Ellington

Divisional Basketball Photo Gallery

Divisional Tournament photo gallery

A tempest in a nuclear reactor?

Where's the accountability?

Doris Hanson, 90

Doris Hanson, 90, passed away Feb. 17, 2010. She was born March 12, 1919, in Richville, Minn., and graduated from Whitefish High School. Doris lives in the hearts of her relatives and friends. She exemplified personal integrity, independence, tolerance and generosity. She married Iner Hanson in 1937. They were married for 62 years and lived in Whitefish. They retired in Olympia, Wash., to be near family. Doris spent 35 years as the bookkeeper/office manager for Stoltze Lumber Company. Doris, The Earring Lady, collected 5,000 pairs of earrings. She enjoyed many activities such as dancing, entertaining, ceramics and crocheting. She was a member of Soroptimist International, Women in Timber and The Daughters of the American Revolution. She had two children, Zane Hanson, deceased in 1985, and Bonnie (Hanson) Nielsen who married Tore Nielsen. Doris has five grandchildren, Julie and Mark Nielsen Japhet, Tammy and Bob Hanson Salem, Todd Nielsen, Brad Nielsen and Lisa and Robert Nielsen-Spieler. Doris had seven great-grandchildren. We express heartfelt thanks to friends, family members and Capital Place Retirement residence staff, for assisting us in helping her die peacefully at home. Doris requested no public service.

Dental care in the days of yore

People are always amazed and somewhat horrified that as a child I endured getting cavities fixed without the benefit of Novocaine to stymie the pain.

'Fundraiser' doesn't represent C. Falls Fire Department

Phone calls from a representative of the “Firefighters Burn Fund” asking for a donation on behalf of the Columbia Falls Fire Department are part of a scam.

Kats hold off Pirates in title game

No doubt about it, the Columbia Falls Wildkats are division champs once again.

Lincoln County candidate list grows

LIBBY — Tim Linehan, Eileen Carney, Glenn Garrison and Tessa Anderson have all thrown their names into the hat by filing candidate statement forms with Lincoln County.

Hearing ahead on $1 million settlement

As promised, the public will have its say at a hearing on Monday about a $1 million cash settlement in the North Shore Ranch subdivision lawsuit.

Loyola rallies by Bigfork for Western B title

PABLO — Missoula Loyola rallied past Bigfork for a thrilling 42-41 victory on Saturday night in the Western B divisional girls basketball championship game.

Braves hold off Knights; Bravettes fall

MISSOULA — Flathead held off a late charge by Missoula Hellgate to claim a 46-44 Western AA boys basketball victory on Saturday.

Fleeing teenager hides in bushes

Fleeing teenager hides in bushes

After a 20 minute chase,

Still the best in Northwestern A

Columbia Falls boys top Polson in title game

It took awhile.

Board works on annexation rules

An unwritten policy that has been guiding Kalispell annexations for years is about to have some words put to it.

Daybook

Ronan defeats Libby for third at divisionals

Ronan junior Jerod Tanner scored the go-ahead basket with 10 seconds left and the Chiefs went on to win 49-43  over Libby in the boys consolation game of the Northwestern A divisionals on Saturday.

Summit with a limited view

“I hope this will not just be theater,” pronounced President Barack Obama at one point during last week’s health-care summit with congressional Democrats and Republicans. “I hope it’s an opportunity to clarify our positions.”

Columbia Falls basketball repeats

Anne Trout on lift

Anne Trout Hollenstiner watches

Anne Trout tight

Anne Trout skis wide

First Interstate Bank

Week in Pictures February 22-28

Northwestern Class A Divisional Tourney Day 3

Northwestern Class A Divisional Tourney Day 3 - nerves

James M. Anderson, 79

James M. Anderson, 79, died peacefully at North Valley hospital in Whitefish on Feb. 23, 2010, with complications of emphysema. He was born May 5, 1930, in Seattle. He had been a longtime employee of the BN Railroad, retiring as assistant superintendent of transportation in Spokane in 1985. He had been a third generation railroader, beginning his career in Seattle in 1953 and furthering his work in Shelby, Vancouver, British Columbia, Klamath Falls, Ore., Whitefish, Minneapolis, Minot, N.D., and Spokane, before returning to Whitefish at his retirement. Surviving him are his wife of 57 years, Carol; sons, Scott, Mark and Tom and ex-wife Suzanne; grandchildren, Nick, Jessica and Aaron of Spokane; and Kelley and wife Dayna of Atlanta; and grandchildren Ryan and Hayley. He also leaves behind his beloved cats, Diesel and Elizabeth. His legacy is his wood carvings of a life-size cross and crucifix and Madonna in the church of St. Thomas Moore in Spokane. He enjoyed his many friends, neighbors, breakfast group and family. Prior to his illness, he was an avid hunter, short time skier, fisherman and camper. Private services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, c/o 10 G. Street NE, Suite 580, Washington D.C., 20002, or online at www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Arrangements under the care of Austin Funeral Home.

Columbia Falls drills Ronan, 64-36

Wildcats advance to divisional title game vs. Polson

It was vintage Wildcat basketball.

Bigfork girls in divisional title game

PABLO — On to the championship game.

Law enforcement roundup

Dog-kicker spoke strange words

Shouting in a strange language, a transient ran from the woods and kicked a dog Thursday evening. The dog’s owner speculated the man was speaking Russian.

Daybook

Fire levels massive building

Old plywood plant covered 4.7 acres

It took only three minutes for fire crews to arrive Thursday night after the 911 call came in, but Libby firefighters found the former Stimson Lumber Co. plywood plant fully engulfed in flames.

Braves edge Glacier

Karl Ingram had 13 points and Jeremy Grosswiler pulled down 11 rebounds as the Flathead Braves downed visiting Glacier 48-45 on Friday night.

Johnson, Bravettes upend Wolfpack

Danika Johnson scored 16 points and pulled down 10 rebounds and Flathead led from start to finish in dropping Glacier 33-21 on Friday in Western AA girls basketball action at Flathead High School.

Polson holds on to beat Libby in semifinals

Pirates will face Columbia Falls for divisional title

Beware the team that has nothing to lose.

Four sheep are transported via helicopter Friday from Wild Horse Island to Big Arm State Park.

The former Stimson Lumber Co. plywood plant in Libby burns on Thursday night. "It looked like someone dropped an atomic bomb," Sheriff Daryl Anderson said of the massive fire and smoke plume.

Vikes bow out of divisional tourney

PABLO — Plains eliminated No. 5-ranked Bigfork from the Western B divisional boys basketball tournament on Friday with a 61-60 victory in loser-out action.

B.C. deal includes limits on gravel

Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer met with the Flathead County commissioners on Friday to ask them to support the recent agreement with British Columbia that bans mining and goal and gas development in the transboundary Flathead River drainage.

Northwestern Class A District Tournament Day 2 - release

Northwestern Class A Division Tournament Day 2 - rebound

Northwestern Class A Divison Tournament Day 2 - looking to pass

Northwestern Class A Divisional Tournament Day 2 - pass down low

Northwestern Class A Divisional Day 2 - hands up

Northwestern Class A Divisional Day 2 - defended

Northwestern Class A Divisional Day 2 - wide free throw

Whitefish vs Ronana

Northwestern Class A Tournament Day One

Fire destroys massive Libby building

A part of Libby’s identity and history burned to the ground on Thursday night.

Libby mill fire

Ticker | Community

William L. Luke, 70

William L. Bill Luke, of Harrison, passed away in Butte on Feb. 6, 2010, after a three-year battle with cancer. He was 70 years old. Bill was born in Kalispell on Nov. 22, 1939, to LeRoy and Vivian (Moore) Luke. His grade school years were spent attending Bald Rock School. The family moved from Kalispell to the Valley View district near Polson in 1952, and Bill graduated from Polson High School in 1957. He worked for the Montana State Highway Department survey crew. Bill moved to Seattle in 1962, and worked for the Boeing Company for nearly 33 years. On Nov. 17, 1962, Bill married Betty Corlett in Black Diamond, Wash. They had four children, Ronald and Jackie Luke, of Crestview, Fla., Laura and Guy Olsen, of Federal Way, Wash., David and Chanon Luke of Black Diamond, Wash., and Dianne and Matthew Ridgway of Helena. There are 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Bill is survived by his wife, Betty, of Harrison; mother, Vivian Luke, of Polson; sister, Carol Richmond, of Kalispell; brothers, Clifford and Bobbie Luke, Ralph and Lynda Luke, of Polson, and Duane and Elenie Luke of Lacey, Wash.; as well as many nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his father, LeRoy Luke. Memorial services were held on Feb. 13 at the Harrison Community Church in Butte.

Chiefs upend Bulldogs in first round

Steve Woll had no idea how the Ronan Chiefs would react.

Law enforcement roundup

“This is for Judy!” an assailant apparently yelled, ambushing a man as he crossed the parking lot of a supermarket on U.S. 2 East Tuesday night. The unknown attacker apparently hit the man in the face, knocking him to the ground, then proceeded to kick him. The man told Flathead County Sheriff’s deputies that Judy is his ex. Deputies are investigating.

Loyola rallies by Bigfork in semifinals

PABLO — Missoula Loyola rallied for a 63-60 victory over Bigfork in semifinal action on Thursday at the Western B divisional boys basketball tournament.

Legends Stadium Wall of Fame adds Christison

Kenneth M. Christison, an all-state football player at Flathead High School in the 1950s, will be inducted into the Legends Stadium Wall of Fame during a halftime ceremony tonight at the Flathead vs. Glacier basketball games at FHS.

Whitefish stimulus program begins

The city of Whitefish stimulus program to spur new construction begins Monday and continues through August.

Valkyries romp in Western B opener

PABLO — Bigfork used a 37-point second half to blow by Valley Christian for a 66-30 opening-round victory at the Western B divisional girls basketball tournament on Thursday.

Door still open for horse racing

CEO wants to restart Kalispell track by next year

Flathead County has not completely ruled out horse racing at the fairgrounds, but the mantra remains: Show me the money.

Whitefish slays Ronan in divisional opener

Slaybaugh hits game-high 15 points in 36-30 victory

Being the only senior on the court has its advantages.

Local efforts pay off for N. Fork

The landmark agreement last week that put the Canadian Flathead Valley off-limits to mining and drilling was a testament to the power of quiet diplomacy between Montana and British Columbia officials.

Speller rides 'diesel' to victory

Glenn Strickler didn’t smile much throughout the Flathead County Spelling Bee on Thursday.

Glacier vs. Flathead hoops: Playoff positioning on the line

TODAY: Glacier Wolfpack girls (7-12 overall, 2-9 conference) vs. Flathead Bravettes (3-14, 0-10); Glacier Wolfpack boys (13-6, 7-4) vs. Flathead Braves (9-8, 5-5).

Daybook

Northwester Class A Whitefish and Ronan

Spelling Bee Pondering

Spelling Bee Wide

Strawberry Patch xxxx

Ski resort to restrict uphill hikers, skiers

Whitefish Mountain Resort and the U.S. Forest Service have moved to restrict the increasingly popular uphill hikers and skiers on the Big Mountain.

Ronnie J. Jones. 62

Ronnie J. Jones, 62, passed away peacefully Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010, at his home in Kalispell. Ronnie was born on Jan. 3, 1948, in Anaconda, to George and Lucille (Burdy) Jones. Ronnie spent his childhood in Idaho and Washington. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1965. He served in Vietnam from 1965 to 1969, where he received a Purple Heart, and was honorably discharged in 1969. He then moved to Missoula and began logging throughout western Montana. In 1985, while logging in the Flathead, he met Linda Phillips. They were married on Oct. 4, 1986, in Kalispell. Ronnie continued logging until his retirement in 1993. He was a longtime member of the NRA and VFW clubs, and a generous supporter of the St. Labre Indian School in Ashland, among others. Ronnie enjoyed helping people, hunting, fly fishing, camping and doing anything outdoors. He was well-versed in politics and enjoyed reading, playing cribbage, feeding the critters in his yard, and tinkering in his garage. He loved hot rods and was an avid NASCAR fan. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Linda, at the couple s home in Kalispell; son, Scott, and two grandchildren, John and Morgan, of Kalispell; and numerous friends and acquaintances. He will be missed by all who knew him. A celebration of Ronnie s life will be held at the family home later this summer. The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to Home Options Hospice at 175 Commons Loop, Ste. 100, Kalispell, MT 59901. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Ronnie s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Ronnie s tribute wall.

Arthur W. Art Juntunen, 66,

of Kalispell, went to be with the Lord on Feb. 21, 2010, at his home due to complications of diabetes and heart disease. Art was born on Jan. 17, 1944, in Duluth, Minn., to Arthur Juntunen Sr., and Violet Lung Juntunen. He grew up in Brimson, Minn., attending and graduating from high school in Two Harbors, Minn. After graduation he attended a trade school in Duluth, becoming a certified carpenter. Having grown up in a logging family and driving a log truck at an early age, he also worked for a time hauling pulpwood along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Art married Ardis Meyers in 1966. They had three children together, and went their separate ways in 1984. Having enlisted in the U.S. Navy, Art served two tours of duty in Vietnam with the Seabees. He remained in the Reserves for a time after returning home. When they came to the valley in 1968, Art said he knew he was home and would stay here forever. He worked for several trucking companies, a lumber company, and attended forestry classes at the community college, until he bought his own truck and started his own business. Throughout the years he has owned log trucks, grain trucks, and dump trucks. From 1975 to 1983, Art spent much of his time working in Alaska on the pipeline as a heavy equipment and truck mechanic, and also driving trucks; some for other people and some of his own. After returning to the Lower 48, he continued to operate his own trucking business, mostly hauling logs, which was always his favorite job. He met Arline Stiles in 1990 while working for Owens and Bray hauling chips. She worked for Missoula Cartage doing the same. Later, they both worked for Owens and Bray. They were married in Las Vegas on March 24, 1993. Up to the present time, Art and Arline have owned a successful trucking business. They both drove trucks and ran the business together. Art was very well known and loved in the community by those who knew him. He always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. He was a great listener and one of his best traits was that he always had time to stop and say hello. Everyone was family to Art. He wasn t one to rush around and said, if a turtle was slow, then he was in snail speed, and The faster I go, the further I get behind. Art was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Violet; sister, Judy; and several aunts and uncles. Art is survived by his wife, Arline; son, Clint, and wife, Mendi, and children Makayla, Haley and Derek; son, Jeremy, and wife, Jenni, and children, Takara, JJ, Seth, Maddox and Nevaeh; daughter, Shawnee, and husband, Scott Barge; stepdaughter, Ashley, and her husband, Chris; brother, Chuck, and wife, Mary; nephews, Cory and Jesse, and their wives and children; nieces, Violet and Desiree, and their families; aunt, Vicki, and uncle, Roy, plus several cousins and their families. A celebration of life for Art will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Christian Center Assembly of God Church in Kalispell. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Art Juntunen Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 5178, Kalispell, MT 59901. Friends are encouraged to visit the Web site at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Where should new pot shops go?

The Kalispell Regional Medical Center complex, or areas surrounding it, may be a reasonable place to set up medical marijuana shops, according to the Kalispell Planning Board.

Bigfork, Troy move on at Western B

PABLO — Ian Lorang led a balanced offensive attack with 14 points, 10 coming in the fourth quarter, as Bigfork cruised past Valley Christian 74-61 on Wednesday during first-round action of the Western B divisional boys basketball tournament.

Tight belts for tough times

Squeezed by the recession longer than most states, Montana state government is about to go through another round of budgetary belt tightening.

'Smoke screen' offends patron

A group of people reportedly smoking marijuana near the entrance of a bar on U.S. 2 West apparently blew smoke in the face of a patron who tried to enter around 11 p.m. Tuesday.

Evergreen bluff section slides

By MELISSA WEAVER

Young skier a hit in elite circles

Mitch Gilman, a skiing wunderkind from Whitefish recently named as one of the top 20 youth skiers in the world, took first place in the 12- to 15-year-old division of an extreme skiing event in Crested Butte, Colo.

Daybook

Mail bags may have taken flight over wilderness

Still waiting for that important package to arrive?

Wildkats carry top seed into tourney

The biggest question at this year’s Northwestern A girls divisional basketball tournament is whether or not the DeWit sisters and Co. can be stopped.

Deer Park Principal suspended

Teachers take 'no-confidence' vote

Deer Park School’s principal has been suspended after teachers in the rural elementary school expressed doubt about his ability to lead the district.

Columbia Falls wary, ready to go

Northwestern A divisional tournament starts today at Glacier High

Columbia Falls coach Cary Finberg knows the pitfalls associated with being a top seed.

CFalls Northwestern A Tourney Preview

John Hendricks portrait

Digital Photography Duck Hunting

Empty Subaru lot

Flathead National Forest Supervisor

Hockaday art program for home schoolers

Landslide

Leaf Raking

R. James Jim Munro, 84

R. James Jim Munro, 84, of Calgary, Alberta, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010. He was born Oct. 27, 1925. Jim is survived by his wife, Avis Feury Munro, of Kalispell; children; stepchildren; numerous grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and two brothers. He enjoyed years of vacations and his retirement in Whitefish and Kalispell. He will be missed by family and friends. E-mail expressions of sympathy to heritage@hffs.com, with the subject heading: Jim Munro.

Jayden Jeffrey Betts

son of Jason Betts and Tara Gregoire of Bigfork, was born Dec. 14 at North Valley Hospital.

James Alan Sloan, 63

James Alan Sloan, 63, passed away peacefully at his home in Kalispell surrounded by his family, on Monday, Feb. 22, 2010, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Jim was born in Missoula, the son of Joseph and Doris (Nicola) Sloan. At a young age the family moved to the Flathead Valley. He attended St. Matthew s Elementary School and graduated from Flathead High School. He graduated from Gonzaga University and became a lifelong fan of the Zags, providing many enjoyable trips to watch them play. Jim was the oldest of four boys born to Joe Sloan and Doris Sloan. After graduation from Gonzaga, Jim joined the family business, Sloan s Appliance in Kalispell, where he never failed to build a friendship with a customer. With lighthearted ads that touted a sale so bright you d have to wear shades, to selling freezers from the middle of a farmer s corn field, Jim never failed to bring a smile to your face in his efforts to build the business. Jim, feeling the urge to change the world in 1974, was elected and represented Kalispell in the Montana State Legislature where he met his wife, Virginia Burns. Jim and Virginia were married in 1978 and had two boys, the lights of his life, Nathan, Missoula and Peter, San Diego. Jim was an avid sailor and was a charter member of the North Flathead Yacht Club in Somers. Family and friends spent many good times sharing the thrill of racing or the joy of relaxing and enjoying the beauty of Flathead Lake. The wind at his back, he loved to share his love of sailing with anyone willing to go along for the ride. Jim treasured his boys, as well as their friends and families. His love for sports began early in life, playing all sports. He coached Little League baseball and cherished the thrill of watching kids compete, and felt compelled to use the baseball field to teach lessons in life. Through his coaching and active participation as a fan, he made many lifelong friends. Jim would wish everyone the joy of being part of a kid s sports adventure and all the relationships built as a result. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Sloan; and his niece, Bailey Sloan. Jim will forever be remembered by his wife, Virginia; his mother, Doris Sloan; his brothers, Mike, Steve and Bob; children, Nathan and Peter; along with countless other friends and family whom were blessed to know him. Jim was a wonderful son, husband, father, coach, boss, co-worker and boat captain. He loved listening to Jimmy Buffet and classic rock. He touched the lives of many people with his smile and generosity, and maintained his trademark smile and sense of humor all the way to the end. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 26, at St. Matthew s Church, Kalispell, with a reception to follow at Red s Wines and Blues, 30 Second Street East. The family requests all memorials be sent to Kids Sports, P.O. Box 1205 c/o Dan Johns, Kalispell, MT 59903. Go Griz! Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Jim s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Jim s tribute wall.

Norman Lyon, 79

Norman Lyon, 79, passed away peacefully Feb. 20, 2010, with his family by his side, after fighting a very courageous battle with lung cancer. He was born June 23, 1930, in Kalispell to Paul and Mabel (Boyer) Lyon. Norman grew up and attended school in the Flathead Valley. He was recently baptized and became a member of the Calvary Lutheran Church. On Sept. 1, 1956, Norman married the love of his life, Olive Fredrick, and shared 53 wonderful years together. He worked for Kalispell Lumber and then moved to Troy where he worked for J. Neils Lumber Company. During that time they adopted two beautiful daughters, Sandy and Judy. The family then returned to Kalispell in 1963 where he worked for the Somers Tie Plant as a maintenance engineer. Together they enjoyed fishing, camping and traveling with three other couples and called themselves The Shaky Eight. They took many adventures, including two unforgettable Alaskan trips, and many more around the U.S. Also being snow birds for many years, they spent lots of time in Arizona Norman belonged to the Evergreen Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years and had the opportunity during that time to be the fire chief. For over 60 years he was a member of the Kalispell Eagles. Being a member of the Flathead Tractor and Engine Association was one of his favorite hobbies because he always had some sort of engine he would tinker with. If Norman wasn t working on an engine he would be out fishing; for any day was a great day to catch a fish. Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Mabel Lyon; brother, James Lyon; and his in-laws, Gertie and Oliver Fredrick. He is survived by his loving wife, Olive; and two daughters, Sandy Krusoff, and Judy Hammack and husband Brandon. There are four grandchildren, Destiny Townsend and husband Brad, Mikelle Eckley and husband Waylin, Emily Buckhouse, and Carissa Krusoff; and two great-grandchildren, Zayden and Abbigail Townsend; and the best lifelong group of friends. The family would like to thank Home Options/Hospice for all their help in his final time, and thank you to all our friends who helped out during this tough moment. A celebration of Norman s life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 26, at Calvary Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, Norman would love for you all to take a friend fishing. Memorials can be made to Home Options/Hospice, Calvary Lutheran Church, or charity of your choice. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Norman s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Norman s tribute wall.

Bypass work

Law enforcement roundup

Runaway driver goes for a spin

Bypass section may be done this fall

Crews dig deep on soggy sections

Mountains of dirt and rock are being dug and piled and graded at both ends of Kalispell’s south-half U.S. 93 Alternate Route.

Wolfpack seniors shine

Glacier boys finish regular season home schedule with win over Hellgate

Having played together since elementary school, this group of Glacier seniors knows one another on the basketball court about as well as possible.

Divisional play next for Bigfork, Eureka

The big question in Bigfork this week has centered on the boys basketball team.

Whitefish gets U.S. 93 money

$3.5 million to go to two-block section

Long-awaited left-turn signals for the congested intersection of U.S. 93 and Baker Avenue in Whitefish will be completed next year, thanks to federal stimulus money.

Daybook

GHS vs. Missoula Hellgate Boys Bball

Library situation suspicious

After

Robert L. Bobby Thompson, 68

Robert L. Bobby Thompson, 68, died of cancer on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010, at his home in Columbia Falls. Bobby was born in Conrad to Charles and Deloris Thompson on Aug. 29, 1941, and grew up in Cut Bank. Bobby was the second of four boys, Teddy, Richard and Ronald. He lived in Spokane briefly, then moved to Columbia Falls in 1989 with his parents, and worked for a period of time at Flathead Industries. Bobby was born during a time when autism was not understood, nor what to do for the condition. That, coupled with being unable to speak, created a great deal of frustration for him in his attempts to communicate. His only spoken words were Mama and the sound of a cat meowing, which was his name for his kitty, Meow Meow. With Deloris constantly at his side to interpret his own sign language gestures, others soon realized that Bobby saw and understood a lot more than some of the rest of us. Bobby loved construction equipment. Consequently he, along with Charles and Deloris, spent countless hours at construction sites taking in all the activities. One time during road construction near Essex, Bobby got out of the car and began gesturing. Finally the engineer and the others realized he was trying to tell them the line wasn t straight " and it wasn t! Bobby had a gift for hospitality and seeing to it that everyone had coffee or tea and some goodie to enjoy while they visited. At times his helpful intentions were misunderstood, which saddened him. Bobby enjoyed many hours with occupying himself with his Lite Brites, painting and making birdhouses. He loved attending church, enjoying the music and the people. He had a strong faith and knew where he was going someday, albeit sooner than we anticipated. Wherever Charles, Deloris and Bobby visited " from having dinner at the Nite Owl to spending numerous winters in Arizona " Bobby was a friend to whomever took the time to get acquainted with him. Our forever friend will be greatly missed. Survivors include his mother, Deloris; and two brothers, Richard and Ronald, in the immediate family. Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 25, at Columbia Falls United Methodist Church, with the Rev. David Merkel officiating. Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is caring for the family.

Jacqueline Joy Hythecker Swenson, 71

Jacqueline Joy Hythecker Swenson, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away quietly Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010, in Coeur d Alene, Idaho. She was 71. Jackie was born on Feb. 5, 1939, to Floyd and Evelyn Hythecker in Whitefish. She graduated from Whitefish High School and attended college at Colorado Women s College and the University of Montana. She married Stuart W. Swenson of Kalispell in 1962, and moved to Libby shortly thereafter. In Libby, Jackie raised three sons, David Swenson of Coeur d Alene, Matthew Swenson of Missoula, and Mitchell Swenson of Hayden, Idaho. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Adrian, Brittney, Colin and Nickolaus. Jackie moved to Coeur d Alene in 1985 where she taught school, and then moved back to her hometown of Whitefish in 1990. Jackie always had a positive and high-energy attitude toward everything she did. Her kindness and generosity to everyone she encountered will always be remembered. We love you, Mom... We invite everyone to share in celebrating Jackie s life at 2 p.m. Feb. 27, at the Methodist Church at 115 Wisconsin Ave., Whitefish. Private interment will be at Whitefish Cemetery. Memorials may be made to NOSDA (No One Shall Die Alone) of Coeur d Alene, Idaho, c/o St. Pius Parish, 625 E. Haycraft, Coeur d Alene, Idaho 83815. Arrangements are by Austin Funeral Home.

Philip M. Dahl, 71

Philip Mitchell Dahl, youngest son of Charles H. Charlie and Nora E. (Joubert) Dahl, born Feb. 2, 1930, in Dickinson, N.D., died of Parkinson s and Lewy body dementia, Feb. 19, 2010, in Garden City, Idaho. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, in Meridian, Idaho. Services are under the direction of Accent Funeral Home, Meridian. Condolences may be left for the family at www.accentfuneral.com. Phil was reared in Wibaux and Missoula. He attended Wibaux public schools from 1936 until the Dahls moved to Missoula in 1945. After Missoula County High School graduation in 1948, Phil attended university classes and took employment as a Northern Pacific Railway clerk. In 1950 he hired out as a locomotive fireman and was later promoted to locomotive engineer, the position that he held until he retired. He also served as secretary for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen, and was a member of the United Transportation Union and Korean War service for U.S. Army Transportation Corps railroad operations from 1951 to 1953, which added another dimension to an exceptional career. After a 1987 sale of the Burlington Northern in Missoula to Montana Rail Link, his job was relocated to Whitefish. He retired in 1993, after 43 years of rail service. On Feb. 20, 1951, he married Marjorie Mae Kemmis. Their union produced four children, Philip Mitchell Jr., Andrea Jean, Charles Arthur and Peggy Ann. In 1971 Phil married Gail Schonrock, who had four children, Mark, Susan, Kurt and Scott. On June 11, 1988, Phil married Jackie Anstett Young, who had two children, Jeffrey Robert and Rodney Windom. They resided in Kalispell until his retirement, when they returned to Missoula. In 2003 they established a permanent home in Eagle, Idaho. Phil s energetic life centered upon family activities including fishing, camping, golfing, skiing, scouting and traveling. He traveled to England and went on many trips to Canada and Mexico. Phil was also involved with the Knights of Columbus, Model Railroad Club in Missoula and Boise, Idaho, Elks, Eagles, square dance clubs in Missoula, Meals on Wheels, and Respite Grandpa for the State of Montana. He volunteered at Dragon Hollow at Caras Park, food banks, the humane societies. He built benches and tables at Marshall Ski Resort near Missoula. He was an avid reader, loved crossword puzzles, pinochle, and was always a fabulous host. Phil had a great command of the English language, he was a self-taught carpenter, plumber, electrician and mechanic (a jack-of-all-trades). He also ran for legislator in Kalispell. He was an avid Montana Griz and Boise State Bronco fan. Phil was a past member of St. Anthony s in Missoula, St. Matthew s in Kalispell, St. Peter s in Wibaux and Holy Apostles in Meridian. Phil also supported the Haiti foundation through St. Alphonsus in Boise. Phil s final gift was that of being a tissue donor. All who knew and loved him as a family member and friend are richer for that experience. Phil is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Jackie, and her children, Jeffrey and Becky, and Rodney and Casey Schlienz; his and Marjorie s children, Philip Mitchell Jr. and Jill, Andrea Jean Dahl, and Peggy Ann and Frederick Asbury; his brother, Victor C., and Beryl Dahl; six grandchildren, Marjorie Poff, Aaron Poff, Justin Asbury, Ryker Schlienz, Kyle Schlienz and Carsen Schlienz; three great-grandchildren, Sarah, Susanna and Abigail Poff; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by wife, Marjorie Kemmis Dahl; son, Charles Dahl; granddaughter, Chantel Marie Asbury; as well two sisters and two brothers. A special thanks to David Waite, Dan Majors, David Turley and Gentry Myler, as well to all those who loved and cared for him. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Philip s name to your local humane society or a charity of your choice.

Helen Otten Konshur, 74

Helen Otten Konshur, 74, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010, at the Lake View Care Center in Bigfork, after succumbing to Alzheimer s disease. She was born on Oct. 9, 1935, in Plentywood, the youngest of 12 children to Otto B. and Minnie (Bohlken) Otten. Helen went to school in Lookout and moved to Plentywood when she married Douglas Konshur on Sept. 28, 1953. The couple moved to Kalispell in 1965 where they built and operated Timberline Lumber for over 25 years, before retiring to Apache Junction, Ariz., in 1992. They purchased Treasure Chest Granite Pit in Apache Junction, which they operated together until Helen s return to the Flathead Valley in 2001. She had a warm, loving and generous spirit and will be missed by many. Helen was preceded in death by Douglas. She is survived by her daughter, Dixie Sherman, of Bigfork; her son, William Konshur, of Libby; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Graveside services for Helen will be held at 3 p.m. today, Feb. 23, at Glacier Memorial Gardens. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Helen s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Helen s tribute wall.

James Henry Daroll Harreld, 78

James Henry Daroll Harreld, 78, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell, after a massive stroke at his home on Jan. 26. He was born on Aug. 12, 1931, in Ajo, Ariz., to Samuel H. and Oleta (Lamb) Harreld. James served in the Marine Corps and was in the Korean War in 1952 and 1953. After returning home he worked as a logging truck driver and a loader operator for several years. James married Priscilla M. Himmesoete in 1980. James is survived by his wife, Priscilla M. Harreld; a son, Billy Harreld, of Nevada, Mo., and two sisters, Virginia McConnell of California, and Janis Johnson of Tennessee. He is also survived by six stepchildren and many stepgreat-grandchildren, all who loved him and will miss him dearly. Graveside services for James will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, at Glacier Memorial Gardens, with military honors by the United Veterans of the Flathead. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for James family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view James tribute wall.

Cleo Carrie Kelly Wilson, 90

Cleo Carrie Kelly Wilson passed away in her Whitefish home from natural causes on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010. She was born in Malvern, Ark., June 8, 1919, to Walter Garland Kelly and Lula Dale Samuels. She was married to Robert Bob Wilson Dec. 5, 1945. During the 60s and 70s Cleo and Bob operated Wilson s Floor Covering in Wilmington, Calif. In 1974 Bob and Cleo moved to Whitefish where they owned and operated Wilson s Floor Covering from 1975 to 1978. They decided to retire and move to Orange, Calif. Cleo couldn t stop working. She then worked with her sister s family at Tony s Sea Landing in Tustin, Calif. Later, she worked at Santa Monica Seafood. Cleo and Bob moved to Las Vegas in the 90s where she decided to keep working, and worked for Albertson s grocery market in the deli department until she was in her early 80s. When Cleo was not working she loved playing bingo at the Gold Coast Casino and taking care of her home. After her husband Bob passed away in 2002, she moved to Corona, Calif., to be closer to her son Doug and his family, where she resided until 2007. In 2007 she moved back to Whitefish to be closer to her other son, Mark, and his family. Cleo will always be remembered for her passion of taking care of everyone before herself, bingo, keeping an immaculate home, her fashionable appearance, and a love for life. Cleo was very photogenic and loved taking pictures with her family, always flashing the peace sign. Cleo was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Bob Wilson; daughter, Dorothy Dottie Street; brother, James Kelly; brother, Luther Kelly; sister, Grace Brimmage; and sister, Lois Stafford. Cleo is survived by her son, Doug Wilson, and his wife, Laura, of Corona, Calif.; son, Mark Wilson, and his wife, Shelley Gross, of Columbia Falls; son-in-law, Ray Street, of Whitefish; sister, Katherine Osborne, of Texarkana, Ark.; sister, Jean Fistonich, of Corona; grandchildren, Eddie Ron, Keith, Robert and Shawn Williams, Brittany and Brandon Wilson, Bryan and Breanna Routledge, and Chelsey Wilson; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, and countless friends. The services for Cleo were held Feb. 17 at the Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish, followed by a celebration of her life at Grouse Mountain Lodge.

Medical team heads to Haiti

A team of local medical professionals, including a physician, physician assistant, nurses, equipment specialist and physical therapists, takes off for Haiti Wednesday to serve at St. Damien Hospital near Port-au-Prince.

By the hair of his chinny chin chin

Men checking out the library

After Kalispell Police officers interviewed a suspicious woman in the bushes near the Flathead County Library just before midnight Sunday, they suspected that someone might be inside. Officers entered the building on First Avenue and found two men and computer equipment that appeared to have been moved. The men, ages 20 and 21, were arrested on felony burglary charges and it appeared they gained entry through a window that had been rigged earlier.

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Slasher strikes tires near C. Falls

Flathead County Sheriff’s deputies investigated what appeared to be an insatiable tire slasher who ripped through the Falcon Acres Loop and Pheasant Road area outside Columbia Falls overnight Saturday. Tires were slashed at four homes, solar lights were damaged at another and criminal mischief was reported at another.

woman taking photos at Woodland Park

Fallen soldier's family sought for memorial

Residents of a small village in Suffolk in the United Kingdom have reached across the pond looking for relatives of 2nd Lt. Kenneth B. Rongstad in conjunction with a pilot and crew memorial they plan to have dedicated in May.

Law veteran finds rewards, frustrations

Nearing the home stretch of his quarter-decade in law enforcement, Sgt. Jim Browder has three months until his May 22 retirement day.

Work session covers marijuana policy

Two hot-button topics are in the spotlight at tonight’s Kalispell Planning Board work session — medical marijuana and annexation.

CenturyLink protests communications contract

Community members and CenturyLink employees recently gathered at a Flathead Emergency Communications Center Board meeting to protest the contract awarded to an out-of-state vendor of communications equipment necessary for processing 911 calls.

Jim Browder

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Foster program finds new 'grandparents'

Patricia Sackner, aka Grandma Pat, arrives at school every morning at 7:30 a.m. with a lesson plan of love and hugs for the 3- to 5-year-olds at Head Start in Kalispell.

Robert Bob S. Ruggles, 87

Robert Bob S. Ruggles, 87, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. He was born on May 9, 1922, in Enid, the son of Mary D. and Isaac S. Ruggles. The family moved to the Flathead Valley in 1935. He was the second son of four children, Albert, Robert, Burdette and Maxine (Stubbs). He went to school at Evergreen Elementary and was attending Flathead High when he went into the Army to serve in World War II. Robert served in actions in North Africa and Italy where he was awarded the Silver Star. In 1945 he married Helen M. Wilson in Missoula. Robert was a logger for many years and later retired from the Flathead County Maintenance Shop where he was a welder and mechanic. An avid hunter and fisherman, Robert and Helen spent many hours fishing on Ashley Lake, the place most dear to their hearts. When not working you would most likely find him tinkering on something mechanical or welding something for someone in his little shop. Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Helen; parents, Mary and Isaac; his brothers, Albert and Burdette; daughter, Roberta; and grandson, Ryan Ruggles. He is survived by two sons, James L. Ruggles of Kalispell, and Raymond R. Ruggles of Canby, Ore.; his sister, Maxine Stubbs, of Kalispell; three granddaughters, Jodi L. Ruggles, Julie M. Mecham and Keely M. Ruggles; as well as two great-grandchildren. Memorial services for Robert will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, at Calvary Lutheran Church, with Pastor Kurt Rau officiating. A reception will follow immediately. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Robert s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Robert s tribute wall.

Pearl E. Johnston, 91

Pearl E. Johnston, 91, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010, at Brendan House in Kalispell. Pearl was born in the Deer Park area, June 4, 1918, to Guy and Frances (Stryker) Nutter. She was the first born of four siblings, Earl Nutter, her twin, Carmen Nutter, and Marion Ness. Pearl was raised in the Deer Park area, attending Deer Park School, from first through eighth grades. She graduated from Flathead County High School. Pearl married her childhood sweetheart, Jasper Johnston, and they lived on a ranch in the Deer Park area throughout their married life. After Jasper passed away, Pearl moved into Big Sky Manor in Kalispell, and lived amongst her many friends until moving to Brendan House. Pearl was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Columbia Falls. Pearl and Jasper were members of the Saddle Club of Columbia Falls. She was also a member of the Deer Park Ladies Club. She worked at the Midway grocery. Pearl was a dear heart, and will be remembered fondly by all who knew and loved her. Pearl was preceded in death by her husband, Jasper Johnston; and all of her siblings. She is survived by her niece, Janie Wagner, and husband, Sonny, of Columbia Falls. Funeral services for Pearl will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 22, at the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home Chapel, in Kalispell. Burial will follow at the Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 22, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Pearl s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Pearl s tribute wall.

Science, policy, pressure pay off with new B.C. mining ban

A mine fight that has lasted 36 years

The threat of coal mining in the Canadian Flathead became an issue for Kalispell resident Wayne Herman more than three decades ago when he read about it in Montana Outdoors magazine.

Projects not subject to whim

The tentative $1 million cash settlement reached last week in the North Shore Ranch lawsuit is a painful reminder for the Flathead County commissioners that land-use decisions must be based on facts, not opinions.

Boschee second at Simplot Games

Glacier sophomore Lexy Boschee earned second-place in the girls high jump at one of the premier high school indoor track and field events in the country on Saturday.

States to Congress: 'Don't tread on me...'

Editor's 2 Cents

Two weeks ago, I wrote about the dismal performance of California legislators as they rushed to pass $200 billion worth of health-care reform at a time when their state is facing bankruptcy.

Beyond the tracks

BlueBird Guides takes adventurers where few should go alone

At Rogers Pass in British Columbia, the snow is fluffy and deep, up to the waist in places.

Rubbernecker runs into fence

Kalispell police

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Sheriff pursues re-election bid

Flathead County Sheriff Mike Meehan is ramping up his campaign, preparing to go “full bore” in the coming months with his bid for re-election.

Health board ponders H1N1 vaccine, eateries

Flathead City-County Board of Health members discussed  H1N1 vaccine distribution as well as some problem food establishments at its Thursday meeting.

Bengals drain 3s to dump Flathead in OT

Who would have thought that?

Bruins sink free throws, drop Wolfpack

The Helena Capital Bruins did what the Glacier Wolfpack just couldn’t do — make the free throws.

Week in Pictures February 15 -21

Flathead vs. Helena High

Fairy Lee Wagoner Waters, 88

Fairy Lee Wagoner Waters, 88, passed away on Feb. 14, 2010, in Kent, Wash. She was born in Plentywood, the oldest child of a family of five children. The family moved to Bigfork where they lived on a farm north of Bigfork on Ramsfield Lane. Fairy graduated from Bigfork High School. She and her sister, Ruby, went to Seattle to work at Boeing during World War II. That is where she met Roger Waters. He went into the service. When he came back, they married. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Waters; her father and mother, Joe and Beulah Wagoner; her sister, Rose McFarlane; and her brothers, Raymond and Joseph Wagoner. Fairy is survived by her children, Linda and Gary Hornbuckle, and Larry and Debbie Waters; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; her sister, Ruby Strodiemier; sisters-in-law, Bobbi and Harriet Wagoner; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Her family and friends will greatly miss her, until we meet again in heaven. A celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m., Feb. 21, at the Inn at Arbor Village in Kent.

Florence McDonald Ladd, 89

Florence McDonald Ladd, 89 years young, passed away on Feb. 18, 2010, in Polson, in the wee hours of the morning, after a long fight with a bad heart. Florence had a young heart and a bad carcass. Her firm and unwavering hope was to rest in death and be received in the resurrection; and work cleaning up the Earth she loved, alongside her children who share her faith and hope. She was baptized as one of Jehovah s Witnesses in 1943, dedicating her life to sharing her faith and hope with everyone she could while instilling this faith in her children. She is survived by five of her six children, Laurel Wehr, Patty Nelson, Carole Thuesen, Debbie Olson, and Roy Ladd; 17 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. She will be missed, and until we see you again, Good sleep. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. today, Feb. 20, at the Jehovah s Witnesses Kingdom Hall, 1415 S. Woodland Dr., Kalispell. A reception will follow the service at the Flathead County Fairground s Country Kitchen in Kalispell. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, is assisting the family.

District 7B Tourney: Elster lifts Eureka over Thompson Falls

LIBBY — Selene Elster’s field goal with 2.7 seconds remaining gave Eureka a 53-52 come-from-behind victory over Thompson Falls on Friday in semifinal play at the District 7B girls basketball tournament.

Wolfpack bites Bengals

Hanson has career night with 19 points as Glacier rolls

There was no need to hold your breath this time.

Top prep wrestlers to face off

GREAT FALLS — The second annual Tournament of Champions wrestling tournament is set for 11 a.m. today at Great Falls High School Old Gym.

Capital clips Braves

That happened in a hurry.

Nordahl, Strong top Bull Riding Challenge

Bo Nordahl of Helena and Mike Strong of Livingston tied for first place on Friday during the opening performance of the Rocky Mountain Extreme Bull Riding Challenge 2010 at Majestic Valley Arena.

County begins budget crunching

Spending, hiring freezes to continue

Flathead County Administrative Officer Mike Pence’s budget memorandum to department heads this week had an air of deja vu to it — reduce spending and continue a hiring freeze.

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Children's home celebrates first year of operation

Intermountain Providence Home recently marked its one-year anniversary of providing temporary crisis shelter for abused, abandoned and neglected children.

Dog day afternoon

Steve Martini is joined by his dogs as he heads out on one of the Blacktail Cross-Country ski trails Thursday afternoon. 

Ghostly screams and a 4x4 chase

Flathead County sheriff

Wayne Herman

Rocky Mountain Bull Riding Challenge

GHS vs Helena High Boys Bball

Dog day afternoon

Rodney D. Sullivan, 55

Rodney D. Sullivan, 55, passed away peacefully in California, on Monday, Feb. 15, 2010, with family by his side. Born in Kalispell on July 5, 1954, to Cecil and May Sullivan, Rod was raised in the Swan River Community near Bigfork, and attended Swan River Elementary School. He graduated from Bigfork High School in 1972. Rod always wanted to serve in law-enforcement, and so he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a first step, in order to receive military police training so that he could qualify for appointment to the California Highway Patrol Academy. He served at various posts, but particularly enjoyed the time he spent at the Presidio in San Francisco. After his time in the Army, Rod received that appointment and attended the CHP Academy, receiving his badge in 1978. He reported to duty in Malibu, Calif., and wore his California Highway Patrol uniform proudly for 30 years, spending time in Malibu, Los Angeles, and ultimately Ventura, Calif., retiring from the force in 2008. Rod had high security clearance and pulled duty when various dignitaries were in Southern California, including presidential appearances, especially during the Reagan administration. Rod married Rochelle Kruse on July 30, 1983, in a beautiful ceremony at Marina del Ray in California. They had two children that were Rod s greatest pride and joy, Daniel and Felicia. Everyone that knew Rod, knew how he loved to tease, and remember that impish grin; and those that remember him as a child recall the bright freckles that he so hated as a kid! Regardless of the bumps he dealt with in life, the final being the diagnosis of Lou Gehrig s disease, Rod kept his sense of humor and enjoyment of family and friends. Even when he could no longer converse, he managed a thumbs up signal and that grin. He will be sorely missed. Rod was preceded in death by his father, Cecil Sullivan, and a brother-in-law, Richard Kruse, both in 1999; and his mother-in-law, Min Kruse, in 2008. Rod is survived by his wife Rochelle, daughter Felicia, and son Daniel, all at home in Camarillo, Calif.; his mother, May Sullivan, of Bigfork; his sister and brother-in-law, Arlene and Gary Wilson, of Great Falls; his sister-in-law and her husband, Debbie and Gary Shelford, of Thousand Oaks, Calif.; and brother-in-law and his wife, Gary and Dana Kruse, of Parker, Colo.; as well as beloved nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family, and many friends in both Montana and California. Cremation has taken place under the auspices of the Neptune Society in California. Memorial services will take place at a later date in Camarillo and Bigfork.

Marc W. Moriva, 58

Local musician Marc W. Moriva passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010, while traveling with his wife Marjory. Marc was born on March 13, 1951, in Columbus, Ohio. He graduated from Grove City High School and went on to attend college at Ohio State University. Marc was a multi-talented musician who played guitar, sax, clarinet and banjo. He played across the country in various bands and with notables such as Delbert McClinton, Glen Frey, Tower of Power, Joe Walsh and an appearance with Bruce Springsteen. In 1997 Marc and Jerry Fletcher were asked to join the cast of It Ain t Nothin But the Blues as musicians, a review which chronicled the history of the blues in song and dialogue. The play eventually ran on Broadway and was nominated for a number of Tony awards. Marc would tour with the play two more times over the next several years. Locally, Marc was well known as one of the principal players of The Fanatics who performed for many years at the Great Northern. Many will be familiar with the jingles Marc wrote and recorded in his home studio which include Able Body Shop and Gil s Got It. More recently, Marc had been performing with the Andre Floyd band and the Moriva/Fletcher Duo. In 1994, Marc met Marjory McClaren and began to experience his transformation as a player, a companion, a friend and a husband. Marc went from fitting all of his belongings into the back of a Honda Civic in 1991 to a wife, a home, a hot tub, two dogs, a cat and a mortgage, and was never happier. He exercised on a regular basis and recently had become an avid cycling enthusiast. He was on his way to a two-week vacation filled with cycling across the desert when this lifetime came to an end. Marc will be missed by so many friends and family, but none more than the music community in which he was so highly regarded. Marc was preceded in death by his father, Wayne Moriva. Marc is survived by his wife, Marjory; his mother, Monna Hilton, and her husband, Jim; and his brother, Joseph Moriva, and wife, Shelley. Also of particular importance to him were his dogs Sami and Pops, and Hazel the cat. A memorial service is planned for 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, at Shining Mountains Church, 475 Eighth Ave. EN, in Kalispell. A reception will follow. A musical celebration will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 14, at the Great Northern Bar in Whitefish. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.

County inventories surplus, undeveloped park land

Undeveloped county parks on Whitefish and Bitterroot lakes are on a short list of surplus parks the Flathead County Park Board may recommend the county sell to generate revenue for other park development.

Railroad block

Matt Guckenberg chains a fallen railroad-crossing light tower for removal Thursday afternoon in downtown Kalispell. A truck carrying a piece of logging machinery traveling south on Main Street, with a total height of 16 feet, 4 inches, struck the light tower and knocked it into the turn lane. “I’m glad no one got hurt,” Kalispell Police officer Stan Ottosen said. The accident is under investigation.

Kats take season title

Beat Polson; finish Northwestern A play at 7-1

COLUMBIA FALLS — Columbia Falls got 18 points from both Kelsey and Kayla DeWit on Thursday night as the Wildkats wrapped up the Northwestern A regular season championship with a 52-44 victory over visiting Polson.

Health study rates counties

Flathead finishes in top 10 in Montana

Flathead County ranked as the 10th healthiest county in Montana in a new study by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.

Eureka boys fall in 7B opener

LIBBY — The Lions were plagued by offensive troubles to start the District 7B boys basketball tournament as St. Ignatius dropped Eureka 47-36 in opening-round action on Thursday.

Keeping the dynasty going

Every year, other teams think they have a shot at winning the Class AA wrestling title.

Dogs upend Loggers

Silliker, Vasquez lead Whitefish on senior night

WHITEFISH — With the help of a strong supporting cast, Connor Silliker and his fellow Whitefish seniors earned one last victory lap at the Dog Pound.

B.C. mining, drilling ban a done deal

Backed by the words “Partnering to Protect Our Shared Environment,” Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer and British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell signed an agreement that bans mining and coal and gas development in the transboundary Flathead River drainage.

Hot tub encounter a little too heated

Flathead County sheriff

FVCC symposium looks to change the world

Flathead Valley Community College kicks off its 18th annual Honors Symposium Feb. 25 with lectures focusing on “How to Change the World.”

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Columbia Falls vs. Polson Girls Basketball

Stumptown Art Studio

Deklah Thomas Hill

son of Bill and Brandy Hill of Whitefish, was born Nov. 29 at North Valley Hospital.

Tavia Rose Osburn

daughter of Troy and Brandy Osburn of Eureka, was born Dec. 8 at North Valley Hospital.

Ellie Patricia Norton

daughter of Tiffany and Andrew Norton of Kalispell, was born Dec. 5 at North Valley Hospital.

Arden Berger Johnson

son of Jacob and Lisa Johnson of Columbia Falls, was born Dec. 9 at North Valley Hospital.

Jaelynn Marie Major

daughter of Ashley Rodarte and Julian Major of Columbia Falls, was born Dec. 14 at North Valley Hospital.

Sophia Marie Dunn

daughter of Ronald Allen Dunn and Sara Mae Dunn, was born Nov. 30 at North Valley Hospital.

Kaden Zane Tanner

son of Jason and Carrie Tanner of Columbia Falls, was born Dec. 4 at North Valley Hospital.

Wyatt Oliver Christiansen

son of Eric Christiansen and Carisa Demars of Kalispell, was born Nov. 30 at North Valley Hospital.

Aaliyah Ann McNeely

daughter of Shawn Baker and Justin McNeely of Kalispell, was born Dec. 15 at North Valley Hospital.

Noah Rayson Brothers

son of Kenneth Brothers and Shannon Wolleat of Eureka, was born Dec. 8 at North Valley Hospital.

Emery Keller Eash

daughter of Jesse Rumsey and Carter Eash of Columbia Falls, was born Dec. 14 at North Valley Hospital.

Gerald O. Jerry Willett, 80

Longtime Alaskan and Homer resident, Gerald O. Jerry Willett died Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, at L/V the Ark in Homer. Graveside services were held Tuesday, Feb. 9, at Hickerson Memorial Cemetery. Mr. Willett was born Jan. 8, 1930, in Park Rapid, Minn. He was a self-employed truck driver, logger, mechanic and owner/operator of the Ivery Queen Charters. He moved to Alaska in 1975 and had lived in North Pole, Alaska, before moving to Homer. Mr. Willett enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing and watching his grandchildren. Mr. Willett was preceded in death by his son, Wade; his parents, Sidney and Mary Willett; a sister, Lucille Willett; and a grandson, Joey Weyrauch. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Willett, of Homer; daughters and sons-in-law, Geri and Dave Moore of Spokane, Arlene and Cary Weyrauch of Kalispell, Mary and Matt Mattingley of Fairbanks, Alaska, and Robin and John Weymiller of Wisconsin; son, Rod Willett, of Homer; daughter-in-law, Robyn WiIIett, and husband, Mike Hamilton, of Fairbanks; grandchildren, Jerry Smith and wife Veronica of Louisiana, Mike and Bill Smith, both of Idaho, Andy Weyrauch and wife Alyssa of Vancouver, British Columbia, Christy Fix and husband Brad of Kalispell, Dena Doughtery and husband Toby, Sandy and Candy Mattingly, all of Fairbanks, Stephen Willett of Las Vegas, Bernette Parge of Montana, Mikki Hamilton of Ohio, Randi Sue Corcoran and husband Kenny of Fairbanks, and Melissa and Johnny Weymiller, both of Wisconsin; 19 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Jean DuValle, of Arizona. Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.

Hunter Allen Marsh

son of Joshua and Cheyenne Marsh of Kalispell, was born Dec. 3 at North Valley Hospital.

Jade Haili Caughey

daughter of Debra Beach and Joseph A. Caughey Jr. of Kalispell, was born Nov. 29 at North Valley Hospital.

Isaac Wayne Hull

son of David Hull Jr. and Miranda Finch of Eureka, was born Dec. 4 at North Valley Hospital.

Marsha A. Haugen Wagenhauser, 54

Marsha A. Haugen Wagenhauser rose to heaven to lay her crown at the throne of Jesus to live forever on Feb. 13, 2010. Born Aug. 5, 1955, in Hot Springs to Millard and Sylvia Sue Haugen, they moved to Columbia Falls until she graduated from Columbia Falls High School. She met Ralph Wagenhauser; they were married March 22, 1975, and together they had Ryan and Heidi whom she loved, taught and served with the wisdom and excellence that only a woman of God could accomplish. Settling in Great Falls she attended and led BSF groups and found their church home at Valley Community Bible Church where she met her beloved brothers and sisters in Christ with whom she would pray, worship and serve her Lord and Savior. Marsha continued to work at the Great Falls Clinic where she was loved and supported by all her co-workers. She will be greatly missed. She was truly a good friend who touched the lives of everyone she came in contact with. You could not help but see the light of the Father in her heart. Marsha loved family gatherings and parties. All those that knew her will love and remember her always for her jokes, laughing, and the pure joy from her love, zest for life and serving God. Even in the midst of her battle with Non-Hodgkin s lymphoma she continued to laugh and look for the beauty and chances to witness to grow the kingdom of God. Marsha leaves behind her best friend and husband, Ralph; son, Ryan, and his wife, Erica, of Seattle; daughter, Heidi, of Great Falls; sister, Arla Wilson, of Columbia Falls; brother, M.G. Sonny Haugen, and his wife, Lucy, of Great Falls; and brother, Milt Haugen, and his wife, Wanda, of Kalispell; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends who will miss her laugh, sense of humor and who can t wait to be welcomed into the arms of our Father where she will be waiting for that second hug. A celebration of Marsha s life will be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 20, at Valley Community Bible Church, 3400 Flood Road, Great Falls. A luncheon with laughter and hugs will immediately follow. She will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls, at 2 p.m. Feb. 19. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, or The American Cancer Society. From Marsha s Caring Bridge Web site: We have such a wonderful Savior who tasted death so we could taste His goodness. He left the splendor of heaven to bring us to glory and He gave His own life to give us hope for eternal life! Hallelujah! Is it any wonder we sing, Great are you Lord? Have a blessed day. Much love, Marsha

Reynold John Unger, 80

Reynold John Unger passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010, at the age of 80, at his home in Polson. He was surrounded by family, and died peacefully after battling cancer. He was born Jan. 22, 1930, in Poplar, the fourth of six children to John and Minnie Unger. Reynold graduated from Savage High School 1947. In 1954 he married Sylvia Joanne Martinson in Kalispell. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956 and was stationed in Germany. After discharge from the Army, he returned to ranching in Polson and later continued ranching in Plains, Huntington, Ore., and Vale, Ore. In 2001 he returned to Polson to retire. Reynold enjoyed visiting with family and friends, fishing, playing pinochle, traveling, and he always had a joke to tell. He had a lifelong interest in 4-H that started in childhood and continued throughout his ranching life. He was also a member of the American Legion and VFW. His faith in God was the center of his life and he was active in the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church as a council member and an elder for over 50 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Minnie Unger; and brother, Lawrence Unger. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sylvia Joanne Unger; and five children, Elaine and Bill McLean, Karen Nunn, John and Sandra Unger, Paul and Kristen Unger, and Sandy and Tim Webb; three sisters, Marie Leivestad of Cartwright, N.D., Martha Kroemer of Billings, and Rosalia Skaar of Sidney; a brother, Edward, and JoMay Unger, of Polson; along with 16 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, aunts, nieces and nephews. Visitation for friends and family will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, at Grogan Funeral Home in Polson. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, with Rev. M. Kaarre officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, 1608 Second Ave. W., Polson, MT 59860; or Partners Home Care, www.partnershomecare.org. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff at Grogan Funeral Home, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for the family of Mr. Unger.

Noelle Grace Thomas

daughter of John and Christie Thomas of Kalispell, was born Dec. 10 at North Valley Hospital.

Three brothers hurt in pickup rollover

A teenager escaped injury when he was thrown from a vehicle as it rolled twice during a Wednesday morning crash near Bigfork.

Vikings right ship in Bigfork

New coach, new attitude has Bigfork ranked, rolling

To hear the story now, of how the Bigfork boys basketball program went from rags to riches faster than Cinderella, it almost sounds like a tall tale.

Limits on deer hunt approved

It’s settled: Whitetail deer hunting will be limited to bucks only in Northwest Montana for the next two years.

Wrong-way driver avoids crashes

Traveling more than 70 miles per hour, a truck speeding the wrong way up U.S. 2 zoomed through a crowded intersection Tuesday evening, narrowly missing cars and poles.

Angler shatters pygmy whitefish record

Kalispell angler Russ Geldrich has caught a new state record pygmy whitefish.

Columbia Falls aims to build new arch

Columbia Falls’ arch across Nucleus Avenue near U.S. 2 might emerge from old-time photo albums and back into reality later this year.

Daybook

Today

Don't rush gill-netting plan

It appears the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are dead set on gill netting lake trout from Flathead Lake, but the public should be demanding the highest degree of scrutiny before this endeavor ever begins.

Musher nears end of 1,000-mile race

After more than 10 days on the trail, Olney musher Katie Davis is 23rd out of 25 mushers in the 1,000-mile Yukon Quest sled dog race.

City puts lid on marijuana businesses

Kalispell council OKs 90-day moratorium

The Kalispell City Council voted 8-1 Tuesday night for a 90-day moratorium on new medical marijuana businesses in the city.

Vals streak into 7B tourney

While the Bigfork boys basketball team has been the turnaround story of the season, the Bigfork girls have been back to business as usual.

February fishing

Gary Frey of Whitefish fishes for rainbow trout on the South Fork of the Flathead River near Hungry Horse.

Death threats made over vehicle

Kalispell police

Dancing 101

BHS Boys Bball Practice Wide Scoop

BHS Boys Bball Coach La Mott

BHS Boys Bball Practice

Recession Expression with the Alpine Weavers and Spinners

Bald Eagle Sighting

February fishing

Kalispell OKs marijuana moratorium

The Kalispell City Council voted 8-1 on Tuesday to impose a 90-day moratorium on new medical marijuana businesses in the city.

Vivian Pearl (Hartwig) Woods, 81

Vivian Pearl (Hartwig) Woods, 81, passed away on Monday, Feb. 15, 2010, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. She was born on Nov. 1, 1928, in Beulah, N.D., the daughter of Albert and Emma (Martin) Hartwig. Vivian was married to John H. Woods on Dec. 18, 1948. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, John Woods. Vivian is survived by three daughters, Denise Brewer of Kalispell, Laura Poirier of Union, Neb., and Teresa Johnson of Hephzbah, Ga.; and three sons, Larry Woods of Great Falls, Pat Woods of Great Falls, and Dennis Woods of Helena. Memorial services for Vivian will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 19, at the First Presbyterian Church. The family suggest donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 540 S. Main St., Kalispell, MT 59901. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Vivian s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Vivian s tribute wall.

Max Louis Greenough, 67

On Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010, after a valiant two and a half year challenge with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Max Louis Greenough, 67, of Condon, left his earthly body to pass peacefully into eternal life, surrounded by loving family and friends. Born in Enterprise, Ore., on Feb. 2, 1943, Max was a logger most of his adult life but made adjustments later on that allowed him to contract any kind of work that could be done with a TD-8 Cat, chainsaw, skidder, front-end loader, link belt and dump truck. His handshake and his word were his contracts. He was a true steward of the land. A gifted sportsman, he loved to hunt, fish and target shoot " hobbies that often led to many I ll bet yous with his closests friends. Max would never hesitate to lend a helping hand. His large stature was matched only by the size and kindness of his heart. He was also an avid reader and historian, often engaging in lengthy discussions concerning wars, past and present, politics, sports or current events. He seldom touted his national heritage; he was simply an American. Max served his country in the 82nd Army Airborne as a rigger, from 1960 to 1963. He was a life member of American Legion Post 63 and the NRA. He would zealously defend what he believed was right and was never afraid to bend his elbow to toast his comrades. Max was preceded in death by his parents, Darryl and Gertrude (Buchanan) Greenough; sister, LaVerne Gilliam Gil ; and several aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife, Elda, Ellie, of 30 years, at the family home in Condon; brother, Jerry, in Seeley Lake; daughters, Valerie of Portland, Jonna of Coeur d Alene, Idaho, and Jenny Hanson and Travis, of Kimberly, Idaho; 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his three faithful German shepherds. There will be a memorial at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Condon Community Church, and a celebration of life at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 21, at the Hungry Bear Steak House. Cremation has taken place. Family members will scatter ashes at a later date. Cremation & Burial Society of the Rockies assisted the family with arrangements.

Irene E. (Deranleau) McLaughlin, 88

Irene E. (Deranleau) McLaughlin, 88, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010, at the Brendan House in Kalispell. Irene was born Dec. 10, 1921, in Boyes, Powder River County, Mont., to Philip and Laura Deranleau, formerly of Quebec Province. Respect, honesty, love and determination were a part of Irene s mantra for life, and the last four years took all of these qualities and resolve as she dealt with a series of cancer episodes. Three Deranleau brothers settled in southeastern Montana and farmed on adjacent land. The family spoke Quebecois. Irene learned English at a Catholic boarding school where she was sent when her mother was treated for tuberculosis. To know Irene was to know that her iron will, strength of character, tenacity and love for adventure fashioned her personality. She and her horse, Lady, survived a lightning strike and she claimed they survived since her large work horse was unshod. There were numerous trials during the Depression, including a cricket plague that destroyed the family s crops and means to feed their livestock. They were forced to walk away from the farm. They took refuge in Polson, where Irene attended one year of high school. They returned to the Plains and Irene graduated high school at Simms. Known for her interesting sense of timing, days before her graduation, Irene set out on her horse and rode to the top of Square Butte near Great Falls. The day was sunny and hot. To her mother s dismay, Irene and her horse returned with severe sunburn and she almost missed her graduation ceremony. Irene s next years and jobs took her from the Montana plains to California, and finally to Kalispell. After graduation, she moved to Compton and lived with her favorite aunt and learned about the Big City. She was proud to say that she was a Rosie Riveter and worked on C-class cargo planes until the end of World War II. After the war, she trained with Western Union as a bookkeeper, working in Los Angeles. She thought this would be her job for life. However, fate intervened and she was summoned to Kalispell to take care of her parents. She arrived March 19, 1946. Another search for work was on. She was hired at the new F.A. Buttrey Co. and within months, was in charge of ready-to-wear. She was so proud that this job helped her purchase her parents home in Kalispell. Irene s life took a romantic turn. During the next year she had her eye on a single man who attended St. Matthew s Church and apparently, the interest was mutual. On Aug. 5, 1947, Irene married Joseph P. McLaughlin, pharmacist and co-owner of MacMillan Drug Co. It wasn t the flu that laid her up in 1948, it was the birth of Irene and Joe s only child, Patricia. Irene became involved with education and her daughter s direction. Once Patricia started first grade at the old St. Matthew s grade school, Irene couldn t wait to take the annual pictures and chronicled the students until their eighth grade graduation in 1962. Additionally, she accepted the challenge to guide the Brownie and Girl Scout crew from 1956 to 1962. Eventually, there were 40 girls. Irene learned about the upcoming 1962 World s Fair in Seattle and she had a goal: The girls would earn their way, and they started in 1960. In spite of all who doubted, Irene and all her girls were determined. With grit and creativity, they developed projects, solicited businesses and succeeded. Under Irene s leadership, girls who had never been out of the city saw and experienced a once-in-a-lifetime week in Seattle. Irene considered travel and gardening as her main hobbies. As a traveler, she was proud to have driven from border to border and coast to coast in the U.S. and Canada. One of her favorite excursions was to drive the nuns of St. Matthew s to Glacier Park and to Canada on a one-day adventure. Eventually, she was thrilled to travel with friends to Europe and Hawaii. Joe McLaughlin died Oct.1, 1970, after a two-year battle with ALS, Lou Gehrig s disease. At that time, medical assistance and Hospice weren t available. Determined and courageous, Irene struggled to accommodate Joe s needs alone, until Patricia graduated from Gonzaga University in 1970. They worked together to make Joe s life more bearable. After Joe died, Irene, considering herself a lifelong mate, lived alone and independently until her death. In 1982, Irene returned to work. Her first was at Job Service and then at the Retired Senior Volunteer Program as a part-time RSVP coordinator, where she worked for over seven years. One of the most enjoyable RSVP activities included her 24 years as a member of the Sunshine Choir. She loved to sing and added more of her strong tones to the St. Matthew s choir. Irene enjoyed serving others and looked forward to working on the Chamber of Commerce newsletter. It was a time to socialize and eat pizza with her friends. Highlights of her later years include the time she would spend with friends after singing. She loved to visit and drink coffee at Sykes Grocery. Folks noted Irene s lovability. Irene was a member of St. Matthew s Parish and a past regent of the Daughters of Isabella. Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Laura and Philip Deranleau; her husband, Joseph P. McLaughlin; and her sister, Rose Johnson. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia McLaughlin, and husband, Glenn Violette, of Whitefish; and grandson, Porter Dassenko, and Anita, and great-granddaughters, Bridget and Natasha, all of Belgrade. Additionally she is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 19, at St. Matthew s Catholic Church, and interment will be at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. A rosary service will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 18, in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel. Irene preferred that you send donations to Brendan House and was grateful to all of the care givers and doctors who had treated her for the last four years. Additionally, she thanked the considerate nursing staff at Kalispell Regional Medical Center and Brendan House for their special care for her needs over the years, and especially since Feb. 1. To live with and understand Irene, you need to know that with class and courage, she defied whatever looked like defeat. She challenged her friends and family to live the same way. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Irene s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Irene s tribute wall.

Nancy Elliot Ford, 89

Nancy Ford passed away on Feb.14, 2010, at her home in Westpark Village in Billings. She was two weeks shy of her 90th birthday. Nancy was born on Feb. 29, 1920, in Kalispell, to Evelyn and Thomas Elliot. Since she was a Leap Year baby, her parents would have elaborate birthday parties for her every four years that would be written up in the local paper. She was the Elliot s fourth child and was born much later than her siblings. There were 16 years between her and her oldest brother. One of her fondest memories was when she was 16 and her brother was old enough to take her to the World s Fair in Chicago without her parents. Nancy was schooled in the Kalispell public school system. She attended Carleton College in Minnesota for two years. Wanting a change, she then transferred to the University of Washington, where she graduated in 1942 with a degree in English. During her college years she was a member of Gamma Phi sorority. At the University of Washington, Nancy met the man who would be her husband for 65 years, Jack Ford. They were married in Kalispell in June of 1942. After their wedding, they lived in Seattle and worked for Boeing until Jack joined the Army during World War II. When they were stationed in Grass Valley, Calif., in 1945 their first daughter, Jean, was born. After the war, Nancy and Jack returned to Montana, settling in Billings where Jack managed Elliot s Furniture. In 1951, their second daughter, Deborah, was born. Even though the family lived in Billings, strong ties were always maintained with the Kalispell area, as summer vacations were spent at the Elliot family home on Flathead Lake. Nancy worked as a secretary for the Billings Girl Scout Council for over 10 years. After quitting that job she volunteered for 10 years as a Pink Lady at The Billings Clinic (then Deaconess Hospital). She was active in the First Congregational Church where she was a member for over 50 years, playing the piano for the Sunday school classes and doing other church work. Nancy was also a longtime member of P.E.O. Chapter E in Billings. She enjoyed playing bridge and was a member of two bridge clubs over the years. Nancy enjoyed theater and held season tickets at Alberta Bair Theater for many years. Nancy was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two brothers; and one sister. She is survived by her daughter, Jean Dove, of Billings; her daughter, Deborah Powell, and David, of Billings; her grandson, Jim Powell, and Gloria, of Billings; two great-grandchildren, Daniel and Stephanie Powell, of Billings; and one nephew, Jeffrey Elliot, of New York. Nancy was a great support to her daughters over her life and she will be greatly missed. Per Nancy s request, no service is planned. A reception in Nancy s honor will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at the Billings Petroleum Club, 22nd floor of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Cremation has taken place and interment will take place at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell at a later date. Memorials may be made to Alberta Bair Theater, P.O. Box 1556, Billings, MT 59103; or to the charity of your choice. Nancy s family would like to thank Irene and the rest of the staff at Westpark Village for the care they gave during this difficult time. Also, thanks to Dr. Gerstner who cared for Nancy for many years and to Rocky Mountain Hospice. Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements and remembrances may be left for the family at www.michelottisawyers.com.

Billie J. (Jackson) Brown, 87

Billie J. Brown, a longtime resident of Kalispell, was taken home Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home, surrounded by her family, after a long battle with cancer. She was born April 4, 1922, in Pauls Valley, Okla., to Vester and Rose Jackson. Billie received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Oklahoma where she majored in piano, minored in percussion, and performed in the UO marching band. As a UO junior, she scored first in a nationwide English exam. In 1945, she met and married Vernon Brown in Oklahoma City. The couple relocated to Burbank, Calif., where she worked for the aerospace industry firm McDonald-Douglas, and later in a photo studio doing photo retouching and serving as a model. The couple moved to Kalispell in 1949, where she worked as a private music teacher for over four decades, instructing hundreds of local music students in piano and percussion. Always an advocate for continuing education, in 1977 Billie helped start the Kalispell Area Music Teachers Association; she was certified by the Montana State Music Teachers Association the same year. She was also a founding member of the local community symphony orchestra that predated by two decades the current symphony, and performed in a variety of jazz and popular music groups. She will be remembered for her strong independent streak, affection for animals, love of music, and her optimistic spirit. Billie was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Vester Jackson Jr. and Ed Jackson. She leaves behind two daughters, Diane Hansen and her husband, Nick, of Dayton, and Marcy Holston and her husband, Mark, of Kalispell; a son, Gary Brown, of South Carolina; grandchildren, Darren Hall and his wife, Carly, of Somers, Chris Hall of Kalispell, Kari Bradley and her husband, Sean, of Kalispell, Ben Brown, Jessica Brown and Levi Brown; several great-grandchildren; and many friends. A visitation will take place from 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, at the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. A memorial service, officiated by Pastor Kathie Larson Phillips, is planned for 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home. Memorial gifts may be made to the Humane Society of Northwest Montana, P.O. Box 221, Kalispell, MT 59903. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Alvin Ellsworth Tillson, 89

Alvin Ellsworth Tillson, 89, passed away on Friday, Feb. 12, 2010, at the North Valley Hospital in Whitefish. He was born on Jan. 31, 1921, in Missoula to George E. and Elizabeth M. (Peugh) Tillson. The family farmed at Toston until 1924, when they moved to the Flathead Valley off what is now LaBrant Road, and later moving to the Parker Brothers Ranch. Alvin attended Echo School and Bigfork High School, graduating in 1938. He participated in football, basketball and track. He worked during those years for the Parker Brothers, and cut Christmas Trees and did other woods work also. Alvin moved to Missoula and lived with his grandparents and became a glazier. He entered the Navy during World War II and served as an aviation machinist s mate, second class on lighter-than-air aircraft, patrolling the U.S. East Coast for enemy submarines. He was honorably discharged Dec. 2, 1945. He worked for Peter Kewitt and Sons at Point Barrow, Alaska, and Thule, Greenland. He then settled in northern Michigan for a short time. He met his bride-to-be through mutual friends, and he and Caroline Callie Hartman of Cook, Minn., were married May 5, 1956. They lived on Lake Blaine near Kalispell, where he built their home and later bought a neighboring house and rebuilt it where they resided for many years. He was a master carpenter and worked for Collins Construction where he built stores, apartment houses, schools and banks around the state. He built a house in Kalispell and later moved to a ranch at Trego to be near and care for his parents. After their death, he and Callie built a house on Glen Lake Road at Eureka. Callie died Nov. 22, 1992. He continued to live there until his death. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his brother, Charles; and his aunt, Eva Chaffey. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Alice Tillson, of Kalispell; his niece, Sandra Inouye, and husband, Roger, of Lake Tapps, Wash., and her son, Tom Hendricksen, of Seattle, and daughter, Lara McDonnell, and husband, Tony, and her son, Andrew, and daughter, Sarah, all of Kalispell; his cousins, Ted Chaffey and family of Lake Blaine, and Karen Budds and family of Temecula, Calif.; also his dearest friend of 75 years, Fred Heim, of Whitefish. Funeral services for Alvin will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 18, in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Ron Pierce officiating. Burial will be in the Glacier Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials by made to the Tobacco Valley Food Bank, or the Flathead Food Bank; or the donor s choice. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Alvin s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Alvin s tribute wall.

Michael Craig Moore, 54

Michael Craig Moore, 54, was called home to the Lord, on Monday, Feb. 8, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. He was born on June 16, 1955, in Dallas. He spent his early years flying in a helicopter with his dad in Louisiana, Puerto Rico, California, Oregon and Alaska. His high school and college years were spent in southern California, where he graduated with a degree in construction technology. He developed an early love of music which never left him. He was accomplished on the organ, keyboard, drums and guitar. Michael moved his family to the Kalispell area in 2002. He had fallen in love with the valley during a vacation at age 16. He was preceded in death by his father, William Moore. Michael is survived by his wife of 15 years, Mary Moore, and mother, Wanda Bears, both of Kalispell; and daughters, Jessica Moore of Mission Viejo, Calif., and Rebecca Moore of Kalispell. He also leaves behind stepdaughter, Rachel Green, stepson, Russell Green, and his wife, Karlee, and their daughter, Dallas, all of Kalispell. Memorial services for Michael will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kalispell. The family suggest any memorial contributions be sent to the Kalispell Veterans Pantry, in Michael s name.

Firm's founder shares business lessons

‘You just have to take it one day at a time’

Semitool founder Ray Thompson has weathered his share of economic ups and downs, including the time he reduced his work force from 220 employees to a skeleton crew of just 19 to survive a particularly difficult time.

Daybook

Today

Speakers qualify for national competition

Eleven Flathead Valley high school students won spots at the National Forensic League national tournament after performing well at the district speech and debate meet in Missoula on Saturday.

Land-use case costs county $1 million

Road work could send price tag even higher

Flathead County will pay $1 million in cash to settle a land-use lawsuit filed against the county by developers of the North Shore Ranch subdivision near Somers.

Whitefish marijuana law ready for review

Planning Board gets first look at draft Thursday

A draft ordinance that maps out where to put medical marijuana dispensaries in Whitefish is ready for review Thursday at a Whitefish City-County Planning Board work session.

Students will have to raise money for trip

Speech and debate competition is over for most Flathead Valley high school students, but for the 11 who will compete at the National Forensic League national tournament in June, the hard work is just beginning.

Loggers hand Wildkats rare loss

Mee scores 29 in final home game

LIBBY — Jackie Mee’s last basketball game in the Libby High gym was like so many before it.

Low-speed ATV chase ends in escape

Flathead County sheriff

Semitool founder Ray Thompson at Kalispell Chamber luncheon

Raymond B. Nockleby, 94

Raymond B. Nockleby, 94, a resident of the Kalispell area for more than 50 years, died Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010, at Immanuel Lutheran Home. Born May 5, 1915, in Russell, N.D., to Renhard Nockleby and Lydia Schultz Nockleby, Ray spent the early years of his life helping his mother cope with his father Renhard s illness and eventual death from tuberculosis, which his father had contracted in the wake of the great flu outbreak of 1918-19. The family eventually relocated to Fergus Falls, Minn., where Ray graduated from high school, and where his stepfather, Otto Nockleby, operated the family farm. Ray attended a technical institute in Chicago and worked in the defense industry during World War II in Minneapolis, where he first met and later married the love of his life, Evelyn Bjorge, who was then working at the Lutheran Church headquarters. Ray and Evelyn married on June 30, 1945, in Circle and began a partnership with Evelyn s parents on the family farm 20 miles north of Circle. In 1948, Ray and Evelyn moved their young family to suburban Portland, where Ray took a job as a draftsman with the Bingham Pump Company. In 1959, having been impressed with the beauty of the Flathead and wanting to rear their five young boys on a family-owned farm, Ray and Evelyn moved to the Helena Flats area and operated a family farm for many years. Ray was elected to the school board of Helena Flats in the early 1960s, and was re-elected an additional term, and served as chairman of the school board during a period in which the school doubled in size. A lifelong Lutheran, Ray served on the church council and building committee of Calvary Lutheran Church in Evergreen during a major expansion begun under Pastor Rodney Kvamme in 1966. Ray was also a lifelong supporter of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, which had touched his life in Minneapolis and Portland days. Ray was a quiet but thoughtful inventor of mechanical products. He developed several hand and garden tools, and holds four patents. His drawings are precise and his tools are ingenious. In their retirement years beginning in 1982, trips to Arizona and travels throughout the U.S. to visit their sons and their families was a source of joy and fulfillment for both Ray and Evelyn. Ray was preceded in death by his father, in 1923; his mother, in 1962; as well as his two younger sisters, Nellie and Aldine. Ray is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Evelyn, and by his five sons, Brian, an insurance lawyer in Silver Spring, Md., and his wife Belinda; Robert, an area representative for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, in Lakeside, and his wife Kathy; Donald, a neuropsychologist in Austin, Texas, and Phoenix, and his wife Jo Ann; Paul, an editor and publisher in St. Paul, Minn., and his wife Kathleen; and John, a professor of law at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, and his wife Lucie; and by nine grandchildren. A service for Raymond will be held at 2 p.m. today, Feb. 16, at Northridge Lutheran Church in Kalispell, with reception following at Buffalo Hill Terrace. Memorials to Raymond B. Nockleby may be directed to The Chapel Fund, Buffalo Hill Terrace, 40 Claremont Street, Kalispell, MT 59901; or to The Campership Fund, Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp, 603 Main Street, Kalispell, MT 59901. To send condolences please go to the Web site, www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Howard W. Sampson, 73

Howard W. Sampson, 73, passed away on Friday, Feb. 12, 2010, at Benefis East Hospital in Great Falls. Howard was born Nov. 14, 1936, in Fort Peck, to Floyd and Florence (Knapp) Sampson. He worked for 32 years as a truck driver for Columbia Falls Aluminum Company. He is survived by his wife, Gwen Sampson; son, Michael Sampson of North Pole, Alaska, son, Todd Sampson, and daughter, Cheri Dasenbrook, both of Kalispell; two brothers, Tom Sampson of Baker, and Kenneth Sampson of Kalispell; grandchildren, Kimberly, Brian, Stacia, Emily, Sean and Katie; one great-grandson, Michael. Family services will be held at a later date. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.

Lakeisha Dawn Thibault, 19

Lakeisha Dawn Thibault, 19, died on Friday, Feb. 12, 2010, near Columbia Falls. She was born on July 9, 1990, in Libby, the daughter of John Thibault and Daphne Bates. Lakeisha loved her family and daughter very much and loved all animals. She loved to draw and write stories, and enjoyed the outdoors and reading. She was a free spirit. Survivors include her daughter, Rhylie Thibault, of Eureka; her parents, John and Carrie Thibault of Eureka, and Daphne Bates and Bito Hermosura of Hawaii; four brothers, Tim Olson, Dalton Thibault and Raini Gwin of Eureka, and Kaheau Bates-Hermosura of Hawaii; three sisters, Alex Overman and Raven Gwin of Anaconda, and Darienne Thibault of Portland; maternal grandparents, Dwayne Bates of Zolfo Springs, Fla., Margo Hunter and Kirk Ogrin of Bigfork; paternal grandparents, Melody and Almus Casey of Eureka, and Marvin Thibault of Northstar, Alberta; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, at the Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Eureka. Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, at the Chapel of Praise in Eureka. In remembrance of Lakeisha, memorials may be made to First Interstate Bank in Eureka to John and Carrie Thibault, for Rhylie and for funeral costs. The family requests that people attending her funeral please wear pink if possible, as Lakeisha s favorite color was pink.

Tester mill tour

Subdivision activity continues downward spiral

Flathead County subdivision activity continued a recession-induced decline in 2009, with a 40 percent drop in the number of preliminary plat applications approved.

Local woman still feeling fine at age 100

Ivamay DiGiovanni’s friends describe her as 100, going on 60.

County to Tester: We need jobs

Sen. Jon Tester heard comments Monday on banking, construction, health care, forestry and other sectors of the local economy, all with a main theme — the need for more jobs.

Study: Keep 55 mph at Fairmont Road

A new traffic study for Montana 35 recommends keeping the speed limit at 55 mph through the intersection with Fairmont Road.

Man hit son with pepper spray

After a man called dispatchers to report that he had just pepper sprayed his son, Kalispell Police went to the Windriver Drive residence and arrested the son, 18, for partner-family member assault early Monday.

Daybook

Today

Young victim of U.S. 2 crash named

The 19-year-old Eureka woman who died in a two-vehicle crash on U.S. 2 north of Kalispell last week has been identified as Lakeisha Dawn Thibault by the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.

Gathering designed to capitalize on park's 100th

Government, business and cultural leaders will join for a roundtable discussion Friday on how to help the Flathead economy grow while waiting for traditional industries to recover.

Tester looks at Biomass options at Stoltze

Braden Lukas Thacker

son of Robyn Craft and Luke Thacker of Whitefish, was born Nov. 26 at North Valley Hospital.

Brecken John Thorn

son of John and Jill Thorn of Lakeside, was born Nov. 27 at North Valley Hospital.

Wyatt Paul Knox

son of Dustin and Kendall Knox of Kalispell, was born Nov. 26 at North Valley Hospital.

Johnathan Eli-Gene Wood

son of Evalina Lay-White and Taylor Wood of Eureka, was born Nov. 25 at North Valley Hospital.

Izak Lee Emmert

son of Joshua and Alane Emmert of Kalispell, was born Nov. 24 at North Valley Hospital.

Ruth Ellen Davis, 75

Ruth Ellen Davis, 75, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010, at her residence in Kalispell. She was born on Sept. 2, 1934, in Elk River, Minn., the daughter of Andrew and Olive (Stimson) Davis. She was the youngest of six children. Although born in Minnesota, her maternal grandparents homesteaded in Pablo in 1917, and family members regularly visited Montana often as runaways. She graduated from Elk River High School in 1951, then graduated from the University of Montana in 1960 and from Arizona State University with a master s in social work in 1967. Ruth began work at the Flathead County Welfare Department in 1967, working as a social worker, supervisor and then director of the office for 20 years before retiring in 1993. She belonged to the Flathead Valley United Church of Christ, which is newly renamed Congregational United Church of Christ, an open and affirming church that welcomes everyone. She was also a member of the Northwest Montana Accordion Association. Ruth believes that she was given the gift of this great community and state. She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Olive Davis, and an older sister Marion Kaye Davis. She is survived by brothers Orrin Bud Davis and wife Catherine of Lake Park, Minn., Gordon Davis and wife Nona of Princeton, Minn., Richard Davis and wife Ann of Monticello, Minn., and Andrew Davis and wife Marian of McGregor, Minn.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial services for Ruth will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Urn burial will be at a later date. The family suggests any memorial contributions be sent to the Whitefish Music School, 432 Spokane Ave., Whitefish, MT 59937, or the Flathead County Animal Shelter, 225 Cemetery Road, Kalispell, MT 59901. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Ruth s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Ruth s tribute wall.

Aubrey Anna Lanegan

daughter of Joseph and Stephanie Lanegan of Kalispell, was born Nov. 27 at North Valley Hospital.

Three graduate from first DUI Court

The first graduates of Kalispell’s DUI Court celebrated an end to their yearlong program and a new outlook on life during a ceremony Monday night.

Law roundup

How big were those tennis shoes? Whitefish police had to call the fire department, which had to call Flathead Electric Cooperative to fix a power line at Fourth and Central that was only three or four feet off the ground. Somebody had thrown a pair of laced-together shoes over the line.

Monday Daybook

Today

MSU president fights for higher education

New Montana State University President Waded Cruzado has discovered the fierce loyalties of Cats versus Griz, but she sees nothing but solidarity in their missions.

Edna Lee Groshong, 94

Edna Lee Groshong, 94, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010, at the Heritage Place in Kalispell. She was born July 22, 1915, in Belfield, N.D., the daughter of Ernest and Nora (Drake) McAdams. She trained for nursing at Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, Ore., becoming certified in 1946. She met Chester Groshong and she was 33 years old when they were married. Her only son Bruce was born in 1951 in Spokane. They moved to Whitefish, where Edna became head nurse. She was a nurse for 51 years, retiring at 81 years old in northeast Portland, from Woodland Park Hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband, Chester, in 1976; three sisters, Mabel, Doris and Inez; and her only brother, Orville. She is survived by her son, Bruce Groshong, and his family, of Spokane; stepsons, James Groshong of Spokane, and Fred Groshong of Salem, Ore.; stepdaughters, Bonnie Groshong of Billings, and Jane Haines of Missoula; a sister, Betty Kinniburgh, of Kalispell; 13 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. Graveside services for Edna will be held at a later date in Portland. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor s choice and sent to Bruce Groshong, 1519 E. Sharpsburg Ave., Spokane, WA 99217. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Edna s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Edna s tribute wall.

Lanelle Sliger Smith

Lanelle Sliger Smith passed on Feb. 10, 2010, surrounded by her family at her home in Bigfork, of acute leukemia. She grew up in Madisonville, Tenn., and was the daughter of Daily C. and Greta Sliger. Lanelle enjoyed playing the piano and the clarinet and was part of the high school band. She graduated from Hiwassee College. On Aug. 23, 1959, she and Stanton E. Smith Jr. were married in her hometown. Twenty-five years later, her daughter Elizabeth married Paul Siblerud in the same church with the same pastor. Stan and Lanelle had two children, Elizabeth and Stan III. They lived in Atlanta, Greensboro, N.C., and then Southern California. After retirement, they moved to Montana to be near their beloved grandchildren. Lanelle was a member of PEO and DAR. She was also an avid bridge player and enjoyed playing several times a week with her wonderful friends. This past March, her husband Stan, died of lung cancer five months prior to their 50th wedding anniversary. Lanelle was preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother; sister, Elizabeth; and nephew, Jim Scott. She is survived by her son, Stan, of Atlanta; daughter, Elizabeth, and son-in-law, Paul Siblerud, of Creston, and their children, Rachel, Jeremy and Leah; sister, Allene, and her husband, Robert A. Scott, of Madisonville, Tenn.; and nephews, Robert, and Allen and his wife, Mary Jo, and their families. Funeral services for Lanelle will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, at the Community United Methodist Church in Bigfork. A private family burial will follow. Memorials may be made to Home Options Hospice, 430 Windward Way, Kalispell, MT 59901; or a charity of choice. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Lanelle s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Lanelle s tribute wall.

Lenore Lee Landwehr, 82

Lenore Lee Landwehr, 82, passed away peacefully on Feb. 12, 2010, at Heritage Place in Kalispell. She was born Jan. 19, 1928, to Palmer and Ethel Johnson in Aberdeen, S.D. Lee attended school in Washington. She was married to Leonard Lefty Landwehr on Aug. 21, 1944, in Coulee Dam, Wash., then moved to Kalispell, where she spent the rest of her life surrounded by family and friends. She was the ultimate caregiver and family was always number one. There was no one that she wouldn t help. She was known by many as Grandma Lee. Many thanks go to Aunt Theresa Landwehr, who has unceasingly written words of encouragement to her for the last four years. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for her thoughtfulness. Lenore was preceded in death by husband, Leonard Lefty Landwehr; mother, Ethel Johnson; and father, Palmer Johnson; brother, Don Johnson; and sisters, Ardele and Marvel. She is survived by daughter, Shiela Fleming, and husband, James, of Kalispell; grandchildren, Tim Schuldheiss and wife, Sandi, of Kalispell, Amy Bennett and husband, Grady, of Kalispell, and Darren Schuldheiss and wife, Jordan, of Seattle; and great-grandchildren, Logan and Katie Schuldheiss of Kalispell; and Reegan, Briahna and Hailee Bennett, also of Kalispell. She also leaves behind a special granddog, Quincy. There will be no funeral at her request, but a private family gathering is set for a later date. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Lenore s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Lenore s tribute wall.

Beverly Ann Sankovic, 81

Beverly Ann Sankovic, 81, passed away on Friday, Feb. 12, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. She was born on Aug. 2, 1928, in Sanish, N.D., to August and Leota (Peterson) Meyers. Bev grew up in Sanish, a town of about 500 residents. Her mother was a stay-at-home mom on the farm. Her father was a farmer and eventually became a traveling office supply salesman. She was the fourth of six children in the family that included three older sisters, a younger brother and a younger sister. Bev attended grades 1-12 at the school in town which was about two miles from the farm house where she was raised. As a child growing up on a farm, Bev was expected to help with the morning chores before leaving for school. The chores consisted of milking the cows, separating the milk and feeding the pigs. Often the temperature in North Dakota got below zero, making the walk to school a bit of a challenge. These extreme conditions cause her to become quite creative in the effort to fight the cold. She found that scarves would freeze to their faces, so Bev and her siblings would place a cardboard box over their head for some protection. Prior to her move from North Dakota to Montana, Bev got a teaching degree at Minot State Teacher s College in Minot, N.D. After the move to Montana she was a teacher for one year at a small school (Boorman School). Bev married Joe Sankovic on Nov. 6, 1972, in Couer d Alene, Idaho. They enjoyed more than 35 years together. Her friends and family will so miss the sick presents, her famous potato salad and meatballs, which are a sure bet she would be invited to parties if she brought them. Her perseverance showed by raising three daughters alone and working two full-time jobs. She was the epitome of a role model. She worked as a credit and customer service representative for Pacific Power and Light, as well as in a real estate office, and then she would go to work at Hennessy s from six in the evening until the early hours of the morning. Bev was a member of the First Baptist Church in Kalispell, as well as a board member of Energy Share. To quote Bev, My humble advice and message for the younger generation would be to work as long as you possibly can, listen to and take heed of what your elders have to say for they can be great mentors. I urge you, above all, to love and take care of eachother. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Sankovic; her parents; two sisters, Betty Dinwoodie and Ardelle Sorenson; and her in-laws, Clark and Evelyn Mason. She is survived by her three daughters, Patty Fisher and husband, Phil, and Pam Berry and husband, Buzz, of Kalispell, and Paula Mattern and husband, Brian, of Olney; stepdaughter, Ruth Greco, of New Jersey; stepson, Michael Sankovic, of Hawaii; 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Larry Meyers, of Washington; sisters, Marilyn Ellingson and Sharon Driscoll, both of Washington; as well as wonderful and supportive friends too numerous to name. Funeral services for Bev will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, at the First Baptist Church, 301 W. Wyoming, in Kalispell, with Pastor Jim Sandholt officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to noon Monday at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to Energy Share; The Montana Heart Fund, 600 Central Plaza No. 304, Great Falls, MT 59401; or the First Baptist Church, 301 Wyoming, Kalispell, MT 59901. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Bev s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Bev s tribute wall.

Norman MacGregor Mac Rugheimer, 79

Norman MacGregor Mac Rugheimer, Ph.D., 79, formerly of Kalispell and Bozeman, died peacefully in his sleep on Feb. 4, 2010, at home with his daughter Sarah and son-in-law Christian Schmid, in Cambridge, Mass. Mac was born in Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 10, 1930, as the only child of Norman and Helen Rugheimer. At the young age of 16, he began university at the College of Charleston and went on to earn his Ph.D. in physics from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. In 1964, he started teaching physics and mathematics in Bozeman at Montana State University, and became assistant dean of the College of Letters and Science at MSU. Despite his many accomplishments, he preferred to be called Mac rather than Dr. His passion for holography " three-dimensional photography with lasers " brought him a patent and the opportunity to travel the world, sharing his love of science with students everywhere. Even after retirement, Mac took his holographic road show to high schools, inspiring additional generations. Thousands of his students exclaimed, Mac is the best teacher I ever had! Mac eventually relocated to Kalispell where he dedicated his time and interests to Bible study, learning Hebrew, and his church communities. In his later years, Mac resided at Greenwood Village Assisted Living, supported by the attentive staff and owners. Right until the end, he exercised regularly at The Summit, making many friends and inspiring people who knew him with his dedication, optimism, and cheerful smile. Mac is survived by two sons, Peter and wife Lynn, and Paul and wife Stacey; two daughters, Mary Wictor and husband Johan, and Sarah Rugheimer and husband Christian Schmid; former wives, Hallie and Linda; and five grandsons, Erik, Alexander, Levi, Jackson and Nathan. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20, at the United Methodist Church in Columbia Falls; and at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 18, at the Evangelical Free Church in Bozeman. Online condolences can be sent to rugheimerfamily@gmail.com. Contributions in Mac s memory may be made to: Norman Mac Rugheimer Scholarship, Montana State University Foundation, P.O. Box 172750, Bozeman, MT 59717.

Blake Michael Hendrick, 60

Blake Michael Hendrick, 60, passed away quietly in his sleep in the early morning hours of Feb. 10, 2010, at his home, with his wife and daughter at his bedside. Blake was born to Daniel L. and Margie L. (Eicher) Hendrick in Boulder, Colo., Jan. 29, 1950, where he grew up and excelled in sports. His Little League All-Star baseball team was one win away from going to the Little League World Series. He played football, basketball and baseball for Fairview High School (and played for the state championship in football in 1967), and was honored with many All-State team awards. Blake then attended the United States Air Force Academy where he played football and baseball and later served his country in Korea. After leaving the Air Force, Blake became a contracting officer and worked for the Department of Defense and later for the USDA Forest Service. In 1977, Blake married Shirley Ann McKown and they made their home in Mountain Home, Idaho, where their daughter, Kara Ann, was born in 1980. Travis Ryan joined the family in 1981 in Olympia, Wash., while Blake was working for the Olympic National Forest. In 1989, Blake and his family moved to the Okanogan Valley in north central Washington to work for the Okanogan National Forest, where they lived on a 10-acre farm, raising steers, alfalfa hay, and a large garden. Blake coached Travis s Little League All-Star team to the state tournament, which it hadn t been to in nearly 25 years. As both kids were attending college, Blake and Shirley moved to Kalispell to work for the Flathead National Forest. Blake retired in 2005 so that he could spend more time on the golf course and on plans to build their dream home. In 2006, the new home was built, and in 2007, both kids were married ( five weeks apart), Kara to Bill Lamb of Spokane, and Travis to Ashley Jeffris of Peshastin, Wash. In 2008 and 2009, Blake was teaching contract law classes to government agencies through NPI, Inc. (Edmonds, Wash.), and doing quite a bit of traveling. Future trips in 2010 were to have Shirley tag along for some sightseeing. In August 2009, Blake s first grandchild, Autry Londyn, was born in Las Vegas to Travis and Ashley, and he and Shirley were there to enjoy her. A few days after returning home, Blake was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which had been causing memory problems. Surgery was not an option so the prognosis was four to eight months of remaining life. After routine radiation and initial chemo treatments, Blake died on Feb. 10. He will be cremated and buried at a later time in Spokane Memorial Gardens Cemetery near Spokane. Blake is survived by immediate family mentioned above, as well as his mother, Margie Hendrick, of Boulder; father, Dan Hendrick, and stepmother, Arlene, of Columbia Falls; brother, Dan Hendrick, and wife, Sue, of Niwot, Colo., and their children, Jenny and Matt; sister, Jana McCarter, of Kerrville, Texas, and her children, Kelly and Jake; an extensive step-family; and many aunts, uncles and cousins spread around the country. Blake was known for his great sense of humor, his fairness with everyone he worked with, his love of the game of golf (especially his 7 iron), and most of all, for the love of his family. A celebration of Blake s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Feb. 20, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kalispell. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations go to benefit Home Options Hospice, Kalispell, in Blake s memory, or the United States Air Force Academy, where checks should be written to The Air Force Academy Fund in memory of graduate Blake Hendrick 72 and mailed to the USAFA Endowment, 3316 Academy Drive, Suite 200, USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475. Cards can be mailed to the family at 10 Strawberry View Lane, Kalispell, MT 59901. If you plan to attend the celebration, we ask that you bring your favorite stories to share about Blake and a packet of wildflower seeds that will be used to make a memorial garden. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Blake s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Blake s tribute wall.

Delores Dietrich Clothier, 82

Delores Dietrich Clothier, 82, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010, at Brendan House in Kalispell. She was born on April 27, 1927, in Cody, Wyo., the daughter of Jack and Ruth (Ross) Dietrich. Delores grew up on a farm in Wyoming, enjoying the outdoors and the windy plains. As a young child, she loved to spend time on her horse, Topsy, and had many adventures with her sister and two brothers. As a senior in high school, she met Darrell Clothier at a soda fountain in her hometown. After their wedding in Polson, they moved around with his work until returning to the Flathead Valley where Darrell had been raised. They bought a little house in Rose Crossing which they remodeled, and then bought and remodeled several other houses. Delores and Darrell had two children, Stanley and Geri. She spent much of her time dedicated to being a mother and a wife. She and Darrell started and managed several businesses throughout their lives. Delores was a critical component in these ventures as the business manager of every single one. Their latest business was Spruce Park Mobile Village and Campground, which she and Darrell purchased and updated in 1985. They ran this business until their recent retirement. Delores enjoyed brook trout fishing, was an excellent seamstress, and knitted many cherished sweaters for her family. Her granddaughters have many fond memories of a grandma who was always ready to make salt-dough and candy projects, read unending stories to them, and had an open purse as a gum and candy dispensary. Delores is survived by her husband of 65 years, Darrell Clothier; her daughter, Geri, and husband, Robert Malberg; her granddaughters, Amity Malberg, Jessica and husband, Jeffrey Fiftal, and Cadie and husband, Ethan Bailey; and her great-grandchildren, Ezias and Azalea Bailey. She is also survived by her sister, Lorraine, and her husband, Ray Troudt, and their family in Priest River, Idaho. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; and her son, Stanley Clothier. Funeral services for Delores will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, with Pastors Robert Ross and Dave Sprunger officiating. Burial will follow services at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Visitation for Delores will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Compassion International for relief for Haiti s children. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Delores family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Delores tribute wall.

Tasha Belston audio slideshow

From China ... with love

Editor's 2 Cents

Today is Valentine’s Day. It is also Chinese New Year.

Fight outside bar results in injury, DUI

Flathead County sheriff

Prep Basketball: Braves get back on track

Following an eye-opening setback in Missoula earlier this week, the Flathead Braves got back on track and climbed into a tie for second place in the Western AA basketball ranks on Saturday.

Champagne toast in a place called Flom

As I was watching Adam Pitman’s wonderful documentary about the Whitefish Winter Carnival recently, I was reminded of the carnival’s connection to the St. Paul Winter Carnival in Minnesota.

Daybook

Today

Braves Allen-Schmid, Lau go out in style

BILLINGS  - Back-to-back and three times in four years.

Tasha's hope

Tot with short life expectancy gets dream trip to Disney World

Three-year-old Natasha Belston of Columbia Falls woke up this morning in a child’s dreamland called “Give Kids the World Village,” a gated community in Orlando built to house visiting children with life-threatening illnesses.

Five is just fine

Flathead wrestlers win fifth-straight state championship State champs

BILLINGS - Two state champions and a fifth-straight Class AA wrestling team title.

Baucus and 'bipartisanship'

We wonder when Max Baucus will get tired of carrying water for his Senate boss, Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Kalispell mulls medical marijuana moratorium

Kalispell City Council will consider an emergency ordinance imposing a 90-day moratorium on medical marijuana businesses at its regular meeting Tuesday night.

CMR wins state swimming titles

HARDIN — Great Falls CMR left Hardin on Saturday night with two Class AA state swimming championships.

The Great Mancession

Men now outrank women in unemployment at rate of 3 to 1

It’s been some 65 or 70 years since the United States has dealt with an economic recession as deep and slow to recover as the one we’re experiencing now. The last time was before World War II. Men dominated the workforce and the options for women were limited at best.

Student surge puts W. Valley in a bind

Four students left West Valley School over Christmas vacation — but 12 new students were there to take their place.

Students prepare for 'We the People' contest

Glacier High School will try to defend its title in knowledge of the U.S. Constitution later this month at the state “We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution” competition in Helena.

Flathead's Shawn Lau

Kelly Houle of Columbia Falls

Taylor Vaughn of Lincoln County

Week in Pictures February 8-14

Tasha Belston with mom in living room

Tasha Belston held by dad

The Belstons and Montana Hope Project

Cops outsmart suspect hiding behind tree

Flathead County sheriff

Daybook

Today

Anglers target gill-net plan

There were questions, suggestions and many criticisms on Thursday aimed at a lake trout gill netting project on Flathead Lake proposed by the Confederated Salish-Kootenai Tribes.

Problem-solving with a purpose

Imaginative group raises money for scholarship fund

The students on Lisa Thiel’s Destination ImagiNation team don’t look much like white knights, but their determination to help other youths has made them heroes in Mike Baker’s eyes.

Pinfest at the Metra

Northwestern A standouts stick all their opponents on first day

BILLINGS — At the rate they are going, Ronan’s Cameron Neiss (130), Polson’s Brock Picard (171) and Columbia Falls’ Kelly Houle (215) just might pin their way to Class A state championships in wrestling.

Ice moves

Claire Schmidt, 8, of Hungry Horse tests in the Moves in the Field competition on Friday at the Stumptown Ice Den in Whitefish. The local figure skating competition continues today from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Driver dies in crash

A 19-year-old woman from Eureka was killed early Friday morning in a two-car crash on U.S. 2 near Glacier Park International Airport.

State Wrestling: Flathead, Billings Skyview tied atop Class AA; Glacier sits third

Donnybrook in the making

BILLINGS — Close again.

Prep Basketball: Poor shooting sinks Wolfpack girls

Once again, the defense was there for Glacier, but at the same time the Wolfpack’s Achilles’ heel came into play.

Man sentenced for apartment fire, car theft

The Kalispell man who set a fire that destroyed five apartments and later stole a car received a four-year sentence Thursday in Flathead County District Court.

Longtime fair leader fired

Realtor will serve as interim manager

The Flathead County Fair Board has fired longtime Fair Manager Jay Scott and appointed board member Ted Dykstra Jr. as interim manager.

Flathead, Glacier swimmers advance at state

HARDIN — Several local swimmers have qualified for the championship finals and consolation finals at the High School State Swimming championships.

Cooper Sipe of Glacier

Glacier's Dan Gilbert

Cameron Neiss of Ronan

Flathead wrestler Joaquin Calderon

Winter Games Medal Count

Ice moves

The 35th Annual Economic Outlook Seminar: Patrick Barkey

MSU New President

Aria Emery-Laice Stewart

daughter of Justin and Jenessa Stewart of Kalispell, was born Nov. 10 at North Valley Hospital.

Melina Jane Blaquiere

daughter of Kelly and Ryan Blaquiere of Kalispell, was born Nov. 21 at North Valley Hospital.

Merlin Swede Luckow, 80

Merlin Swede Luckow passed away peacefully at his home in Swan Lake on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010. Born Oct. 6, 1929, to Ernest and Myrtle Luckow in Hettinger, N.D., the family moved to the Swan River area when he was 2. He attended school at Swan River and Ferndale. He graduated from Bigfork High School in 1947 and worked as a truck driver until he went into the military in October 1951. After boot camp he was in special training school at Camp Roberts, Calif., to become a speed radio operator. Swede served in Korea for two years and received the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars and the United Nations Service Medal. Swede married Patricia Fenby on May 15, 1952, in Missoula. After he was discharged from the military in August 1953, they made their home in Swan Lake. He continued hauling lumber and logs until he retired. Swede s shop was always open to friends and he was always there to lend a helping hand. After he retired, they spent many years traveling throughout the U.S. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, of Swan Lake; daughter, Tooie, and husband, Barry Johnston, of Bigfork; son, Kyle, and wife, Michelle, of Swan Lake; daughter, Tracy, and husband, Randy Gordon, of Swan Lake; grandchildren, Kyle, Jacob and Cody Johnston, Seth Gordon, Whitne and Jared Doneen, and Summerlee and Rachael Luckow; brothers, Carl and Della, Gerald and Dolores, and Fred and Meiko Luckow; and sisters, Elsie and Phil Poole, and Betty and Joe Lastufka. He is also survived by lifelong friends, Chuck and Marlene Barton, of Bigfork; many nieces and nephews; and the famous Fenby Girls and their spouses. A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at the Swan Chapel, with a reception to follow at the Swan Lake Community Hall. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Swan Lake Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 5134, Swan Lake, MT 59911; or Home Options Hospice, 175 Commerce Loop, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Alynncia Workman

daughter of Wayne and Jessica Workman, was born Nov. 14 at North Valley Hospital.

Fern Matilda Knight

daughter of Josh and Emma Knight of Whitefish, was born Nov. 10 at North Valley Hospital.

Isaiah Angelo Rossi

son of Daniel and Korrin Rossi of Kalispell, was born Nov. 20 at North Valley Hospital.

Rachel Tecia Tullis

daughter of Richard and Kathleen Tullis of Eureka, was born Nov. 7 at North Valley Hospital.

Kathleen Alice Smith

daughter of Mark Smith and Jamie Smith of Kalispell, was born Nov. 6 at North Valley Hospital.

Isabella Grace Jarvis

daughter of Jonathan and Sara Jarvis of Kalispell, was born Nov. 13 at North Valley Hospital.

Paul Marley Farrell Bryman

son of Jenni Daniels and Evan Farrell Bryman of Bigfork, was born Nov. 6 at North Valley Hospital.

Mylee Evon Mills

daughter of Alicia Martin and Cory Mills of Kalispell, was born Nov. 4 at North Valley Hospital.

Andrew Charles Clark

son of Sherie Alexander of Columbia Falls, was born Nov. 7 at North Valley Hospital.

Kaisa Survakainen

daughter of Nadia and Darrell Survakainen of Columbia Falls, was born Nov. 14 at North Valley Hospital.

Zoay Aurelia Corona

daughter of Mylee and David Corona of Kalispell, was born Nov. 16 at North Valley Hospital.

Elise Anne Fronapfel

daughter of Martin and Sharon Fronapfel, was born Nov. 20 at North Valley Hospital.

Bryan James LaFex

son of Renee LaFex and Dennis Toavs of Columbia Falls, was born Nov. 6 at North Valley Hospital.

Mya Hope Presnell

daughter of Angela Presnell and Kevin Presnell of Kalispell, was born Nov. 5 at North Valley Hospital.

Sentinel escapes with win

Bravettes give Spartans a scare before falling short at home, 40-34

Ever so close.

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Ranger wolves? A real howler

Some crackerjack minds in the National Park Service have come up with an answer for “ballooning elk and deer populations eating up greenery and altering ecosystems” in parks across the country: neutered packs of wolves fitted with shock collars and tracking devices!

SBG to unveil new, improved gym

Downtown grand-opening on Saturday

In just over a year, the Straight Blast Gym of Montana has managed to double in size and scope, and looking at the resume of its growing staff, it’s easy to see why.

County seals deal on $3 million waterfront park

Calling it an act of extraordinary generosity, the Flathead County commissioners on Thursday approved an agreement that will give the county a new waterfront park in Lakeside worth $3 million.

Unknown woman makes threats

Flathead County sheriff

Come play

James Rausch, 6, climbs over his fence into his back yard to play with his dogs Maisy and Alfredo.

Local swim teams head to state meet

Swimmers from Flathead and Glacier have their mojo working heading into the State Swimming Championships today and Saturday in Hardin.

Prep Basketball: Sentinel steamrolls Flathead

MISSOULA — The Braves went cold on offense against a Sentinel squad eager to regain its winning swagger.

Judge OKs extended snowmobile season

A recent ruling from a U.S. District Court in Missoula will allow for extended spring snowmobiling on the Flathead National Forest to continue.

Feb. 20 concert will help out Haiti orphans

Pat Freebury, a local woman who experienced the earthquake in Haiti, has organized a benefit concert with all proceeds going to assist two orphanages and refugees in Pignon, Haiti.

Gipe seeks return to county job

Former Flathead County Commissioner Howard Gipe has entered the race for the seat he previously held for 18 years, and there is a new legislative candidate for House District 7.

Flathead vs Missoula Sentinel Girls Bball

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Donna Fyrne Alton, 78

Donna Fyrne Alton, 78, a lifelong Flathead Valley resident, passed away on Monday, Feb. 8, 2010, at her residence in Kalispell. She was born on June 9, 1931, in Bigfork, the daughter of Jack and Marvle (Croskrey) Richey. She graduated from Flathead County High School. Over 60 years ago, Donna met John Alton in the halls of Flathead County High School. At that time she worked as a waitress at the Bi-Rite Cafe in Kalispell and it is rumored that John was one of their best customers. Holding hands, they were married on April 17, 1949. Sixty-one years later they were still holding hands as she slipped peacefully from this earth into the loving arms of our Lord. Donna was an accomplished woman, excelling at all she set her mind to. Her family will forever cherish her paintings which grace the walls of her homes. Donna created works of art with a crochet hook or a ball of yarn. Donna was most at home in her kitchen and worked miracles welcoming, feeding and entertaining friends and family, no matter what time of day. She always had the coffee on. Donna was a longtime member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Her last years were difficult due to ill health and the loss of her eyesight, yet she always approached each challenge with determination, optimism and dignity, never wavering in the faith she held so dear. She is now lovingly reunited with her mother, Marvle Croskrey; beloved sister, Betty Day; father, Jack Richey; stepfathers, John Croskrey and Jack Passey; mother-in-law, Marie Alton; and father-in-law, Fred Alton. Donna is survived by her husband, John; her two children, son, Don Alton, and daughter, Marlene Alton-Horsfall, and her husband, Allen; four grandchildren, Crystal Thompson Allison and her husband, Andy, Jack Alton and his wife, Kirsten, Tom Alton, and Farah Perry; four great-grandchildren, Shea Lynn Allison, Jack Alton Jr., Emalee and Austin; and one brother, Jack Passey. Donna also leaves behind her lifelong friend and sister-in-law, Marge Miciewicz; sister-in-law, Joyce White; brother-in-law, Les Day; 10 nieces and four nephews. The family wishes to thank all the angel care givers at both the Brendan House and Agape Home Care for their loving care over the last several months. Crystal, Jeri and Diana " we are forever grateful. Donna was very proud of her Irish heritage " so here s an Irish Blessing for you, Mom " until we meet again. Memorial services for Donna will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, with Pastor Larry Stappler officiating. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Donna s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Donna s tribute wall.

Not cruising for trouble; just 'surfing'

Kalispell police

Frey signs with Griz

Another Glacier High standout is heading down the road to play for the Grizzlies next fall, but this time it’s for soccer.

Braves eyeing fifth-straight Class AA mat title; Wolfpack in the chase

Ready to rumble

There promises to be plenty of drama on the mats this weekend at the All-Class State Wrestling Tournament in Billings.

Man sentenced for child porn

Kalispell convict gets five-year prison term

A Kalispell man guilty of downloading child pornography movies was sentenced in federal court in Missoula on Friday.

Lakeside plan ready for review

A new version of the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan is ready for prime time and will be considered for approval by the Lakeside Community Council on Feb. 23.

Praise for the Canadian pact

The news came in a simple one-page press release, but the amount of effort that has gone into protecting the Canadian Flathead from mining has been epic.

New plan would keep Canyon School open

A scaled-down Canyon Elementary School is a possibility under a new cost-cutting plan for the Columbia Falls School District.

Libby Dam spill now in doubt

Plans for an experimental water spill from Libby Dam to help Kootenai River white sturgeon this spring now are uncertain because of below-average mountain snowpack above the dam.

Keeping an eye on Montana 35

Highway Watch Program begins

Ripping off plastic wrap, members of the Highway Watch Program revealed a new tool Wednesday to promote safe driving along Montana 35 near Flathead Lake.

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Montana Highway 35 Watch Program

Quilting at the Museum at Central School

Greg Franson of Blue Bird Guides

Valentine Blessing

Destination ImagiNation: Working on the script

Destination ImagiNation: Rehearsing a skit

Straight Blast Gym Grand Opening

Earl and Mary Leighty and almost 68 years

The Leighty family portrait

Earl and Mary Leighty

Reginald Reg MacDonald, 85

Reginald MacDonald passed away peacefully and surrounded by family, Feb. 7, 2010. He was 85. Reg was born March 12, 1924, in Whitefish, to Frank and Annie MacDonald. He graduated from Whitefish High School in 1943 and joined the Marine Corps. He was sent to the Pacific where, as a member of the amphibious reconnaissance unit, he took part in the battles of Saipan, Tinian and Okinawa. After the war he returned to Montana and attended Montana State University and the University of Montana. He was one of the original employees of Winter Sports Inc., and worked as a brake inspector for the Great Northern Railroad. He married Peggy Lindsay in 1948. They had six children. In 1960 he moved to Bremerton, Wash., and worked as a sheet metal worker at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. He returned to Whitefish and worked as lift manager at Big Mountain, then opened a sheet metal contracting business. Before there was a Big Mountain Resort he often hiked to the top of the mountain to ski down. He later introduced his sister Marguerite to Ed Schenck and liked to claim credit, saying that the match led to the founding of the resort. He was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy; and infant son, Malcolm; and his brothers, Francis and Ralph. He is survived by his sister, Marguerite Schenck; brother, Mike; stepbrother, Don MacDonald; his six children, Tim MacDonald, Anne Wood, Joe MacDonald, Mary Ellen Goble, Martha Dayries and John MacDonald; 11 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Whitefish. Rosary and parish vigil will be Friday evening at 7 p.m. at the church. Arrangements are under the care of Austin Funeral Home.

Grahme Andrew Nelson

son of Andrew and Melanie Nelson of Kalispell, was born Oct. 31 at North Valley Hospital.

Beckett Lewis Nuanes

son of Johnny and Victoria Nuanes of Kalispell, was born Nov. 3 at North Valley Hospital.

Darla S. Gillespie, 50

Darla Sue Gillespie, 50, loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend, died on Feb. 6, 2010, at her home in Kalispell. She was born Aug. 25, 1959, in Emmetsburg, Iowa, to Harvey and Arlene (Gidel) Schmidt. She moved to Loveland, Colo., with her family in 1965, and then relocated to Kalispell in 1970 with her mother and sisters. She graduated from Flathead High School in Kalispell in 1977. She married Brian Miller in 1980. They had two daughters, Janna and Jodie. The couple later divorced. A second marriage in 1986 to Joe Gillespie moved her and the two girls to Glendive. In 1989, they had a son, Jesse. The couple recently divorced. She attended Dawson Community College where she graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in human services in 1996. Darla worked for the Seventh Judicial District as a victim-witness advocate in Glendive. In 1997 she was awarded as an Outstanding Crime Victim Honoree by the Montana Department of Justice. She went back to Dawson in 1998 to earn another Associate of Applied Science degree in law enforcement. Her latest employment was with Restoration in Youth Justice in Kalispell. She enjoyed traveling, sewing quilts, golfing, snow and water skiing, boating and camping at Lake Sakakawea; and was brave enough to sky dive. Darla was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother, a very detail-oriented person and a perfectionist. She provided her children with constant love, support and guidance. Darla s life was her family, as evidenced by the love they shared for each other. She is survived by her daughter, Janna McCormick, and husband, Trevor, daughter, Jodie Miller, and son, Jesse Gillespie, all of Glendive; mother, Arlene Schmidt, of Polson; brothers, Darwin Schmidt and Darrel Schmidt, of Loveland; sister, Darcie Harris, and husband, Rex, of Kalispell; brother-in-law, Charles Canham, of Loveland; special friend, James Reeher, and daughter, Shayla Reeher, of Kalispell; nieces and nephews, Shanna Schmidt, Kaitlyn Schmidt, Ian Jones and Kale Canham; and grandchildren, Adison and Hannah McCormick, Carrie Thornton and Nathan Butler. Darla was preceded in death by her father, Harvey Schmidt; sister, Darnel Canham; and nephew, Derick Schmidt. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m to 5 p.m., and from 6 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12, in the chapel of the Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. A life tribute service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, in the chapel of the Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home in Glendive, with celebrant Sandy Silha officiating. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13, at Zion Lutheran Church in Glendive, with Pastor Avis Anderson officiating. Interment will be in the Dawson County Cemetery in Glendive. Arrangements are under the direction of Silvernale-Silha Funeral Homes.

Sydney Laurene Sharp

daughter of Jason and Nikki Sharp of Eureka, was born Nov. 9 at North Valley Hospital.

Florence Neas Tommerup, 91

Florence Neas Tommerup, 91, passed away peacefully on Feb. 7, 2010. She was born July 7, 1918, in Kamloops, British Columbia. She was the daughter of Al and Ruthella (Williams) Neas. She attended grade school at Kila and graduated from Flathead County High School in 1936. She was employed for 15 years at Mountain States Power Company in Kalispell as a telephone operator. She also worked as a telephone operator in Portland and Spokane, and worked for 10 years at Consolidated Freightways. On Oct. 13, 1972, she married Maurice Boorman. After his death she married Clarence Tommerup on Aug. 7, 1979. Florence and Clarence loved to entertain their family and friends in their home. They built a new home together in Smith Valley where they truly enjoyed the next 27 years together. Florence was a member of the Eagles Auxiliary No. 234 where she and Clarence loved to go dancing every weekend. She had a great sense of humor and made everyone laugh. She loved to work in her flower gardens. She was preceded in death by her parents; six sisters; three brothers; her husband, Maurice Boorman; and husband, Clarence Tommerup; and her stepson, Larry Tommerup. She is survived by her son, Barney Davidson, and his wife, Carol, along with their children, Venessa, Bradd, Erron and Jared; stepdaughter, Carol Guest, along with her children, Susan and Shawn Schmid, Scott and Laurie Guest, and Sheila and Andrew Wilson; her stepdaughter-in-law, Dorthy Tommerup, along with her children, Larry and Joni Tommerup, Laurie Hazard, Cindy and Tom Tinnell and David Tommerup; nephews, Monty Hall, Dusty Torgerson, Dallas Torgerson and Larry Neas; and nieces, Fay Fisher and Terry Torgerson. She also has numerous great-grandchildren and friends. She will be dearly missed by all her family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home, followed by burial at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Florence s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Florence s tribute wall.

Christopher Daniel James Wheat

son of Rochelle Williamson and Jason Wheat of Kalispell, was born Nov. 10 at North Valley Hospital.

Norman McGregor Mac Rugheimer, 79

Norman McGregor Mac Rugheimer, Ph.D., 79, formerly of Kalispell and Bozeman, died peacefully in his sleep on Feb. 4, 2010, at home with his daughter Sarah and son-in-law Christian Schmid, in Cambridge, Mass. Mac was born in Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 10, 1930, as the only child of Norman and Helen Rugheimer. At the young age of 16, he began university at the College of Charleston and went on to earn his Ph.D. in physics from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. In 1964, he started teaching physics and mathematics in Bozeman at Montana State University, and became assistant dean of the College of Letters and Science at MSU. Despite his many accomplishments, he preferred to be called Mac rather than Dr. His passion for holography " three-dimensional photography with lasers " brought him a patent and the opportunity to travel the world, sharing his love of science with students everywhere. Even after retirement, Mac took his holographic road show to high schools, inspiring additional generations. Thousands of his students exclaimed, Mac is the best teacher I ever had! Mac eventually relocated to Kalispell where he dedicated his time and interests to Bible study, learning Hebrew, and his church communities. In his later years, Mac resided at Greenwood Village Assisted Living, supported by the attentive staff and owners. Right until the end, he exercised regularly at The Summit, making many friends and inspiring people who knew him with his dedication, optimism, and cheerful smile. Mac is survived by two sons, Peter and wife Lynn, and Paul and wife Stacey; two daughters, Mary Wictor and husband Johan, and Sarah Rugheimer and husband Christian Schmid; former wives, Hallie and Linda; and five grandsons, Erik, Alexander, Levi, Jackson and Nathan. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20, at the United Methodist Church in Columbia Falls; and at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 18, at the Evangelical Free Church in Bozeman. Online condolences can be sent to rugheimerfamily@gmail.com. Contributions in Mac s memory may be made to: Norman Mac Rugheimer Scholarship, Montana State University Foundation, P.O. Box 172750, Bozeman, MT 59717.

Kristi Lou Wallette, 58

Kristi Lou Wallette, 58, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010, at the Brendan House in Kalispell. Kristi was born July 11, 1951, in Poplar. She moved to Kalispell at the age of 4, was raised in the Flathead Valley, attending schools until her sophomore year when her family moved to Spokane, where she graduated in 1969. In October 1969, Kristi married Dennis Russell and went with him to his military duty station in Germany. She worked as a CNA for the Brendan House and the County Nursing Home until she went into kidney failure in 1990. For the past 18 years she participated in the Kidney Dialysis Support Group. Kristi attended and was involved at the Kalispell Christian Center. She enjoyed puzzles, flowers and plants. Within her living community she became Mom to all the other residents, where she took great joy in caring for them as her own. Kristi was preceded in death by her father, James Wallette; and a daughter, Keri Ann Russell. She is survived by her mother, Inga Wallette; son, Charles, and Tina Russell; sister, Karla, and Dan Colyar; brothers, Rod Wallette, Randy and Debbie Wallette, and Roland and Gina Wallette; two grandchildren, Josh Wall and Matthew Russell; six nephews and two nieces. A celebration of Kristi s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 12, at the Christian Center. Burial will follow at the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Friends are encouraged to visit the Web site at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Emma Lee Neff

daughter of Ashley Beaudet and Andrew Neff of Columbia Falls, was born Nov. 3 at North Valley Hospital.

Prep Basketball: Sentinel girls overtake Glacier

MISSOULA — Glacier couldn’t hang on to a nine-point lead in the third period as Missoula Sentinel stormed back to claim a 45-40 Western AA girls basketball victory on Tuesday.

Schools eye Meridian Road site for new kitchen

After meeting with a consultant to discuss relocation options, Kalispell Public Schools officials still think a warehouse off Meridian Road is the best location for the district’s new central kitchen.

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Schools look at $966,000 budget deficit

Kalispell Public Schools definitely will run an election this spring, but whether a levy request makes the ballot still is uncertain.

Walking billboards

Scott Purdy points toward a passing driver while co-worker Anthony Tressel waves from the corner of U.S. 2 West and Meridian Road on Tuesday afternoon. The two were advertising for Liberty Tax Service.

A 'hero' comes back for round three

Kalispell’s Amanda Kimmel on ‘Survivor’ reunion rematch

Amanda Kimmel’s only 25 years old, but because of a reality television program, she has grown well beyond her years.

Council pares down options for airport

Perhaps Kalispell City Airport should be operated by a private association of local aviation enthusiasts.

Pack win in double OT

Fuller’s two free throws sink Spartans

The Sentinel fan yelling “Pressssure!” as Connor Fuller and the Glacier Wolfpack took the court with four seconds left in double overtime must not have realized: This Glacier team knows pressure better than anyone.

Group concerned about lake plan

Tribal proposal to gill-net lake trout raises questions

Flathead Wildlife Inc. will hold its annual general membership meeting Thursday in Kalispell, with the main focus on a controversial proposal from the Confederated Salish-Kootenai Tribes to gill-net lake trout on Flathead Lake over the next few years.

Stabbing linked to dispute over music

Kalispell police

Glacier vs. Sentinel

Mining banned north of Glacier Park

The lieutenant governor of British Columbia announced Tuesday that all types of mining and oil and gas development “will not be permitted” in the province’s portion of the Flathead Valley.

Pirates move up a spot in mat poll

The Polson Pirates, fresh off their Northwestern A divisional wrestling victory on Saturday night, have moved up a spot to No. 4 in the Montana Class A coaches wrestling poll.

Kayla DeWit

Kelsey DeWit

DeWit sisters

Power in the post

Sisters lead the Northwestern A in scoring, rebounding

Richard Wayne Stevens Sr., 63

Richard passed away on Friday, Feb. 5, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He was born on Aug. 22, 1946, in Yakima, Wash., the son of Steve and Hazel Stevens. He has one brother and three sisters. He joined the Army at an early age and served four years at Fort Lewis, where he became a diesel mechanic. Richard also worked for the town of Browning for eight years as a heavy equipment operator and mechanic. He was involved in the Republican Party and numerous other organizations, and was also the chairman of the Flathead Valley Constitution Party. He was an outdoorsman who loved fishing, camping and hunting with his family. In 1963 he married Betty, and in the early 70s they moved to Browning for several years. In 1988, they moved to Kalispell and have lived here since. They were together for 49 years. Richard is survived by his wife, Betty Stevens; brother, Leonard, and wife, Irene Stevens; father-in-law, Robert Lewis; and his eight children, Elizabeth, Robert, Richard Jr., Paul, Tammy, Adrian, Angela and Walter; his grandchildren, DJ, Emerald, Reuben, Dustin, Misty, Kristy, Robert Jr., Destiny, Austin, Tayler, Stephanie, Dalyn, Leia, Mercedes, Little Paul, Lakesha, Percy, Brittney, Brett Jr., Blake, Brendon, Jeremiah, Sammie, Kimberly, Shawna, Kayla and Lisa; his 19 great-grandchildren; and other brother and sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews and friends. Viewing will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today, Feb. 9, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. If you wish to make any donation to Betty Stevens and family, send such donations to P.O. Box 815, Hungry Horse, MT 59919.

John Leland Collins, 85

On Feb. 3, 2010, John Leland Collins of Whitefish, joined his loving wife, Phyllis, after battling lung disease for several years. Jack, as he was known to family members, was born July 4, 1924, in Orange, Calif., the eighth of nine children, to John Andrew and Mattie Jane (Gill) Collins. His childhood years were spent in western Colorado, particularly in Montrose, Delta and Telluride. The family moved to Oregon in 1941 after the death of his father. In December 1941, John enlisted in the Navy and served on the oiler Brazos and the destroyers Brown and Porter. After his discharge in Oct. 1945, Jack went to Portland and began the process of his lifelong career in sheet metal. He was a member of Sheet Metal Workers International Local 16. In Portland he met the love of his life, Phyllis Jeanne Wegener, and they were married July 17, 1949. They raised their four children in Portland. When retirement came in 1986, the planning began for a move to Montana. In 1987, he and Phyllis moved to Whitefish to be closer to family. In 2007 John made the move to The Springs Assisted Living Apartments. There he enjoyed doing what he did best " storytelling. He was kind and courteous to all he met, and he faced his challenges in life with courage and conviction. John was preceded in death by his wife, in 2000; his son, the Rev. Michael Leroy Collins, in 1984; his parents; and all of his siblings, Roy, Ila, Dorothy, Dean, Lucille, Hazel, Bob and Helen. He is survived by his son, Patrick, and partner, Lyle Law, of San Francisco; his son, Randall, and wife, Gayle, of Kalispell; his daughter, the Rev. Marcie Collins, of John Day, Ore; and his granddaughter, Kerra Jean Collins, of Kalispell. Although there will be no service, the family suggests any memorials be made to the AIDS Foundation, Diabetes Foundation, the Montana Veterans Home, or Veterans Food Bank.

Spam

Canyon gets ready for Cabin Fever Days fun

The 32st annual Cabin Fever Days comes to the Canyon this weekend.

Seniors get the royal treatment

With great heraldry and ceremony, some special seniors around the valley got the royal treatment last week with the crowning of Whitefish Winter Carnival senior kings and queens.

Lakeside park plan reaches final stage

The Lakeside Shoreline Park on Flathead Lake is just one step away from reality.

Goats on the loose in Kalispell

Responding to a report of goats being loose near some apartments on Ashley Creek Court Monday morning, Kalispell Police rounded them up, put them back in a pen and made contact with a woman who was arrested on two felony warrants.

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Sculptors carve artwork out of Spam

A Bigfork bartender found an unlikely cure for winter blues in a famous blue can.

Will Tiger Woods play in this year's Masters?

Do you support Sen. Tester's forest jobs/wilderness bill?

Wordsmith loves to tell people's stories

Newspaper work in Alaska was an adventure

When the state of Alaska filed charges against Exxon Valdez skipper Joe Hazelwood for one of the biggest oil-spill disasters of all time, it was Mary Pat Murphy who broke the story.

Monday Daybook

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Concert planned Feb. 28 to raise money for Haiti

Local musicians, artists and businesses are coming together to provide support and relief to the earthquake-stricken nation of Haiti at a benefit concert Feb. 28 at the Whitefish Middle School auditorium.

While battling cancer, couple counts their blessings

The angels among us

A question lingers for Geri Cochrane as she curls up next to her husband, Dave, to watch him sleep.

Slavery panel convenes Feb. 14

Former police officer Ron Clem moved his family to Montana to escape the negative influences of life in Los Angeles — only to have his daughter, while a freshman at Whitefish High School, be “sold” by a friend in exchange for drugs.

Woman suspects ex of sabotage

A woman called Kalispell police Saturday evening claiming her ex-husband sabotaged her truck.

How you can help

Plum Creek Timber Co. is conducting a raffle fundraiser for Dave and Geri Cochrane and their family. It features a Weatherby .300 short mag stainless barrel rifle with a black synthetic stock. Tickets are $5.

Lucille Marrie (Finley) Nash, 95

Lucille Marrie (Finley) Nash, 95, formerly of Chinook, passed away at her granddaughter s home in Kalispell on Jan. 28, 2010. Lucille was born on Aug. 26, 1914, in Vancouver, British Columbia. Lucille lived in Chinook all but the first two years of her life. Two years ago she moved to Kalispell to live with her granddaughter and son-in-law, Glenna and Jim Schaible. Lucille loved to travel and was able to take many trips with them to Portland, Seattle and Denver. She also belonged to the Stump Town Quilt Guild. She went on weekend retreats with the ladies and had a great time. She also belonged to a quilt group called Tuesdays with Bette. She enjoyed this so much as the focus was always on Lucille and the high heel shoes she always wore. She enjoyed going to and being a part of the Glacier Wolfpack High School. She loved to go to choir concerts, volleyball games, basketball games, football games, theater productions and just about anything that was happening. Lucille loved to tell stories about the past and loved being with her grandchildren. When they played sports for Flathead she could be seen cheering them on and supporting all the events they were in. She had three children. Diana died in 2002 of cancer, and Bill died in 2003 of a heart attack. She is survived by one daughter, Walline. She also raised two granddaughters, Glenna Hiner Schaible and Pattie Hiner. She has 10 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren. Thank you to Agape Home Health and Hospice. Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook is caring for the family. Memorials can be sent to Agape Home Health Care or Hospice.

Marie Valma Weedon Smith, 82

Marie Valma Weedon Smith, 82, our mother, passed through the veil of mortality on Feb. 4, 2010, at 3:30 a.m. at Kalispell Regional Medical Center surrounded by her children. Marie was born June 15, 1927, to William James Weedon and Myrtle Esther Newton Ray Weedon in Subiaco, West Australia. Marie married Cecil May 28, 1952, in the Latter-day Saints temple in Cardston, Alberta, after immigrating to the United States. She gave birth to and raised 11 children. By her beautiful spirit, Marie touched the lives of many people both far and wide. She was a woman of many God-given talents. She performed at numerous events and poetry gatherings throughout the West. She had a great appreciation and love of beautiful music, literature and fine art. She was an avid quilter, reader, poet and short story writer. Marie has published several books of poetry on her experiences of love and family life in both the United States and Australia. Marie touched the lives of everyone she met. She was always anxious to help the downtrodden where she could, either financially or spiritually. Those that knew Marie will always remember her as the woman with beautiful auburn red hair, an Australian accent, an engaging smile and a true joy to be around. She loved good conversation and was always eager for a game of Scrabble. Marie was a devoutly faithful human being, with God s purpose always first and foremost in her life. She was a stellar example of kindness, love and faith towards all mankind. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her, a tribute to her parents, family and husband. We loved her so. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Alden Smith, in 1984. Marie is survived by her 11 children, Pauline Smith of Somers, Greg and Betsy Smith of Somers, Rocky and Reta Smith of Somers, Kent and Diane Smith of Bigfork, Guy and Jean Smith of Farmington, Minn., Rin and Michelle Smith of Kalispell, LaPriel and Doug Bergstrom of Phoenix, Stephen and Lisa Smith of Kalispell, Raychelle and Scott Fischer of Carver, Minn., Carey and Michelle Smith of Farmington, and Charlotta and Seth Sorensen of Rock Springs, Wyo. Marie also has 36 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; with dozens of beloved nieces and nephews both in the United States and Australia; a dear sister, Bethney Joy Pilling, of Perth, West Australia; and her beloved brother, William Ray Weedon, of Albany, West Australia. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb 9, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at 1380 Whitefish Stage Road, in Kalispell. Visitation will be held in the Relief Society room one hour prior to the service. Burial will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb 10, at the Carey Cemetery in Carey, Idaho. Memorials can be sent to Stephen Smith at 119 Buffalo Square Court, Kalispell, MT 59901. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Marie s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Marie s tribute wall.

George Sonny Michael Kahn Jr., 76

George Sonny Michael Kahn Jr., 76, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010, of a massive stroke with his family by his side. Born Feb. 16, 1933, in Hinsdale, he was raised near Bigfork for a short time, then moved to Kalispell. Sonny attended grade schools and graduated from Flathead County High School in 1952. He attended many schools for the fire department many years ago, including arson training. In 1954, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served four years on the USS Hancock aircraft carrier. He flew patrol over the Bikini Islands during the hydrogen bomb test there in the mid-1950s. His home base was on the Island of Kwajalein. Sonny and his crew mates flew through the horrendous mushroom clouds to collect radiation air samples for scientific study. His job description made him an aviation machinist ADR2. Sonny s schooling included An P Natechracen in Norman, Okla., and Ad A Natechracen, Class A School in Memphis, Tenn. While on the carrier, he was also trained in fire and rescue. He also trained for the NTC and AD2, Aviation Supply. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Sharpshooter. He was honorably discharged. Sonny married Carla Toycen in Kalispell on Feb. 9, 1958. They were married for 52 years. Sonny worked in the woods for Royal Logging and Plum Creek for 30 years. He was a member of the Swan Lake Volunteer Fire Department where he acted as chief for 45 years. He was the Citizen of the Year in 1984. He served on the Bigfork High School board of trustees in the 1970s. Sonny kept the community s private roads plowed during the winter on his Ford tractor, sometimes until 1 or 2 a.m. He also provided wood for the clubhouse. Sonny was a one-shot hunter. He loved to hunt and fish and was successful. Even though he tried for 49 years to get a moose permit, he never got one. Sonny was preceded in death by his parents; his stepdad; two nieces; his grandparents; sister, Carol Schlegal; and brother, Bob McMillan. He is survived by his wife, Carla Rae Toycen Kahn, of Swan Lake; daughter, Kelly, and husband, Doug Grant, of Coeur d Alene, Idaho; grandchildren, Logan and Lorna Grant, of Coeur d Alene; sisters, Betty Farris of Kalispell, and Dorothy McMillan of Tacoma, Wash.; and his extended family of firemen. He is also survived by his great friends from his Navy days, Don Steele of Missoula, and Jim Jensen of Bigfork; and by nine nephews; three nieces; many great-nieces and -nephews; sister-in-law, Barbara Amestoy; brothers-in-law, Red Farris and Bill Schlegal; and special cousin, Dave Evenson, and family. Funeral services were held Feb. 4 in Kalispell. A celebration of Sonny s life will be held at a later date. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Swan Lake Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 5134, Swan Lake, MT 59911. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family. Friends are encouraged to visit the Web site at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences.

Kathryn Joan Ellman Lundstrom, 81

Kathryn Joan Ellman Lundstrom was welcomed with open arms by the Lord and the love of her life, Darvin Lundstrom on Feb. 3, 2010. She was born in Hinsdale Oct. 22, 1928; at the age of 3, she moved to Columbia Falls. Being the second to the youngest of 12 children, there was always love, laughter and family around. While working at the Park Theatre, she met Darvin Lundstrom. They married June 30, 1950. Two years later came Darvin and Kate s pride and joy, daughter Karen. Nothing brought Katie more joy then to have a big backyard barbecue. If it was family, friends and the entire neighborhood, it always made her happy to see others around her enjoying life. Many fond memories were made camping out at Swan Lake or Apgar. It did not matter where you were, as there was bound to be lots of singing and dancing. Over the years she worked for Bob and Josie Maranette at the Park Merc and the V Store, retiring in 1978. Katie was a longtime member of St. Richards Catholic Church. She was involved with the Altar Society and always willing to help others. In later years, she and Darvin were very active with the North Valley Eagles 4081 and both of them were charter members and very instrumental in getting the Eagles started in Columbia Falls. Kate is survived by her daughter, Karen Huston, and husband, Mike, of Columbia Falls; grandson, John Huston, and wife, Erin, of Helena; and granddaughters, Michelle Huston and Tom Vanek of Kalispell, and Angela Huston of Columbia Falls. She was a very special Grammie to great-grandson, Michael John Huston, of Kalispell; and is also survived by sisters, Frances and Dale Gardner of Valley Springs, Calif., and Marje and Stan Sklodo of Aberdeen, Wash.; brother, Sam and Frankie Ellman, of Columbia Falls; sisters-in-law, Margaret Ellman, Marylou Ellman and Evelyn Lundstrom of Columbia Falls, and Doris and Ross Robinson of Billings; her very close and dear friend, June Brooker; and numerous wonderful nieces and nephews and extended family. She was preceded in death by her adoring husband, Darvin Lundstrom; sisters, Mary Schoenberg Bertino, Lorene Sallee and Donna Nadeau; brothers, Jack Ellman, Pat Ellman, Bud Ellman, Ray Ellman and Jim Ellman; sisters-in-law, Mary Ellman, Sara Ellman, Ada Ellman, Mary Lundstrom, Donna Lundstrom and Francis Lundstrom; and brothers-in-law, Boots Schoenberg, Louie Bertino, Hob Sallee, Vick Nadeau, EJ Lundstrom, Cliff Lundstrom, Boyde Lundstrom and Frank Lundstrom. A visitation will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. today, Feb. 7, at Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 8, at St. Richards Catholic Church in Columbia Falls. A reception will follow. Burial services will be at 1:30 p.m. at Glacier Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, make donations to WINGS, Columbia Falls Fire Department or Three Rivers Ambulance.

Martha Jane Owens, 81

Martha Jane Owens passed on Jan. 28, 2010, at the age of 81. Surrounded by family, Mrs. Owens died peacefully at her home on Flathead Lake. Martha Jane Owens was born April 26, 1928, in San Angelo, Texas. The daughter of Tillman Anslem and Ola Kathyrn Casey Wood, Martha Jane was the middle of three children. Raised in Oklahoma City, Martha Jane met the love of her life, James Donald Owens, at Classen High School. Inseparable from day one, the pair were married in 1946. Jim Owens preceded her in death on June 6, 2009. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Dean Wood. Martha Jane was the light, humor and love of her family. She was the main ingredient in making a house a home. Refreshingly honest and vehemently loyal, Martha Jane was a force to be reckoned with. Known for her quick wit, sharp tongue, contagious laughter and deep devotion to her family, Martha Jane made every task, trip or gathering exciting and full of fun. Boredom was not in Martha Jane s world, and she did not allow it in those around her, either. Nothing was ever impossible or too difficult to do. Martha Jane is survived by her sister, Linda Hauhuth; three daughters, Kathy Bygren, Leslie Hinkle and Martha Mills; and son, Steve Owens. She has six grandchildren, Tyler Bygren, Casey Bygren, Drew Cable, Kelley Bygren, Carly Owens and Lacey Owens. She also has two great-grandchildren, Chloe and Carter Bygren. Martha Jane Owens was an original thinker and was never mundane or typical in anything she did or said. She was warm, loving, intelligent and just simply, the best mother and friend one could ever hope to have. She will be forever missed! A celebration of Martha and Jim s life will be held on March 6 at a time and place to be announced.

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Flathead tips Hellgate

Braves cash in at free throw line, going 23-for-34 in 56-44 victory

You could forgive the Flathead Braves had they looked tired or played a little flat on Saturday afternoon.

Braves total 8 champs; Glacier 1

Wolfpack qualify 23 for AA state mat tournament; Flathead will send 22

MISSOULA — When it came to the finals of the Western AA seeding tournament on Saturday at Missoula Big Sky High School, Flathead was perfect.

Meth use takes a dive

The Montana Meth Project, a not-for-profit organization aimed at reducing methamphatime use in the state, unveiled a new advertising campaign recently including four new television ads as well as radio, print and outdoor advertisements.

California dreamin': Damn the deficit; full speed ahead on health care for all

Editor's 2 Cents

I thought maybe this was a joke, but I researched it and found it to be utterly, jaw-droppingly, stupefyingly true:

The Kalispell Bar

Angry man sits on son-in-law

Flathead County sheriff

United Veterans of Flathead needs help

Jim Hiebert, commander of the United Veterans of the Flathead, has put out a call for volunteers to participate in the organization’s honor guard duties.

The 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts

Forest bill: Unrealistic goals?

Sen. Jon Tester is admirably stressing the potential of his Forest Jobs and Recreation Act for sustaining employment in the state’s timber industry, but we’re not so certain that will be the actual outcome.

Polson wrestles title from Ronan

POLSON — Polson ended Ronan’s two-year hold on the Northwestern A Divisional wrestling title on Saturday at the Linderman gym.

Local trainer pulling for former teammate Drew Brees

Whitefish resident played with Pro Bowl QB at Purdue

Among the many reasons that local resident Da’Shann Austin will be rooting for the New Orleans Saints today, there’s one that’s pretty rare to come by.

Game time!

Fans can take their pick of sports bars in the Flathead

Pigskin fans have a few more options for watching the Super Bowl today, thanks to a recent trend in the bar industry to cater directly to sports lovers.

Willow Creek housing density reduced again

Willow Creek developers are back at the Kalispell planning office with yet another revamp of their proposed major housing subdivision on Foy’s Lake Road.

Council to zoom in Monday on city airport

After two scoping sessions, a few dozen discussions at council meetings, hundreds of public comments and uncounted hours of staff research time, Kalispell City Council will devote its entire work session Monday night to Kalispell City Airport.

Destroying a meth-dealing ring

Dismantling major sales operation was a massive endeavor

Step by step, suspect by suspect, local and federal officials worked together over two years to dismantle a major methamphetamine drug ring operating in Northwest Montana.

Dave Cochrane Geri showing camera

Dave Cochrane at home with Geri

Dave Cochrane birthday cake with family

Mary Pat Murphy

Spam-O-Rama

Flathead vs. Hellgate

Nathan Scot Evans, 3

Nathan Scot Evans, 3, passed away in Kalispell on Feb. 3, 2010. Nathan was born in Kalispell on May 31, 2006. Nathan found his way into the hearts of all who came in contact with him. He spent so much of his last year fighting his cancer and finally he succumbed. He was such a little guy but his impact was immense. Nathan will forever be remembered and always loved. He left a void in those he left behind, but any memory will be that of endearment. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Petra Theresa Leach. Nathan is survived by his parents, Carina Weiss and Joe O Canna; big brother, Isaiah; and little sister, Liliana; grandparents, Luis and Marilee Davis, and Juanita Bernabe; great-great-grandmother, Lee Carmen; aunts and uncles, Samantha and Michelle Leach, Sebastian and Kevin Weiss, Jess and Tim Sheill, Jeremy O Canna, and Adam and Matthew Heastan; great-aunts and -uncles, Stacey and Scot Kirchoff, Patricia Lewis, John Lowe, Mary Bernabe, Dan Dahlke, and Joe and Mandy Bernabe; and cousins, Chloe and Claire Lewis, Isabella Lowe, Morgan Merideth, Luis Bernabe, Joey Pardue, and Ian and Osa Kirchoff. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday. Friends are encouraged to visit the Web site at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Scant snow may mean low water

Montana’s mountain snowpack is below average for a third straight month, setting the stage for considerably lower-than-average spring stream flows.

Glacier puts 16 in semis, FHS 14

MISSOULA — Glacier will have 16 wrestlers competing in today’s Western AA seeding tournament semifinals to 14 for Flathead after both teams turned in spectacular opening-day performances on Friday at Missoula Big Sky High School

Glacier girls pull away in 2nd half

Hold Bravettes to five points in 3rd quarter en route to 49-38 victory Crosstown hoops

The message from Glacier coach Kris Salonen at halftime was simple.

Students go with GigaPan program

Photo project links W. Glacier with other schools

Students at West Glacier Elementary School will explore the world over the next few months, without ever leaving their classrooms.

Unattended iron causes small house fire

Area Fire Departments

Flathead wins in OT

Braves pull out a 71-65 victory over rival Glacier Crosstown hoops

The last time Flathead beat Glacier in boys basketball, Tanner Salois was a sophomore and George Sherwood was an eighth grader.

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Howell helps Wildcats handle Pirates

COLUMBIA FALLS — When you get the top two scoring basketball teams in the Northwestern A together, there are certain expectations …  for big plays, high scoring and plenty of excitement.

Veterans enjoy skiing, carnival week

Wounded Warriors Project

Five injured men and women from the national Wounded Warriors Project, along with their companions, are enjoying Whitefish Winter Carnival festivities today as part of an annual skiing trip and visit to the Flathead Valley.

Marion man gets 50 years for assault on young boy

A Marion man who assaulted a 9-month-old boy was sentenced Thursday to 50 years in prison.

Ronan grappling for 3-peat

Ronan will be looking for a three-peat today at the Northwestern A Divisional wrestling tournament in Polson.

Flathead Glacier Girls Bball

Flathead Glacier Boys Bball OT Defense

Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs

Archie Earl Smith, 66

Archie lost his battle with cancer on Feb. 2, 2010. Archie was born in Lincolnton, N.C., on Oct. 3, 1943, and grew up in Tucson, Ariz., where he graduated from Amphitheatre High School, and the University of Arizona with a teaching degree in physical education. Working at Glacier National Park during the summers of his college years, he loved the life in Montana and made his home in Whitefish. Archie loved to travel, hunting, country music, sports, family and friends. His passion for his work in construction can be seen throughout the valley in the many homes and businesses that he poured his heart and soul into making sure the job was done to perfection. He is survived by his mother, Edna Smith, of Tucson; his wife, Kay, of Whitefish; brothers, Marlin and Garland Smith, of Tucson; daughter, Shelly Smith, of Phoenix; son, Scott Smith, and his wife, Elizabeth, of Columbia Falls; daughter, SN Stephanie Coyne, USN, based in Great Lakes, Ill., and her husband, Greg, of Phoenix; also, his two granddaughters, Bailey and Hannah, of Columbia Falls. Services will be at noon Sunday, Feb. 7, at Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish. There will be a celebration of Archie s life following the service at their home, at 2225 Hwy. 93 west of Whitefish.

Junice Clarke, 92

Junice Clarke passed away Feb. 3, 2010, at an eldercare facility in McMinnville, Ore., at the age of 92. She was born Feb. 6, 1917. She is survived by her daughter, Janice Breazile; her son, Ervin; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil; son, Lindsay; brother, Herbert Strauss; and sisters, Inez Alverson and Alice Buck. Junice loved her farm in the Lake Blaine area and cherished memories of her family, neighbors and friends.

New Griz coach touts first recruits

Pflugrad talks about signing day, team’s future

The old familiar “Voice of the Grizzlies,” Mick Holien, said what everyone in the room was probably thinking.

Whitefish does what's needed

It’s unfortunate that the city of Whitefish has found itself in financial trouble and expects to end the fiscal year with a general-fund balance in the red. We commend City Manager Chuck Stearns and his administrative team for taking swift action to tighten the city’s belt by making some painful but necessary layoffs and imposing hiring and spending freezes.

Cane-wielding man makes threat

Flathead County sheriff

Amtrak ridership down 10 percent during 2009

Amtrak ridership took a hit last year, with about 10 percent fewer passengers riding the Empire Builder through Montana in 2009.

Prep Basketball: Glacier girls net 1st league win; Kats spank Pirates

Ashlee Waggener scored 16 points and Baylee Quay added 15 as the Glacier Wolfpack picked up its first conference win of the girls basketball season with a 62-55 victory over visiting Missoula Hellgate on Thursday.

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Murder suspect pleads innocent

Justin Calbick accused of shooting his father, brother

A man accused of killing his father and brother and then holding six people hostage pleaded not guilty Thursday morning in Flathead County District Court.

High court upholds insurance penalties

The Montana Supreme Court has upheld an $80,000 fine against a Troy insurance agent for defrauding two elderly women.

Rival hoops: Glacier, Flathead squads meet at Glacier

TODAY: Flathead Bravettes (3-8, 0-4) vs. Glacier Wolfpack (6-7, 1-4); Flathead Braves (6-5, 2-2) vs. Glacier Wolfpack (9-4, 3-2)

Rehberg wants wilderness 'phase-in'

Plan addresses concerns that logging would be delayed in current Tester bill

Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont., is calling for a measure that would phase in wilderness designations as forest stewardship projects are accomplished through legislation sponsored by Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont.

Packs' twin terrors

Kaleb, Alek Mitchell dominating AA mats at 98 pounds

They’re soft-spoken off the mats, but hard-spoken on them — so let’s meet the Mitchells — Alek and Kaleb.

Flathead, Glacier grapple for seeds

Don’t let the number fool you.

Local surgeon back from Haiti, back at work

Dr. Albert Olszewski, a local orthopedic surgeon, returned to the Flathead Valley earlier this week after donating his time at King’s Hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Calbick in Court

Justin Calbick

Meth ring

Hope Ranch Closes

Brooke Anne Miner

daughter of Ben and Jennifer Miner of Bigfork, was born Oct. 4 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Adelyn Marie Miller

daughter of Duke Miller and Liberty Penner of Lakeside, was born Oct. 6 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Parker Kingston Jenkins-Bauer

son of Tim Bauer and Cierra Jenkins-Zeigler of Kalispell, was born Oct. 4 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Tanner Gage Levi Gordner

son of Tanner Dean Gordner and Kristy Stevens Gordner of Kalispell, was born Oct. 10 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Alona Melody Johnson

daughter of Scott Johnson Jr. and Nichole Johnson of Kalispell, was born Oct. 28 at North Valley Hospital.

Erilyn Dawn Parmer

daughter of Brianna Patton and Josh Parmer of Kalispell, was born Dec. 11 at North Valley Hospital.

Owen Riley Benson

son of Jesse and Rose Benson of Kalispell, was born Oct. 7 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Ada Willow Calhoun

daughter of Anne (Bianchi) Calhoun and Robert Calhoun of Anaconda, was born Dec. 24 at St. James Healthcare in Butte.

Magnus Jeff Henrywisher

son of Jeff and April Wisher of Kalispell, was born Oct. 8 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Jacob Malachi Framness

son of Dan and Whitney Framness of Coram, was born Oct. 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Issabel Celine Amundson

daughter of Shane Amundson and Sabrina Hall of Kalispell, was born Oct. 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Claire Alanta Roberts

daughter of Christopher and Stephanie Roberts of Kalispell, was born Oct. 2 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

George M. Sonny Kahn, 76

George M. Sonny Kahn, 76, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Carla; daughter, Kelly, and husband, Doug Grant, of Idaho; and two grandchildren, Logan and Lorna Grant. Viewing will be from 10 a.m. to noon, today, Feb. 4, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home, with a celebration of Sonny s life held at 1 p.m. today, Feb. 4, at the Christian Center Assembly of God Church. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.

Skyler Noah McPhail

son of Shane and Karina McPhail of Kalispell, was born Oct. 5 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Raymond Elmer Montgomery, 82

Raymond Elmer Montgomery, 82, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010, at the Brendan House in Kalispell. He was born on May 8, 1927, in Mullen, Idaho, the son of Clarence Richard and Laura Ellen (Crystal) Montgomery. He grew up and attended schools in Sandpoint, Idaho. He started working in the woods with his dad at an early age. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943 and spent most of his service time in Italy until his discharge in 1948. He was able to learn the language very well. Following his discharge he returned home and went to work in the lumber mills. He enrolled in an auto mechanics course and became an excellent mechanic. On June 26, 1963, he married Joyce Jones in Plains. He loved to fish and was known to tell some pretty fine fish stories for recreation. Later in his life he enrolled in a photography school and enjoyed and took many beautiful photographs. He was even rewarded with a gold cup for a photo taken of a house built like a castle. He and Joyce raised her two youngest children and a grandson and granddaughter until grown. They had 45 joyful years of marriage. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Montgomery, of Kalispell; a daughter, Shirley Mitchell; a son, Allen Mitchell; and three stepchildren, Michael Steele of Monrovia, Calif., Emma Krauss of Juneau, Alaska, and Terry Steele of Kalispell. Funeral services for Raymond will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Whitefish Stage Road. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 5, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Burial will follow services at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery with full military honors. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Raymond s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Raymond s tribute wall.

Gavin Daniel Knapp

son of Kevin and Rebecca Knapp of Kalispell, was born Oct. 11 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Paisley Michele Hoffman

daughter of Ryan and Lacey Hoffman of Whitefish, was born Nov. 1 at North Valley Hospital.

Florence North, 91

Florence North passed away on New Year s Eve, Jan. 31, 2009, at St. Peter s Hospital in Helena. She was born on May 13, 1918, near Arlington, Ohio, the second child of Roy and Ada Riegle. She graduated from Arlington High School, where she was a four-year letterman in basketball. She was also the shortstop on the town girls softball team. Following graduation, she went into nurse training at Robinwood Hospital in Toledo, Ohio. She graduated as a registered nurse in 1940 and began working at the hospital in Findlay, Ohio. On Jan. 20, 1944, she married Fred North and they resided in Orlando, Fla. She worked in the hospital there and Fred was stationed at the Kissimmee Army Airfield, where he served as a P-47 mechanic. Fred was transferred to San Antonio, Texas, and Florence worked in the hospital there. Following the war, they moved to Bigfork, where she and Fred operated the North family farm, which now is the Lake Hills Addition, the Lake Hills Shopping Center, and Peaceful Acres. In May of 1948, they adopted their son, John, from Shodair Children s Hospital. Fred and Florence sold the farm in 1961, and Florence opened the North Star Gift Shop north of Bigfork. Florence was active in the Bigfork Community Methodist Church, where she served as superintendent of the Sunday school, the Bigfork PTA, and the Lakeview Rebekah Lodge. In 1966, she and Fred purchased a small farm south of Columbia Falls, which they operated for two years. Upon John s graduation from Bigfork High School in 1966, Florence returned to nursing, working first in the Lutheran home in Kalispell, and then as the director of nursing at the Bigfork Convalescent Center. In 1968, she and Fred returned to Bigfork, where they built a house on the former family farm, overlooking the farmhouse that Fred s father built in 1892, and on a lot on which Fred s grandfather, John North, was buried. Florence retired in about 1978 because of a hernia that kept her from assisting residents. Fred passed away in 1998 and, in 2001, Florence moved to Helena, where she resided first at the Waterford and then at the Rocky Mountain Care Center. She was preceded in death by her father and mother; her husband; a sister, Ruth; and nieces, Elaine and Diane. She is survived by her sister, Marna Hartman, of Arlington; nieces, Marlene Garber of Pinkerington, Ohio, and Karen Hartman of Delphos, Ohio; nephews, Dan Doll of Sidney, Ohio, and Bob and Bill Hartman, of Arlington; and her son and daughter in-law, John and Dawn North, of Helena. She also leaves behind her granddog, Alder. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

Mystery bullet flies past hot tub

Flathead County sheriff

Recession forces Hope Ranch to close

School ‘changed lives’ of hundreds

Unable to battle recession-induced funding cutbacks any longer, the Hope Ranch for troubled teenage girls has closed its doors.

Griz go 'physical' with 19 recruits

First-year head football coach Robin Pflugrad unveiled the newest recruiting class for the Montana Grizzlies in Missoula on Wednesday, with two local athletes joining a “physical” class of 19 incoming players.

No debate about this dynasty

A final-round rally on Saturday propelled Columbia Falls to another state speech and debate championship and into uncharted territory as a dynasty.

West Glacier home a 'total loss' from afternoon fire

Flames reaching 300 feet high consumed a West Glacier home Wednesday afternoon, and the house was declared a “total loss” by Coram-West Glacier Fire Chief Walt Tabb.

Ronan 3rd, Polson 4th in mat poll

Libby remains No. 10 in latest Class A rankings

The Class A coaches wrestling poll has a few changes in the top five positions with two weeks left in the season.

Mauling rescue re-created for TV show

‘I Shouldn’t Be Alive’

Bram Schaffer has quite the story to tell about surviving a brutal grizzly bear mauling near Cooke City during the 1995 hunting season, and he tells it in the “I Shouldn’t Be Alive” series on the Animal Planet channel.

Delay seen as likely in Barkus trial

The defense and prosecution have both asked for a delay in the trial of state Sen. Greg Barkus on three felonies in regard to a spectacular August boating accident.

Bigfork boys, girls move up in hoop polls

The Bigfork Vikings have earned a third-place ranking in Class B in the latest Associated Press statewide high school boys basketball poll.

Man saved after leap from bridge in Polson

POLSON — Law enforcement officials rescued a man from Flathead Lake on Wednesday afternoon after he jumped from the Polson Armed Forces Memorial Bridge.

Whitefish Winter Carnival has Glacier theme

The 51st Whitefish Winter Carnival swings into full gear this weekend with a “Going-to-the-Sun” theme to celebrate Glacier National Park’s Centennial this year.

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Hope Ranch

Hunting may be limited to bucks

Recommendation would apply only to Region One

For the first time in about 10 years, buck-only seasons for whitetail deer are being recommended by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks for the next two years in Northwest Montana’s Region One.

Welcoming Wounded Warriors

Wounded Warriors arrive in Montana

Boy Scout Kodak camera

100th Anniversary of the Boyscouts

Donald Roy Calbick, 60

Donald Roy Calbick, 60, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010, at his residence in Creston. He was born on Oct. 22, 1949, in Kalispell to Robert and Lenore (Adamson) Calbick. Don received his early education in Kalispell, but graduated from Hellgate High School in Missoula. He went right to work at a service station. He met and married his first wife, Linda, in Missoula. The couple later divorced. Don moved back to the Flathead Valley where he worked in the timber industry, eventually hauling chips from Olney to Missoula for Elgin Trucking. He met JoAnn Hansen and they were married in Kalispell on May 20, 1977. Don continued to drive truck and was honored with Montana Driver of the Year Award in 1997 for driving over two million miles without an accident or citation. The last several years, Don drove for Schlegel and Sons Contractors, before taking medical retirement in 2008 because of a back injury. Don was an avid fisherman and camper. The family could often be found camping or fishing at Ashley Lake or gathered for barbecues, horseshoes, etc., at Don s home. Don faithfully cared for his wife, JoAnn, until she died of Lou Gehrig s disease on Aug. 7, 2009. Don was preceded in death by his wife; parents; and one son, Stacey. He is survived by three sons, Ron Calbick, Brett Calbick and Justin Calbick; one sister, Karen Armstrong, and husband, Bonner, of Helena; and nine grandchildren. Memorial services for Don will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 5, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, with Chaplain Bob Thornton officiating. There has been a memorial fund set up at the Whitefish Credit Union for Don and Stacey Calbick, in care of Karen and Bonner Armstrong, 234 E. Montana St., Kalispell, MT 59901. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Don s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Don s tribute wall.

Ella Addison Counts

daughter of Jason Counts and Kayla Larson of Kalispell, was born Nov. 15 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Logan Alan Dunham

son of Marcus and Emily Dunham of Whitefish, was born Oct. 30 at North Valley Hospital.

Michael G. Haugen, 41

Michael G. Haugen, 41, loving husband, son, brother, uncle, nephew and friend, lost a brave battle with cancer Feb. 1, 2010. Michael died peacefully at home in Missoula. He was born Dec. 4, 1968, in Sioux City, Iowa, to M.G. Sonny and Lucy (Penning) Haugen. After graduation from Columbia Falls High School in 1986, he joined the U.S. Army. He received his honorable discharge in 1991 after his return from Desert Storm. He then moved to Massachusetts, met and married Tinalynne (DeAngelo) Haugen in October of 1996, and then moved back to Montana in 2003. Michael worked as a UPS driver in Missoula. He was active in the Knights of Columbus since 1986, an active member of St. Frances Xavier Catholic Church. His hobbies included photography, golf and baseball. He was preceded in death by Haugen and Penning, grandparents; and aunt, Maggie Masgai. Michael is survived by his wife, Tinalynne Haugen; his parents, M.G. Sonny and Lucy Haugen; his sister, Holly Haugen, and Jon Love; Eli, Stephanie and Chris Love; and his sister, Jennifer, and Jason Goss, nephew, Timothy Michael Haugen, Courtney Goss and Sam Goss, all from Great Falls. Michael is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and friends. Viewing will be from 3 to 5 p.m., with a vigil from 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4, at Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 5, at St. Francis Xavier Church in Missoula, followed by a luncheon. Burial will be at 4 p.m. Friday at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to American Brain Tumor Association at www.abta.org; or Partners in Home Care Hospice, (406) 728-8848.

Vernon W. Bunyea, 78

Vernon W. Bunyea, 78, went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on Feb. 1, 2010, after spending his last seven months at the Hospice Care Program at the Spokane VA Medical Center. Vern was born on Aug. 1, 1931, and graduated from Flathead High School in 1949. While in high school he played for the Braves and was picked to play in the East-West Shriner game in Great Falls, where he was First Team, All State. Vern joined the U.S. Army in 1951 and served in Korea. While serving, he received two Bronze Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and Good Conduct Medal. He returned home in 1953 as sergeant first class. In 1956, he met and married Sharon Lou Parkison and together they raised their four children. The family moved to Omak, Wash., in 1960, where he owned Vern s McCulloch Shop for many years. The family has many happy memories of Omak, including time spent at horse shows, fairs and rodeos. He brought his family back to Kalispell in 1973 to be under the Big Sky and beautiful mountains where he loved to fish and hunt with his family and friends. After moving to Kalispell, Vern worked for Columbia Falls Aluminum Company, in the logging industry, and Pioneer Northwest. One of the greatest joys in Vern and Sharon s life was their family at Bible Baptist Church. They were one of the first families to help establish the church and their love for Pastor and Louise Bemis was tremendous. Vern was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon; his father, Vernon C. Bunyea; mother, Grace G. Bunyea; and brother, Leroy Bunyea. He is survived by his two sons, Steve and his wife, Jolene Raybourn, of Kalispell, and Rick Raybourn of Vicksburg, Miss.; and daughters, Joni Bunyea, Patty (Bunyea) Foster and husband, Todd Foster, of Kalispell, and Shaunna Hill of Missoula; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Also surviving are Vern s brothers, Gene Bunyea and wife, Barbara, of Bigfork, and Melvin Bunyea of Santa Maria, Calif.; sister, Nancy Fryer, of Kalispell; brother-in-law, Larry Parkison and his wife, Shelley; sister-in-law, Jean Halverson, and husband, Ron; and numerous nieces and nephews. Vern is also survived by his loving companion of the last eight years, Geraldine Wagner, who took such good care of him. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home in Spokane. Memorial services are at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, at Bible Baptist Church, 64 Dove Lane, in Evergreen.

Ava Brooke Stillo

daughter of Josh and Becky Stillo, was born Oct. 30 at North Valley Hospital.

Stacey Michael Calbick, 37

Stacey Michael Calbick, 37, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010, at his residence in Creston. He was born on Sept. 30, 1972, in Kalispell. Stacey graduated from Flathead High School and worked for Ron s Alignment for many years. He had a son, Michael Calbick, in 1991. Stacey also worked for Wagoner s Sand and Gravel, driving loading equipment before following his dad into trucking with Schlegel and Sons Contractors. Stacey married Christina Moen in 2000 in Kalispell, and together had a son, Riley. The couple later divorced. Among Stacey s passions was hunting, fishing and camping. He loved spending time with his boys and could even occasionally be found on the golf course. Stacey was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by two sons, Michael Calbick of Bothell, Wash., and Riley Calbick of Kalispell; three half brothers, Ron, Brett and Justin Calbick; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. Memorial services for Stacey will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 5, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, with Chaplain Bob Thornton officiating. There has been a memorial fund set up at the Whitefish Credit Union for Don and Stacey Calbick, in care of Karen and Bonner Armstrong, 234 E. Montana St., Kalispell, MT 59901. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Stacey s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Stacey s tribute wall.

Chazz Dallen Hopper

son of Roman and Chelcie Hopper of Kalispell, was born Nov. 14 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Carol Winters, 59

Carol Winters, of Kalispell, died peacefully at home on Jan. 29, 2010, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born Sept. 6, 1950, in Wolf Point, to Lottie and Clifford Hansen. She spent her childhood in Wolf Point and enjoyed playing softball, playing clarinet in school band, horseback riding, excelling at barrel racing and winning many trophy buckles. At a young age she worked for her grandfather in his implement business, later at the Elks club, and also assisted her grandmother on several long distance car trips. Carol attended both Carroll and Eastern Montana colleges, and graduated from the University of Montana with a double degree in speech therapy and Spanish. Carol went to Parras, Coahuila, Mexico, as a foreign exchange student while in high school. She returned to Mexico through her college exchange program to Patzcuaro, Michoacan. She formed and kept strong, loving bonds with her host families. After graduating from college she welcomed her youngest host family sister into her home for a year to experience life in Montana. Carol treasured the opportunities she had to visit with her host families, both in Mexico and at her home in Montana. The influence and love of her families from Mexico contributed to her career choice working with the Billings Migrant Program. While working in Billings, Carol met Russ Winters and they were married Aug. 21, 1976. Russ career in education took them from Billings to Florence to Kalispell, where they raised their sons, Jake and Toby. The boys active sports lives afforded Carol and Russ many opportunities for travel as well as new and lifelong friendships. During this time, Carol continued her career working in the Human Resource Department as the benefits administrator at Plum Creek in Columbia Falls. Carol s family was the light of her life and her grandchildren always brought special smiles to her face. Carol was an avid reader and thoroughly enjoyed her book club friends and their discussions. Their devoted friendship enriched her life. Carol s love of cards brought her another group of unique friends in her pinochle club. Last, but not least, she loved her cribbage games. If defeated, with a smile she always demanded a rematch. Carol was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; and several relatives. She is survived by her husband, Russ; son, Jake, and Shannon, and their children, Molly and Ben; son, Toby; her brother, Lowell; her sister, Bev, and Dan; and her brother, Gary, and Bob; niece, Leticia, and Jeff; nephew, Erik, and Amanda; two great-nephews; several aunts; one uncle; and many cousins. Carol was noted for her sincere warmth, beautiful smile, keen mind and wit. She truly left her mark on the world. Our loss is heaven s gain. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Christian Center/Assembly of God in Kalispell. In lieu of flowers, please take a friend to lunch. The family would like to thank Hospice for their excellent care of Carol the past few weeks. A special thanks to Becky Reid (Comfort Keepers) for all her caring time the past 18 months assisting Carol. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Carol s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Carol s tribute wall.

Max Charles Oehlerich

son of Eric and Anne Oehlerich of Whitefish, was born Oct. 28 at North Valley Hospital.

River Samuel Knoble

son of Cody and Colleen Knoble, was born Oct. 29 at North Valley Hospital.

Aubrey Noel Motichka

daughter of Chris and Janie Motichka of Columbia Falls, was born Dec. 13 at North Valley Hospital.

Haeven Faith Aileen Nicole Olson

daughter of John and Andrea Olson of Bigfork, was born Oct. 7 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Agnes Lamb, 92

With her family surrounding her, Agnes Lamb, a longtime Whitefish resident, went to be with the Lord on Jan. 29, 2010. Agnes Christine Aune was born May 21, 1917, 20 miles north of Saco to Andrew and Signe Aune; she attended a one-room school at Corral Coulee near her home. Following school, she worked for neighbors and later moved to Malta, working at the hospital until developing rheumatoid arthritis. She married Manuel Lamb in 1938 and they farmed and operated a dairy on the Milk River north of Saco until 1950. They and their family of four came to Whitefish in 1950 where they farmed, raising dairy cattle; during that time, Manuel also worked for the railroad. Since its beginning, Agnes worked at the food bank in Whitefish, serving there for 27 years. Agnes blessed many people by working as a housekeeper, baby-sitter, Sunday school teacher and caring for many in their final days. Agnes and Manuel were lifelong members of the Assembly of God Church in Whitefish, working endlessly for and in the church. She loved life and enjoyed having fun and will be greatly missed by many. Preceding her in death were her husband, Manuel, in 2001; and son, Clayton, in 2009; as well as sisters, Elsie, Alma, Pauline, Edna and Inga; and brother, Art. She is survived by her son, Eugene Gene Lamb, and wife, Mary, of Whitefish; daughters, Mildred Groshong and husband, Jim, of Spokane, and Dorothy Anderson of Whitefish; a sister, Mabel Palm, of Saco; 20 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the Whitefish Assembly of God Church, 1549 Karrow Ave., with interment following at Glacier Memorial Gardens. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Austin Funeral Home.

'Hamburglar' strikes at drive-through

Flathead County sheriff

Inter Lake publisher announces retirement

Daily Inter Lake publisher Tom Kurdy has announced that he will retire in late spring after 40 years of service to the Hagadone Corporation, the newspaper’s parent company.

Speech coaches nominated for state honors

Two Glacier High School speech and debate coaches have been nominated for the 2010 Class AA Coach of the Year award.

Libby rallies by Bigfork

LIBBY — Senior Jackie Mee scored 13 of her 21 points in the fourth quarter and helped lead Libby to a come-from-behind 44-41 victory over Bigfork in nonconference girls basketball on Tuesday.

Council selects firm as airport consultant

Amid a flurry of votes indicating a mix of resolve and hesitation, the City Council on Monday night approved Stelling Engineers as the engineer of record for Kalispell City Airport.

New 911 center set to open soon

Only details such as dry-erase paint on the walls remain before Flathead County’s consolidated 911 center is complete, but the facility won’t be fully operational until summer.

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911 dispatch center

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Games Countdown

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Fine Dining at FVCC

Joan C. Woods, 73

Joan C. Woods, 73, released her earthly bonds to join her Heavenly Father on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010. She was surrounded by family and friends at home when she gave in to congestive heart failure and COPD. Joan was born in Osceola, Wis., Aug. 31, 1936, to Roy and Effie Olson. Her family moved to Whitefish in 1948. She and her sisters, Jane, June and Jean, The Olson Girls, thrived in Whitefish as they helped build the family home on Waverly Place from the ground up, enjoyed Whitefish Lake, skiing on Big Mountain and making treasured memories with their friends. Joan graduated from Whitefish High School in 1954, and continued to meet with her classmates each month at the Pin & Cue for lunch and stories up until just a few months ago. After Joan graduated from high school, she went to work at the Anaconda Aluminum warehouse office until 1960 when she moved to Kalispell to work at First National Bank. She was there for 15 years, becoming the first woman officer. She enjoyed working at an appraisal office for a few years before going to work for radiologist Dr. Mike Wickersham. He was a great boss and friend. In 1958, Joan joined Jim Woods in marriage. Her husband, friend, lover and partner, they shared their journey of life together for 43 years before his passing in 2001. They raised three children, teaching them the power of faith, love, compassion and compromise, and the value of family and friends. Always a social butterfly, she was an avid bowler when she was younger, as well as a member of the Lady Elks. She loved to travel " Europe, Mexico, cruises and whitewater rafting through the Grand Canyon. She was always up for an adventure. Joan was a member of Beta Sigma Phi for 51 years. After her husband s death, her children had to call ahead to see if she could pencil them in for the weekends as her social calendar was always full. Grandma Joan loved to spend time at Echo Lake watching her family grow. She usually had a flock of grandkids around her whether it was coffee time in her camper first thing in the morning, or popcorn and cards at night. She played cribbage, poker, pinochle and bridge with a number of groups, as well as her luncheons with friends and birthday groups, Friday night dinner dates with close friends, and she was always ready for a game of Farkle. Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Woods; an infant daughter; her parents, Roy and Effie Olson; as well as her terrific in-laws, Marion and Hildred Woods. She is survived by her son, Wayne Woods, and his children, Bo John and Krysta; daughter, Whitney Leibenguth, and Guy, and children, Tiffany, Robbi and Kali; and daughter, Wendy Gorman, and her children, Johnnie, Jessika and Ty Gorman, and Gunner and Grace Grisak; sisters, Jane Friske, June Kuchenski and Jim, and Jean Petersen and John; sister-in-law, Stephanie Dye; as well as an awesome clan of nieces and nephews. Mom lived life. She loved life. Although there is a time for grief she wished only to gather with friends to celebrate her new eternal life. And so, we will gather at the Village Green Golf Course Community Center from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6, for an open house to share laughter and friendship. (And most certainly a tear.) We thank you all for your loving prayers and request that in lieu of cards or flowers any donations be sent on Mom s behalf to Home Options Hospice at 175 Commons Loop, Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901. Hospice Nurse Tawnya Cramer, we still don t know how you fit your wings in that little car! God bless you all. Friends are encourage to send condolences to the family at www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Orville Lloyd Harris, 72

Orville Lloyd Harris, 72, of Kalispell, passed away on Monday, Feb. 1, 2010, to be with the Lord. Orville was born Sept. 13, 1937, in Pierre, S.D., to Dempsie and Louise (Schmidt) Harris. He spent his childhood and many of his adult years in South Dakota, primarily in the Black Hills. He and his first wife Kathy Reed share three children, Gwen, David and Gail. In 1974, he moved to Montana and lived in Arlee, Bigfork and Kalispell. He married Mae Howe on Dec. 31, 1982, and joining their union were children, Mindie, Lorrie, Dean and Dawn. Orville was known as a jack-of-all-trades mechanic, welder, excavator, etc. He enjoyed woodworking, playing cards, camping and gathering with family and friends to laugh, tease and tell stories. He is survived by his wife, Mae, of Kalispell; his children, Gwen and Jeff Filion of Spokane, David and Chelley Harris of Boise, Idaho, Gail and Dempsey Ortega of Spokane, and Mindie and Rick Rassmesen, Lorrie Bradford, Dean Howe, and Dawn Meadows, all of Kalispell; grandchildren, Brandon, Misty, Kiana, Brandon, Aaron, Ashley, Jessica, Josh, Brittney, Samuel and Cody; and one great-grandchild, John III. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Brendan House for the love and care they showed Orville. Memorial services for Orville will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 3, in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel with Fred Topp officiating. A reception will follow immediately at the VFW Post on First Avenue West. The family suggests memorial gifts be given to Home Options/Hospice, 175 Commons Loop, Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Orville s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Orville s tribute wall.

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Whitefish details uses for federal grant

The city of Whitefish has made a list of projects it plans to pay for with a $900,000 appropriation that Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont. secured last year for the city’s new Emergency Services Center.

C. Falls speech coach wins divisional honor

Tara Norick, a coach with Columbia Falls High School’s speech and debate program, has been named the 2010 Northwest Class A Coach of the Year.

Amendment on revoking variances to be considered by Planning Board

A proposed zoning text amendment giving the Flathead County Board Adjustment the ability to revoke variances has been fine-tuned and will be considered at a Planning Board public hearing on Feb. 10.

Biomass option still on the table for Flathead Electric

Flathead Electric Cooperative managers say they have long been exploring the potential for the development of a biomass cogeneration plant, but so far it has penciled out as the most expensive source to meet future power needs.

Intoxicated man threatens suicide

Responding to a report of gunshots at a Klondike Loop residence in the Somers area Sunday night, Flathead County Sheriff’s deputies found that a man had come home, intoxicated, and had argued with his wife and threatened suicide. After hearing a gunshot, she left with their three kids. Deputies found a bullet hole in the ceiling and transported the man to Kalispell Regional Medical Center for a mental health evaluation. He may face criminal endangerment charges.

Four rescued huskies still need homes

The Flathead County Animal Shelter staff needs homes for the last four huskies remaining from the dozens rescued from inhumane treatment last June.

State Orchestra Vertical

State Orchestra John Zoltek

State Orchestra

Pitman portrait

Whitefish Winter Carnival: A Documentary

Wednesday — 7:30 p.m.

Carnival film captures heart of time-honored event

'A love letter to Whitefish'

Ted Lund would have loved this documentary. He is, after all, one of the stars.

Pitman detail

Angry driver arrested for assault

Flathead County sheriff’s deputies arrested a man for partner assault after he reportedly used his truck to ram another vehicle at a home on Birch Drive. Deputies said his wife had reasonable fear for her own safety after his angry outburst.

Eric and Kathy Grimsrud

2 arrested in connection with vehicle break-ins

Two 18-year-old men are in custody awaiting formal charges in connection with a string of recent vehicle break-ins.

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Pitman loft

Adam Pitman

Local author pens climate-change book

Eric Grimsrud can make people listen when the topic is climate change.