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Bigfork Eagle
Owners of Lakeside alpine coaster seek permission for public water supply well, public comment sought
The owners of the Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster are seeking state permission to turn a private well at the Lakeside attraction into a public supply well.The Montana Department of Environmental Quality is seeking public comment on the proposal, submitted by Wilderness Land Holdings LLC, and on the recently completed Draft Environmental Assessment. Comments are due by Feb. 28.The project, as per the Draft Environmental Assessment, would see the well on the property turned into a public supply well with the installation of a pressure tank and other electrical and mechanical equipment in an existing building.The well already exists, according to...
Possibility of wildlife-to-human crossover heightens concern about Chronic Wasting Disease danger
Each fall, millions of hunters across North America make their way into forests and grasslands to kill deer. Over the winter, people chow down on the venison steaks, sausage, and burgers made from the animals.These hunters, however, are not just on the front lines of an American tradition. Infectious disease researchers say they are also on the front lines of what could be a serious threat to public health: chronic wasting disease.The neurological disease, which is contagious, rapidly spreading, and always fatal, is caused by misfolded proteins called prions. It currently is known to infect only members of the cervid...
Patricia Molen, 86
Patricia Molen passed away on January 17, 2024 at the age of 86. Pat was born in the suburbs of Buffalo NY to working class parents during challenging times. She was the eldest of 4 children and with 13 years between her and the next eldest, she spent many of her teen years helping care for her three siblings. Pat moved with her parents in 1951 to southern California where she later graduated from High School and, somewhat serendipitously, met the love of her life, Jerry Molen. Shortly after their marriage in 1954, Jerry was shipped off for a 10-month tour in...
Democrats offer a way to ‘dance around’ political divisions at Feb. 10 event
A community dance, featuring live music and an experienced Contra dance caller, is set for Feb. 10 at the Swan River Community Hall, 115 Swan River Rd., Bigfork. Despite sponsorship by the Flathead County Democratic party, “This is not a political event,” said Carol Dietrich, one-half of the local music duo Folkdust. “There will be no political speeches.” Rather, she said the intention is to start regular dances in the community “to have fun,” she said, “to get people to come together. It seems like we need more of that.” Carol is the host for the event. She said she and dance...
Uncertainty is nothing to be afraid of
I have had my voting registration sheet sitting stationary at my house for an embarrassingly long time. At least two months it’s been on the counter: filled out and ready to mail, but not turned in yet. The flimsy piece of paper reminds me of how quickly so many things are about to change. In the middle of April, I am going to be an eighteen-year-old. An adult, or so they say.I stare at my voting form, thinking about how big of a decision lies within my grasp. I get to vote for our next president. Although I know my vote is...
Bigfork wrestling sending eight to state meet in Billings this weekend
Bigfork will be sending eight wrestlers to the state meet in Billings this weekend after the Vikings battled to take sixth at the Western A Divisional in Hamilton over the weekend.Leading the way for the Vikes was Diego Rodriguez, who needed just a total of four minutes and 41 seconds to pin all four of his opponents to win the 103-pound division.After dispatching Stevensville’s Brycin Bugli (0:25) and Ronan’s Justus Orman-Bergman (0:31), Rodriguez needed just 1:18 to take down Ronan’s Ian Dillard in the semifinal.Rodriguez took 2:27 to take out Butte Central’s Marquis Abad in the championship and will now...
Valkyries swim season a challenging one, but fun
The 2023-2024 season for Bigfork’s swim team has been an eventful one, to say the least. The group has undergone a few changes this year such as getting a new coach, former Vikings head football coach Jim Benn.This is Benn’s first year coaching swim and his time has been full of both challenges and successes.“I think my biggest challenge was learning a new sport and the intricacies and the rules that go with it,” Benn commented. As state is rapidly approaching, the girls are both excited and nervous for their team’s prospects.Senior Erika Dowling, who has been a part of the...
Vikes fighting for postseason positioning
The final seeding in Northwest A is far from determined as the Vikings enter the final week of their regular season.A win over Polson last Tuesday and tough double-overtime loss to Browning Thursday left the Vikings with a tenuous hold on third place with a 5-5 conference mark, but Bigfork could still finish anywhere from second to fifth as the last few games of the regular season unfold.Bigfork got 19 points and six rebounds from Eli Thorness to go along with 16 points and eight boards from Asher Knopik last Tuesday as the Vikings cruised to a 61-41 win at...
Valkyries win 15th straight, lock up Northwest A title
The Valkyries overcame sickness and injury and locked up a Northwest A title last week as the downed Browning and Polson for their 15th straight victory and a 10-0 mark in conference play.The short-handed Valkyries got 19 points from Braeden Gunlock, 17 from Paeten Gunlock and 12 from Ava Davey Thursday as they survived a physical test in Browning, downing the Lady Indians 62-33.The Vals entered the game with a depleted bench as Keni Wade missed the trip with an illness and Chloe Norred was injured in junior varsity action.Bigfork jumped out to a 10-4 lead in the game’s opening...
Officials meet with locals in search of solutions for closed bridge
Bigfork is no closer to a solution for the closing of the downtown Bridge Street bridge despite a meeting between Republican U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), Flathead County representatives and Bigfork residents and business owners Friday.The MDT announced the immediate closure of the Bridge Street Bridge to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic due to structural concerns Wednesday after its most recent inspection found that the bridge can no longer reliably carry traffic. Flathead County Public Works Director Dave Prunty, (left) along with county engineer Bethany Kappes (middle) and Montana Department of Transportation chief engineer Dustin Rouse...
Speech and debate team enjoys success at state meet
Bigfork’s speech, debate and drama partners Jake Baldi and Olivia Close took first place at state in Columbia Falls on Saturday with their humorous piece entitled “Romeo and Juliet”, the musical.As a whole, the team has done quite well at their meets this year. Most notably, Baldi and Close were division champions as well as state champs, while Cy Devlin and Madi Pomeroy took eighth place in duo interpretation with their piece, “The History of America,” at divisionals. Pomeroy also competed in impromptu and was a first alternate for state. Baylee Erikson received tenth for her original oratory “For the Love of...
Valkyries swimmers take 16th at Missoula Invite
The Valkyries swimmers were in action over the weekend, taking 16th at the Missoula Invite.Danika Bucklin had the top individual finishes for Bigfork, taking 16th in both the 100 freestyle (1:03.87) and the 50 freestyle (28.79 seconds) while Ashlyn McGill was 21st in the 500 freestyle and 27th in the 100 breaststroke.In the relay races, the 400 freestyle relay team of Maci Pickens, McGill, Erika Dowling and Bucklin was 10th while 200 freestyle team of McGill, Pickens, Ellena Peterson and Bucklin was 12th and the 200 medley team of Peterson, Kylie Kinslow, Dowling and Alexandra Cash was 13th.Elsewhere for the...
Vals win 13th straight, dominating Northwest A
The Valkyries basketball squad had little trouble going 3-0 last week to improve to 13-1 and a Northwest A best 8-0 in league play.The duo of Braeden and Paeten Gunlock continued to dominate league opponents, averaging 36 points, 16 rebounds, 12 assists and 10 steals per game together during the three wins while the Valkyries also got 15-point outings from both Ava Davey and Keni Wade.The Valkyries made an early statement against Browning at home Tuesday, jumping out to a 24-1 lead over a Lady Indians squad that came into the contest undefeated in Northwest A action. Afton Lambrecht battles...
Vikings win 2 of 3 in strong week of hoops action
The Vikings put together a strong week of basketball to go 2-1 in their last three games, picking up road wins at Browning a Libby last Tuesday and Thursday before dropping a tough contest at home to Columbia Falls Saturday.The Vikes got 27 points, five rebounds and four assists from sophomore Asher Knopik, another 13 points from Eli Thorness and 10 points, five assists and four rebounds from Jack Jensen Tuesday as they took down the Running Indians in Browning, 68-66.Browning jumped out to a 22-16 lead after one quarter and took a 39-31 lead into halftime, but the Vikings...
Douglas Smith, 85
Douglas C. Smith, passed away on January 16, 2024, at Prestige Memory Care in Kalispell, Montana. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and mentor to many. Douglas was born on February 4, 1938 in Tacoma, WA. Doug was born to William A. Smith and Hope (Kohler) Smith.Doug grew up in Tacoma, with his grandparents during WWII as his parents were helping support our troops. Doug’s father was in the merchant marines and his mother was a Rosie the Riveter. Doug enjoyed doing the farm chores as a kid and loved all of the animals on the farm. At the age...
Glenn W Miller
Glenn W. Miller of Las Vegas, Nevada passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on December 20, 2023, with Linda, his wife of 39 years, by his side. Born on April 3, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois to Merle and May Miller, he was the youngest of 4 boys. His Norwegian mother instilled pride in their Viking heritage and Glenn reflected that resilience and determination throughout his life.Glenn was always very motivated and set outstanding goals for himself. As a young man he worked as a tradesman for his father’s flooring business and worked a second job as a...
Small team, big success: SBG Bigfork team does well at Missoula Jiu Jitsu tournament
With only five competitors (three kids, one teen, and one adult) SBG Bigfork brought home a whopping 20 medals this past weekend at the American Grappling Federation tournament in Missoula. Elin Rolston, Gunnarr Rolston, Helene Rolston, Tanner Browning and Daniel Leon trained vigorously leading up to the event and it was certainly evident on the mats as the team collectively took home 14 gold medals, four silver, and two bronze. “I am blown away by the dedication shown by all five competitors and their willingness to put their skills to the test in a highly competitive environment,” coach Cody Bessette said.”...
Patricia Jane Molen, 86
She is survived by her husband Jerry and her son Steve.A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday February 10, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. and will be at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Bigfork, MT.Arrangements are under the care of Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home.
BLUAC considers zone change for land near Conifer Lane
The Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee heard from several concerned citizens at their meeting Thursday before voting unanimously to recommend the approval of a zone change request for land near Conifer Lane.The request to change 26.66 acres from SAG10 (Suburban Agricultural) to SAG-5 (Suburban Agricultural) came from Sands Surveying, Inc. on behalf of Dana L. Kuzma.According to Sands Surveying’s Donna Valade, who was representing Kuzma at the meeting, the zone change is requested in an effort to create five lots on the property. Valade said the family intends to sell one lot on the open market and retain the other...
BRIEFS
BLUAC to meet TuesdayThe Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee will hold a special meeting at 4 p.m. Tuesday, February 6, 2024, downstairs at Bethany Lutheran Church, 8559 Highway 35, Bigfork to discuss how to proceed with the update of the Bigfork Neighborhood Plan.BLUAC electionsThe election for the two open positions on BLUAC closes on February 12, 2024.Election forms are available at the Election Department or on the County website.Interested parties must be residents and registered voters within the BLUAC jurisdiction for a minimum of two years.Free community dinnerFree Community Dinner at Bethany Lutheran Church every Wednesday.Doors open at 5:45 p.m....
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