Sunday, January 31
Jacqueline Evelyn Smithey Cornelius, 83
Jacqueline Cornelius, much-loved mother, Nana, and friend, went to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ, Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010. She died peacefully in her sleep at home from cancer. Known as Jackie, she spent her lifetime thinking of others. She was born in 1926 in El Paso, Texas, to Paul and Emerald Kinne O Toole Smithey. She attended the University of Washington. Marrying Eugene Lance in 1945, they moved to Columbia Falls, where their daughters Judy, Laurie and Mary were born. Jackie worked at Plum Creek and retired from the Montana Veterans Home. She married Harry Armstrong after moving to Whitefish. She bought the East Side Grocery. Harry s Music and Games plus the Montessori School were based there. Remodeling the building into apartments, Jackie designed and built much of them herself. While snow birding 19 winters in Mesa, Ariz., she married Howard Cornelius. He preceded her in death in 2003. Jackie became site manager for the Whitefish Golden Agers, retiring in 2007. People say, What a great friend Jackie was! Survivors include brother, Retired Col. Paul C. and Virginia Smithey, of Florida; daughters, Judy and Irwin Bennett of Kalispell, Laurie and Dwayne Thramer of Columbia Falls, and Mary and Marc Gallo of Seattle; and grandchildren, Beth and Marilyn Bennett, and Brian and Greg Thramer. A celebration of her life will be held on Jackie s birthday, April 3, at the Golden Agers. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the Veteran s Home.
Olga Price, 95
Olga Price, 95, formerly of Kalispell, passed away on Jan. 24, 2010, at a nursing home in Burien, Wash. She was born Feb. 10, 1914, in Leroy, Saskatchewan, to Ole and Thea Borgen. In 1915 her family moved and settled in Silva, N.D. The family then moved to Kalispell in 1928. Olga married Ralph Cap Price in 1937. They moved to the Seattle area in 1943, living most of their time in the Burien area. Olga was an awesome cook for the Highline School District for 25 years. She was preceded in death by her husband; father and mother; four brothers; and two sisters. She is survived by two sons, Roger Price of Seattle, and Norm Price and Judy of Selah, Wash.; one daughter, Sunny Hess, and Gary, of Brush Prairie, Wash.; six grandsons and eight great-grandchildren; also one sister, Mickie McPoland, of Seattle; and one sister-in-law, Florence Borgen, of Kalispell. Graveside services for Olga Price will be at 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1, at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell. Memorial services will also be held at 3 p.m. Feb. 13 at Glendale Lutheran Church in Seattle. The family suggests donations be made in Olga s name to the charity of your choosing. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Olga s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Olga s Tribute Wall.
Bigfork duo share top honor, bragging rights
2010 State Speech and Debate results
With just seven kids competing at the Class B speech and drama state tournament, Bigfork High School didn’t have much hope of stealing the state title from the division’s powerhouse, Loyola Sacred Heart High School.
The One Man Bands of Flathead County slideshow
Shooting suspect pleads innocent
A suspect in an early December shooting pleaded innocent Thursday.
Defending champs upset in finals
Flathead falls to Bozeman; one emerges as champ 2010 State Speech and Debate results
Kalispell’s speech and debate teams were disappointed this weekend after coming in second and third to Bozeman High School at the Class AA speech and debate state tournament.
Allen Slater
Glacier pins Capital, Helena
Glacier’s wrestlers wrapped up the regular season on Saturday with a pair of easy Western AA duals.
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Measure by measure
High school band directors take every day at full tempo
“Prestissimo” is the tempo high school band directors know better than any other.
C. Falls restaurant serves up style, taste
‘Mountain fare with Italian flair’
Three Forks Grille is not your typical Columbia Falls dining establishment.
C. Falls battles through to fifth straight title
2010 State Speech and Debate results
Columbia Falls won its fifth straight Class A state speech and debate title on Saturday — but it’s the victory that almost wasn’t.
FHS speech and debate's Dawson Lynch
Whitefish beach property surfaces again
Park Board favors pursuing purchase
Now that the asking price has dropped by more than $1 million, the city of Whitefish may make another attempt at buying a lakefront lot just west of City Beach on Whitefish Lake.
Bengals hold off Wolfpack
Holding a team to four field goals in the second half is usually a surefire way to win.
Perfume thieves still at large
Kalispell police
State of the speech: Our view
The most encouraging aspect of President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address last week was the strong emphasis on job creation and the economy.
FHS spanks Helena schools
Thomas versus Erickson.
America: Are we being 'transformed' and ... if so ... into what?
Editor's 2 Cents
The week before he was elected president, President Obama made the bold statement that, “We are five days away from fundamentally transforming the United States of America.”
Saturday, January 30
Week in Pictures January 25-31
Whitefish Ski-Joring
GHS vs. Helena High Wrestling
FHS vs. Helena High Wrestling
Randy Lloyd McClanahan, 39
Randy Lloyd McClanahan, 39, died at his home in Evergreen, on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010. He worked at Stoltze Land and Lumber where he was very much liked and loved. Randy loved being in the mountains and riding horses. He enjoyed fishing and hunting with friends and family. Randy is survived by his life partner, LeeAnn Young, of Evergreen; mother, Pat Baker; stepfather, Tom Baker; three sisters, Shelly Pierson, Melissa Sweeney and Deborah Trninich; five children, Joe, Destiny, Gage, Dakota and Dillon McClanahan; two stepchildren, Matika and Marissa James; and many other aunts, uncles and cousins. He had wonderful and great friends, Jim and Laura Wengler, Rusty and Shantell Sweeney, Matt and Melissa Bosley, and many, many others. Randy was always there to help someone no matter what, and did it with a smile. He was kind, gentle and loving and will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. today, Jan. 30, at the Assembly of God Church, at 738 Third Ave. West, in Columbia Falls. A potluck dinner will follow at the Spruce Park Cafe in Coram. Anyone is welcome to attend. Please bring a dish, chips, or anything if you would like. Memorials may be sent to Pat Baker, 780 Birch Grove Road, in Kalispell, to help defray funeral expenses, and for an education fund for Randy s children.
Betty June (Peterson) Boyd, 81
Betty June (Peterson) Boyd passed away Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010, at the age of 81. She was born on Feb. 23, 1928, in Woodbine, Iowa, to Willie and Edna Peterson. In 1945 she married John Wesley Boyd in Hiawatha, Kan., and in 1946 moved to Somers. In 1948 they moved to Libby where they lived for 47 years. In 1995, Betty moved to Columbia Falls where she immediately became involved with the United Methodist Church, the North Valley Senior Citizen Center and the Klothes Kloset. The loves of her life were her family, her church, her friends, her flower garden, collecting hummingbirds and playing pinochle. Betty is survived by her sons, Larry Boyd of Eureka, and Johnny Boyd and wife, Michelle, of Livingston; and her daughter, Barbara Bocksnick, and her husband, Randy, of Columbia Falls. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Kari Peak and husband Jared, Jim Boyd and wife Jacque, Herb Bocksnick and wife Lisa, Mark Albert and wife Carla, and Eliza Boyd; and 10 great-grandchildren, Ashley, Kaurie, Jaylee and Easton Albert, Michael, Colter and Avery Bocksnick, and Dalton, Aspyn and Joseph Peak. Betty also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and her many, many devoted and cherished friends. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents; brothers, Wayne and Charles Peterson; and a sister, Arlene Clark. A visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. today, Jan. 30, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 31, at the Columbia Falls United Methodist Church, with Pastors David Merkel and Ray Davis officiating. A graveside service and burial will be held at the Libby City Cemetery in Libby at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 1. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials can be made to the Columbia Falls United Methodist Church at P.O. Box 27, Columbia Falls, MT 59912; or the North Valley Senior Citizen Center at P.O. Box 676, Columbia Falls, MT 59912.
Whitefish imposes layoffs, cutbacks
Walton lawsuit blamed for city budget woes
The city of Whitefish has laid off four employees and will furlough all other city workers for one day before the end of the fiscal year to offset a faltering general fund.
Paralegal wins legal ruling in ongoing dispute with state
Flathead Valley paralegal and former state Sen. Jerry O’Neil has prevailed in a recent court ruling that denied attorney general charges that his advertising has been “deceptive as a matter of law.”
Shooting woes sink Bravettes
Twenty-six percent.
Capital towers over 'Pack
The size advantage that the Helena Capital girls had over Glacier on paper seemed even bigger on the court Friday.
Father, son murdered
Suspect may have killed twice before kidnapping family
A kidnapping incident Wednesday night in Creston apparently was preceded by a double murder a half-mile away.
Suspects stealing smoked cigs
Flathead County sheriff
Top speaker overcomes stage fright
Stephanie Christensen is arguably one of the best speakers in the state.
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Columbia Falls speech and debate
School seeking expansion
Fair-Mont-Egan to ask for $1.9 million
Fair-Mont-Egan School may soon get a makeover if voters approve a $1.9 million bond request.
Friday, January 29
Glacier vs Helena Capital Girls Basketball
Creston double homicide
Creston double homicide: Searching for evidence
Olympics Widgets
Olympic Athletes
Schedules & Results
Games Highlights
Two men found murdered
The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the apparent murders of two men whose bodies were found Thursday afternoon in Creston.
Holly Andrea (Pennington) Ghrames, 54
Holly Andrea (Pennington) Ghrames ascended to a better place Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010, from Health Center Northwest, Kalispell, after surviving breast cancer, only to have it come back after three years and claim her. She was born April 15, 1955, in Kalispell, to Thomas and Elizabeth (Currell) Pennington. She was the youngest of three sisters. Holly completed all of her schooling in the Kalispell school system, graduating from Flathead County High School. She worked most of her adult life, taking time off to give birth to a son and later, a daughter. She worked as office manager at Mayflower for a period, before being employed at Roy Stanley Chevrolet, where she attained the position of service manager. Later, she settled on her true calling when she joined the CPA firm of Hoadley and Parker in Whitefish and became an accomplished bookkeeper. Holly enjoyed fishing the Thompson Lakes for perch, often catching more then Mike as he was kept busy baiting her hook. The antelope and deer hunting trips to the Malta area were what she looked forward to in the fall. Camping was another enjoyment. Holly s father was killed in an auto accident when she was 6. Her mother also preceded her in passing, also from breast cancer. She is survived by her best friend and husband, Mike, at their Evergreen home; a son, Thomas Jurgens, of Portland; daughters, Chelsea Rowe of Kalispell, Kelley Ghrames of Libby, and Michelle O Neil of Somers; sister, Jaye, and husband, Dick Vollmer, of Selah, Wash.; sister, Pati Pennington, and nieces, Kaci and Gini Yachechak, of Kalispell; favorite uncle, Buddy, and aunt, Jo, of Kingwood, Texas; and many other relatives. To her granddaughters, Ashlynn Mongon and Kristin Sikes, she was lovingly known as Nana. Holly was a friend to all. Although unknown to her, she had a rare ability to make people feel special. Her humor, wit and smile were infectious and is missed by all who knew her. She enjoyed her work relationship with everyone and is already greatly missed by everyone whose life she touched, especially her friends, Teri Beatty and Peggy Speer of Kalispell, and former husband, John Rowe, of Columbia Falls. Holly had friends too numerous to list, but she knew who you are and you know who you are. To all of the local medical personnel, including hospice, Holly s family thanks you for assisting her during her final road trip. At Holly s request, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held in Holly s honor in April. Date, time and place will be announced later. Memorials can be made in her name to the Abbie Shelter. Sawadee Krup und auf Wiederschen, mein frau.
Kristopher Lee Jones, 29
Kristopher Lee Jones, 29, passed away in Kalispell on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010. Kristopher was born July 30, 1980, in Whitefish. He was raised in the Flathead Valley and worked as a diesel mechanic, with which he was very proud. He loved Ford pickups and motorcycles. He also loved to swim and boat in any water. He is survived by his mother, Cathy Jones; daughter, Jersy Jones; and son, Kolby Jones. A celebration of Kristopher s life will be held later this summer. 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.
Canyon supporters speak up
District presents school closure as way to meet budget ‘We have taken care of these kids as well as we possibly could’
The solution to the Columbia Falls School District’s quarter-million-dollar elementary budget shortfall remains elusive after a public meeting Wednesday night.
Time to end planning fight
Flathead County Planning Director Jeff Harris said all along that he and his staff had nothing to hide when the county embarked six months ago on a third-party investigation of wide-ranging allegations against the Planning Office.
Prep Basketball: Whitefish girls grab first win
WHITEFISH — Danielle McCully scored 16 points and Mariah Kanistanaux added six points and nine rebounds as the Whitefish Lady Bulldogs downed Ronan 42-36 for their first win of the season in a Northwestern A matchup on Thursday.
Family held at gunpoint
Man suspected in double homicide
Bound with duct tape, six people were held captive at gunpoint for three hours before being freed Wednesday night.
Col. Falls pursuing fifth straight speech title
If last weekend’s divisional tournament is any indication, Columbia Falls High School’s speech and debate team isn’t feeling much pressure as it pursues a fifth straight Class A state title.
South Pacific rehearsal
Singing their way through 'South Pacific'
With each new collaboration between the Alpine Theatre Project and Glacier Symphony and Chorale, things just become a bit simpler.
Funny money paid for Kool-Aid
Flathead County sheriff
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Braves still city's best
Flathead pins Glacier third-straight time
Crosstown III went pretty much as expected for Glacier wrestling coach Mark Fischer.
Thursday, January 28
FHS vs. GHS Wrestling Silhouettes
FHS vs. GHS Wrestling Heavyweights
FHS vs. GHS Wrestling
Three Forks Grille
Rep. Dee Brown
Canyon Elementary Meeting concern
Columbia Falls School District meeting
The Whitefish High School Drumline
The Columbians jazz band
Allen Slater
Mark McCrady and the Whitefish Middle School band
The Glacier Pep Band
Landon Carter Rush
son of Samantha and Cody Rush of Kalispell, was born Nov. 6 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Lena Marie and Abigail Elyse Danielson
twin daughters of Greg and Lianna Danielson of Kalispell, were born Nov. 8 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Ava Lynn Belston
daughter of Tyler and Nicole Belston of Kalispell, was born Nov. 7 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Jakaleigh Elaine Peters
daughter of Joe and Jane Peters of Kalispell, was born Nov. 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Madalyn Frances Lenderman
daughter of Josh and Natalie Lenderman of Whitefish, was born Oct. 23 at North Valley Hospital.
Viola Grace Calobeer
daughter of Kandice George and Jason Calobeer of Kalispell, was born Jan. 19 at North Valley Hospital.
Cidnee Inez Alicia Trujillo
daughter of Leticia Marie Sanchez of Columbia Falls, was born Oct. 27 at North Valley Hospital.
Simon Maximilian Cook
son of Lonnie and Anne Cook of Kalispell, was born Nov. 10 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Keira Gavagan Lindsay
daughter of Kurt Lindsay and Justine Gavagan of Kalispell, was born Oct. 12 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Robbery, standoff end in suicide
After barricading himself in a pickup, a robbery suspect killed himself late Tuesday night, ending a standoff that lasted for hours.
Xtown III: Flathead, Glacier meet in wrestling dual
TODAY: 7 p.m. at Flathead High School for varsity; 5:30 p.m. for junior varsity.
Private investigation: 'No wrongdoing by planning staff'
800-page report vindicates director, staff
A six-month probe into alleged improprieties by Flathead County Planning Director Jeff Harris and his staff has cleared Harris and county planners of any wrongdoing.
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MHSA to look at equity in sports
May add cheerleading or another activity for girls
“Badminton anyone?”
Don't waste forest jobs, resources
There’s nothing new or untested about co-generation plants powered by biomass, but it’s a proposition that has taken on more weight in Northwest Montana than ever before.
Glacier offers 'Winter Nights' moonlight skiing
Ever wonder what’s going on during cold winter nights when the world seems still?
Increased turnout expected for carnival skijoring competition
Horses, riders and skiers will converge on Whitefish this weekend for the seventh annual Winter Carnival Skijoring competition.
Blood on car linked to angry fist
Flathead County sheriff
Flathead Forecast: Real-estate, job outlook still not good
There were few moments of optimism at the annual Flathead Economic Forecast forum on Wednesday as industry experts presented a somewhat grim progress report on real-estate and job outlooks for the coming year.
AA speech finale likely to be a three-school battle
Kalispell’s speech and debate coaches predict a photo finish at this weekend’s Class AA state tournament.
Planning Office vows better communication
New plan addresses peer-review findings
An action plan to maximize efficiency and beef up the Flathead County Planning Office’s communications with the public, the county commissioners and the development community won unanimous approval from the commissioners on Tuesday.
Vikings move up in hoops poll, Wildcats drop to second
The Bigfork boys continue to climb up the Class B basketball rankings while Northwestern A’s top two teams were hit with demotions in this week’s Associated Press poll.
Kalispell's Pistorese all-state, all-conference in AA baseball
Lakers’ Hergesheimer garners all-conference mention
Kalispell Lakers pitcher Joe Pistorese has been named to the Class AA All-State and Western AA All-Conference Montana/Alberta American Legion baseball teams.
Wednesday, January 27
Jeff Harris and Flathead County commissioners
Mary Campbell Curtis, 85
Mary Campbell Curtis, 85, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010, at her residence in Kalispell. She was born Aug. 17, 1924, at Sherwood, N.D., the daughter of John and Edith (Munro) Campbell. She attended her freshman year, as a music major, at Dickinson State University before teaching in a one-room schoolhouse in the Badlands of North Dakota for two years during World War II. After finishing a year of secretarial school in Seattle, Mary moved to the Los Angeles area where she met her husband, Edward Curtis, whom she married in 1946. She worked as a private secretary at a large department store and at Union Pacific Railroad in the Los Angeles area before relocating to Columbia Falls in 1977, following her husband s retirement from the Los Angeles Police Department. Mary had many interests, but mainly family and her many close friends from all walks of life. She enjoyed traveling, growing flowers, gardening and stitch work. She enjoyed good company and good humor. She treated everyone with respect and focused upon the best in everyone. She will be lovingly remembered by family and close friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward; infant, Mary Elizabeth; her parents; and three brothers, Corliss, Colin and Logan Campbell. She is survived by her daughters, Carol Curtis and Kathleen Curtis, of Missoula; grandchildren, Ernest Thureno and Mareno Thureno of Missoula, and Olivia Songman of San Francisco; one sister, Mickey Wood, of Columbia Falls; a niece, Audra Fisher, and husband, Dave, and grand-nephew, Ethan Miller, all of Missoula; and a cousin, Geri Bremer, and husband, George, of Tempe, Ariz. Funeral services for Mary will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, at Risen Christ Catholic Church, with Father Rudolph Bullman as celebrant. Visitation will be from 1 to 6 p.m. today, Jan. 27, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. There will be a rosary at 7 p.m. in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel. Burial will be at 1 p.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Mary s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Mary s guest book.
Doris Louise Helseth, 87
Doris Louise Helseth passed away peacefully at Sherwood Assisted Living Manor in Sequim, Wash., on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010, at 3:01 a.m. She was born June 14, 1922, in South Bend, Ind., to Donald and Estella Brumbaugh. She grew up and attended school in Whitefish. Doris met the love of her life and was later married to Ernest Helseth on April 6, 1940. Three children were born of this 58-year union. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernie; daughter, Linda; parents; and three brothers. She is survived by two daughters, Dolores Ivers of Great Falls, and Judy and Steve Clark of Sequim; four grandchildren, Theron Langel of Seattle, Tara and Charles Muck of Lafayette, Ore., James Ivers of Crestview, Fla., and Julie Ivers of Great Falls; and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one brother, Richard, and Beverly Brumbaugh, of Trout Creek; and one sister, Donna, and Donald James, of Kalispell. She has many, many other relatives and friends by whom she will be remembered with great affection. Doris and Ernie lived the majority of their lives in Kalispell. In later years they split time between Kalispell and Sun City, Ariz. Doris moved to Sequim with her daughter Judy and son-in-law Steve in July 2003, where she spent the remainder of her life. This was not an easy move for her but she accepted it graciously. A private memorial service will be conducted at a later date at the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell, where Doris can be forever next to her beloved Ernie. The family suggests that any donations be made to Clallam County Volunteer Hospice, 540 E. Eighth St., Port Angeles, WA 98362, in Doris s memory, on behalf of the wonderful, loving and professional care they gave Doris during her very long battle with cancer " especially during her last days that were so difficult.
Leonard E. Eslick, 86
Leonard E. Eslick, 86, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, at his residence in Kalispell. He was born on Oct. 7, 1923, to Carroll and Lillie (Isackson) Eslick, their only child, in a small house on Fifth Avenue West in Kalispell. Leonard received his education in Bigfork/Swan River/Echo Lake Schools. He joined the Army and was stationed at the Headquarters Company of the 21st Infantry 24th Division. He saw duty in Australia, New Guinea, the Philippines and Japan. While being discharged, Leonard found out he had malaria and other related conditions. He spent the next 24 months on total bed rest and hospital therapy, and then was discharged from Seattle Hospital. Leonard left the hospital with only two pairs of socks, one shirt, one pair of pants, two pairs of underwear, 25 dollars in cash, and a ticket home to Kalispell. After World War II, work was scarce yet he found work farming, logging and sawmilling with his cousins, The Eslick Boys, from Bigfork. Leonard then got into electrical line work. He was foreman for erection crews that put the power lines into Swan Lake, Hungry Horse Dam, Anaconda Aluminum, Noxon and many other places around Montana, Idaho and Washington. He was a 50-year member of IBEW. Leonard was best friends with Keith Marr, saving his life one time; they were best friends until Keith s passing in October of 2009. Leonard was married for a brief time and from this union a son was born, Brad Eslick. Leonard was divorced when Brad was 4 months old. Leonard was a single parent for his entire life. When cable TV first came to the Flathead he helped build and maintain the system. He worked for the local cable company until his retirement. His co-workers called him Teddy Bear. Leonard was happiest when he was at home with his dog Butch No. 5. He enjoyed the Flathead, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and camping. Leonard considered himself a handyman, yet many of us found his softer side. He had quite a life experience, cheating death on several occasions both during World War II and after. During the last years of his life he relished his daily trips to Fred Meyer s and Smith s to see the girls. Leonard is survived by his son, Brad Eslick, of Kalispell. At Leonard s request, no services are planned. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Leonard s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Leonard s guest book.
Ruth Evelyn (Anderson) Conn, 84
Ruth Evelyn (Anderson) Conn, a lifetime resident of Kalispell, passed away Jan. 23, 2010, at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell, surrounded by her loving family. She was 84. Ruth was born Dec. 2, 1925, in Kalispell, to Carl and Melanie Anderson. She graduated from Flathead County High School in 1944. During her high school years Ruth enjoyed all the Flathead Valley had to offer. She hiked through Glacier National Park and bicycled all the way around Flathead Lake with her dear friends. She was among the first women to serve with the U.S. Forest Service on summer fire watch on Nine Mile Lookout, as the start of World War II left a shortage of men to fill such posts. In 1948 she graduated from the University of Montana where she had been an active member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. Upon graduation she traveled to China and Alaska. These monumental adventures were just the beginning of a lifelong love of travel. It was at the U of M that she met the love of her life, Robert Conn; they married in 1948. Together they enjoyed hiking, camping, skiing and swimming, activities they later shared with their three children. She was a partner in Anderson Theater Co. until the family sold it in 2000. She was an active community member, volunteering for the American Cancer Society, and was a member of AAUW, Cub Scout leader, Brownie leader and Sunday school teacher, among many other activities. Her faith was central to her life. She was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and later joined the congregation at Northridge Lutheran. When her children were grown she returned to teaching, first as a substitute and later as a full-time Spanish instructor at Flathead High School. Her most cherished role in life was that of wife, mother and grandmother. Ruth is survived by her daughters, Alison Matos, and her son-in-law, Vitor Matos, of Yorktown Heights, N.Y., and Andrea Baumgardner and her son-in-law, Kevin Baumgardner, of Kalispell; and her grandchildren, Matthew Baumgardner of Kalispell, Lauren Baumgardner of Kalispell, Melanie Luukkanen of Walnut Creek, Calif., and Erica Luukkanen of Yorktown Heights. She is also survived by her niece, Randy Mohn, of Lakeside, and nephew, Vance Conn, of Whitefish, and their children. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert; beloved son, Norman; sister, Alice Ryder; and niece, Rhonda Johnson. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at Northridge Lutheran Church. The family suggests that donations be made in her name to either the American Cancer Society or Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Ruth s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Ruth s guest book.
Woman chases man with hatchet
Flathead County sheriff
Taxi service rolls into Whitefish
Whitefish’s taxi troubles appear to be over.
Leaving Haiti 'tore my heart out'
Pat Freebury, a 71-year-old Flathead resident caught in Haiti during the Jan. 12 earthquake, recalls her tears when she finally had an escape route to the Dominican Republic.
Neiss, Ronan muscle Whitefish
WHITEFISH — The quest for perfection continues for Cameron Neiss, while Ronan tuned up for a big Northwestern A wrestling dual with rival Polson later this week by thumping Whitefish 54-16 on Tuesday to spoil Senior Night at WHS.
Smithwick-Hann commits to Griz
Class AA All-State quarterback and Glacier senior Shay Smithwick-Hann has committed to play football for The University of Montana next fall.
Calls renewed for public vote on city airport
Those calling for a public vote on the future of Kalispell City Airport stepped to the microphone once again Monday night, this time with a little more insistence.
Valley activities directors honored
Jobe, Thompson named state’s top activities directors
John Thompson of Columbia Falls and Frank Jobe of Flathead High School have been named Activities Director of the Year for Class A and Class AA, respectively.
Fire victims always ready to help out others
The Barry family — Jim, Wanda and their son, Jamie — were “people worth remembering,” according to a neighbor and friend mourning their deaths in a fire last week.
County supports economic development district
Flathead to vie for $2.5 million in grants
Flathead County will invest up to $8,000 in continued support of the relatively new economic development district serving Northwest Montana.
Daybook
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A snapshot of Haiti
Tuesday, January 26
Wrestling: Whitefish vs. Ronana
Robotic surgery
City answers some airport questions
People calling for a public vote on the future of Kalispell City Airport stepped to the microphone once again Monday night, this time with a little more insistence.
Victor Storaasli, 53
Victor Storaasli, 53, a Cottage Grove, Ore., resident, passed away Jan. 18, 2010, due to cancer. He was born March 5, 1956, in Kalispell, to Dale and Lora Lee (Hoiland) Storaasli. He had graduated from high school in Montana. Victor had previously lived in Santa Cruz, Calif.; Kalispell and Seattle. He enjoyed woodworking, music, guitar, piano, drawing, taking long walks and photography. Victor was preceded in death by his father, Dale Storaasli. He is survived by his mother, Lora Lee; stepfather, Phil Jensen; brother, Mark, and wife, Mary Storaasli, of Spokane; brother, Harry Storaasli, of Cottage Grove; sister, Jeri, and husband, Peter Carson, of Springfield, Ore.; niece, Hannah Storaasli, of Spokane; niece, Amanda Storaasli, of Austin, Texas; and great-niece, Helen Truitt, of Spokane. A celebration of life is planned for 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at Cottage Grove Community Center, 700 E. Gibbs, in Cottage Grove. Memorial contributions may be sent to South Lane Mental Health, 410 N. Ninth St., Cottage Grove, OR 97424. Arrangements are by Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel in Cottage Grove.
Erin Marie Ellison
daughter of Eric and Carrie Ellison of Whitefish, was born Nov. 6 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Conner Logan Powell
son of Nikole Leah (Beach) Powell and Russell Allen Powell of Kalispell, was born Nov. 6 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Daniel Shevtsova
son of Gennadiv and Vera Shevtsova of Kalispell, was born Nov. 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Hannah Rae Woods
daughter of Kallie and Jonathan Woods of Kalispell, was born Jan. 11 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Lora Arvilla Turner, 95
Lora Arvilla Turner, 95, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, at the Heritage Place in Kalispell. She was born on Jan. 6, 1915, in North Carolina, the daughter of Charlie and Josie Faw. She and her family moved to Hardin when she was a child of 2. In 1934, she married R.G. Turner. They lived in Hardin until 1946, when they moved their family to Bigfork, and then in 1956 they moved to Kalispell. They spent many enjoyable hours together camping under the big skies of Montana. Arvilla loved working in her garden growing flowers. She was a very accomplished flower arranger and provided the Kalispell Senior Center with flowers for their tables for many years, therefore gaining her nickname The Flower Lady. Arvilla loved Montana, and once here, she lived 93 years and did not want to live anywhere else. Arvilla was preceded in death by her husband, R.G. Turner; a son, Lloyd M. Turner; her parents, Charlie and Josie Faw; a sister, Mary McLaughlin; and a brother, Lloyd Faw. She is survived by her daughter, Frances Nicholas, and daughter-in-law, Norma Turner, both of Kalispell; grandchildren, Melissa Yarde and Darin Turner, both of Kalispell, Michelle Santos of Guayanbo, Puerto Rico, Julie Reichmann of Galt, Calif.; and 10 great-grandchildren. There are no services planned for Arvilla. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Arvilla s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Arvilla s tribute wall.
Jaden Cecelia Rose Elliott
daughter of Deanna Burgess and Jordan Elliott of Kalispell, was born Dec. 12 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Bigfork takes third place at divisionals in speech, drama
Bigfork High School’s speech, debate and drama team finished third at the Class B-C North Divisional Tournament in Malta Saturday.
New paving plan emerges for Jensen, Berne roads
Unable to get the property-owner support needed to pave portions of Jensen and Berne roads, supporters of a Rural Special Improvement District for that area pitched an alternative plan to the Flathead County commissioners on Monday.
State may close treatment center
The sadness and fear among mental health clients is palpable and poignant as they talk about the threatened closure of the Adult Day Treatment Center in Kalispell.
Outpatient facilities offer economical option
With demand soaring for services from the stress of the recession, the Montana mental health budget faces a potential $1 million shortfall.
Unwanted man finally leaves bar
A downtown Kalispell bar reported Sunday that an unwanted man refused to leave, but he did so and was later located nearby and counseled by Kalispell Police.
Help available for those who fear tax returns
If the words “tax return” make your stomach flip and your blood run cold, take heart. The intrepid AARP Tax-Aide volunteers have returned, fresh from tax classes with their pencils sharpened, ready to help seniors and others file their 2009 tax return.
Adult clinic
Daybook
Tuesday
Monday, January 25
Who will win the Super Bowl?
Jim, Wanda and Jamie Barry
The Barry family " Jim, 63, his wife Wanda, 52, and their son Jamie, 15, died from smoke inhalation at their Columbia Falls home early Friday morning, Jan. 22, 2010. Initial reports indicate a fire started in the chimney of their wood-burning stove, and the family perished before rescue teams arrived. James Lewis Barry IV was born Jan. 14, 1947, in Kansas City, Mo., to James Barry III and Anna Popovich. Wanda Mae (Hawks) Barry was born Dec. 14, 1957, in Chester, to Leo Hawks and Frances Mae Shettel. James Lewis Barry V, lovingly called Jamie, was born Jan. 8, 1995, in Kalispell, the youngest of two children born to Jim and Wanda. The Barrys met in the Flathead Valley and married on Jan. 20, 1990. They made their home in Columbia Falls, where they were working partners in Alpine Builders. The couple enjoyed collecting antiques and restoring old cars together. At the time of their death, they were home-schooling Jamie. Jamie grew up in Columbia Falls and received his early education at Glacier Christian School. He enjoyed home school, where he was a high school freshman. For the past two years Jamie loved singing in an adult barbershop chorus in Kalispell and was learning to play the guitar. Wanda grew up on the family farm by Chester. She attended Eagle Creek Country School, and then transferred to the Chester schools, where she graduated in 1976. She earned an associate degree in social work from Flathead Valley Community College. For the past few years she was a certified nursing assistant at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. Jim grew up in Kansas and received his education at Westport. He worked as a carpenter after his 1965 graduation, then married Linda Riggs in 1966. They and their daughters Tina and Wendy moved to Montana in 1975 and lived in Hungry Horse until the couple s divorce. Jim later met Wanda and their new life began in 1990. The Barrys attended Lion Baptist Church in Coram, where Jamie was baptized. They were a tightly knit family. Recently Wanda taught Jamie to ski and Jim took him hunting last fall, when Jamie bagged his first deer. Jim also taught Jamie some carpentry and they were building a chicken coop. Jamie loved animals, especially doves and baby chicks. He also enjoyed driving his scooter and was an avid Lego builder. Jim collected antiques, loved to work on old cars and enjoyed hiking, hunting and fishing. He was a talented carpenter who was well-known and respected. Wanda also loved animals. In addition to her favorite horses and dogs, she cared for goats, ducks, pigeons, chickens, doves and more. She enjoyed skiing, playing piano, reading and restoring old furniture. The loss of this special family is heartfelt by their loving relatives and friends. The Barrys are gone, but their memories will linger forever. Wanda is survived by her mother, Frances Hawks of Chester; two brothers, Claude Hawks and Rita of Chester and Adrian Hawks and Janet of Galata; two nephews, Jeremy and Cory; and three nieces, Tammy, Kimberly and Kari. Jim is survived by his two daughters, Tina Wassam and Dave, and Wendy Persinger and Scott, both of Columbia Falls; seven grandchildren, Bradley, Mitchell, Adam, Nachelle, Ashley, Zachary and Ricky; two great-grandchildren, Gage and Alyssa; his mother, Anna Munholland of Archie, Mo.; a brother, John Barry of East Summit, Mo.; two sisters, Pam Smith of Kansas City, Kan., and Sandy Greenhall of Tongannoxie, Kan.; and his extended family. Jamie is survived by two grandmothers, two sisters, and numerous nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts and cousins. The Barrys were preceded in death by their beloved daughter, Carmen, in 1995; Wanda s father, Leo; Jim s dad, James; Jim s sister, Janie Clevenger; and a granddaughter, Alyssa. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, at New Covenant Church, 436 Birch Grove, Kalispell. Burial with graveside services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at the Chester Cemetery in Chester. Arrangements are by Rockman Funeral Chapel in Chester.
Drunk driver gets deferred sentence
A former Kalispell probation and parole officer received a deferred sentence Thursday for a drunken-driving incident last summer.
Law roundup
Whitefish police got a call from a fast-food restaurant manager Saturday evening when three boys came inside acting, he told police, as if they had been drinking. It wasn’t their first time for such behavior there, the manager added. Police arrested the boys, two of them 17 and one age 12, on suspicion of being minors in possession. The 12-year-old also was arrested for possession of tobacco.
Monday Daybook
Passing along a passion for science
For the last decade, the new year has ushered in one of the busiest times of the year for Marycaye Dover.
Marycaye Dover portrait
Robotics give boost to delicate surgery
North Valley Hospital has acquired a new robotic system that offers less pain and a lot of gain for patients needing urological or gynecological surgery.
Dover profile
Columbia Falls sweeps divisional speech meet
Historic.
Sunday, January 24
Jeanne (Zeits) Tasnady, 84
Jeanne (Zeits) Tasnady, 84, of Stevensville, passed away peacefully on Jan. 20, 2010, surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 28, 1925, in Detroit, to Harry R. and Golda (McGuire) Zeits. She attended Jefferson High School in Portland and graduated Nov. 29, 1946, from the Dalles Hospital of Nursing as a registered nurse. She married John D. Tasnady on June 17, 1948, in Eugene, Ore. He preceded her in death on July 26, 1976. Throughout the years Jeanne enjoyed cooking, gardening, fishing and sewing, but most of all being with her family and friends. She is survived by her daughters, Ann and Robert Houghton, and Amy and Richard Mack, of Stevensville; her son, Richard, and Sherrie Tasnady, of Felton, Calif.; her two sisters, Jo and George Engdahl of Stevensville, and Rae Ellen Zeits of Kalispell; and several nieces and nephews. A special thank you to all the nurses, aides and staff who took such good care of our mother during her stay at Village Health Care Center. A private family burial will take place at Sunnyside Cemetery in Stevensville.
Consolidation not an easy fix
School consolidation periodically surfaces as a potential cost-saving panacea — and it no doubt will be part of the debate as Montana works to address a mounting budget problem.
Airport questions may be answered Monday
City plans followup meeting
After months of questions, accusations and debate centered on the Kalispell City Airport, the second session in a scoping process is scheduled to deliver some answers Monday night.
Daybook
Today
Stoltze sees opportunity for biomass power plant
The closure of the Smurfit-Stone container mill in Frenchtown has amplified the need and potential for a co-generation plant fueled by biomass in the Flathead Valley.
Ranger wraps up 40-year-long career
After 10 years working on the Flathead National Forest as part of a 40-year Forest Service career, Swan Lake District Ranger Steve Brady has retired.
In her comfort zone
Col. Falls native turns to wool in year of rejuvenation
On a Wednesday night, a circle of women gather at Shelly Whitman’s childhood home in Columbia Falls. There is laughter, pink wine and orange slices and, of course, knitting.
The people's veto: Has its time come?
Editor's 2 Cents
Last week I proposed that politicians would benefit greatly from paying attention to what the voters are saying — about issues and about their elected leaders.
Couple to reign as carnival king, queen
For the first time in the 51-year history of the Whitefish Winter Carnival, the people selected to be King Ullr and the Queen of the Snows are married in real life.
Man dies after falling down stairs
Flathead County sheriff
Glacier girls keep it rolling, beat Libby
The Glacier girls passed the final test of their grueling week.
Late comeback saves 'Pack
Smithwick-Hann scores 7 of game-high 20 in 4th quarter
It took awhile.
Mayor wants her city to prosper
Four years from now, Tammi Fisher wants her role as Kalispell mayor to be judged against three measures — transparency, accountability and accessibility.
Saturday, January 23
Robotic Surgery at North Valley Hospital detail
Boys Basketball Libby vs. Glacier
Girls Basketball Libby vs. Glacier
Week in Pictures January 18 - 24
Liam Walker Townley
son of Jason and Courtney Townley of Kalispell, was born Oct. 24 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Nathan Andrew Frederick
son of Lindsey Frederick of Kalispell, was born Nov. 4 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Olavi Isaiah Naiche Matson
son of adoptive parents Phillip and Amber Matson, and birth mother Desarai Patten, all of Columbia Falls, was born Oct. 27 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Halldi Leah Smith
daughter of Michael Geoffry Smith and Signe Luva Ensign of Bigfork, was born Nov. 4 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Blake Michael Tkachyk
son of Nahum and Ashley Tkachyk of Columbia Falls, was born Oct. 28 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Crissa Elizabeth Brown
daughter of Rory and Sonya Brown of Kalispell, was born Oct. 5 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Allison Elaine Oja
daughter of Austin and Melissa Oja of Kalispell, was born Oct. 26 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Myla Sunny Clark
daughter of Sam and Jodi Clark of Columbia Falls, was born Jan. 4 at North Valley Hospital.
Remington McCartney Roose
son of Bart and Melissa Roose of Eureka, was born Oct. 21 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Ford Wesley Knight, 80
Ford went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010, in Kalispell. Ford was born Sept. 18, 1929, in Butte, to Jack and Blanche (Dickson) Knight. He was followed by brother, Rutherford, and sister, Geraldine. He went to grade school in Bannack and graduated from Beaverhead High School where he played in the East-West Shrine Football game. During the summer he spent time in the Big Hole, haying on the Jardine ranch. He received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in metallurgical engineering and graduate fellowship from the Montana School of Mines while working in several of the Butte mines. Over his extensive international career, Ford performed duties as manager and project engineer for the Anaconda Copper Mining Co. in Anaconda; E.I. Dupont, Savannah River Plane, Aiken, S.C.; Los Alamos Scientific Lab, K Division, Los Alamos, N.M.; Atomic Power Development Association (Detroit Edison) and FERMI lab, Detroit; United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, Dounreay Fast Reactor Facility, Thurso, Scotland; Westinghouse Electric, France; General Electric in Richland, Wash., San Jose and Vallecitos, Calif., and Tokyo, Japan; Westinghouse Nuclear Fuel Division, Pittsburgh; Westinghouse Electric, Advanced Energy Systems/Waste Management/Environmental Remediation Divisions, Pittsburgh; and Westinghouse Hanford Co., Richland, Wash. Ford s professional affiliations included: Westinghouse Electric s representative on and charter member of the committee on Nuclear Quality Assurance, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and an early and catalyzing member of the ASQC working group on ASQC E-4, Environmental Quality Assurance. Ford was published many times in major publications between 1960 and 1991. One of these publications titled, Acubic Expansion of PU and PU-FE Eutectic Between Room Temperature and 700 to 800 degrees Celsius, was presented at the Second International Conference on Plutonium Metallurgy, Grenoble, France. While in Pittsburgh, Ford met and married his wife, Nancy Fried Knight. They together raised sons, John and Matthew, on a farm in Saxonburg, Pa. Ford was a well-respected farmer, raising corn and soybeans along with hogs and black angus cattle. All of this was to show my sons good work ethic. Ford and his family returned to his beloved Montana in 1991. He and his family have enjoyed many years in the Flathead Valley where both sons have met and married their wives, Carrie Griffin Knight and daughter, Tia, and Heather Broeder Knight and daughter, Tiffany, and son, Cody. Ford is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; his sons, John and Matthew; daughter, Leslie Smail, and husband, Eric Hunley; nephew and niece, Jarrod and Atari Faust; and countless friends. Ford was a patriot and loved the free United States of America. The most important thing in Ford s life was his relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Throughout his entire life he credited and honored our Heavenly Father. This was his most cherished legacy. Amen. The celebration of Ford s life will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30, at Cornerstone Community Church, 1970 U.S. 93 N., in Kalispell. Now go straight home and no bar hopping. 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. Memorials are suggested to Crossroads Community Church; the Veterans Food Pantry; or a charity of the donor s choice.
Kailya Charlea Jean Upchurch
daughter of Charlean Clark and Kayce Upchurch of Kalispell, was born Nov. 2 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Shannon Virginia Brown
daughter of Sarah and Ryan Brown of Kalispell, was born Nov. 2 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Conor Charles Rogers
son of Anthony and Meghan Rogers of Kalispell, was born Nov. 5 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
JoHanna Dawn Bieber
daughter of Wayne and Kristina Bieber of Kalispell, was born Oct. 21 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Addison Lou Lambertsen and Isaac Leroy Lambertsen
fraternal twins of Keith and Rachel Lambertsen of Eureka, were born Oct. 21 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
John David Jacobs
son of Josh and Treina Jacobs of Somers, was born Oct. 25 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Colton Robert Howard
son of John and Alison Howard of Kalispell, was born Nov. 2 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Jackson Ryder Davis
son of Willie Davis and Brianna Davis of Columbia Falls, was born Oct. 29 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Peyton Marie Thompson
daughter of Richard and Ashley Thompson of Kalispell, was born Nov. 3 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Annie Reese DeAnn Holmquist
daughter of Stacia DeAnn Holmquist of Kalispell, was born Oct. 30 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Escher Dee Denmark
son of Lee and Tammy (Bonoyer) Denmark of Kalispell, was born Jan. 9 at home.
Kalispell surgeon heads for Haiti duty
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Albert Olszewski of Kalispell hopes to leave for Haiti Sunday or Monday to work with Hope Force International treating earthquake victims in Port-au-Prince.
Glacier tops Columbia Falls in OT
Wolfpack snaps Wildcats' undefeated streak at 10 games in overtime thriller
If and when the debate ever occurs about the greatest basketball games played in Kalispell in recent history, Friday night’s unforgettable clash at Glacier High is sure to be mentioned.
Evergreen shows off its new fire hall
Public open house today
Evergreen Fire Rescue’s new station, rising from the ashes of the old, has already brought new life to the department.
House fire claims three lives
Col. Falls couple, teenage son perish
A family of three died during a fire that gutted their Columbia Falls-area home early Friday morning.
Woman steals egg poacher, Advil
Kalispell police
Wolfpack nips Wildkats
Cutler, Sharaf seal deal for Glacier
“Oh, darn it, Rach!”
Judge races get crowded
Several more candidates have filed for Flathead Valley election races over the last week.
Jobless rates still increasing in Valley
December 2009 marked the fourth straight month of rising unemployment in Flathead County.
Daybook
Today
Friday, January 22
Girls Basketball Columbia Falls at Glacier
Boys Basketball Columbia Falls at Glacier
Bigfork Lady Lions Save a Sister mahjong
Evergreen Fire Hall
Bigfork Lady Lions Save a Sister Peeking Game
Bigfork Lady Lions Save a Sister lunch around a bra
Kalispell Mayor Tammi Fisher
Kalispell Mayor Tammi Fisher
Hand-dyed wool
Shelly Whitman: Dyeing wool
Evergreen Fire Hall portrait
Day in the Life of the Western Montana Mental Health Center
Three die in house fire
Three people died Friday during an early morning fire at their home north of Columbia Falls.
Columbia Falls fatal house fire
What does Scott Brown's victory in Massachusetts mean for 2010 politics?
Sharon Lee (Boe) Tutvedt, 73
Sharon Tutvedt, a very loving and fun-filled wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, left us all to join her other loved ones in heaven on Jan. 15, 2010. Sharon would want us to remember the many good times we ve had with her and know that her faith has been with her all her life. That life began on Jan. 6, 1937, in Cut Bank. Her parents, William Bill and Evelyn Nelson Boe, and her sister, Shirley, welcomed her to this world with open arms. When Sharon was 4 months old the family moved to North Hollywood, Calif., where she loved being able to play outdoors, and eat the fruit from the backyard trees. When World War II began, the family moved back to Cut Bank. She attended school there from second grade to graduation. During those school years Sharon was an active member of the congregation of St. Paul s Lutheran Church, participating in Sunday school classes, Luther League, children s and adult choir and singing solos at church. Her musical ability, in addition to singing, included playing the piano and playing the French horn in the high school band. She also enjoyed cheerleading for three years at Cut Bank High School and band and concert choir for four years. Sharon graduated from CBHS in 1955, after which she attended college at Montana State University in Bozeman. Again, she was involved in cheerleading and musical activities. From MSU, Sharon went to school in Billings where she received her teaching degree. Her first teaching assignment was first grade in Kalispell. She was frequently told by those students that she was among their favorite teachers. In later years she was a substitute teacher and will be remembered by her students as the teacher who sang The Birdie Song. Sharon also taught piano lessons for many years. After marrying Paul on Nov. 7, 1959, they lived on the farm in the West Valley area where they still have the farm which is now managed and owned by the three sons. They were members of Stillwater Free Lutheran Church where Sharon was involved in all aspects of church life. She loved to sing, and sang at many funerals as well as in choir. Playing cards was a favorite past-time and she made many, many friends because of her upbeat personality. Sharon loved to entertain and had many dinner/card parties at their home. Sharon and Paul became snowbirds in the fall of 1994 and became very active in the Sunbird Community Church as a pianist and singer. They developed a wide array of friendships. Sharon always put her family first. She was a storybook grandma who loved playing with her grandchildren, jumping on the trampoline, playing dolls, tea parties, tractors, ball games, building forts in the front room and anything the kids wanted to play. Sharon enjoyed flower gardening and being outside in the fresh air. She was a joy to be around with her fun, outgoing personality. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Evelyn and William Boe; stepfather, John Taylor; and niece, Pam Amberson. Survivors are her husband, Paul Tutvedt, and their three sons, Craig and Laurie Tutvedt, and his children, Breann, Taylor and Will, and their mother, Michelle Tutvedt; Brian and Suzanne Tutvedt, and their children, Megan, Garrett, Nate and Boe; and David Tutvedt, all of Kalispell; Max and Shirley Amberson, sister, of Bozeman; along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. Services will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 24, at Stillwater Free Lutheran Church. A celebration of life and catered open house is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 12, at Doug and Jody Siderius barn. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the Ten Commandments Fund (a benevolent fund used in the community for those in times of need) at Stillwater Free Lutheran Church, 1401 Church Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901.
Patricia Rose Dolven, 69
Patricia Rose Dolven, at 69 years of age, died near the Montana border in Idaho, violently but quickly, on Jan. 5, 2010, as the result of a collision between the car she was driving and a semi-truck. She was born Patricia Rose Williams to Darreld and Doris Williams on May 12, 1940, in Eureka. Pat grew up in Whitefish, and then moved to Harlem when she was in middle school. She attended Montana State University in Missoula for two years before transferring to the University of Montana in Bozeman, where she was graduated in 1962 with a bachelor s degree in home economics. Pat married Fred Dolven, her high-school sweetheart, in 1961. She taught for two years in Bozeman while Fred completed his degree in architecture. Pat and Fred lived briefly in Reno, Nev., in 1964, before joining and serving in the Peace Corps from 1966 to 1968. Upon returning from India, they lived in Billings, where their son, Davin, was born in 1969. The young family moved again to Reno in 1971 where they settled. Their daughter, Danica, was born in 1972. Pat raised her kids in the Huffaker Hills neighborhood of Reno, volunteered at her children s schools, and was intimately involved in Cub Scouts, Brownies, Children s Theater, and countless other activities. The Dolvens were members of St. John s Presbyterian Church in Reno for many years before Fred and Pat became instrumental in planting a new church in Sparks, Nev. Pat was a gourmet cook, a rapacious reader, and an exquisitely talented mother and grandmother. She served as the backbone of a diverse and far-reaching community that spans the globe. She had an uncanny ability to empathize with everyone she met and deeply touched many, many souls throughout her life. Somehow Pat would always say exactly the right thing at any particular moment. Her relationship with her family, while always incredibly strong, was never better than it was this past year. She will live forever in our hearts. Patricia is survived by her husband, Fred Dolven; her twin brother, Richard Williams; her son, Davin Dolven; her daughter, Danica, and son-in-law, Marc Gittelman; her two grandsons, Jacob and Elijah Gittelman; and an extensive network of extended family and friends. A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 23, at Spanish Springs Presbyterian Church in Sparks. A ceremony is being planned for June near her childhood home and parents resting places in Kalispell, to inter her remains. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the charities of your choice.
Bobby Ray Knight, 61
Bobby Ray Knight was born Jan. 7, 1949, in Bradleyville, Mo., to Herman and Mary Jane Knight. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1972. Bob married the love of his life, Shirley, after 40 years. Bob loved hunting, fishing, good ole country music and a cold beer by the fire. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and making sure they had good grades, and became responsible adults. Bob loved and was loved by everyone who met him " his door was open to all. Most of all, Bob dreamed of catching that big trout, pike or catfish and the mighty majestic bull elk and bear. During the winter Dad bought a 7-mm rifle and hunting knife in the hopes of changing his luck; unfortunately luck would have it we lost our beloved father Jan. 19, 2010, at 9:11 p.m. Bob was preceded in death by his father, Herman Knight; mother, Mary Jane Knight; brother, Melvin; best friend of 50 years, Dennis Young; uncle, John; aunt, Kathryn; and nephews, Everett and Russell. Bob is survived by his wife of 40 years, Shirley; son, Nicholas, and wife, Tasha, and grandchildren, Nicholas, Hunter and Trenton; daughter, Cindy, and husband, Roddy, and grandchildren, Clay, Roddy Ray and Wyatt; son, Ryan, and wife, Shiree, and grandchild, Mariah; daughter, Regina, and husband, Derek, and grandchildren, Bobbie and Terance, and great-grandchildren, Isaac and Blake; daughter, Tiffany, and unborn grandson; daughter, Jolean, and husband, Josh, and grandchildren, Bryan, Kalynn, Cheyenne and Derek; son, Bobby, and wife, Leane, and grandchildren, Kayla, Collin and Kyle; son, Billy Jack, and wife, Mandy, and grandson, Harley; daughter, Kathy, and grandchildren, Kelsey, Nathan, Mariah and Theron; daughter, JoAnn, and grandchildren, Michael, Chris and Eric; Bob s brother and best friend always and forever, Don, and Darlene, and nephews, Donny and wife, Christy, Jeremiah and wife, Jessica, Lucas and Joseph, and niece, Sarah; and numerous great-nieces and nephews; brother, James, and wife, Maryellen, nephew, Greg, and nieces, Melissa and Sandra; brother, Wayne; sister, Evelyn; Bob s best friend of 16 years, Dan, and Chris Catron (whenever there was a need he could count on his buddy Dan); Dan s son, Nolan, and wife, Echo, and grandchildren, Justin, Teka and Megan. In loving memory of the Wild Man now headed to meet the Great Lord. We love you, Daddy, it was a great ride, Strong Stinkin , Pumpin in the wind. A visitation will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. today, Jan. 22, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls, with graveside military honors by the United Veterans of the Flathead and the U.S. Navy.
Gloria Maxine (Harshbarger) Caudill, 71
Gloria Maxine (Harshbarger) Caudill, 71, passed away Jan. 12, 2010, at Brendan House in Kalispell, due to pancreatic cancer. She was born May 15, 1938, in Antelope, and graduated from Flathead County High School in 1956. In 1958, she married Tom Caudill at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kalispell. They were married for 52 years. Gloria managed the School Employees Credit Union in Kalispell for 18 years. More recently, she had worked for Flathead County elections. She was most currently a homemaker. She was active in several ministries in her church, including Lutherans for Life, Ladies Aide and the Thimble Club. Gloria loved quilting, gardening and birdwatching; and spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mattie Harshbarger; five brothers, Joe, Shephard, James, Robert and Vincent; and five sisters, Madlyn, Jane, Libby, Lone and Bessie. Gloria is survived by her husband, Tom Caudill, of Kalispell; children, Wade Caudill of Kalispell, Rod Caudill of Post Falls, Idaho, and Kim McVicker of Kalispell; seven grandchildren, Katie Foreman, Ben, Cody, Leighan and Ryan Caudill, and Andy and Jeremy McVicker; two great-grandchildren, Dunham and Daegan McVicker; siblings, Minnie Richardson, Evelyn Miller, Ann Carter, Carol Torpen, Bonnie Mudgett and Galen Harshbarger; and numerous nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. Urn burial will be at a later date. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 30 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Memorials are suggested to Lutherans for Life and Trinity Lutheran Church.
Woman trapped in car wash OK
Kalispell police
Streaking Braves sweep Whitefish
Karl Ingram scores 12 points as Flathead downs Bulldogs in nonconference game
WHITEFISH — Before heading on a crucial three-game conference road trip, the Braves swung through Whitefish and stole the show on the opening night of the 51st annual Winter Carnival.
Braves top AA mat poll
Glacier ranked third
Just like last week and the week before that, everything remains the same in the team rankings for Class AA wrestling.
C.F. adds three to pre-release site committee
The Columbia Falls City Council on Tuesday chose three representatives to a Flathead Valley committee tasked with finding a site for a pre-release center.
Barnburner at Glacier
Missoula Sentinel gets decision in night’s final match to win 33-32
It came down to the final weight class, and the final minute for Missoula Sentinel and Glacier Thursday night in a Western AA thriller at Glacier.
Daybook
Today
Lawsuit to put spotlight on covers for septic tanks
In a press conference Thursday, a Kalispell attorney said he hopes a lawsuit against Evergreen Water and Sewer and others in regard to a toddler’s 2007 death will put more emphasis on child safety.
Miracle on Main Street
Rescuers reunite with woman they helped save ‘All this heroism is hard to swallow’
After learning she saved a woman’s life, Jessica “Jessa” Baker said she couldn’t wait to see her smile.
Fire hall does Evergreen proud
Evergreen has an impressive new monument to community spirit, and everyone is invited to visit on Saturday as the Evergreen Fire Rescue department proudly shows off its new station.
Easement to protect N. Fork land
The Missoula-based Vital Ground Foundation announced Thursday that a conservation easement has been secured on a 160-acre parcel of land in the North Fork Flathead River drainage and a new grant program has contributed toward a conservation project on the lower Flathead River.
Thursday, January 21
Glacier vs. Sentinel Wrestling
Prep for Divisional Tournament
Ann Jeanette Norby Miller, 97
Ann Jeanette Norby Miller, 97, passed away on Monday, Jan. 18, 2010, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. She was born on Oct. 3, 1912, in Hettinger, N.D., to Sven and Serina Norby. Ann married Woodrow Miller in 1935 and moved to Kalispell, where their three children were born and Woodrow was employed as a carpenter. Ann was active in the community and in Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She was an avid gardener and loved to play pinochle. In her later years, she found time for a journalistic career. She wrote a column for many years for the Kalispell News. She also wrote for several national magazines, the Montana Journal and the Hungry Horse News, receiving three state awards for column writing. In 1987 she published a book, Over the Coffee Cups, a compilation of some of her best columns. She continued writing until just before her death. Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Woodrow Miller; a son, Craig; her parents; six brothers; and three sisters. She is survived by a daughter, Wendy Robetorye, of Everett, Wash.; and a son, Douglas Miller, of Kalispell; three brothers; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Graveside services for Ann will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 22, at the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery, with Pastor Wayne Pris officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 6 p.m. today, Jan. 21, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Ann s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Ann s tribute wall.
Romona Lois Norton, 79
Romona Rae Lois Norton, 79, of Kalispell, passed away Jan. 13, 2010, at Colonial Manor, with her loving family by her side. Rae, the daughter of Anton and Grace Mae (Brown) Bartel, was born near the Theriault Ferry (which her father ran) in Lower Valley on Aug. 14, 1930. As a young child she lived in the Creston area and at various locations in the Flathead Valley her entire life. She married her first husband, Charley Williams (a cowboy and loving father), and from this union she had three daughters and two sons that the two raised in the Borman area. Romona worked very hard in those days taking care of her family and any sick animal that needed her care. They were later divorced and she moved to Kalispell with her children. She married for a second time to George Norton and from this union she had a daughter and two sons. Romona taught Bible class at the Church of the Nazarene. Children were always an important part of her life and it was during this time that she helped establish the Head Start Program. In later years, when George s health failed, she went to work as a CNA at the Immanuel Lutheran Home and continued to work until her health started to fail. Romona loved being outdoors and always had a garden; her children have many memories of helping their mother with the vegetables and flowers. She also loved being in the country, camping, walking among the trees, the smell of wood, the wildflowers, the birds, and the wildlife she would see. She was a daredevil and free spirited " baa haa-ing through the forest. Rae liked going to Glacier National Park and the National Bison Range. Rae was a rock collector, filling her pockets with memories to add to her rose and carnation gardens. She is survived by her eight children, Audrey Flansaas, Geraldine Smith, Douglas and Wayne Williams, Sharon Jordt, Donna Bear, and Harvey and Russell Norton, all of the Kalispell area. She is also survived by 23 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Roberta Shelley and Rodessa Norton; one brother, David Bartel; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George; two daughters-in-law; two sons-in-law; three grandsons; and three brothers. Romona was laid to rest on Jan. 16, at Glacier Memorial Gardens beside her loving husband George. Although Mom has taken up new residence in the Lord s house, she will live forever in our hearts.
Daybook
Today
Telemark finals coming to Whitefish
Organizers of the 2010 Telemark National Championships are gearing up for the event, which will be held at Whitefish Mountain Resort March 18-21.
Man crawls through doggie door
Flathead County sheriff
Wake-up call from Massachusetts
Massachusetts voters triggered an electoral earthquake Tuesday by decisively putting Republican Scott Brown into a Senate seat that has been held by the Kennedy family and its allies for more than 50 years.
Marijuana issue goes mainstream with clinic
On Friday, the Montana Caregivers Network offers a daylong clinic at the Red Lion Hotel Kalispell for people seeking physician evaluations needed to apply for state registry cards to use medical marijuana.
Wildcats in stride
Undefeated, top-ranked Columbia Falls off to best start under Finberg
This year’s top-ranked Columbia Falls boys basketball team has already achieved something no other group — not even the state championship squads — ever accomplished over the past 14 years: 10-0.
Sidewalk widening OK'd again
On a tie vote broken by Mayor Mike Jenson, the Whitefish City Council on Tuesday voted to move ahead with streetscaping plans for Central Avenue this spring.
Limb by limb
Brendon Limpo cuts limbs from a tree infected with Dutch elm disease on Second Avenue East on Tuesday morning in Kalispell. Limpo is part of the crew from Aspen Urban Forestry that will take down about five infected trees per day, depending on the size and location of the trees. Crews will work in one-block areas along Second Avenue this week and into early next week, according to Mike Baker, Kalispell Parks and Recreation director. He said that after that crews would begin working on Third Avenue East. Tree work will continue into April to remove 75 to 90 trees in Kalispell.
Drama in the spotlight at Class A divisional meet
Saturday’s Northwest Class A divisional speech and debate tournament might look a little different from past divisional meets.
Family of drowned tot sues over 2007 death
BUTTE — The Evergreen Water and Sewer District and others are being sued in connection with the death of a 3-year-old boy who drowned after falling into an Evergreen septic tank in 2007.
Homes in line for community land trust
The first home in Kalispell’s community land trust could be a mere two weeks away from reality.
Wednesday, January 20
Lifesavers get-together
CFHS Kaleb Johnson
Fire Cleanup
Geoffrey Stephen Hughes, 69
Geoffrey Stephen Hughes, Geoff, passed away on Jan. 19, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center after a long battle with lymphoma. Geoff was born May 17, 1940, in The Bronx, N.Y., to Gerard and Mary Hughes. He grew up in The Bronx and attended high school at Fordham Prep where he graduated in 1957. He was a champion soccer player and a member of the Fordham Rams varsity basketball team, as well as an avid jitterbugger, winning many contests with his dance partner and cousin Alice Hughes. He spent three years serving his nation at sea as a merchant marine, and in 1966 he graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. While at JU he met Fran Davis who became his wife Dec. 27, 1966. Geoff and Fran moved to Montana in 1969 to enroll in graduate courses at the University of Montana, during which time he and Fran welcomed their first child, a daughter they named Kristin. Geoff graduated with his master s in organic chemistry in 1972 and worked for a few years at American Chemet lab outside of Helena. While in Helena, Geoff welcomed his second child, a son he and Fran named Shannon. In 1975, Geoff moved his family to Kalispell so he could work for the state s Water Quality Research Department, assisting with the implementation of the Clean Water Act, and later worked for the city of Kalispell s water department. Geoff finished his work for the government in 1984 and found his calling in teaching chemistry at Flathead High School. He was the chairman of the science department, oversaw the school s astronomy club and later was the official score keeper for various sports; though he was best known as Periodic Table Man and in his final years at the high school as the Voice of the Braves, announcing the high school s volleyball, basketball and football games. In 1998 President Bill Clinton honored Geoff with the Presidential Award, recognizing him as the top high school science teacher in the state of Montana. Geoff retired from Flathead High School in 2000 and joined the faculty at the Flathead Valley Community College in 2002 where he taught chemistry and took up pottery until he passed away. Geoff loved to be outdoors and his passion was hiking and camping in Glacier National Park where he also sat on the board of the Glacier National Park Associates, a volunteer coordinating organization. Other regions he enjoyed exploring included the Jewel Basin and the Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina, where he and Fran shared a home with her sister Hope. Geoff had a love for playing golf and was a member at Buffalo Hill Golf Course where they allocated the day s second tee-time to his foursome. Geoff was an avid traveler, chef extraordinaire and comedian. He enjoyed spending time in Europe, hiking in Switzerland and Germany with his wife and friends, exploring the local traditions and cuisines throughout the region. He was known by his friends as the best host because his sense of humor coupled with his passion for food allowed him to cook various meals from around the globe and pair each course with an appropriate joke or anecdote, often utilizing accents to emphasize the humor. Geoff is survived by his wife, Fran, of 43 years. He is also survived by daughter, Kristin; son, Shannon; daughter-in-law, Karin; and grandsons, Taylor and Hunter; brother, John; and sister, Marianne. Also surviving Geoff are sisters-in-law, Hope Gedeon and Barbara Hughes; and brothers-in-law, Tom Davis and John Kelly. Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Jan. 20, at Epworth United Methodist Church in Kalispell. In lieu of gifts, the family has asked that donations be made to one of Geoff s favorite non-profit organizations: Glacier National Park Associates, P.O. Box 91, Kalispell, MT 59903; The Junaluskans, P.O. Box 87, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745; Epworth United Methodist Church, 329 Third Ave. E., Kalispell, MT 59901.
Arnold Lightner, 79
Arnold Lightner, 79, passed away Jan. 13, 2010, at the Health Center Northwest in Kalispell, peacefully with his wife at his side. He started his battle with esophageal cancer the summer of 2008. Arnold was born Oct. 11, 1930, in Conrad, to Rachel (Christiaens) and Loren Lightner. He grew up milking cows and working on the farm with his family. He and his brother would ride the same horse a mile and a half to the Munyon School for classes. It was one of many one-room school houses that dotted the countryside at that time. Arnold attended Conrad High School, graduating in 1949. It was there he met the love of his life, Jean Petesch. Jean and Arnold were married in Conrad on Nov. 7, 1950. They began their life farming his parents land, eventually buying land of their own. They moved from the farm home into Conrad when their children started to attend school. As a child, Arnold was fascinated with airplanes, so much that he spent the entire amount he received from the sale of his prize calf at the county fair to take his first ride in an airplane! On Jan. 29, 1960, he received his pilot s license. He co-owned a plane with several other aviation enthusiasts, taking many trips with friends and family. Arnold was very community minded, becoming active in the local Republican Party, serving on the hospital board, the State ASCS Committee, the Economic Development Corporation which helped to develop businesses in Conrad, and the Conrad School board. When Arnold and Jean retired from farming, they spent time traveling the country with friends in their motor home. Eventually they settled in Bigfork and later Kalispell, spending winters in their home in Indio, Calif. Always wanting to remain active, loving to meet new people and having a special gift of making conversation with everyone, Arnold began doing volunteer work at hospitals in both California and Kalispell. He served the Kalispell Regional Medical Center for 14 years and was awarded the honor of Volunteer of the Year. Arnold was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Raymond Lightner. He is survived by his wife, Jean; his five children, Alan and his wife, Louise, of Sandy, Utah, John and his wife, Colleen, of Katy, Texas, Robert and his wife, Doreen, of Conrad, Julie of Havre, and Lisa of Seattle; three grandchildren, Alyssa and Alan, Quentin, and Zale and Lisa; and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Arnold s life will take place in Kalispell this summer and will be announced in late spring. In lieu of sending flowers, Arnold wanted memorials to be made to KRMC in Kalispell, 310 Sunny View Lane, Kalispell, MT 59901.
Daybook
Today
Flathead sinks Polson
Braves outscore Polson 34-10 in fourth quarter for a 72-46 victory
Karl Ingram and the Flathead Braves showed how to turn a lead from two into 22 real fast on Tuesday night.
Smaller schools serve as hubs of their communities
When tiny Montana towns lose their small community schools to consolidation, the result is often what Renee Boisseau calls the “Butte effect.”
Col. Falls schools plan budget meetings
The Columbia Falls School District has scheduled two public meetings to discuss its projected 2010-11 budget shortfall.
Local woman escapes from quake-torn Haiti
West Valley resident Pat Freebury flew into Miami from Haiti early Tuesday morning after a successful overland evacuation through the Dominican Republic.
Braves hammer Knights in mat dual
MISSOULA — Top-ranked Flathead had no trouble dispensing with Missoula Hellgate in a Western AA wrestling dual on Tuesday.
Meteor or UFO? You make the call
Flathead County sheriff
Kalispell attorney leads power council
The Northwest Power and Conservation Council recently elected Bruce Measure, one of Montana’s two members, as chairman for 2010.
Tuesday, January 19
FHS vs. Polson Boys Bball
Downing Trees with Dutch Elm Disease
Limb by limb
History of Consolidation: Kila School
Considering consolidation: Kila School
Raven Stevens, 35
Raven Stevens died in Hood River, Ore., on Jan. 6, 2010. He was born at home at Madison Junction in Yellowstone National Park on June 2, 1974. He was raised and nurtured in his first year of life at the base of Purple Mountain and the remainder of his childhood was spent in Trego. Raven attended Trego Elementary and Eureka High School, graduating in 1993. In 2000 Raven graduated from the University of Montana as a teacher and taught at the school he had attended as a youngster. For the past three years, Raven and his sister Eve lived near Hood River. With his sister and his friends he explored the surroundings of the Hood River area, spending weekends hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and skiing. Raven loved working at Bryant Pipe, a local irrigation company during the summer and Mount Hood Meadows, a local ski resort during the winter. Raven had many passions " He was an amazing athlete with an ability to master any challenge he put his mind to. He wrestled throughout his K-12 years, winning the Buzz Lucey Tournament four times and a state championship. He was passionate about weight lifting, kayaking and mountain biking, never afraid to find the line and ride it to the finish. He had a remarkable sense of special balance and walked on his hands about as much as he walked on his feet. He was an avid photographer, recording what he saw with an eye for detail and for beauty in the ordinary. Raven had an incredible capacity for knowledge " from sports stats to the names of mountain ranges and plants, he knew what he was talking about or was always ready to learn what he didn t. He loved food and was well known for eating anything ... in quantity. He had a quirky sense of humor and loved pranks and practical jokes. He was goal-oriented and never afraid to challenge himself or others to just do it. He inspired so many in a quiet way, from showing his nephew how to tie a top-knot for rock climbing to showing his sister how to make it down the mountain bike trail in one piece. As a teacher he connected with his students in a special way and loved taking the kids out of the classroom and into the world. He cared deeply for others and had an innate ability to build instant friendships with all who met him. He lived in the land of no regrets and found it beautiful. Raven loved and is loved beyond measure and he is deeply missed. Raven is survived by his father, Bill Stevens, and his wife, Mel; his mother, Carolynn Moritz, and her husband, Chris; his sister, Sensei Powell, and her husband, Stacy, and nephews, Raser and Reush; his sister, Eve Stevens; his stepsister, Clover Kincheloe; and stepbrother, Casey Evans; as well as lots of relatives and friends in Oregon, Washington, Montana and Virginia. An education/adventure fund is being set up for Raven s favorite beings in the world, nephews Raser and Reush Powell, at Parkside Federal Credit Union. For information about donating to the fund, please contact Eve Stevens at eves@waggeneredstrom.com; or Beth Lewis-Anderson at betha@waggeneredstrom.com. A memorial service was celebrated at St. Mary s Catholic Church in Hood River on Jan. 10 attended by relatives and by many of his friends from Oregon, Washington and Montana. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 20, at Our Lady of Swan Valley Catholic Church in Condon, with burial following at 1 p.m. at the Bigfork Cemetery, Lee Road and Swan River Road. All are welcome. The family will also be celebrating Raven this summer in Trego.
Joseph L. Joe Bellerose, Jr., 66
Joseph L. Joe Bellerose, Jr., 66, died Jan. 13, 2010, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. Joe was born at Burien, Wash., to Joseph and Gladys (Zetterburg) Bellerose on Sept. 3, 1943, and was raised and educated in Burien and remained in the greater Seattle area for a time following school. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1963, serving until his honorable discharge in 1965. He had been an excellent journeyman machinist, working in that field for an extended period of time. A person of many God-given talents, he had been a photographer, painter, musician, fly fisherman and skydiver, and he built fishing rods as well as fly-tying. Later in his life, he had attended and graduated from the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. He had been a resident of the Flathead Valley for the past 25 years, and had recently been a resident at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. He is survived by his wife, Tammy; and brothers, Jerry Bellerose of Chillicothe, Ohio, and Kerry Bellerose of Auburn, Wash.; as well as good friends living in the Flathead Valley. Services will be Thursday at 4 p.m. at the Columbia Mortuary Chapel; visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday morning and continue until service time.
Kenneth Gordon Mast, 76
Kenneth Gordon Mast, 76, passed away Jan. 17, 2010, at his home in Whitefish, from complications of COPD and heart failure. Ken was born Feb. 22, 1933, in Los Angeles, to Bernice Stevens and Sam Mast. He grew up in Southern California. His family moved frequently, living in a trailer when they moved to La Junta, Colo., where his parents grew up. Ken attended school in La Junta, but traveled back and forth to California with his father. When the Korean War started, Ken joined the Army and was shipped to Japan. He was sent into battle in Korea where he spent Thanksgiving and Christmas in minus-35 degree temperatures. Ken took part in the battle of Inchon and was one of the Chosin Few who survived the battle at the Chosin Reservoir. His troop consisted of 300 men, but in the end there were only three remaining to find their way back to their ship at the Inchon harbor to get out. Ken was awarded two bronze stars and was honorably discharged from the Army in 1953. He worked for the government after the war in Kansas, California and Nebraska. He was later hired by AeroJet. Ken was instrumental in the manufacture of the different stages of the MX missile. He led a team that inspected the missile stages for conformance to quality standards as a quality engineer. He retired as quality director. Ken loved Alaska. He traveled there many times with his wife, Donna. Ken very much enjoyed fishing and boating there. Traveling in his trailer to Alaska was a dream that came true many times for him. One of his wishes was to someday live there. Ken has been a resident of Whitefish since 1996. He is survived by his wife, Donna; three sons, Ken Jr., and wife, Judy, of Indiana, Sam and wife, Patti, of Idaho, Howard of Indiana; and one daughter, Vicki, of California; seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild; and many cousins and other family members in Colorado. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, at St. Peter Lutheran Church with Pastor James Maxwell officiating. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Austin Funeral Home, followed by a prayer service at 7 p.m. Inurnment and burial will be at a later date in LaJunta, Colo. Memorials may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church or to Hospice.
Veronta Lynn Roni Anderson, 50
Veronta Lynn Roni Anderson, 50, passed away at her daughter s home in the early morning hours of Jan. 17, 2010. Roni was born May 15, 1959, in Miles City, the eldest child of F.I. Ivan and Betty Jean B.J. Korneychuk. Roni lived in Billings until 1975, then moved with her family to Kalispell. She graduated from Flathead High School and met the love of her life Robert Bob Anderson; they married on Jan. 21, 1977. She and Bob owned their landscaping business of 25 years and Roni still managed to be a devoted wife, mother and homemaker, spending her last years at their beautiful Ashley Lake home. Roni was preceded in death by her grandmother, Rose Griffith; and close family friend, Jacob Sutton. Roni is survived by her husband of 33 years, Bob Anderson; son, Nathan Anderson; and daughter, Nichole Anderson; and grandchildren, Karsyn and Kylie Anderson. She is also survived by her parents, Ivan and B.J. Korneychuk; her sister, Kristi Schweigert; nephews, Kyle and Tylor Schweigert; and other family members. A memorial service will be held for Roni at 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 22, at New Covenant Fellowship Church in Kalispell. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of Kalispell, 175 Commons Loop, Kalispell, MT 59901, would be appreciated.
Frances Lucille (LeBlanc) Posey, 87
Frances Lucille (LeBlanc) Posey was born Dec. 21, 1922, at the family home in Whitefish. The Lord took Frances home in the early morning of Jan. 16, 2010. She was the third of four children born to Julius Alfonse, aka Robert J. LeBlanc, and Stella Hazel (Herritt) LeBlanc. Frances, at the age of 13, would lose her mother to cancer. She would take over and fulfill the role of mother from that time forward. Her early work life would be spent helping to take care of her brothers and driving overload bus for her father. During the war years she would run the switchboard for the Great Northern Railway Depot in Whitefish. In 1945, she would meet Frederick Lloyd Posey. They were married in June of 1946, a marriage that would last until Fred s death in February 2008. Fred and Frances had children, Cheryl Ann Posey-Johnson and Frederick Bruce Posey. After helping Fred through college and early child rearing, Frances went to work for School District 5 in Kalispell. She was head secretary at Kalispell Junior High School where she earned the nickname Sarge. After retiring from School District 5, she and Fred traveled, spending time with family, friends and most importantly grandchildren. In 1997, Fred and Frances, due to health reasons, left the Flathead Valley and moved to Billings. Frances became active in her new community through her church, St. Pius, as well as the Red Hat Ladies. She was preceded in death by her father and mother; husband, Fred; brother, Julius Bernard LeBlanc; sisters-in-law, Melveen LeBlanc, Lorraine LeBlanc and Agnes (Posey) Galland; and brother-in-law, Robert Posey. She is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Ann, and Dennis, Johnson; son, Bruce, and Janis, Posey; brothers, Albert J. LeBlanc and Robert E. LeBlanc; sister-in-law, Helen Posey; as well as her beloved grandchildren, Tyler Johnson, Jael Johnson and Caleb Posey. Mom will be remembered for her hospitality, caring and sacrifice for others. Her breads, rolls, pies and cookies will surely be missed. Cremation has taken place. Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 22, at St. Pius X Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to RiverStone Hospice, St. Pius X Church or St. Matthew s in Kalispell. Michelotti-Sawyers is in charge of arrangements and remembrances may be left for the family at www.michelottisawyers.com.
Woman forced out of foreclosed home
Flathead County Sheriff’s deputies instructed a woman to leave a home on the 4000 block of U.S. 2 West that she owned before it was foreclosed on last year. The woman was painting the outside of the house when deputies arrived Sunday.
consolidation tuesday
Group forms to share stormwater resources
An interest in stormwater issues drew representatives of local governments, nonprofit groups and businesses to Bigfork last week for the creation of the Flathead Stormwater Resource Group.
Daybook
Today
College enrollment remains on the rise
As students began the first day of 2010 classes Monday at Flathead Valley Community College, enrollment continues to grow at a record-setting pace for the spring semester.
Principals at rural schools have to be jacks of all trades
On snowy days, Dennis Haverlandt bundles up against the cold, grabs a snow shovel and tackles the sidewalks in front of Deer Park School before students arrive.
Monday, January 18
Can Brett Favre deliver a Super Bowl victory to Minnesota?
David Grant Joyce, 59
David Grant Joyce, 59, of Crookston, Minn., died Monday, Jan. 11, 2010, in the Palliative Care Center in Fargo, N.D. He was born on Oct. 4, 1950, in Cameron, Mo., but lived most of his life in Montana before settling in Crookston. He had a strong-willed spirit that never gave up the fight, and demonstrated the definition of bravery and courage. Dave s intelligence, humor and charisma always made him very easy to talk to. Because of his good nature, it was not surprising that he became a psychologist; though his love of a small town and passion for computers led him to open Crookston Computer Clinic. He taught us that no matter how grown up you are, you never have to give up the fun things in life. On Aug. 16, 1971, Dave married his best friend, Kathy. In their 36th year of marriage, the two cancer survivors renewed their vows in August 2007. Dave was preceded in death by his father, Denis J. Joyce; and mother, Hazel Karriher Van Meter. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; son, Jeremy, and Jo Ann, of Missoula; daughter, Stephanie Fish, and Jeff, of Grand Forks, N.D.; grandchildren, Damien, Jacob, Sean and Adara; siblings, Denis Joyce, Paula Anderson-Heil and Ron, Jan Joyce, Jewel Bond, Patty Pagan and Chris, and Carol Denny and Virgil; and several nieces and nephews. A private family service will be held. The Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home is assisting with funeral arrangements.
Andrew E. 'Andy' Davidson, 62
Andrew E. Andy Davidson, 62, passed away at home Friday, Jan. 15, 2010, after a long struggle with multiple myeloma. His parents had both died young, and he considered each passing year a blessing, especially after surviving kidney cancer in 1999. Andy was born Sept. 1, 1947, in Graceville, Minn., the son of Harry B. and Anne Davidson. He lived in Beardsley, Minn., until he was 12, when the family moved to a farm in Boy River, Minn. He served in the U.S. Army in Georgia and in the Army National Guard in Colorado, achieving the rank of sergeant. He first came to the Flathead Valley in 1974 and fell in love with the area. He moved permanently to Montana in the early 1980s. Andy held a variety of jobs, including construction and maintenance, before health problems caught up with him and he went on disability. Andy and Andrea Hull were married Feb. 16, 1991, resulting in a union known to acquaintances as Andy and Andy. Ever since his youth, Andy enjoyed the outdoors. Along with hunting and fishing, he added gold panning and digging for crystals to his interests. He also had a lifetime interest in building cars, some of which were deliberately run off the edge of the gravel pit. His adventures and hobbies, including collecting Hot Wheels, model trains and going to yard sales, led to a gift of storytelling and many good friendships. Andy is survived by his wife, Andrea, at the family home. He also is survived by his brothers, Lester and Sheila, and Glenn and Joyce; sister, Betty; children, Violet and Robert Mulligan, Rollin, Andy Jr. and Ellen, and Tammy and Scott Casey; 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. If desired, memorials can be made to Wings Foundation or Home Options Hospice Care. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.
Glacier tops Flathead at speech meet
Speech and debate teams from Glacier and Flathead high schools won the top two spots at Friday and Saturday’s Magic City Olympiad in Billings.
Smith Valley Principal Mike Welling
Bigfork drama wins home meet
Bigfork High School’s drama team took first place in its home tournament Saturday.
Smith Valley School computer lab
Daybook
Today
Stoltze land manager sees opportunities for C. Falls
As the timber and aluminum industries go, the old saying goes, so goes Columbia Falls.
A history of current Flathead districts
Over the years, Flathead County has supported nearly 100 school districts.
Paul McKenzie
McKenzie at Chamber
Consolidation sometimes a necessity
Joining forces
How many school districts is too many?
Law roundup
Windows at a Central Avenue retail store were shattered in bar brawls that Whitefish police investigated Saturday night.
Sunday, January 17
Lawrence J. Gregor, 61
Lawrence J. Gregor, 61, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010, in Kalispell. He was born on Dec. 12, 1948, in Helena, to Joseph and Isabelle Gregor. He was raised in Helena, where he graduated from high school. On Dec. 11, 1967, Lawrence enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served in the infantry, serving 18 months in Vietnam. Lawrence went to Officers Candidate School; upon graduation he served as an Armor Officer for 10 years and 11 months. He married his wife Patricia in Colorado Springs, Colo., in 1970; they had been married for 39 years when he passed away. Lawrence attended St. Leo College, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1981; he then attended Kansas State, where in 1983 he received his master s degree. In 2006, Captain Gregor was recalled to active duty at Fort Knox, Ky., where he served as Basic Training Company Commander. He was preceded in death by his mother, Isabelle Longmire Gregor. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, of Kalispell; parents, Joe, and wife, Dorothy Gregor; children, Larry and wife, Elisha Gregor, of Fort Drum, N.Y., Teresa and husband, Kelly Howard, of Missoula, and Joseph D. Gregor of Kalispell; siblings, Sharon Gregor of Butte, Gary and wife, Judith Gregor, of New Mexico, and Bob Werle of Helena; and grandchildren, Cameron, Caleb, Alexis and Jack Gregor, and Isabelle Howard. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22, at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Army. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.
Verdas Henry Reed, 96
Verdas Henry Reed, 96, passed away peacefully into the arms of his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010, at his home in Kalispell. He was born in a log home on July 19, 1913, in Lorenzo, Idaho, to James Henry and Maud (Armstrong) Reed. Verdas was the first of 10 children and spent his childhood on the dry farm on Birch Creek east of Ririe, Idaho, and on the small farm on Butler Island. He attended a one-room school house on Butler Island and later went to Ririe Elementary School for the remainder of his early education. After grade school he went to Rigby High School for two years and then to Ucon High School the next two years, graduating in the spring of 1932. He attended Ricks College for one quarter but had to return to the farm to help his family. Verdas had always loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ and had served with all his heart in the work of the Lord. He served his first full-time mission from 1935 through 1937 in the Southern States Mission under LeGrande Richards. It was there that he met Bardella Bulkeley, from Burley, Idaho, who was serving in the same mission. After their missions, they became reacquainted and eventually married Oct. 6, 1938, in the Salt Lake Temple. Verdas began his career as a farmer in Ririe on the family farm. After his mission and marriage they moved to Leslie, Idaho, where all six of their children were born: Camille, James LeGrande, Marie Louise, JoAnn, Verdella and Frank Leland. They lived there until 1950 when the family moved to a farm outside of Arco, Idaho. He went to work on the Arco Desert for the Atomic Energy Commission as a carpenter. While working there he injured his back and had surgery in 1959 which required him to find other type of work. He tried his hand as a salesman, first as a real estate and life insurance agent, and later he sold pre-need funeral plans in the Idaho Falls area. In 1963, the company transferred him to a cemetery in Pocatello, Idaho. The family moved there. In 1971, he was offered employment with the Latter-day Saints church in the Independence, Mo., Visitors Center and in 1972 he became responsible for all the church historic sites in Missouri which included Independence Visitors Center, Liberty Jail Visitors Center, Richmond Cemetery, Far West Temple Site and a small area at Adam-Ondi-Ahman. He worked there until 1978, at the age of 65, when the church retired him and he and Bardella returned to Burley, Idaho, to care for her aging mother, Luella Buckeley. While in Burley, Verdas began yet another career working for the Idaho State Inspection Service sampling potatoes. He worked on and off for the next 21 years when he retired again at age 86. In 2005, he decided to move to Kalispell to be close to three of his girls, Camille in Bigfork, JoAnn in Whitefish and Marie in Kalispell. He lived with Marie until the time of his passing. Verdas has always had a love for people and his gentle smile and loving heart made you his friend from the first visit. He was always there for his family and they were the joy of his life. He had a love for music and shared it throughout his life in choirs and other singing groups. Even at the age of 95 he was still singing in the Ward Choir in the Bigfork Ward. He was active even at age 96 cutting lawns and building things. He was an amazing example of how to live a good Christian life and his passing will leave a big hole in the hearts of all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bardella; one brother, Glenn; and two sisters, Eloise and Eleanor; one grandson; and two great-grandchildren. He is survived by his six children, Camille Gloschat and husband, J.A. Fred, of Bigfork and Sun City West, Ariz., James Reed and wife, Velma, of Burley, Marie Love and husband, Larry, of Kalispell, JoAnn Hudson and husband, Mark, of Whitefish, Verdella Grout and husband, Richard, of Driggs, Idaho, and Frank Reed and wife, Claudia, of Tooele, Utah; four sisters, Ruth Withers and Carol Sue Nef, both of Rexburg, Idaho, Delaine Young and husband, Mick, of Idaho Falls, and Barbara Clarke and husband, J. Richard, of Salt Lake City; two brothers, Clare Reed, and Gale Reed and wife, Delilah, all of Ririe; 40 grandchildren; 116 great-grandchildren; and 22 great-great-grandchildren; with many other family and friends. The family will greet people, in Kalispell, at an open house visitation from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel. Funeral services for Verdas Reed will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, at the Latter-day Saints Fourth Ward Church, 515 E. 16th St., in Burley, Idaho, with burial to follow at the Pleasant View Cemetery. The visitation in Burley will be one hour prior to the service in the Relief Society Room at the church. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Verdas family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Verdas guest book, offer condolences and share memories.
Meaty drinks - a carnivore's nirvana
Imagine my husband’s delight when he opened the latest Food Network Magazine and discovered a piece on how to make “meaty cocktails.” For a guy who’s spent most of his career in the meat business, the idea of making bacon-infused liquor got his attention big time.
Braves finish third
Connor Thomas brings home Rocky heavyweight title
MISSOULA — Flathead’s domination of the Jug Beck Rocky Mountain Classic had to end eventually.
Daybook
Today
Man run over by girlfriend is OK
Flathead County sheriff
Fighting spirit
Whitefish musher to take on the 1,000-mile Yukon Quest
Katie Davis and her team have been in training for five months, putting more than 1,500 miles behind them, mostly on trails above Olney in the Whitefish Mountain range.
Loading Shilo
Double dip? Not acceptable
The president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce last week made strikingly vocal and dire predictions about the direction of the nation’s economy because of taxes and regulations being pursued by the Democratic leadership in Washington, D.C.
Yukon Quest team member Goon
Hunters voice concerns over meager deer population
Push begins to eliminate doe hunting season
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks managers got an earful Saturday from hunters concerned about wolves and obviously depleted deer and elk populations in Northwest Montana.
Katie Davis
Whitefish selects Prime Minister, Dutchess
Whitefish has crowned the first round of royalty that will serve during this year’s Winter Carnival. At the annual Merry Maker event Saturday, Aric King was named Prime Minister and his wife, Katie King, was named Dutchess of Lark.
The "Yukon Quest bible"
Wildcats perfect 10-0
Top-ranked Columbia Falls catches fire late, drops rival Whitefish
The Whitefish Bulldogs play good defense, run the floor well and they fight hard.
Measure to chair Northwest Power and Conservation Council
Northwest Power and Conservation Council members recently elected Bruce Measure as Chair of the Council for 2010. Measure, who lives in Kalispell, has been the council vice chair for the last two years.
Columbia Falls crumples Whitefish
Kayla DeWit powers Wildkats with 22 points
COLUMBIA FALLS — Getting a lead has not been a major problem for Columbia Falls this season.
Katie and Whitney
Educational autonomy
Rural schools disagree with the notion of school consolidation
To those who love their small, rural schools, “consolidation” might be the dirtiest word in the English language.
Do the will of the people - or feel the people's wrath
Editor's 2 Cents
You can get a sense of the disconnect of America’s leadership from the people they serve by contrasting the voices coming out of Washington with the vox populi that you hear in the local barbershop.
Saturday, January 16
Hoops Roundup: Libby sinks fifth-ranked Polson; Eureka splits
POLSON — Colton Cannon scored a game-high 17 points and Alex Cislo added 11 as Libby knocked of No. 5-ranked Polson 41-40 on Saturday night.
Week in Pictures January 11-17
End Slide 2010
CFHS vs. WHS Girls Basketball
CFHS vs. WHS Boys Basketball Shot
CFHS vs. WHS Boys Basketball Rebound
Dean Micheal Como
son of Bridgette Evans and Clint Como of Kalispell, was born Oct. 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Scot Aleksaunder Simoneau
son of Kelly and Kassandra Simoneau of Kalispell, was born Oct. 19 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Izaac Joel Coronado
son of Oscar and Katrina Coronado of Columbia Falls, was born Oct. 20 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Olivia Paige Rogers
daughter of Tracy and Brenda Rogers of Columbia Falls, was born Oct. 20 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Ian Lee Wilcox
son of Leon and Mariah Wilcox of Kalispell, was born Oct. 19 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Hanna Ember Reynolds
daughter of Justin J. Reynolds and Rebecca J. Reynolds of Kalispell, was born Oct. 19 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Hallie Jae Granley
daughter of Adam and Jennifer Granley of Ronan, was born Dec. 2 at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan.
Jesse Tolin Deats
son of Jimmy Deats and Brianna Pfrimmer of Whitefish, was born Oct. 28 at North Valley Hospital.
Kaleb Alan Reum
son of Nicholas Reum and Nicole Meyers of Kalispell, was born Oct. 26 at North Valley Hospital.
Addison Grace Oftedahl
daughter of Jerod and Lacey Oftedahl of Kalispell, was born Oct. 20 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
FVCC spring semester begins on Monday
Flathead Valley Community College kicks off spring semester Monday with hundreds of credit courses including many scheduled in the evening.
Montanans open wallets for Haiti
Money pouring in from cell-phone texts
Just as in previous disasters, Montanans have opened their hearts and wallets to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake.
Daybook
Today
Braves sitting fourth at Rocky
Flathead moves four wrestlers to semis
MISSOULA — Flathead has four wrestlers in the semifinals and 11 still competing after first-day action at the Jug Beck Rocky Mountain Classic at Missoula Sentinel.
Deputies respond to hair-pulling
Flathead County sheriff
Hoops Roundup: Columbia Falls boys make it 9-0; Flathead wins in OT
RONAN — Columbia Falls jumped out to 17-4 advantage and rolled from there to a 67-35 Northwestern A boys basketball victory Friday night over Ronan.
Big Sky rolls over Bravettes
A bad start, missed free throws and poor shooting.
Quiet Skies group vents airport concerns
Potential relocation sites eyed
A host of considerations factor into building a new airport, Eureka’s airport manager said at a public meeting organized by the Quiet Skies Committee Thursday night.
Sign of the Times
Mike Wagner, left, and George Baumbach put up a new Applied Materials sign over Semitool’s sign on Reserve Drive Thursday evening. Applied Materials acquired the Kalispell-based company Dec. 21. The company will continue to produce products for the semiconductor industry as a part of Applied Materials’ Silicon Systems Group.
Cultivating awareness
Student leads effort to inform public about modern-day slavery
Tierney Strandberg had no idea that a sick day last fall would change her life.
Streaking Wildkats thump Maidens
Kayla DeWit scores 24 points to pace Columbia Falls
COLUMBIA FALLS — Kayla DeWit sure knows how to help the Columbia Falls Wildkats get over their turnover blues.
Rehberg wilderness session in Libby moved
Still set for today
Rep. Denny Rehberg, responding to concerns by the Libby Fire Department of possible overcrowding at the site of his Saturday listening session in Libby, has moved the venue to the Libby High School gymnasium.
Friday, January 15
FHS vs. Missoula Big Sky Girls Basketball
Which higher-seeded NFL team is more likely to lose this weekend?
Kalispell Middle School CPR class
Sign of the Times
Flathead Abolitionist Movement at FHS
Flathead Distillery owners David and Nancy Lehenky
Flathead Vodka at the Great Northern Bar
Faye Hughes Van Sickle
Faye Hughes Van Sickle joined her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Jan. 13, 2010, at her home in Kalispell, under hospice care, of a cancer-generated gastric ailment. Faye was born June 13, 1924, at Elbert, Texas, the daughter of Alter Eli Hughes and Dora Johnson Hughes. She moved with her parents and brother Richard Wayne Hughes to the Throckmorton, Texas, family farm. At age 8, the family moved to Decatur, Texas, where her father attended the Decatur Baptist College, becoming a Baptist pastor. Faye graduated from Bryon, Texas, high school, and from Decatur Baptist College with a two-year degree. She later attended Oklahoma Baptist University, as well as the University of Hawaii. When her father served as pastor of Bethel Baptist Church near Frederick, Okla., she taught at a grade school near there and at Hollister, Okla. In 1950 she married Captain (later Colonel, USAF) Charles T. Moreland. Colonel Moreland, an 8th Air Force bomber pilot, later served in bomber wings and in the headquarters of the Strategic Air Command (SAC), in Pacific Air Forces, and in Headquarters, USAF in Washington. Upon Colonel Moreland s retirement, the couple lived in Fort Worth, Texas. Faye acquired distinction as an accomplished interior home designer and as a gracious hostess. She held a private pilot license. She was also an enthusiastic, dedicated flower gardener. Faye was employed for 20 years by General Dynamics, attaining the rank of aircraft design engineer. Colonel Moreland died of natural causes in 1980, leaving Faye s stepson, Associate Judge Charles T. Moreland, Jr., of Willis, Texas. In 1987, she married Neil (later Maj. Gen. USAF, Ret.) Van Sickle. The couple settled in Kalispell. She was much loved by the extensive Van Sickle family, acquiring nine grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews and their children in the Hughes family. In Kalispell she was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, an original director of the Museum at Central School, a member of Hockaday Museum of Art Guild, and was active in Chapter AB, P.E.O. Sisterhood, Glacier League, the Retired Military Wives Organization M.O.A.A., and Republican Women. Through the Faye H. Van Sickle Trust, she established the Reverend A.E. and Dora Johnson Hughes Scholarship Fund at Oklahoma Baptist University. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Rev. A.E. and Mrs. Dora Hughes; and by one brother, John L. Hughes. She is survived by her husband, Neil Van Sickle, of Kalispell; by his son, Peter Van Sickle and wife, Trisha, of Coeur d Alene, Idaho; his daughters, Anne Ewing and husband, Larry, of McMinnville, Ore., Kathleen Leatham and husband, Ray, of Forest Grove, Ore., and Jane Van Sickle of Hillsboro, Ore.; and by nine grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, R.W. Hughes, and wife, Dorothy, of Frederick, Okla.; her nieces, Elaine Kennedy and husband, Richard, of Pauls Valley, Okla., and Paula Carpenter and husband, Paul, of Denton, Texas; her nephew, J. Randy Hughes, and wife, Margaret, of Noble, Okla.; by 11 grandnieces and nephews and numerous great-nieces and nephews; and by her stepson, and his family, Charles Moreland Jr., and wife, Maria, of Willis, Texas. All who knew her admired and cherished her courage, and her innate elegance, grace, beauty and kindness. Cremation will be by Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Interment will be at the family plot in C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 18, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, followed by a reception at the church. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Faye s favorite charity, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, 801 18th St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20006-3517.
Arlene Mae (Kinshella) Knutson, 75
Arlene Mae (Kinshella) Knutson, 75, passed away on Monday, Jan. 12, 2010, at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell. She was born on May 19, 1934, in Kalispell, to Ernest B. and Ida M. (Becker) Kinshella. Arlene lived most of her life in the Flathead. When she was a child her father was in the logging industry so she and her three sisters spent a lot of time in the logging camps near Olney, Ashley Lake, Marion and the Swan. She attended Flathead County High School. On May 17, 1952, she married Lawrence N. Buster Knutson in Kalispell. They spent most of their life in Kalispell and Columbia Falls, except for about 10 years when they moved to Las Vegas. Arlene loved to cook big dinners for family gatherings. She was a fabulous candy maker and especially loved making Christmas goodies to share with the family and friends. She loved to crochet and spent much of her time making baby outfits and blankets for others. Many of her creations have been donated to the Hope Pregnancy Center. She always would say, I want that new mother and baby to know how precious and special they are. She put her whole heart into each stitch, many times ripping out an outfit and starting it again because it wasn t just right. She was preceded in death by her husband, Buster; both parents; and a sister, JoAnn Hall. Arlene is survived by a daughter, Connie Fischer, and husband, Dan, of Kalispell; a son, Larry Knutson, and wife, Diane, of Kalispell; 10 grandchildren, Andrea Anderson, Brittney Salmi, Mackenzie Knutson, Brianna Wiley, Luke Fischer, Lane Knutson, R.J. Beach, Justin Beach, Jeff Beach and Bridger Beach; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Norma and husband, John McGregor, of Spokane, and Joyce Vlasak of Kalispell; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services for Arlene will be held at 1 p.m. today, Jan. 15, at the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Jim Holman officiating. Interment will follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Arlene s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Arlene s guest book.
Charles B. Sigler
Charles Burton Chuck Sigler, 78, passed away on Jan. 11, 2010, at home, from sarcoma cancer. Chuck was born March 14, 1931, in Oklahoma City, to Mary Margaret (Pritchett) and Charles B. Sigler Sr. He grew up in the oilfields of Oklahoma where his family moved frequently. He attended high school at Marshall, Okla., where he graduated in 1949. He was president of his sophomore and junior class and captain of the football team his senior year. He graduated from Oklahoma A & M College in 1953 with a degree in forestry. He was selected for Alpha Zeta, an honorary academic fraternity, and was in the Army ROTC program. Immediately after graduation, Chuck fulfilled a longterm desire to be a smokejumper for the U.S. Forest Service at Missoula. He jumped on eight fires during the 1953 fire season and made numerous practice jumps. He then entered active duty in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant. In 1954 he was accepted into the Army Aviation Program and received his wings as an Army aviator. He was assigned to the Army Topographic Map Service which immediately sent him back to flight school for additional training as a helicopter pilot. For the next three years he transported surveyors from mountain top to mountain top in Alaska and other rugged unsurveyed locations. Since the exact shape of the earth was unknown, this survey information was critical to development of guided missile systems of that era. After honorable discharge from the Army in April 1957, Chuck received a permanent appointment as a forester for the U.S. Forest Service in the St. Joe National Forest, Idaho. He later started a career as a commercial helicopter pilot with Petroleum Helicopters, the world s largest helicopter company. While a commercial pilot, he also flew for Helicopters de Colombia (Bogota, Colombia), Agro Aereo (Guayaquil, Ecuador), Roberts Aircraft (Boise, Idaho), and Columbia Helicopters (Portland). In addition, he was a civilian flight instructor at the U.S. Army helicopter school at Fort Wolters, Texas. Chuck s first appointment as a national park service ranger was at Mount Rainier National Park where he met his wife, Kathy Wray. Within three years he was the supervisory ranger of the Paradise Ski Area and the search and rescue operations on main routes of Mount Rainier. This was followed by assignments as district ranger of the North Rim in Grand Canyon National Park where their daughter Sabrina was born, superintendent of Christiansted National Historic Site, Buck Island Reef National Monument in the U.S. Virgin Islands where their daughter Sarah was born, chief ranger at Shenandoah National Park, and chief ranger at Glacier National Park, until he retired in January 1995. Other accomplishments during his Park Service career include graduating from the FBI academy, SCUBA certification, and being a founder of the Association of National Park Rangers in 1977 in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Chuck loved the backcountry of Glacier and as often as possible he would get out of the office for a ski trip, a backcountry hike, or a climb. While at Glacier he climbed many peaks and made first ascents on Kaiser Peak and Rain Shadow. He climbed Mount St. Nicholas and Mount Cleveland among many others. Chuck is survived by his wife, Kathy, of 44 years. He is also survived by daughter, Sabrina, and husband, Ron Nichols, and their sons, Winslow and Walton; as well as daughter, Sarah, and husband, Pablo Ponce, and their daughter, Kamila; father-in-law, Curtis Wray, of Tacoma, Wash.; and an aunt, Betty Jo Shellady, of Enid, Okla.; also surviving are brother-in-law, Vaughn Wray, of Tacoma; and sisters-in-law, Kristine Sheldon of Lakeside, Julie Klontz of Edgewood, Wash., and Elizabeth Wray of Vancouver, Wash. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16, at the Columbia Falls United Methodist Church.
Joshua Jayce Morast, infant
Joshua Jayce Morast was born on Jan. 10, 2010, at Kaiser Sunnyside Hospital and died on Jan. 12, 2010, at St. Vincent Hospital. He is survived by his parents, Lon and Marissa Morast, and brother, James, of Happy Valley, Ore.; grandparents, Michael and Nancy Nizankiewicz, of Carson City, Nev.; brother, Ben, and Shelley Whitlatch, of Mesa, Ariz.; grandparents, Duane and Nancy Morast; Lon s sisters, Llonda and Clint Grame, and Lora and Jonathan Anderson; six cousins from Kalispell; and two cousins from Arizona. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, at the Abundant Life Church in Happy Valley, Ore.
Marijuana confiscated from Evergreen motel room
Kalispell man charged with sale of drugs; $6,000 worth confiscated
Officers on Wednesday arrested a man who allegedly sold marijuana from an Evergreen motel room.
Griffith lifts Glacier
Junior guard turns in clutch 4th quarter for victorious ’Pack
Opposing teams used to know exactly who Glacier’s go-to scorer was when the game was on the line.
School's biomass boiler is a budget boon
If the biomass boiler at Glacier High School keeps running as smoothly as it has in recent months, Kalispell Public Schools’ energy bill could be about $58,200 lower than it was last year.
Riding high
Mystery car shows up in driveway
Flathead County sheriff
Election battles already take shape
Numerous applicants for judge position
By the end of the first day to file for this year’s elections, a race had already shaped up for a new Flathead County district judge position.
Asphalt, concrete plans OK'd
West Valley is ground zero in gravel debate
The Flathead County commissioners on Thursday approved a zoning text amendment that will include asphalt and concrete plants in the county’s definition of gravel extraction.
Meeting gives hunters input on regulations
Strong turnout expected Saturday
It’s regarded as “the big meeting” among hunters in Northwest Montana, held every other January and often attracting hundreds who want a say in setting season regulations for the next two years.
Braves going for five at Rocky
Flathead’s wrestlers have won the the Classic four straight times
With four top ranked wrestlers and the team solidly holding down the No. 1 position in the latest Class AA coaches poll, things are looking pretty spiffy for the Flathead Braves heading into this weekend’s Jug Beck Rocky Mountain Classic in Missoula.
Daybook
Today
Vikings hold off Chiefs
BIGFORK — A 5-foot-9 junior guard saved the day for the Bigfork Vikings on Thursday.
Good deed on Good Creek
Couple donates conservation easement to land trust
An Olney area couple have signed off on a conservation easement covering 301 acres along Good Creek.
Park visits perk up economy
Glacier National Park lived up to its reputation as the engine that drives the local economy last year, as — in the midst of a national downturn — visits to the park were up 12.4 percent over the previous year.
Hoops Roundup: Polson girls upend Eureka
POLSON — Riley Kenney recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds as Polson topped Eureka 52-45 Thursday in nonconference girls basketball play.
Thursday, January 14
Glacier vs. Missoula Big Sky Boys Basketball Rebound
Riding High
Carol and Dick Nelson
Mail run
Olympics Countdown Summer
Olympics Countdown
James Douglas Bartel
son of Joy and Curtis Bartel of Kalispell, was born Oct. 18 at North Valley Hospital.
Kellen Sydney Jones
son of Gregg and Kristianne Jones, was born Oct. 20 at North Valley Hospital.
Joseph W. McDaniel, 71
Joseph W. McDaniel, 71, passed away in Bassett, Va., on Monday, Jan. 11, 2010. Joseph was born May 14, 1938, in Trenton, N.J. He attended Trenton High School and went on to attend Rutgers University where he became a successful self-made businessman before he came out to Montana in 1992. Joseph was an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Army. He was active in his church " the Christian Center Assembly of God Church in Kalispell, and the Crossroads church in Virginia. He was a loving father and a good dad. When coming home from work, he always took his children fishing, ball playing or bike riding. He was always there for his children because family was very important to him. Joseph was a member of the American Legion in Summerville, N.J. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and was a very artistic person. He especially loved his flower and vegetable gardens. He was preceded in death by his parents. Joseph is survived by his sons, Timmy, David and Jimmy McDaniel; and daughter, Kelly Hartigan. He is additionally survived by Suzanne and Larry Bryant. Visitation for Joseph will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 18, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 18, at the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. To send condolences to the family please go to www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.
Olliver Allen Skillings
son of Jennifer and Jared Skillings of Kalispell, was born Oct. 19 at North Valley Hospital.
Braylon Joseph Dunn
son of Ryan and Shauna Dunn of Bigfork, was born Oct. 21 at North Valley Hospital.
Layeck James Pancheri
son of Luke and Kayla Pancheri of Kalispell, was born Sept. 14 at North Valley Hospital.
Laila Elza Grinbergs
daughter of Aleksandra and Janis Grinbergs, was born Oct. 25 at North Valley Hospital.
Asa Christian Lindberg French
son of Tabetha Rose French of Columbia Falls, was born Oct. 25 at North Valley Hospital.
Emma Joy Hosking
daughter of Brendan and Tarah Hosking of Kalispell, was born Oct. 16 at North Valley Hospital.
Dominick Isaiah Holwuttle
son of Venessa Sager and Jimmy Holwuttle of Kalispell, was born Oct. 21 at North Valley Hospital.
Layla Jane Walters
daughter of James and Myra Walters, was born Sept. 5 at North Valley Hospital.
Levi Cole Galloway
son of Jesse and Lisa Galloway of Superior, was born Oct. 15 at North Valley Hospital.
Foggy Creston accident
Haiti's desperate situation
The scale of the destruction in Haiti from Tuesday’s earthquake is still not known at this time, but it looks like it could easily rival the worst disasters in recent history.
Expanded bull trout habitat proposed
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed a new and expanded critical habitat designation for bull trout, the third designation in the last decade.
Kalispell Chamber puts focus on jobs
National ‘Dream Big’ campaign lauds free enterprise
Members of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce pledged Wednesday to make job stimulation and retention its main priorities in 2010.
Local volunteer reported safe after Haiti disaster
Shortly after the massive earthquake hit Haiti on Tuesday evening, Gary Freebury of West Valley got a call from his neighbor. He spent the next hour watching the news and worrying about his 71-year-old wife Pat.
Monster pike
Angler takes 30-lb. northern pike out of Seeley Lake
An angler tugged a 44-inch, 30-pound northern pike out of Seeley Lake last weekend, the biggest he’s seen in about 17 years of fishing in the area.
Fog a factor in fiery crash
Dense fog and slick roads created hazardous driving conditions Wednesday that resulted in numerous accidents.
Shining a light on neighborhood discord
Flathead County sheriff
Daybook
Today
Election filing begins
Candidates for political offices in November’s election can begin filing nomination papers today. Filing continues through March 15.
Warehouse eyed for school kitchen
A warehouse off Meridian Road could become Kalispell Public Schools’ new central kitchen.
Wednesday, January 13
Pat Freebury
Nevaeh May Svennungsen
daughter of Aileena May Bloomfield and Seth James Svennungsen of Bigfork, was born Oct. 14 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Chase Edward Neadeau
son of David and Jennifer Neadeau of Kalispell, was born Oct. 6 at North Valley Hospital.
Maddy Mae Susan Curtin
daughter of Joshua Curtin and Katie Furlong of Kalispell, was born Oct. 13 at North Valley Hospital.
Eden Zen Mellem
daughter of Maryah Kaye Green and Tyler Wayne Mellem of Kalispell, was born Oct. 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Sidney Paige Andreessen
daughter of Katie and Ryan Andreessen of Libby, was born Oct. 1 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Cooper Michael Denys
son of Stephen and Stephanie Denys of Whitefish, was born Oct. 21 at North Valley Hospital.
Joseph Leanord Pino III
son of Crystal Pino, was born Oct. 12 at North Valley Hospital.
Wyatt Malcolm Robinson
son of Blake and Jennifer Robinson of Kalispell, was born Oct. 1 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Reese Olive Nadeau
daughter of Lance and Christina Nadeau of Bigfork, was born Oct. 6 at North Valley Hospital.
Raymond Patrick Black
son of Erin Staunton and Brian Black of Kalispell, was born Oct. 9 at North Valley Hospital.
Alice June (Anderson) Ryder, 85
Alice June (Anderson) Ryder, a lifetime resident of Kalispell, passed away Jan. 9, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. She was 85. Alice was born Nov. 27, 1924, in Kalispell to Carl and Melanie Anderson. She attended high school at Flathead County High School in Kalispell, graduating in 1943. Alice spent her junior year at Annie Wright Seminary in Tacoma, Wash., because of her father s war duties. She married Spencer Ryder in 1947 in Spokane. Alice was awarded a nursing degree from St. Luke s School of Nursing in Spokane, in 1946. She also attended classes at Gonzaga University in Spokane and the University of Montana in Missoula. She worked as a nurse in Spokane and the Student Health Center at U of M before her two daughters were born. For a short time, she worked as a substitute nurse at Kalispell Hospital before her grandchildren were born. Then she became a full-time grandma. She was a long-time owner and employee of the local movie theaters, the Anderson Theater Company, which the family sold in 2000. While she was raising her family, Alice served a term as state president of the Montana PTA, was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, and a long-time volunteer for the American Cancer Society. Alice is survived by her daughter, Randy Mohn, and son-in-law, Jim, of Lakeside; four grandchildren, Michael Johnson of Kalispell, Eric and Samantha Hines of Missoula, Tara and Mike Lee of Kalispell, and Emily and Brad Rettig of Denver; and two great-grandchildren, Lorelei Hines of Missoula, and Spencer Lee of Kalispell. She is also survived by her sister, Ruth E. Conn, of Kalispell; and nieces, Alison Matos and Andrea Baumgardner, and their husbands and children. She is also survived by her former sons-in-law, Thomas Hines of Fruita, Colo., and Dr. Stephen Johnson of Kalispell. Alice was surprised but very happy she survived long enough to see her great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Spence; and daughter, Rhonda Johnson. A remembrance will be held at the Buffalo Hills Terrace at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations could be made in her name to the charity of the donor s choice. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Alice s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Alice s guest book.
Madilyn Ray Bain
daughter of Jakob and Heidi Bain of Lakeside, was born Oct. 14 at North Valley Hospital.
Sage Nicole Doble
daughter of Rachel Robinson and Josh Doble of Kalispell, was born Oct. 12 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Ashtyn Elizabeth Anderson
daughter of Clinton Anderson and Teressa Brandt of Marion, was born Oct. 7 at North Valley Hospital.
Daryl Lee Johnson
son of Daryl Lee Johnson Esquire and Teresa M. Johnson of Hungry Horse, was born Oct. 10 at North Valley Hospital.
Madelyn Jean Holste
daughter of Ryan and Keelia Holste of Kalispell, was born Oct. 12 at North Valley Hospital.
Carter Jaymes Selke
son of Tiffanie Jeffries and Tyler Selke of Kalispell, was born Oct. 16 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Hunter James Flickinger
son of Joshua and Kaylyn Flickinger of Kalispell, was born Oct. 12 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Wyatt Dean Buchholtz
son of Lyle and Marcie Buchholtz, was born Oct. 4 at North Valley Hospital.
James William Harrel
son of Jake and Sandy Harrel of Kalispell, was born Oct. 14 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Cory Dale Bruckelmyer
son of Sean and Shirlyn Bruckelmyer of Kalispell, was born Oct. 15 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Sentinel slams Flathead
Spartans shoot 78 percent in 88-54 victory
The only baskets Missoula Sentinel seemed to miss were in warm-ups.
Rooftop rendezvous
Duane Peterson of Whitefish shovels snow from his roof on Monday. Peterson said he was anticipating rain and did not want to have too much weight on the roof.
Hashley resigns head coaching position
Salonen will take over girls basketball program at Glacier
Doug Hashley resigned as the head coach of the Glacier High varsity girls basketball team on Tuesday.
Kalispell annexation: Where's the balancing point?
Council begins policy discussion
Kalispell’s growth half a decade ago prompted a spate of island annexations, wrapping city borders around far-flung patches of land.
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Whitefish musher wins 18-mile race
Spirit of Race award honors Hugh Rogers
Thirty-three mushers and their dog teams set off from the Olney trailhead over the weekend, racing for a purse that totaled $4,500.
Rehberg to hold session in Libby
Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont., has scheduled a meeting in Libby to hear public input on wilderness legislation that has been proposed by Montana Democratic Sen. Jon Tester.
Lost skiers found four hours later
Flathead County sheriff
Canyon school may be on chopping block
District dealing with significant shortfall
With a nearly half-million-dollar shortfall expected in next year’s budget, the Columbia Falls School District has gone way past tightening the belt.
Ronan wrestlers move up to No. 3
Neiss, Picard, Cheff, Houle top individual rankings in Class A
Northwestern A has three wrestling teams ranked in the top 10 and four individuals listed No. 1 at their weight class in the lastest Class A Coaches Poll.
Tuesday, January 12
Flathead vs Sentinel
Flathead v Sentinel
Rooftop rendezvous
Columbia Falls Chamber President
Fund set up for Stillwater Estates fire victims
A fund has been established to help Thomas and Michelle Shaffer’s family after a fire that damaged their Stillwater Estates home Sunday night.
Lucy E. Nichols, 73
Longtime Alaska resident Lucy E. Nichols died suddenly on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010, at her home in Kasilof, Alaska. She was 73 years old. The family held a celebration of her life at the J-Bar-B Club on Jan. 11. Ms. Nichols was born on Nov. 3, 1936, in Pendleton, Ore., to Marjorie and Bruce S. Wert. She lived in many places throughout Montana and Alaska, and spent several years in Kalispell where she and her husband Alfred owned and operated the Tana Motel. Lucy was a homemaker and enjoyed helping others. She was passionate about the humane treatment of animals and found joy in caring for several of her own. Ms. Nichols gave with an open heart to many individuals less fortunate than herself. She enjoyed gardening in the spring and summer, and always had beautiful flowers surrounding her home. Ms. Nichols was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Margaret Omsberg; stepson, Brent Nichols; grandson, Alfred Willis, stepgrandson, Chad Gorder; step-great-grandson, Collin Gorder; and husbands, Ray Barnes Sr., and Alfred Nichols. Ms. Nichols is survived by her companion, Charlie Thomas, of Kasilof; ex-husband, Max Harrison, of Washington; daughter, Rose Willis, of Utah; son, Ray Barnes, and daughter-in-law, Lana, of Sterling, Alaska; son, Ron Nichols, of Kasilof; son, Max Harrison, of Montana; stepdaughter, Debi Honer, and son-in-law, Tom, of Soldotna, Alaska; brother, Carl Wert, of Idaho; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many friends. Memorials may be made in Lucy's name to the Soldotna Animal Shelter. Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
Robert Mercier Paul, 94
Robert Mercier Paul was born in 1915 in New York City, the son of George A. and Mabel Paul. He passed away due to natural causes at Willamette View Manor in Portland on Jan. 3, 2010, at the age of 94. In the accelerated curriculum, Robert graduated in three years from Morris High School in New York. He then had a senior year at Mount Herman Prep School. During his youth he was very active in Boy Scouts, especially the Sea Scouts, and attained Eagle Scout rank. His scouting greatly influenced his love of the water and his years in the Navy and his summers as a ranger in Glacier National Park. Robert graduated from Columbia University in New York. While attending college, he would return from the family Jersey coast cottage in time to teach Sunday school classes. Having graduated during the Depression, he worked in commerce for an importing firm and also for R.H. Macy. His first teaching assignment was at Wasatch Academy ( a Presbyterian boarding school) in Mount Pleasant, Utah. Here he met and courted Mary Benbow, who was a home economics teacher at the Academy. In 1942 Robert volunteered for the Navy and was the commanding officer of an LCI, participating in the amphibious landings in North Africa, Italy, and France during D-Day. In November 1943, Robert and Mary were married by her father, the Rev. Earl William Benbow, in Seattle. Robert remained active in the Navel Reserve and retired as lieutenant commander. Following World War II, Robert received his master s degree in teaching of mathematics from Columbia University. He taught on Long Island before moving west to McMinnville, Ore. There, Robert taught math and later also became dean of boys at McMinnville High School, retiring in 1977 after 32 rewarding years. After retiring he enjoyed traveling in the U.S. and internationally. Bob began his 53-year seasonal career with the National Park Service on July 14, 1947, as trailcrew/fireguard/camp-tender at per hour, before becoming a ranger. Assigned stations began and ended at Bowman Lake, but also included Many Glacier, Kintla Lake, East Glacier, Waterton (Goathaunt), Two Medicine, Logging Creek and Walton. He earned a Superior Service Award and was affectionately known as Bowman Bob. Robert was an active member of the McMinnville First Presbyterian Church and Kiwanis before moving to Willamette View Manor in Portland and transferring membership to Moreland Presbyterian Church. He was an avid hiker, birder and fisherman, and a very accomplished boatman with canoes, sailboats, pleasure craft, patrol boats and LCIs. Survivors include Mary, his wife of 66 years; and daughters, Janet Bones and husband Stan, Nancy Trembath and husband Rick, and Mac Bones, Jodie Bones, Laura Trembath Pieri, and Paula Trembath. Robert was preceded in death by his older brother, George T. Paul. A memorial service was held on Jan. 8 at Moreland Presbyterian Church in Portland, with the Rev. Tom McKnight leading the service. Cremation has taken place by Macy and Son Funeral Home in McMinnville. A special thank you to all of Bob s caregivers, including Hospice. Memorial gifts maybe given to The Salvation Army, or to a charity of the donor s choice.
Richard Rich Walter Weigand, 54
Richard Rich Walter Weigand, 54, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010, at his home near West Glacier. He was born on Jan. 27, 1955, in Buffalo, N.Y., to Francis and Amber (Case) Weigand. Rich received his early education in Buffalo, graduating from high school and then receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in math. He then enlisted in the Coast Guard and worked as a quarter master until receiving his commission and attending officer candidate school. While stationed at District 7 in Miami, Fla., Jill Forsythe caught Rich s eye. The couple met in November of 1984 and married Oct. 19, 1985. Rich attended Naval post graduate school, graduating with his Masters of Communication degree in 1987. The couple moved to Washington, D.C., where their daughter Amanda was born in 1990; to Hawaii, and back to Washington, D.C., where Rich retired in 2000. Rich was an absolute genius when it came to computers and electronics. He built his first computer from the ground up, soldering every circuit and connection and considered it his personal mission to help others with computer issues and problems. Rich was also an amateur Ham radio operator and enjoyed the time he was able to spend visiting with operators all over the world. He was also a member of the West Valley Volunteer Fire Department, the Coram/West Glacier Volunteer Fire Department and the Civil Air Patrol. Rich was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Jill, of West Glacier; a daughter, Amanda Weigand, of the University of North Dakota; two brothers, Francis Weigand and wife, Stella, of New Jersey, and Arthur Weigand and wife, Lori, of Town of Tonawanda, N.Y.; four sisters, Janice Vogt and husband, Jake, of Jamestown, N.Y.; Judy Weigand of Town of Tonawanda, N.Y., Ann Weigand of Town of Tonawanda, and Carol Weigand of Buffalo. He is also survived by four nieces, two nephews, and one great-niece. Memorial services for Rich will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 14, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Columbia Falls, with Pastor Matt Nelson officiating. Visitation will be from noon until 5 p.m. on Wednesday at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. The family suggests memorial gifts be given the Coram/West Glacier Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 162, West Glacier, MT 59936. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Rich's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Rich's Tribute Wall.
Father Dusan Anthony Okorn, 88
In the hope of the Resurrection, Father Dusan Anthony Okorn, 88, died on Jan. 10, 2010, at home at The Sycamore Tree Contemplative Prayer Center in Swan Lake. He was born on March 5, 1921, in Maribor, Slovenia. He was ordained a priest in Rome on April 6, 1947. From 1947 to 1949, he served in Italy in Torino, Mondovi and Genoa, prior to emigrating to Montana in 1949. For the next 60 years he served as a priest in the Diocese of Helena: as chaplain at the St. Joseph Home in Helena, as assistant pastor at St. Peter s in Anaconda, St. Joseph in Butte, St. Michael in Conrad and St. Richard s in Columbia Falls. He was the first pastor at St. Catherine in Bigfork (1963-1971) and pastor of St. Mary s in Stevensville (1971-1978). In 1978-1979, he spent a sabbatical year at The Sycamore Tree and began the retreat apostolate. He was assigned as pastor of Our Lady of Swan Valley Mission from 1979 to 2006, with Seeley Lake from 1980 to 1990. A prayer vigil was held at Our Lady of Swan Valley Mission on Jan. 11. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. today, Jan. 12, at Our Lady of Swan Valley. Burial will be at the private cemetery at The Sycamore Tree. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Sycamore Tree for landscaping the cemetery, a project which he had hoped to complete before his death. Father Okorn is survived by his sister, Rozka Dretnik, who lives in Borovnica, Slovenija; cousins, Bertie and Roger Bisson of Clancy, and Dr. Louis and Dorothy Smith of Sherman Oaks, Calif.; a nephew, Jany Dretnik, of London, and other nephews in Slovenija.
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'Test driver' might have crossed border
The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office got a report Sunday from a man in Alberta, Canada, who was concerned about “missing persons” who had taken a vehicle for an extended test drive and had failed to return. He wanted to know if they had crossed the border into Montana, and according to the Border Patrol, they have not.
Glacier visitors top 2 million
Glacier National Park closed out last year with more than 2 million visitors, making it one of the busiest of the last decade.
House fire renews fire-department flap
A Sunday evening house fire in Stillwater Estates that forced a family of five to seek temporary lodging also is opening old wounds between local fire departments.
After fire main
Ornaments capture life's memories
Jeannette Spaulding, 87, lives in small quarters at Wel-Life assisted living, but she decorates large for the holidays — including a moose that drew a lot of residents to her apartment for a look.
Monday, January 11
Winter wandering
Janet Clark
After the Fire
Powerball AD as asset
Books for homebound readers
New library program keeps the homebound reading
One for the books
Norma Buck is reading mysteries, biographies and whatever else comes her way — even though she can’t get to the library any more.
Matthew Jerimiah Campbell
son of Douglas and Michelle Campbell of Marion, was born Oct. 16 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He weighed 8 pounds, 14.6 ounces, and was 21 1/2 inches long.
Forrest 'Bud' Bell, 79
Forrest Bud Bell, 79, a former resident of Kalispell, passed away in Spokane on Jan. 6, 2010. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 16 at Cedar Creek Village Banquet Room, 8424 N. Nevada St., Spokane, WA 99208. Contact the family at 509-467-5815 for other information.
Fires gut homes in Flathead
Two house fires displaced two families Sunday.
Law roundup
Kalispell police took a call about a phantom cleaner Saturday night. Just before midnight, a Fifth Avenue East resident called to say someone had broken into her apartment, cleaned the bathroom better than she does, straightened the rest of the apartment, then left the residence locked. Nobody else has keys to the place, the resident said. Whereas the tidiness may have been appreciated, the intrusion was a little creepy.
Nina Robart
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C. Falls wins home tournament
A four-week holiday hiatus didn’t seem to harm Columbia Falls High School’s speech and debate squad, which won its home tournament on Saturday.
Shirley Harryman
Robart a crucial part of Flathead, Glacier music departments
The woman behind the piano
Her professional background as a lawyer and a nonprofit manager — and even her college training as a musician and music educator — didn’t completely prepare Nina Robart for her current position as accompanist and general music aide for Flathead and Glacier high schools.
Sunday, January 10
Dolores LaVerne Lindsley, 74
Dolores LaVerne Lindsley, 74, passed away on Jan. 5, 2010, at Colonial Manor in Whitefish of natural causes. LaVerne was born in Whitefish on Feb. 5, 1935. She graduated in 1952 from Columbia Falls High School. She met and married Richard Lindsley that same year. She very much enjoyed antiquing, doing ceramics and traveling. She worked at the Montana Veterans Home for several years. LaVerne was preceded in death by her parents, Lyle and Goldie Chapman; her husband, Richard Lindsley; and her sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Leo Smith. She is survived by three daughters, Jacqelin Sharp of Everett, Wash., Colette McNeil and husband, Pat McNeil, of Whitefish, and Debra Ely of Everett; six grandchildren, Joshua, Doug, Jeremy, Jeremiah, Nicole and Kaleena; three great-grandchildren, Loagan, Cloe and Gracie; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. today, Jan. 10, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls, with Rev. David Merkel officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls.
Dorothy Ann Peterson, 91
Dorothy Ann Peterson, 91, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell, where she had lived for the last six years. She was born on Nov. 11, 1918, in Fergus Falls, Minn., to Martin and Hattie (Northrup) McNulty. The family would like to gratefully thank all the staff at Immanuel Lutheran Home who so graciously cared for our mother these last six years. Your kindness will forever be remembered. Dorothy is survived by three sons, Donald Peterson of Ajo, Ariz., Jim Peterson of Kalispell, and Douglas Peterson of Winnemucca, Nev.; one daughter, DeeDee Balum, of Kalispell; two sisters; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and many, many nieces and nephews. Private family services will be held in the spring. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Dorothy s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Dorothy s guest book.
Jack R. Iverson, 61
Jack R. Iverson, of Columbia Falls, passed away Jan. 1, 2010. He was born Oct. 16, 1948, in Thief River Falls, Minn., to Gordon and Hilda Ginger Iverson. Jack and his family (three brothers and sister) moved to Martin City when he was a teenager. He graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1967; it was there he met the love of his life, Jane Wilson. They were married in June 1968. Jack enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country during the Vietnam War until 1975. Jack and Jane had two children, Jeff and Jana. He worked at Plum Creek for 28 years, but in his free time he enjoyed riding four-wheelers, snowcatting with friends, playing pinochle, boating, and dancing with his favorite partner, his wife. Jack leaves behind his wife, Jane; son, Jeff, and his wife, Renae; daughter, Jana; and his grandchildren, Alicia and Ian. Jack was proud to be a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. A private family ceremony will be held Tuesday, Jan. 12. Following the service, friends and family are invited to an open house at 1 p.m. at the family home.
Forrest Bud Bell, 79
Forrest Bud Bell, 79, a former resident of Kalispell, passed away in Spokane, on Jan. 6, 2010. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 16, at Cedar Creek Village Banquet Room, 8424 N. Nevada St., Spokane, WA 99208. Contact the family at 509-467-5815 for other information.
Bulldogs chew up Broncs
WHITEFISH — The scoreboard told one story, but the fiery play of Cole Havens, Willie Roche and the rest of the Whitefish Bulldogs told another one on Saturday.
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Wolfpack's Mitchell 2nd at Lane Invite
NAMPA, Idaho — Kaleb Mitchell (103) had the best showing for Glacier’s wrestlers at the Rollie Lane Invitational on Saturday.
FHS grapplers finish 2nd at Pacific Classic
Calderon, Lau, Thomas win individual titles
SPOKANE, Wash. — Flathead wrapped up the Pacific Northwest Classic on Saturday with three individual titles and a runner-up finish on the team front at University High School.
States on hook for health-care tab
Forty-seven states are currently operating in the red. Fortunately, Montana is not one of them, but there are ominous clouds on the budget horizon that are being created by impending federal policies.
Dad crushes lilacs to avenge son
Flathead County sheriff
Demonstrating technique
Boys Prep Basketball: Glacier upends Polson
POLSON — Shay Smithwick-Hann scored 12 of his game-high 27 points in the third period Saturday to lift Glacier to a 74-61 nonconference boys basketball victory over Polson.
Mush!
A crowd of onlookers cheers as Dawn Breedlove of Bryant, Wisc., starts her race in the 10-12 dog class on day one of the Flathead Sled Dog Days Saturday in Olney. Breedlove’s time for running the 36 mile course was 2:53:22. She was in first place at press time.
Straight Blast Gym - Travis Davison
Character studies
History of Tobacco Valley puts the focus on people of the past
Gary Montgomery of Trego was a natural to write “Tobacco Valley,” with help from the board of history archives, for Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series.
Filling a niche
Local gym marks first year with major expansion
Travis Davison doesn’t wear shoes at work. Or socks, for that matter. And much of the time he runs around in tie-dyed pants that anywhere else would look like pajamas. But for Coach Davison they’re part of his daily uniform.
Harry Reid, heal thyself
Editor's 2 Cents
Polls show approval of Congress at about 25 percent, but if one needed more specific evidence of America’s disgust with Congress, it can be found in Nevada.
'Faith, hope, love'
Quilters’ raffle bolsters upcoming Wings radiothon
The Stumptown Quilters Society is adding some color and fundraising muscle to this year’s Wings radiothon to help cancer patients.
Vets group gets a gift: a new building
Allen Erickson, founder of the Northwest Montana Veterans Stand Down and Food Pantry, received an anonymous Christmas present he’ll never forget — an 11,098-square-foot building.
Sheriff's Office begins radio-system switch
Interoperability project will link state agencies
The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office has begun its conversion to a new communications network that aims to link law-enforcement and government agencies across Northern Montana.
Girls Prep Basketball: Latimer leads Wolfpack past Polson, 65-40
POLSON — Glacier had its best offensive showing of the season Saturday in downing Polson 65-40 in a girls nonconference basketball game pitting Class AA versus A.
Saturday, January 9
Poll: Harry Reid's approval rating at 33 percent in Nevada
LAS VEGAS - Fifty-two percent of Nevadans had an unfavorable opinion of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and 33 percent had a favorable view, according to a statewide poll released Saturday.
Week in Pictures January 4-10
Whitefish vs Frenchtown boys basketball
Flathead Sled Dog Days
Mush!
Whitefish at Flathead Basketbal
Weather thwarts Empire Builder
Brutally low temperatures and winter storms across huge swaths of Amtrak’s Empire Builder route between Chicago and Seattle prompted a week of sporadic service and canceled trains.
Business practice pays off for students
Teams learn real-world lessons
The key to running a successful business is never losing sight of the big picture.
Flathead tops Whitefish
The Whitefish Bulldogs managed to frustrate Flathead’s leading scorer Karl Ingram for most of the night, but they forgot about Tanner Salois.
Revised zoning ordinance up for hearing
After nine months of reworking the city’s zoning ordinance, the Kalispell Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the updates on Jan. 12.
Shoeless girl jumps from car
Kalispell police
C-Falls girls, boys collect easy wins
COLUMBIA FALLS — Kayla DeWit scored 22 points and older sister Kelsey added 17 as the Columbia Falls Wildkats downed visiting Libby 54-44 in a Northwestern A matchup on Friday night.
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Bravettes blow by Bulldogs
One hundred percent effort.
Flathead, Glacier wrestlers shine in tournament action
SPOKANE, Wash. — So far, so good for Flathead’s wrestlers.
Friday, January 8
Glacier girls 2
Glacier girls
Frozen following fire
Daniel W. Anderson, 75
Daniel W. Anderson, 75, of Columbia Falls, died Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010, at the Montana Veterans Home. Born in Whitefish on March 20, 1934, to Walter and Evelyn Anderson, he was raised and educated in the Columbia Falls and Lake Blaine area. He later served in the United States Navy, serving aboard the aircraft carrier the USS Shangri-La. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to the Flathead Valley, working on the Hungry Horse Dam project. He worked for an extended period of time at Plum Creek and later at the Columbia Falls Aluminum Plant until his retirement. For a period of four years, he also delivered the Missoulian in the local area. Dan had been an excellent baseball player, playing both hardball and softball on local teams. While still physically able, he also enjoyed the outdoors, most especially hunting and fishing. Preceding him in death were his former wife, Pat; an infant daughter, Tammy Jo; his brother, Don; and his parents. He is survived by a son, Tim, of Kalispell; a daughter, Geri Lynn, of Ohio; a sister, Donna Christofferson, of Polson; and a granddaughter, Chelsea, of Kalispell. Military graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, at Fairview Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls.
Mary Hendricsen Snyder, 94
Mary Hendricsen Snyder died peacefully in her sleep Jan. 1, 2010, in Kalispell. Mary was born Jan. 5, 1915, in Rockford, Ill. At age 12 she and her family moved to southern California. While attending Whittier College she met and married Lynn C. Snyder. They were married 45 years until his death in 1980. They were blessed with three children. Mary is survived by her three children, Tom Snyder and his wife, Carolyn, Dave Snyder and his wife, Linda, and Marylynn Langbein; 14 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. Mary was always active in the communities where she lived, from hospital volunteer groups, Sunday School teaching and the Boys and Girls Scouts. Her favorite activities were playing bridge, entertaining and serving wonderful meals. She had an endless collection of recipes and cookbooks. Mary will be remembered for her love of family, her sense of humor, personal grace and loving heart. She will be greatly missed. All are welcome to the memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at the Christ Church Episcopal, 215 Third Ave. E., in Kalispell. The family suggests donations can be made to the Christ Church Episcopal/Foundation Fund in Mary s name.
Lidia E. Jones, 82
Lidia E. Jones, 82 passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010, at her home in Kalispell. She was born on May 1, 1927, in Trieste, Italy, to Guerrino and Maria (Kresesezich) Fabbro. Lidia received her early education in Italy, graduating from high school and going on to attend the university. She graduated with a master s degree in music. She very much enjoyed teaching piano in Italy, as well as in Kalispell. Lidia reminisced that it was very difficult growing up in a German-occupied Italy. After World War II she met Woodie Jones while roller skating. They were later married. During Woodie s service in the Army the family traveled to the United States, Germany, France and back to the United States. After his retirement in 1969 the couple moved to the Flathead Valley. Lidia worked as the head cook at the Outlaw Inn for over 20 years. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, swimming with her pool friends at The Summit, and she was a member of Central Bible Church. Lidia was always encouraging and supportive to her daughters in their horse and dog show activities. Lidia was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Woodie, in 1982. She is survived by two daughters, Pam Hagen and husband, Randy, of Great Falls, and Linda Cummings and husband, Roger, of Laurel; and one grandson, Christopher Norbeck, of Bozeman. She also leaves behind her beloved little dog, Tina. Funeral services for Lidia will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Ron Youde of Central Bible Church officiating. Burial will be at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. There will be no public visitation. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Lidia s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Lidia s guest book.
Teen moons woman from bus
Kalispell police
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Theft, assault suspect pleads innocent
A truck-theft suspect who was chased down and detained by the vehicle’s owner pleaded not guilty to two charges Thursday in Flathead District Court.
School phone alert plan tested
Columbia Falls gets run-through on snow day
The Columbia Falls School District got a chance to test its automated emergency notification system Wednesday when dangerous road conditions forced the district to declare a snow day.
Kalispell clarifies snowplowing procedures
The Kalispell Public Works Department issued a reminder Wednesday of its updated snow removal policy, correcting an announcement Tuesday from the Kalispell Police Department.
Slow start handcuffs Wolfpack
Sentinel holds Glacier to five points in first half, rolls 54-31
When the buzzer sounded, signaling the start of the second half, the Glacier Wolfpack finally re-emerged from the girls locker room.
Vehicles bashed in chase
Officers followed woman through Kalispell
Racing through Kalispell closely chased by authorities, a Chevy Blazer hit two Sheriff’s Office vehicles before ramming head-on into a third around midnight Wednesday.
A simpler task for Congress
Sometimes we ask a lot of Congress: fix the national health-care system, monitor wars around the world, ratify world treaties, correct problems in the financial industry, to name a few.
Vehicle damage
Thursday, January 7
Retired District Ranger Steve Brady
Breakfast for the Birds
High speed aftermath
Driveway clearing
Friends of the Library
Faith, Hope and Love quilt
Faith, Hope and Love quilt inspirations
Stanley R. Stan Heuscher, 84
Stanley R. Stan Heuscher, 84, passed away Monday, Jan. 4, 2010, at the family home in Kalispell. Stan was born March 30, 1925, in Creston to Jacob and Elsie (Ruckdashle) Heuscher. He was raised in Creston and attended schools in the Flathead Valley. Stan served in the U.S. Army from December 1943 through March 1946. He served in Germany as a gunnery corporal. After returning from the service, Stan worked in the woods as a sawyer, before becoming logging foreman for Claridge Logging for the next 20 years. In 1970, Stan was logging foreman for Stoltze Land and Lumber Co., until his retirement in 1990. Stan married Evelyn Claridge in Kalispell, in 1950. They had 59 wonderful years together. After retirement, Stan enjoyed traveling, golfing with his buddy Tom, and attending any and all sporting events his grandchildren were in. Stan loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Many summer weekends were spent fishing for bull trout on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Stan was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers; three sisters; and a grandson, Joel. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Heuscher; sons, Larry and wife, Sandy Heuscher, of Kalispell; Dennis and wife, Karen Heuscher, of Kalispell; and Randy and wife, Patsy Heuscher, of Lynden, Wash.; sister, Dorry Ingram; 10 grandchildren, Brian, Connie, Brandon, Lance, Tanja, Michael, Caitlin and Casey Heuscher, and Shannon and Dan McGivern; and four great-great-grandchildren, Dyan, Dillan and Daysha Guzman, and 9-day-old, Lawson Heuscher. A celebration of life for Stan will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, at Faith Alliance Church, 348 Second Ave. W., Kalispell. The family requests memorial contributions be made to Home Options Hospice, 175 Commons Loop, Ste. 100, Kalispell, MT 59901; or to the church. Friends are encouraged to visit the Web site, www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.
Verna (Koski) Ruffatto, 89
Our loving mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, Verna, passed away surrounded by family on Monday, Jan. 4, 2010, at her home in Whitefish. Verna was born on April 9, 1920, at Washoe, to Kusti Koski, a hard-working coal mining father and Kerttu Gertrude Krook, a loving, caring mother. Being of Finnish heritage, they moved to the Finn Hall in Red Lodge. She moved to Butte at the age of 9 and grew up during the time when the city was booming and rich with cultural diversity. During the Depression Verna left school at the age of 15 to help support her family. She gained employment as a nanny, helped at the family farm and worked at Yellowstone National Park. Some of her fondest memories were of ice skating and attending formal dances in Butte at Columbia Gardens where she met her husband, Dominick. They married in 1941, lived briefly near Mount Hood and Portland, Ore., and eventually settled in Fremont, Calif. Verna received a master s degree in education and taught second grade for many years. She and Dom retired in the Bitteroot Valley in 1980 and eventually moved to Whitefish in 1993. Verna and Dom adopted their two children, Christopher and Michael, and dedicated their lives to raising them. They were rich with love and support for anyone in need and opened their homes to countless family members and friends. Verna was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dom; sister, Katherine; and brother, Waino. She is survived by her sons, Chris and Michael Ruffatto; and daughter-in-law, Susie Ruffatto; grandchildren, Ben, Kelly and Brian Ruffatto; her brother, Wally Koski, and wife, Elsa; and nephew, Ray. Verna touched many lives and will sincerely be missed by countless, loving relatives and friends. We are honored to have loved and been loved by this very special person. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Whitefish; a reception will follow at the church s Parish Life Center. Arrangements are under the care of Austin Funeral Home.
Jerrold William Jerry Collins, 67
Jerrold William Jerry Collins, 67, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010, at his residence in Kalispell. He was born on Sept. 6, 1942, in Kalispell, the son of John William and Ada E. (Lloid) Collins. He graduated from Bigfork High School in 1960. He had joined the National Guard in 1959 and served in the U.S. Navy from January 1962 until May 1966. He married Judy Sears on Sept. 21, 1966, in Bigfork. He worked in the woods, road construction and began work at the CFAC Aluminum Plant in Columbia Falls from Jan. 29, 1969, until May of 2003, when he retired due to asbestosis. He loved to take his family hunting and fishing and participating in the many sporting events of his sons. He coached them and many of their friends in baseball, basketball, soccer and wrestling. Many of those boys still call him Coach Collins and have stayed in touch through the years. He was a member of the North Valley Eagles, Kalispell Moose Lodge and a lifetime member of the Bigfork VFW Post No. 2252 and DAV Post No. 4 in Kalispell, as well as American Legion Post No. 86; and a proud member of the United Veterans of the Flathead Valley. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ada Collins; and his father-in-law, William Sears. He is survived by his wife, Judy Collins, of the family home in Kalispell; his four sons, Jerry Collins and his partner, Mel, of Belgrade, John BJ Collins and wife, Kami, of Kalispell, Jamie Collins and wife, Grace, of Wasilla, Alaska, and Jody Collins and wife, Heather, of Pendleton, Ore.; 10 grandchildren and many adopted grandchildren; and his aunt, Stella West, of Oregon. He also leaves behind his constant companion, his beloved dog Missy. Funeral services for Jerry will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Ron Pierce officiating. Visitation for Jerry will be from 2 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Burial will follow services at Glacier Memorial Gardens with full military honors. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Home Options Hospice at 175 Commons Loop, Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Jerry s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Jerry s guest book.
Documentary exposes human trafficking
Special showing planned Sunday in Kalispell
On Sunday, the Flathead Abolitionist Movement and a host of other local organizations present “Call+Response,” a documentary film that goes deep undercover to expose the global slave trade.
Mushers to hit the trail near Olney
Flathead Sled Dog Days attracts 28 teams
The third annual Flathead Sled Dog Days gets under way this weekend, with more mushers than ever hitting the trail on the Stillwater State Forest near Olney.
Dryden steps down as WHS head football coach
Patrick Dryden, who led Whitefish to three Class A football playoff appearances in his four seasons as head coach, has resigned.
Car skids, tips and then catches fire
Flathead County sheriff
Daybook
Today
Transparency in the dark?
“The Democrats intend to lead the most honest, most open and most ethical Congress in history,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi after Democrats took control of the House in 2006.
House, judge candidates step forward
As the Jan. 15 opening day to file for state and local political races approaches, Kalispell resident Michael John Davis has announced his intention to file as a Republican for the city’s core House District 8.
Wednesday, January 6
Blacktail Mtn Spray of Snow
What do you think of the college football bowl system?
Pin-fest for No. 3 Wolfpack
There was no holiday hangover for Glacier’s wrestling team.
Should the Democratic meetings to negotiate a final version of the health-care bill be televised on C-SPAN?
Joseph Howard Feld, 46
Joseph Howard Feld was born Feb. 7, 1963, in Van Nuys, Calif., and left this earth to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. He was preceded in death by his father, Max Feld. Joe is survived by his mother, Thelma Feld; his sisters, Sheila West, Lynda Quartemont and Brenda Baker; and his brother, Mike Feld. Other immediate family members include his three brothers-in-law, Stephen West, Kim Quartemont and David Baker; one sister-in-law, Christine Feld; and numerous nieces and nephews, Rachel West, Rebekah West, Ruth West, Anne Baker, Martin Baker, Michael Baker, Elissa Feld, Krista Feld, Joshua Feld and Brianna Feld. Joe grew up in Santa Barbara, Calif., and graduated from San Marcos High School in 1981. Joe began his business career at Montecito Village Grocery Store; he went on to manage The Health Food Store in Goleta and Channel Paper Company in Santa Barbara. Joe also owned his own professional landscaping business for a period of time. In 2000, Joe moved to Kalispell, where he realized his dream of owning a piece of land and building his own home. From 2000 to 2004, Joe worked at Zigler s Building Center where he met Jake Zigler, Ed Albright and Matt Thomas. In 2003 the four of them founded Ameri-Tech Laser Engravers. Joe and Ameri-Tech have left their mark all over Kalispell. Joe loved to hunt, fish, work on his home, play with his dogs and pick wild huckleberries. Joe was a loving son, beloved brother and faithful friend. He will leave little here on this earth because he stored up his treasure in heaven. The entire family would like to thank Home Options Hospice and his close friends, the Michael Baer, Matt Thomas and Ed Albright families who cared for Joe at his time of greatest need. The family requests donations in Joe s name can be made to Flathead Food Bank, 105 Sixth Ave. W., Kalispell; and Home Options Hospice, 175 Commons Loop, Kalispell, MT 59901. A memorial service will be held for Joe in June or July in the Kalispell area. To send your condolences, please visit www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.
Robert Allen Spencer Sr., 63
Robert Allen Spencer Sr., 63, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, at his home in Kalispell. He was born in Havre on May 8, 1946, to Truman and Bertha (Blair) Spencer. Bob married Peggy Bradley in 1967 and they had two children, Bob and Krystal. Bob and Peggy divorced and he later married Mary (Caudill) Craft, also of Kalispell. Bob lived the majority of his life in Kalispell, working in the automotive industry until retiring in the early 90s due to medical reasons. In retirement, Bob found joy and hidden talent in many things like woodworking. He also loved finding, collecting and repairing antique clocks for himself as well as family and friends. Bob was a longtime member of the Eagles and a member of the Bald Eagles, and most recently regained interest in something he has always loved, riding his Harley Davidson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; his parents; his brother, Jim; and a stepdaughter, Brandy. Bob is survived by a son, Bob, and wife, Lori Spencer, of Idaho; daughter, Krystal, and husband, Ryan Weaver, of Washington; stepson, Joe Craft, of Montana; grandchildren, Brandon and Kenedee Spencer, Addison Weaver and Vincent Meuli; and sisters, Darlene Rollins of Miles City, and Eleanor Everest of Lincoln City, Ore. He also leaves behind his four-legged best friend and companion for years, Truman. Friends are invited to gather with Bob s family to celebrate his life at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, at the Eagles, 37 First St. W., in Kalispell. Cremation has taken place and at Bob s request, there will be a private urn burial. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Bob s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Bob s guest book.
Plowing on even/odd system
The Kalispell Police Department reminds citizens of the parking requirements when snow plows are out.
Council OKs permit for group home
What had looked to be a straightforward vote of approval for the third Montana Academy youth group home in Kalispell took an interesting twist Monday night, thanks to newly seated Mayor Tammi Fisher.
Daybook
Today
County Fair Board gets some new blood
Marketing consultant replaces veteran member
The Flathead County commissioners have replaced longtime Fair Board member Terry Fosbery with Joy Struble, a Kalispell area marketing and management consultant.
Storm cuts power, makes driving tricky
A heavy, wet snowfall made driving treacherous Tuesday and caused numerous power outages, particularly in the Whitefish area.
Beer heist clues lead to mom's house
Kalispell police
Changing of the guard at City Hall
Just minutes into her new role as Kalispell’s mayor, Tammi Fisher marked her intended path for the next four years.
Tuesday, January 5
Glacier vs. Missoula Big Sky wrestling 2
Glacier vs. Missoula Big Sky wrestling 1
Fisher becomes Mayor
Changing of the guard
Snow Arch
Snow Mom
Most schools still open despite storm
A handful of schools closed Tuesday because of a snowstorm, but the majority of schools remained open.
Hugo Grendahl Aspevig, 93
Hugo Grendahl Aspevig, 93, passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 1, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He was born the oldest of five sons to Herbert and Cora Aspevig on their homestead at Black Coulee, south of Rudyard. He spent his life farming. Hugo was very innovative and loved to create things out of materials he had on hand. Many of those creations have become useful and treasured by his family. He also loved to talk about how times had changed in farming and along the Hi-line. He was proud of his Norwegian heritage and always had a good story to tell. Hugo was active in the community, school and church. He married Lois Heydon in 1941. Together they had four children, Twila Kjensrud of Portland, Dale and Kathy of Sedona, Ariz., Mark and Gail Matter of Rudyard, and Herbert and Mika of Japan. Lois died in 1969. In 1974 he married Pauline and they continued farming until he retired in the mid- 80s. They moved to Whitefish where he enjoyed his pastimes of golf, projects and travel. In 2007, they moved to Kalispell. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Donald, Leroy and Paul; and first wife, Lois. He is survived by his wife, Pauline; his four children and spouses; two granddaughters, Kristen and Kasey; great-grandchildren, Iris, Nate, and another great-granddaughter, due any day. He is also survived by stepchildren, Connie VanDeKop, Dorie and Terry Williams, and Greg and Mary Hover; as well as five stepgrandchildren, Tammi, Adam, Tiffani, Pat and Chris. Also surviving are his brother, Roger, of Helena; sisters-in-law, Beaver of Rudyard, and Wilma of Yakima, Wash; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will take place in Rudyard in late June of this year. To send condolences please visit www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.
Destry Blue Keating Macaya
son of Dylan Macaya and Julianna M. Csikasz-Ryder of Kila, was born Aug. 16 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Superintendent of Schools
Daybook
Proposed superintendent merger off for now
The Flathead County commissioners on Monday backed away from a proposal to consolidate the county Superintendent of Schools Office with the Treasurer’s Office, and instead will study the potential merger and reassess it by the next election cycle in four years.
New Year's revelers' cars impounded in Whitefish
A number of New Year’s Eve revelers got an unwelcome surprise when they tried to retrieve their vehicles from downtown Whitefish early New Year’s Day.
School officials happy with decision
School districts throughout the county breathed a sigh of relief when the Flathead County commissioners dropped a controversial proposal Monday.
Museum launches annual speaker series
The Museum at Central School invites the public to attend its eighth annual John White Series of four distinguished presenters speaking on topics of local interest.
Airport drivers take curb route
The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office got a report Sunday night involving a man who was having trouble getting his credit card to work in exiting the Glacier National Park International Airport parking lot. Frustrated people in vehicles lined up behind him started leaving without paying, driving over a curb to get out.
Monday, January 4
Aubrey Dawn Chaney
daughter of Jory Chaney and Jaime Kilroy of Eureka, was born Oct. 11 at North Valley Hospital. She weighed 8 pounds, 14.9 ounces, and was 20 inches long.
Whitefish fire chief leads transition to new EMS center
Embracing change
Members of the Whitefish Fire Department plan to make the current Whitefish Fire Station sign into a picnic table that will sit on the patio at their new headquarters.
Daybook
Today
Law roundup
Kalispell police counseled some boys never to point toy guns out a window. They allegedly did so from a second-story window on Appleway Drive, alarming somebody who thought they were aiming for a vehicle with children inside it.
Tom Kennelly
Marino flies troops' eagle eye in the sky
Jim Marino of Columbia Falls flies like an eagle without ever leaving the ground.
Jim Marino
Sunday, January 3
Adeline (Larson) Sparling, 89
Adeline (Larson) Sparling, 89, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009, in Kalispell. She was born in Kalispell on July 29, 1920, to Hans and Alma Larson. Adeline lived her whole life in Kalispell except her pre-school years when her family lived near Nyack, where her father had a logging camp. She married her high school sweetheart, Warren Sparks Sparling, and they have a son, Bob. Adeline was employed as the office manager of the American Timber Co., which was a company begun by her father and it later became a family-owned business. She also worked as the secretary for Bethlehem Lutheran Church and had a wonderful love for serving the Lord in many ways at the church, being a Sunday school teacher and teaching the Bethel Bible Study for several years. She was an active member of the Lutheran Daughters of the Reformation, serving a term as president. She was involved with the Bible study circles, always eager to have the summer meeting at their Flathead Lake cabin and the Christmas gathering in her home. She loved her church family. Adeline was very involved with the Trinity Lutheran College (formerly Lutheran Bible Institute) while it was located in Seattle and Issaquah, Wash., serving on their board. She and Warren attended the summer conclaves for many years and were generous supporters of the college. Adeline s family was such an important part of her life. She loved caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially at the Flathead Lake cabin, and making the days filled with fun and good food. She enjoyed playing bridge with her friends, and she and Warren had great times traveling and went on several cruises with friends from L.B.I. and their son, Bob, and his wife, Sharon. Adeline was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Lawrence and Tilman Larson; and her sister, Ruth Thomas. She is survived by her husband, Warren Sparling, of Kalispell; a son, Robert, and wife, Sharon Sparling, of Tacoma, Wash.; grandchildren, Kathy and husband, Terry, of Olalla, Wash., Jill and husband, Scott Scherrer, of Hayden, Idaho, and Bruce and wife, Cindy Sparling, of Tacoma; and great-grandchildren, Jennifer Lumsden, Thomas Lumsden, Stephanie Scherrer, Jack Sparling and Isabel Sparling. She is also survived by a brother, Hollister Larson, of Kalispell; and her sister-in-law, Ruth Darnell, of Gig Harbor, Wash; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. She will be greatly missed by family and friends. A celebration of Adeline s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 6, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Family and friends are invited to the visitation from 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home, and to the burial at 10 a.m. Wednesday morning at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be given to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Adeline s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Adeline s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.
Theodore Ted Edward McDonald, 86
Theodore Ted Edward McDonald passed away at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls on Dec. 31, 2009, at the age of 86, after a massive stroke Dec. 5. Born on Nov. 4, 1923, in Geyser, he attended Great Falls and Cascade schools where he ran track. He enlisted in the Navy in 1945, trained at Farragut, Idaho, where he was a boxing champion, and served onboard the USS Concord, a light cruiser, in the radioroom. After the service, he returned to Montana and worked for the Dairy Herd Improvement Association as a milk tester throughout Lewis and Clark counties. He married Gloria Stuebe of Bigfork. They lived in Helena where son Lee was born in 1950, and Ted worked at East Helena Smelter, then Rocker Mine Framing Mill. They moved to Butte in 1952 where son Mark was born, then to Anaconda where daughter Lynn Ann was born in 1954. The family moved to the Flathead where son Joe was born in 1960. Ted worked at the Superior Mill until he was able to find work at the Columbia Falls Aluminum Plant where he worked until he retired at age 62. Ted enjoyed watching boxing matches and playing chess, with individuals and in tournaments, winning the Montana Chess tournament while his son Lee was Montana Junior Chess Champion. Since his retirement, Ted and wife Gloria built a two-story house with help from family and a neighbor/contractor. Ted is survived by his wife, Gloria, of Columbia Falls; three sons, Lee and Mark of Bellingham, Wash., and Joseph of Kalispell; and one daughter, Lynn Stone, of Petersburg, Alaska. He is also survived by sister, Kay Walrack, of Nevada. A visitation will take place from 1 to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 4, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls, with a service during the visitiation at 2 p.m., officiated by Rev. Darrell Newby.
Harry Duke Sultzer, 81
Lt. Col. Harry Dukehart Sultzer, U.S.A.F. Ret., filed his final flight plan Dec.18, 2009, following a stroke. Duke was born in Butte, June 11, 1928. His father s job with the Department of Reclamation took the family from the Fort Peck Dam project to Oklahoma, Michigan and Buffalo, N.Y., where he graduated from high school. Duke returned to Butte to attend Montana State School of Mines (now Montana Tech). While in Oklahoma, Duke worked as a janitor so he could take flying lessons. He soloed at age 15. In 1949, he followed his flying dream and joined the new United States Air Force. While in Butte, he courted Linforth Murray. Duke and Lin eloped in 1952, marrying in Decatur, Miss. Duke s Air Force career spanned 32 years, with combat service in Korea and Vietnam as a fighter pilot and field maintenance officer. In 1966 he was awarded the Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement While Participating in Aerial Flight. Tours of duty in Japan, Virginia, Germany, Kansas and California afforded his family many wonderful adventures. Duke s happiest day assignment was in 1990 when he and Lin arrived in Bigfork with the truck, the dog and the gun. He was a member of the Montana Skeet Shooting Association. In 2008, at age 80, Duke was inducted into the MSSA Hall of Fame in recognition of shooting accomplishments and contributions to the sport of skeet shooting. He was also awarded the DuBois-Kinker Award from the Zone 7 Skeet Shooting Association for his hard work and contributions to Zone 7 Skeet. An avid golfer, Duke was a charter member of the Roosters at Eagle Bend Golf course. He began a Wife Saver Old Boys Lunch Bunch. Every week the Old Boys gathered for lunch at many area restaurants. He also formed bridge and poker groups. He was a most happy fellow. Duke is survived by his wife, Lin; sons, H.D. lll, Thom M. and wife Michelle Ginger, and Karl L. and wife Cindy; daughter, Gretchen, and husband, Neil Beddow; grandchildren, Dylan and Keeva Beddow, and Karl s son, Thad. He will be remembered for his smile and twinkle of eye. Duke is now at his final duty station, the very best one. He was a good man. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held in mid-April in Bigfork. Memorials may be sent to the Bigfork QRU, 810 Grand Dr., Bigfork, MT 59911.
Sadie (Miller) Kauffman, 96
Sadie (Miller) Kauffman, 96, of Kalispell, formerly of Condon, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Dec. 28, 2009. She was born Nov. 15, 1913, to Daniel F. and Sarah (Coblentz) Miller in Bloomfield. On Sept. 22, 1940, she married Reuben S. Kauffman of Creston. In 1947 they moved to the Swan Valley where she resided until 2004. She then moved to Kalispell where she resided first at Prestige Assisted Living and later at Immanuel Lutheran Home. She was a devoted wife and mother. She loved children and after raising her own, babysat for many neighbor children over the years. For a time she worked for the U.S. Forest Service planting trees in the summer months. Besides cooking, baking and sewing, she liked to take pictures and was known far and wide for the buggy-rim rugs she made. She was a devout Christian and for more than 30 years she and her husband traveled the 60 miles to Creston to attend Sunday school and worship services at Mountain View Mennonite Church. The family also wishes to thank the staff at Immanuel Lutheran Home for the wonderful care they gave our mother during the last months of her life. She was preceded in death by her husband, Reuben S. Kauffman; daughter, Gwendlyn Kauffman; infant son, Jere; her parents; five brothers and six sisters. She is survived by one brother, Nathan Miller, and his wife, Kathryn, of Sidney; son-in-law, Paul Kauffman, of Wolford, N.D.; two sons, Lowell and his wife, Pauline, of Missoula, and Nathan and his wife, Fern, of Condon; two daughters, Myrene Iverson and her husband, Jerry, of Long Lake, Minn., and Carol Kauffman and her husband, Dennis, of Lebanon, Pa.; 19 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren. There will be a memorial service for Sadie at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8, at Mountain View Mennonite Church in Creston. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home in Kalispell. Interment will be at the Creston Cemetery. A private family burial service will take place prior to the memorial service. The family suggests memorials be made to Mennonite Central Committee or Gideons Bible Society. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Sadie s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Sadie s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.
Glen A. Bestul, 70
Glen A. Bestul, 70, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, at the Heritage Place in Kalispell. He was born on May 5, 1939, in Arvilla, N.D., to Adolph and Ida Bestul. Glen attended schools in North Dakota and was a longtime carpenter contractor. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice, in February 2008; his son, Glen Bestul Jr., in June 1993; and his parents. There are no services planned at this time for Glen. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Glen s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Glen s guest book.
Massive road job 'halfway there'
Work accelerating on $200 million Sun Road project Stories of the decade
Editor’s note: This is the final installment of a Daily Inter Lake series looking at the top stories of the past decade.
School proposal hearing Monday
A proposal to consolidate the Flathead County Superintendent of Schools Office with the Treasurer’s Office and eliminate the elected position of superintendent of schools will be considered at a public hearing at 10:15 a.m. Monday at the county commissioners’ chambers in Kalispell.
Piney Creek Interiors owner Deena Brenden
Sun Road work
Daybook
Today
Dogs accidentally stuck in pup wash
Kalispell police
Big Sky checks Columbia Falls
Kayla DeWit hits a game-high 16 points for Wildkats
COLUMBIA FALLS — While her older sister was a star on offense all those years, Elleson Tinkle looks like she’s becoming the defensive star in the family.
World gone wrong? A look at the year ahead
Editor's 2 Cents
In the spirit of Robert Heinlein’s “Future History” series, Managing Editor Frank Miele has prepared a brief fictional primer on the major threats that are likely to afflict us in the coming year. (Warning: Satire ahead!)
Piney Creek Interiors
Learn the secrets of financial aid
Workshop planned Jan. 12 in C. Falls
Step one in securing loans and grants for college: Filling out the application for federal student aid, the FAFSA.
Anti-terror tactics off target
At first glance, the story seemed ridiculous: a man tries to detonate highly advanced explosives concealed in his underpants on a Christmas Day flight from Amsterdam to Detroit, but instead sets himself on fire. Ouch.
Designer digs
Decorating firm to expand in former Whitefish nightclub
A prominent building in downtown Whitefish is about to be reborn.
Bravettes bow to Rustlers
The Flathead Bravettes will likely be burning this particular game tape.
Saturday, January 2
FHS vs CMR Girls Basketball All Eyes
FHS vs CMR Girls Basketball Vertical Lay-up
Teen pleads not guilty to attempted homicide
The man who allegedly shot a woman after the man he was aiming at ducked pleaded not guilty to five counts against him in an arraignment Wednesday.
Man strikes nurse at hospital
A patient at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center Emergency Room reportedly struck a nurse around 6 a.m. Friday. The man, who possibly had been drinking, was at the Center to receive stitches for an injury authorities believe resulted from an assault. He was reportedly out of control and yelling at employees.
Shiloh Knudsen practices her speech on Monday at Columbia Falls High School.
Daybook
Speech 'parents' give boost to Columbia Falls team
‘We try to get people to try’
639th Quartermasters soldiers return home
Members of the 639th Quartermasters unit of the National Guard begin to arrive home to a warm welcome.
New Year's Day Polar Plunge
Friday, January 1
The former Flanagan's Central Station building
Week in Pictures December 28 - January 3
New Years Polar Plunge Penguin
New Years Day Polar Plunge Beer in Tub
639th Quartermasters Soldiers Return
Marion plane crash
Man pleads not guilty in shooting incident
A man allegedly involved in an early December shooting incident appeared in court Thursday to face charges.
Four plead innocent to drug or forgery charges
Four people allegedly involved in a prescription drug operation connected to counterfeiting pleaded innocent Thursday in Flathead District Court to a variety of charges.
Plane crashes: Miracles and mourning
Stories of the decade
The past decade has been a deadly one for pilots and passengers traversing the skies in the Flathead Valley area.
Daybook
Today
Footprints lead police to young climbers
Kalispell police
Ruling: Step in right direction
Montana now has the dubious distinction of being one of three states in the nation that will allow physician-assisted suicide, but that may not always be the case.
Lex up next in Miami
Hilliard could see expanded role in regular-season finale
The Miami Dolphins could look to Kalispell-native Lex Hilliard to carry them into the playoffs on Sunday.
