Ellington

Helen Fabich, 83

Mrs. Helen Fabich, 83, passed away peacefully Friday evening, Feb. 25, 2002, with her family at her side at her daughter's home in Kalispell.

Closing out a career

Graham birthed, nurtured Home Options

Pilot holds answers in woman's death

Aged and worn documents in a well-handled arrest-warrant jacket in Flathead County give the outline of one of the most intriguing local unsolved cases of the last century.

Kalispell Police arrested nine people, most of them juveniles, at a party on the 200 block of West Washington Street late Saturday night.

Two men, both 21, were cited for endangering minors by providing alcohol. Boys ages 17, 16, 16 and 18 and females ages 19, 20 and 16 were arrested for being minors in possession of alcohol.

Waiting warrants

McGinnis Creek Road closed until April

The Daily Inter Lake

Leota May Pierce Loveless, 86

Leota May Pierce Loveless, 86, passed away on Friday, Feb. 25, 2005 at the Heritage Place in Kalispell. She was born on Feb. 2, 1919 in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to John W. and Leota May (Belmear) Bartlett.

Kalispell Ambulance responded to a Fourth Avenue East home where a 77-year-old man had collapsed. The man was taken to Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Alarms

The Flathead County Sheriff's Department received a report of a domestic disturbance, involving alcohol, at a cabin on South Halfmoon Flats Road near West Glacier late Saturday. There were no arrests.

A woman was detained for shoplifting at Shopko on Saturday afternoon, and another woman was detained later in the evening.

Kalispell analyzes school shortfalls

A recent report on schools meeting new federal standards for Adequate Yearly Progress found that Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, East Evergreen and Deer Park come up short in at least one area.

There was a high-speed chase shortly after midnight Sunday that started on U.S. 2 in Columbia Falls.

A Columbia Falls police officer broke off the chase after speeds reached 80 mph to 100 mph on U.S. 2 east of Columbia Falls. Sheriff's deputies located and stopped the 37-year-old man near Hungry Horse and arrested him for driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving and eluding an officer. The man had outstanding warrants as well. The man was taken to the Columbia Falls city jail.

Christian Edwin 'Ed' Wagnild, 82

Christian Edwin "Ed" Wagnild, 82, passed away on Friday, Feb. 25, 2005 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

Friday

Calendar of Events

Whitefish Police intervened at the Pine Lodge Hotel, where a group of hockey players were being loud and obnxious late Satuday night.

Police also broke up a noisy group at the Whitefish High School parking lot.

Eva Jeannette Parker, 84

Eva Jeannette Parker, 84, of Kalispell, a retired nurse and Army veteran, died Thursday morning, Feb. 24, 2005, at the Montana Veterans Home following a courageous battle with Lou Gehrig's disease.

Burn season sparks air concerns

As open-burning season arrives Tuesday, Flathead County Environmental Health Director Michael Meschke reminds people to remember the air before lighting a burn pile.

Water? Prune? Pray? Spring hits gardens early

The calendar says February, but Mother Nature is deep into spring, at least for now.

Today

St. Matthew's Parish pancake breakfast 9 a.m. to noon, school cafeteria, 602 S. Main, Kalispell. Also includes sausage, fruit, coffee and juice. $5 per person, $15 per family (two adults and children). Proceeds benefit St. Matthew's World Youth Day Fund. Call 752-6788.

Kalispell police

Kalispell police received a complaint about a suspicious person with "large, poofy hair" walking near a church on the city's west side early Saturday morning. They also took a report of an intoxicated man named Gino who refused to leave someone's house; he was physically removed but still refused to leave until the police arrived.

Group aims for Kalispell foundation

Whitefish has one. Other communities have them. Why not Kalispell?

Computer chat can confound a conversation

There are few moments in modern life that make me feel like more of an idiot than those in which I am forced to converse with a computer.

Flathead County Sheriff

The Flathead County Sheriff's Office received two reports of stolen vehicles, including a brown 1987 Pontiac four-door sedan that was later located at Glacier Park International Airport, and a green 1997 Ford Expedition with dark tinted windows.

Columbia Falls Police

About $600 in tools were stolen from someone's car in Columbia Falls.

Stillwater gets regional accreditation

Stillwater Christian School received word that it now is regionally accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools.

Businesses cope with slow sales of snow-related goods

Salvaged timbers become timber-frame house

Alarms

The Somers fire department responded to a possible illegal burn in the Bald Mountain area near Lakeside. It turned out to be someone heating up his hot tub.

Working to prevent teen suicide

This week about 500 concerned citizens turned out to confront a subject that makes most of us uncomfortable: teen depression and suicide.

Whitefish police

Whitefish police arrested a 64-year-old woman for disturbing the peace on State Park Road after receiving numerous complaints about her slamming her door.

Album making workshop today

Come to an all-day album making workshop today from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Eagle's Nest Cafeteria at Flathead Valley Community College. Registration is free when you bring a new album-making friend. Prize drawings will be held throughout the day. Call Joyce Workman at 755-4922.

Children's drama workshops in Bigfork

The Bigfork Playhouse Children's Theatre is holding March drama workshops.

Kalispell police

Kalispell police couldn't find two men who reportedly knocked on a door, saying they were Christians on a mission. The Yellowstone Street resident was suspicious because they didn't carry a Bible. Besides, the caller said, they were unshaven and unkempt.

Ski areas holding up, hoping for snow

Keenan: Spending cap law to be a factor

It's yet to be discussed much publicly, but a state law that limits state spending growth will become problematic for the Democratic agenda in the last half of the legislative session, predicts Senate Minority Leader Bob Keenan, R-Bigfork.

Alarms

Somers Fire Department went to a fire reported on Bald Mountain above Somers late Friday afternoon.

Bulldogs, Vikings survive loser out

The Daily Inter Lake

Flathead County sheriff

Flathead County sheriff's deputies are looking into possibly stolen license plates. Alaska residents who own property near Kalispell have not been here for a year, but now are receiving notices of traffic tickets for the plates. It appears they may have been put on a truck.

Whitefish police

Whitefish police got a report Friday that money was stolen from Mountain Trail ice skating rink.

Today

Community Day at Herberger's, Kalispell Center Mall. Numerous nonprofit organizations, churches and schools throughout the area are selling coupons for discounts to raise funds for their groups.

Get faster returns with electronic filing, tax software

Differing age groups paired in creative effort

Fish have never been so instructive.

State starts process for Section 36 residential pod

The largest remaining tract of undeveloped residential land inside Kalispell's city limits is up for grabs.

Eureka stays alive at Western B Divisional

The Daily Inter Lake

Winter Carnival wraps up

The Whitefish Winter Carnival Committee wrapped up its annual celebration earlier this month and also helped launch the 2005 Whitefish centennial.

Concerns rise as snow fails to show

If it seems to be the sunniest, driest February in memory, your perceptions are correct - the National Weather Service is projecting that this February will be the driest for the Flathead Valley in more than 100 years.

Columbia Falls police

Columbia Falls police were called to a family disturbance Thursday night. A husband and wife had been arguing, but they went their separate ways for the night.

Robert A. "Bob" Thrailkill, 65

Robert A. "Bob" Thrailkill, 65, of Kalispell, died Saturday, Feb. 19, 2005.

Today

Kalispell City Council meets with State officials for a legislative luncheon at noon at the Museum at Central School, 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell.

Arthur J. "Art" Lyngstad

Arthur J. "Art" Lyngstad died of natural causes at the Montana Veterans Home on Feb. 19, 2005, after a short illness.

College leaders deserve extra credit

Flathead Valley Community College may have had a change of luck.

Columbia Falls police

Columbia Falls police talked to two men accused of urinating in public outside a business on U.S. 2. The probation officer of one of the men was notified, but neither was charged.

Libby, Polson reach title game

RONAN - Seems hard to believe, especially after what transpired Thursday evening, that the first two times Libby and Whitefish tangled, the outcome was determined in overtime.

C-Falls takes care of Bigfork

RONAN - For Columbia Falls, it always seems to start with that second eight-minute session of the ballgame.

Washington and Friends to appear at the Paddle and Axe

Carlos Washington and soul/jazz/funk/fusion band Friends of Gravity will perform at the Paddle and Axe Saloon on March 6 at 10 p.m.

Kalispell police

Kalispell police took a report of a man who was so diligently following a driver, he even shadowed her to the police department when she went to report him.

Money order scam hits the Flathead

The Daily Inter Lake

Bravettes stun Sentinel, secure spot at state

Giant killers.

Opinions on new plans for Courthouse East mixed

Neighbors' opinions of developers' plan to renovate the old Courthouse East were mixed after a public meeting Monday night.

Highway bill rolling despite tight budget

A massive federal highway bill that allocates millions of dollars for Going-to-the-Sun Road and the Kalispell bypass is unlikely to be affected by President Bush's tight budget proposal, a congressional staffer said on Tuesday.

Kalispell seeks to fill openings

Kalispell has a host of board and commission openings that need to be filled by early May.

Walker to sing the blues in Whitefish

Veteran blues man Phillip Walker plays at Flanagan's Central Station in Whitefish on March 4 at 9 p.m.

Alarms

Kalispell fire department had three calls. Highway patrol and Smith Valley fire department assisted at a head-on crash on U.S. 2 Thursday. A woman with wrist and knee pain went to the hospital. For the second time in two days, a smoke alarm sounded at Walgreens where there was no fire.

Whitefish police

Whitefish police took a report of a threat made at a gas station.

Flathead County Sheriff

Flathead County Sheriff's Office responded to a complaint on Hodgson Road, where one 14-year-old girl reportedly threatened to break another 14-year-old girl's neck. The source of their life-and-death issue? A pair of pants.

Students raising money for tsunami victims

Have West Valley School students got a deal for you.

Democrats see progress in Helena

Legislative Democratic leaders came to Kalispell Thursday with a sense of accomplishment at work done so far and optimistic about the second half of the legislative session.

Man rescued in parasailing accident

The Daily Inter Lake

Harlan O. Jensen, 82

Harlan O. Jensen, 82, of Bigfork, passed away after a long illness on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2005, at Brendan House in Kalispell.

Whitefish police

Whitefish police and Columbia Falls police arrested a 23-year-old Columbia Falls man for allegedly burglarizing Haines Medical Pharmacy on Baker Avenue at about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday. Whitefish police identified him as Devlin Howard, 23.

Holding Court

Community intervention draws 500

Kalispell Police Chief Frank Garner moderated a community intervention Tuesday to combat teen depression and suicide.

Baucus to lead talks over British Columbia mining plans

Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., will lead a group of Montanans to Fernie, British Columbia, on Friday to meet with Canadian officials and discuss proposed coal mining activity and potential downstream water quality impacts in Montana.

Teens get advance training for job fair

Columbia Falls High School students and their potential employers have a date at the high school next Tuesday.

Columbia Falls Police

Columbia Falls reported an on-going problem with people ringing doorbells during the night.

Kalispell sees its destiny in sewer extension

"Sewer" and "destiny" were close to synonymous Tuesday night when the Kalispell City Council showed initial support for a $1.841 million plan to extend sewer services beyond city limits north of West Reserve Drive.

Flathead County Sheriff

Flathead County Sheriff's Office went to Gamma Road in Hungry Horse, where a man said he arrived home to find someone in his house. The intruder left through a window, he said. On Caroline Road, an 11-year-old boy isn't welcome in the home because he keeps hawking things, the resident said.

City, Cable Technologies closer to a deal

A Creston technology firm and the city of Kalispell are one step closer to constructing a $2 million building at the city airport to accommodate the company's expansion.

Kalispell police

Kalispell police took reports of forged and counterfeited money orders received at two banks. Another bank in Evergreen reported the same problem.

Orrie Vern Jones Jr., 80

Orrie Vern Jones Jr., 80, passed away Feb. 21, 2005 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center of natural causes.

Man arrested on drug charges

A Kalispell man who caused a disturbance at a home on Second Avenue East North was arrested on two counts of distributing methamphetamine.

Alarms

Kalispell fire department had a dozen calls. One was to Walgreen's on West Idaho, where a smoke alarm was activated by aerosol paint fumes.

Kalispell to pursue Cable Technologies project

New building at airport would allow Creston firm to add 57 jobs

Maybe it looked like it made sense…

Maybe it looked like it made sense in 1999 to oppose the Glacier Mall coming to Kalispell.

Mary Patricia "Patty" Caferro

Longtime resident of Whitefish, Mary Patricia "Patty" Caferro, passed away at home in her sleep Saturday, Feb. 19, 2005.

Evalyn Claire "Trudy" Zook, 86

Evalyn Claire "Trudy" Zook, 86, of Polson, passed away Feb. 19, 2005. She was born in Beaumont, Texas, on Nov. 29, 1918, to Joseph and Belle (Boardman) Webb.

Kalispell police

Kalispell police arrested a teenager for possessing alcohol and obstructing an officer outside of Finnegans. A man was charged with possession of drugs and paraphernalia, DUI and other charges near the Hilltop Inn.

Columbia Falls police

Columbia Falls police took a report of a jacket stolen from the Eagles Club.

Alarms

Kalispell police had eight calls. One was to a traffic accident on 10th Street and Fifth Avenue East; a 38-year-old woman went to the hospital Tuesday morning. Later, a woman suffering back pain at West Evergreen School also went to the hospital.

Sanding reminder sent out

About 50 owners of parking lots, sanding contractors and sand and gravel companies got a reminder of Flathead County Health Department's sanding regulations Friday.

Flathead County Sheriff

Flathead County Sheriff's Office went to Battle Hollow in Somers, where a resident's daughter's boyfriend caused damage and concern. He reportedly destroyed a windshield on this visit, the fourth time he's "flipped out" there.

Grace execs plead not guilty

Wednesday

Evergreen School District board meets at 6 a.m. in the administration building boardroom.

Mike Pence

The Daily Inter Lake

Whitefish police

Whitefish police had two more calls about a woman slamming doors late at night on State Park Road.

Gravel pit bill continues to advance

Deadline for transmittal is Thursday

Raymond C. "Ray" Deist, 96

Raymond C. "Ray" Deist, 96, "went to be with his Lord and Savior" Friday night, Feb. 18, 2005, at his home in Whitefish. He was the first child born to Clara and Henry Deist on Nov. 24, 1908, in Charles City, Iowa. The family homesteaded in Glasgow while Ray was an infant. Some of his fondest memories were made there.

Commission pushes for water protection

After learning that the province of British Columbia is negotiating to acquire massive coal reserves from Canada's federal government, the Flathead Basin Commission decided Tuesday to rev up political and diplomatic efforts to protect headwaters of the Flathead River Basin.

Condos planned near historic Lodge

The historic Kootenai Lodge property on Swan Lake has been proposed for a major subdivision involving 65 condominium units.

Robert William 'Bob' Wiswell, 76

Robert William "Bob" Wiswell, 76, of Thompson Falls, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2005, at the Clark Fork Valley Hospital. He was born on Oct. 18, 1928, in Deadwood, S.D. Losing his father while an infant, Bob was raised by his Aunt Anna and Uncle Herbert Wiswell. He grew up and attended school in Deadwood.

Arnelda Hagen Sparks, 89

Arnelda Hagen Sparks, 89, "our beloved mother, grandmother,

Don't quit on U.S. 93 bypass

$93 million for the U.S. 93 bypass?

NVH breaks ground May 12

North Valley Hospital will break ground for its new hospital on May 12.

Nancy Lee Stricklin Kellogg, 74

Nancy Lee Stricklin Kellogg, 74, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2005, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Drunk driving bill would create loophole

"Constitutional protection is not a loophole," said Rep. Rick Maedje, R-Fortine, in defense of a bill that would allow someone arrested for drunken driving to call an attorney before submitting to a blood alcohol test.

Kalispell police

Kalispell police department did their best to help bars, hotels and grocery stores with troublemakers.

ALARMS

Kalispell fire department had six calls. One was to Kalispell Regional Medical Center, where workers changing fuel in some boilers caused a small explosion. A sick man went to the hospital from Smith's.

Students get insider's view of symphony

A piccolo trilled. Timpani thundered. Bows sawed across violin strings in a silly rendering of pre-musical noise.

Tuesday

Red Cross Blood Drive, noon to 5 p.m., Eureka Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

State Web site wants parents' opinions of education

The Daily Inter Lake

Parkland policy leaves developers in the driver's seat

Whitefish police

Whitefish police didn't find the intoxicated pedestrian who reportedly caused a disruption at a Best Western motel. They did find a man inside a running vehicle behind Casey's bar. After a period of not responding to the officer's attempts to get his attention, the man was arrested for DUI.

639th expected home next week

The Family Readiness Group has asked businesses to complete decorations by noon on March 2 for the return of the 639th Quartermaster Company of the Montana National Guard.

Flathead County Sheriff

Flathead County Sheriff's Office arrested a man after a domestic disturbance was reported on Amtrak. On the way to jail, Charles Gipson, 53, of Chicago, reportedly bit a deputy and told him he has AIDS. He was charged with the felony crime of assault on an officer. It reportedly took four officers to subdue him.

Columbia Falls

Columbia Falls police arrested a 15-year-old boy on A Street for family member assault.

C.Falls considers awarding Fourth, Fifth avenues project tonight

The Daily Inter Lake

Man accused of domestic attack

The Daily Inter Lake

Flathead County Sheriff

A toddler went to North Valley Hospital after being bitten by a dog on Whitefish Stage Road. Flathead County Sheriff's Office dispatched an animal warden.

Alarms

Kalispell fire department had 11 calls. One was to a head-on car crash on U.S. 93 in Somers late Sunday afternoon. Also responding was Somers fire department and Lakeside fire & medical. Three patients went to the hospital; none reportedly had life-threatening injuries.

Film documents Forest Service history

Who would have thought a government agency could produce a compelling and artistic documentary film?

Whitefish police

Whitefish police went to Chair 3 Apartments, where there was noise and people loitering after midnight Sunday. Officers found a man there who is wanted on warrants for partner assault and criminal mischief. He went to jail.

Kalispell police

A misunderstanding involving a man accused of shoplifting at 1:30 a.m. at a grocery store was eventually cleared. Kalispell police learned that the shopper had put items back on a shelf when he realized he didn't have his wallet with him and went out to his car to get it. He suffered chest pain, though, and was taken to the hospital by ambulance.

Chisholm family honored for volunteer efforts

Between its four members, the Chisholm family has a volunteer resume that looks more like a tome than a list.

Kalispell woman dies from crash injuries

The Daily Inter Lake

Joe Abbrescia

The world lost one of its most revered artists and teachers when Joe Abbrescia passed away on Feb. 17, 2005, after a recent battle with cancer.

Harold E. Malson, 87

Harold E. Malson, 87, passed away on Friday, Feb. 18, 2005, at Heritage Place in Kalispell.

The deep end

Bighorn Divers to build year-round dive pool

Keyes speaks to Kalispell crowd

Alan Keyes brought his case for returning to what he calls the country's foundational values to Kalispell Friday night.

Color my world, perhaps with Garlic Clove?

Every few years it becomes necessary to spruce up the old house - repaint the walls, change the decor, get new furniture.

Monday

The City of Kalispell Solid Waste Division will not be picking up the 90-gallon containers today due to the President's Day holiday. Today's route will be picked up on Tuesday. Have containers out by 7 a.m.

Columbia Falls police

Eluding Columbia Falls police on the S-curve of Fourth Avenue WN was a bad idea, a driver found out early Saturday. The vehicle crashed and one person went to North Valley Hospital. Highway Patrol is investigating, so charges haven't been filed yet.

Alarms

Ambulance workers thought they were responding to Willow Glen Road for a woman with a very high fever, but when they arrived there were three males in the basement cooking meth. Flathead County sheriff's deputies were called in, and told the woman she'd be charged with false reporting if she called back. Deputies said the woman was armed with a loaded .38 revolver.

Muted celebration for FHS

Bravettes focus on Sentinel, Big Sky after beating Butte

Whitefish finishes 2nd in girls basketball

The Daily Inter Lake

New plan surfaces for Courthouse East

The Courthouse East building in Kalispell might be home to senior apartments and art studios under a new proposal to be unveiled Monday.

City may build for Cable Tech

The city of Kalispell has tentative plans to bond for $2 million to construct a building at the municipal airport to house a local technology company.

Don't overdo home-school regulation

We hope everyone took advantage of a recent legislative tiff in Helena to get educated about home schooling.

Struggles continue for Braves

How teams coming off heart-breaking losses - like the Flathead Braves experienced Friday night - rebound can be determined in the early stages of the next game.

Columbia Falls boys end league play on high note

The Daily Inter Lake

Boy's miraculous rescue is theme of choir concert

Whitefish police

Whitefish police arrested a 28-year-old man for assault after his female roommate called police about his violence on on East Eighth Street Saturday morning.

Ernest "Bud" Branden, 84

Ernest "Bud" Branden, 84, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2005, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.

Kalispell police

Kalispell police arrested a man after a family disturbance early Saturday. His wife called to say they were in a fight, he was throwing things around in the house, and he had knocked the baby out of her hands

Plea deal reached in Libby case

Special to the Inter Lake

Marian Elizabeth McConkey, 76

Marian Elizabeth McConkey, 76, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2005, at the Lake View Care Center in Bigfork.

Bulldogs can't avoid winless season

Whitefish finishes year 0-18 after 48-44 loss to Bigfork in finale

Children sell chocolate to help tsunami victims

Braves bounced at the buzzer

y DIXIE KNUTSON

Mother shares loss to help others

Jolie Fish remembers the day she came home to find her son Douglas "Wayne" Lukenbill Jr. and his longtime girlfriend sitting on the couch crying.

Today

The house move that was scheduled for today from Appleway Drive along Meridian Road and U.S. 93 has been postponed by the movers. Call 751-4483.

Flathead County Sheriff

Flathead County Sheriff's Office deputies visited some children after a report that they harass other children at a bus stop near Columbia Falls. Throwing rocks and calling dirty names were ruled out as interaction in the future.

Alarms

Kalispell fire department had seven calls. One was to the lobby of City Hall, where a man had chest pains. He went to the hospital. There were no injuries at a vehicle accident near Costco; Evergreen fire department and highway patrol were also notified. There was an injury at a crash on U.S. 2 east of town Friday.

Eureka's season comes to an end

The Daily Inter Lake

Kalispell police

Kalispell police charged a 19-year-old woman with alcohol possession after a traffic stop on Fifth Avenue West North Thursday.

Bypass cost estimate soars to $93 million

The expected price tag of the Kalispell bypass has more than tripled in the last six months, jumping from $28 million to $93.5 million as a result of design changes, higher traffic projections and more accurate cost estimates.

Community meeting tackles teen suicide

Pathways Medical Director Dr. Michael Newman said many parents take false comfort as Jolie Fish did when their child tells someone about suicidal thoughts.

Whitefish police

Whitefish police went to West Second Street at 4:30 a.m., when a neighbor wanted some relief from hearing drums played. On State Park Road, a continuing problem with a woman slamming doors was acted out again.

Schweitzer says new taxes not needed

Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer says he's bound to veto any tax increases that come out of the Legislature, just as he's certain to reject an income-tax cut proposed by Republicans this week.

Deputy cleared in fatal shooting

A coroner's jury on Friday quickly found that sheriff's deputy Geno Cook was justified in shooting an armed man.

Rotary job shores up vintage wall

The Kalispell Noon Rotary Club has a built a firm foundation in the Flathead for community service. Club members also have been working from the ground up to help restore the landscaping at the Conrad Mansion.

Whitefish church offering leadership course

As the pastor of Whitefish Foursquare Church, the Rev. Paul Ogle knows that lay leadership is crucial to the work of any church.

Three spellers qualify for state

For more than an hour Thursday afternoon, Joe McGlenn correctly spelled every single word thrown at him - all the way to "erudite" and, finally, "cationic."

Woman critically hurt in crash on U.S. 93 in Kalispell

The Daily Inter Lake

Bigfork subdivision runs into planning-board opposition

The Daily Inter Lake

College OKs sale of first round of bonds

A cheer rang out Thursday after Flathead Valley Community College trustees voted unanimously to accept the bid from Suntrust Capital Markets for $9.9 million in bonds.

Top Western artist Abbrescia dies at 68

The Daily Inter Lake

Whitefish police

Whitefish police were called three times to State Park Road where a woman reportedly disturbs others' peace.

Columbia Falls police

Columbia Falls police took a report of a scooter that was stolen at Smith's Wednesday night. It was later returned.

Eureka girls coast into 8-B tournament final

The Daily Inter Lake

Judge rules in favor of Wolford mall

Developer Bucky Wolford and his Glacier Mall proposal won the latest in a four-year string of victories on Wednesday, earning a favorable ruling in a planning lawsuit.

Today

The house move that was scheduled for today from Appleway Drive along Meridian Road and U.S. 93 has been postponed by the movers. Call 751-4483.

Flathead County Sheriff

Flathead County Sheriff's Office notified a legion of responders Wednesday evening when unclaimed baggage caused suspicion at Glacier Park International Airport. The sheriff, ALERT helicopter, Evergreen and Kalispell fire departments and Office of Emergency Services were contacted. The unattended bag was about 50 feet from the northeast main door. A plan was developed to snag the bag, but the owner showed up and claimed it.

Pilot unhurt in crash

The Daily Inter Lake

Alarms

Kalispell fire department had 14 calls. Wednesday evening, the ambulance crew took a man to the hospital when he suffered a medical problem at the police department's booking area. Smoke in a home on Appleway Drive after midnight was caused by burned food. Someone with a medical problem went to the hospital from Tri-City Quick Stop. Vehicle accidents were reported on Third Avenue West and on U.S., where highway patrol and Smith Valley fire department also responded to a head-on accident with no injuries. A woman who fell at a church on West California Street went to the hospital.

Ronan spills Polson

The Daily Inter Lake

FVCC considers land deal

A proposed land swap could nearly double the size of the Flathead Valley Community College campus.

Salvage timber: Too little, too late?

It will be interesting to see the final results when timber salvage projects are complete on the Flathead National Forest.

Bigfork knocks off C-Falls

The Daily Inter Lake

Kalispell police

Kalispell police arrested a man after a pawn shop reported that a 9 mm gun that he brought in is listed as stolen in Arizona. A check that was cashed and deposited at a local bank was reportedly stolen from California.

Frank Lee Renfro, 88

Frank Lee Renfro, 88, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2005, at Brendan House in Kalispell, of complications of a hip fracture and a previous stroke.

News Staff

MANAGING EDITOR

Target on the outdoors

Bills set sights on outdoor users

Skiers come to aid of girl after fall over cliff

What could have been a very bad accident was a comparatively lucky day Monday when a teenage skier slipped off a 60-foot cliff in Big Mountain's East Rim area.

Building taking 30-mile trip to become hangar

Two Rivers group offers easements for roads, bike paths

A recent decision to bump the Two Rivers growth policy amendment back to the Flathead County Planning Board for further review has resulted in several transportation-related improvements.

Alfred Bernard "Al" Schwab, 80

Alfred Bernard "Al" Schwab, 80, passed on "to be with his maker and to be reunited with his beloved wife of 56 years, Stefanie," who died in 2003. Al was born on July 1, 1924, in Hebron, N.D., to Nels Schwab and Annastacia K. Schatz whose families were originally from Muinhuin, Russia. The family moved to Missoula when he was 5.

Dasen ordered to reveal financial records

Dick Dasen Sr., embroiled in civil and criminal accusations of illegal sex acts, will have to reveal all of his financial holdings, according to a court order issued Tuesday.

Myron F. "Barney" Baker, 84

Myron F. "Barney" Baker, 84, of Glasgow, "was called home" on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2005, in Mesa Ariz., of natural causes.

Kalispell police

Kalispell police investigated when someone saw a man walking between Tidyman's and the Dollar Store, carrying an ax and taking pictures of buildings and trees. He turned out to be a surveyor.

Alarms

Kalispell fire department had five calls. One was to a vehicle/pedestrian accident on Montana 35 just after midnight on Wednesday. One person went to the hospital.

Rose M. Triepke, 89

Rose M. Triepke, 89, passed away Saturday, Feb. 12, 2005, at Heritage Place in Kalispell.

Arlee nips Eureka in 8-B's first round

The Daily Inter Lake

Woman goes to prison on drug charge

A Bigfork woman was sentenced to five years in prison Wednesday for drug charges.

Flathead County Sheriff

Flathead County Sheriff's Office took a call about a Bigfork woman who believes a man is an old friend and insists they should marry and have children. Despite the man and his wife's attempts to get the woman to stop, she has continued to leave long messages on their answering machine and has sent mail and packages.

BPA changes need to be scrapped

If the Bush administration was floating a trial balloon with its proposal to shift Bonneville Power Administration power to market rates, there should have been no surprise in seeing it come under fire immediately.

Whitefish police

Whitefish police went to a chain-reaction accident Wednesday, when an unoccupied car parked at a restaurant on U.S. 93 rolled. It hit a light pole, knocking it down onto U.S. 93. Another vehicle came along and struck the power pole, pushing it back off the highway. No one was hurt. One person was cited for having no insurance.

Uhde wins by decision

The Daily Inter Lake

Today

Red Cross Blood Drive, noon to 5 p.m., Libby VFW.

Legislation would mandate airport zones

A bill that would require Kalispell and other local governments to adopt land-use regulations for large areas around their public airports flew through the Montana Senate on a 49-1 vote on Wednesday.

Robert Jerome "Bob" Kirchoff, 55

Robert Jerome "Bob" Kirchoff, 55, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2005, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Helena, after a major stroke experienced while residing at his brother's home in Kalispell.

Gayle Loraine Kolden, 54

Gayle Loraine Kolden, 54, passed away Monday, Feb. 14, 2005, while in the presence of her family.

Florence F. "Pat" Hilt, 81

Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 18, at St. John's Catholic Church in Fairfield for Florence F. "Pat" Hilt, 81, of Choteau and formerly of Fairfield, who died Sunday, Feb. 13, 2005, at the Teton Medical Center from natural causes.

Uhde, Salway face off in Club Boxing

The Daily Inter Lake

Loren Charles 'Bus' Torgison, 83

Loren Charles "Bus" Torgison, 83, passed away early Thursday morning, Feb. 10, 2005, at the Montana Veteran's Home in Columbia Falls after an extended battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Kalispell police

Kalispell police were called for a 17-year-old who was out of control on Sixth Avenue East Monday. A mother/daughter dispute attracted officers to the Vacationer Motel.

Home-school parents happy with death of bill

For Cynthia DePinto, Monday's decision by a Senate committee in Helena to shelve a home-schooling bill couldn't have been more welcome - or more crucial.

Public invited on tour of forest salvage project

The Flathead National Forest is offering a public tour of the Beta Salvage Sale at 10 a.m. on March 1.

Sarah Ann Wharton, 70

Sarah Ann Wharton, 70, of Vancouver, Wash., "joined Jesus and her beloved husband, Kip," on Feb. 14, 2005.

Board hears proposals regarding gravel pits, Bigfork development

The Flathead County Planning Board will hold public hearings on a variety of issues tonight, including a controversial growth policy amendment and zone change in the Bigfork area and a zoning text amendment related to gravel pits.

C-Falls nips Bigfork at buzzer

The Daily Inter Lake

Columbia Falls police

Columbia Falls police arrested a 36-year-old man for his fourth DUI early Tuesday. Another driver was charged with eluding an officer after a chase on Tamarack overnight.

Flathead County Sheriff

A bartender at the Rainbow bar was startled to find a man whom she'd ejected earlier, sitting in her vehicle when she got off work. The man reportedly had a large knife with him, but did not overtly threaten the woman. Flathead County Sheriff's Office deputies took him to jail.

Death penalty works as intended

A Democratic legislator from Arlee is proposing to abolish the death penalty in Montana, but the more you look at the evidence, the more you conclude the death penalty works - in this state at least - the way it was intended.

Bush cuts hit local students

Flathead Valley's 12-year-old Upward Bound programs may fall victim to the Bush administration's budget ax.

Today

Flathead Electric Co-op will be working with movers beginning at 9 a.m. today to transport a house from Meridian Road in Kalispell to just beyond Marion on U.S. 2 West. Brief power outages can be expected throughout the day and possibly into Thursday in the area as power lines are temporarily disconnected. Call 751-4483.

Bikes pile up in police custody

Every year, the Kalispell Police Department collects about 100 bikes that are found around town.

Man pleads innocent to slashing wife

The Daily Inter Lake

Alarms

Kalispell fire department had nine calls. A woman went to the hospital after a car crash Monday on Yoeman Hall Road and Montana 35. A man went to the hospital for treatment of a leg injury when he fell at Sawbuck's bar. No one was hurt in a traffic accident on 18th Street, but someone with a medical problem at the Elks Club went to the hospital.

Flu season overstays its welcome

The one nice thing about an intestinal virus going around the Flathead Valley is that it leaves no room for ambivalence about whether to try to go to work.

Whitefish police

Whitefish police are investigating a theft of money from the Hideout bar.

Rose M. Triepke, 89

Rose M. Triepke, 89, passed away Saturday, Feb. 12, 2005, at Heritage Place in Kalispell. Rose was born Dec. 26, 1915, in Winifred, the daughter of John and Johanna (Smovier) Tuss. Rose grew up and graduated high school in Winifred in 1933.

McKinnon children move on

Two Marion children, left orphaned when their father shot their mother and then himself, have said goodbye to the Flathead Valley.

Assault suspect faces $500,000 bond

A man arrested Thursday for allegedly making threats with a gun remains in jail on $500,000 bond.

Kitchen fire inspires safety net

A kitchen fire in an elderly woman's home sparked a new effort to build a social services safety net for seniors.

Tuesday

Brunch is offered the public at 9:30 a.m., Back Room of the Nite Owl Cafe, U.S. 2 East, Columbia Falls. Topic is chocolate history and recipes. Guest speaker Bonnie Parrett will speak on "Restoring Broken Lives." Cost is $7 per person. Free child care by reservation. Call Bobby Kay at 387-5316, or Sherry at 892-5990. Sponsored by the Columbia Falls Women's Connection and Stonecroft Ministries.

Columbia Falls police

Columbia Falls police arrested a man for allegedly driving under the influence of drugs, after complaints about his driving on Seventh Street West Monday afternoon.

Smoking ban too much regulation

How do you argue with physicians, public-health advocates and do-good lawmakers who want to ban smoking in all Montana public places?

Another whopper whitefish

The Daily Inter Lake

Bill would encourage development in designated areas

The Montana Senate approved a bill on Monday that would require the state's largest and fastest-growing counties to designate preferred growth areas for future development.

Whitefish police

XWhitefish police arrested a man on warrants for bad checks and possession of drug paraphernalia; he is under investigation for assault, also.

Flathead County Sheriff

Flathead County Sheriff's Office dispatched Nordic Ski Patrol and North Valley Search & Rescue Sunday when a 20-year-old skier went out-of-bounds to Canyon Creek. She was found within an hour.

FVCC schedules bond award

The board of trustees of Flathead Valley Community College will hold a special meeting at noon Thursday to award the sale of bonds to expand the college.

ALARMS

Rescuers were busy Monday with vehicle accidents across Flathead County. A two-vehicle crash on U.S. 2 near the Glacier County line closed down the highway for a while Monday afternoon. Extrication equipment was needed from Martin City fire department. Other responders included ALERT helicopter, Columbia Falls ambulance, highway patrol, Browning ambulance, and Glacier Park. One injured person was flown to Kalispell Regional Medical Center by ALERT.

Kalispell police

Kalispell police took a report of a Scooby-Doo Valentine's flag and flag pole that were stolen on Buttercup.

Wave sets grand opening

The Wave, Whitefish's new fitness and aquatic center, has scheduled a grand opening on Saturday.

Dale Dean Kinniburgh, 66

Dale Dean Kinniburgh, 66, died Saturday, Feb. 12, 2005, at Northern Montana Care Center in Havre of natural causes.

Alarms

Kalispell fire and ambulance had four calls. They went to a motor-vehicle accident on U.S. 93 S. but didn't transport.

Retired physics professor Sam Neff has long history of social activism

When Martin Luther King Jr. gave his historic "I Have a Dream" speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Sam Neff had already seen a sneak preview.

Flowers keep coming: 'He's … so romantic'

When Dennis and Tonnie Pier went on their first date, he brought her flowers, hoping to impress her. And he did.

Frederick Ellsworth Eastman, 78

Frederick Ellsworth Eastman, 78, passed away Friday, Feb. 11, 2005, at Brendan House in Kalispell.

Kalispell police

A woman told Kalispell police her purse was stolen at The Finish Line and her jacket was taken from her unlocked car.

County scraps jail remodel

Plans to expand and remodel Lincoln County's jail are being scrapped following a failed attempt to significantly cut costs while keeping the scope of the project relatively intact.

Whitefish police

Whitefish police arrested two Whitefish men just past midnight after they caused a ruckus at Flanigan's Central Station. One man, 31, was arrested on a warrant for theft and disorderly conduct. A 29-year-old man was arrested for disorderly conduct.

Columbia Falls police

Columbia Falls police arrested a 38-year-old man on Martha Road on a traffic violation warrant out of Kalispell and a $10,000 felony DUI warrant out of Lincoln County.

Flathead County Sheriff

A rooster whose biological clock wasn't ticking right started crowing loudly enough at 3:46 a.m. Sunday to wake up a neighbor on Prairie View Road. A half-hour later, a Flathead County Sheriff's deputy reported no fowl play; the "roosters appeared to have found what they were looking for" and were quiet.

Brett Alan Lengstorf

Brett Alan Lengstorf passed away Feb. 9, 2005.

Dorothy Baker Sherman, 104

Dorothy Baker Sherman, 104, passed away on Monday, Feb. 7, 2005, at Lake View Care Center in Bigfork.

Spanish only at monthly Mass

Though the Rev. Vic Langhans of St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Kalispell isn't completely at ease leading Mass in Spanish, he realizes it's the preferred language for worship with a growing population in the Flathead Valley.

Bill would clarify rules for gravel pits

Whitefish Representative Mike Jopek and the Montana Contractors Association are working together on a bill that would clarify the authority of local governments to impose conditions on new gravel pits.

For some Hispanic immigrants, the Flathead Valley is the … Promised land

Mom's music has the power to shame teens

If parents ever grow tired of their children's music tastes - whether it's screeching metal, pornographic rap, bubbly pop songs with inane lyrics - the sure way to change those preferences is to start listening.

Columbia Falls Police

Columbia Falls Police arrested a man on a Flathead County warrant.

The case against Grace

Who knew what and when they knew it

Braves fall short against Bison

Today

Nurturing Center's Ski-A-Mile for a Child's Smile 2005 noon to 3 p.m., Whitefish Lake Golf Course. Call the Nurturing Center at 756-1414.

The Grace seven: Who are they?

The federal government's 10-count indictment against W.R. Grace and Co. accuses seven senior employees of conspiring to cover up the health dangers of the toxic asbestos found in the vermiculite mined by Grace at Libby.

Title for Owen; Libby 3rd

BILLINGS - After four accolade-filled high school seasons, Polson's Kevin Owen is at last bringing home that elusive state title.

Flathead County Sheriff

Flathead County Sheriff's deputies investigated the theft of a motor from a boat docked at Foys Lake. The thief cut a chain to remove the motor.

It's time for Democrats to deliver

The legislative session isn't even half done, and Democrats in Helena are shamefully slipping away from their responsibility to solve Montana's school funding problem.

Kalispell police

A woman reported to Kalispell police that her wallet was stolen Saturday from her unlocked car on Seventh Avenue West. It contained checks, credit cards and $160.

Forum to examine topic of teen suicide

The Kalispell Police Advisory Council plans a valleywide town meeting next week to examine teen suicide in the Flathead.

Whitefish police

Whitefish police arrested a 23-year-old man on Skyles Place on a warrant Friday. He was also charged with possession of dangerous drugs.

Bravettes, West share state swim title

The Daily Inter Lake

Braves 2nd; Decker, Hoffenbacker champs

BILLINGS - By the time the championship round of the 2005 all-class wrestling tournament rolled around Saturday, the team title had been sewn up by Billings Skyview and defending champion Flathead had secured second place.

Ruth Harriet Young, 86

Ruth Harriet Young, 86, passed away on Monday, Feb. 7, 2005, at Heritage Place in Kalispell, after a seven-year battle with kidney disease.

Today

Flathead Valley Community College Local Topics/Global Issues lecture series presentation, "Native American Indian Treaties by E.B. Eiselein, Native American instructor, noon to 1 p.m., LRC 135. Free and the public is invited. Call Gerda Reeb at 756-3945.

Columbia Falls police

Columbia Falls police officers investigated the theft of cigarettes by a juvenile from the Town Pump. The person escaped but was caught in the act on videotape.

FHS swimmers face big challenge

Billings West, Bozeman the state favorites

Whitefish man dies in rollover

The Daily Inter Lake

Anna M. Scholz, 79

Anna Mildred Scholz, 79, died Feb. 8, 2005, at Colonial Manor in Whitefish of complications from diabetes.

Play shares the tragedies, triumphs of six friends

The Flathead High School Theatre Department will present "Steel Magnolias" by Robert Harling February 17-19 at 7 p.m. in the David M. Hashley Theatre.

'The Hound of the Baskervilles' in Bigfork

The Bigfork Community Players will be presenting Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's famous tale of intrigue, "The Hound of the Baskervilles" at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts on Feb. 18-20 and 25-27.

Kalfell powers 'Dogs to win

The Daily Inter Lake

Lake County opens garbage transfer station

Lake County's garbage transfer station at 113 N. Reservoir Rd. will open to the general public on Monday, Feb. 14.

Timber counties' funding at risk

A major chunk of federal money is in doubt this year as Congress considers whether to reauthorize a law that distributes money to counties that include federal land.

Flathead County Sheriff

Flathead County Sheriff's deputies investigated a forgery Thursday. Checks stolen from Lake County were forged at Wal-Mart.

Ockeys plead not guilty

Richard and Amy Ockey pleaded not guilty at their arraignment Thursday in District Court in Kalispell.

Braves in good shape for state wrestling

Flathead has at least four wrestlers who have to be considered the favorite in their weight class

John E. 'Murph' Richmond, 76

John E. "Murph" Richmond, 76, formerly of Kalispell, died on Jan. 28, 2005, in Raton, N.M.

Quartango offers up a night made for romance

Celebrate Valentine's week with a night of romantic Latin music and dance from Quartango on Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. at the O'Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

Whitefish police

Whitefish police officers were called about a citizen disturbing the peace on the 500 block of Edgewood.

Flathead speech sends 15 to nationals

State denies mass liquor-license request

A distance of 158 feet has put seven liquor licenses out of reach for applicants at a single location west of Kalispell.

William F. 'Bill' Hoppe

William F. "Bill" Hoppe of Whitefish, "went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" on Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2005. He passed away as a result of congestive heart failure at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

Kala French supported by FVCC senate

Flathead Valley Community College's student newspaper The Mercury News printed an extra edition Wednesday noting the student senate's support for student Regent Kala French of Kalispell.

Kalispell police

Kalispell police officers arrested a man at a business on North Meridian Road after a complaint that he was seen performing an indecent act in public view.

Fred H. Innerbichler Jr., 85

Fred H. Innerbichler Jr., 85, of Columbia Falls, formerly of Polson, passed away at the Montana State Veteran's Home in Columbia Falls, on Feb. 8, 2005.

Whitefish police

Whitefish police talked to the parents of two girls who were profane at the high school Tuesday night.

Flathead County Sheriff

Flathead County Sheriff's Office was first called to Coram at 6:30 Tuesday evening when someone reported a man walking"towards Cut Bank." The caller was afraid he'd be hit by a car. At about 9:30 p.m., deputies and Canyon Quick Response Unit were called about the same man, who was sick and vomiting, still in Coram. Officials exhausted possibilities of finding a place to stay for him and his companion. At midnight, the men were reported harassing customers at a business in Coram. A Columbia Falls ambulance was called for the sick man; he went to the hospital. Another man, who was found lying down in the highway went to jail, charged with disorderly conduct and trespass.

'Huge' pygmy sets state record

The Daily Inter Lake

Hassle free fun: Big Mountain takes the work out of tubing

Sex offender pleads guilty

The Daily Inter Lake

Walgreens opens Friday in downtown Kalispell

The Daily Inter Lake

Lawmaker revises 'box store' tax play

A bill that would impose a gross receipts tax on "box stores" has been amended to exempt Costco stores, but a company executive says Costco will still oppose the legislation.

Alarms

Kalispell fire department had nine calls. The crew went to a snowmobile on fire on Grandview Drive and a vehicle fire at Smith's. A man who fell at a car wash went to the hospital for treatment of a hip injury. A man suffering chest pain in the jail went to the hospital and so did the victim of an alleged assault at El Rancho motel.

Norman L. "Jim" McGillis, 73

Norman L. "Jim" McGillis, 73, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005, at his home in Lakeside.

Wildcats' Tarr looks for third straight title

While Aric Tarr of Columbia Falls will be looking to become the first Wildcat ever to win three state Class A wrestling titles this weekend in Billings, Polson's Kevin Owen, like a lot of other qualifiers, will be hoping to claim his first.

Stomach virus, flu making many ill

Flathead County health officials report a significant jump in cases of the more virulent type A influenza in the last three weeks, as well as a Norwalk-type stomach virus.

Scouts seal deal for Melita Island

Kalispell police

Kalispell police explained that it wasn't funny when a man on Ninth Avenue East fell down the stairs and pretended to be hurt. His wife called 911. The man decided to find new sources of humor.

Snow sought for bar-stool ski races

There's no snow, but the bar-stool races and sledding centerpieces of Cabin Fever Days are expected to proceed in Martin City this weekend.

It's budget math 'for dummies'

Suppose you make $22,000. Then suppose you spend $25,000. That means you are borrowing $3,000 to pay for the extra goodies you and your family can't really afford.

Helena Flats subdivision approved

The Daily Inter Lake

Today

Flathead Regional Business Center, 15 Depot Park, Kalispell, hosts a free Brown Bag Series discussion by facilitator Allison McCarthy on the topic, "Hard At Work: Resolving Everyday Conflict," noon to 1 p.m. RSVP to Mora McCarthy at 758-6241.

Gary Price, 64

Gary Price, a retired long-haul truck driver, died after a long illness, on his 64th birthday, Feb. 2, 2005, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

John Melvin Norberg Jr., 67

John Melvin Norberg Jr., 67, passed away on Friday, Feb. 4, 2005, of heart failure in Kalispell. He was born July, 28, 1937, in Chinook, to John Melvin and Myrtle (Swenson) Norberg. He received his early education in Chinook and graduated from Chinook High School in 1957. He served in the National Guard of Montana after high school. He returned to Chinook and in 1960, married Nancy Buhmann. They had three daughters together. They were married until 1998.

Margery Inez "Margie" Winter, 66

Margery Inez "Margie" Winter, 66, of Kalispell, passed away Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005, from complications following cancer surgery, in Seattle.

LaVon Knudsen Bedord

The independent spirit of long-time Missoula resident, LaVon Knudsen Bedord, released its grip on 90 years of living on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005.

Kalispell police

Kalispell police looked for a disabled boy who walked away from his school Tuesday. He was found safely in his grandmother's care.

Columbia Falls police

Columbia Falls police arrested a man on a warrant Tuesday and a man for reportedly violating a restraining order.

Industry still drives economy

Despite some claims to the contrary, agriculture, wood products manufacturing and other basic industries remain the driving factors in Montana's economy, a Missoula economist said on Tuesday.

Flathead County Sheriff

Flathead County Sheriff's Office took a call Tuesday from a business on U.S. 93 in Lakeside where a twisted wordsmith has struck. Letters on a reader board have been rearranged to form obscene messages. The owner has brought the reader board inside after too many unauthorized late-night compositions with the letters.

Board considers major Bigfork subdivision

The Daily Inter Lake

JP Road project passes on second vote

The Whitefish City Council on Monday approved a controversial $1.1 million special improvement district for a portion of JP Road, but it took two votes to get the project passed.

Sweet sweep for Columbia Falls

Wildkats give Salonen first victory in Whitefish

Whitefish police

Whitefish police arrested a man Monday evening on Iowa Avenue for DUI and possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

ALARMS

Kalispell fire department had five calls. One was to check out a strange odor in the alley behind Main Street and another was to a vehicle accident on East Evergreen Drive and U.S. 2.

Harvest levels pinch wood producers

Alvin W. "Al" Reid, 86

Alvin W. "Al" Reid, 86, a lifetime resident of Columbia Falls, passed away at the Montana Veteran's Home in Columbia Falls on Feb. 6, 2005, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.

Edward "Eddy" Shea, 90

Edward "Eddy" Shea, 90, passed away on Monday, Feb. 7, 2005, at Heritage Place in Kalispell.

Wednesday

Each Wednesday during February all sales of pump pot coffee at Montana Coffee Trader's locations benefit "Coffee Kid's Tsunami Relief Effort" to support rebuilding of roads and infrastructure to the damaged Sumatran economy. Call 862-7633.

Day of reckoning at hand for Grace

A trio of Libby residents shivered with reporters on the courthouse steps in Missoula Monday to hear it for themselves: W.R. Grace & Co. and seven of its past and present executives have been federally indicted.

Avenue upgrades approved

A pair of amended proposals to upgrade water and sewer service to Fourth Avenue West and Fifth Avenue West passed the Columbia Falls City Council on Monday night.

Kalispell targets state land as the fire-station site

The Daily Inter Lake

Driver faces several charges after chase

The Daily Inter Lake

Braves head to state atop AA poll

The Daily Inter Lake

California man in line for fire chief job

Assuming the city and Bob Webber can come to a contract agreement, Columbia Falls has a new fire chief.

Willard Stanley Aggson

Willard "Bill" Aggson passed away peacefully after a short illness, on Jan. 27, 2005, at his home in New York City. A number of relatives had come from great distances to say goodbye.

Kalispell police

Kalispell police made a trip to Department of Family Services on Monday morning after a woman who was worried about her daughter and grandson called the station. She had returned home from work Sunday morning to find her daughter and 5-year-old grandson gone, and blood "all over inside the house." She was concerned for her daughter and worried that the boy's father might have taken him. Monday, she found the father's pickup parked outside a local motel and called police.

Bricklayer still strong at 100

Ray Nelsen has a handshake as solid as the brick buildings he helped build in the Flathead Valley.

Go slow when changing basic laws

A bill from Sen. Jerry O'Neil that would entitle citizens in city

Sheldon expands minds with tinkering

One mother-daughter team put its robot together with a glue gun.

Flathead County sheriff

Flathead County sheriff's deputies went to White Birch RV Park to help a resident there get rid of a man trying to enter the house, to Trail's End to help a man convince his intoxicated girlfriend to leave, and to Four Wheel Drive to defuse a fight brewing between a man and someone phoning with threats to knock his teeth out.

Chezem trial delayed

MISSOULA - Prosecutors and jurors were ready to go on Monday morning, but defendant Larry Chezem said he was not, so his trial on federal weapons violations was delayed until June.

Alarms

Kalispell fire and ambulance logged four calls.

Paul B. 'Bud' Stancill

Paul B. "Bud" Stancill, formerly of Kalispell, passed away Friday, Feb. 4, 2005, at the family home in Glendale, Ariz.

W.R. Grace indicted

Tuesday

The public is invited to a free community lecture by Dan Foster and Tom Martin on "Mental Health Challenges on the Blackfeet Reservation," 7:30-9 a.m. at Pathways Treatment Center, 200 Heritage Way, Kalispell.

BPA plan could cost Flathead Electric millions

The Daily Inter Lake

Ruby M. Baker, 81

Ruby M. Baker, 81, passed away on Friday, Feb. 4, 2005, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. She was born on Dec. 28, 1923, at Richville, Minn., the daughter of Willard Austin and Lillian M. (Barnes) Jensen.

Whitefish police

The Bulldog Saloon was a busy place Sunday night as Winter Carnival wound down - maybe a little too busy for some temperaments. Whitefish police arrested a 39-year-old man just before midnight and a 26-year-old man a half hour later, and charged them both with disorderly conduct.

Richard Ockey released on bail

The Daily Inter Lake

Dustin Leon Gravelle, 18

Dustin Leon Gravelle, 18, "began a new journey" on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005, in Kalispell. He was born on Oct. 3, 1986, in Spokane, to Orlin Leon and Vicki Jo (Blatchley) Gravelle.

Charges validate Libby man's quest for justice

The day Don Wilkins and other Libby residents have been waiting for arrived on Monday with news of federal criminal indictments against W.R. Grace and seven of its senior employees.

Columbia Falls police

Columbia Falls police were called about a man who violated a temporary restraining order by phoning the woman who sought the order.

Ronald B. Johnson, 62

Ronald B. Johnson, 62, passed away Friday, Feb. 4, 2005, at HealthCenter Northwest in Kalispell. He was born Nov. 18, 1942, in Kalispell, the son of Oscar and Edith F. (Curtiss) Johnson.

Flathead County sheriff

The Flathead County sheriff's deputies assisted a man on Farm to Market Road who said his wife was taking things that weren't hers.

Former mayor recalls Kalispell's younger days

It may seem like the Flathead has been changing rapidly over the last few years, but the differences people see today are nothing compared to what Tom Flynn has witnessed during his lifetime.

JP Road, Baker truck traffic top Whitefish agenda

The Daily Inter Lake

Alarms

Kalispell fire department had six calls to assist people with medical problems.

Kalispell police

Alcohol seemed to be the source of much mischief Saturday and Sunday. Kalispell police were busy with problem pedestrians, teenagers and adults.

Columbia Falls council tackles rising water, sewer costs

The Daily Inter Lake

Helen F. Schreck, 89

Helen F. Schreck, 89, passed away Friday, Feb. 4, 2005 at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. She was born Oct. 30, 1915, in Rockford, Wash., to Jacob P. and Helen (Hagen) Engeln.

Gerald Joseph Sirucek

"Our beloved Gerald Joseph Sirucek went to be with the Lord" Thursday, Feb. 3, 2005, in Ronan.

Wave makes splash in Whitefish

It looks more like a lodge but the rough-hewn timber and stone edifice represents a new wave in fitness and fun.

Whitefish police

Whitefish police arrested a 30-year-old man on Third Street on charges of DUI, driving on a suspended license and no proof of insurance.

Development issues come before Kalispell council

The Daily Inter Lake

Patty Lou Abell, 48

Patty Lou Abell, 48, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2005, at her residence in Kalispell.

Kalispell Police

Criminal mischief is hardly advisable, especially close to a police station. Two adults and two juveniles were arrested early Saturday after they were caught trespassing on the roof of the Sons of Norway Hall, directly across the street from the Kalispell Police Department.

Alarms

The South Kalispell Fire Department was dispatched to a two-vehicle injury accident on Woodland Drive near U.S. 2 Friday evening.

Lakeside man killed

The Daily Inter Lake

Travel agents unfazed by online options

Internet travel planning is gaining popularity, but local travel agents say they're not fazed by the online trend.

Trailer court targeted for demolition

Big Mountain Trailer Court in Whitefish will be razed to make way for rental cabins if the City Council approves a development planned by builder Tom LaChance.

Training helps Realtors serve clients succeed

The Daily Inter Lake

No peak in sight for Flathead real estate sales

Up.

Hot, cold Braves meet goal

Flathead puts 12 wrestlers in finals, nets four champions

Columbia Falls police

Columbia Falls police received a report Saturday morning of a house being broken into on Frontage Road.

Carl Kenneth Luke, 80

Carl Kenneth Luke passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2005, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell, at the age of 80.

Counties worry about possible loss of timber money

Northwest Montana county commissioners and school administrators are paying close attention to the uncertain reauthorization of a law that has delivered federal payments to timber counties for the last five years.

Today

Today

Libby keeps division title

The Daily Inter Lake

Whitefish police

A male, 18, was arrested by Whitefish police for driving with a suspended license, and a contempt warrant, after a traffic stop on O'Brien Avenue and Seventh Street.

No easy pickings

Decline in decorum

This week's top 10 (down to eight after two items hitch-hiked to Jacksonville and scalped a couple of tickets, though oddly enough not to the Super Bowl but rather last night's Lynyrd Skynyrd concert at the Veteran's Memorial Arena):

Quirky news just a mouse click away

Those of us charged with writing columns on a regular basis find ourselves wanting for ideas from time to time.

Flathead County sheriff

Six minors were cited being in possession of alcohol after Flathead County sheriff's deputies broke up a party in the Ptarmigan Village area on Big Mountain late Friday.

An overdue 'national conversation'

Give President Bush credit.

Josiah 'Joe' J. Fox Jr. , 80

Josiah J. Fox Jr. , "Joe," 80, died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, Feb. 3, 2005, in Kalispell.

Two slain, three arrested

The Daily Inter Lake

Store effort helps fund cancer work

The Safeway stores and Whitefish and Polson team up twice a year to collect donations for breast and cervical and prostate cancer research. Every October the stores accept donations from their employees and from their customers at checkout.

Whitefish Police

Whitefish Police arrested a man, 43, at the Town Pump for disorderly conduct Friday.

Average day for Braves state

Libby spills C-Falls

The Daily Inter Lake

Upscale retail project planned for Whitefish

Amy Ockey posts bond

The Daily Inter Lake

Today

Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer course with AED, 9:30 a.m. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

Kalispell Police

A Scholar Boulevard resident reported to the sheriff's department that since Thanksgiving, trees have been getting cut down on his 20-acre parcel.

Battle royale expected for title

For Class A wrestlers in western Montana, the divisional tournament has been an event in flux the last couple of seasons.

Club mixes kids, pets, fun

Columbia Falls Police

Police and administrators have been busy at Columbia Falls High School.

Whitefish Winter Carnival wraps up

The Whitefish Winter Carnival wraps up this weekend with several activities:

Paul Lawrence, 78

Paul Lawrence, 78, died Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2005, at his childhood home on Conrad Drive in Kalispell, surrounded by his family. He was born Dec. 5, 1926, in Mt. Vernon, S.D., to Jesse and Marie (Wagner) Lawrence.

Day sentenced in federal court

The Daily Inter Lake

Talking the talk, taking the title

Two schools with superlative speakers and two state titles.

No snow: 'I've never seen anything like this before'

Skiing and snowshoeing have turned into hiking and old-timers can't recall a February when there was such little snow in and around Glacier National Park.

Alarms

Kalispell fire department had 11 calls. One was for a man having medical problems at the mall. Another man collapsed in the middle of the road on East California Street. Firefighters checked out an electrical outlet that blew in an apartment .

Big Sky documentary festival set for Missoula

The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival will be held Feb. 17-23 in downtown Missoula at the historic Wilma Theater.

Improvement district requirement stalls subdivision

A decision on the next 12 phases of The Glades subdivision on Big Mountain was postponed Thursday until all county commissioners can decide whether to keep a special improvement district in the project.

Today

Flathead Valley Community College Local Topics/Global Issues lecture series presentation, "Contemporary Indian Education in Montana," by Joyce Silverthorn, tribal education director for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Noon to 1 p.m., LRC 135. Free and the public is welcome to attend. Call Gerda Reeb at 756-3945.

Flathead County Sheriff

Flathead County Sheriff's Office dispatched emergency services to the old red bridge near Columbia Falls on Wednesday evening when a woman fell into the river. ALERT helicopter and Columbia Falls fire department were called to help the hypothermic woman. She was flown to the hospital aboard ALERT.

Ken Dutter, 64

Ken Dutter, 64, of Kalispell, "went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ" on Jan. 29, 2005, at home from cardiac arrest.

Jeremy Blaine Erbelding, 33

Jeremy Blaine Erbelding, 33, of Missoula passed away on Jan. 31, 2005.

Flathead sets lofty goals for divisional

The Daily Inter Lake

Pressure Performer

Braves' 189-pounder set to try to lead Flathead to second straight Class AA state wrestling team title

Vicki Jo Hylton

Our sweet and strong-willed angel, Vicki Jo Hylton, mother, grandmother, daughter, wife, lover, sister, teacher and friend, "spread her wings" Wednesday night, Feb. 2, 2005, "and is now shining her light on us from her place in the heavens."

Action on Helena Flats subdivision postponed

The Daily Inter Lake

Kalispell police

Kalispell police took a report of a driver slumped over the wheel of a truck at the entrance to Gateway Cinema. Shortly afterward, someone else reported the driver as drunk, jumping curbs and swerving in and out of traffic. Police stopped it and found a sober, but very tired, elderly woman, and gave her a ride home.

Tips needed in deliberately set fire

The Daily Inter Lake

Whitefish police

Whitefish police took a report from a woman who said she's being stalked. While she was at City Hall, getting a restraining order, someone destroyed a tire on her car.

Man sentenced in embezzlement case

The Daily Inter Lake

Braves down Indians

The word on the basketball floor Thursday night?

Rough go for Bravettes

The Daily Inter Lake

Artists show off their best in new exhibit at the Hockaday

The Hockaday Museum of Art announces the opening of "Flathead Celebrates Ceramics" on Feb. 10.

Watercolor instructor gives workshop

Prize-winning watercolorist Skip Lawrence will be instructing an April 18-22 workshop at Glacier Camp on Flathead Lake south of Lakeside.

Susan Ann (Steed) Jeffers, 60

Susan Jeffers, 60, passed away peacefully Monday, Jan. 31, 2005, at her home in Bigfork, after a long illness. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, sister and grandmother.

Pauline "Polly" Clouse, 90

Pauline "Polly" Clouse, 90, passed away on Monday, Jan. 31, 2005, at Brendan House in Kalispell.

Carolee Moyer Kurtz, 71

Carolee Kurtz, 71, longtime Whitefish resident, died peacefully in her sleep Monday morning, Jan. 31, 2005, at her home in Whitefish.

House panel gets school quality bill

A centerpiece bill establishing what a quality education calls for in Montana will get its hearing today before the House Select Committee on Education today.

Ken Dutter, 64

Ken Dutter, 64, of Kalispell, "went to with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ" on Jan. 29, 2005, at home from cardiac arrest.

Eight-year-old skier holds his own in telemark league

Park employees honored for protecting visitors

For protecting park visitors from an approaching wildfire, two Glacier National Park employees received Valor Awards at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday.

Ribbons fly for 639th return

Whitefish's Righetti one of 18 UM recruits

The Montana Grizzlies received 18 letters of intent, including one from Whitefish's Jolly Righetti, on Wednesday, the first day high school seniors could officially sign with universities.

Cheers of Courage

Mat Cat wrestling manager proves to be an inspiration for all

Builders organize to work on Keystone projects

The Daily Inter Lake

Columbia Falls police

Columbia Falls police took a report of an iPod and a cell phone stolen at the high school.

Timber industry takes another hit

It is almost unbelievable, but the timber industry is nearly extinct in Lincoln County, the heart of Montana's wood products industry for the last century.

Kalispell police

Kalispell police took a report from a woman at the mall who found an unknown man sitting in her truck. Another woman said she woke up to find a male acquaintance in her apartment on Liberty Street.

Man arrested for forgery

Kalispell police arrested a man Wednesday for alleged forgery and suspicion of counterfeiting.

Alarms

Kalispell fire department went to a three-vehicle accident on U.S. 2 and River Road, where a 45-year-old woman was hurt Tuesday. Later, someone who fell in a gym was taken to the hospital.

Flathead County Sheriff

Flathead County Sheriff's Office went to Chumley's bar in Bigfork at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, when shots were reportedly fired in a parking lot after a dispute in a bar. A man was charged with felony endangerment and assault with a weapon. No one was seriously hurt.

How to revamp the educational system

Montana's Legislature may have to tear down the state's old framework for funding schools and adopt new thinking such as incentives for the best teachers or allotments on a per-classroom basis.

Penguin Plunge is Saturday

On Saturday, the penguins return to Whitefish Lake.

Young writer's rally planned

Students with a passion for writing can work with volunteer mentors from Authors of the Flathead at a Young Writer's Rally on Feb. 25.

Addie Clair Shepard

Addie Clair Shepard daughter of Hilary and Levi Shepard of Bigfork, was born Jan. 10 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.She weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces and was 21 inches long.

Jacob Raymond Macfarlane

Jacob Raymond Macfarlane son of Dan and Lil Macfarlane of Kalispell, was born Jan. 23 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.He weighed 8 pounds, 11 ounces and was 21 inches long.

Kaden Ruger Thornsberry

Kaden Ruger Thornsberry son of Justin and Chantel Thornsberry of Condon, was born Jan. 22 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.He weighed 7.1 pounds and was 19 1/2 inches long.

Garett Mark Lautsbaugh

Garett Mark Lautsbaugh son of Christopher and Lindsey Lautsbaugh of Lakeside, was born Jan. 12 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.He weighed 9 pounds, 1 ounce and was 21 3/4 inches long.

Jaeoden Kristopher Scott

Jaeoden Kristopher Scott son of Alexis and Jeremy Scott of Columbia Falls, was born Jan. 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.He weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces and was 20 1/2 inches long.

Brenden Alexander McCarroll

Brenden Alexander McCarroll son of Marlene Saray and Tim McCarroll of Lakeside, was born Jan. 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.He weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces and was 22 1/4 inches long.

Elora Michelle Kidd

Elora Michelle Kidd daughter of Robert and Aleksis Kidd of Eureka, was born Jan. 22 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.She weighed 5 pounds, 8 1/2 ounces and was 17 1/2 inches long.

Valicity Lee Faith

Valicity Lee Faith daughter of Joshua and Candeta Faith of Kalispell, was born Jan. 21 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.She weighed 9 pounds, 2 1/2 ounces and was 19 inches long.

Daphne Renee Jensen

Daphne Renee Jensen daughter of Kris and Breanna Jensen of Kalispell, was born Jan. 23 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.She weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces.

Kaleb Ryan Tipton

Kaleb Ryan Tipton son of Wendy Tipton of Kalispell, was born Jan. 14 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.He weighed 6 pounds, 1 ounce and was 19 1/2 inches long.

Geoffrey Kael Stolte

Geoffrey Kael Stolte son of Geoffrey and Pamela Stolte of Kalispell, was born Jan. 20 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.He weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces and was 20 1/2 inches long.

Fiona Laurel Coulter

Fiona Laurel Coulter daughter of A.J. Coulter and Maizy Huston of Kalispell, was born Jan. 19 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.She weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces and was 21 1/2 inches long.

Faithe Elaine Barkus

Faithe Elaine Barkus daughter of Ken and Louise Barkus of Kalispell, was born Jan. 24 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.She weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long.

Avery Quinn Chouinard

Avery Quinn Chouinard daughter of Don and Shawn Chouinard of Kalispell, was born Jan. 20 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.She weighed 7 pounds and was 21 inches long.

Avery Stacey Anderson

Avery Stacey Anderson daughter of Tim and Heather Anderson of Kalispell, was born Jan. 26 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.She weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces and was 18 1/2 inches long.

Quentin Raymond Gene Schouten-Holt

Quentin Raymond Gene Schouten-Holt son of Lynnella Schouten and Cory Holt of Kalispell, was born Jan. 14 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.He weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces and was 20 1/2 inches long.

Kiya Michele Warner

Kiya Michele Warner daughter of Coty and Jessica Warner of Kalispell, was born Jan. 22 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.She weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces and was 20 inches long.

Xavier Anthony Ueland

Xavier Anthony Ueland son of Jamie Ueland and Richard Harris of Kalispell, was born Jan. 14 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.He weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces and was 20 inches long.

Tyler James Beamer

Tyler James Beamer son of Beau and Christina Beamer of Eureka, was born Jan. 23 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.He weighed 5 pounds, 4 ounces and was 17 1/2 inches long.

Morgan Faith Eick

Morgan Faith Eick daughter of Robert and April Eick of Kalispell, was born Jan. 16 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.She weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces and was 20 inches long.

Violet Marie Ashby

Violet Marie Ashby daughter of Jeremy and Valerie Ashby of Kalispell, was born Jan. 15 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.She weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long.

Frank C. Cope, 59

Frank C. Cope, 59, passed away Sunday, Jan. 30, 2005, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell from his long battle with leukemia.

Lander James Busse

Lander James Busse son of Sara and Ryan Busse of Kalispell, was born Jan. 21 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.He weighed 6.2 pounds and was 19 inches long.

Kathleen Susan Yungling

Kathleen Susan Yungling daughter of Gerald and Nekcoe Yungling of Kalispell, was born Jan. 25 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.She weighed 9 pounds, 5 ounces and was 22 inches long.

Consultant: City should build on its strengths

Downtown Kalispell is on solid footing but it has potential to be even better.

Flathead County Sheriff

Flathead County Sheriff's Office arrested a man Tuesday for partner assault. He had been jailed on the same charge Sunday and was released Monday.

C-Falls storms by Whitefish

The Daily Inter Lake

Volunteers offer free tax help starting Monday

As tax time approaches, a group of community volunteers will once again provide free tax help for low- and moderate-income residents beginning on Feb. 7.

Alarms

Kalispell fire department had two calls, both for medical problems.

Curry retiring from sheriff's office

The Daily Inter Lake

Deputy returns to work after shooting; board finds actions justified

Sheriff's deputy Geno Cook was back on duty Tuesday after he was cleared by an internal review for shooting an armed man in Marion on Jan. 22.

Fighting the good fight against meth

When Gerri Gardner's teenage daughter, and then her husband, killed themselves, Gardner decided to exact revenge.

Columbia Falls police

Columbia Falls police took a report of an antique fire box stolen on Third Avenue West Monday.

Today

School District 5 and Flathead High School district board Personnel Committee meets at 7 a.m. at the district office.

Warm weather scales down Whitefish carnival

The Daily Inter Lake

Senate bill targets tattoos, piercings

A bill pending before the state Legislature targets tattoo and piercing businesses for closer inspection and licensing.

Births

Addie Clair Shepard, daughter of Hilary and Levi Shepard of Bigfork, was born Jan. 10 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Appeals target salvage logging

The Flathead National Forest's biggest battles of the last decade have erupted once again in the form of conflicting appeals aimed at the recently approved Robert-Wedge Post Fire Project.

Joseph M. 'Joe' Sloan, 82

Joseph M. "Joe" Sloan, 82, "was called home to be with the Lord," Saturday, Jan. 29, 2005.

President's budget eliminates passenger-rail funding

President Bush is expected to announce a budget on Monday that cuts all funding for Amtrak.

Experience pays for senior employees

High-tech trailer ready for disasters

New disaster center only one of its kind in Montana

Tuesday

Evergreen Water and Sewer District board meets at 7 a.m.,district office, 130 Nicholson Dr., to discuss potential funding sources for wastewater treatment plant.

Asbestos bill must not leave out Libby victims

The fact that Congress has been trying for six years to pass legislation that fairly compensates asbestos victims illustrates the difficulty of finding an equitable solution for all victims.

Burton E. 'Burt' Bondurant

Burton E. "Burt" Bondurant, longtime Flathead County resident, passed away Saturday, Jan. 29, 2005, at Brendan House in Kalispell.

Jail damages total up to $10,000

It will cost $8,000 to $10,000 to repair damage caused by a jail inmate who flushed a blanket down a toilet Sunday.

Alarms

Kalispell fire department had three calls. One was to someone having a medical problem at Costco. Evergreen fire department and ALERT helicopter were also dispatched, but weren't needed.

Task force wants to expand facility

After three years in a permanent facility, the Flathead Spay and Neuter Task Force is having growing pains.

Assistant fire chief leaves

William "Dee" McCluskey has reportedly resigned his position as assistant chief of Kalispell Fire Department.

Suzie Sorenson, 54

Suzie Sorenson was born in 1948 in Texas and raised in Swan Lake by her parents, Adolf and Elaine Kopp, with sisters, Marion, Lisa and Cindy.

Kalispell police

Kalispell police took three complaints about graffiti downtown. Someone wrote a lime-colored, four-letter word on the sidewalk at Linderman School. At St. Matthew's church, both the the building and a "Drug-Free School Zone" sign were damaged. More graffiti was reported at Classical Gas.

Whitefish police

Whitefish police arrested three 15-year-old boys for possession of drugs and paraphernalia on Pine Avenue during lunch Monday.

Flathead County Sheriff

Flathead County Sheriff's Office called out the county fire investigation team after a fire at Northwest Pipe Fitting in Evergreen Sunday evening. Smith Valley, West Valley, Evergreen and South Kalispell fire departments were notified, but the fire was quickly extinguished.

Columbia Falls police

Columbia Falls police went to Seventh Street West, where a boy reported that his brother assaulted him with a baseball bat and numchucks. The 20-year-old man was charged with aggravated assault.