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PHOTOS: A look back at the first edition of the Bigfork Eagle

TAYLOR INMAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 10 months AGO
by TAYLOR INMAN
Taylor Inman covers Bigfork and the north shore for the Bigfork Eagle and hosts News Now and other podcasts for the Daily Inter Lake.  Originally from Kentucky, Taylor started her career at the award-winning public radio newsroom at Murray State University. She worked as a general assignment reporter for WKMS, where her stories aired on National Public Radio, including the show “All Things Considered.” She can be reached at 406-758-4440 or at [email protected]. | January 10, 2023 11:00 PM

The first edition of the Bigfork Eagle was published on Dec. 15, 1976. The paper had not yet been named, but readers wrote in their suggestions on a cut out that was included at the bottom of the front page. After a couple of editions, the name "Bigfork Eagle" was officially chosen.

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Viking Bill Dontigny heads for the hoop with Fred Hansen ready to follow up. During this 1976 season, Bigfork beat Eureka twice the previous weekend. (photo courtesy of Glacier Herald)

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Bigfork's Lloyd Hall eyes the basket in the Vikes' win over Eureka. (photo courtesy of Glacier Herald)

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Swan River School, the first meeting place of the Lutheran congregation (photo courtesy of Lloyd Hockerson and Henry Marken)

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The old Bethany Lutheran Church, built in 1919 and moved in 1961. (photo courtesy of Lloyd Hockerson and Henry Marken)

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Baby Ryan DeBruin appears slightly disturbed with a fishy friend, and he should be. The Flathead Mack outweighs Ryan by 16 to 18 pounds. (photo courtesy of Ross Dunnigan)

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December 2, 2025 11:05 p.m.

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Animal House, whose band members look like they just stepped out of the 1980s, have been rocking Bigfork audiences for the past year with classic cover songs.