Thursday, March 31
Bill Wieferich, 78
Bill Wieferich, 78, of Kalispell, passed away March 26, 2005, at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio. After a long struggle with congestive heart failure and cancer he left his circle of family and friends poorer for his leaving, but much richer for having been.
Louise Carolyn Ostin Alter, 83
Louise Carolyn Ostin Alter, 83, passed away March 26, 2005, in Salt Lake City.
Need a home? Here's how housing foundation works
The Daily Inter Lake
Testimony ends in case involving a local lawyer
By CHERY SABOL
A place to call their own Foundation marks 10 years of helping families purchase homes
By CAMDEN EASTERLING
Alarms
Kalispell fire department had four calls, all for medical problems.
Judge rejects report on Cabinets' mine impact
The Daily Inter Lake
Flathead County Sheriff
It isn't just that the rooster on Prairie View Road crows at 4 a.m. every day; it's also that it keeps up the racket all day. A neighbor called Flathead County Sheriff's Office Wednesday morning, wanting the rooster "shut up once and for all."
Louise Monk, 89
Louise Monk, 89, passed away March 28, 2005, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.
Wyoming needs to join the pack
God bless state's rights, but the great state of Wyoming has been rudely elbowing its neighbors for the last few years when it comes to wolf management.
Today
Red Cross blood drive, 1-5 p.m., Burch's Photo in the bloodmobile.
Kalispell police
Kalispell police took a report from a woman on Second Avenue East who said her roommate threw her out and wouldn't let her collect her belongings. It turned out that none of the items were hers, anyway.
Wednesday, March 30
Alberta Vasquez, 92
Alberta Vasquez, 92, passed away March 26, 2005, at her home in Whitefish. Alberta lived in Eureka for many years and had many good friends there. She lived the last 20 years at the Whitefish Manor and was very happy there.
Today
Evergreen School District board meets at 6:30 a.m. in the administration building boardroom.
Kalispell police
Kalispell police took a report from someone who thought a man with binoculars was watching children near Edgerton School Monday.
Whitefish police
Whitefish police took a call Monday night about three shifty-acting teenagers on O'Brien Avenue. A snowboard was reported stolen from a vehicle on that street in the morning. Items were also stolen from a vehicle on Skyle's Place.
John A. Linn Jr., 71
John A. Linn Jr. of Sun City West, Ariz., passed away Saturday, March 26, 2005. He was 71 years old.
Alarms
Kalispell fire department had nine calls. One was to a traffic accident on 9th Street East Tuesday morning; no one was hurt. Someone who fell at a business on U.S. 2 west of town and someone who fell at a church on West Reserve Drive went to the hospital. The crew went to Meridian Road when power lines fell Tuesday afternoon and to a vehicle accident near the Summit.
Columbia Falls police
Columbia Falls police took a report of two hood scoops taken from a truck, either on South Nucleus or at the high school. They are valued at $300.
Llamas in limbo
Border closure strands C. Falls rancher's animals in Canada
SD5 trustees get first look at budgets
Kalispell school trustees had a full plate Monday night - preliminary budgets, next year's calendar, reshaping the vocational-technical program and a middle school design report were just part of the menu.
FVCC Trustees approve tuition increase
Flathead Valley Community College trustees approved a tuition increase of about 9 percent Monday for full-time in-district students next fall.
Kindergarten roundups on the calendar
The Daily Inter Lake
Arrest made in Kalispell truck driver's murder
Two years after he was murdered in Memphis, a Kalispell man's alleged killer has been arrested.
Janice H. Schnell, 81
Janice H. Schnell, 81, peacefully "left God's earthly kingdom" on Monday, March 21, 2005, with her family at her side, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.
Robert "Bob" Duane Boley, 64
Robert "Bob" Duane Boley, 64, passed away Sunday, March 27, 2005, of a heart attack in Mesquite, Nev.
Friday night dance benefits AIDS council
The Flathead Valley Alliance is sponsoring an April Fools bingo and dance Friday, April 1, to benefit the Flathead AIDS Council.
Protect the courthouse for all of us
"Because it hasn't happened yet" is a poor reason to not take reasonable precautions, whether it's in personal behavior or governmental policy.
Flathead County Sheriff
Flathead County Sheriff's Office took a report from a rueful man who invited "a skinny little blonde" to his home for drinks on Monday night and later regretted it because she seemed awfully interested in some of his possessions and knew he'd be gone on Tuesday.
Tuesday, March 29
Corey Linden McMillan, 44
Corey Linden McMillan, 44, passed away March 16, 2005, at his home near Kalispell.
Over $500,000 approved to assist laid-off timber workers
The Daily Inter Lake
Dorothy June 'Jo' (Fox) Heim, 81
Dorothy June "Jo" (Fox) Heim passed away unexpectedly from a stroke the day after her 81st birthday on March 23, 2005, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, in Kalispell.
Tuesday
Due to sewer work by Sandry Construction, Meridian Road will be closed between Park and Three Mile Drives until 9 a.m. today. Call Kalispell Pubic Works Department at 758-7720.
Man pleads guilty to poisoning deer
A Ferndale man has pleaded guilty to poisoning deer, and has apparently been doing it for at least a couple of years to protect landscaping on his property, an investigating warden said.
Televised hearing gives local residents chance to comment on gravel bill
The Daily Inter Lake
Kalispell Police
A church stepped in to help a man who said he was here from Georgia on training for the National Guard and had lost his wallet. After providing a motel and food for a few nights, though, a church representative became suspicious and contacted Kalispell Police, who determined it was all a scam. Officers are considering whether to charge the man.
Flathead County Sheriff
Flathead County Sheriff's Office took a report of a man who rented a car that was to be returned on March 14 and reportedly refuses to bring it back.
Alleged attackers of transient appear in court
Bond was set at $500,000 Monday for each of the two men accused of stabbing, beating and burning a transient. The man survived.
Judge: Dasen trial will be held here
For the second time, District Judge Stewart Stadler has ordered the prostitution trial of Dick Dasen Sr. to remain in Flathead County.
Monday, March 28
Last patrol for veteran of Big Mountain
John Gray carves turns just below lift towers on the backside of the Big Mountain, when something typical happens for a guy who wears a red coat with a white cross on the back - some kids yell at him from their lift chair, "there's someone hurt down there."
Alarms
A trailer fire on Airport Road warranted the attention of numerous law enforcement officials and firefighters Saturday night. A man was in the trailer when it caught fire and was later taken to the hospital.
Kalispell police
Kalispell police arrested a 36-year-old man on a felony warrant from another jurisdiction and on charges of obstructing a peace officer near the intersection of Fifth Avenue West and Center Street.
Columbia Falls police
Columbia Falls police reunited dog owners with their lost pet after the animal was found on Seventh Street.
The producers: Bigfork theater owners honored for lifetime achievements
The show must go on.
Flathead County Sheriff
Flathead County Sheriff's Office went out on a call about a stolen fifth wheel trailer in Marion. Someone on Blankenship Road reported a mailbox was blown up by a shotgun.
Whitefish police
Whitefish police arrested a boy at the Pin and Cue on charges of stealing a purse. Someone reported a fight at Paddle and Axe. Police received two reports of slashed tires, one on Minnesota Avenue and the other behind Casey's Bar.
Two Rivers amendment comes back before planning board
An ongoing debate about how the valley should grow continues on Wednesday, as the Flathead County Planning Board holds its second public hearing on the Two Rivers growth policy amendment.
Co-op annual meeting draws full crowd
Flathead Electric Cooperative's 44,000 members will have an opportunity to elect four board trustees in the next few weeks.
Sunday, March 27
Kenneth Junior Nelson, 78
Kenneth Junior Nelson, 78, died on March 24, 2005, in Tucson, after a lengthy battle with prostate cancer.
Margaret Annette (DesRosier) Munson, 69
Margaret Annette (DesRosier) Munson, 69, of Columbia Falls died of cancer Monday, March 21, 2005, at the family home.
Ruth DeCarma VanZomeren, 87
Ruth DeCarma VanZomeren, 87, passed away on March 25, 2005, surrounded by her loved ones.
Flathead artists do well at auction
The Daily Inter lake
Local sisters relate memories of WWII work
Rita Hagen, 79, believes she could still weld a mean seam if called upon.
Today
Kalispell Elks Lodge annual Easter egg hunt at 1 p.m., Kalispell Lions Park across from the Elks Lodge on U.S. 93 South. Fun and prizes, two divisions. Call Marilynn at 752-2962.
Keep a lid on state spending
So far, lawmakers in Helena seem to be working their way through the state budget with some restraint, but spending increases in the state's next biennial budget should remain a major concern.
Police warn of car thefts
The Daily Inter Lake
Columbia Falls police
Columbia Falls police arrested a 26-year-old male for DUI near the Blue Moon early Saturday morning, and a 20-year-old male was arrested for partner assault on Eighth Avenue East North.
Kalispell police
Kalispell police received reports of three vehicles stolen in Kalispell, including a bronze 1992 Mercury Sable, a blue 1989 Ford Taurus and a white '91 Ford Taurus. The Mercury was later located in Woodland Park. All of the vehicles were reportedly left unlocked.
Fall of the giants
After spending the winter listening to the various talking heads and reading the assorted scribes tout the ACC as the be all, end all of college basketball, and that the Awesomest Conference in Creation could put as many as three teams into the Final Four, there has been no more pleasing development during the last week than the possibility that NO teams from the ACC make it to St. Louis.
State lands plan earned favorable recommendation
The Daily Inter Lake
Alarms
Local fire and ambulance crews responded to a number of calls.
Flathead County sheriff
A man who was reportedly driving around waving a gun and making threats east of Kalispell told Flathead County sheriff's deputies he was just moving the pistol inside his car.
Name game continues for new school
An ad hoc committee has issued a third and final call for suggestions on a name for Kalispell's new high school.
A 'bum' lamb was our 1989 Easter miracle
It was cold, too cold that Easter morning in 1989 when winter nudged one last time at the strip of dryland that brushes against the badlands on Montana's eastern border.
'Miracle child'
Kalispell youth rebounds from terrible car wreck
Corey Linden McMillan, 44
Corey Linden McMillan, 44, passed away March 16, 2005, at his home near Kalispell.
Jack Lee Atkinson II, 59
Jack Lee Atkinson II, 59, Lakeside resident, died March 21, 2005. He was cremated at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home.
Elgena Evelyn "Jeanie" Draine, 78
Elgena Evelyn "Jeanie" Draine, 78, was born in Boise, Idaho, on June 5, 1926, and died March 22, 2005, at Immanuel Lutheran Home, after a hard-fought and painful battle with matastatic lung cancer. She was spunky, but she could not overcome this insidious disease, caused by cigarettes.
Whitefish police
Whitefish police arrested a 24-year-old male for DUI early Saturday morning.
Flathead Lake Brewing to open in Woods Bay by early summer
It won't be long now until the pale ale is flowing.
Saturday, March 26
Dorothy June "Jo" (Fox) Heim, 81
Dorothy June "Jo" (Fox) Heim passed away unexpectedly from a stroke the day after her 81st birthday on March 23, 2005, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, in Kalispell.
Gale M. Chandler, 63
Gale M. Chandler, 63, passed away Tuesday, March, 22, 2005, at Brendan House in Kalispell.
Perry Franklin Shope, 87
Perry Franklin Shope, 87, died Thursday, March 24, at his home in Bigfork.
Thanks for the help with Winter Games
Bob Norbie, president/CEO for Special Olympics Montana, sent a letter to the Inter Lake this week commending the many people who came together for the 10th consecutive year to make possible the Montana State Winter Games at Big Mountain.
Kalispell police
Kalispell police took a call after midnight from a woman who heard kittens under her bathtub. Officers politely responded and found there was, indeed, some kind of animal, probably in the basement. They couldn't free the animals without putting a hole in the wall and advised the woman to wait until her husband is home to attempt that.
Whitefish senior wins statewide award for song
Tyler Rounds stepped up the distortion on his Fender Telecaster Custom for his solo.
Flathead County Sheriff
Flathead County Sheriff's Office is investigating a report of rape and a report of child abuse.
Columbia Falls police
Columbia Falls police are investigating a disturbance reported on Second Avenue West North Friday morning.
Two face charges in stabbing
It was a disagreement over a beer debt that led two transients to stab, burn and beat another transient, officials say.
Today
Dandy Dudes and Dolls 4-H Club hosts an Easter egg hunt at 10 a.m. at Cayuse Prairie School for children 10 and under.
Whitefish police
Whitefish police arrested a man for DUI on East Second Street Thursday night.
Alarms
Kalispell fire department had six calls. One was to St. Matthews's Church, where someone fainted Friday.
Friday, March 25
Pearl Thoreson Bangeman
Pearl Thoreson Bangeman, 97, passed away on Tuesday, March 22, 2005, at the Brendan House in Kalispell.
Columbia Falls police
Columbia Falls police took a report Thursday from a man who said he was assaulted by another man at Super 1.
College receives $9.9 million in bond dollars
Flathead Valley Community College President Jane Karas said the college received $9.9 million Wednesday to begin its long-awaited expansion of the Kalispell campus.
Documentary details one man's dangerous obsession
The Whitefish Theatre Co. present the world theatrical premiere
Kalispell police
Kalispell police were called to discourage people's dangerous behaviors Thursday. A man who was seen hanging on a tree near Wendy's monkey-walked out into traffic. He was gone when officers arrived. The concern for two boys beating on an electrical box with a stick was that they would blow themselves up on Kelly Road. They also desisted before a patrol car got here.
Today
Community Good Friday Services sponsored by Kalispell Ministerial Association, noon, Epworth United Methodist Church, Kalispell; and 7 p.m. at the Christian Center on Summit Ridge Drive.
Layoffs at tech firm?
The head of a 15-year-old Whitefish technology firm has declined to comment on reports that the company recently laid off 50 employees and defaulted on several contracts.
Alarms
Kalispell fire department had eight calls. One was to The Daily Inter Lake parking lot, where someone fell Wednesday. An injured person went to the hospital. Another fall on West Center Street resulted in a possibly fractured leg Thursday morning. A man reportedly fell about 5 feet at Gateway West Mall.
Two sought in stabbing
A transient who was reportedly stabbed Wednesday stumbled into a Kalispell business Thursday and collapsed.
Columbia Falls students head for the plains
For the first time in 30 years, Columbia Falls High School is offering a production of a major Broadway musical.
Lake Five access has property owners worried
A proposal to establish a developed public access at Lake Five near Coram has encountered stiff resistance from lakefront homeowners concerned with several aspects of the plan.
Big Mountain to hold furniture race on Sunday
Big Mountain Resort holds its 36th annual furniture race at 5 p.m. Sunday to commemorate the end of the winter season.
Easter egg hunts abound this weekend
The Daily Inter Lake
Flathead County Sheriff
Flathead County Sheriff's Office took allegations of threats and stalking from U.S. 2, east of town. That resulted in a fight, which resulted in an arrest minutes later.
Fiddling sensation plays beyond borders
The Whitefish Theatre Company's world music series concludes with Irish fiddle phenomenon Eileen Ivers and her band Immigrant Soul on April 6 at 8 p.m. at the O'Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.
Whitefish police
Whitefish police arrested a man for DUI on Baker Avenue Wednesday night.
Bigfork voters consider sewer plan
Every corner of Flathead County is experiencing some type of growth pressure these days, but no place in the valley is hotter than Bigfork.
Thank a hero from search and rescue
Is there any way to adequately thank someone who rescues people we love?
Thursday, March 24
Florence Lucille DiGiovanni Ring, 71
Florence Lucille DiGiovanni Ring, 71, passed away on March 19, 2005, surrounded by her family after a short illness.
Whitefish gets grant for housing
The Daily Inter Lake
Whitefish police
Whitefish police took a report of a gold chain stolen from a worker at Super 8 Motel Tuesday evening.
Crusaders come up just short
The Daily Inter Lake
Courtroom confidence
Is Justice Center secure enought?
Open-burning law approved - 11 years later
An open-burning ordinance the city of Columbia Falls thought was a law, wasn't.
Columbia Falls police
Columbia Falls police have a suspect in a case of three money orders stolen from a vehicle on Eighth Avenue East North. Two have been cashed.
Today
Due to sewer construction work by Sandry Construction, Meridian Road will be closed between Park and Three Mile Drives until 9 a.m. today. Call Kalispell Public Works Department at 758-7720.
Daunting Dollies of Madison High?
If you think picking a name for a new son or daughter is tricky, imagine naming a high school. There's no easy way out by honoring a favorite grandparent and no books of popular names inspired by television characters, and you have to please thousands of people.
Kalfell named MVP at WHS
The Daily Inter Lake
Silver Moon Kayak brings top watersport films to valley
From sea kayaking in Russia to paddle surfing in Indonesia, Silver Moon Kayaking is bringing the Flathead Valley a unique opportunity to view some of the best in watersport films from the 22nd annual National Paddling Film Festival.
Kalispell police
Still missing is a Mercedes, but Kalispell police have recovered four other vehicles stolen in the past few days. Detective Sgt. Jim Brenden said a vehicle belonging to the city parks and recreation department was reported stolen Wednesday morning. It was quickly found a short distance away. "The one thing that's been consistent is the vehicles have been unsecured and keys were left in the vehicles … most are just taken and returned or dumped not too far away," he said. Owners are reminded to lock their vehicles.
County, Big Mountain, resolve waiver issue
The Daily Inter Lake
County loses one lawsuit, gets sued again in second case
Flathead County was on the losing end of a court decision recently, in a land-use lawsuit related to a proposed Lakeside marina.
$2 million released for bypass project
The Daily Inter lake
Alarms
Kalispell fire department had six calls. One was to the booking area of the police department, where a man had an injury but didn't want medical treatment. Two people went to the hospital after a vehicle rollover on South Foy's Lake Road Tuesday night; Smith Valley fire department also went. No one was hurt in a crash on Northridge Drive. A cooking fire at a home was extinguished before firefighters arrived.
Flathead County Sheriff
Flathead County Sheriff's Department took a report about a homeless man with red hair, a red beard, and missing teeth who moved into a trailer on Delray Road. The property is now posted, "No trespassing."
The sound of silence
If there was one thing we learned from the Congressional hearing on steroids last week is that the public was ready, indeed eager, to accept at face value the sworn testimony of its beloved baseball heroes.
Wednesday, March 23
Anne E. Owen, 81
Anne E. Owen, 81, of Phoenix, Ariz., passed away peacefully on March 8, 2005, of cancer in her daughter's home in Phoenix.
Rehberg to visit Kalispell today, then Seeley Lake
The Daily Inter Lake
Council delays vote on airport bond sale
The Kalispell City Council approved a resolution Monday night that designates certain City Airport projects as ones to be paid with tax increment fund dollars. But the council voted 6-3 to table a resolution to sell $2 million in bonds to pay for the projects.
Kalispell police
Kalispell police are investigating a spate of vehicle thefts. Stolen vehicles are not common, but four were reported Tuesday. One is a 1993 green Mercedes, taken from Third Avenue West North with the keys left inside. On Third Street East, it was a 1988 Chevy Scottsdale truck that was later found to have wound up in a private driveway on Fifth Avenue East; it was towed from there. On Second Street East, an owner is missing 1992 red Pontiac Grand Am. A black Chevy Lumina van reported stolen on First Avenue East North was located later Tuesday. Later in the day, a 2005 Ford Explorer was reported stolen, but that is a rental car.
Today
Due to sewer construction work by Sandry Construction, Meridian Road will be closed between Park and Three Mile Drives from 7 p.m. today to 9 a.m. Thursday. Call Kalispell Public Works Department at 758-7720.
Alarms
Kalispell fire department had seven calls. Three were to fires. They included a stove fire on Third Avenue West and a chimney fire on Sixth Avenue West on Monday night. Tuesday, a small house fire was quickly handled on Fifth Street West.
Whitefish police
Whitefish police went to Colorado Avenue where a rain gutter was kicked off and to Minnesota Avenue where an underachiever is suspected in slashing three tires on a vehicle.
Columbia Falls police
Columbia Falls police took a report of youths throwing snowballs at vehicle on U.S. 2 East on Monday.
Thinning efforts are worthy cause
The Flathead National Forest and other organizations involved with recent fuel reduction projects should be commended for their efforts. Better late than never.
Man rescued from Little Bitterroot Lake
A man was rescued Tuesday from Little Bitterroot Lake after at least 20 minutes in frigid water. He came out incoherent and cold, but safe.
Flathead County Sheriff
Flathead County Sheriff's Office went to East Evergreen Drive where a 10-year-old boy was reportedly out of control because he couldn't have a part to his television.
Flathead graduate a witness in trial of Jackson
She was a witness for the prosecution on Monday, but Flathead High School graduate Lauren Wallace actually thinks Michael Jackson is a pretty nice guy.
Local surgeon teaches Brazilian doctors about newest techniques
Two Brazilian surgeons visited Kalispell Regional Medical Center this week for an up-close view of a local orthopedic surgeon with an international reputation for knee replacements.
Bears emerging from dens early this year
Dead goats north of Columbia Falls were among the first signs that bears were emerging from their dens early this year.
Tuesday, March 22
Beverley Lorraine Triplett, 78
Beverley Lorraine Triplett, 78, died of cancer at her home in Kalispell on Saturday, March 19, 2005.
Whitefish police
Whitefish police arrested a driver for DUI on Wisconsin Avenue Sunday night.
Gathering for peace
Local peace vigils enter third year
Two Project 7 members sentenced
The Daily Inter Lake
Flathead County Sheriff
Flathead County Sheriff's Office was called to Swan Retreat, where a woman reported her 65-year-old husband out of control. Deputies found the situation to be quite different than reported and arrested the wife for partner assault.
Columbia Falls police
Columbia Falls police arrested a 16-year-old girl for underage possession of alcohol on Nucleus Avenue. Two other teenagers were charged with alcohol possession on Martha Road. Another boy was charged with family member assault at Columbia Villa Apartments. Charges of unauthorized use of a vehicle are expected after teens rolled a vehicle on Talbot Road Monday.
Vera Esther McDaris, 88
Vera Esther McDaris, 88, died Monday, March 14, 2005, at Heritage Place in Kalispell. She was born Nov. 8, 1916, at Howard, Kan., the daughter of C.M. and Buena (Redington) Witt. She attended school in Burden, Kansas.
Local attorney embroiled in California investigation
A Whitefish attorney who ran for Flathead County Attorney is scheduled to testify today before a Superior Court in California about conspiring with a judge to keep Jewish jurors off a death penalty case.
Alarms
Kalispell fire department had eight calls. One was to the jail, where an inmate fell and suffered a head injury. Lakeside Quick Response Unit helped at Blacktail Mountain, where someone suffered a head injury.
Kalispell police
Kalispell police counseled a mother who left a 4-year-old child and an 8-month-old child unattended in a vehicle while she was in Target.
Monday, March 21
Beverly Lorraine Triplett, 78
Beverly Lorraine Triplett, 78, died of cancer at her home in Kalispell Sunday.
A Capitol experience for Schweitzer staffers
HELENA - They grew up as neighbors on Kinshella Road and classmates at Fair-Mont-Egan School, and now Will Hammerquist and Adam DeYoung find themselves with jobs in the Montana Governor's Office.
Kalispell police
An apparent joy ride turned into an easy arrest for Kalispell police early Sunday at Sawbucks bar. Shortly after midnight, a man reported that his rental car had been stolen after he had started it in the parking lot to warm up and gone back inside the bar. At about 1:30 a.m., a 31-year-old woman drove the car back to the parking lot and went back inside the bar, where she was soon arrested after for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
Flathead County sheriff
A Middle Road resident reported an "ongoing problem" with a neighbor who, despite numerous warnings, continues to drive across the reporting party's property to reach his own home. A Flathead County sheriff's deputy was sent to investigate possible trespassing offenses.
Alarms
Marion fire department responded to a chimney fire at a residence just of U.S. 2 near Marion Saturday night.
Rabbi Allen Secher takes place on Human Rights Commission
In his Butler, Penn., high school, Allen Secher knew the golf team was the only place where he could fulfill his dreams of an athletic career.
Columbia Falls Police
Columbia Falls Police received a report of a vehicle being vandalized in the Nite Owl parking lot late Saturday.
Whitefish Police
Whitefish Police received a report of a black bear cub being spotted on Wisconsin Avenue Saturday night.
Prosecutors answer Dasen's requests
Prosecutors in the prostitution case of Kalispell businessman Dick Dasen made a case for keeping his trial in Kalispell next month.
TeleTech expands work force
Call center hiring 50-plus employees
Sunday, March 20
George H. Taylor III, 73
George H. Taylor III, 73, passed away at his home in Lakeside on Tuesday, March 15, 2005, after a lengthy illness with emphysema.
Jon Gunnar Larson
Jon Gunnar Larson, died on March 10, 2005, at his home in Whitefish. He was born June 24, 1966, in Keflavik, Iceland, to Paul H. Larson and Hulda G. Larson.
Whitefish board speedily approves state trust lands plan
Following a brief public hearing, the Whitefish City-County Planning Board recommended approval of a 13,000-acre neighborhood plan.
Kalispell police
Kalispell police talked to the occupants of a car downtown about the safety factors involved in climbing out of a window to clean off windshield wipers while the car is moving through traffic.
Home sweet home: Soldiers savor small pleasures in civilian life
Freshman legislators face challenges
HELENA - Serving in the Montana Legislature for the first time can seem like baptism by fire, but the Flathead Valley's freshman legislators say they've found it to be challenging and rewarding.
Flathead County Sheriff
Flathead County Sheriff's Office dispatched rescuers for an overnight search for a missing man Friday. He was found safe Saturday with a disabled vehicle.
Columbia Falls
Columbia Falls police went to Sixth Street West Saturday morning when a building was reportedly vandalized.
Whitefish police
Whitefish police are looking for a transient who treats North Valley Hospital refrigerators as his own private buffet.
City should clear airport project for takeoff
The Kalispell City Council is scheduled to vote Monday on a proposal to sell bonds to fund additional expansion and improvements at the city airport.
Willard L. 'Bill' Holter, 81
Longtime radio broadcaster Willard L. "Bill" Holter, 81, passed away peacefully at Lake View Care Center in Bigfork on Tuesday March 15, 2005, due to complications from Parkinson's disease.
Alarms
Kalispell fire department had 19 calls; 13 of them were for vehicle accidents. One was for a hot tub on fire on North Main Street Saturday.
Saturday, March 19
Parents appreciated welcome given to soldiers
Bruce and Bobbie Cusker sent a letter to the editor last week regarding the homecoming the Flathead Valley and the city of Kalispell gave the 639th Quartermaster Company on its return March 3.
Alarms
Kalispell fire department had 11 calls. One was to a vehicle accident with injuries on 12th Avenue East Friday.
Governor pleased agenda is advancing in Legislature
HELENA - Gov. Brian Schweitzer says his agenda is advancing in the state Legislature, and that he will comply with a 1981 law that limits spending growth, even thought the caps were apparently ignored in the 2001 session.
Whitefish police
Whitefish police arrested a 22-year-old man for domestic abuse and a 21-year-old woman for disorderly conduct after the spectacle they made on Central Avenue Friday.
Samuel Serge 'Sam' Shevenko, 92
Samuel Serge "Sam" Shevenko, 92, died Tuesday, March 15, 2005, at Heritage Place in Kalispell. He was born Oct. 28, 1912, in China to John and Pauline (Apolenarea) Shevenko.
Reduce, reuse, recycle
Students 'adopt' a recycling site
Two teenages found after two nights
Two sets of parents held their sons close Friday afternoon, tears and laughter and questions jumbling in ecstasy after Jack Landers of Fargo, N.D., and Charlie Gruys of Maple Lake, Minn., were rescued from the Jewel Basin east of Kalispell.
Flathead County Sheriff
Friday evening marked a new kind of ice age in the Flathead, bumping drivers off of roads and flipping vehicles off their tires. Two rollover accidents happened within minutes west of Kalispell Friday evening and wreckers rushed to pull vehicles from ditches. The most serious injuries were reported in front of the Bird Feeder on U.S. 2 north of Evergreen. About 30 crashes were reported in the county in less than two hours and the cities recorded more.
Kalispell Police
Kalispell Police Department took a report from a witness who said a tall, slender man punched the window out of a car at Fatt Boys bar early Friday, but there was no evidence of that kind of vandalism when officers arrived.
Schweitzer backs confirmation of regents after all
HELENA - Reversing his earlier opposition, Gov. Brian Schweitzer is now backing the confirmation of Kala French and Mike Foster to the Montana Board of Regents.
Restaurants, sanitarians work for food safety
County Health Officer Joe Russell reverts to sanitarian the minute he walks into the kitchen of the Bulldog Steak House.
Columbia Falls police
Columbia Falls police arrested a man for his third DUI charge on U.S. 2 early Friday.
Friday, March 18
New school to have biomass boiler
When Kalispell's new high school opens in 2 1/2 years, the district will start doing its part to support the local economy, save energy and cut down on cash output.
Kalispell police
Kalispell police went to a fight at the Finish Line bar, where a man was ejected and a punch was thrown. No one was arrested.
Committee OKs big-box tax plan
HELENA - A bill that would tax "big box" stores is advancing to the full Senate for debate, to the chagrin of opponents who had hoped the bill would die in committee.
Accused robber pleads innocent
The Daily Inter Lake
Lawsuits planned over salvage projects
Two environmental groups have announced plans to sue the Flathead National Forest, citing failures to improve grizzly bear habitat security in conjunction with the West Side Reservoir and Robert-Wedge post-fire projects.
Winter returns
Alarms
Kalispell fire department had eight calls. One was to a vehicle accident on Lake Blaine Road that resulted in no injuries.
Friday
Pachyderm Club meets at noon at the WestCoast Outlaw Hotel. Clerk and Recorder Monica Eisenzimer will speak about the recent election. The public is invited.
Congratulations to the cardiac Cats
When a close game comes down to the wire, the Columbia Falls Wildcats know what to do. What they do usually is win. And no last-minute win was bigger than the one Saturday night in Butte, where the Cardiac Cats took the Class A state championship. They did it in their usual style: a basket with 2.7 seconds left in a tie game. The title-game triumph marked the eighth time this season that Columbia Falls has won a game decided by three or fewer points. Their championship also marked the second state title in three years for Columbia Falls and underscored the school's status as the class of the court in Flathead Valley high school basketball. Congratulations to all the Wildcats and coach Cary Finberg for bringing home another state trophy.
Irvin Moen, 52
Irvin Moen, 52, passed away in his sleep early Wednesday, March 16, 2005, with his wife sleeping beside him.
Flathead County Sheriff
Flathead County Sheriff's Office arrested a man Thursday after more than one complaint that he beat his daughter in public near Kila. He is held in jail in lieu of bond.
Search continues into second night for lost skiers
Frustrated rescuers could talk by phone to two skiers lost in the Jewel Basin Wednesday and Thursday; they just couldn't find them.
Columbia Falls police
Columbia Falls police took a call about a burglary in progress on Sixth Avenue West, but found nothing amiss.
Whitefish police
Whitefish police arrested a man for disorderly conduct after he made an area on Baker and Fifth Street livelier than residents wished it to be.
Thursday, March 17
Hilda E. Hatlen, 96
Hilda E. Hatlen, 96, a Libby resident since 1949, died Monday, March 14, 2005, at the Libby Care Center. She was born Aug. 23, 1908, at Somers to Ole and Gunhild Lee who emigrated from Norway and were married in Kalispell in 1907.
Virginia Millspaugh, 67
Virginia (Cyr) Millspaugh, 67, of Rathdrum, Idaho, passed away March 7, 2005, at Life Care Center of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, surrounded by family and friends, after a battle with lung cancer.
Letha L. Pusich
Letha L. Pusich passed away Monday, March 14, 2005, at her home in Lakeside, surrounded by her family.
Mary Lou Keiser, 70
Mary Lou Keiser, 70, died at her residence on Tuesday, March 15, 2005, in Kalispell. She was born on Jan. 11, 1935, in Crook County, Wyo., to James and Mable (Wagoner) Keiser.
Flathead County Sheriff
Some people at ShopKo took overreacting to a theatrical degree Tuesday, according to the Flathead County Sheriff's Office. They reportedly yelled at a woman who cut in front of someone in line. When she left the store, they swore and told her they were going to slit her boyfriend's throat and eat his heart.
Steroid use is fair ball for Congress
A congressional subcommittee today will do something that virtually everyone else up till now has been afraid to do - try to find out the truth about steroid use in baseball.
Columbia Falls
Columbia Falls police took a report of machines vandalized at a casino. A fight was reported there later.
Hearing addresses development options for Whitefish state lands
Future development options for 13,000 acres of school trust lands located near Whitefish will be the subject of a public hearing tonight.
Whitefish police
Whitefish police went to a complaint of a barking dog at 5 a.m. on Iowa Avenue. A pit bull had apparently fallen through some subflooring at a construction site. No one wanted to deal with the upset pit bull and it didn't seem to like the uniformed officers, possibly after prior contact with the uniformed animal warden. The dog was finally rescued by construction workers who laid a board into the 4- or 5-foot hole as a ramp.
Mabelle E. Lee, 94
Mabelle E. Lee, 94, of Hot Springs, passed away on Monday, March 14, 2005, at Evergreen Health Care in Hot Springs from natural causes. She was born west of Sparland, Ill., on June 30, 1910, to John J. and Iona Ray DeWalt.
Winter storm on the way
The Daily Inter Lake
William Robert "Bill" Mackin, 92
William Robert "Bill" Mackin, 92, passed away quietly at his home in Kalispell on Sunday, March 13, 2005. He was born April 25, 1912, in New Salem, N.D., to Roy Gregory and Frieda Elsie (Kunkel) Mackin.
Emil E. "Bud" Struck, 75
Emil E. "Bud" Struck, 75, passed away on Sunday, March 13, 2005, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center due to complications of diabetes.
Alarms
Kalispell fire department had nine calls. A man who had a seizure in the jail went to the hospital. Evergreen fire department assisted at a vehicle/pedestrian accident at Village Greens that sent one person to the hospital.
House committee OKs smoking curbs
HELENA - A revised plan for a statewide ban on smoking in public was resurrected in the Montana Legislature on Wednesday, with former opponents signing on to get the bill out of committee.
Kalispell police
Kalispell police dealt with random recliners Tuesday night when one man was found lying in front of a woman's car in her carport on Fifth Avenue West and another, or perhaps the same man, was found prone in the back door of the old post office. He got a ride to a friend's house. A woman lying in the Albertsons parking lot went to the hospital Wednesday morning.
Cost increase could restrict access to bypass
Soaring cost estimates for the U.S. 93 bypass west of Kalispell have prompted a potential redesign that would eliminate more than half of the access points along the eight-mile route.
Wednesday, March 16
Tommie Lee Davis, 69
Tommie Lee Davis, 69, passed away Sunday, March 13, 2005, with relatives at his side. He was born June 27, 1935, to Homer and Alice (VanAlstine) Davis in Libby.
Marlin R. Brackney, 67
Marlin R. Brackney, 67, of Polson, passed away Monday, March 7, 2005, as the result of an automobile accident. He was born May 28, 1937, in Vermillion, S.D., the son of Lillian and Hoyt Brackney.
Olaf Peter Erie, 77
Olaf Peter Erie, 77, beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend, "left us to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ" on March 12, 2005, after a courageous 14-month battle with cancer.
Alarms
Kalispell fire department had six calls. One was to a vehicle accident on Airport Road that resulted in at least one injury Tuesday afternoon.
City sued over business improvement district
A dozen or so businesses are filing suit against the city of Kalispell and others, claiming the Downtown Business Improvement District is illegal and discriminatory for gerrymandering and lack of procedures required in establishing the district.
Flathead County Sheriff
Flathead County Sheriff's Office took a call Monday night from South Cedar Drive. There, people on rollerblades were carrying mattresses to a home. Oddly, that aroused suspicion. Deputies found that the movers believed the used mattresses would look better in their home than they did in the dumpster where they were found; nothing illegal about that.
Kalispell police
Kalispell police went to a home on Seventh Avenue West where a woman reported that two unwanted men were trespassing in her bedroom. Police could find only her husband there.
Wednesday
On Wednesdays, Montana Coffee Traders will donate 100 percent of pump pot coffee sales at Kalispell Cafe, Columbia Falls Pines Cafe, the downtown Whitefish Store, and the highway roastery on U.S. 93, to help coffee farmers affected by the tsunami. Call 862-7633.
Man accused of raping paralyzed woman
The Daily Inter Lake
Whitefish police
Whitefish police took a report of a vehicle stolen and found twice in the Whitefish area Monday. The 1994 Isuzu Rodeo was first reported stolen at about 2:30 on Central Avenue. It was found later in the day on Central Avenue. The keys were gone, though. When the owner went home to get keys, the vehicle vanished again. It was later found in the alley between Third and Fourth streets.
Cultivating options: Ag luncheon discusses fate of Flathead's cropland
Imagine the Flathead Valley without its amber waves of grain.
Tuesday, March 15
Dr. Evan W. Schear, 82
Brigadier General USAF retired Evan W. Schear, 82, of Kalispell, passed away on March 9, 2005, at Immanuel Lutheran Home. He was born March 18, 1922, in Columbus, Ohio, and was raised in Westerville, Ohio. After graduating from Otterbein College, he attended medical school at Duke University.
Lucile Harbour Linn Gordon
Lucile Harbour Linn Gordon passed away March 12, 2005, at Colonial Manor in Whitefish of natural causes.
Tsunami survivor advises on charities
Linda Regnier's drive to spend her retirement years helping others put her in the path of the world's greatest natural disaster.
Ticks bites spread in Flathead
Flathead City-County Health Department officials warned again Friday that ticks pose an earlier than usual threat of disease in the Flathead.
Alarms
Kalispell Fire and Ambulance responded to four calls for medical assistance.
Smith Valley digs in
Smith Valley School is breaking ground on Wednesday for a large, new modular building that will change the look of the campus.
Flathead County Sheriff
Flathead County Sheriff's deputies received a report Monday of a dirt deposit made into Flathead Bank's night deposit box on Osborne Ave.
Whitefish police
Whitefish police investigated a report of a vehicle stolen from Central Avenue by the Remington. It was discovered parked in a different location.
Kalispell police
Kalispell police officers were alerted that two people were passing a pipe back and forth in a vehicle parked in Lawrence Park Monday. The occupants refused to let officers search the vehicle.
Columbia Falls police
Columbia Falls police responded to a student hit by a car in the parking lot at Columbia Falls High School around noon Monday. ALERT helicopter transported the victim to Kalispell Regional Medical Center, where she was treated and released. The police have the accident under investigation. No details were available Monday evening.
Big Mountain, county at odds over subdivision
Winter Sports Inc. and the county commissioners remain at an impasse over an open-ended special improvement district required for The Glades subdivision on Big Mountain.
Keystone Contractors hit with civil suit
A civil lawsuit was filed Friday on behalf of people allegedly defrauded by Keystone Contractors Inc. of Kalispell.
Monday, March 14
Melvin Edward Schwede, 69
With family by his side, Melvin Edward Schwede, 69, beloved husband, father, son, brother, grandfather and friend passed away of cancer Thursday, March 10, 2005, at Brendan House in Kalispell, Mont.
Ila Van Slyke, 90
Ila Van Slyke, 90, passed away at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell on Thursday, March 10, 2005.
Elysian fields are not forever: Demographics and changes in ag economy drive Two Rivers proposal
When Robin Street's grandparents arrived in the Flathead Valley in 1883, they pretty much had their pick of places to live.
Columbia Falls police
Columbia Falls police are stepping up patrol on Ninth Street West after somebody tossed a rock at a house window there.
Flathead County sheriff
Kids shooting televisions at the Hungry Horse race track Saturday were confronted by the person who had to clean up their mess the last time they shot TVs there. Flathead County sheriff's deputies warned them to clean up their own mess and go home.
Blacktail pares back ski days
The Daily Inter Lake
Frederick A. "Pat" Gyrion, 78
Frederick A. "Pat" Gyrion, 78, passed away on Friday, March 11, 2005, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. He was born in Kalispell on Aug. 29, 1926, to Frederick and Anna Ruth (McCully) Gyrion.
Kalispell police
Kalispell police, responding to a late-night call from a Target store worker worried that an inebriated customer might try to drive, escorted the alcohol-fragranced woman to her home. At least, she thought she knew where she lived. She told police she wasn't sure which house it was, but they were in the right area. She asked them to drop her off on the corner and she'd find her way home.
Whitefish police
Whitefish police warned noisy Super 8 Motel guests to quiet down in the wee hours of Sunday.
Aspiring Kalispell actor writes, directs independent film
It's tough to break into the Hollywood film scene, but Blake Sherman came up with an idea of how to get opportunity knocking.
Alarms
Kalispell fire and ambulance had seven calls. They took two patients to the emergency room after a two-vehicle accident at U.S. 93 North and Grandview about noon Sunday. Saturday evening, a dog was rescued from Foy's Lake before emergency workers arrived.
Preparations begin for annual Creston Auction
The Daily Inter Lake
Sunday, March 13
What about Browning, Sen. Burns?
At best it was a case of overzealousness.
FVHS, Zemke zoom to nationals
Lady Crusaders are 21-1, state MCAA champs
Whitefish police
Whitefish police were deluged with barking dogs and speeding motorcycles Friday and Saturday. Officers responded to a criminal mischief spree of smashed mail boxes and dumped garbage cans on Karrow Avenue.
Flathead County sheriff
Flathead County sheriff's deputies had a chicken caper on their hands Friday. A 10-year-old boy and a 9-year-old girl on Kelly Road were allegedly taking chickens from a woman's property in Columbia Falls.
Finances could stall plans for growth policy consultant
Plans to hire a consultant to help update the Flathead County growth policy might have to be revised due to financial constraints.
Prescription crimes: Rx for jail
It's been only six months that an officer with the local drug task force has worked the pill patrol. In that time, 40 people have been arrested.
Fighting Marmots?
Name-that-school survey gets interesting responses
Concerns over crowding go back centuries
When people read the story on projected population numbers in the Flathead Facts insert of the April 3 Daily Inter Lake, there will most likely be any number of reactions including grumbling, joy, denial and anticipation.
Columbia Falls police
Columbia Falls police responded to a report of an apparently impatient man kicking in the door of the restroom at the Nite Owl Restaurant.
Influential Whitefish author Dorothy Johnson inducted into Gallery of Outstanding Montanans
"A witty, gritty little bobcat of a woman."
Cardiac 'Cats capture crown
BUTTE - Guy Smith was a ways down the list when Columbia Falls head basketball coach Cary Finberg drew up the options for the final 7.5 seconds of Saturday's Class A state basketball game.
Alarms
Kalispell Fire and Ambulance responded to four medical-related calls Saturday.
Kalispell police
Kalispell police responded to a report of a robbery Saturday at 9:24 a.m. at the Movie Gallery on U.S. 93 South. A woman said a man in blue jeans, a dark blue top and teal-color ski cap ran up behind her and took a bank deposit bag.
Co-op targets $12 million in improvements
Flathead Electric Cooperative heads into its annual meeting March 26 with an ambitious agenda for the coming year.
Flathead forest pushes fuel-reduction efforts
Standing on national forest land just above West Glacier, a person could throw a rock and hit the roof of a house, and there's at least a dozen houses not much farther away.
Today
Winter Classic 20th Anniversary champagne brunch, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Whitefish Lake Restaurant. $12 adults; $6 kids 12 and under.
The madness of March
This week's top 10:
Lola Bell Chittim
Lola Bell Chittim, wife of Harold Chittim, formerly of Kalispell, passed away on March 6, 2005, at the Community Home Health Hospice Center in Longview, Wash., after a courageous five-year battle with cancer.
Saturday, March 12
Isabella Marie Au Claire
Isabella Marie Au Claire daughter of Tessa Au Claire of Kalispell, was born Feb. 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.She weighed 9 pounds, 4 ounces and was 20 inches long.
Kayleigh Taylor Nickerson
Kayleigh Taylor Nickerson daughter of Krista Hummer and Damien Nickerson of Kalispell, was born March 7 at North Valley Hospital.She weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces and was 19 inches long.
Boe Mathias Tutvedt
Boe Mathias Tutvedt son of Brian and Suzanne Tutvedt of Kalispell, was born Feb. 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.He weighed 8 pounds, 14 ounces and was 21 inches long.
Lexus Marie Amestoy
Lexus Marie Amestoy daughter of Malinda Bibb and Josh Amestoy of Kalispell, was born Feb. 19 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.She weighed 7 pounds, 1 ounce and was 21 inches long.
Shawn Patrick Bekier
Shawn Patrick Bekier son of Patrick and Alane Bekier of Kalispell, was born Feb. 19 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.He weighed 9 pounds, 8 ounces.
Keller Lee Brothers
Keller Lee Brothers son of Tyler and Kali Brothers of Libby, was born Feb. 17 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.He weighed 7 pounds, 1 1/2 ounces and was 20 1/2 inches long.
Jasmine Valerie Anderson
Jasmine Valerie Anderson daughter of Mike and Hannah Anderson of Bigfork, was born Feb. 14 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.She weighed 8 pounds, 9 ounces and was 20 1/2 inches long.
Tyson Dale Brouillette
Tyson Dale Brouillette son of Todd and Jean Brouillette of Columbia Falls, was born Feb. 11 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.He weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces and was 20 inches long.
Walton Alan Nichols
Walton Alan Nichols son of Ron and Sabrina Nichols of Columbia Falls, was born Feb. 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.He weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce and was 20 1/2 inches long.
Emma Jean Ferguson-Reiner
Emma Jean Ferguson-Reiner daughter of KayCee Ferguson and Daniel Reiner of Kalispell, was born Feb. 21 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.She weighed 7 pounds, 13 1/2 ounces and was 20 inches long.
Faith Marie Hill
Faith Marie Hill daughter of Steven and Rebecca Hill of Whitefish, was born Feb. 28 at North Valley Hospital.Faith joins Tyler, 20 months.
Eli Richard Sutton-Reeves
Eli Richard Sutton-Reeves son of Richard and Ida Sutton was born March 1 at North Valley Hospital.He weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces and was 19 inches long.
Melanie Cadence Van Heel
Melanie Cadence Van Heel daughter of Casey Van Heel and Pamela Parkinson of Kalispell, was born Feb. 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.She weighed 5 pounds, 2 ounces and was 17 1/2 inches long.
Salem Kane Schweitzer
Salem Kane Schweitzer son of Casey and Tina Schweitzer of Kalispell, was born Feb. 13 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.He weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces and was 19 inches long.
Melana Maxine Cosentino
Melana Maxine Cosentino daughter of Leitha and Nicholas Cosentino of Kalispell, was born March 4 at North Valley Hospital.She weighed 9 pounds and was 21 1/2 inches long.
Luke Domenik Frampton
Luke Domenik Frampton son of Sean and Diana Frampton of Whitefish, was born Feb. 16 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.He weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces and was 20 1/2 inches long.
Dawson James Olsen
Dawson James Olsen son of Russell and Angie Olsen of Kalispell, was born Feb. 17 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.He weighed 8 pounds, 11 ounces and was 20 1/4 inches long.
Brooklyn Paige Plum
Brooklyn Paige Plum daughter of Scott and Kimberly Plum of Kalispell, was born Feb. 22 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.She weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces and was 20 inches long.
Jakayla Danielle Larson
Jakayla Danielle Larson daughter of Lori Larson of Kalispell, was born Feb. 12 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.She weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces and was 19 inches long.
Augustus Fuller Goodwin
Augustus Fuller Goodwin son of Shawn and Keri Goodwin of Eureka, was born Feb. 16 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.He weighed 10 pounds, 6 ounces and was 20 3/4 inches long.
Nathaniel Thomas Trejo
Nathaniel Thomas Trejo son of Stewart Trejo and Taffie Boles of Whitefish, was born March 9 at North Valley Hospital.He weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces and was 20 inches long.
Hedges art docents keep 'utilitarian' from becoming 'boring'
Chairs - what's a home without them?
Fair-Mont-Egan fourth-graders raise funds
The fourth graders of Fair-Mont-Egan School are sponsoring a rummage sale fund-raiser today from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the school. The school is located at 797 Fairmont Road in Kalispell. Follow Montana 35 east from town and turn right on Fairmont across from Rocky Mountain Baptist Church.
Suspect is charged in shooting
The Daily Inter Lake
Somers group begins work on neighborhood plan
Births
Melanie Cadence Van Heel, daughter of Casey Van Heel and Pamela Parkinson of Kalispell, was born Feb. 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Today
Fair-Mont-Egan School Rummage Sale 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds go toward the fourth grade class. Donations welcome. Call Heidi Berosik at 756-9118 or Becky Toelke at 752-9060.
Benjamin David Burgess Jr., son of Tabbatha Hyland and Benjamin Burgess of Kalispell, was born Feb. 21 at North Valley Hospital.
He weighed 6 pounds, 12 1/2 ounces and was 19 inches long.
Kalispell police
Kalispell police arrested a 43-year-old man for DUI after he reportedly crashed his car into another vehicle near the Woodland Park skate park. He and someone in the other vehicle were hurt.
History in motion
The oldest edifices of the Flathead Valley are an integral part of the local landscape. And if one of them is torn down or moved, people take notice.
Woman combines passions to make art
Whitefish police
Whitefish police took a report from a man who driving a glass delivery truck on East Lakeshore Drive Thursday afternoon when he saw someone throw something at the vehicle. A scene from a movie did not ensue; there was no damage.
Bravettes bounce Big Sky from state
The Daily Inter Lake
Friday's high set a record, but change coming
The Daily Inter Lake
Flathead County Sheriff
Flathead County Sheriff's Office referred to an animal warden the report of a mountain lion on the North Fork Road close to Columbia Falls. It reportedly killed four goats and a pony is missing.
Columbia Falls police
Columbia Falls police arrested a man Friday for probation violation; he is also under investigation for an alleged sexual assault.
Alarms
Kalispell fire department had 13 calls. One was to a vehicle accident on Main Street on Friday morning, where one person was hurt in a collision between a semi truck and a passenger car.
C-Falls sinks Sidney
Wildcats in state title game with Butte Central
Friday, March 11
Alcyone May "DeeDee" Hembd, 86
Alcyone May "DeeDee" Hembd, 86, passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2005, at the Brendan House in Kalispell.
John Bolme, 81
John Bolme, 81, passed away on Tuesday, March 8, 2005, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.
Columbia Falls police
Columbia Falls police went to a home on Seventh Street West where a reported family assault is under investigation.
Planning board splits vote on large Evergreen subdivision
The Daily Inter Lake
Flathead County Sheriff
Flathead County Sheriff's Office took a call about a student at Somers Middle School who reportedly assaulted the principal.
Flathead students perform classic work by Steinbeck
The Flathead High School Theatre Department will present John Steinbeck's classic "Of Mice and Men" March 14, 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. in the David M. Hashley Theatre.
Assistant fire chief resigns in Kalispell
The Daily Inter Lake
Whitefish police
Whitefish police gave an intoxicated pedestrian a ride home early Thursday morning.
ALARMS
Kalispell fire department had nine calls. Creston fire department and highway patrol also went to a vehicle accident a mile west of Woody's on Montana 35 where no one wanted to go to the hospital.
Trial date for W.R. Grace criminal case was judge's compromise
U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy compromised Wednesday by setting a May 15, 2006, court date for the criminal trial of W.R. Grace & Co. and its top executives.
Poor 2nd half dooms Bravettes
Today
Winter Classic 20th Anniversary celebrity autograph session 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Summit House, Big Mountain. Free. Donations accepted.
Fields lifts C-Falls into semis
BUTTE - Make that 7-1 for the Columbia Falls Wildcats in basketball games decided by three points or less.
Landowner backs out of Two Rivers growth plan
The largest landowner-driven growth policy amendment in Flathead County's history isn't quite so big today, after Semitool founder Ray Thompson pulled out of the project.
Weather change on the horizon
GOP sounds alarm over spending cap
Keeping the state budget in line with a statutory spending limit is a task that probably won't happen in the Montana House of Representatives, say Republican legislators.
Kalispell police
Kalispell police arrested an underage drinker at Lawrence Park. Two other teens were arrested on Fifth Avenue West.
Students start testing process
Bigfork-area residents agree to conservation agreements
The Daily Inter Lake
Man re-arrested on eve of court date
A Flathead Valley man who was on house arrest on drug charges was arrested anew on Wednesday night.
Winter Classic is still going strong
When Doug Betters and the Big Mountain first came up with the idea for the Winter Classic fund-raiser, even they may not have realized what a good idea it was.
Thursday, March 10
Flathead County Sheriff
Flathead County Sheriff's Office deputies switched hats between mediator and referee at disturbances on Conrad Drive, East Oregon Street, Martin City, Hungry Horse, where someone suffered a broken nose in a fight, and St. Andrews Drive, where the noise from a party annoyed others.
Grace trial date set
The Daily Inter lake
O'Neil named to Big Sky cage team
The Daily Inter Lake
Snowmobilers, skiers still able to find opportunities
By now you'd think most people have given up on winter and have put away their skis, snowboards and snowmobiles.
Shots fired at car; man faces charges
An Evergreen man is accused of firing several gunshots at a vehicle he wrongly believed carried an angry drug dealer.
House highway bill deals another blow to Kalispell bypass
Efforts to build the U.S. 93 bypass west of Kalispell suffered another major blow last week when the House Transportation Committee approved a six-year, $284 billion highway bill that didn't appropriate a dime for the long-awaited project.
Time to crack down on tax 'cheats'
Even if you apply a critical eye - looking for some unintended consequence or problem - it's hard to find anything wrong with Gov. Brian Schweitzer's multi-pronged plan to crack down on tax cheats.
Flu/tick seasons converge this year
Warm, spring-like weather hasn't chased the flu away, but it has awakened ticks for another, annual health threat.
September crash killed three in wilderness
Report: Pilot strayed
Whitefish figure skaters pick up medals at three sanctioned events
Members of the Whitefish Figure Skating Club competed in three different sanctioned events the last three weekends in Cranbrook, British Columbia, Billings and Spokane.
Today
Polson Business Community hosts a free workshop, "Leading Your Business to Change," 7:45 to 9 a.m., New Moon Cafe, Polson. Ed Kugler, president of Direct Hit Inc., will gear information to small businesses focusing on leadership and growth. Public is invited.
Columbia Falls police
Columbia Falls police took reports of a purse stolen from the steps of the Methodist Church and a wallet taken from a vehicle at the Seventh Day Adventist Church. A purse that was stolen from Klothes Kloset was later recovered, sans money.
Kalispell police
Kalispell police took a complaint from a man who was startled to see his own name on his Caller ID when he answered his phone at his home. It turns out his ex-wife allegedly used his identity when she signed up for phone service. Her service will be discontinued under his name.
Park receives photo equipment
The Daily Inter Lake
Whitefish police
Whitefish police arrested a man after a report of partner assault on U.S. 93 Tuesday night.
ALARMS
Kalispell fire department had nine calls. A 53-year-old man went to the hospital after a vehicle crash near Albertsons.
Deputy county attorney pleads guilty to DUI
The Daily Inter Lake
Byron Elton Kiser, 44
Byron Elton Kiser, 44, died in his sleep Sunday, March 6, 2005, at his home in Kalispell.
Kalispell, county begin joint planning for Two Rivers project
The Daily Inter Lake
Wednesday, March 9
Harold Joseph Jorgenson, 82
Harold Joseph Jorgenson, 82, passed away March 5, 2005, at his home in Ferndale after a long illness.
Wilma A. Krueger, 91
Wilma A. Krueger, 91, passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2005, at Heritage Place in Kalispell.
It's logical to restrict teen licenses
Driver license restrictions for teenagers may at long last be coming to Montana.
Kalispell police
Kalispell police were called when a woman who was fired from a business refused to leave it Monday. An officer persuaded her to go away.
C-Falls starts state play with Browning
For Columbia Falls, it's all about taking care of business this week at the Class A state boys basketball tournament in Butte.
Commissioners adopt load limits for county roads
The Daily Inter Lake
Reaction mixed to airport project
Commentary on a $1.9 million Kalispell City Airport improvement project was passionate - but mixed - at a Monday night public hearing that lasted two hours.
Today
Montana Coffee Traders, all locations, will donate all proceeds from Wednesday's sale of pump-pot coffee to help coffee farmers in Aceh, Indonesia due to the tsunami. Call 862-7633.
Edna Evelyn Mendenhall, 87
Edna Evelyn Mendenhall, 87, passed away on Friday, March 5, 2005, at the Heritage Place in Kalispell.
Former Grace executive pleads innocent
The last of seven senior executives with W.R. Grace pleaded innocent Tuesday to federal charges.
Council OKs dredging bay in Whitefish Lake
An unusual dredging project defined as a "science project" on Whitefish Lake won narrow approval from the Whitefish City Council on Monday.
Whitefish police
Whitefish police arrested a woman for DUI on Woodland Place at 2 a.m. Tuesday. A man at the same location was charged with obstructing an officer.
Sewer extension gets initial go-ahead
Extending sewer lines north of Kalispell got an initial go-ahead from the Kalispell City Council on Monday night.
Columbia Falls police
Columbia Falls police went to Nucleus Avenue Monday night when a windshield was reported broken.
Alarms
Kalispell fire department had four calls.
Flathead County Sheriff
Flathead County Sheriff's Office devoted a good amount of time to a troublesome transient. The man was first reported threatening customers at Burger King in Evergreen on Sunday. He was told to stop and to move on. Later, deputies checked out a report that he was lying in the parking lot at Shopko; he was found to be fine. Then, he was reported bothering customers and talking to himself at Wal-Mart. He was urged to go sleep off some alcohol.
Helena Flats subdivision resurfaces
The Daily Inter Lake
Tour focuses on plan to thin forest in Blankenship area
The Hungry Horse Ranger District is hosting a public tour Friday focusing on a fuels reduction project in the Blankenship area north of Columbia Falls.
Tuesday, March 8
Edward G. Schultz, 84
Edward G. Schultz, 84, a Flathead Valley resident and retired saw filer in the logging industry, died of natural causes Feb. 12, 2005. He had been a resident at the Montana Veteran's Home in Columbia Falls since 2003, after suffering a debilitating brain hemorrhage.
Wilma A. Krueger, 91
Wilma A. Krueger, 91, passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2005, at Heritage Place in Kalispell. Wilma was born on May 17, 1913, in New Salem N.D., to Henry and Freda Benker Holle. She attended rural grade school in New Salem, and graduated from New Salem High School with honors in 1930. Wilma attended Dickinson College for a period of time.
Courthouse, jail not only county building needs
Expanding the Flathead County Detention Center and replacing the old courthouse and courthouse annexes with a new office building would satisfy the county's most pressing space needs, but it won't resolve all of the building issues.
Alarms
The Whitefish Ambulance was dispatched to a two-vehicle accident at the Second Street railroad crossing. There were injuries but no one was transported to the hospital.
Tuesday
Final day for Special Olympics Montana State Winter Games, Big Mountain, Whitefish.
Natalie A. 'Cookie' Kienas Joy, 87
Natalie A. "Cookie" Kienas Joy, 87, passed away on March 5, 2005, at Brendan House in Kalispell. Natalie was born on Sept. 3, 1917, in Kalispell to Herman and Amalie Shirmer Kienas.
Hero honored after 42 years
Woman buys new car - 40 years after last one
It was time for Doris Forkin to get a new car.
Whitefish Police
Whitefish Police received a report from a Safeway employee who said cash was stolen from her wallet.
Gov's jeans the least of our worries
There's been some grumbling in Montana, among those who are most likely to be critical of a Democratic governor, about our governor's fashion sensibilities.
Flathead County Sheriff
Ice fishing may be breaking up early this year on Bitterroot Lake, where two men and a four-wheeler broke through the ice Monday morning. According to the Flathead County Sheriff's Office, one man managed to scramble out of the cold water and the other was pulled out on a sled. The Marion Ambulance and other emergency responders were dispatched, and one of the two men was taken to Kalispell Regional Medical Center to be warmed. The four-wheeler was hauled out of six feet of water.
Columbia Falls Police
Columbia Falls Police received a report of a bicycle being stolen from a residence on Third Avenue West.
Deputy superintendent named for Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park Superintendent Mick Holm on Monday announced the selection of Stephanie Dubois as the new deputy superintendent for the park.
City plan board gets look at Two Rivers amendment
The Daily Inter Lake
Kalispell Police
Kalispell Police received a report of a pickup truck being stolen some time Sunday. The truck had been parked on the 200 block of Fourth Avenue West.
Monday, March 7
Daisy May Lang, 81
Daisy May Lang, 81, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday March 5, 2005, at Immanuel Lutheran Home, where she had been a resident for the past four years. She was born on Oct, 21, 1923, in Monfort, Wis., to Fred and Nona (France) Bowden.
County space race: Meeting needs means tearing down before building up
Bonds sold for schools
Kalispell school trustees will have the money in the bank on March 15 to begin a new high school, renovate Flathead High and expand and renovate Kalispell Junior High.
Alarms
Creston Fire Department responded to a grass fire along Montana 35 by the Flathead Bridge, and advised burners to cool down the flames. Late Saturday night Creston firemen went to a bonfire off Foothills Road that was a controlled burn.
Flathead County Sheriff
A paraglider got an unexpected half hour of hang time in the Jewel Basin Saturday evening after he hit an updraft and was unable to land. The man's paragliding partner, who had landed safely, alerted the Flathead County Sheriff's office and deputies monitored the situation. Fires burning in the Strawberry Peak area, where the paraglider was headed, added some drama to the moment, but the man eventually landed OK.
Passion for string pays off
On Sunday evening, April 17, Sarah Harball will walk onstage at the University of Montana Music Recital Hall, bring her viola to her shoulder and position her bow for the opening strains of Georg Philipp Telemann's "Viola Concerto in G major."
Whitefish police
Whitefish police arrested a 45-year-old woman for DUI on Spokane Ave.
Kalispell police
Kalispell police took two separate calls about a young black lab causing trouble on Buffalo Stage Road. The dog was picked up and taken to the animal shelter.
Columbia Falls police
Columbia Falls police arrested a 46-year-old man for felony DUI, his fifth offense.
Dasen lawyer: Jury pool is tainted
Dick Dasen Sr.'s attorney says in a court brief filed Friday that the Kalispell businessman's trial should be moved out of Flathead County because the jury pool is tainted.
Sunday, March 6
Vera E. McIntosh, 86
On March 3, 2005, "our mom," Vera E. McIntosh, 86 years old, passed away at Big Sky Care Center in Helena due to complications from a hip fracture.
Helen Louise Hogan, 87
Helen Louise Hogan, 87, "returned to her Creator through Our Lord Jesus Christ" on March 3, 2005. She passed away at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell,
Warren "Hoot" Evers, 82
Warren "Hoot" Evers, 82, World War II veteran and retired office manager of Glacier Electric, died of cancer Thursday, March 3, at a Cut Bank medical center.
Swan Lake plan gets public airing
The Daily Inter Lake
The stories you never forget
After writing newspaper stories for 26 years, the volume of all those written words sometimes solidifies in a feeling of deja vu - been there, done that.
Longtime telephone technician has extensive collection of vintage models
Morris Calvin Gardner, 81
Morris Calvin Gardner, 81,passed away peacefully at his home in Corvallis on Thursday morning, March 3, 2005. His wife Arthella and longtime friend Ron Wolsky were at his side.
Back in the saddle
This week's top 10:
Paulson named defensive coordinator at Montana
The Daily Inter Lake
Valley Bank: The next generation King and Hensley family members assume leadership roles
They're big shoes to fill, but the next generation of bankers in the Jack King and Jack Hensley families has stepped into the top spots at Kalispell's Valley Bank.
Spending cap can't just be ignored
Should the state Legislature try to repeal or just ignore a statutory spending cap?
Reasonable accommodation: County considers jail expansion
Flathead County Sheriff
Flathead County Sheriff's Office received a call about partner assault on Montana 35.
Columbia Falls police
Columbia Falls police arrested a 62-year-old man at Town Pump for alleged public intoxication.
Community council sought for Evergreen
The Evergreen Business and Property Owners Association is proposing that a community council be formed in Evergreen.
Today
Race Fever Days continue, Kalispell Center Mall. Autograph and photo sessions with drivers and cars, T-shirt give-aways. Remote control race track. Call 751-5052.
Kalispell police
Possible mob activity at the mall? A caller told Kalispell police that 20-30 people and three vehicles were chasing him and his girlfriend in the Kalispell Center Mall parking lot. He also reported his friend was assaulted.
Growing pains
Flathead County is facing a number of building needs that could affect taxpayers over the next few years.
Most businesses pass alcohol checks
The Daily Inter Lake
Twins are ski-race veterans
When the Special Olympic state winter games kick off Sunday on Big Mountain, there will be a pair of athletes there who are anything but new to the slopes.
Harley R. Houston, 89
Harley R. Houston, 89, "went to be with his Lord and Savior" on March 4, 2005.
Alarms
ALERT took a man to Kalispell Regional Medical Center after he was injured in an accident near Marco Bay. The man reportedly drove his motorcycle into a truck and was not wearing a helmet. The truck driver was not injured. Montana Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
Kalispell considers sewer extension as leverage on Two Rivers project
One topic. Two separate meetings. Many potential ramifications.
Whitefish police
Whitefish police arrested a 45-year-old female for alleged drunken driving on Spokane Avenue, a 25-year-old Eureka woman on a warrant at the Grizzly Den and a man in the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railyard on charges of disorderly conduct.
Saturday, March 5
Fire potential could be high for this summer
Fire officials normally don't care to talk or speculate in March about the coming forest fire season, but this year is different.
Buy a bowl of soup for a cause
For the last 10 years the Flathead Food Bank has filled soup bowls to raise awareness and money for the pantry.
Sylvan Learning Center brings youths up to speed
Sunlight floods through the windows of the Sylvan Learning Center on Whitefish Stage Road in Kalispell.
Montana tangles with EWU
The Daily Inter Lake
Braves get another shot at Capital
Tonight's AA playoff winner advances to state basketball tournament play in Billings
Jail flooder is sent off to prison
A man who caused more than $6,000 damage to the Flathead County Justice Center is now the state prison's problem.
Stolen prescription drugs found
About $18,500 worth of stolen painkillers was recovered in the woods Thursday near Columbia Falls.
Man charged in gun theft
A Whitefish man was arrested Friday in the theft of a gun that eventually passed through three unsuspecting owners.
Fund-raisers abound
Hope Pregnancy Center sponsors its annual Spring Banquet fund-raiser tonight at the Christian Center in Kalispell.
Columbia Falls police
Columbia Falls police took a report of a suspected counterfeit bill passed at a convenience store.
Today
AARP Driver Safety Program 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with instructors Don Bogut and Art Buckley, The Summit, Kalispell. $10 course fee. Call 751-4500 to register.
Baucus backs a measure to form Libby trust fund
The Daily Inter Lake
Whitefish police
Whitefish police went to a domestic disturbance on Wisconsin Avenue Thursday night. A 21-year-old man was arrested Friday for disorderly conduct, on a warrant for theft, and for endangering children for reportedly leaving a child unattended when he fled police the night before.
Kalispell police
Kalispell police are investigating a report from a man on Second Avenue East who said he heard his front door opened and closed while he was in the shower. He thought his wallet had been moved from where it should have been.
Flathead County Sheriff
Flathead County Sheriff's Office took a report of road rage that erupted near Evergreen Junior High School.
Alarms
ALERT helicopter, Bigfork fire and medical, and Ferndale fire department went to a vehicle accident on Montana 209 Thursday. Extrication equipment was needed and one person suffered a head injury.
Grandmother welcomes four grandchildren in month's time
Like many mothers of grown children, Myke Stanek of Evergreen was hoping for grandchildren.
Friday, March 4
Joan Northcutt-Buckley, 82
Joan Northcutt-Buckley, 82, passed away Wednesday, March 2, 2005, at the Lakeview Care Center, after a brief illness. She has been a resident of Woods Bay for the past 21 years, since her marriage to John Buckley, a 40 plus year resident of Woods Bay, in 1984.
Viola Bella (Staples) Benson, 95
Viola Bella (Staples) Benson, 95, passed away on March 3, 2005, at Heritage Place in Kalispell of natural causes.
Chorale sings for the season
Glacier Chorale sings sacred masterworks from the 16th and 17th centuries at two Flathead Valley churches on March 12-13.
Columbia Falls police
Columbia Falls police are looking into vandalism at Gifts 'N More where a vehicle window was broken.
Kalispell police
Kalispell police went to a report of a disturbance on Third Avenue East, where two men fought. One supposedly had a knife or a rock. However, officers believed the incident was just a shoving match. One man was cited and released. Another was reportedly found to possess controlled drugs; he was charged with a felony.
Flathead snowpack hits record low
Driven by the driest February in 100 years, the Flathead River Basin now has a record low snowpack.
Report lists top reasons why national parks need more money
The Daily Inter Lake
Whitefish police
Whitefish police say the animal warden was flagged down Thursday by a citizen who handed him a deceased cat. The animal had apparently been in the river all winter long. The resident reportedly put the frozen cat in a bag and gave it to the animal warden to take care of.
Today
Community World Day of Prayer 1 p.m., Holy Nativity Episcopal Church, 214 E. Second St., Whitefish. Day care provided. Refreshments following service.
Flathead County Sheriff
Flathead County Sheriff's Office took three dog complaints in four minutes Wednesday.
Site provides access to variety of records
Flathead County's GIS Department is putting more information at people's fingertips … a lot more information.
Alarms
Kalispell fire department had 15 calls. One was to an alleged assault victim at Lucky Logger Casino Thursday. Evergreen and highway patrol also went to a collision between a mail truck and a pickup on West Evergreen Drive. There were no serious injuries. A small kitchen fire at Big Sky Manor was out before firefighters arrived; they made sure the building was safe. Highway patrol and Smith Valley fire department assisted at a vehicle rollover on Whalebone Drive Wednesday evening; there were no serious injuries. A girl suffering a medical problem at Flathead High School went to the hospital.
639th ignites powerful welcome
The 639th Quartermaster Company of the Montana Army National Guard swooped into the Flathead Valley around noon Thursday, igniting a powerful welcome.
Welcome home, troops of 639th!
If there were ever any doubt about how the Flathead feels about its citizen-soldiers, that doubt was surely erased by Thursday's expansive welcome home for our National Guard troops.
Photographs by Kurt Markus capture rugged glory of the West
The Hockaday Museum of Art is pleased to announce the opening of "Buckaroo - The Photographs of Kurt Markus" on Thursday. The exhibit, on display through May 14, is generously sponsored by Glacier Bank.
Thursday, March 3
Jackson sees school quality fight headed to court
If state Sen. Don Ryan's education bill passes in its present form, one Flathead Valley legislator guarantees the state will face future funding lawsuits.
Bowled over
Area bowling alleys absorb Kalispell bowlers
Matthew Morgan "Matt" Plympton, 20
Matthew Morgan "Matt" Plympton, 20, died early in the morning, Saturday, Feb. 26, 2005, due to a tragic unfortunate incident in Darby.
Columbia Falls police
Columbia Falls police took a report of a car that was vandalized on 12th Avenue West.
Local racers dominate telemark nationals
Local ski racers brought home top honors from the U.S. Telemark National Championships last weekend at Schweitzer Mountain in Sandpoint, Idaho.
Growers consider cherry checkoff
Northwestern Montana cherry growers will vote this month on a proposed checkoff program that would pay for market development and pest control.
Whitefish police
Whitefish police arrested a 13-year-old girl for having a concealed knife at Central School on Wednesday. She reportedly had not made threats with it.
Alarms
Kalispell fire department took a complaint from a resident on Fourth Avenue West who said he is tired of the debris from underage drinking parties at his neighbor's house creeping onto his property.
New high school is in need of a name
The Daily inter Lake
McCaffree ropes a title champ
C-Falls teenager takes junior breakaway championship at the NRA finals
Pirates suffer key injury before state
Mowbray, a senior forward, twists an ankle during team's final practice session
Flathead County Sheriff
Suspicions abounded in incidents where Flathead County Sheriff's Office eventually found no crimes. At Creston Center, a man carrying an electric screwdriver who looked like he was trying to hide wasn't found. Behind Kmart, a man suspected of smoking marijuana reportedly peeked out a window at another man who thought he was in danger of getting beat up. Deputies found that suspicious vehicles on River Road were just employees from a business warming up their vehicles Tuesday night.
Concert raises nearly $2,400 for ALERT
Flathead High and Kalispell Junior High School choirs helped raise $2,368.11 for ALERT last weekend.
Today
Red Cross blood drive, 12:30-5:30 p.m., at North Valley Community Room, Columbia Falls.
639th back today
The Daily Inter Lake
Growth policy consultants interviewed
Flathead County could soon hire a consulting firm to help draft a new growth policy.
Education fix must not invite lawsuits
The Montana Legislature is into its second half, and predictably, education will be at the center of attention again.
Wednesday, March 2
Lorren Duane Claridge, 77
Lorren Duane Claridge, 77, passed away Sunday, Feb. 27, 2005, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He was born on July 24, 1927, in the home of his paternal grandparents on Bald Rock Road northwest of Kalispell. It was in this home that on June 4, 1950, he married Phyllis Clark and later celebrated 50 years of marriage.
Two jailed after bungled heist attempt
A couple is in jail after what was apparently a spectacularly botched armed robbery Monday night.
Kalispell police
Kalispell police were called Monday evening about two very intoxicated men behind Cattlemen's Casino. One was reportedly trying - and failing - to get the other man up from the ground. The more-mobile man was given a ride to a motel; the other man turned out to be unconscious and went by ambulance to the hospital for treatment of possible alcohol poisoning.
Board starts to wrap up work on Two Rivers amendment
The Daily Inter Lake
Coming to loggerheads: Tour participants are worlds apart in views
As a lone chain saw whined in the distance, Flathead National Forest officials on Tuesday explained and at times defended salvage logging that's under way in burned areas west of Hungry Horse Reservoir.
Mideast changes are glad tidings
It was just six weeks ago that President Bush was being mocked as a misinformed idealist because in his second inaugural address he spoke boldly of America's interest in "the expansion of freedom in all the world."
Alarms
Kalispell fire department had seven calls. No one wanted medical attention after a vehicle crash on Fourth Avenue East North. Someone with low blood pressure went to the hospital from an Evergreen gas station.
639th soldiers come home Thursday
It's official: The 639th Quartermaster Company of the Montana Army National Guard arrives Thursday after 15 months of active duty.
Man accused of attempted rape
The Daily Inter Lake
Flathead County Sheriff
Flathead County Sheriff's Office was called to East Evergreen Drive Monday, when a blond, 8-year-old boy reportedly tried to start someone's car and get it into gear. The resident told the child to go home, and he said he doesn't know where he lives. He was gone when a deputy arrived.
Whitefish police
Whitefish police didn't cite anyone after two men yelled on East Third Street Monday evening. At Great Northern bar, a man reportedly came in, assaulted another man, and left.
Tuesday, March 1
Sigrid Commers, 88
Sigrid Commers, 88, a resident of Ocean Shores, Wash., died on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2005, at Grays Harbor Community Hospital in Aberdeen, Wash.
Alarms
Kalispell fire department had six calls. One was to clean up oil spilled from a vehicle on Fourth Avenue East North. Another was to a car fire on First Avenue East North. A skateboarder at Woodland Park was taken by ambulance to the hospital.
Muriel Gertrude Young Everly, 91
Muriel Gertrude Young Everly, 91, passed away at Lake View Care Center in Bigfork, Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2005. Born Nov. 17, 1913, in West Somerville, Mass., the daughter of Frank and Sarah Ryan Young, she spent her early life in New England. Her father owned a meat market in Boston not far from the Old North Church. Summers were spent in Vermont and New Hampshire.
Dasen's attorney refiles dismissed motions
Motions for moving the trial outside of Flathead County and completely dismissing charges in the prostitution case of businessman Dick Dasen Sr. were filed again Monday.
Duane H. Wethern, 50
Duane H. Wethern, 50, of Kalispell, died Feb. 19, 2005, of injuries he received in a traffic accident near Otter Creek Road, 13 miles southeast of Raynesford.
639th could be home Wednesday
Bond doubles for man accused of stalking
The Daily Inter Lake
Driver dies in Lincoln County
A driver whose truck hit black ice on U.S. 2 near Libby on Friday morning died in the ensuing crash.
Kalispell police took a report from a bike rider who said boys harassed him on Fifth Avenue West North.
Two people were cited for underage alcohol possession on Ninth Street East. A 19-year-old woman was arrested for DUI on West Reserve Drive and three people with her were charged with underage alcohol possession. A man was arrested for DUI on Second Avenue West. Another man was charged with traffic violations and possession of drugs and a switchblade near a convenience store.
Christine Elizabeth "Chris" Litchfield, 86
Christine Elizabeth "Chris" Litchfield, 86, of Peaks Island, Maine, and Barefoot Bay, Fla., died Feb. 27, 2005, at Sebastian River Medical Center in Roseland, Fla., after a brief illness.
Flathead forest to sell property in Hungry Horse
The Flathead National Forest has a green light to sell 92 acres, including the Hungry Horse Ranger Station and outbuildings, with proceeds going toward construction of a new ranger station.
