Thursday, January 28
Winter Carnival documentary to premiere
Dancing Yetis, parading Penguins, Keystone Cops and some guy named King Ullr.
Wailers, N. Lights sweep tourney
Whitefish women's ice hockey teams made a clean sweep at the Flying Mules Tournament in Missoula on Jan. 15-17.
Bulldogs take Pirates to brink
It may have been Whitefish's fourth consecutive defeat, but Saturday's 64-58 loss at conference foe Polson proved the Bulldogs are still a force to be contended with come tourney time.
My unforgettable Horse experience
Devin Schmit / Hungry Horse News
Local's story featured on TV show
Bruce Piasecki of Bigfork Propane thought his 22-minutes of fame were over in 1997, when "Dateline" aired a piece about his 1995 rescue of a boy who had been mauled by a grizzly bear.
Property tax worries continue to flow
The Lake County Courthouse was full of frustration Jan. 19, as residents and representatives alike spoke about flaws and problems they feel were brought on by the recent property tax reappraisal.
Benedict scores decision, pin
Tanner Benedict scored Whitefish's only points Jan. 19 and Jan. 22 at Northwestern A wrestling duals against top-ranked Polson, here and away. The Pirates rolled to 78-3 and 75-6 wins respectively.
Borderline
To the editor,
Wave Ryders strong at Invite
The Wave Ryders Swim Club sent 39 racers to the KATS Winter Invitational in Kalispell on Jan. 16-17 and took home 170 personal-best times.
Whitefish featured in Florida school essay
Editor's note: The following was written for a school essay. The Seely family lived in Olney from 1992 to 2000.
Looking back: A decade in review
Community events
Biomass surplus creates opportunity for Stoltze
When Smurfit-Stone closed its Frenchtown mill, an opportunity was created for F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber in Columbia Falls.
Thursday
Friday
Winterfest kicks off Saturday
West Shore News
Boys' streak comes to an end
From 10-0 to ugh and two. The Columbia Falls boys basketball team's winning streak ended last week in dramatic fashion as they lost to Glacier in overtime Friday, 65-63, and then to Missoula Loyola Saturday night 67-52.
Jim, Wanda and Jamie Barry
The Barry family — Jim, 63. wife Wanda, 52, and son Jamie, 15, — died from smoke inhalation at their Columbia Falls home early Friday morning, Jan. 22, 2010. Initial reports indicate that a fire started in the chimney of their wood-burning stove and the family perished before rescue teams arrived.
Respect our agents
To the editor,
Vikings top St. Ignatius
The Vikings used a 20-4 lead in the first quarter to give 12 of the boys from the Bigfork program playing time in Friday night's 66-23 victory over St. Ignatius, and all but two of them scored.
Holiday thanks
A big thank you to those who turned out on Sunday, Jan. 24, to take down, transport and store all the city Christmas decorations at the Armory.
Famous quotes
Trailwatcher/G. George Ostrom
Vals outscore Lady Bulldogs
Although the first quarter was the slowest of the Valkyries' season, the Bigfork varsity girls basketball team picked up a 45-26 win over St. Ignatius on Friday night.
BSAC to recommend final design engineer for stormwater project
The Bigfork Stormwater Advisory Committee could be recommending a final design engineer to Flathead County as early as this week, moving the stormwater project one step closer to its construction phase.
Mazur claims third straight divisional title
Debaters Joe Mazur, Jack Hyer and Josh Schott led the Whitefish speech and debate team to a second-place finish at the Northwest Divisional Speech, Debate and Drama Tournament held in Whitefish on Saturday.
Lady 'Dogs struggle in pair of losses
The Lady Bulldogs struggled to put points on the board against No. 5 ranked Polson as the Lady Pirates rolled to a 67-30 conference win. The defeat dropped Whitefish to 0-4 in league play and 0-11 overall.
Sizable donation aides holiday streetlight effort
An $8,000 donation from Glacier Park, Inc. will help the Columbia Falls Lions Club purchase new holiday streetlights for 2010.
Speech, drama teams take third
For the second year in a row, the Bigfork High School speech, debate and drama team grabbed third place at divisionals in both speech and drama.
Lake County residents express property tax concerns
Artful Bra Project draws attention to cancer
Vals take down Eureka
The Bigfork Valkyries used an early lead to defeat their 7B rivals, the Eureka Lady Lions, 59-41 Friday night on the road.
LeRoy Donald Tallman
LeRoy Donald Tallman, 62, passed away at home Jan. 14, 2010. He was born on Sept. 19, 1947, in Enid, Okla., the son of Lester and Avadeam Tallman, but most of his life was spent in Coram.
Regarding Famous Quotes
G. GEORGE OSTROM / For the Hungry Horse News
Week in photos - Feb. 4
Wildcat speakers sweep individual events to take title
Homebuyer tax benefit expires soon
Students meet the Challenge
Students at Whitefish High School are taking care of business this year with DECA, the high school's business and marketing club.
Glacier Nordic team dominates Glide race
The Glacier Nordic Ski Team swept first place in every event at the Glacier Glide Nordic race on Jan. 24 at Whitefish Lake Golf Club. The strong performance boosted momentum for the team as they head to Soldier Hollow in Utah for a Junior Olympic qualifying race this weekend.
Council favoring in-house attorney
Doughnut governance proves a knotty issue
UPDATED: LNPC finishes up work on plan
After more than two years of work, the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan Committee is celebrating completing their work on the plan.
Tragic fire kills three
Hungry Horse News
51st Whitefish Winter Carnival
Going To The Sun Celebrating Glacier National Park's Centennial
Canyon's store needs
To the editor,
Supreme Court: Social Security number needed to fish and hunt
The Montana Shooting Sports Association was handed an unfavorable decision by the Montana Supreme Court in MSSA's lawsuit claiming that it violates the right to privacy in the Montana Constitution for Montanans to be required to divulge a Social Security number in order to legally hunt and fish in Montana.
Elite competition at Whiteout
Brandon French cruised through 4,675 feet of elevation gain and loss to post the best overall time in the third annual Whitefish Whiteout ski mountaineering race on Jan. 23 at Whitefish Mountain Resort. More than 50 racers from across the region competed in the event.
Pelton adds second Elvis performance
Bigfork Eagle
Free-throw shooting saves Vikes' record By JORDAN DAWSON/Bigfork Eagle
The Vikings split their time this week between Class A and Class B play, but beat both their opponents; Libby, 43-41 and Eureka, 74-40.
Dual vs. Dogs wraps up grapplers' regular season
While they didn't have a great week as a team, the Columbia Falls wrestling squad had some solid individual performances.
Wesley Reed Chapin
Wesley Reed Chapin, son of former Columbia Falls resident Pat Chapin, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep at the family home in Thunder Bay, Ontario, on Dec. 19, 2009.
Skijoring
Taxi service is returning
It looks like Whitefish will be getting taxi service within the next week or two, about six months after Josh and Peggy Hertlein shut down Whitefish Taxi for economic reasons and headed to Helena.
Cheers for Volunteers
Kay Lorenz, a self proclaimed “Montana gal,” was born in Billings, where she received her early education. In high school during the war years, she met Dick. After his military service and her stint at the University of Montana-Missoula, they married and later moved to Great Falls.
Connecting through technology
Letter from the editor
Local skiers make top-15 in slalom
Madeline Williams and Michela Millette placed in the top-15 at the Rocky Mountain Invitational slalom race on Jan. 24 at Red Lodge Mountain. Williams scored a time of 2:04.34, and Millette finished at 2:06.
Evergreen's shining achievement
GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News
Vending permit debated
The Whitefish City Council gave city planning director David Taylor the OK to renew a temporary vendor permit for Dave Sheeran's Second Street Pizza business. The permit would be good for 60 days.
Hot air debate
To the editor,
Investigation finds 'no wrongdoing'
The results of a third-party investigation into Flathead County Planning and Zoning staff released Wednesday clear planners of allegations of improprieties.
Obituaries
The Bigfork Eagle runs obituaries and death notices for people who have lived in the Bigfork area. To submit, e-mail
Five place at speech, drama state
Bigfork High School speech and drama didn't have enough participants to bring back any team trophies from the state meet in Missoula last weekend, but they did leave with some individual hardware.
Libby ends Vals' winning streak
The Valkyries basketball team ended their nine-game winning streak Tuesday night as they fell 44-41 to Libby following a 17-12 fourth-quarter run by the Lady Loggers' led by Jackie Mee, who scored 13 points in the final period.
Patricia Dolven
Patricia Rose Dolven, 69, died Jan. 5, 2010, as the result of a car accident near the Montana-Idaho border.
Girls split non-conference bill
The Columbia Falls girls basketball team had a disappointing loss against AA Glacier last Friday 48-45, but bounced back to hammer Loyola on Saturday, 60-44.
U.N. scientists call for an end to mining in Canadian Flathead
Hungry Horse News
Cave Club earns national recognition
Bigfork High School teacher Hans Bodenhamer knew his students in Cave Club were doing some "amazing" work, but he got confirmation of it last week when he found out the club had earned national recognition.
Rigby Lee Bauer
Rigby Lee Bauer, daughter of Mike Bauer and Stacey Lee, of Butte, was born Jan. 8, 2010, at St. James Healthcare, in Butte.
The week in sports
Seeing the Lone Ranger – without his mask
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, we were all thrilled by the television antics of the Lone Ranger, his magnificent stallion Silver and his faithful Indian companion Tonto. Galloping across the western plains, the Lone Ranger fought for justice and apprehended (weekly) the bad guys. But no one ever saw the Lone Ranger without his white suit and matching mask.
Thursday, January 21
Sci-fi Surgery
Bighorn conservation strategy approved
Cell phone use can pose health hazards
I read with interest Katie McGunagle's article regarding cell phone use by students at Whitefish High School. I agree with the survey results to continue the "no cell phone policy" and see no educational or emergency need on campus.
'Hansel & Gretel'
BSC to address insurance questions
Bigfork Eagle
Sled dog success
On behalf of all the mushers who attended the Flathead Sled Dog Days race on Jan. 8 and 9, we would like to thank Brooke Bohannan, Sean Hard and Katie Davis for organizing such an outstanding race. We know they work hard all year to put this race together, and their effort paid off with a record 34 teams attending this year's event.
Filing begins for election
Local Operation Cookie Drop seeks goodies for U.S. troops
Bulldogs scratch out wins on mat
The Whitefish wrestling team had some success on the mats at the Rocky Mountain Classic in Missoula on Jan. 15-16.
Joshua Lengstorf
Sgt. Joshua "Link" Allen Lengstorf, 24, died on Jan. 3, 2010, in Ashoque, Afghanistan. He and three other soldiers were on foot patrol when they struck an improvised explosive device and came under small-arms fire.
Numerous positions up for election
Tribes propose project to net lake trout
Winterfest kicks off Saturday
West Shore News
Get active with winter sports
Letter from the editor
School board prepares for search
The Bigfork School District board will determine in a workshop next week how to go about the search for a new superintendent.
Steele, Miller place at Nordic qualifiers
The Glacier Nordic Ski Team had a strong showing at the season's opening qualifier event Jan. 16-17 in Bozeman.
Costain first at freeskiing event
Parkin and Ladd Costain, 8, both Whitefish Mountain Resort Freestyle Team members, traveled to Red Resort, in Rossland, B.C., last weekend to compete in the first Junior Freeski Event of the year.
'Dogs come up short to top-ranked C-Falls
It could have been an upset for the ages — but Goliath wouldn't topple.
Three die in house fire
A man, a woman and a young boy died Friday, Jan. 22 in a house fire on the North Fork Road just outside Columbia Falls.
The 2000s: Looking back to look forward II
Special to the Bigfork Eagle
Selfless and anonymous acts of kindness
During the holiday season, I witnessed many, many acts of kindness and service which truly demonstrate the heart of our schools and community working together.
Joseph L. "Joe" Bellerose
Joseph L. (Joe) Bellerose, Jr., 66, died Jan. 13 at the Montana Veterans' Home in Columbia Falls. Joe was born in Burien, Wash., to Joseph and Gladys (Zetterburg) Bellerose on Sept. 3, 1943, and was raised and educated in Burien. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1963, and received his honorable discharge in 1965.
Houle takes second at Jug Beck
Kelly Houle turned in the best performance for the Wildcat wrestling team last weekend at the Jug Beck classic, but came just two points shy of a championship.
Lengstorf killed in Afghanistan
Planning board looks at marijuana zoning tonight
LNPC examines recommendations from Citizens for a Better Flathead
The Lakeside Neighborhood Plan Committee reviewed recommendations from Citizens for a Better Flathead last week and made a number of minor revisions to the plan.
Downtown towing on New Year's looks fishy
Thoughts regarding the towing of cars in Whitefish on New Year's Eve night (actually after midnight):
Biologist predicts grizzly bears' removal from endangered list
The lead biologist in the recovery of grizzly bears said he expects the bears in the greater Glacier National Park area will come off the Endangered Species List within five to six years.
More light, please
TOM HESS / Hungry Horse News
Vikes hang on for wins
The Vikings (9-1) finally met their match last week and teetered on taking their second loss of the season — twice — but managed to pull of wins over Class A teams Ronan, 66-52, and Whitefish, 60-57.
Winterfest
C. Falls v. Glacier
Auditions approaching for Bigfork variety show
Bigfork Eagle
Property tax system 'antiquate'
I believe that outside money, speculation, lucrative financing, over building and greed are the major factors that resulted in the real-estate bubble throughout the United States.
A star resurrected
Eight years after its demise, Black Star golden lager is back on tap.
Woman and her Belgian shepherd ready to rescue
When a 7.0-magnitude earthquake shook Haiti last week, Kim Gilmore was put on 24-hour standby.
51st Whitefish Winter Carnival
Going To The Sun Celebrating Glacier National Park's Centennial
Local skier ranked among world's best
Whitefish skier Mitch Gilman, 13, has been named one of the best skiers in the world by "Powder" magazine.
Vale shares experiences on drama team
James Vale, a junior at Bigfork High School, moved to the area this year from New Jersey. In the fall he made big contributions on the Vikings football team, and now he is making his mark on the speech, debate and drama team.
Good news for Railroad District
Property owners in Whitefish's Railroad District and east of the middle school received good news last week — lab results from 25 soil-borings revealed little or no contamination from underground diesel fuel plumes originating in the BNSF Railway Superfund site.
West Glacier kids' big show
GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News
Thursday
The Whitefish Theatre Company will host International Guitar Night, North America’s premier mobile guitar festival, featuring the best performing guitar composers from around the world, at the O’Shaughnessy on Thursday, Jan. 28, at 7:30 p.m. San Francisco guitarist Brian Gore put together the traveling festival in 1995. The four musicians featured in this 10th annual tour are, left to right, Brian Gore, Itamar Erez, Stephen Bennett, and Lulo Reinhardt. Tickets are $27 and $20 for reserved seating available online at www.whitefishtheatreco.org or by calling 862-5371. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before a performance. For more information on International Guitar Night, visit online at www.internationalguitarnight.com.
Meeting on property taxes to be held in Lake County
Bigfork Eagle
Hal Framness
Hal Framness passed away on Jan. 12, 2010.He was born to Nestor and Dot Framness on Aug. 8, 1942, in Gillett, Wis. Hal was married to Elaine Holmes in 1961. They had four children — Mark, Robin, Larry and Elmer; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Cheers for Volunteers
Jessie Harring, born in Hungary, received her early education in Budapest and Switzerland. Her life was disrupted by World War II, the memories of which "are in the past, and should be kept in the past." She prefers to forget the tragedies and to concentrate on all the good things life has to bestow.
Safe, and bankrupt?
To the editor,
Vals come out strong
The Valkyries (8-2) met up with some familiar faces last week, the Maidens and the Lady Bulldogs, and defeated them both with ease as if Bigfork had never left Class A competition.
Lady 'Dogs search for balance
Plug one leak and another springs. So goes the trials and tribulations of a team searching for its first win.
Week in photos - Jan. 28
Elvis to appear in Bigfork
Bigfork Eagle
New Valley-wide group forms to share stormwater resources
An interest in stormwater issues drew representatives of local governments, non-profit groups and businesses from across the Valley to Bigfork on Wednesday, Jan. 13, for the creation of the Flathead Stormwater Resource Group.
Winter Carnival coronations
Sizable donation aides holiday streetlight effort
An $8,000 donation from Glacier Park, Inc. will help the Columbia Falls Lions Club purchase new holiday streetlights for 2010.
City appoints representatives to pre-release board
The Columbia Falls City Council Tuesday chose three representatives to join a Flathead Valley committee tasked with siting a pre-release center, even while hearing from one citizen who says the center shouldn't be located here.
Boys go ten and oh!
If success is a virus, then the Cats are sick all over. Last week the Columbia Falls boys basketball team dropped Ronan 67-35 and Whitefish 73-50 to stretch their winning streak to 10 games.
Obituaries
The Bigfork Eagle runs obituaries and death notices for people who have lived in the Bigfork area. To submit, e-mail
Nazi Recollections
G. GEORGE OSTROM / For the Hungry Horse News
Girls drop Maidens, Dogs
Hungry Horse News
Sidewalks will go wider
After many years of public process, conflicting petitions and a contentious council election filled with campaign promises, the downtown streetscaping project will continue with wider sidewalks.
Thursday, January 14
Election forum is scheduled
The Commissioner of Political Practice is coming to Whitefish. Our political process in the last eight years has had some surprising events — detectives, mailers sent by anonymous sources, aerial photos of candidates' houses, campaign signs being stolen, court cases, etc. all quite dramatic and startling in a town this size.
BHS senior tries hand as marine biologist
Editor's note: This is the second article in a two-part series on an interest in marine biology at Bigfork High School. Read about the new science class at Bigfork High School in the Jan. 7 edition of the Bigfork Eagle.
Week in photos - Jan. 21
Canyon closure meetings announced
School District 6 will host two public meetings to discuss the projected 2010-2011 budget shortfall and the possible closure of Canyon Elementary School. The first meeting will be held Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m., at Canyon Elementary, 200 North St., Hungry Horse, and the second on Thursday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m., at School District 6 headquarters, 501 6th Ave., West.
Girls battle back to .500
Slowly, but surely, they're righting the ship. The Columbia Falls girls basketball team had a solid week, dropping Class B Eureka last Thursday 56-39 and Libby 54-44 Friday.
Whitefish man wins state lottery
Robotic surgery comes to North Valley Hospital
Vikes conquer in Plains, Troy
The Bigfork Vikings cruised through another week of District 7B play untouched as they took out Plains 69-48 on Thursday and Troy 59-34 on Saturday both on the road.
Offensive woes for Lady 'Dogs
Whitefish extended their losing streak to eight games after decisive road losses to Flathead and Frenchtown last week in which they posted consecutive quarters in both games with just four points.
Obituaries
The Bigfork Eagle runs obituaries and death notices for people who have lived in the Bigfork area. To submit, e-mail
Mush ado about dogs
Sara Parr, of Whitefish, won the eight-dog class at the Flathead Sled Dog Days event Jan. 8-9 on the groomed trails near Olney.
BSC to address insurance questions
Bigfork Eagle
Frozen rails, friendly staff
GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News
Kaleb Johnson was named player of the week for his effort over the weekend. (Paul Sievers photo)
Boys extend streak to eight
Vals roll past Plains and Troy
The Valkyries (6-2, 5-0) varsity girls basketball team has still yet to find an opponent in District 7B that can come close to topping them, and last week was no exception as they beat Troy on the road 57-12 and Plains in a home game 62-25.
My snow angels
To the editor,
Jacqueline Cornelius
Jacqueline "Jackie" Evelyn Smithey Cornelius, 83, died peacefully in her sleep on Jan. 5, 2010, at her home in Whitefish.
Winter scenes
Two Community Council seats up for 2010 election
West Shore News
Vikings still perfect against Class A
With just 11 seconds left on the clock, Travis Knoll put in a pair of free throws that secured the 43-41 win for the Bigfork boys basketball team Tuesday night in Libby.
Jacqueline "Jackie" Evelyn Smithey Cornelius
Jacqueline "Jackie" Evelyn Smithey Cornelius, 83, died peacefully in her sleep Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010, at her Whitefish home.
Bulldogs vs Wildcats
When snow falls, school officials head out to monitor conditions
While others are still curled up in warm beds on cold winter mornings, a few people from Bigfork School District are already on the road.
Meeting on property taxes to be held in Lake County
Bigfork Eagle
Locomotive with a view
Quiet north border requires protection
51st Whitefish Winter Carnival
Going To The Sun Celebrating Glacier National Park's Centennial
Vikes push past Ronan at home, Vals defeat Whitefish on the road
Thirteen was the Valkyries' lucky number Thursday night as they put up that magic number of points in each of the first three quarters in their game against Whitefish, and added an additional 16 in the fourth quarter to take a 55-38 victory.
Rollins woman crashes into police vehicles in chase
Opinion: An unusual Flathead pioneer
Kinzer set to retire
Russ Kinzer, superintendent of the Bigfork School District, told staff this week that he intends to retire at the end of the school year.
Jack R. Iverson
Jack R. Iverson, of Columbia Falls, passed away Jan. 1, 2010. He was born Oct. 16, 1948, in Thief River Falls, Minn., to Gordon and Hilda "Ginger" Iverson.
Bigfork sweeps speech and drama in C. Falls
The Bigfork High School speech and debate team had a big day Saturday in Columbia Falls as they took first place in both speech and drama among Class B schools.
Voluntary tax group to include more businesses
The group that formed the Bigfork Enhancement Contribution is looking to branch out from the downtown area and include businesses on Montana Highway 35.
Elvis to appear in Bigfork
Bigfork Eagle
Robert Mercier Paul
Robert Mercier Paul was born in 1915 in New York City, the son of George A. and Mabel Paul. He passed away due to natural causes at Willamette View Manor in Portland, Ore., on Jan. 3, 2010, at the age of 94.
Three grapplers go 6-0 on the weekend
Three Columbia Falls wrestlers went undefeated and the team took third last weekend at the Western Montana Duals tournament held in Ronan.
Bulldogs' run breaks Broncs
The Bulldogs looked emotionally spent as they took the floor at the Dawg House on Jan. 9 for the opening tip-off against the Frenchtown Broncs.
Canyon Elementary could close to save budget
Hungry Horse News
Write a column to share your thoughts
Letter from the editor
About Common Things
G. GEORGE OSTROM / For the Hungry Horse News
Thursday
The Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce Brown Bag series continues Thursday (today), Jan. 21 at noon at Freedom Bank. Stephanie Breck with Kaplan & Breck PC will speak on “The Importance of Employee Performance Management and Discipline in Montana.”
Swan Hill Homestead developers propose 'green' Bigfork subdivision
FWP to hold meeting on regulations
Hope amidst the gloom
TOM HESS / Hungry Horse News
Dryden resigns as 'Dogs football coach
Citing a desire to explore "the next chapter in my life," Bulldog varsity football coach Patrick Dryden is stepping away from the gridiron.
Glacier Park Ranger remembered as 'consummate outdoorsman'
Steve Frye remembers the trip well. It was an awful bushwhack up the headwaters of Bowman Lake. The brush was thick all around. But Bob Paul, the leader of this expedition, turned around and looked at them and smiled.
Coming soon to a location near you
In what the government calls "the largest peacetime mobilization in U.S. history," the 500,000 enumerators of the U.S. Census Bureau are geared up and prepared to conduct the 2010 census.
Voters asked to renew funding for rural fire
The Columbia Falls Rural Fire Department is looking to renew its funding for another 10 years.
Now is time for restraint
As I was sitting in City Hall during the recent swearing ceremony of the new Whitefish City Council, I found the public comment to be the most interesting. For the most part, the comments represented a summation of the issues that have challenged Whitefish last year, to include the controversial street-widening project, the extension of Seventh Street, and concern over the tone of the last election. What was not addressed, however, is the need for fiscal restraint to reflect the state's most recent economic forecast.
WHS debaters dominate at C-Falls tourney
Bulldog debaters grabbed first and second places in both policy debate and Lincoln-Douglas debates at the Columbia Falls Speech and Debate Tournament on Saturday, Jan. 9.
Olney musher readies for Yukon race
Behold the power of cheesecake.
Council delays decision on Viking Creek RV proposal
Citing significant changes in the Viking Creek developer's original proposal, the Whitefish City Council on Monday agreed to reopen the matter for public comment.
Jerrold William "Jerry" Collins
Jerrold William "Jerry" Collins, 67, passed away on Monday, Jan. 5, 2010, at his residence in Kalispell. He was born on Sept. 6, 1942, in Kalispell, the son of John William and Ada E. (Lloid) Collins.
A decade in review
Special to the West Shore News
Cheers for volunteers
Joan Smith, though born in North Dakota, spent her childhood in Great Falls, where she graduated from high school. While attending Northwestern University in Illinois, she met her future husband, Larry, who was destined to become a CPA in Chicago.
The 2000s: Looking back to look forward
Special to the Bigfork Eagle
Whitefish vs Columbia Falls
Monday, January 11
Week in photos - Jan. 14
Alahna Jo Hader,
daughter of Angela Michelle Hader and Johnathan Luke Hader of Kalispell, was born Jan. 5 at North Valley Hospital.
Voluntary tax group to include more businesses
The group that formed the Bigfork Enhancement Contribution is looking to branch out from the downtown area and include businesses on Montana Highway 35.
Vals outscore Ronan Maidens
The Bigfork Valkyries beat former conference foes Ronan 52-36 in a home game Tuesday night.
Thursday
The local Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) Community Group will meet at the Bohemian Grange, behind Montana Coffee Traders on U.S. 93 on Thursday, Jan. 14, at 7 p.m. Guest speaker will be Monte Yellow Bird Sr., known in the art world as Black Pinto Horse, a Native American artist, story teller, cultural/educational consultant. For more information, call 862-9591 or 862-7711.
The American Dipper
Sled Dog Days
A clear day
Thursday, January 7
Obituaries
The Bigfork Eagle runs obituaries and death notices for people who
Food bank responds to upsurge in gift needs
The number of West Shore families in need tripled this holiday season, as the West Shore Food Bank and its friends provided gifts to more than 240 families.
Obituary
Eloise S. Berg, 78
Roger H. Ganiere
Roger Henry Ganiere, 89, died Friday, Dec. 25, 2009, at Lake View Care Center in Bigfork.
On thin ice: How to stay safe this winter
As we enter our winter months, lakes, ponds, streams and rivers throughout the Flathead Valley freeze over.
Free Cruises and Old Jokes
G. GEORGE OSTROM / For the Hungry Horse News
Robert Mercier Paul
Robert Mercier Paul, 94, passed away Jan. 3, 2010, in Portland, Ore., from natural causes.
Theodore "Ted" Edward McDonald
Theodore "Ted" Edward McDonald passed away at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls on Dec. 31, 2009, at the age of 86, after a massive stroke Dec. 5.
New council agrees to help Twins project
The Whitefish City Council stepped up to the plate on Monday by agreeing to help the Glacier Twins with their new grandstand proposal.
Vikes and Vals cruise past Plains
The Bigfork High School boys and girls basketball teams both dominated Plains Thursday night in conference play.
Cooper's opens in time for New Year's
A last-ditch effort to cobble together a suitable drinking establishment paid off as Central Avenue's newest bar — Cooper's — opened in time for the New Year's Eve celebrations.
Want to get an obituary in the West Shore News?
The West Shore News runs obituaries and death notices for people who have lived or live on the West Shore of Flathead Lake. To submit, e-mail
Motel move makes way for park
People are used to seeing hotels on the side of the highway, but those passing through Lakeside are getting used to seeing motels move down it.
Thursday
Fish, Wildlife and Parks fisheries biologist Jim Vashro will join volunteers from Hooked on Fishing and Lone Pine State Park to present an introductory class on ice fishing for all ages. Space is limited. Classes will take place on Thursday, Jan. 7, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Lone Pine State Park, in Kalispell and on Saturday, Jan. 9, from 8 to 10 a.m. at Foys Lake in Kalispell. Cost is $10 per person. For more information, call 755-2706.
'Dogs pick up pace
Willie Roche exploded for 18 points and snagged six rebounds to lead all scorers as Whitefish routed Ronan 59-39 in a Northwest A league match at the Dawg House on Jan. 2.
Vikes struggle but still top Thompson Falls
The Vikings basketball team struggled in their first game back from the Holiday Break, a home game against Thompson Falls, but they were able to come away with a 51-44 victory.
Nelson, Brist garner Coach of Year honors
Whitefish High School boys golf coach Terry Nelson and girls cross-country coach Bill Brist were selected as Coach of the Year in Class A by the Montana Coaches Association after leading their respective teams to state titles this past season.
Wilson's apology
To the editor,
Glacier Nordic preparing for qualifiers
After a little more than two months of training with this year's Glacier Nordic Ski Team, coach Ben Morley says a number of team members are on the fast track to qualify for Junior Nationals.
Our settlers and their schools
GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News
Letters to the editor
Dayton Christmas giveaway
Stimulus
Whitefish's North Valley Food Bank will help "jump start" the economy with $3,500 in cash donated in $10 and $20 bills that were included in the Christmas food boxes for more than 200 families.
Census Bureau needs workers
Double duty: For first time speakers compete in two events
Generosity strikes SMS
Generosity made the positive atmosphere at Somers Middle School last month. Monthly, Somers Middle School has a character builder on what the ideal citizen should possess. Students who practice this trait are recognized or "caught in the act."
Stormwater project final design goes out to bid
After two years of preparation work, the Bigfork Stormwater Project may be under construction this year.
Lady 'Dogs fall to Maidens; remain winless
The Ronan Maidens broke a 29-game losing streak that spanned two seasons with a 42-32 win over the Lady Bulldogs.
Avalanche danger heightens
Recent snowstorms have ramped up the avalanche danger here.
Voting block emerges on new city council
A new Whitefish City Council showed its face Monday night with a split vote right out of the starting gate.
Foreclosures signal more trouble ahead
A Web site that tracks foreclosures across the United States lists 31 bank-owned homes currently for sale in the Columbia Falls area, an indication of the shaky economy here. In addition to the bank-owned homes, there are 10 properties listed for sale by trustee auction.
About us
In win over Eagles, boys record now 6-0
The streak continues. The Columbia Falls boys basketball team is 6-0 after edging Big Sky last weekend in Missoula.
Freestyle team strong at rail jam
Whitefish Mountain Resort's Freestyle Ski and Snowboard Team took home wins in four of eight divisions at last week's New Year's Eve Rockin' Rail Jam, the team's first event of the season.
Correcting the record
While away with family, I read in the papers that my fine colleague, Sen. Bruce Tutvedt, R-Kalispell, may have misinformed folks at the recent town hall meeting in Kalispell about House Bill 658 and property reappraisal.
Red buses and Park pix
TOM HESS / Hungry Horse News
Providence Home children ride for free
Math teachers keep watch on student progress
Council to review bylaws
FWP seeks assistance in poaching cases
Austin Anthony Sellers
Todd and Camille Sellers of Hungry Horse are the parents of a son, Austin Anthony Sellers, born Nov. 23, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces, and was 21 1/4 inches long.
Two BLUAC seats up for 2010 election
Bigfork Eagle
Eighth-grade boys unstoppable
The boys on the eighth-grade basketball team from Bigfork wrapped up their middle school career in style with another undefeated season.
First baby of the new year
King Ullr LI: Yetis attack skiers
Ralph Johnson
Ralph W. Johnson, 79, died Dec. 22, 2009, at Colonial Manor in Whitefish after a long battle with cancer.
Cheers for volunteers
Mark and Nancy Svennungsen are retired stalwarts of our business community — she with 24 years as owner/operator of the Village Shop and he from his optometry practice.
Senior Shay Grilley goes up for a shot against Missoula Big Sky last Saturday. (Chris Peterson photo)
Girls find progress in loss to Big Sky
New science class aims to keep seniors at BHS
Since science is only required for two years and some seniors just opt not to take additional classes, Bigfork High School was looking for an additional offering that would entice senior students to stay in school full time.
Bigfork schools closed due to weather
Bigfork Eagle
BLUAC hears from Swan Hill Homestead developers
The Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee heard an update from developers Thursday on a potential subdivision on Swan Hill Road.
Vals cruise by Bluehawks
The Bigfork Valkyries emerged from the Holiday Break with a new plan of attack that earned them a 47-30 victory over Thompson Falls on Saturday.
Superfund cleanup is No. 1 story
Underground diesel plumes threatening Whitefish River and the Railway District, skyrocketing property reappraisals, a $440,000 ruling against the city, a contentious city council election and medical marijuana businesses coming to Whitefish are last year's top five stories.
Snow show
Center showcases winter offerings
Setting out resolutions for 2010
Letter from the editor
Do people have a right to get their fix in Whitefish?
Editor's note: The following is a letter to the Whitefish City Council.
