Ellington

Chair 7 to reopen on Sunday

Whitefish Mountain Resort officials say Chair 7 will reopen to skiers on Sunday.

C-Falls woman wins $50,000 Scratch game

A Columbia Falls woman is $50,000 richer after winning the “Slingo Trio” Scratch game with a ticket she purchased at Super 1 Foods.

Skier OK after Christmas avalanche

A skier is OK after being partially buried in an avalanche on Mount Aeneas in the Jewel Basin on Christmas Day.

Plum Creek donates to food banks

Plum Creek Timber Co. has provided $35,000 to seven community food banks serving Northwest Montana.

Watch what happens to the nations now turning to Democracy

George Washington, in a letter, wrote; “Democracy will not work without Christianity.”

The world needs more acceptance and compassion

Why does it take a tragedy, such the Newtown, Conn. shootings, to suddenly cause us personally and as a nation to put aside prejudices and the many forms of often angry judgments of others and then immediately have a great outpouring of love, total acceptance, and compassion?

Great crises make great presidents

The movie “Lincoln” has recently opened in theaters across the country and has rekindled America’s interest in our 16th President. In these current difficult times we need to remember and learn from Abraham Lincoln. He changed our understanding of the meaning of the words “the United States of America” and rearranged our view of both our government and society. He accomplished those transitions because he was able to truly lead during our most perilous time.

USFS forecasts loss over the next 50 years

A comprehensive U.S. Forest Service report released last week examines the ways expanding populations, increased urbanization, and changing land-use patterns could profoundly impact natural resources, including water supplies, nationwide during the next 50 years.

Durham retires from Bigfork Schools

Bigfork Middle School’s cafeteria was packed last Wednesday with over 60 staff members and friends of Bigfork Schools maintenance director Gordon Durham. Durham announced his retirement after 22 years of repairing and maintaining district facilities.

Bigfork superintendent addresses school safety

As I am sure you are aware, a public school in Connecticut suffered a horrible tragedy on Dec. 14. Events such as this one are difficult for us to understand. All of us respond to tragedy in different ways. Some of these reactions may be mild; others may be more intense. What is important is that we care for and support each other.

Senators caught in their own trap

Republican leaders in Montana have apparently discovered their true enemies — themselves. Or rather, a wing of their own conservative movement.

School shooting sparks Second Amendment thoughts

I am sadly reserving judgment about whether to continue membership in the National Rifle Association. I own about 20 guns and have taken elk, antelope, whitetail, mule deer and many game birds. If all the gophers gunned down by me were placed end-to-end they would probably extend from Whitefish to somewhere east of Billings. As a state legislator I was proud to receive a commendation from the NRA for my support of gun rights. I am a firm believer in our Second Amendment right, as individuals, to bear arms.

Bigfork artist second in Hockaday people's choice

Susan Guthrie, Darlene Morgan and Gail Hansen won the People’s Choice Awards in the Hockaday Museum of Art’s 11th annual Members Salon. Over 120 Hockaday members participated in the salon this year, sharing a diverse range of works in oils, watercolors, wood, metal, glass and stone.

U.S. Forest service program benefits forests in western Montana

An annual report was released on Dec. 19 on the performance of a U.S. Forest Service program, Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration, revealing returns for forests, jobs, water, and wildlife. The three-year old program invested $40 million in forest restoration at 23 forested landscapes across the country in 2012.

Billy Mohan

Billy Mohan, 78, of Columbia Falls and Anaconda died of natural causes Dec. 16, 2012.

Clarence Caudill

Clarence Marvin Caudill, 80, passed away of natural causes at the Brendan House in Kalispell on Dec. 17, 2012.

Filibuster rule needs overhaul

With the new session of Congress about to begin, the U.S. Senate has an opportunity to reform its filibuster rule, an arcane parliamentary device which has paralyzed the proceedings of the entire legislative branch of our government and crippled our nation’s ability to meaningfully address the issues of our time.

Another way of looking at things

Grown men aren’t supposed to cry. We have all heard and seen that statement. It is not true. We all cry sometimes.

Christmas tree adventures

Each year around Christmas time, there are a few reports of decorated trees catching fire in people’s homes. Most common causes are bad wiring, tree too close to a wood stove or fireplace, tree too dry, or tipping it over.

Talbotts move to C-Falls in bitter 1900 winter

Story about James A. and Jose Talbott was written by their daughter, May T. Linden, in 1957. James Talbott went to Virginia City from Nevada in 1863. He later moved to Helena, then to Butte, where he pioneered in mining enterprises.

C-Falls now 5-1 after slipping past Libby

The Columbia Falls boys basketball team blew out Class B Eureka 73-38 at home Dec. 20, but conference rival Libby gave them all they could handle a couple of days later, as the boys edged the Loggers, 47-42.

Kats crush Loggers, sneak by Lions

The Columbia Falls girls basketball team went 2-0 on the week and are now 2-0 in conference play heading into the Christmas break.

MatCats drop Loggers in conference dual in Libby

The Columbia Falls wrestling team entered the Christmas break on a high note, downing conference rival Libby away on Dec. 20.

Interesting facts about wolves

At the fall Fish, Wildlife and Parks Citizens Advisory Committee, wolf management specialist Kent Laudon gave members some interesting facts about wolves.

Outdoor news

Crown magazine

Mohr takes first on Swedish TV show

Anna Mohr, of Columbia Falls, took first place Dec. 16 on “Allt for Sverige,” a Swedish reality television show.

New health clinic and fitness center proposed

A three-way joint venture between North Valley Hospital, The Wave and School District 6 could bring a new medical clinic and fitness facility to Columbia Falls.

Community news

Community choir practice

Purdy good food: A vegan's guide to cooking

Jill Purdy loves to cook, loves to substitute ingredients and loves to share.

Judge rules on ski area water rights

A federal judge in Denver, Colo., has overturned a regulation requiring ski areas on public land to turn over private water rights to the U.S. Forest Service.

Hungry Horse man pleads guilty to assault charge

A 21-year-old Hungry Horse man is facing his second revocation hearing in two years after he pleaded guilty in Flathead County District Court to felony assault with a weapon.

Judge allows ski areas to keep water rights

A federal judge has overturned a regulation requiring ski areas on public land to turn over private water rights to the U.S. Forest Service.

Local unemployment remains high while state improves

Montana’s unemployment rate dropped below the 6 percent mark in November, dipping 0.2 percentage points to 5.8 percent.

Court ruling could delay water compact

Approval of a proposed water compact between the Confederated Salish-Kootenai Tribes and the federal and state governments might be held up by a state judge’s Dec. 14 ruling.

Report forecasts forest loss over next 50 years

A recent Forest Service report examines how expanding populations, increased urbanization, and changing land-use patterns could profoundly impact natural resources, including water supplies, nationwide during the next 50 years.

Political documents now in hands of feds

Stolen papers purportedly linked ATP to campaign coordination

What we might do to reduce the epidemic of gun violence

The following remarks were made by President Barack Obama on Dec. 19, 2012:

Double taxation and the fiscal cliff

There’s no get-out-of-jail-free card for America’s small business owners — when times are tight, they have to find new ways to stretch their resources in order to keep their doors open and stay competitive. Which is why it’s so disappointing to see how our leadership in Washington is handling our current financial situation.

Feeding the force with 1,200 cookies, 25 pounds of fudge

This holiday season, Carol Ren will make about 100 dozen cookies and 15 to 25 pounds of fudge. Then she’ll give it all away.

Chamber presents 12 Community Spirit Awards

Twelve persons or groups were presented 2012 Community Spirit Awards by the Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce during the annual Christmas luncheon on Dec. 11.

Wolfpack sprint past Dogs

Whitefish didn’t have an answer for the top-rated Wolfpack’s offense last week as Glacier High rolled to a 65-29 nonconfernce victory at Kalispell.

Wrestlers take second at Buzz Lucey

Whitefish wrestlers continued to show good form against tough competition last weekend at the Buzz Lucey Invite in Eureka. The Bulldogs took second place with 145 points, behind only the 215 points from Columbia Falls. Libby took third with 131.5 points.

Quiet conversations

Seven or eight years ago, about the time our first son Ethan was born, I decided to consciously limit the news media information that I was digesting on a daily basis. I was finding that reading national news was beginning to depress me, and I figured that if I really needed to know something, my friends would tell me.

Preventative and protective actions needed

I am sadly reserving judgment about whether to continue membership in the National Rifle Association.

Romanticizing city hall

The conceptual rendering of the proposed new city hall is very attractive, yet it seems to evoke conflicting emotions. Humans have an insatiable urge for anything new and many are skilled in the art of manipulating and exploiting this urge. So it’s understandable that there is considerable excitement surrounding this project with many anxious for it to commence.

Vera Louise Swisher

Vera Louise Swisher, 87, passed away at home Dec. 12, 2012 in Whitefish.

Summer trolley still an option

A summertime transit system is still in the cards for Whitefish.

Republican senators are caught in their own trap

Republican leaders in Montana have apparently discovered their true enemies — themselves. Or rather, a wing of their own conservative movement.

Dying with dignity is a choice to be grateful for

To die with dignity and choice is legal in Montana (and also in Washington and Oregon) if I am terminally ill, mentally competent and physically able to self-medicate.

Going-to-the-Sun work seeks comments from the public

Public comments are being sought on a proposal to conduct streambed maintenance and install riprap as needed at bridges and culverts along the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.

Lone Pine State Park trailhead parking lot closed for the winter

Lone Pine State Park trailhead’s parking lot off of Trillium Road is closed for the winter season. Due to the steep slope of the road and frequent ice build-up, it poses a safety risk to both visitors and park staff.

Wastewater plant design wins award

Bigfork’s new $9.6 million dollar wastewater treatment plant won an American Counsel of Engineering Companies’ engineering excellence award in the wastewater category in November.

Saddlehorn II gets nine-year extension

Earlier this month the Flathead County commissioners agreed to extend the planned unit development for the Saddlehorn II subdivision another nine years.

County recycling could be privatized

Low commodity prices and high shipping costs have made recycling in the Flathead a losing proposition for the county for years.

Kerr Dam on target for lake levels

Representatives from Pacific Power and Light Montana, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bonneville Power Administration, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs conferred on Dec. 12 regarding current and projected operations of the Kerr Dam Project.

Swan River School prepares for common core

The Swan River School Board of Trustees discussed preparations for transitioning the school into the common core standards during their brief meeting on Dec. 11. The common core standards are a nationwide shift in public education that essentially creates a standardized schedule for lessons in every classroom across the country.

Previous Eagle editor recalls Barb Strate

The news of Barb Strate’s passing traveled quickly to Salt Lake City and I find myself sadder than expected about a woman I did not know well, but — like most of Bigfork — knew a great deal about.

Strate brings fond memories for former Bigfork Eagle employee

I worked as the CSR and designer for the Eagle from 2008-10, then moved to the Daily Inter Lake where I worked as the webmaster until February of this year. I just checked in on the Eagle and saw that Mrs. Strate (whom we affectionately referred to as Ms. Barb), passed away. At the suggestion of Alex Strickland, the editor of the paper at that time, I decided I would like to send the story of my friendship with Ms. Barb.

Corporatism is Capitalism run amok

I see corporatism as capitalism run amok. It has overtaken government. It feeds on the concept of “profit,” which if uncontrolled and lacking in moral values, expands into greedy accumulation of wealth and increasing power. These eventually override compassion and accommodation of those societal needs conceptually and inadequately provided for through the profit-motivated system.

Tip o' the Hat from the Vallelys

We would like to thank all of the volunteers who came and helped with the purchasing, packing and mailing of all of the gifts and boxes that we sent to the troops in Afghanistan

In memory of a young photojournalist

Last week, amid all the other troubling news that took place, I lost a friend.

There is a fine line between covering the news and exploitation

By now I’m sure most of you have heard about the tragic shooting that occurred in Connecticut on Friday. The fact that it happened is bad enough without television “journalists” shoving their cameras into the faces of traumatized children.

12-19 Community Events

Lakeside Christmas Eve Service

Bigfork drama continues to champion Class B meets

The Bigfork High School drama team championed the Class B schools at their meets for two weekends in a row, last weekend in Corvallis and the weekend before that in Cutbank.

Vehicle insurance verification system to begin in January

A new computer verification system intended to make sure vehicles have liability insurance in place at the time they’re registered or renewed will be in the hands of county treasurers across Montana starting in January.

Dennis Haider

Dennis Haider, 67, of Hungry Horse, died Dec. 6, 2012.

Basil Everin

On Dec. 8, 2012, the world lost a remarkable man, Basil V. Everin, 92. His energy and love for life was endless.

Christmas cheer and political differences

Although there’s not as much snow on the North Fork as we expect in mid-December, it’s still the holiday season.

My secret KP story

The “stolen valor” law which prohibited anyone from lying about their military service was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme court, but a rider on the new defense bill changes the law to prohibit falsifying military service and awards in a fraudulent manner for personal gain, i.e. getting a job, promotions, etc.

School shooting

Tragic as it is, the massacre of innocents in Newtown, Conn., is only the latest in an epidemic of killing sprees affecting America. Equally tragic, it will not be the last.

Shooting sparks second thoughts

I am sadly reserving judgment about whether to continue membership in the National Rifle Association.

Big Mountain statue

To the skier on Big Mountain: I have considered your situation and your stated frustration with “having” to ski by the Statue of the Man on federal property. That fleeting moment, for you aren’t forced to stop, must be hell. But if you do stop and look, it’s really a common gesture.

Motorized use rebuttal

In the Dec. 12 Hungry Horse News, Mr. Stephen Peters wrote, “The environmentalists and outfitters got their way, and we motorized users had no say ... What happened to the public lands for all of us to use?”

Speakers take first at Corvallis

The Columbia Falls speech and debate team had a full slate of competition last week.

Wildcats trip Broncs for first conference win

Two tight games, two different outcomes. In both this week, the Columbia Falls boys dug themselves substantial holes and then battled back in the second half.

Kats lose to Bravettes, edge Lady Broncs

The Columbia Falls girls basketball team split the bill last week, dropping a close game to Flathead High School on Dec. 14 at home, 42-40. The next night, they got their first conference win against Frenchtown in another nail-biter, 45-43.

Byrd named regional coach of the year

It’s been a remarkable year for Whitefish soccer head coach O’Brien Byrd. He led Bulldogs to a Class A state championship, picked up his 100th career win and now has been named one of seven nationwide finalists for High School Soccer Coach of the Year.

Outdoor news

Fly-tying class offered soon

Canyon trail to get county funding

The Flathead County commissioners voted unanimously last week to award Gateway to Glacier Trail organization $845,811 in Community Transportation Enhancement Program money.

Half a dozen interesting points about wolves

At the fall Fish, Wildlife and Parks Citizens Advisory Committee, wolf management specialist Kent Laudon gave members some interesting facts about wolves.

Glacier Park staffer sees Sandy damage up close

Glacier National Park employee Richard Menicke got an up close and personal look at the devastation caused by hurricane Sandy.

Community news

School concerts

Man charged with trafficking in eagle or hawk parts

A 53-year-old Columbia Falls man was arraigned on a charge of trafficking in eagle or hawk parts on Dec. 5 in U.S. District Court in Missoula.

Tutvedt files complaint against ATP and others

Two Republican legislators have filed complaints with the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices claiming the conservative political group American Tradition Partnership and several other groups violated state election laws.

First Best Place board votes to dissolve

A chapter in the history of philanthropy in Columbia Falls came to an end last week when the board of directors of First Best Place voted to dissolve the group.

Going-to-the-Sun work comments sought

Public comments are being sought on a proposal to conduct streambed maintenance and install riprap as needed at bridges and culverts along the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.

Commissioners appoint board members

With less than a month until many Flathead County committee terms expire, the commissioners on Monday approved a string of appointments and reappointments.

Local athletes qualify for academic all state

Forty-five Columbia Falls High School athletes qualified for academic all state this fall sports season. In order to qualify, students must have a grade point average of 3.5 or better and earned a varsity letter in a sanctioned sport.

Park Fund announces nine project grants

The Glacier National Park Fund recently announced it has awarded nine year-end grants for 2013 projects in Glacier National Park totaling more than $75,000.

Hundreds mourn Peterson

More than 400 friends, family and fellow students turned out at St. Richard’s Catholic Church to pay their respects to Taylor Peterson, the 17-year-old Columbia Falls volleyball player who died of cancer.

Supreme Court takes up logging road runoff

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments last week over whether the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency should look at muddy water running off logging roads in the same way as muddy water running off a farm field, a nonpoint source, or instead like the discharge pipe from a factory, a point source.

Trappers and pet owners urged to be careful

With standard furbearer seasons underway and wolf trapping set beginning Dec. 15, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reminds pet owners to be mindful that there could be trapping activity in the woods.

Christmas Tree

Whitefish's downtown Christmas tree was lit during the annual Christmas Stroll.

Fire Spinning at the Christmas Stroll

Can't believe Stack wasn't reappointed

I was stunned to read that the Flathead County Commissioners had failed to re-appoint Jim Stack to the Whitefish Lake and Lakeshore Committee.

Apology due

In response to Ryan Zinke’s column (Whitefish Pilot, Nov. 28), I live on U.S. 93 West just beyond the city limits. As a matter of course, I walk into town on a regular basis along West Second Street. I don’t see any dilapidated houses except for the ones across the street from his family home. With all due respect to Mr. Zinke and his plans, I think an apology is due to those of us who maintain our homes along this thoroughfare.

Admires Zinke's transparency

At this point, Ryan Zinke has pulled his application for a microbrewery and bed and breakfast on West Second Street, probably for his own reasons, but I can’t help but feel that he was treated like a fox in a hen house.

A new method of professional development

Some of you may remember the TV show ER about a fictitious teaching hospital in Chicago. I was always particularly captivated by the depiction of medical rounds, when teams of interns, guided by their teacher, gathered around a patient’s bed, discussing and analyzing the most appropriate next treatments.

Teachers learn new classroom techniques

The original: A teacher stands in front of the classroom and lectures to students. The new standard: The teacher gives brief instructions and asks students to participate and think deeply.

Ellis leads speech team

Whitefish speech and debate took third place in team sweepstakes points during its home tournament Saturday.

Dogs use stingy defense to edge Hamilton

Whitefish opened the boys basketball season with mixed results after winning and losing a pair of tight games at the Tip-off Tournament in Corvallis and Hamilton.

Local nonprofit ships magazines to active soldiers

For five years, Donna Chase of Lakeside has fed a never-ending magazine hunger among troops in remote areas ranging from Afghanistan to the decks of aircraft carriers and destroyers.

State recruits students for data collection Cooperative group works to protect bats from fungal disease

Crawling on their hands and knees through piles of bat guano and wood rat droppings, six Bigfork High School cave club members ventured into six caves in the Little Belt Mountains over the course of three days.

Let's pay our politicians with goats and livestock as incentive to quickly do their job

In a couple of weeks the opening gavel will drop on a sparkling new legislative session. Judging from the current posturing it promises to be another attempt to roll the calendar back to the 1880s.

Strate Talk revisited: War Flyers reunited after 47 years

Dec. 12 Community Events

Swan River Community Hall Board Meeting

Vikes 1-1 after opening weekend

The Bigfork High School boys basketball team is 1-1 with a win over Hamilton, 73-41, and a narrow loss to Dillon, 43-41, in the Northwestern/Southwestern A Tip-Off Tournament over the weekend.

Drama takes first, speech takes second in Whitefish

Bigfork High School’s speech and drama team kept up their winning ways with the drama side of things taking a first place finish among the Class B and C schools, and speech taking second in last weekend’s competition in Whitefish.

Girls net experience in tip-off tourney

Moving up the learning curve was the name of the games for Bigfork High School’s girls basketball team as they played two Class A schools during last weekend’s Northwestern/Southwestern A Tip-Off Tournament in preparation for the regular season.

Taylor Peterson

Taylor Rae Peterson, 17, of Columbia Falls, “went to be with her Lord and Savior” on Dec. 10, 2012, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her family at her home. Taylor was a loving daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend.

Morley places 24th at cross country national finals

Bigfork High School sophomore cross country runner Makena Morley placed 24th in the 34th annual Foot Locker Cross Country Championships National Finals on Saturday morning.

Marjory Bacon

“God called Mother home” on Nov. 23, 2012, while being comforted by her son John and the staff at Parkview Acres, in Dillon.

Second meeting on Flathead Forest Plan

The group of folks who are interested in collaborating with the Forest Service to provide input into that agency’s new attempt at writing a new Flathead National Forest plan held their second meeting in Whitefish this week.

Great crises make great presidents

The movie “Lincoln” has recently opened in theaters across the country and has rekindled America’s interest in our 16th President. In these current difficult times we need to remember and learn from Abraham Lincoln. He changed our understanding of the meaning of the words “the United States of America” and rearranged our view of both our government and society. He accomplished those transitions because he was able to truly lead during our most perilous time. 

Christmas is year-round at Klothes Kloset in C-Falls

It is Christmas year-round at the Klothes Kloset in Columbia Falls. Church Women United sponsors the successful volunteer enterprise.

Motorized use

When the Rocky Mountain Heritage Act was penciled, why wasn’t ATVs and motorized vehicles included?

Choices

To die with dignity and choice is legal in Montana (and also in Washington and Oregon) if I am terminally ill, mentally competent and physically able to self-medicate.

Increase in influenza activity reported

Local and state public health officials are reporting an increase in influenza activity and remind all Montanans that it’s not too late to get a vaccination.

Boys win two, but have plenty to work on

The Columbia Falls boys basketball team went 2-0 at the Northwest-Southwest Tip-Off tournament last week in Hamilton.

Kats open season hot, go 2-0

Haley Belgarde had a great weekend and the Columbia Falls girls basketball team started their season 2-0 at the Northwest-Southwest Tip-Off Tournament last week in Hamilton.

Columbia Falls goes 2-3 at Butte Mining City duals

The Columbia Falls wrestling team had a reality check last week at the Mining City Duals in Butte.

Albert wins Chocolate Extravaganza

Sixty feet of chocolate covered tables offered an amazing variety of delectable cakes, cookies, pies and confections at the Republican Women’s annual Chocolate Extravaganza last Wednesday.

Speakers take first at Corvallis

The Columbia Falls speech and debate team took first place among Class A, B and C schools at the two-day tournament in Great Falls on Dec. 7-8. The squad was led by Erick Franklund and Colter Norick with a first-place win in varsity policy debate.

Kathleen “Kay” Jensen

Barbara Esme Jessamine Elvy Strate

Glacier Twins eliminate AA team

Last season’s 6-47 campaign capped a tough stretch of losing seasons for the Glacier Twins AA baseball program. Despite earnest efforts from players on the diamond, the team went winless in the conference and finished on a 30-game losing streak. The despondent faces in the dugout were the writing on the wall.

Economic report looks at resident travelers

Montana saw a 3.2 percent increase in out-of-state travelers and a 15 percent increase in resident travelers this year over 2011, and the state’s tourist industry and other businesses felt the impact.

Montana's winter visitors

Birds that head south for the winter are easy to envy and understand. Who hasn’t occasionally dreamed of spending a winter in the Bahamas, Mexico or the pampas of Argentina. Think of western tanagers, orioles and barn swallows.

Smalley's Christmas gift ideas

Recently I saw some very disturbing numbers on the Internet. According to somebody’s survey, 47 percent of Americans wish they could just bypass the holiday season, citing too much pressure, too high expectations and too costly.

Outdoor news

Essex skiing

Prosecution deferred in child prostitution case

The case against a 44-year-old former Kalispell woman charged with letting a Columbia Falls man have sex with her 13-year-old daughter in exchange for drugs has been dismissed.

History club to host cowboy dance

The Columbia Falls Historical Society has moved its headquarters to a new location, club president Clarence Taber says. Talks on local history next year will be presented at the historical chapel at the Montana Veterans Home.

Young novelists at work

Seventy-two Columbia Falls Junior High School students put together more than 600,000 words in novels this November as part of a global writing project.

Bet Harim to celebrate Hanukkah on Dec. 14

The Bet Harim Jewish Community will celebrate Hanukkah on Friday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. at the Multi-Faith Center at Shining Mountains, 475 Eighth Ave. EN in Kalispell.

Tourism record set for 2012

More than 10.9 million out-of-state travelers will have visited Montana in 2012, according to a preliminary estimate by The University of Montana’s Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research. This is a 3.2 percent increase over the number of nonresident travelers in 2011.

Blacktail ski area almost ready to open

Groomers are packing snow at the Blacktail Mountain Ski Area with about 22 inches of snow at the top as of Monday. But no official opening date for their 15th season has been announced yet as the lower elevation regions are still lacking the snow needed for a complete opening.

Blacktail trails public meeting set for Dec. 19

The Swan Lake Ranger District is hosting a public meeting on Dec. 19 to discuss implementation plans for development of the Island Unit non-motorized trail system, namely the Foys to Blacktail trail and the Lakeside to Blacktail trail. The trail system is documented in the 2012 Decision Notice for the Island Unit Trail Systems Additions Project.

Somers landmark future uncertain

The yellow hilltop mansion that’s been a landmark in Somers for 109 years faces an uncertain future, but an effort is under way to preserve the historic home.

West Second Street history

I read the article about the proposed brewery (Pilot Nov. 21) with a great deal of nostalgia.

Confident in our future

I was at the WAVE the other night working real hard on justifying that second beer later, when the nice young attendant came up to me and said my car had been hit in the parking lot, the police and driver of the other vehicle were outside.

Mary Louise Solberg

Mary Louise Solberg, 79, passed away on Wednesday, Nov.28, 2012 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center after a long battle with COPD.

Lady Bulldogs shows promise

The Lady Bulldog basketball program may have turned the corner.

Speedy Bulldog team ready for season

Athleticism, veteran leadership and a solid understanding of the game could make this year’s boys basketball team one of the most exciting in many seasons.

Bulldogs put up fight with Cats

Whitefish’s wrestling dual with Columbia Falls on Friday was one of those times when the scoreboard doesn’t tell the full story.

Glacier Twins drop to A level

Last season’s 6-47 campaign capped a tough stretch of losing seasons for the Glacier Twins AA baseball program. Despite earnest efforts from players on the diamond, the team went winless in the conference and finished on a 30-game losing streak.

Ski patrol offers avalanche safety clinics

Mike Block doesn’t like the word “sidecountry” when used in reference to the out-of-bounds ski terrain accessible from Big Mountain. The term is too soft, too nonchalant.

City motions to keep Hyatt quiet about doughnut talks

The city of Whitefish has filed a motion in Flathead District Court to prevent city councilor Chris Hyatt from talking about negotiations between the city and county involving the planning “doughnut.”

Hickman takes over as CARE director

The halls at Whitefish High School are a familiar place for Amy Hickman. She graduated from the school and has now returned to serve as the Whitefish CARE director.

Misperceptions surround water compact

Swan River water users worried about losing their water rights crowded into the Bigfork Bethany Lutheran Church basement last Tuesday afternoon for a public meeting addressing the recently proposed Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ water compact with Montana and the federal governemnt.

Bigfork asks county to hold off on dump closure plans

Bigfork residents spilled out the Flathead County Landfill Office conference room doors Monday night to ask the county solid waste board to consider other alternatives before making the final decision to close the Bigfork green box site on Montana 83.

Christmas tree stolen from Sliter Park

One of the specially decorated Christmas trees that once sat alongside the Pioneer Woman statue at Sliter Park was stolen early last week and none of the 10 security cameras in downtown Bigfork captured the theft.

Couple celebrates 60 years of marriage

There was a time when most people didn’t live to be 60 years old. But for Dick and Pay Hays of Bigfork, that’s how long their marriage has lasted and it all feels like yesterday for them.

FVCC to host CASA giving trees

The Flathead Valley Community College Service Learning and Campus Corps Office are hosting two holiday giving trees to bring some holiday cheer to abused, neglected, and abandoned children.

BPCT founder to perform Christmas classic renditions

The Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre will perform “A Touch of Christmas” right after the holiday parade in downtown Bigfork this Saturday at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts.

Think it through

I thrive on goals. They give me something to focus my time, money and energy on. But it’s only after the goal is achieved that I gain perspective.

The twelve days of Christmas safety

Consider all the challenges faced in education

Recently I was asked by the school-based mental health counselor to attend a meeting to review their student caseload and related progress. When attending these meetings, I tend to walk away feeling sad due to the hands students are dealt and the expectations we have to assure they learn.

Let's solve the green box site problem

The executive committee of the Bigfork Steering Committee wholly supports Charlotte French in her efforts to stop the closing of the Bigfork Green Box site.

Open burning season closed

Fall open burning season ended on Friday, Nov. 30. Open burning is prohibited during the months of December, January and February. Recreational campfires are allowed during prohibited months unless further fire restrictions are issued by DNRC or the local fire district. Recreational campfires do not exceed four feet in diameter and consist of materials less than three inches in diameter.

Welch officially seeks recount

Martin City Republican Sandy Welch has officially filed for a recount. Welch narrowly lost the race for Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction to Democratic incumbent Denise Juneau by 2,231 votes out of 468,563 cast.

Unemployment insurance rates to decrease in 2013

The Department of Labor and Industry announced on Nov. 28 that the Unemployment Insurance Contribution Rate Schedule will be adjusted from schedule 7 to schedule 6, resulting in a decrease in many Montana employer’s contribution rates for 2013.

National Forest Christmas tree permits available

Christmas tree permits from the Flathead National Forest are available for $5 each from forest service offices in Bigfork, Kalispell, Hungry Horse and from a variety of vendors across the valley.

Community Events

Morley qualifies for Foot Locker cross country championships

Four Montana runners, including three from the Flathead Valley, qualified among the top 40 in the nation for the Foot Locker National Cross Country Championships on Saturday.

Blacktail ski area almost ready

Groomers are packing snow at the Blacktail Mountain Ski Area with about 25 inches of snow at the top as of Tuesday. But no official opening date for their 15th season has been announced yet as the lower elevation regions lack the snow needed to have a complete opening.

Ranking hanky panky

Recently this writer made passing reference to the latest “sex flap” involving respected people in high places and mentioned my avoiding public comment because Iris and I had differing view as to whether the men, or the women, are to blame.

Softball pitching clinics lined up

The Columbia Falls Youth Softball Association is taking registration for the Winter Pitching Clinic now through Dec. 10. The clinic is open for grades 3-9 and will be held at The Fellowship Alliance Church in Columbia Falls.

JV splits games with Stillwater

The Columbia Falls junior varsity basketball teams split the bill with the Stillwater Christian School on Dec.1. The boys won 51-44 but the girls lost 59-36.

Wildcats named to all-conference football team

Twelve Columbia Falls High School athletes were recently named to the all-conference football team. Running back Zach Darling was also named to the all-state team. Wildcats selected to the all-conference team for offense were Zach Darling, running back, first team; T.J. Volkman, guard, first team; Austin Cahoon, center, second team; Dylan Watkins, guard, second team; Dyllon Parker, wide receiver, second team; Colin King, wide receiver, second team; Jared Trinastich, quarterback, second team; and Morgan Totzauer, tackle, honorable mention.

Cats reload for another run

The Columbia Falls boys basketball team will look to reload and make another run for a state tournament berth this year. Last year, the Wildcats took second in the state Class A championship, losing to Dillon 54-39 in the final.

Audubon gears up for Christmas bird counts

Audubon groups throughout northwestern Montana are preparing for the 113th annual Christmas Bird Count season.

Ski film to raise funds for snow bus

Snow or no snow Teton Gravity Research will bring winter to Bigfork next Saturday as the main attraction of The Mountaineer’s Welcome to Winter Party and snow bus fundraiser at The Garden Bar.

MatCats bury Bulldogs

The Columbia Falls wrestling team opened up its season by walloping the Whitefish Bulldogs 51-15. Wildcat wrestlers Shonn Roberts, Seth McCall, Cameron Linstead, Dalton Nelson, Josiah Osborne, Cameron Peterson and Aaron Vick all won by pins at the Nov. 30 match in Whitefish.

Avalanche awareness classes slated

The Flathead Avalanche Center will host free Advanced Avalanche Awareness classes at the Flathead National Forest Office, 650 Wolfpack Way, in Kalispell, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 7; Wednesday, Jan. 9; Monday, Jan. 14; and Wednesday, Jan. 16. Two field sessions will be held at the Whitefish Mountain Resort from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 12, and Saturday, Jan. 19. No registration is needed.

Pet owners warned about wildlife traps

Montana’s recreational trapping season, which runs from September through May 2013, includes a new wolf trapping season from Dec. 15 through February.

Wildlife and riparian habitat preserved through 640-acre FWP aquisition

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Five Valleys Land Trust facilitated an acquisition of 640 acres of key wildlife and riparian habitat near Seeley Lake from Plum Creek Timber. The parcel will be permanently incorporated into FWP’s adjacent Marshall Creek Wildlife Management Area, which will be managed for wildlife habitat but also for public recreational use including hunting, hiking, bird-watching and continued use of a popular snowmobile trail system.

Judge blocks state's wolverine trapping season

A state judge’s order last week blocked the opening of Montana’s wolverine trapping season until at least early next year. The season was set to open Dec. 1.

Hockaday Museum of Art offers free tours for seniors each month

Seniors age 60 and older receive free admission to the Hockaday Museum of Art on the second Thursday of each month for the Senior Tour and Tea Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Complimentary coffee, tea, and cookies are served between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Guests interested in participating in a gallery tour led by one of the museum’s trained volunteer docents are asked to meet at the front desk at 10:30 am. for a guided tour of the museum’s current exhibitions.

Volunteer nominations sought for state awards

Montana’s volunteers have a chance to gain recognition for their volunteer efforts in helping to make Montana a better place. The Governor’s Office of Community Service and the Montana Commission on Community Service are accepting nominations for the 2013 ServeMontana Awards and ReadyMontana Awards in February. These annual awards recognize outstanding Montana individuals, organizations and national service members committed to community and volunteer service.

FVCC art show opens Thursday

Hundreds of Flathead Valley Community College art students’ work will be on display at the FVCC Art Department’s fall student art show open house on Dec. 6 from 6-9 p.m.

'Fiscal cliff' could impact Park

National park advocates warn that the so-called “fiscal cliff” and automatic cuts to the federal budget could negatively impact Glacier National Park.

The truth about trout food revealed

Oftentimes when books are reviewed in this space, I include two or three reviews in a single column. But not this week.

Burglar's sentence revoked for 2nd time

A 38-year-old former Columbia Heights resident had his sentence for felony burglary revoked for the second time after he returned to Flathead County from Alaska to face charges.

Night of Lights schedule

• 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. — Craft fair at the North Valley Senior Center, 205 Nucleus Avenue.

Christmas concerts scheduled for Columbia Falls schools

Schools in Columbia Falls and surrounding area will soon hold their Christmas concerts. The following is a schedule of upcoming shows:

Commission provides details on CSKT compact

Settlement includes $55 million in state money

Community news

Chamber luncheon

Taylor's Wish draws 2,000 supporters

There was fantastic cupport as more than 2,000 people gathered at Tien’s Place in Columbia Falls on Sunday for the Taylor’s Wish fundraiser.