Stories for May 2010

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Thursday, May 27

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Council discusses future goals for city

Improving traffic and pedestrian safety. Providing more activities for citizens. Enhancing the city's economy by getting tourists to stop and stay in the city and attracting business for jobs. Continuing to upgrade the city parks.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Meeting to be held on stormwater

Bigfork Eagle

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Lake expected to reach full pool by target date

Flathead Valley tourism expected to continue rise this year

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Class of 2010 to walk stage Saturday

Approximately 69 students will walk across the newly refurbished stage in the Bigfork High School gymnasium to receive their diploma Saturday, June 5.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Legal drug use may be greater problem

In case you missed it, while some focus on the scourge of medical marijuana — blaming marijuana for the actions of criminally minded prescription addicts — this recent press regarding medical marijuana has prompted me to think about the bigger picture of medication use in our young people, and our society at large.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Climate crisis

I have lived in beautiful Whitefish, Montana, for 16 years. I have grown up in a house that is accessed by dirt roads and is surrounded by trees. My parents have instilled a love of nature and the incredible landscape around me since I was very young.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

State track meet

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Youth bike to raise money for children's hospital

West Shore News

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Saving lives

Barn could go up in Big Prairie

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Candidates on the doughnut

Four of the five candidates for Flathead County commissioner say they would have voted to rescind the interlocal agreement between the county and Whitefish that created the city's two-mile planning and zoning "doughnut" jurisdiction.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Marijuana moratorium extended one year

The Whitefish City Council tabled proposed zoning regulations for medical marijuana businesses at its May 17 meeting and extended the city's current medical marijuana moratorium for a year.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Writing to recover

Woman pens book about volunteer experience during Vietnam War

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Memories from years past

G. GEORGE OSTROM / For the Hungry Horse News

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Skybridge again

The city council should be ashamed of the manner in which they have failed to deal with Mr. Averill and his singlewide in the sky. If indeed the city has no recourse, the powers that be in the Planning Department and Architectural Review Committee should be removed for incompetency.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

More skybridge

I've been reading all the negative comments about the 'skybridge." Sounds pretty awful to me.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Week in photos: 6-3-10

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Swan Crest 100-mile race challenged

A 100-mile race along the Swan Crest sponsored by Whitefish supplement manufacturer Hammer Nutrition has been challenged by a local environmentalist who helped drive litigation in the mid-1990s that led to road-density standards to protect grizzly bears.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Board accepts contract changes to reflect cuts

The Bigfork School Board ratified the 2010-11 collective bargaining agreement with the Bigfork Area Education Association at its May 19 meeting.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Letters to the editor

Funding available through Boys and Girls Club

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Karen, Bill Anderson to retire from education

Karen and Bill Anderson are fixtures in the area's schools.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

BHS juniors earn recognition for writing skills

Baccalaureate service to be held Tuesday

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Vals capture divisional trophy

Bigfork High School girls turned their District 7B Championship into a Western B Divisional Championship after finding a great deal of success at last weekend's meet in Missoula.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Funding dries up for after-school program

Funds are running out for the Mustang Kids Club, which provides activities for area youth before and after school.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Retiring teachers honored

The school year at Whitefish High School is coming to a close. Seniors will graduate soon, but some teachers are looking forward to graduations of their own.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Thanks to PTA

On behalf of the entire Whitefish Middle School staff, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Whitefish P.T.A. for an outstanding display during Teacher Appreciation Week.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Cats take divisional crown

The Columbia Falls boys track team ran away with the Northwest A divisional crown last week in Libby. Derrick Williams, Justin Whitman, Nate Thompson, Taylor Martinson and Daniel Jones all had first place finishes. On top of that, a host of other athletes qualified for the state tournament this weekend in Laurel.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Golf team gets disqualified at state tournament

The Bigfork High School golf team was ready to cap off its standout season with what members hoped would be a stellar performance at the Class B State Tournament in Huntley Project, but the team made one mistake that cost them everything — they stopped to play golf.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Larry August Kickbusch

Larry August Kickbusch "headed for the barn and greener pastures' to be with Our Lord and Savior on May 18, 2010 at LSU Medical Center in Shreveport, La.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Max F. Allen

The angels took Max F. Allen home to the Lord on March 18, 2010 after suffering a long, faithful battle with severe COPD. He was born March 25, 1937 in Kalispell. He served his country in the U.S. Army and worked as an operating engineer in southern California for 18 years and three years on the Alaskan Pipeline.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Seniors earn gold at state

The Bigfork track and field team capped off a season filled with top finishes with a handful of hardware at last weekend's Class B State Track Meet in Laurel.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Thursday

Whitefish Theatre Company will present Charles Ludlum’s “The Mystery of Irma Vep” with shows on June 3-5 and 10-11, all at 7:30 p.m. Nancy Nei directs veteran actors Phelps L’Hommedieu and Tony Hernandez in this campy tribute to melodramas and mysteries, Ludlum’s most famous play. The two actors play eight roles in this gothic spoof set in a Victorian mansion and an Egyptian tomb. The production is the theater company’s annual Cabaret Theatre, with table or mezzanine seating, and food and drink available for purchase. Tickets are $18 adults and $16 seniors and students, all seating reserved. Appropriate for older students and adults. Sneak preview tickets are $8 for general seating. To purchase tickets, call 862-5371 or visit online at www.whitefishtheatreco.org. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before a performance.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Skybridge

In recent weeks, several letters and at least one or two articles related to the 'skyway" over Wisconsin Avenue have been published in your paper. Many are oriented towards "well, there is not much we can do about it now."

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Denise May (Feaser) Hamilton

Denise May (Feaser) Hamilton passed away peacefully at home on May 22, 2010 at the age of 55 after a short battle with cancer. Born Aug. 5, 1954 in Maryland to John William Feaser and Dolores Wilderson Feaser, Denise could be considered a "wild child" as she was always getting into trouble with her black and gold Mustang. After graduating from Randallstown High School in 1972, Denise went to Arizona to visit long-time friend and 'sister' Helen.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Lady 'Dogs look to rebound at state

As quickly as Whitefish's softball squad was poised to win the division and roll into the state playoffs as a top seed, they fell to third place in the standings and find themselves scrambling to find their winning touch.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Glacier scenes, June 3, 2010

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Small world

K.J. HASCALL / Hungry Horse News

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Futures committee looks at high school

A new committee has begun work on gathering ideas for the future of Whitefish High School — which will likely lead to either a new high school building or a major renovation project.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Habitat thanks

On behalf of Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley, I would like to express my appreciation to the Whitefish City Council, which voted Monday night to reduce by reimbursement the permit and impact fees required for Habitat's summer Whitefish build.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Opposes Curry

I'm a lifelong resident of Flathead County and I've never written a letter of this kind until now. I feel strongly enough about the disqualifications of Chuck Curry, candidate for sheriff, that it has compelled me to put pen to paper.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Setting themselves apart

As Bigfork's students count down the days until the end of the school year, I can't help but wonder how many of them will struggle to find summer employment or, for those who are graduating, long-term employment.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Cheers for volunteers

Bruce Tate has deep roots in Whitefish. The son of Ralph and Helen Tate, he professes to be publicity shy and suggests this article should be about them.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Glacier, June 3, 2010

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

DECA winner

I would like to send out various thank you's to the community. After my DECA experience, I have received copious amounts of positive feedback.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Local crews to honor Swan Lake fire chief Saturday

Community members and local fire departments will pay respects to one of their longest serving fire chiefs Saturday, May 29, at a memorial service in Bigfork.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Thomas H. Winegar III

Thomas H. Winegar III, 70, of Sanger, Texas, passed away on Friday May 7, 2010. He was born on Sept. 28, 1939, in Deadwood, S.D. to Thomas Jr. and Grace Winegar. He served in the Army National Guard from 1954 to 1957 and then joined the U.S. Navy serving aboard the U.S.S. Midway from 1957 to 1962. He married Lana Butt on May 25, 1961 in Deadwood, S.D. They moved to California where they had their four children, and then resided in Evergreen and Hungry Horse for several years, but made their final home in Texas.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Sports commentary: Familiar faces back next year as coaches encouraging

Oh, what a difference a year makes. Last spring the buzzword on everyone's lips involved with Bigfork High School's athletics was "new." The community was preparing for a new class for competition and new coaches with new philosophies in five of the school's eight sports.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Girls softball falls short in state tourney hopes

They needed some help from Libby and they needed to beat Polson. Neither happened, and the Columbia Falls girls softball team's season came to an end.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Mallams runner-up at divisional; team takes second

When Bulldog tennis player Joel Mallams started the season in March, he likely didn't think he'd be in a winner-take-all match with one of the state's best netters while vying for a divisional championship.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Tennis teams will send six to state

The Columbia Falls boys and girls tennis teams will send six athletes to state. On the boys' side, the doubles team of Vadim Zvygelskiy and Brian Marcille qualified with a win in the consolation semifinals. Parker Johnson qualified in the singles bracket.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Three Bulldogs named to Shodair

Three Whitefish High School soccer players have been selected to play in the Shodair Classic soccer tournament in Helena this summer.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Briar Tivon Hiebert

Briar Tivon Hiebert, son of Sarah Moore and Donovan Hiebert, of Kenosha, Wisc., was born April 4, 2010.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Tracksters qualify for 36 events at state

After a strong Western A divisional track meet in Libby last weekend, Whitefish is in position to send a busload of athletes to the state meet in Laurel.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Water bills

Did you know that the city of Whitefish's Water Department offers a senior citizen discount?

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Sheri Benson

Sheri Dee Benson, 62, died May 19, 2010, at her home in Whitefish.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Capital improvement projects 56% funded

Tourist forecast looks good

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Boys tennis takes first at state

In their first year back in Class B competition in more than a decade, the Bigfork High School boys and girls tennis teams left quite a mark at last weekend's Class B/C State Tournament.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Twins creep toward .500 mark

The Glacier Twins have been as good as any team in the region since Kyle Knox and Kyle Yogodzinski joined the pitching rotation earlier this month.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Bigfork bronze artist dies

A renowned local bronze artist and former gallery owner died last week.

May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Montessori building still for sale

A year has nearly passed since the last classes of Flathead Valley Montessori Academy echoed through the halls of the large red building north of Somers and the school's board is still working on its next steps.

Obituaries
May 27, 2010 11 p.m.

Obituaries

The Bigfork Eagle runs obituaries and death notices for people who have lived in the Bigfork area.

Thursday, May 20

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Memorial Park stadium moving forward

Progress is being made in construction of a new backstop and grandstand at Memorial Park, home field for the Glacier Twins Legion baseball team.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Bigfork bronze artist dies

A renowned local bronze artist and former gallery owner died last week.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Thursday

The Boys and Girls Club holds a Youth Night on Thursdays at Glacier Discovery Square. It’s a safe and fun place for youth to hang out. Middle school kids are welcome from 5 to 7 p.m. and high school age from 7 to 9 p.m. There is no cost.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Youth show heart through actions

Letter from the editor

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Do-or-die for softball team as season ends

The Columbia Falls softball team went .500 at the Butte Tournament last weekend. Friday the Wildkats clobbered Stevensville 21-4 but lost to Belgrade 4-3 in nine innings. Saturday the Kats beat Lewistown 7-4, but lost to Livingston 5-4.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Super bowl of reading

Everyone wants to be a winner, but finding an outlet to unleash that competitive spirit can be a challenge — especially for those who aren't athletically inclined.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Likes Quatman

We are voting for Phyllis Quatman for District Court Judge.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

The reluctant rescuer

G. GEORGE OSTROM / For the Hungry Horse News

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Book battle

Providing students with new opportunities takes more than one person's vision.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Girl struck by train May 13 recovering

A Columbia Falls teenager is recovering at Kalispell Regional Medical Center after she was struck by a westbound Amtrak train in Columbia Falls.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

George "Sonny" Kahn

A graveside urn burial service for George "Sonny" Kahn will be held on Saturday, May 29, 2010 at 11 a.m. at the Lone Pine Cemetery in Bigfork. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Single mother, boy homeless

The firefighters were able to save the photo albums and the picture of her daughter Jaylee, who died a few years ago. But the clothes, her son's toys, the rest of the rented trailer house — nothing was salvageable.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

UPDATED: Flathead Jackpot Casino catches fire

Bigfork firefighters were kept busy by two separate fires last week, including one that damaged a local business.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Vals sweep divisional tournament

Some fell easy and some took a little more work, but in the end the Valkyries defeated the majority of their opponents in the Western B/C Divisional Tennis Tournament last weekend in Bigfork.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Most students want to keep open campus

In past years, Whitefish High School has maintained an off-campus lunch policy, allowing students to leave school grounds during the 40-minute lunch period if they so choose.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Pilot flashes back to 1910

On May 12, 1910, the Whitefish Pilot reported on the prospect of Montana territory being made into a new national park.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Lady 'Dogs blast Ronan, ready for divisional

A disappointing stretch of tennis came to a screeching halt for the Lady Bulldogs on Saturday as the girls squad steamrolled Ronan 6-1 in a conference dual.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Sewer asks for $8.1 million bond

Bigfork voters will be asked to approve an $8.1 million bond in July to replace the Village's aging wastewater treatment plant.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

A distraction

Why is there a mobile home sitting above the street on Wisconsin Avenue by The Lodge? I hope it's not permanent because it is very distracting when driving through an already congested area.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Nothing comes easy for Glacier National Park

During the year-long celebration of Glacier National Park's centennial, it might serve us well to recall the tortured legislative beginnings of that soaring, sparkling place.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Cheers for volunteers

Glenna McEvoy was born and raised in Enid, Okla. It was there that she met Raymond, and after graduation — she from the University of Oklahoma, and he from the University of Illinois — they were married.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Teacher, family experience Mexico

Wolf population reduction approved

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Class B/C State Tennis

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Boys win seventh conference dual

It's been 34 days since the Whitefish boys tennis team last lost a dual.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Biking season kicks off on all terrain

The bicycling season is well underway and there seems to be no lack of trails, rides or events, so let's get the show on the road.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Energy policy

Isn't it time we did something about re-powering America? Most assuredly, we consumers are playing a part in global warming. Most of us are dependent on fossil fuels for energy. I drive a vehicle, heat and light my home and office, and I bet most of you do also.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Despite youth, boys hope to qualify for state

The Columbia Falls boys' tennis team wrapped up their regular season with a 5-2 loss to Libby. Miroslav Zvygelskiy downed Crawford Denning, 6-0, 6-3 in No. 2 singles and Tim Spencer beat Zack Schikora, 6-3, 6-4.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Judge election coverage continues

Clerk/Recorder and U.S. Rep. election coverage

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

JP race

This letter is written to inform the voters of Flathead County in the current election for the new position in Flathead County District Court.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

A travesty

What a travesty the skybridge at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake is. The Whitefish Pilot should add a new category to their "best of list" called "Best Eyesore." This skybridge should win hands-down.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Track dominates district meet

It's been more than a decade since the Bigfork track and field team has participated in a district tournament, but the Vikings and Valkyries made their presence known Saturday as they were a dominating force at the District 7B meet.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Report IDs dangerous times on state roads

Gambling revenue continues decline

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

BHS student crowned with surprise honor

BLUAC seeks member

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

May 20, 2010

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Youth bike to raise money for children's hospital

West Shore News

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Carnival DVD available now

Copies of the "Whitefish Winter Carnival" documentary film will be available at the Stumptown Historical Society on May 26.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Funding dries up for after-school program

Funds are running out for the Mustang Kids Club, which provides activities for area youth before and after school.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Havre woman chosen as new Whitefish city attorney

Mary VanBuskirk, an attorney in Havre, has accepted the Whitefish City Council's offer to become the city's new city attorney.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Encounters of the furry kind

K.J. HASCALL / Hungry Horse News

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Letter to the editor

Moving Independence Day

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Don Welch

Don Welch died May 10, 2010, in Las Vegas at the age of 77.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Spring for Glacier

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Exchange student living out high school American dream

The students of Bigfork High School gained a new friend this fall when Carolina Tietzel arrived as a German foreign-exchange student, but little did they know they were also gaining a strong tennis competitor.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Girls tennis wraps up season with 9-4 dual record

The Columbia Falls girls tennis team wrapped up its regular season with a win against Libby last Thursday, 6-1.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Beware of the crocodiles

The Whitefish library committee cites general mistreatment by the Flathead County Library System, assures the city that all other solutions are wrong, and urges the city to go it alone.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Men arrested for alleged rape, kidnap

Two men have been arrested for an alleged kidnapping and rape in Hungry Horse Sunday night.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

SRS says 'yes' to full-day kindergarten

Starting next fall, Swan River School will offer full-day kindergarten.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Twins split at Wood Bat

The ping of aluminum was replaced with the crack of maple at Memorial Park this past weekend as the Glacier Twins hosted the annual Wood Bat tournament.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

In tune-up, records broken

That's one way to prime up for the divisional tournament: Break a couple of school records.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Wehrli's two homers lead Lady 'Dogs

Whitefish pitcher Kaitlyn Wehrli had a career-defining game during the Lady Bulldog's 4-3 win over Ronan on Saturday in Butte.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Likes Baker

I first met Beth Baker, candidate for Supreme Court Justice, at the legislature when she drafted a bill for me on victims rights. Because she did such an excellent job, the bill passed without a dissenting vote.

May 20, 2010 11 p.m.

Art of being good hosts and guests

The Flathead Valley is one of the top vacation destinations in the United States and the people of the Valley are incredible hosts. Our visitors are exposed to magnificent scenery, one of the most beautiful national parks and superb fishing. Sometimes visitors are content to merely sit and visit with old (and new) friends.

Thursday, May 13

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Five teachers opt for early retirement incentive

Five teachers in the Somers-Lakeside School District have opted to take the early retirement incentive, which was offered as a way to help with the district's current budget crunch.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Softball team hits a rough patch

The Wildkat softball team had a tough time getting the bats going and they lost three games out of four last week. The lone win came against Stevensville Saturday when they beat the Yellowjackets, 12-4.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Cancer survivor finds comfort in Relay for Life

In working with Relay for Life, Bigfork resident Pat McBride counts herself among the lucky of the cancer survivors she coordinates.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Amending sign ordinance on goals list

Doughnut mediation aired

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

April showers increase snowpack

QRU celebrates EMS Week with kick-off

Obituaries
May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Obituaries

The Bigfork Eagle runs obituaries and death notices for people who have lived in the Bigfork area. To submit, e-mail

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Bigfork Ambulance to vote on disbanding Tuesday

A Bigfork institution that has been around for more than 30 years may be at its end.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Whitefish community library - our facility and our future

Whitefish founded a city library in the 1930s, and our community has been passionate about maintaining quality library service ever since. In 1976, the city of Whitefish contracted with the Flathead County Library System (FCLS) to provide library services in our library facility by way of an interlocal agreement.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Boys do well at Archie Roe

Derrick Williams continues to shine in the 800 meters, winning the race at one of the toughest meets in the state last week. Williams notched a time of 2:01.07 and teammate Patric Jessat was just a hair behind him at the finish with a 2:01.11.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Boys may have an answer in doubles

The Columbia Falls boys may have finally found a lineup that works as the team eyes postseason play in a couple of weeks.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Gayland H. Jones

Gayland H. Jones died of natural causes Monday, May 3, 2010 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. Gayland was born on May 29, 1935 in Lovell, Wyo., the second of three children to Billie and Si Jones.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Vermiculite

Upon the advice of the first-responding police officer, photographs were taken of Richard Newbury's workers, the equipment used, the makeshift trailer utilized for collection, and the resulting vermiculite dust polluting the air on East 10th Street.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Harold Edward Chittim

Harold Edward Chittim, 94, of Harrington, Wash., passed away on Saturday, April 24, 2010, in Davenport, Wash.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Cheers for volunteers

John and Sylvia Trundle retired from the Los Angeles police department, she as a detective and he as a captain. Reportedly they met at work when she ran out of gas, and he rescued her and loaned her $4. Although the facts are somewhat blurred as to whether the loan was ever repaid, it is clear that they later married and have two children and one grandchild.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Bulldogs swat 'Cats in league duals

Whitefish knocked off Columbia Falls in league tennis matches May 6 and 11 to keep their winning streak alive at five duals.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Light burns brighter for state's timber industry, economy in 2010

The roller coaster ride of the national and Montana's economy continues at a frantic pace. The good news-bad news scenarios are in the headlines on a daily basis and it is really difficult to sort out the wheat from the chaff.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Main Street shouldn't be punished for Wall Street

It's often been said that those who forget history are doomed to repeat it. Following the great stock market crash of 1929, Congress and the states enacted a series of meaningful and effective reforms that served our country well. Our markets were stabilized, our economy grew, and families saved and bought homes they could afford. Unfair and predatory business practices were the exception.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Tennis teams ready at the net for tournaments

The Bigfork tennis team managed to find a couple of dry days to play tennis over the past week-and-a-half, though the team's biggest match of what was its final week of the regular season was canceled due to inclement weather.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Library committee calls for breaking away

A committee tasked with looking at the city's relationship with the county library system told the Whitefish City Council on May 3 it was time to break away and go it alone.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Letters to the editor

Music program a 'treat'

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Deputies

To the handful of malcontent deputies at the Sheriff's Office, so you don't like your boss, huh? Well, your boss would be me, along with all the other Flathead County taxpayers who elected your supervisor — the Sheriff.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Fundraising

Thank you, Whitefish Credit Union

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Glacier National Park rededicated on 100th birthday

From 1936 to 1938, Leo Ost called Glacier National Park home. He worked in Civilian Conservation Corps camps. Started out on trails. Then worked in the kitchens at the camps. And he also unloaded the garbage.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

New skybridge confounds city councilors

Several Whitefish city councilors acknowledged receiving phone calls about the new skybridge over Wisconsin Avenue that connects The Lodge At Whitefish Lake to the new Viking Creek Lodge.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Track dominates district meet

It's been more than a decade since the Bigfork track and field team has participated in a district tournament, but the Vikings and Valkyries made their presence known Saturday as they were a dominating force at the District 7B meet.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Freshman in the clutch

With the bases loaded, two outs on the scoreboard and the game at rival Columbia Falls on May 6 tied at 2-2 in extra innings, an unlikely hero stepped to the plate with the confidence of a four-year veteran.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Glacier takes two from Bandits

The Glacier Twins have new uniforms, a new backstop, and on Saturday, they showed off their new attitude on the baseball diamond.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

About birthdays and bears

G. GEORGE OSTROM / For the Hungry Horse News

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Welcoming the return of summer

Letter from the editor

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Track peaks in time for districts

The Bigfork track and field team finished out its regular season last week by competing in the Archie Roe Invitational in Kalispell on Saturday and used the meet to achieve some personal bests and try some new events.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Yellow Bay hosts Cherry Blossom Festival

Bigfork Eagle

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Wasting disease strikes high school seniors

There is a school-wide epidemic that is severely afflicting students at Whitefish High School, so much so that both teachers and parents have raised alarm.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Likes Quatman

I've known Phyllis Quatman for more than 10 years, and remain in awe of the power of her intellect.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Legislators, cities look at stricter marijuana laws

While legislators in Helena took a look at stricter regulation of the state's rapidly growing medical marijuana industry, the media carried stories about crimes associated with medical marijuana, and cities across the state continued to impose temporary bans or limits on the industry.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Sheriff's race

Regarding the latest political stunt courtesy of Dave Kauffman and the handful of malcontent deputies at the Sheriff's Office, let us place the accusation of "misuse of public funds' where it really belongs, at the feet of Chuck Curry.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Skybridge

The new skybridge across Wisconsin Avenue at The Lodge At Whitefish Lake is butt-ugly and spoils our small-town mountain views.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Tradition, wild west style

K.J. HASCALL / Hungry Horse News

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Golf team disqualified at state

The Bigfork High School golf team was disqualified from the Class B State Tournament on Tuesday afternoon due to a violation in a Montana High School Association rule.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Alvina Rose "Nikki" Stringfellow

Alvina Rose "Nikki" Stringfellow died on May 8, 2010 at the age of 80.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Playhouse opens for 51st season

Though the official first day of summer isn't until June 21, summer will arrive in Bigfork on Friday, when the Bigfork Summer Playhouse opens its first production.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

School board signs agreement with state

Pizza Hut best in nation

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Whitefish relay teams roll at Archie Roe

Bulldog track coach Derek Schulz likes to gauge the team's success through the relays — it's been a measuring stick for the program for years. With the boys' performance in the 400 and 1,600 relays the last two weeks, he's absolutely satisfied with where the team stands heading into the home stretch of the season.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Onyx Carmyn Jean Robinson-Lake

Onyx Carmyn Jean Robinson-Lake, daughter of Karrolyn Robinson, of Kalispell, was born April 26, 2010, at North Valley Hospital.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

BHS musicians shine at State Music Festival

Two grizzlies captured near Landmark Lane

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

No-smoking policy

Whitefish Housing Authority Board members work hard to meet the needs of our residents in the Mountain View Manor. However, sometimes we have to make decisions that are not popular with all residents. Smoking is one such example.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Whitefish netters solid at Flathead Invite

The senior and freshman doubles team of Meredith Reed and Kendall Sattler scored the only win for Whitefish in a tennis dual with rival Columbia Falls on May 6 — marking the first and likely the last time the pair will play together.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Tournament time

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Thursday

The Whitefish of Chamber Commerce’s Gone Fishin’ social will take at Alliance Title and Escrow on Thursday, May 20, from 5-7 p.m. Food will be provided by The Cuisine Machine and John’s Angel Catering.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Flathead Jackpot Casino catches fire

A local business on Montana Highway 35 caught fire Friday night.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Della Lee Bedford

Della Lee Bedford, 60, passed on May 2, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, "to be with our angels." She was born in 1950 in Sioux Falls, S.D., and had resided in Hungry Horse for 23 years.

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Week in photos 5-20-2010

May 13, 2010 11 p.m.

Week in photos: 5-20-10

Thursday, May 6

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Williams burns up the track at A.R.M.

Derrick Williams had a great day with wins in the 800 and 1,600 meter races to help lead the Columbia Falls boys track team to a victory at the Whitefish A.R.M. Invitational Saturday, edging Glacier High 99-92.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Evans breaks 100-meter school record

Despite a flurry of distractions Saturday, the A.R.M. Invitational in Whitefish was another successful meet for the Bigfork track and field team

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

City lobbies to protect Haskill watershed

The city of Whitefish would like to see the federal government withdraw future mining, oil and gas drilling and geothermal development on the west slopes of Big Mountain to protect the watershed for the city's reservoir.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

A walk on the green side

K.J. Hascall / Hungry Horse News

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Thelma M. Gulbranson

Thelma M. Gulbranson, 75, of Columbia Falls, passed away Sunday morning, May 2, 2010 at Brendan House Nursing Home in Kalispell.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Sheriff deputy is unrealistic

At a recent public forum, I was stunned to hear Flathead County sheriff candidate Lance Norman declare our U.S. Constitution a "living document." This means he feels it's a fluid document, subject to change and alteration. Outrageous.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Opening day

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Waylon Curtis Collins

Waylon Curtis Collins, 81, of Columbia Falls, passed away Thursday, April 29, 2010, of an apparent heart aneurism. We call it "a broken heart."

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Proposals aim at cracking down on DUIs

Incumbent wants to continue work

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

BHS Prom

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

House explosion rattles CFalls, one killed

Officials don't yet know cause of explosion in home at corner of 12th Street and Second Avenue West

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Week in photos: 5-13-10

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

District may ask for sewer project bond

Bigfork residents may be receiving a mail ballot this summer for a bond levy that will allow the Bigfork Water and Sewer District to go forward with the next phase of its upgrade project to meet treatment standards and increase capacity.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Visitor bureau to move to Bigfork

Despite rumors to the contrary, the Flathead Convention and Visitor Bureau is here to stay, but with some changes.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Absentee ballots out next week

Adams St. boat launch removed

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Bruce Babcock

Bruce J. Babcock, 65, died April 29, 2010, in Whitefish.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Incumbents unseated in school board elections

In both school board elections affecting Lakeside and Somers, votes went in favor of new blood.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

'Minute to Win It'

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Bigfork volunteers support Special Olympics

Volunteerism is nothing new for the residents of Bigfork, but several are lending a hand outside of the Village for a Valley-wide cause serving on the board of the Glacier Area Special Olympics.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Ambulance votes to seek assistance on disband

Bigfork Ambulance members voted Tuesday, May 11, to draft a letter to a local attorney to find out how they need to proceed with two end goals in mind: dissolving the organization and transferring its responsibilities and assets to the Bigfork Volunteer Fire Department.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Bigfork Ambulance to vote on disbanding Tuesday

A Bigfork institution that has been around for more than 30 years may be at its end.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Skybridge not attractive

As I watched the The Lodge at Whitefish Lake skybridge go up across Wisconsin Avenue, I thought what a travesty, what a monument to one family's avarice.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

BHS golfers bound for state

Bigfork High School's golf team had a strong showing at the Class B Division 3 golf tournament at Canyon River Golf Course in Missoula on Monday with Kyle Parker tying for second place and Sara Keenan tying for third.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Skybridge here forever

I can't help but comment on the skywalk placed across Wisconsin Avenue at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake to their new addition on the east side of the road.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Tennis teams beat Ronan again

The Columbia Falls tennis squads handily defeated Ronan for the second time in a week, 6-1, 6-1.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Lydia Beck

Lydia Beck, 88, passed away on Jan. 18, 2010 at Powell County Memorial Hospital.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Burns require permits through end of June

With the beginning of May, open burning is no longer allowed. From May 1 to June 30, open burning will require a burn permit. Burn permits are available on the internet at www.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Election coverage continues

4th arrest in medical marijuana murder

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

More oil, gas leases relinquished

Energy giant ConocoPhillips announced last week it would voluntarily relinquish oil and gas leases the company holds in the North Fork of the Flathead River drainage.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Idol to play for Fighting Saints

Whitefish High School 2009 graduate and former Bulldog basketball standout Colt Idol has transferred from Montana State University-Bozeman to Carroll College in Helena.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Wesley Collins

Wesley Collins, 49, "Bubba" of Kalispell, "has joined the Lord and his beloved black labrador, Spook." He died April 12, 2010, as the result of a homicide.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Exhibit shows an abstract side of Glacier

Spring storms hamper plow crews

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Be alert with changing weather

Letter from the editor

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Trail work ongoing in Herron Park

It took hours for crew members from the Montana Conservation Corps along with Foys to Blacktail Trails volunteers to ring out and clean off their gear after days spent constructing new trails last week during rainy weather and muddy conditions.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Students see benefits of taking AP exams

Although the month of May means one final month of high school before graduation for seniors, it's not quite a downhill slide to the finish line. The first few weeks of May find many seniors — and some juniors — preparing for and taking advanced placement exams.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Whitefish rolls at ARM

Whitefish senior Anto Daoud continued his reign as one of the top sprinters in Western Montana at the ARM track meet in Whitefish on Saturday by winning the 200 and setting a meet record in the 400. He also ran legs on the Bulldog's winning relay teams to help Whitefish earn 68 points and fourth place among 16 teams at the meet.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Music festival a success

We want to take this opportunity to thank the citizens of Whitefish for an outstanding team effort in hosting the District 1 Music Festival.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Learning to work in a different culture

Montanans, because of our relatively small and scattered population, do not generally have sub-cultures of different national origins. The exception lies with Native American tribes that live in our area. These sometimes have language differences that require translations.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Oil wells may threaten grizzly habitat

The Blackfeet Reservation could see as many as 70 new oil wells not far from Glacier National Park, grizzly bear managers learned last week.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Historic Alpinglow Inn reduced to rubble

More big changes on Big Mountain. The historic Alpinglow Inn has been reduced to a pile of rubble, with crews salvaging what they can before hauling the rest to the landfill.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Gillette takes top honors at DECA conference

Whitefish High School junior Sydney Gillette won first place at the DECA International Career Development Conference April 23 -28 in Louisville, Ky. — marking the first time a Whitefish student has garnered a top score at the event.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Thursday

The Boys and Girls Club holds a Youth Night on Thursdays at Glacier Discovery Square. It’s a safe and fun place for youth to hang out. Middle school kids are welcome from 5 to 7 p.m. and high school age from 7 to 9 p.m. There is no cost.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Riley, Wilson win school board election

Barb Riley and Larry Wilson are the winners of Tuesday’s School District 6 Board of Trustees election. Both have been re-elected to three-year terms.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Protect wilderness

Wilderness designation is an issue that drills a nerve as harsh as getting a root canal among Montanans. It has been a topic of heated debate and has served to divide Montanans since the Wilderness Act of 1964.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Happy Birthday, Glacier Park

G. GEORGE OSTROM / For the Hungry Horse News

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

'Doughnut' lawyers lay out their cases

The three attorneys involved in Whitefish's lawsuit against Flathead County over the city's two-mile planning and zoning "doughnut" area presented their cases to city and county representatives and the public last week.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Cheers for volunteers

Ed Lieser, born in St. Paul, Minn., spent his early years in Texas. After high school, he moved back to St. Paul where two significant events occurred — he graduated from the University of Minnesota, and he married Sue. They now have three children and two great grandchildren.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Bulldog bats crush Browning in shutout

It was all Whitefish on Saturday as the Lady 'Dogs' bats paved the way to a 16-0 romp over Class A Browning at Smith Fields.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Bulldog netters rally past Pirates

The Whitefish boys tennis squad pulled off an impressive come-from-behind 4-3 victory at Polson on Friday to extend their winning streak to three matches.

May 6, 2010 11 p.m.

Abell, Harrison win; levy passes

Two-time former trustee Charlie Abell and incumbent trustee Ruth Harrison were the winners of Tuesday's Whitefish School District board election. Two seats were open and four candidates filed.