Ellington

Sheldon-Allen hopes he hasn't run his last race

Once Chance Sheldon-Allen got on the track and field oval he quickly made his mark.

Glacier's Rademacher All-State, Price, Engellant, Keller, Johnson on all-league squads

Glacier High School’s Aubrie Rademacher capped off her standout senior season by being selected to the Class AA All-State girls’ basketball team, released Wednesday by the Montana Coaches Association.

Toughest duty: O'Connell again bides his time

You hate to paint with a broad brush, but this past St. Patrick’s Day had to be especially low-key for a guy named Patrick O’Connell.

Woman, police exchange gunfire in Bigfork

Shots were fired this morning in Bigfork on Grand Drive after the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office located the driver of a stolen vehicle. No injuries were reported and the incident is currently under investigation.

Businesses scramble to find news ways to operate during COVID-19 closures

Springtime is the off season for business in Bigfork, so it’s expected to see fewer people out on the streets, in shops and sitting at bars and restaurants. But this week, the slow season came to a screeching halt as the COVID-19 outbreak effectively shut down a substantial percentage of businesses in the Bigfork area.

Supporting small businesses when they need it most

I have been feeling a bit apprehensive.

Bigfork Food Bank open for a single day in April

Customers of the Bigfork Food Bank have no need to panic since the facility has “ample food,” director Ann Tucker told the Eagle last Friday. However, the food bank will only be open one day in the month of April in an effort to minimize the risk of exposing volunteers to COVID-19, who are essential to food bank operations. Customers will still be able to pick up the same amount of food for the month, but will have to stop by between 1-6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7. The food bank was previously open every Tuesday.

Bigfork Food Bank is well-stocked and ready to serve

Customers of the Bigfork Food Bank have no need to panic since the facility has “ample food,” director Ann Tucker told the Eagle last Friday. However, the food bank will only be open one day in the month of April in an effort to minimize the risk of exposing volunteers to COVID-19, who are essential to food bank operations. Customers will still be able to pick up the same amount of food for the month, but will have to stop by between 1-6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7. The food bank was previously open every Tuesday.

Down to business

I have been feeling a bit apprehensive.

Bigfork man arrested in standoff

Flathead Valley law officers arrested four wanted individuals on numerous warrants following a standoff early last Thursday morning in Kalispell They included: Jason L. Abregana, 27, of Kalispell; Dexter A. Sisco, 29, of Bigfork; Logan A. Mejak, 23, transient and Alexis Sullivan, 22, of Columbia Falls.

Maxine Love Gates Robinson, 97

Maxine Love Gates Robinson passed away the evening of March 16, 2020 at the Lake View Care Center, where she had resided for almost two years.

Bigfork businesses find new ways to operate during COVID-19 closures

Businesses scramble to find news ways to operate during COVID-19 closures

Bigfork businesses collaborate on new sanitizer

Two Bigfork businesses have come up with an innovative way to meet the need for hand sanitizer as the COVID-19 outbreak continues.

School delivery program a bright spot in uncertain times

“Start your engines,” a voice crackled over the radio.

PHOTOS: ACES offers grab-and-go dinners

Students and their families stopped by Bigfork ACES After-School Program last Thursday for a grab-and-go dinner. ACES will continue offering dinner during weekdays between 4:30 and 5 p.m.

Sharp shooter

For Bigfork’s Richard “Short Colt” Cheney, firearms are a way of life.

Woman, police exchange gunfire in Bigfork

A woman accused of exchanging gunfire with Flathead Valley law officers Tuesday morning in Bigfork has a prior record of assault with a weapon.

Shots fired in Bigfork after deputies locate driver of stolen vehicle

Shots were fired this morning in an officer involved shooting that took place on Grand Drive in Bigfork after the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office located the driver of a stolen vehicle. No injuries were reported and the incident is currently under investigation. The suspect is in custody, according to a social media post from the sheriff’s office.

Frontier Conference honors local athletes

Two athletes from Columbia Falls and another from Kalispell made the Frontier Conference women’s basketball all-academic team announced on Friday.

No headline

The Glacier coaching staff is staying optimistic, and that starts with activities director Mark Dennehy being hopeful of a positive outcome to the novel coronavirus CODIV-19 that has brought athletics in Montana to a standstill.

No headline

The Glacier coaching staff is staying optimistic, and that starts with activities director Mark Dennehy being hopeful of a positive outcome to the novel coronavirus CODIV-19 that has brought athletics in Montana to a standstill.

No headline

The Glacier coaching staff is staying optimistic, and that starts with activities director Mark Dennehy being hopeful of a positive outcome to the novel coronavirus CODIV-19 that has brought athletics in Montana to a standstill.

Bigfork area closures, cancellations and postponements

Cancelled • United States Air Force Academy Band concert March 28 at Bigfork Center for Performing Arts.

C-Falls' Windauer and Hill make Class A girls all-state

Columbia Falls’ Josie Windauer and LaKia Hill were two of the 18 players named All-State for Class A girls basketball this week.

Libby's Johnson and Polson's Graham Class A all state hoops

Libby’s Keith Johnson and Polson’s Colton Graham were among 18 players chosen for the Class A All-State boys’ basketball that was released this week.

Health officials urge caution, common sense

Public health officials are urging Montanans not to panic during the coronavirus outbreak, but to exercise caution and common sense.

Schools transition to online learning, continue meal program

Bigfork School District 38 will begin online education for students in grades 5 through 12 today, March 18, while the campus will remain closed through March 27 in line with Gov. Steve Bullock’s directive that all Montana public K-12 schools shut their doors for two weeks in an effort to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. As of Tuesday, nine cases of coronavirus have been reported in Montana, according to the Montana Department of Health and Human Services. To date, no cases have been confirmed in Flathead County.

Arguments in Bigfork Ponzi scheme presented in federal appellate court

A three-judge panel on the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments Friday, March 6, in a case involving a Bigfork man who was convicted of swindling $2.7 million from 36 investors in multiple Ponzi schemes between 2013 and 2016.

Bigfork reacts to MHSA’s suspension of spring activities

The Viking and Valkyries spring sports seasons may be over before they ever got a chance to get going after the Montana High School Association announced Monday that all Montana high school spring activities have been cancelled until at least April 13.

Deep Dive into the Flathead Lake Biological Station

Good luck is rarely fully appreciated while it’s happening.

Bigfork woman charged with criminal endangerment for firing handgun

A Flathead Valley woman ended up in jail after allegedly firing a handgun during a fight with her boyfriend.

Rental company changes hands after 30 years

After 30 years of serving Bigfork visitors, Denise Grenier is finally getting a little vacation of her own. In February, she sold Eagle Bend Flathead Vacation Rentals, the company she started in 1990.

Bigfork reacts to MHSA's suspension of spring activities

The Viking and Valkyries spring sports seasons may be over before they ever got a chance to get going after the Montana High School Association announced Monday that all Montana high school spring activities have been cancelled until at least April 13.

School board buys seniors' travel vouchers for canceled class Euro trip

On March 11, members of the Bigfork School Board voted to postpone a 10-day school trip to Europe over spring break and to buy refund vouchers from eight seniors and four parent chaperones who would no longer be eligible to participate the following spring. The cost of the vouchers was estimated at around $45,000 in total. Board member Paul Sandry was the only member to vote no on both the trip postponement and the purchase of the vouchers.

Valkyries fall at state to close out hoops season

The Valkyries basketball season came to a close at the Class B state tournament over the weekend, shortly before the tournament was shut down amid coronavirus fears.

Arguments in Bigfork Ponzi scheme presented in federal appellate court

A three-judge panel on the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments Friday, March 6, in a case involving a Bigfork man who was convicted of swindling $2.7 million from 36 investors in multiple Ponzi schemes between 2013 and 2016.

Wind storm cleanup still underway

Hundreds of trees are still toppled throughout the Flathead Valley following Friday’s storm that left thousands without power.

Wind storm cleanup still underway

Hundreds of trees are still toppled throughout the Flathead Valley following Friday’s storm that left thousands without power.

Bigfork woman charged with criminal endangerment for firing handgun

A Flathead Valley woman ended up in jail after allegedly firing a handgun during a fight with her boyfriend.

Valkyries fall at state to close out hoops season

The Valkyries basketball season came to a close at the Class B state tournament over the weekend, shortly before the tournament was shut down amid coronavirus fears.

Rental company changes hands after 30 years

After 30 years of serving Bigfork visitors, Denise Grenier is finally getting a little vacation of her own.

School board buys seniors’ travel vouchers for canceled class Euro trip

On March 11, members of the Bigfork School Board voted to postpone a 10-day school trip to Europe over spring break and to buy refund vouchers from eight seniors and four parent chaperones who would no longer be eligible to participate the following spring. The cost of the vouchers was estimated at around $45,000 in total. Board member Paul Sandry was the only member to vote no on both the trip postponement and the purchase of the vouchers.

Deep Dive into the Flathead Lake Biological Station

Deep Dive into the Flathead Lake Biological Station

Schools transition to online learning, continue meal program

Bigfork School District 38 will begin online education for students in grades 5 through 12 today, March 18, while the campus will remain closed through March 27 in line with Gov. Steve Bullock’s directive that all Montana public K-12 schools shut their doors for two weeks in an effort to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. As of Tuesday, nine cases of coronavirus have been reported in Montana, according to the Montana Department of Health and Human Services. To date, no cases have been confirmed in Flathead County.

Bigfork area closures, cancellations and postponements

Cancelled

Governor orders public schools to close

By HILARY MATHESON

Bigfork Independent Film Festival postponed until October

The fourth annual Bigfork Independent Film Festival scheduled for April 3-5 has been postponed until October 2-4 out of concerns related to the new coronavirus.

Thousands without power due to blustery winds

By HILARY MATHESON

Surreal scene as state tournament ends early

The unreal scene from Friday night at Montana’s state basketball tournaments – teams battled in the semifinals not knowing it was their final game – had given way to uncertainty Saturday morning.

Pack dumps Bozeman; Bigfork, Polson bounced

The Glacier Wolfpack crashed the boards and crushed the ending, scoring seven straight points in the final 2:14 of a 43-38 win over Bozeman at the State AA girls basketball tournament Friday.

West speeds past Glacier; Vals, Pirates fall at state

BOZEMAN – Billings West was as fast as advertised and used a big first half to defeat Glacier 53-31 Thursday at the State AA girls’ basketball tournament in Breeden Field House.

No normal player

If there was a game where Aubrie Rademacher was really going to bring the pain, it would have been last Saturday morning against Butte.

History Uncovered

Local histories can be easily forgotten. The artifacts themselves might be stowed away in attics, never to see the light of day, while stories go untold as generations pass on without being asked what life was like, way back when.

Fredrick Leroy Leas JR, 51

On Nov. 5, 2019, at approximately 11:05 a.m., the world lost a very loving husband, father and grandfather. Fredrick Leroy Leas JR passed away at his home surrounded by his immediate family, after an 18-month battle with cancer.

Land use committee recommends denial of zone change

The Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee voted unanimously to recommend denial of a zone change amendment requested by JJN Holdings, owned by Bigfork electrician Ryan Nelson, to re-zone his 5.884-acre property from SAG-5, suburban agriculture to I-1, light industrial, during their Feb. 27 meeting. Nelson explained that he was requesting the change so he could construct a shop for his business that would house a van and other supplies. During the winter months, UPS is often unable to deliver to his current residence so the Nelson’s sought a location that was easier to access.

Valks head to state

The Valkyries will open play at the Class B State Basketball Tournament in Butte Thursday as they take on Big Timber at 5 p.m.

Neighborhood break-in prompts concern among locals

Friday, Feb. 28

Bigfork All-Stars to battle on court

Six Bigfork hoopsters will be taking the court one last time this season March 26 as the Ronan Event Center hosts the 25th annual Mission Valley All-Star Game.

New website brings local history into the modern age

Local histories can be easily forgotten. The artifacts themselves might be stowed away in attics, never to see the light of day, while stories go untold as generations pass on without being asked what life was like, way back when.

Local to be honored as Montana Symphony Volunteer of the Year

Music has been a part of Julie Moffitt’s life ever since she started taking piano lessons as a young girl, which morphed into a love of singing and Broadway musicals. So when she and her husband Jim relocated from Florida to Montana, getting involved with Glacier Symphony, Orchestra and Chorale seemed like a natural fit. For Moffitt, the mission of sharing classical music with the community was an important one, and she’s dedicated nine years of service to the symphony’s board of directors and held the role of board president from 2017 to 2019. Next month, Moffitt be recognized for all her hard work raising funds and awareness for Glacier Symphony when she’s presented with the Volunteer of the Year Award by the Montana Association of Symphonic Orchestras. The ceremony will take place Sunday, April 26, during the symphony’s Spring Festival at Flathead Valley Community College.

Bigfork All-Stars to battle on court

Six Bigfork hoopsters will be taking the court one last time this season March 26 as the Ronan Event Center hosts the 25th annual Mission Valley All-Star Game.

Neighborhood break-in prompts concern among locals

— A caller on Sunrise Terrace called regarding an alleged break-in in his neighborhood. He was going to be gone for the weekend and requested extra patrols. Extra patrols were provided.

Valks head to state

The Valkyries will open play at the Class B State Basketball Tournament in Butte Thursday as they take on Big Timber at 5 p.m.

Land use committee recommends denial of zone change

The Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee voted unanimously to recommend denial of a zone change amendment requested by JJN Holdings, owned by Bigfork electrician Ryan Nelson, to re-zone his 5.884-acre property from SAG-5, suburban agriculture to I-1, light industrial, during their Feb. 27 meeting.

Fredrick Leroy Leas JR, 51

On Nov. 5, 2019, at approximately 11:05 a.m., the world lost a very loving husband, father and grandfather. Fredrick Leroy Leas JR passed away at his home surrounded by his immediate family, after an 18-month battle with cancer.

Scenes from Bigfork Brewfest

Hundreds flocked to Wayfarers State Park last Saturday for the Bigfork Brewfest, hosted by Bigfork Innovations Group. The event featured more than two dozen breweries, along with cider, kombucha and wine makers.

Scenes from Bigfork Brewfest

Voisin wins gold in X Games slopestyle

HAFJELL RESORT, Norway ­— Two-time Olympian Maggie Voisin came away from this past weekend’s X Games Norway with a pair of medals.

Bigfork voters pass $5.33 million water tank bond

Bigfork voters approved a $5.33 million general obligation bond to fund a new water tank and improve existing storage tanks on Feb. 26, with 63.5% of voters casting their ballots in favor of the new infrastructure. Turnout for the special bond election was 37% with 568 total voters. The bond will raise taxes by $43.94 annually per $100,000 of assessed property value.

Bigfork voters pass $5.33 million water tank bond

Bigfork voters approved a $5.33 million general obligation bond to fund a new water tank and improve existing storage tanks on Feb. 26, with 63.5% of voters casting their ballots in favor of the new infrastructure. Turnout for the special bond election was 37% with 568 total voters. The bond will raise taxes by $43.94 annually per $100,000 of assessed property value.

John Charles Kluding

John Charles Kluding, a Bigfork resident for the last 21 years, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020. A loving son, husband, father, uncle and friend, John was known for his sharp wit, inquisitive take on the world, and making the one person he was talking to feel like the most important person in the room. He would probably have wanted us to say something about his golf swing, and so we have.

Argument in vehicle heats up, until one man jumps out

— Birds reportedly set off a motion alarm at a Harbor Drive residence.

John Charles Kluding

John Charles Kluding, a Bigfork resident for the last 21 years, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020. A loving son, husband, father, uncle and friend, John was known for his sharp wit, inquisitive take on the world, and making the one person he was talking to feel like the most important person in the room. He would probably have wanted us to say something about his golf swing, and so we have.

Valkyries head to state after second place divisional finish

The Valkyries will be heading to Butte for the Class B State Basketball Tournament after going 2-1 to earn second at the Western B Divisional tourney over the weekend.

Resident supports levy but questions school leadership

In response to the recent advertisement for a new levy by the Bigfork School Board of Trustees, I respectfully disagree with their claim of “fiscal responsibility.” I find the amount of money spent on our school’s attorney and funds siphoned off to settle lawsuits unacceptable.

Commissioners hear options for improving community center

Representatives from the Flathead County/Area IX Agency on Aging met with county commissioners Thursday to discuss plans and funding options for improving the Bigfork Community Center, formerly known as the Bigfork Senior Center. The center is at least 60 years old and is fraught with issues ranging from aging components like the roof and electrical wiring, to serious maladies like its failure to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act standards and limited parking, which forces many visitors to park farther away and walk uphill to reach the center.

PHOTOS: K-5 Winter Concert

Commissioners hear options for improving community center

Representatives from the Flathead County/Area IX Agency on Aging met with county commissioners Thursday to discuss plans and funding options for improving the Bigfork Community Center, formerly known as the Bigfork Senior Center. The center is at least 60 years old and is fraught with issues ranging from aging components like the roof and electrical wiring, to serious maladies like its failure to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act standards and limited parking, which forces many visitors to park farther away and walk uphill to reach the center.

Bigfork's internet troubles leave local users feeling disconnected

In recent months, Montana Senators Steve Daines and John Tester have urged the Federal Communications Commission to pursue initiatives improve internet access to rural communities.

Resident supports levy but questions school leadership

In response to the recent advertisement for a new levy by the Bigfork School Board of Trustees, I respectfully disagree with their claim of “fiscal responsibility.” I find the amount of money spent on our school’s attorney and funds siphoned off to settle lawsuits unacceptable. 

Eagle Bend to open, despite clubhouse blaze

Golfers will still be able to tee off at Eagle Bend Golf Club this spring, despite a Feb. 16 fire that destroyed the clubhouse. The fire was reported at approximately 2 a.m. that morning and 60 firefighters from five local departments joined Bigfork’s firefighting efforts.

Valkyries head to state after second place divisional finish

The Valkyries will be heading to Butte for the Class B State Basketball Tournament after going 2-1 to earn second at the Western B Divisional tourney over the weekend.

Bigfork's internet troubles leave local users feeling disconnected

In recent months, Montana Senators Steve Daines and John Tester have urged the Federal Communications Commission to pursue initiatives improve internet access to rural communities. The aim is to address the “digital divide” between urban and rural areas, a disparity that is felt particularly in Bigfork, where internet connectivity is slow, spotty and sometimes nonexistent.

Argument in vehicle heats up, until one man jumps out

Friday, Feb. 21

Eagle Bend to open, despite clubhouse blaze

Golfers will still be able to tee off at Eagle Bend Golf Club this spring, despite a Feb. 16 fire that destroyed the clubhouse. The fire was reported at approximately 2 a.m. that morning and 60 firefighters from five local departments joined Bigfork’s firefighting efforts.

PHOTOS: Glacier boys, girls sweep Flathead

Photos from crosstown basketball as Glacier and Flathead squared off at Glacier High School on Friday night. The Wolfpack took home wins in both the girls’ and boys’ games, 59-39 and 70-64.