATE: Ennis purchases Bay Shore Motel

The battle for the Bay Shore Motel in downtown Lakeside came to an end 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.

June 20, 2009 11 p.m.

Rafters rescued after being dumped in Middle Fork of Flathead

Five rafters escaped serious injury when their raft overturned in the Middle Fork of the Flathead River on Tuesday afternoon. The Flathead County Sheriff's Office took a 911 call just before 2 p.m. that the incident had occurred near Izaak Walton Inn Road southeast of Essex.

June 20, 2009 11 p.m.

WEB UPDATE: Somers woman killed in Highway 93 crash

Bigfork Eagle

Thursday, June 18

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Bigfork Eagle cartoon

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Dennis Schoepp

Dennis H. Schoepp, 61, a longtime Flathead Valley funeral director, died Thursday, June 11, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He was born Dec. 21, 1947, at Bismark, N.D., and came to Lewistown as a child where he attended school, graduating from Fergus County High School in 1966.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Views abound from Glacier's Snyder Lake

Earlier this month I strapped on my Camelbak and headed up to Lower Snyder Lake, in Glacier Park, needing a more challenging hike but still unable to get up to some of the heights I have been craving since before warm weather returned to the Flathead.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Sun Road will open to Big Bend, Pass not far behind

The Going-to-the-Sun Road will open to Big Bend, which is three miles below Logan Pass on Friday and the Park hopes to have the road completely open "as soon as it is safe to do so," said Park spokeswoman Amy Vanderbilt.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Concert series plugs along in 27th season

It's not hard to quantify the work Elna Darrow did on the Riverbend Concert Series each year before her death last winter. It has taken a team of seven to replace her.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Columbia Falls man dies in ATV accident

A Columbia Falls man died after being thrown from an ATV on the westside Hungry Horse Dam road.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Triplett wins second bull riding title

Matt Triplett is as tough, determined and focused as they come in bull riding.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Cheers for volunteers

Kathy Borchers and her husband Karl came to Whitefish 12 years ago from Great Falls. Besides being busy with a family of five children and nine grandchildren, church, traveling and other activities, Kathy finds time to volunteer at the Whitefish Public Library, where they 'really rely on her" for the highly popular weekly pre-school reading program.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Democracy suffers at the hands of thugs

Letter from the editor

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

CFST second at Bitterroot Invite

Led by high-point swimmer Michael Baiar, the Columbia Falls Swim Team earned second place in the 11-team Bitterrroot Invitational held Saturday and Sunday in Hamilton to open the 2009 season.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

WEB UPDATE: No one hurt in Bigfork Bay gas leak

Bigfork Eagle

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Patricia "Trish" Ann Carter, 64

Patricia "Trish" Ann Carter, age 64, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2009 at her adopted home of Bigfork, Montana after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis. She was born August 20, 1944 in Upland, California to Herb and Velma (Wright) Trosin.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Local kayaker makes U.S. team

Jonathan Meyers has been kayaking for half of his life and last month he achieved one of his biggest goals by making the U.S. Freestyle Kayak Team.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Hospital proposes enlarged medical village

Whitefish Pilot

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Bigfork Babe Ruth loses out in second round of tournament

 Bigfork's Babe Ruth Baseball team ended their winning season with two untimely losses in the Glacier League post-season tournament last weekend.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Crews closing in on Logan Pass

The Going-to-the-Sun Road will open to Big Bend, which is three miles below Logan Pass on Friday and the Park hopes to have the road completely open "as soon as it is safe to do so," said Glacier National Park Spokeswoman Amy Vanderbilt.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Lakeshore regulations update tabled by council

Nine people addressed the Whitefish City Council at Monday's public hearing on a major rewrite of the Whitefish Lake and Lakeshore Protection regulations.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Super stumps for wilderness

Slowly, but surely, Chas Cartwright has been spreading the word, talking to community groups, chambers of commerce and the like. The superintendent of Glacier National Park says now is the time to permanently designate about 975,000 acres of Glacier as wilderness.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

School news

Josh Schott, a junior at Whitefish High School, earned $200 and second prize in the short stories category of the Authors Of The Flathead's 2009 student writing contest for his piece "The Scarf."

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Certified green home offers big paybacks

Whitefish Pilot

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Football camp prepares Vikings for new season

Nearly forty kids suited up for incoming Bigfork High School Head Football Coach Todd Emslie's pre-summer camp last week.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Ferrington competes in Ironman qualifier

Patty Ferrington, of Whitefish, recently competed in a qualifier for the Ironman Triathlon, completing 70.3 miles in 7 hours 35 minutes on May 30, in Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Arlee Riley, 88

Arlee Riley, 88, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at her residence in Lakeside. She was born on Sept. 12, 1920, at Menomonie, Wis., the daughter of Francis Richard and Helen Evelyn (Olsen) Foate.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

King's, Stoltze capture Cal Ripken tourney crowns

King's Landscaping and F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber teams captured championships in the Columbia Falls Cal Ripken League tournament to complete the regular season.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Annual history trip retraces Montana's past

Somers Middle School's 8th grade history trip has long held a reputation for delivering some of the most exciting and historically significant stops mapped out by any school in the state.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Thursday

The Whitefish Chamber of Commerce’s Gone Fishin’ social will take place at the historic Belton Chalet on U.S. 2 in West Glacier on Thursday, June 18, from 6-9 p.m. with live music by Dan Dubuque, food and refreshments. For more information, call 888-5000.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Sun Road to open to Big Bend for cars

For the Pilot

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Man drowns in fatal rollover

TY HAMPTON / Northwest Montana News Network

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Local students awarded

The Bissell School honor roll includes Nicholas Barr, Kaitlynn McDonald and Harry Workman, grades 5-6 gold (GPA 3.5-4.0); Evelina Morozov, grades 7-8 gold; Paul Bruce, Whitney Kemp and Eric Reed, grades 5-6 blue (GPA 3.0-3.49); and Amber Pickering, Tanner Stupack and Jayla Grilley, grades 7-8 blue.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

How to get rich quick… if you're a bank

How would you like to increase your net worth without breaking a sweat? It's easy! And it's legal! Say your bank won't loan you money because you don't have enough assets to qualify, or maybe your fiance's parents think you're a bum because you drive a clunker and live in a shack. Don't be a dummy and tell people how much you have in the bank, tell them what you WANT to have in the bank and presto; you have new money and new respect immediately because you changed your way of thinking.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Kudos to Eagle Transit system

Eagle Transit buses are providing 6,000 rides per month for Flathead citizens. Passengers range from elementary to college students, employees taking advantage of bus services to travel to and from jobs, to senior citizens in the Flathead.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Graduating class celebrates Somers legacy

I had the distinct privilege this year of accompanying the Somers eighth-graders on their history trip, returning the Flathead Valley last Thursday evening for a few hours of sleep before another full day and eighth grade graduation on Friday night.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

U.S. Telemark team announced

The U.S. Telemark Ski Association recently announced the 17 members of the national team for the 2009-2010 season.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Catherine Reed

Catherine Rose (Nigg) Reed, 85, daughter of Anna Morgan and Simon Nigg, passed away June 9, 2009. Katie was born Jan. 25, 1924, in Conrad, where she attended school.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Live for today

JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Medicare therapy cap should be eliminated

To the editor,

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Letters to the editorWater wars

Well it has almost been a year since the annual water war between the metropolises of Big Arm and Polson with Polson winning in 2008 four water wars to Big Arm's two. Some of you may recall while we in Big Arm were suffering through the loss of our magnificent 42-inch walnut and silver bowl traveling trophy that was filled with jelly beans, I promised to not talk smack about the 2009 water war until next June. Well next June is here and I am still not going to talk smack I am only going to talk facts.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Letters to the Editor

Great generosity

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Cal Ripken league to host state tourney

A total of 265 kids participated this year in Cal Ripken League, which includes T-ball for 5-6 year-olds, Rookie League for 7-8 year-olds, six Minor League teams for 9-10 year-olds and four Major League teams for 11-12 year-olds.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

About Intense Fervor

Most of us have the desire, opportunity and luck to acquire good friends throughout life. I have lost a few of mine through the years but was blessed for having known them and thankfully keep making new ones. Got to pondering the other day … (people over eighty ponder a lot). This latest "ponder" had to do with the question, "If I had to choose ONE specific characteristic which makes a person interesting and fun, what would it be?"

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Gravel pit next to GNP? Yes

Despite objections from Glacier National Park, a gravel pit near its borders has been given the green light by the state.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Lay offs

In response to a recent letter from Dana Carmichael, while I appreciate her inspiring counterpoint to the absolutely unnecessary publication recently of letters questioning the decisions made by the Whitefish School Board regarding the termination of a popular teacher, I hope that the citizens of Whitefish realize the unfortunate state of affairs that caused it to happen in the first place.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Whitefish High School Honor Roll

Gold Honor Roll

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Dillon Joseph Fennessy

Dillon Joseph Fennessy, son of Dave and Lorrie Fennessy, of Kalispell, was born May 30, 2009, at North Valley Hospital.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Local artist living her dream in the Swan Valley

Over the last few decades, female artists have earned acceptance in almost every part of the United States, as well as in international circles. However, that acceptance represents a victory won through the passion and struggles of those willing to fight for it.

June 18, 2009 11 p.m.

Whitefish High School Senior Class of 2009 awards

Lillian Adams-Custer $24,000 MUS Honor Scholarship, $500 PEO Chapter BR Scholarship, $1,000 Whitefish Kiwanis Memorial, $2,000 Montana State University Tuition, $4,100 FVCC Honor Scholarship, $1,500 Hawkins Foundation Scholarship, $500 Women of the Moose Medical

Friday, June 12

June 12, 2009 11 p.m.

Glacier Scenes IV

June 12, 2009 11 p.m.

Dennis Schoepp

Dennis H. Schoepp, 61, a longtime Flathead Valley funeral director, died Thursday, June 11, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He was born Dec. 21, 1947, at Bismark, N.D., and came to Lewistown as a child where he attended school, graduating from Fergus County High School in 1966.

June 12, 2009 11 p.m.

Suspects arrested in hotel robbery

A 19-year-old Kalispell man wanted in connection with the April 7 robbery of the Holiday Inn Express was arrested by Kalispell police on June 11.

June 12, 2009 11 p.m.

Somers 8th grade History Trip

June 12, 2009 11 p.m.

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, June 11

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Letters to the Editor

Aquatic Invasive Species bill beneficial

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

C-Falls Swim Team opens at Bitterroot Invite

Columbia Falls Swim Team members may have not been able to practice in their home pool at Pinewood Park, but they are preparing for the season opener this weekend.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Columbia Falls woman charged in robbery; Kalispell man sought in incident

The Whitefish Police Department arrested Nicole Chappel, 18, of Columbia Falls in connection with a robbery that occurred at the Whitefish Holiday Inn Express on April 7, 2009. Chappel, a former clerk at the business, was charged with accountability to robbery, a felony.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

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.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Glacier runner bit by griz

Thomas Nerison, Kalispell, gives first-hand account

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Donald Robert Burns, Sr.

Donald Robert Burns, Sr. passed peacefully from this life surrounded by his family on June 3, 2009 at Heritage Place, after a long illness at home. Donald was born on March 12, 1931, in Springfield, Ill., along with his twin brother Dale.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Resort tax saved by House bill, AG opinion

Whitefish Pilot

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Dog park leash-cutting ceremony is June 20

The dream of an off-leash dog park in Whitefish will be realized on Saturday, June 20, when the bull-pen gates open at the Hugh Rogers Wag Park, located in the Armory Park complex, with an open house and hot dog party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Carlson chalks up another victory

Bigfork Eagle

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Zoning: You can't fight city hall

Thank you neighbors, but we can't fight city hall. My husband and I recently spoke about a zoning issue, first to the Whitefish City-County Planning Board, and on June 1 to the Whitefish City Council asking them to deny a conditional-use permit (CUP) for a professional office space in our neighborhood, the first instance of a professional office in a WR-2 zone.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Somers math students trailblazers for advanced opportunities

Kian Ahern and Katie Anderson may look like normal teenagers, but these two 8th grade Somers students have a unique set of skills that sets them far apart from many of their peers: They like math.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Father figure: BMS principal Loeffler retires

Monday afternoon the community of Bigfork gave their thanks and best wishes to Bigfork Middle School principal Wayne Loeffler, who is retiring after working in the school district for 34 years.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

County holds plan meeting in Somers

Flathead County planning staff met with members of the Somers community last Thursday regarding potential boundaries for a neighborhood plan. However, that train seemingly derailed before it ever left the station.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Summer reading important activity

Alan Robbins / For the Hungry Horse News

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Somers students get their hands dirty

Jacob Doran / West Shore NewsOn Friday, May 29, the Somers 7th grade students trekked to the H.E. Robinson Vocational-Agricultural Center off of Willow Glen Drive. While there, the students engaged in multiple activities, visiting at least six different stations on the grounds of the 100-acre farm project. These included bird surveying, identifying and managing invasive species, stream bank restoration, medical and edible plants, seed planting, aquatic invertebrates and fly-fishing.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Paulson leaves high school on high note

For the Pilot

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Alcohol tax hikes equal a tax cut for most

Many Montanans tend to oppose tax increases, across the board. So it's surprising that we're so complacent when it comes to the enormous burden imposed on us by the abuse of alcoholic beverages. According to a recent report from the University of Montana's Bureau of Business and Economic Research, state residents collectively spend $510 million every year dealing with the effects of drinking. If each person in Montana had to pay an equal share, his or her annual alcohol tax bill would total around $530.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Letter from the editor

Last-minute change shows flawed system

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

The Norski Waiting Game

The Trailwatcher / G. George Ostrom

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Laker bats explode against frustrated Twins

The Kalispell Lakers scored eight runs against the Glacier Twins in an AA American Legion conference match-up at Memorial Field on June 3 before the Twins even swung a bat.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Whitefish Criterium race results

The downtown Whitefish Criterium bike race ran for most of the afternoon on Saturday, June 6, with multiple categories and classes. Teams from across Western Montana showed up to compete.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Public interest in music appreciated

We want to thank the many parents and citizens who took the time to contact Whitefish Middle School officials about our music and electives programs over the past couple of weeks. Your passion as advocates for these programs is evident, and your interest in the education of our children is very much appreciated.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Betty Huggins

Betty Lou Huggins, 77, passed away after a full and wonderful life on May 19, 2009. Betty was born March 26, 1932, in Saxon, Wis., to George and Edna LaVigne. Her family later moved to Montana where she met and married her husband, Fred. She was a beloved wife of 59 years and a caring, compassionate friend to all family members and anyone she met.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Broadway Blitz

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Bonnie (Slack) Craft

Bonnie Jean (Slack) Craft passed from this life surrounded by family on May 5, 2009, at Brendan House after nearly a year of fighting to live after being diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Health Board seat important

To the editor,

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Local boat show receives national attention

The Big Sky Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society took shape just three short years ago, after the first Big Sky Boat Show enjoyed an impressive turnout and an equally impressive number of participants.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Mary Ann Francis

Mary Ann Francis, 68, Columbia Falls, passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at her home with her husband by her side.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Marianne Monfils

Marianne Rose Monfils, 80, passed away Feb. 11, 2009. She lived a rich and full life of nearly 81 years.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Suspects arrested in hotel robbery

A 19-year-old Kalispell man wanted in connection with the April 7 robbery of the Holiday Inn Express was arrested by Kalispell police on June 11.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Covering City Council of the past

One of my assignments  for the Hungry Horse News in later years was to cover Columbia Falls City Council sessions.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Flathead announces contract work

Federal stimulus dollars should mean work for contractors as the Flathead National Forest has about $13.3 million in projects on tap. The work is expected to begin this fall on some projects and into 2010 and 2011.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

New BHS grad takes to the skies

Graduation brings new beginnings and opens all kinds of doors for young adults, and for recent Bigfork High School graduate Christina Thompson one of those doors includes the door to the cockpit of an airplane.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Park, friends celebrate ranger's 50 years in Glacier

One evening Glacier Park interpretive rangers Bill Schustrom and Doug Follett took the DeSmet tour boat out on Lake McDonald. Schustrom had filled the boat with gas earlier, but what he didn't know was that another tour had gone out in between.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Congratulations to Class of 2009

This month, the Whitefish School District Class of 2009 celebrated the milestone of high school graduation. The class represents the 95th graduating class from Whitefish High School.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Four-year-old hooks 5-pound rainbow

Shade Koster may be only 4 years old, but that didn't keep him from landing a big rainbow trout.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

High school graduation

Diplomas were handed out to 138 of Whitefish High School's 143 graduates, including six foreign exchange students, during the commencement ceremony in the high school gym on Saturday, June 6. Principal Kent Paulson played MC for the event, and students Caitlin Caltabiano, Drew Coco and Zachariah Deister addressed the class. School board member Pat Jarvi handed out diplomas.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Citizens concerned about North Shore access

A group of Bigfork residents showed up at last month's regular Bigfork Parks Advisory Board meeting to express concern about maintaining access to the North Shore of Flathead Lake via a small trail off Holt Drive.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Commissioners grant controversial last-minute change to plan

When the Flathead County Commissioners adopted the Bigfork Neighborhood Plan last week, they made a last-second change that has some Bigfork community members in an uproar.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Suspects named in hotel robbery

The Whitefish police department is looking for a 19-year-old Kalispell man wanted in connection with the April 7 robbery of the Holiday Inn Express.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Bigfork Babe Ruth takes first in league; wins first playoff game

Bigfork's Babe Ruth team not only captured the top spot in the league for the regular season last week with their 12-2 record, but they also won their first game of the playoffs on Sunday.

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Council approves professional office on Baker

Whitefish Pilot

June 11, 2009 11 p.m.

Kahle throws hat into ring

My name is Bill Kahle and I am running for the Whitefish City Council. I am joining this race because I have a desire to serve and to give back to this special community. I have loved Whitefish since first coming here 20 years ago. So much so that my wife and I moved here in 1992.

Friday, June 5

June 5, 2009 11 p.m.

Glacier Scenes III

June 5, 2009 11 p.m.

Grizzly bites jogger in Glacier

Glacier National Park officials report that a jogger was injured Sunday morning, June 7, in an encounter with a grizzly bear while running on a backcountry trail on the Park's west side.

June 5, 2009 11 p.m.

Plum Creek to close Evergreen mill; 23 positions trimmed in Columbia Falls

Plum Creek will close its Evergreen sawmill and trim 23 positions from its Columbia Falls sawmill staff, the company announced Thursday (June 4).

June 5, 2009 11 p.m.

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.

June 5, 2009 11 p.m.

Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. to shut down plant

The plant was limping along. Now it will apparently shut down again. The Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. will close at the end of July.

Thursday, June 4

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Legislation takes aim at invasive species

The Flathead Lakers wish to thank our state legislators for their support of Senate Bill 343, the Aquatic Invasive Species Act. We were very pleased that this bill passed the legislature with the support of every Flathead Basin legislator and was signed into law by Gov. Brian Schweitzer.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Four computers stolen from Apgar Ranger Station

Glacier National Park officials report that two laptops and two desktop computers were stolen from the Apgar Ranger Station in the Park sometime between Saturday night, May 23 and Sunday morning, May 24. No other items have been reported missing.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

County opens LNPC Yahoo! group to public

Possibly ill-advised, but not illegal; that was the word from Flathead County Chief Deputy Attorney Jonathan Smith in regard to a private Internet message board held by the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan Committee since November 2007.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Track team competes like true mustangs

It's been more than a week since the Somers track team cleaned up at Columbia Falls, but Mustang coaches and staff are still talking about the way the team performed this season, and they will likely be talking about it for some time.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Somers renews planning effort

After more than a year of relative inactivity, an effort to establish a Somers neighborhood plan may again be taking shape, this time led by the Flathead County Planning Office rather than by a group of individuals, as in previous efforts.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Mitchell Kopczyk

Mitchell Allen Kopczyk, 50, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2009, near Bigfork as the result of a motor vehicle accident. He was born on Nov. 4, 1958, in Elyria, Ohio, to John and Carmela (DiMichele) Kopczyk.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Thursday

Stumptown Art Studio will host its 14th annual Spring Show of Student Artwork and Ice Cream Social on Thursday, June 4, from 6-9 p.m. during First Thursday Gallery Nights. The exhibition of works by young neighborhood artists is a culmination from Stumptown Art Studioís youth classes since last fall. More than 100 works of student art will be on display through June 30, including drawings and paintings, collage and printmaking, pottery and sculpture. For more information, call 862-5929 or visit online at

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Co-op wants to move forward with fish plan

The board of trustees and management of Flathead Electric Cooperative are deeply concerned regarding the latest response (issued May 18, 2009) from U.S. District Judge James Redden, to the Federal Biological Opinion (BiOp or plan) on Columbia and Snake river hydro operations.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

WEB UDPATE: BHS graduates Class of 2009

Bigfork Eagle

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Wesley Gregg

Wesley Johnson Gregg, 85, died of natural causes on May 23, 2009, at the Columbia Falls Veterans Home.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

C-Falls crunches school budget

Columbia Falls School District 6 was expecting a budget shortfall for the 2009-2010 biennium, but the retirement of two veteran teachers and a speech/language pathologist has lessened the burden.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

toon

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Column: Athletes ready for life after graduation

Sunday's graduation ceremony at Bigfork High School brought back plenty of fond memories of my own high school and college graduations, as well as the feelings of fear, anxiety and shock that I experienced after receiving my diplomas. Also tugging me down memory lane this week was the one year anniversary of my arrival at the Bigfork Eagle.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Save Whitefish High School, save Whitefish

A relatively large number of high school-age students who live in Whitefish are deciding not to attend Whitefish High School. The current decline in enrollment has become a major contributing factor to funding problems for Whitefish High School. The expected future decline in enrollment will be increasingly detrimental to our community as a whole.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Big Creek a second home for new manager

For Beau Servo, coming to Big Creek is a bit like coming home again. Servo camped here when he was a kid. In fifth grade in a three-day Glacier Institute program.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Whitman, Wilhelm lead C-Falls at state

Columbia Falls junior Shawn Whitman and senior Ketti Wilhelm led their boys and girls teams, respectively, with outstanding performances at the Class A State Track and Field Meet held Friday and Saturday at Bulldog Stadium in Butte.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Shay engine vandalism senseless

A brief notice in The Blotter printed in the May 28 issue of the Hungry Horse News noted the fire department extinguished a fire on the old locomotive in Depot Park at 2:36 a.m., May 19. It is located at Nucleus Avenue and Railroad Street.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Carlson wins 3,200 meter title in Butte

Last weekend's state track meet was Bigfork High School's final event as a Class A school, and many of those athletes representing Bigfork made sure to leave their mark, especially junior Kayla Carlson, who placed in the top three in all three of the distance races.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

'Kats go 1-2 at state SB

Coach Dave Kehr's biggest concern going into the Class A State Softball Tournament last week in Polson was realized as Columbia Falls was ousted from the double-elimination competition in three games. That concern was inconsistent hitting.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Flathead boys win U-14 state soccer tourney

The Flathead Soccer Club U-14 boys won their age group at the Montana State Cup hosted by the Montana Youth Soccer Association.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Letter from the editor 

The sweet sounds of summer

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Council will not back streetscaping referendum

Whitefish Pilot

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Remembering the history trip

Some have questioned my sanity. It’s an understandable question, given that I enjoy traveling 1,000 miles in four days on a bus with 36 highly excitable eighth-graders. I have taught seventh and eighth grade Spanish and history for 18 years in Whitefish, and just returned from another eighth-grade Montana history trip — my fifth one. Hence, questions regarding my mental health might be considered valid.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Susan Ann (Davis' Gum

Susan Ann (Davis' Gum, 66, passed away May 31, 2009, after a lengthy battle against ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). She was born on Aug. 11, 1942, in Ducktown, Tenn.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

UM astronomer inspires young stargazers to watch the sky

University of Montana astronomer and physicist Diane Friend paid a visit to Lakeside Elementary School, last Thursday, bringing with her a portable planetarium and a couple of high-power telescopes to inspire students to look up in wonder at the night sky.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Coco's sweep propels boys to third at state

The defending state champion Bulldogs, led by a distance sweep from senior Drew Coco, tallied 72 points for third place at the Class A state track meet in Butte on Friday and Saturday.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

QRU pushing 'File of Life' packets

For emergency responders, little things can make a big difference. A patient who accidentally forgets to mention an allergy or a medication can drastically worsen their situation when emergency medical technicians start treatment without all the information. A few seconds saved when paramedics arrive on scene can be the difference in life and death on the way to a hospital.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Bigfork Babe Ruth's win streak snapped in Whitefish

Bigfork's Babe Ruth team broke its nine game winning streak last week, but they still hold the top spot in their division of the Glacier League with their 10-2 record.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Community center plan makes it through BLUAC

After spending years teaching some of Bigfork's most talented youth in the Bigfork Playhouse Children's Theatre, Brach Thomson started to realize that many of the kids had to travel all the way to Kalispell for voice, music or dance lessons.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Robert Vucasovich

Robert Vucasovich, 94, went home to be with our Lord on May 29, 2009. He was born on Jan. 21, 1915, the son of Duscan and Georgia Vucasovich.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Letters to the Editor

Yellow Bay thanks

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

A new high school in 4 years

Whitefish Pilot

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Swan Lake Community Club honors 'Outstanding Citizen'

When the Swan Lake Community Club decided long ago to give out an award to valued community members, they decided against making it a yearly occurrence for fear of diluting its meaning.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Volunteers open space at Discovery Square

First Best Place Task Force / For the Hungry Horse News

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Whitefish wins Cat/Dog Smoker

Columbia Falls won the main event, but Whitefish came out on top 7-5 in the Cat/Dog Smoker held Monday at Memorial Field in Whitefish.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Congress sneaks guns into Glacier in credit card bill

Tucked inside a bill that tightens regulations on credit cards is a provision that opens the door for gun possession in national parks.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Thurman, Pewe take top awards

Bigfork High School handed out their annual end of the year sports awards that are voted on by the school's head coaches at an assembly last Wednesday.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Buckle up

I am writing a letter to address a practice that I find alarming. On any given morning as I drive my kids to school and then head to work myself, I see a large population of vehicles with small children in the front passenger seat without a seat belt.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Letters to the editorThanks from Big Arm

For the first time in decades the Big Arm historic school opened its doors this past Saturday to the general public. Doll enthusiasts from Great Falls, Missoula, and many other locations far and near came to view the magnificent doll show. The show highlighted Trish Friez's collection of over 500 dolls and Barbara Wamsley's collection of doll houses and Santas.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Eldin Shields Jr.

Eldin George Shields Jr., 64, died Tuesday, May 26, 2009, at the home of his sister in Columbia Falls.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Richard Fliehler

Richard "Hog Dick" Fliehler, 56, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2009, near Bigfork as the result of a motor vehicle accident. He was born on March 5, 1953, in Arlington, Iowa, to Donald and Dorothy (Astor) Fliehler.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Richard "Hog Dick" Fliehler, 56

Richard "Hog Dick" Fliehler, 56, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2009 near Bigfork, Montana as the result of a Motor Vehicle Accident. He was born on March 5, 1953 in Arlington, Iowa to Donald and Dorothy (Astor) Fliehler.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Bigfork plan finally official

The Flathead County Commissioners voted to adopt the Bigfork Neighborhood Plan on Tuesday morning, but not before a final change that one of them decried as a 'return to the good ol' boys system."

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Kaitlyn Dawn Schultz

Kaitlyn Dawn Schultz, daughter of John and Star Schultz, of Whitefish, was born May 14, 2009, at North Valley Hospital.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Glacier's Avalanche Lake living up to its name

With much of the last week given to rain and overcast skies, a beautiful Saturday gave me just the occasion I was looking for to head up to Glacier Park.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

State History Digest

Hundreds of fascinating books are about Montana, but with TV, PCs and cell phones people don't have much time. That's why I've carefully compiled a five-minute state history, starting with President Thomas Jefferson's 1803 "Louisiana Purchase" from Napoleon for 15 mil.

June 4, 2009 11 p.m.

Plum Creek to shut down Evergreen mill; 23 positions trimmed in Columbia Falls

Plum Creek will close its Evergreen sawmill and trim 23 positions from its Columbia Falls sawmill staff, the company announced Thursday (June 4).