Ellington

Search effort

Rare Quadruplets

Patriotic Message

Junior Chefs Training

Returned Class Ring

Class Ring

Crash claims four young lives

A determined search ended grimly Wednesday when the wreckage of a small plane was found on a rugged, remote hillside southwest of Dixon.

Sonny Kless

Brian Williams

Melissa Weaver

Erika Hoefer

Profiles of the missing

Following are profiles of the four people who were on board a small plane that has been missing since Sunday in Northwest Montana.

Juanita Ordish Painter, 97

Our dear little auntie, Juanita Ordish Painter, danced into the presence of her Lord and Savior and those of the family waiting for her to join them in Heaven on May 7, 2010. She passed away from natural causes at Alamitos West Convalescent Center in Los Alamitos, Calif. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles E. and Lillie May Ordish; two husbands, Clifford Cole and Harold Painter; a sister, Dixie Ordish Wilcox; and a brother, Robert Charles Ordish; several very dear friends and much-loved pets. She was born on Jan. 30, 1913, in Kalispell, the first-born child of pioneering parents, Charles Edward and LIllie May (Flagg) Ordish. All of her childhood and early adulthood was spent here in this beautiful valley that she loved so much. She attended Elrod Elementary, Central Junior High and graduated from Flathead County High School in 1931. She met and married Clifford Cole who was the son of traveling evangelists who were staying at the home of her life-long friends, Lester and Barbara Shryock. He was smitten when he saw her photo on their piano, and said, I m going to marry her one day, and he did! Unfortunately, after the marriage he became very ill and succumbed to influenza. Later, she attended beauty college in southern California, graduating with an operator s license. She met and married Harold Painter, a medical offices accountant in Compton, Calif. She was a secretary for City Maintenance Co. for 29 years and volunteered with Meals on Wheels and Los Alamitos Medical Center. They remained happily married until his death from a brain tumor in December 1979. She and Uncle Harold were active in the Shrine organization and she was in Eastern Star. They were also very involved in the Rose Parade activities, sponsoring several queen and princess candidates. Lord only knows, they never missed a Rose Bowl game! Our dear little auntie was a beautiful, generous lady; small in stature but so large in heart and spirit. She loved her Lord Jesus with all her heart and served Him and others all her life. She was an earthly mother and grandmother to those of us whose mothers and grandmothers were already in Heaven. She had many dear and close friends whom she loved very much, three of whom remained very close all of their lives. She was the last of the four to leave this world for a better one. She loved and cherished her family, her beloved pets; the last of whom was a little white poodle named Touche. A large part of her heart was still here in the Flathead Valley and she came home as often as possible. Her spiritual life was never neglected. They attended First Christian Church in Compton. After moving to Cypress, Calif., they attended New Life Church and in later years she attended Sea Coast Grace Church in Cypress. Those of us left to miss her earthly presence but rejoice in her home-going and to keep on keeping on are nephews, Gary Ordish and wife, Patti, of Dillon, and their children, Zachary of Las Vegas, and R.C. Ordish and wife Jeanette and children, Cassidy, Marshall and Kennedy, of El Paso, Texas; Terry Ordish and wife Martha of Wilkes Barre, Pa., and children, Michelle Quartieri and her son Nicholas of New Mexico, and Cricket Sparks and husband Alan and children, Jordan and Kylee, of Kalispell; niece, Jaqueline Jackie Rae James, of Kalispell, and her daughters, Holly Rae Howard of North Charleston, S.C., and Roxanne Rae and husband Dr. Norman Haueisen of Mechanicsburg, Pa., and their children, Erik and Alyona; and very dear friends, Dick and Margaret Snavely. Cremation has taken place and she was interred at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Wittier, Calif. At her request, no services will be held.

Paxton James Mott

son of Marla Mott of Kalispell, was born March 31 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Timber Lily Massey

daughter of Abe Massey and Erin Grieco of Whitefish, was born May 24 at North Valley Hospital.

Dixie J. Palmer, 83

Dixie J. Palmer passed away on May 14, 2010, of natural causes in Iowa, while staying with her youngest daughter. Dixie was born April 5, 1926, in Camp Crook, S.D., where she lived until age 13, when she moved to Montana, where she married Bill Palmer in April of 1942, and they had four children. Dixie lived in Kalispell until shortly before her death. She enjoyed her family and her beloved pets. Dixie was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Bill Palmer; a sister, Arlone Hartl; and a brother, Bob Ridgway. She is survived by her brother, Kerry Ridgway, of South Carolina; her son, Gary Palmer; daughters, Cheryl and Jim Dugan, and Gayla Bundrock, who all live in Kalispell, and daughter, Lori and Hugh Stout, now living in Iowa. She is also survived by six grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Calvin Cory Homola

son of Cory and Kari Homola of Kalispell, was born May 3 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Noble Joseph Rothwell

son of Joseph Rothwell and Vanessa Garcia of Kalispell, was born May 16 at North Valley Hospital.

Matilda Marie McCabe

daughter of Zachary and Amber McCabe of Kalispell, was born May 27 at North Valley Hospital.

Elisabeth Trufant Dawson

daughter of Jason and Amelie Dawson of Whitefish, was born May 18 at North Valley Hospital.

Remi DelRae Osler

daughter of Nick and Sarah Osler of Kalispell, was born May 1 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Brady Lee Lewellen

son of Bill and Cecilia Lewellen of Kalispell, was born May 2 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Brandon Joseph Herriges

son of Steve Herriges and Karrie Gibson, was born May 25 at North Valley Hospital.

Caleb Trevor Brown

son of Trevor and Rachel Brown of Condon, was born May 24 at North Valley Hospital.

Xander Eli Dunbar

son of Martin and Katie Dunbar of Kalispell, was born May 27 at North Valley Hospital.

Ginger Murren Bergland

daughter of Todd and Glenna Bergland of Whitefish, was born May 30 at North Valley Hospital.

Brodie George Caldbeck

son of Kip and Lisa Caldbeck of Polson, was born May 25 at North Valley Hospital.

Hazel Lee Remley

daughter of Alan and Dana Remley of Kalispell, was born May 24 at North Valley Hospital.

Roy A. Nock, 90

Roy A. Nock, 90, of Kalispell went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 27, 2010. Born in Denver on July 22, 1919, to Ben E. and Lulu Nock, Roy was reared and educated in Denver. He was a member of Berkeley Baptist Church, serving in various offices, and there met his future wife, Betty Jo Smith. After three years of courtship, they were married on May 11, 1941. Roy and Betty were blessed with four children. Roy joined the U.S. Army in July, 1942. During World War II he served as cadre for basic first aid training at Camp Robinson, Ark. Then following veterinary training at William Beaumount General Hospital in El Paso, Texas, he was assigned as meat and dairy inspector at De Witt General Hospital in Auburn, Calif. Roy received an honorable, medical discharge in April of 1945, at which time he, his wife, and baby daughter, Royann, returned to Denver. After his discharge from the Army, Roy was employed in a variety of professions. He was a cowboy on ranches in Colorado, Kansas and Wyoming, and a cattle buyer for Armour and Co. This was followed by eight years with The Nock and Garside Elevator Co., a company founded by his grandfather, Thomas Nock, in the 1890s. Roy worked as an apprentice, draftsman, and manager until the business was sold. Next, Martin Marietta, a defense contractor, was Roy s employer where he spent eight years working on the Titan missile. This job took Roy from the design table to missile silos and the launch pads of this country s ICBM projects of the 1950s and 60s. In 1964, Roy moved his family to Montana where he worked as a partner in an engineering firm until taking a job with the Anaconda Aluminum Co., as a production engineer. He retired in March of 1981. Roy s interests in life were multi-faceted. He enjoyed horses and cattle and was a lifelong cowboy at heart. He was an accomplished artist in various mediums, including photography, sculpture, watercolor and oils. Roy was inquisitive about technology, aviation, and many other disciplines. He was not only a lifelong learner himself, but demonstrated a keen interest in what others were learning in life. He enjoyed exploring the back roads of Colorado and Montana and everywhere he traveled. Roy was hospitable and enjoyed visiting with friends, neighbors and family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who loved music and had a quick wit. He loved the Lord Jesus Christ and was an active member of Bethel Baptist Church of Kalispell. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Betty Jo, of Kalispell; his children, Royann and Norb Cygan of Castle Rock, Colo., Gary and Dawn Nock of Ephrata, Wash., B. Elaine Nock of Portland, and Carole and Jon Poe of Billings. Roy is also survived by a sister, Bernice Tilson, of Ontario, Ore.; and brother, Glen A. Nock, of Yountville, Calif. Roy is a grandfather to eight, Lacey Arnett, Adria Butler, Kevin Dull, Joel Gardner, Angela Nock, Samantha Nelson, Jenny Sneigoski and Matthew Poe; and 16 great-grandchildren. Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Lulu Nock; and a sister, Anita Randall. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 2, at Bethel Baptist Church. Gifts for Lake Blaine Bible Camp may be sent to Bethel Baptist Church. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family. To send condolences to the family, please visit the website at www.buffalohillfh.com. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. - Galatians 6:14 (KJV)

Remmy Wayne Petersen

son of Greg and Oly Petersen of Kalispell, was born May 19 at North Valley Hospital.

Case will determine teen driver's status

Legal proceedings begin over fatal 2009 crash

“All your life you run from (expletive) instead of facing it.”

Daybook

Whitefish revisits ethics policy

Committee to review 1998 policy

The Whitefish City Council is forming a committee to review the city’s ethics and conflict-of-interest policy.

Lakers split with Lethbridge

LETHBRIDGE - Alex Stanley was 2-for-3 with an RBI triple in the second inning to help the Kalispell Lakers get back on the winning track on Tuesday.

Man arrested for attempted homicide

Council gives initial nod to city budget

The Kalispell City Council on Monday approved:

Woman faces loss of suspended sentence

Less than a month after Diane Pickavance was convicted for her involvement in serving the drunk driver responsible for a fatal crash, a warrant has been issued for her arrest for violating a condition of her sentence.

Missing Plane Modes of Transportation

Missing Plane Janelle Gentry using radio scanner

Missing Plane Mineral County Search and Rescue

Waiting is the hardest part for friends, families

While search aircraft buzzed overhead and search boats cruised the lower Flathead River, it was an agonizing wait Tuesday for friends and family members of four missing people.

Justine Winter Hearing

Shaina Patrice Evans, 20

Shaina Patrice Evans, 20, passed away June 27, 2010, near Lewistown, as a result of a motor vehicle accident. She was born Feb. 28, 1990, in Havre, to Gary and Linda (Vercruyssen) Evans. After a short stay in Havre, Shaina s family moved to Champagne, Ill., where she began her early education. In 1997 the family moved to Kalispell, and then in 1999 to North Platte, Neb. Moving back to Kalispell in 2001, Shaina attended school at Trinity Lutheran Elementary and then ninth grade at the middle school before going on to graduate from Flathead High School in 2008. Shaina was a star athlete, lettering in basketball, softball and her favorite, volleyball. She also competed on the swim team her junior year while she was recuperating from a knee injury. Shaina was very outgoing, friendly and energetic. She had an infectious enthusiasm and a caring way that drew people to her. She also had the honor of being selected homecoming queen her senior year. After graduation, Shaina went on to attend Montana State University-Northern on a volleyball scholarship. She loved the outdoors and was studying biology so that she could pursue a career with the Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Bureau of Land Management. Shaina was preceded in death by her grandfather, Linda s father, Leonard Vercruyssen; and an uncle, Gary s brother, Scott Evans. She is survived by her parents, Gary and Linda Evans, of Kalispell; two sisters, Nikki and Kallie; her grandparents, Russ and Kay Evans of Havre, and Barb and Gary Kropp of Kalispell; aunt and uncles, Daryl and Vicki Ness, and their daughters, Jennifer and Jacquelyne, of Albuquerque, N.M.; Kim and Cal Wirtzberger, and their sons, Danny and Katie and Patch, of Havre, and Russ and Lynette Evans, and their sons, Dillon, Josh and Tyler, of Minneapolis; as well as many other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 1, at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Greg DeMuth officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel. The family suggests memorial gifts be sent to MSU-Northern, Shaina Evans Volleyball Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 7751, Havre, MT 59501. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Shaina s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Shaina s guest book.

Darby Walter Hodges, 18 months

Darby Walter Hodges, 18 months, passed away in his sleep on Sunday morning, June 27, 2010, in Kalispell. Darby was born Nov. 26, 2008, in Savannah, Ga., to Thomas and Julia Hodges. He had a short life but was loved by many friends and family in Georgia and in Montana. He loved to play with his brother, Cameron, and sister, Kiera, and his many cousins. Darby loved to throw balls and play catch. He loved puppies, kittens and tractors, and was fascinated by chickens and the farm. He is survived by his father; his mother; brother, Cameron; and sister, Kiera; grandparents, Tom and Cheryl Hodges of Shelby, and Terry and Lori Savage of Columbia Falls; and several aunts, uncles and cousins who loved him and his sweet spirit. Services are pending. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Darby s family. Family and friends are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Darby s tribute wall and offer condolences.

August A. Johnny Leistner, 92

August A. Johnny Leistner, 92, was born Nov. 4, 1918, in Eckville, Alberta, to Paul E. and Nellie Bjornson Leistner. He passed away Sunday, June 27, 2010, in Lewiston, Idaho. They moved to Palouse, Wash., where he lived for a short time before moving to Kalispell with his father and brother Leon. He married Elaine M. Getzfried March 20, 1944, in Billings, and they made their home in Kalispell, where they operated a fuel trucking business from 1948 to 1978. They loved spending time at their Flathead Lake home, boating, fishing and relaxing, and just enjoying the beautiful scenery, as well as spending time with family and friends. His wife Elaine passed away Jan. 10, 1995, in Mesa, Ariz., where they spent the winters and then made their home in 1989. Johnny moved to Lewiston in 2004 to be close to his niece, Sylvia Parsons Fox, who cared for him, while he was a resident at Wedgewood Terrace until his death. He will be missed very much. Johnny was a 65-year member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Sons of the American Legion, the men s auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, was a life-member of the Fraternal Organization of Elks, and member of the Moose Chapter. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Alma Leistner Parsons; and brothers, Leon Leistner and Homer Leistner. Surviving Johnny are his two nieces, Sylvia and Ken Fox of Lewiston, and Sandra Parsons of New Zealand; two nephews, Gerry Parsons and wife Cyndee Northrup of Spokane, and Gail Parsons of Oaksdale, Wash.; five great-nephews, Sean Parsons of Spokane, Sgt. Tracy Morgan of Fort Carson, Colo., Cory Black of Portland, and Brandon and Kyle Black, both of Kennewick, Wash.; three great-nieces, Kerry and Beau Johnson of Valleyford, Wash., Tiffany and Leighton Teem of Lewiston, and Erin and Danny Glynn of Spokane; four great-great-nephews, Colton Parsons of Spokane, Dustin Warwick of Oaksdale, Landon Teem of Lewiston, and Brody Morgan of Portland; and two great-great-nieces, Summer Warwick of Valleyford and Trinity Teem of Lewiston. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 1, at the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell. Arrangements are with Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home of Lewiston.

Bigfork teacher resigns ahead of school hearing

A Bigfork High School teacher’s termination hearing has been canceled.

Alberta RV throwing garbage on road

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office got a report Sunday of someone in a recreational vehicle with Alberta plates throwing garbage onto U.S. 93 near Auction Road.

Finding ways to preserve wildlife

Wildlife watching is increasing while hunting and fishing are declining.

Landfill project under way

A $1.9 million project at the Flathead County landfill will permanently close an older portion of the facility and excavate four acres for the next lined cell.

Daybook

Today

Flathead County Landfill

Searching for missing plane

Search for Missing Plane

Preparing to search

'We're not quitting,' search leader promises

At dusk on Tuesday, there still was not a trace of a plane missing since Sunday with four people on board

Father and Son Chores

Joseph Carl Klempel Jr., 90

Joseph Carl Klempel Jr., 90, of Bigfork, heard the trumpet call to his eternal home up yonder, where there is no pain, only peace, on June 23, 2010. Joey was born in a log-sod house on his parents homestead out in the hills southwest of Lambert. He began his education in the Round Butte School where he walked or rode a horse six miles one way. He later attended Sidney Elementary School. At age 14 he moved with his parents to a farm in the Yellowstone Valley, north of Savage. There as a teenager he sang in a family trio at church and on the radio. He especially enjoyed singing bass in the song When the Roll is Called Up Yonder. In 1943 at the First Baptist Church in Sidney, he married his sweetheart and lifetime partner, Annie Almond, his wife of 67 years. They farmed near Crane, raising sugar beets, corn, chickens, milk and beef cows, and a garden. During this time Joey also helped feed out feeder lambs for his parents and helped with lambing for different sheep ranchers. He was a good neighbor to many, especially in time of need. A man of few words, but in that few he said much. He loved riding and working with horses even as a young child. He was a cowboy and rancher at heart. He owned two outstanding saddle horses, Pepper and Midnight, and often rode 30 miles from the valley farm to the homestead to herd cattle or sheep. During the 1950s he horse logged in the Flathead Valley west of Kalispell. Prior to his retirement, he would rather rake a field of hay with a team of mules than do the job with a tractor. In August 1947 he moved his wife and family to the Flathead Valley and bought property. They harvested and sold wild trees in the fall for many years to various tree yards in Kalispell, Phoenix and Utah. In 1958 he bought a farm in Bigfork, where he raised Black Angus cattle and had a dairy for a number of years. He gave his nine children spiritual values and a strong work ethic. He was preceded in death by parents, Joseph Sr. and Martha Nollmeyer Klempel; three brothers; two sisters; and one daughter, Delia May Klempel. He is survived by his wife, Annie Klempel, at the family home in Bigfork; his children, Pat Burnham and Wes of Columbia Falls; Doris Rost and Jon of Whitefish, Edith Benson and Duane of Bigfork, Naoimi Oldfield and Bob of Chandler, Ariz., Joe Klempel III and Gina of Kalispell, Cathy Benson and Jerry, Ron Klempel and Lisa, and Richard Klempel and Rachel of Bigfork; sisters-in-law, Harriet, Ethel and Lois Klempel; grandchildren, Denise Oldfield, Nicole (Klempel) Shoshenskiy, Collin Klempel, Jay Dee Rost, Heidi Oldfield Obey, Kim Rost, Gregory Oldfield, Martin Burnham, Violet Benson, Stephanie Benson Lepinski, Justin Benson, Daryn Benson, Crystal Burnham, Daryl Benson, Candy Burnham, James Barnhart, Brenda Benson Olson, Jenny Klempel Miner, Jessie Klempel, Rainey Klempel and Levi Klempel; and 12 great-grandchildren. A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. today, Monday, June 28, at the Little Brown Church with the Rev. Pat Pierce officiating. Interment will follow at Lone Pine Cemetery, next to his daughter Delia May. 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.

Walter Lyle Jones, 84

Walter Lyle Jones, 84, of Polson passed away on Wednesday, June 23, 2010, at his home in Polson. He was born Sept. 30, 1925, at LaPorte, Ind., to Harry and Jeanatte Mills Jones. He attended and graduated from Flathead County High School, and served in the Army with a Field Artillery Battalion from January 1944 through Feb. 26, 1946. After his discharge, he returned to Kalispell and married Winnifred Cleo Bauer in Kalispell. Walter worked in the logging industry most of his life. He attended the First United Methodist Church in Polson, and loved to hunt, fish and spend time with his family. His parents, Harry and Jeanatte Jones; sisters, Janice Heise, Ada Leach and Dorothy Yeager; along with brothers, Gary, Don, Dick and Roy Jones, preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Winnifred Winnie Jones, at the family home; a daughter, Julie Paul and Rich of Polson; sons, Jeffery Jones and Debbie, and Randy Jones and Monica, both of Polson, and Kevin Jones and Cheryl of Missoula; brothers, Harry of Kalispell, Rex of Whitefish and Ron of Martin City; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 3, in the First United Methodist Church in Polson, with the Rev. Mark Calhoun officiating. Inurnment will follow at a later date. A reception will follow services at the church. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Mr. Jones family.

Byron Taylor Whitcomb

Byron Taylor Whitcomb was born in Missoula on Dec. 15, 1988. He died June 19, 2010. He attended high school in his hometown of Whitefish, and went on to join the Army in June 2009 to live his dreams and provide a good life for himself and his family. Byron was stationed at Fort Polk, La., as a private first class in Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (Light). He was looking forward to deploying to Afghanistan as part of a Blackhawk Company in the fall. Byron applied and was accepted in the Ranger school. Byron was a lover of baseball, football, basketball, hockey, hunting, fishing, laughter and being first with his family. He had a huge heart made of gold as true as they come. He excelled to be the best at everything he did and had talent that did not go unnoticed. Byron was always driven and ambitious, always working hard for everything he had. He loved to have a good time with his friends and make people laugh. Byron was a wonderful husband, father and son who made the ultimate sacrifice. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Helen Barbara Miscampbell; grandfather, Maurice Jim Miscampbell; and uncles James Ace Miscampbell and Robert Lee Miscampbell. Surviving are his daughter, Kendal-Marie Taylor Whitcomb; wife, Lindsey Jane Whitcomb; mother, Billy Eisinger; father, Jim Whitcomb; mother-in-law, Linda Stacy; and father-in-law, Willie Stacy. A celebration of Byron s life will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 2, at Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish. Full military honors will follow at Glacier Memorial Gardens. Please wear colorful attire (no black). In honor of Byron s memory, a memorial account in Kendal-Marie s name has been established at Parkside Federal Credit Union. Austin Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Daybook

Lakers coach delivers meeting's keynote address

Western Governors' Association

“Welcome home, coach. Welcome home to Montana.”

Fundraiser aims to keep decoy car on the road

Volunteers are throwing a fundraiser Wednesday for the decoy patrol car that aims to dissuade speeding along U.S. 93.

Lake County woman missing since Thursday

A Lake County woman has been missing since leaving work Thursday morning.

Congressional candidates spar in debate

It was Denny versus Dennis with another fellow in the mix.

Man hits bicycling girl with truck

Kalispell Police responded to a verbal disturbance 3:10 p.m. Saturday when a man driving a red Chevy Tahoe apparently struck a girl riding a bike in the 100 block of Appleway Drive. The child was unhurt, but the man followed her home and yelled at her parents.

Big names at conference

Phil Jackson, David Letterman, almost a dozen governors from across the West — there was no shortage of big names at the opening of the 100th annual Western Governors’ Association conference Sunday.

Brian Schweitzer, Butch Otter

Phil Jackson signs autograph

Phil Jackson delivers keynote speech

Elizabeth Libby Visocan Keith, 66

Elizabeth Libby Visocan Keith, 66, died unexpectedly at her home on Thursday, June 24, 2010. Libby was born Aug. 7, 1943, in Great Falls, to Andy H. and Constance M. (Holtzfaster) Visocan. Libby began grade school in Great Falls at the St. Thomas Orphan s Home and finished in a two-room school in Raynesford. She attended high school in Great Falls, graduating from Great Falls Central Catholic High School in 1961. As a junior, she won the Betty Crocker cooking award. After high school, she worked as a cashier at the Montana Power Company in Great Falls, working there until moving to Long Beach, Calif. for a few years. She later returned to Great Falls, where she worked as a cashier for the Coast to Coast Hardware store at both their downtown and Tenth Ave. So. locations. In the early 1980s, Libby moved to Kalispell. She worked at Sykes for a few years prior to moving to Norwest Bank (now Wells Fargo) in January of 1989, where she worked as a teller until her retirement in 2006. After retirement, she did occasional pet-sitting, which she considered her fun job, as she had a great love for animals. Libby also enjoyed spending time with family and friends, was an avid reader and liked listening to jazz. She also enjoyed visiting with her many friends. Her family and friends will miss Libby immensely. Libby had faced cancer head-on and was in the process of beating it when she died unexpectedly, shocking everyone. She was a joy to be with. Libby never met anyone she didn t like and couldn t talk to. She loved people and made everyone s day more sunny just by having encountered her. She will live in our memories forever. Libby is survived by her siblings, Barbara A. Culliton (John) of Great Falls, Andy E. Ed Visocan (Dorothy) of Ontario, Ore., John P. Visocan (Linda) of Raynesford and Lawrence Larry Visocan (Betty) of Kalispell. She was preceded in death by her parents and an infant brother, Michael. Auntie Libby was very close to her many nephews and nieces. She loved them like her own children and they, in turn, held a deep love for her. They are Michael Culliton (Bruce) of Minneapolis and Washington, D.C., Les Culliton (Lori) of Centennial, Colo., Steve Culliton (Connie Rae) of Bozeman, Colleen Culliton (Pat Crew) of Billings, Douglas Culliton of Great Falls, Connie Lomas (Scott) of Great Falls, Jeff Visocan (Carrie) of Raynesford, Jodi Gutzwiler of Great Falls, Jami Stahl (Steve) of Geyser, John Visocan of Plainfield, Vt., Joe Visocan (Jennifer) of Belt, Justin Visocan of Geyser and Andrew Visocan (Jamie) of Raleigh, N.C. She also had many grand- nephews and nieces. She also leaves behind her two beloved Russian Blue cats, Ivan and Tsar. There will be a viewing at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, June 28, followed by a rosary at 7 p.m. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Risen Christ Catholic Church in Evergreen, followed by a luncheon in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Libby s name to the Flathead Food Bank. She believed in the food bank s work and never missed the annual soup supper or getting a new bowl. We all know Libby is on her journey to be with her heavenly Father. We are sure she is visiting with everyone on the way. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Libby s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Libby s guest book.

Syndia D. Taylor, 55

Syndia D. Taylor passed away suddenly on May 28, 2010, in Volborg, Mont. She was born Aug. 16, 1954, in Philadelphia. She recently resided in Kalispell and Kila. She is survived by her mother, Goldie Black, of Kalispell; and her father, Al Shamberg, of Boynton Beach, Fla., and is desperately missed. Syndia was a sweet, giving soul who was full of love for the people and animals in her life. She enjoyed cooking, entertaining others in her home, dancing, horseback riding and motorcycle riding. She adored her dogs and horses and was active in the community. She taught horse management and dance classes at Flathead Valley Community College and did volunteer work at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. She lived life to the fullest and those who loved her will miss her dearly. Donations can be made in her honor to the American Cancer Society or to your local hospice.

Annabel Edna OBrien, 84

Funeral services for Ann O Brien, 84, of Buffalo, Wyo., who passed away Wednesday evening, June 23, 2010, at the Amie Holt Care Center in Buffalo, will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 28, at the Adams Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Bob McHenry officiating. Burial will be in Willow Grove Cemetery, with graveside services to follow. Visitation will be held from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday, at the Adams Funeral Home. Donations may be made in Mrs. O Brien s memory to the Susie Bowling Lawrence Hospice, in care of the Adams Funeral Home at 351 N. Adams Ave., in Buffalo. Annabel Edna O Brien was born on Aug. 2, 1925, in Hulett, Wyo. to Ben and Goldie Nuckolls. She grew up on the family ranch outside of Hulett and went to schools in Hulett. She graduated from Hulett High School in 1943 and taught in country schools in Crook County. She was married in 1946 in Belle Fourche, S.D. to Joe Gordon, and they made their home in Belle Fourche. Ann played the piano, and they played in a band for dances in the area when they were young. Ann worked for a sugar beet factory for a couple of seasons and Joe passed away in 1964. They owned and operated a trailer court in Belle Fourche, which Ann continued to manage. She was married on Feb. 20, 1965, in Belle Fourche, to Ernest O Brien and they continued to live in Belle Fourche. In 1966, they moved to Whitefish, where Mr. O Brien worked for Atlantic Richfield. They retired in 1995 and moved to Buffalo, where they continued to live until the time of her death. Ann was an avid reader, and did needlepoint and puzzles. She loved to garden, fish and spend time hiking in the mountains. She is survived by her husband, Ernest, of Buffalo; one son, Joseph Gordon and his wife, Darlene, of Florence; three daughters, Robin Richards and her husband, Charles, of Belle Fourche, Patricia Sauerbier of Kalispell and Barbara Bircher and her husband, Oly, of Whitefish; one sister, Dixie Porter, of Buffalo; six grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her first husband.

Herbert Laurence Robinson, 49

Herbert Laurence Robinson joined our Lord on June 24, 2010, surrounded by family and friends, after losing his battle with esophageal cancer. He was born Dec. 14, 1960, in Kalispell to Ralph and Darlene Robinson. Herb is survived by his devoted wife, Debbie; son, Eric; stepchildren, Tim Thompson, Jennifer Aldrich and Matthew Aldrich; brothers, Raymond Robinson, Bill Robinson, Kevin Robinson and Cliff Robinson; sisters, Dorothy Robinson and Wanda Robinson-Little; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Herb spent his entire life in the Flathead Valley, working beside his brothers, building the Robinson Corporation and running Robinson Tree Farms, demonstrating his incredible strength and outstanding work ethic, which are among the Robinson traits. He was a kind, loving and outspoken man, who loved to strike up new conversations, especially with people while selling Christmas trees in Salt Lake City and fireworks in Hungry Horse. He loved the outdoors, four-wheeling with his son, Eric, hunting, fishing, mining for gold and being the president of the Northwest Montana Gold Prospectors Club. Herb had a great sense of humor and a strong, boisterous laugh that also made you laugh when you heard it. Above all, his main enjoyment was his son, Eric. He was a good husband, father, brother and friend, loved by many, and he will be missed by all. Public visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 28, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 29, at Our Savior s Lutheran Church, 401 Seventh St. W., in Columbia Falls, with a reception following.

William Bill James Broad, 89

William Bill James Broad was born to James and Ella (Berryman) Broad in Butte on Aug. 19, 1920. He passed away suddenly on June 20, 2010. Bill loved his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, his family and his country. Each of these he served to his full ability. He enjoyed photography, music, traveling and good milkshakes. We miss him, but rejoice that he is with the Lord. He was a World War II veteran and served on Saipan. He was instrumental in the surrender of the last group of Japanese on the island and his unit received a commendation for this. He also served as a replacement secretary to his commanding general. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Clar; and his son, Bruce. He is survived by Irene, his beloved wife of 63 years; his daughter, Naomi (Dave) Manuwal of Washington; grandchildren, John (Liz) Manuwal, and Joy (Shawn) Burke; and his great-granddaughter, Sarah Manuwal, all of Washington. He is also survived by his son, Ron (Sherry) Matkin of Michigan; his grandchildren, Traci (Craig) Rozelle of Mich., Vicki (Jim) Hollinger of Tennessee; and by his great-grandchildren Alyssa and Alex Rozelle, and Emily Hollinger; four nephews, Ed, Harold, Don and Bob Broad; and four nieces, Jean, Ella, Betty and Ruth; and their respective families, including numerous great- and great-great- nephews and nieces. Bill is also survived by three brothers-in-law, Earl (Mary) Leighty, Andy (Una) Leighty, and Jim (Ann) Leighty; five sisters-in-law, Thelma Carter, Esther Ingram, Violet (Lewis) Lundy, Laura (Gerry) Fuller, and Ardith (Gary) Wolfe; and numerous nieces and nephews and their familes. Memorial services for Bill will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 29, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to a potluck following the service at the Birch Grove School Community Center. The family requests memorial contributions be sent to Evergreen Fire and Rescue, 2236 U.S. 2 E., Kalispell, MT 59901. Their quick response and hard work during this emergency were deeply appreciated. Friends are encouraged to visit our website at www.buffalohillfh.com, where you can leave notes of condolences for the family.

Early ads show times have changed

Oh, the difference a half century or so can make.

Firm considers biomass-to-fuel plant

A Canadian biofuel company hopes to open a production plant for transforming biomass into high-octane gasoline in Northwest Montana by late 2012 or early 2013.

Powder hounds

Shooters from throughout Montana, Idaho and Canada set their sights on the competition during the Flathead Valley Muzzleloaders annual rendezvous.

When opportunity knocks

Man takes advantage of sour economy, launches new business

When the recession hit the Flathead Valley, Patrick Levitt figured he had two options: He could sit around and whine or he could get up and do something.

Pardon may be sought for early Glacier Park ranger

Dave Renfrow would like to see Joe Cosley forgiven.

Daybook

Shuffle helps balance budget

Helena Flats reorganizes

With a little creative shuffling, Helena Flats School has balanced its 2010-11 budget.

'Something bigger than yourself'

New Kalispell attorney aims to swim length of Flathead Lake

Emily von Jentzen, a deputy county attorney for Flathead County, faces a big challenge on July 17, but it won’t be in the courtroom.

'Uppity' states taking on the feds

News that the Justice Department is preparing to sue Arizona over its immigration law is discouraging, and it is just the latest round in a growing number of disputes between states and the federal government.

Loggers, Mariners to meet in Big Bucks finale

LIBBY - The hometown team is rolling into the championship game at the Big Bucks American Legion baseball tournament at Lee Gehring Field.

Board passes bargaining unit agreement

The Flathead City-County Board of Health has approved a new employee bargaining unit agreement, a Whitefish variance request and changes in community health service fees.

Camaraderie & competition at 33rd Whitefish Lake Run

WHITEFISH - Wearing a flat-brimmed hat that shaded her face from the glare of the sun, the Queen of the Whitefish Lake Run smiled a white grin.

When political worlds collide ...

Did you feel the ground shake?

Week in Pictures June 21-27

Whitefish Lake Run

Linda Lee Smith, 69

Linda Lee Smith, 69, passed away on Wednesday, June 23, 2010, at her home in Bigfork. She was born on Aug. 15, 1940 in Rapid City, S.D. to Zeke and Velma (Judson) Valdez. Linda grew up in the small mining and tourist town of Keystone, S.D., attended grade school there and high school in Hill City, S.D. It was only two miles from Mount Rushmore where she met Bob Smith, and they were married in Keystone on July 20, 1957. Linda had two sons, Steve and Leon. In 1963, Bob and Linda moved to Bigfork where they loved and lived since. She loved to cook, go camping, pick huckleberries and take her dog Bailey on walks. For many years, Linda worked in the Christmas tree fields in the Bigfork area. For twenty years she was employed by the Averills at the Flathead Lake Lodge in Bigfork. She enjoyed working with all the employees, especially her very good friend, Gail Olsen. Linda enjoyed attending church services every week at the Bible Baptist Church in Kalispell, and the Lord has led her home. Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; a son, Steven G. Smith; and her parents. She is survived by her son, Leon, of Bigfork; two grandchildren, Lindsay Rahn of Kalispell; and Elias Smith of Bigfork, who was the love of her life. She enjoyed every minute, every bicycle ride and every opportunity to bake cookies with Elias. She is also survived by a brother, Thomas Valdez of Gillette, Wyo. Private graveside services will be held. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Linda s Family. Family and friends are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Linda s tribute wall and offer condolences.

Hailey Anne Keefe

daughter of William and Keri Keefe of Kalispell, was born May 11 at North Valley Hospital.

Makayla Marie Gough

daughter of Lavar Gough and Brandy Nelson of Kalispell, was born May 14 at North Valley Hospital.

Isabel Kate and Sophia Marie Schmidt-Anthony

daughters of Douglas Anthony and Christine Schmidt-Anthony, were born May 10 at North Valley Hospital.

Donald Lee McCann, 73

Donald Lee McCann passed away on June 20, 2010, at Community Hospital in Missoula. Don was born in Billings on Aug. 19, 1936, the ninth child of Edward Lee and Anna Miller McCann. Following graduation from Billings Senior High School in 1954, he served as an MP in the Marine Corps from 1954 to 1956. His favorite jobs were with the Bureau of Land Management in Montana, Colorado and Wyoming, and the National Park Service in Yellowstone National Park. After retirement, he returned to school where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Montana State University-Havre in 1988. He later became the administrator for M2 Associates PLLC, formerly McIntosh, McCann & Associates, CPAs. He married Joneva Svetich at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on April 27, 1957. They had three children, Lesli, Shari and Mike. His favorite activities were holidays, hunting, shooting, fishing, boating and camping, especially with his children and grandchildren. His least favorite sport was skiing which he gamely did " for his children. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Shari Harris; his parents; and his siblings, Edna Tinnes, Bob McCann, Tom McCann, Lorraine Kilzer, Lois Kerkhove, Myrt Schafnitz, Marian Michaelis and an infant brother. He is survived by his wife, Jonny; his daughter, Lesli McIntosh, and Steele Fletcher; his son, Mike McCann, and Tammy; grandsons, Evan and Adam Harris, and Jesse and Zach McCann; one sister, Delores McDonald; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Don was a member of St. Matthew s Parish where funeral services will be held in August. Exact dates and times are pending and will be announced later.

Ruby May Ridinger

daughter of Justin and Andrea Ridinger of Kalispell, was born May 17 at North Valley Hospital.

Aerial Images Kintla Lake

Governors gather in Whitefish

Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers coach and Flathead Valley resident, will be the keynote speaker at the Western Governors Association’s annual meeting that starts this weekend in Whitefish.

School gym work nearing completion

Helena Flats School will have a newly reinforced gym roof when classes begin this fall.

Rangers start strong at Big Bucks Tourney

LIBBY - Bryton Guckenberg was 2-for-3 at the plate with the game-winning RBI as the Kootenai Valley Rangers opened the Big Bucks American Legion baseball tournament with a 6-5 win over Tri-County on Friday.

Dayton students get special treatment

Not long ago, Dr. Dave Hafer wasn’t a big fan of his local elementary school.

Blocked railroad tracks reopened

Train tracks that were blocked for two days by a rock slide 30 miles east of Libby reopened at about 9 a.m. Friday.

33rd Whitefish Lake Run ready to go

Sunny skies, 60 degrees forecast for today’s Whitefish Lake Run

Thirty-three years later, the Whitefish Lake Run is one of the oldest foot races in the state and one of the most popular.

Monarchs stymie Lakers

MEDICINE HAT, Alberta - The injuries are piling up for the Kalispell Lakers and the losses are too.

Legend Thunder Race Practice Run

North Fork from the air

Aerial Images North Fork Sun Rays

Aerial Images Glacier Mountain Peaks

Aerial Images Flathead River in BC

Aerial Images Flathead River in Valley

Aerial Images Lake McDonald

Aerial Images Polebridge

Aerial Images Kinnerly and Kiltna Peak

Aerial Images Hungry Horse

Best of Flathead

Montana Bagel Company

Swimming the Flathead

3rd Annual Plein Air Paint Out

Howard Howie J. Bear, 75

Retired United States Air Force Colonel Howard Howie J. Bear, 75, of Montgomery, Ala., passed away Tuesday morning, June 22, 2010, after a long illness. Col. Bear was born Dec. 4, 1934, in Kalispell, to Marion and Marie Bear. He was raised in Kalispell. Upon graduation from the Montana School of Mines, he was a high school math teacher, a proud member of the Masonic Lodge No. 42 A.F. and A.M., and a member of the Montana Air National Guard. His dedication to his country led him to a career in the United States Air Force where he provided honorable and distinguished service as a tactical fighter pilot. Col. Bear enjoyed a long and celebrated career in the military as a wing commander and with several command assignments, and he earned numerous decorations and medals, such as the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and other medals earned for distinguished service in Vietnam. After retiring from the U.S. Air Force and locating to Montgomery, Col. Bear was instrumental in the growth and development of Max Federal Credit Union, where he provided service as a board member for many years. We celebrate the life of Col. Bear, a man who loved his country and his family, Howie to his friends and neighbors, and beloved Poppie to his three grandchildren. Col. Bear was preceded in death by his parents, Marion L. and Marie K. Bear. He is survived by his wife, Rae, of Montgomery; his son, Mark, and Robyn Bridges, of Auburn, Ala.; his three grandchildren, Carlyn, Samantha and Sam Bridges Jr., all of Auburn; and sisters, Marilyn Servoss of Kalispell, Meredith Mott of Destin, Fla., and Glenna Small of Kalispell. He was also loved and admired by a host of nieces and nephews. Graveside services for Mr. Bear will be held at 9:30 a.m., Monday, June 28, at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell. In honor of Col. Bear s deep love and compassion for animals, the family requests that donations be made to a local humane society. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Howie family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Howie s guest book.

Dennis William Peterman, 59

Dennis William Peterman, 59, unexpectedly passed away on June 2, 2010, in Peoria, Ariz. He was born on Feb. 8, 1951, to BJ and Marceen Peterman in Whitefish. He is survived by his daughter, Alyssa Peterman; son, Aaron Peterman, and his wife, Alexandra Peterman, and son, Austin Peterman; his mother and father, BJ and Marceen Peterman; his brother, Dave Peterman, and his wife, Dana; sisters, Sharon Howell, and Darcy Trostad and her husband, Russell; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Dennis grew up in Whitefish where he attended school, excelling at sports, particularly basketball. He played for the Whitefish Bulldogs as they took the state championship in 1970, the same year he graduated. After high school, he joined and served in the United States Navy until 1972. Upon his return, he attended and played basketball at Eastern Montana College in Billings. He also went on to play basketball at Saint Paul Bible College in Minnesota. While getting knee surgery, he met a nurse, Karen Erdmann, whom he married on June 5, 1976, the mother to his three children, and who also survives him. Dennis was a member of Evergreen Alliance Church for 20 years, where he participated in the children s ministry. He loved to visit Glacier Park in the summertime where he would spend weekends camping and hiking with his family. He worked at Plum Creek in Columbia Falls for 20 years before moving to Arizona in 2000, where he lived until his recent death. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 26, at Glacier Memorial Gardens. A loving father, brother, son and friend, he will be fondly remembered and dearly missed. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Dennis Peterman Athletic Scholarship at First Interstate Bank.

Downtown restaurant closes again

Red’s Wines & Blues, a lively downtown Kalispell staple since 2005, and its fledgling sports bar counterpart, Red’s Roost, have closed.

Whitefish library deadline extended

Report probes plan to secede from county system

The Flathead County Library Board on Thursday agreed to give the city of Whitefish more time to decide if it wants to terminate the interlocal agreement that binds the county and city together in operating the Whitefish Public Library.

Canyon green boxes on chopping block

Flathead County is moving forward with plans to permanently close three of its smallest green-box garbage-collection sites at Essex, Nyack and Glacier Haven (formerly known as the Denny’s site).

Changes made to trail run

Organizers of a 100-mile run on the Swan Crest have withdrawn their application for a special-use permit, but a scaled-back version of the event still will be held July 30 and 31.

Let the summer fun begin!

All right, let’s get this summer under way.

Swimming truck soon rescued

Crash on U.S. 2 kills motorcyclist

A two-vehicle collision killed a motorcyclist along U.S. 2 north of Glacier Park International Airport on Thursday morning.

Swift verdict: Guilty of murder

Evergreen man convicted of shooting woman in the head

A murder conviction for an Evergreen man was met with tears Thursday from the victim’s family.

Logan Pass Open

Baron James Foster

Zip-line fun

Horse racing returns to Kalispell

Turf Club, Blackfeet sponsor track action during county fair

After a four-year hiatus, horse racing will return to the Northwest Montana Fair in August.

High water surrounds U.S. 2 homes

Trumbull Creek exceeded its banks this week, flooding fields and surrounding several houses with water along U.S. 2 west of Columbia Falls.

Defendant: 'I'm not a murderer'

Jury will begin deliberations today in homicide case

The Evergreen man accused of shooting his neighbor took the stand in his own defense Wednesday.

Health board presses for littering enforcement

Flathead City-County Board of Health members took Sheriff Mike Meehan to task recently about litter and garbage bags strewn along highways of the Flathead Valley.

Riding high

Zip lines a thrill for 95-year-old woman

At age 95, Sally Cook flew down the 1,300-foot long “Heaven” zip line Wednesday, coming to a stop on the landing deck with perfect form: knees up, arms fully extended.

Name of drowning victim released

Authorities have identified the Kalispell man whose body was found in the Graves Bay area of the South Fork on Monday.

C. Falls not asking voters to OK public-safety levy

The city of Columbia Falls has decided for now against asking voters to approve a public safety levy.

Legion baseball: Mavs deal Lakers third-straight loss

MISSOULA - Ben Roberts and Riley King combined for three triples and four RBIs and the Class AA Missoula Mavericks battered the slumping Kalispell Lakers 11-1 at Lindborg-Cregg Field on Wednesday night in American Legion Western AA conference action.

Glacier road to open

Going-to-the-Sun Road is expected to open across Logan Pass at midday today, Glacier National Park officials announced Wednesday.

If you've got to have a tornado...

Big tornadoes are few and far between in Montana, but you have to admit that when we get one, we do it right.

Baron James Foster testifies

'Weird' vehicle contains rocks, wood

A suspicious vehicle was spotted along Hutton Ranch Road. It contained wooden objects on top, big rocks inside and “some other weird stuff in it” that “looks like a propane fire thrower of sorts.” Officers are investigating.

Daybook

Mayor wants to revive local economy

Kalispell Mayor Tammi Fisher called for a “progressive program to get our economy humming again” in her inaugural State of the City address on Wednesday.

Sally Cook Zip Lining

Trumble Creek Flooding

Visitibility Standards

Mayor Fisher and the State of the City Address

five deep leader AD asset

five-wide sky ad asset

Was President Obama right to replace Gen. McChrystal as U.S. commander in Afghanistan?

Black Powder in Marion

Rosalind Yanishevsky, 61

Rosalind passed away June 6, 2010, following a valiant five-year battle with breast cancer. To the end, she kept hoping for a miracle; in the end, it was she who was the miracle. Rosalind was born Jan. 31, 1949. She first came to Boulder, Colo., in 1975 for a post-doctoral position at the University of Colorado, in the Department of Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology. There she conducted research with Gretchen Stein on cell-aging, for the purpose of furthering our understanding of the biology of cancer cells. After five years, Rosalind left her well-established and promising career in cellular biology to follow her childhood dream to become a wildlife biologist. Rosalind eventually settled in a cabin up Moose Creek, in the North Fork area, adjacent to Glacier National Park, where she lived and worked for over a decade. She taught classes on wildlife for Glacier National Park. She conducted research on various aspects of the local ecosystem, and eventually took the position as director of old-growth forests of the Northwest for Audubon. During her time in Montana she consulted for a number of environmental groups and won a landmark appeal of the Flathead Forest Plan which forever changed the Forest Service s treatment of old-growth, fish, grizzly bears, and road densities in Northwest Montana and beyond. In the mid- 90s, Rosalind returned to Boulder for several years with her beloved Samoyed, Kachina. There she wrote a compendium of the natural history of birds of Colorado for the Division of Wildlife. After several years, she returned to Massachusetts to be closer to her mother, who was then ailing. Eventually she settled in Colrain, Mass., with David Tasgal, where she spent her last 12 years, teaching and studying wildlife biology. Wherever Rosalind lived, she danced. Dancing was her other love, second only to her compassion for nature and all living things. In championing the preservation of wilderness, she was ever-determined and stalwart. When dancing, the weight of the world was momentarily lifted, and her heart became light. Although she will be dearly missed by those who love her, her memory will inspire us to carry on, caring for all things wild, and celebrating in dance and song. We, her friends, are grateful for the miracle of her life.

Beaneita Neita Violet Brusell, 72

Beaneita Neita Violet Brusell died June 22, 2010, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Neita was born was born Oct. 25, 1937, in Kalispell, to Selmer and Gladys Meuli. She dedicated her life to Jehovah God and her family. Her favorite things to do were make Jehovah s name known, help her family, and share the good news of the kingdom with all those she came in contact with. Preceding her in death were her husband, Roy E. Bud Brusell; father, Selmer Meuli; and stepfather, Richard Dick Gray. Survivors include her mother, Gladys Gray; children, James and Kila Brusell, Irene and Tony Serio, Robin Brusell, Todd and Deborah Brusell, Jamie and Stefanie Brusell, and Spencer and Mandy Brusell; siblings, Irene and Craig Dahl, Raymond Brown, Edwin and Debbie Meuli, Gene and Lori Meuli, Marvin and Debbie Meuli, and Rachel Hoisington; and stepmother, Evelyn Meuli. Neita had 11 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. She will be missed by all. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 26, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah s Witnesses, located at 1414 Woodland Ave., Kalispell. Please join us for a get-together at Smith Valley Grange Hall following the memorial.

Widespread outage was short-lived

Almost 7,700 Flathead Electric Cooperative members lost power a little before 8 a.m. Tuesday for a little over an hour. According to a Flathead Electric spokeswoman, the exact cause of the outage is unknown, but it did originate in the transformer of the Trumble Creek substation, which feeds the greater North Valley area. Flathead Electric was able to fully restore power to members in 70 minutes.

'He stuck the gun to her temple'

During the second day of a homicide trial, the jury on Tuesday heard testimony from the man who witnessed the alleged murder, as well as from investigating authorities.

Sun Road work goes day, night

As Glacier National Park personnel continue working to open Going-to-the-Sun Road over Logan Pass, day and night road rehabilitation shifts are already under way.

Rainfall may boost cherry crop yield for Flathead cherry growers

The Flathead Valley’s recent heavy rainfall has done anything but dampen cherry growers’ hopes for a bountiful yield this summer.

County employees won't get pay raises

State law gives some elected officials a salary ‘adjustment’

Flathead County employees won’t get cost-of-living raises this year, the county commissioners decided Tuesday.

Opposition to airport expansion resurfaces

Nine Kalispell residents asked the City Council on Monday to close the door on Kalispell City Airport expansion.

Restaurant offers free food

KFC restaurant in Kalispell is giving away free food on Thursday to the first 100 people who order using a secret password.

Class A Lakers take two from Libby

The Class A Kalispell Lakers cleaned up their defense and got back on track with a Western A conference sweep of the Libby Loggers at home on Tuesday.

Knocking down the deep grass

tag cloud

Cameron Wesley Field

son of Warren and Wendy Field of Kalispell, was born April 17 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Elaijah Star VanBrocklin

daughter of Benjamine VanBrocklin and Jamille Rials of Kalispell, was born April 13 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Alexander Phillip Epperson

son of Chris Epperson and Brittany Myers of Kalispell, was born April 13 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Ethan James Ek

son of Will and Felicia Ek of Dayton, was born April 24 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Robert E. Bob Lundy, 85

Robert Ellis Bob Lundy, 85, of Kalispell, passed away June 20, 2010, from complications arising from a courageous and sustained battle with cancer. Bob was hatched Feb. 8, 1925 in Huston No. 2, near Caldwell, Idaho, to Clark Braden and Lida Fern Kington Lundy. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Glen Lundy, sister Helen Bates and stepdaughter Christine Bruce Merrick. He is survived by his wife, Joan Corinne Bruce Lundy; his siblings, Betty Evans of Coeur d Alene, Joseph Lundy of Post Falls, Idaho, and Doris Evans of Boise, Idaho; six children, Jack and C.J. Lundy, Bob A. and Dee Lundy, Becky West, Craig Lundy, Gayle and Dave Stark, all of Kalispell, and Renee Yarbrough of Brentwood, Tenn.; three stepchildren, Kathi and Bob Lamm of Caldwell, Idaho, Peggy Engel of Great Falls, and Greg and Lynn Bruce of Woodburn, Ore.; 14 grandchildren, Adam Blount, Leslie, Rebecca, Charles, John and Joseph Yarbrough, Greg Lamm, Alissa and Kyle Engel, Jonathan, Kristine, Jessica (Bruce) Arce and David Bruce and Amber Crowell; eight great-grandchildren, Kenzie and Myla Engel, Logan and Olivia Arce, Shaun and Troy Hadleym and Jake and Kaitlyn Lee; and a passel of nieces and nephews. Born the son of an Idaho farmer, Bob learned well the lessons of Creator, faith and earth and found his most peaceful and pleasant moments while perched atop the vibrating, rattling and noisy seat of a tractor, plowing a field. Bob s faith in the Creator and understanding of his creation gave him a deep love of freedom and the beauty of the world around him. Bob served his country in the U.S. Army from January 1945 to November 1946. He earned a Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal with one bronze star and an Army of Occupation Medal (Japan). Upon his return, he married Lois Huffman and together they farmed the land in Madras, Ore. In 1959 they moved to Kalispell, where he made his living working in the woods. He loved working with the things created by his Father and during his times off, he began whittling wood, turning pieces of wood into small keepsakes cherished by his friends and family. He and Lois divorced in the early 70s. At the encouragement of artist Ace Powell and woodcarver Les Welliver, Bob came out of the woods and began his full-time carving career. In August 1973, he married Joan Bruce of Caldwell, Idaho, and they blended their two families into one. He earned his living by breathing life and character into hard, inanimate pieces of wood, creating beauty and art. When complimented, he would brush it off, simply stating, The face was already in there. I just removed everything that didn t look like him. In the late 90s he began making wood furniture and cultivating a love of writing, exploring and examining his beloved Montana as he wrote. He has published Fabil Dohn, Kale MacOda, Eagle Beak, Montana Marshall, Tyler Bain, Two Jay, The Man from Kalispell, Carving the Historic Western Face and Relief Carving with Bob Lundy. Bob had a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ that carried him through life and ultimately, through death. He had a wonderful wit and caused many a friend or family member to groan at his corn-y jokes. More than once he would look at one of his children when we were doing something childish and exclaim, Oh, for cryin in the sink! He was a great lover of golf, pinochle, dominoes, his friends and especially his family. His legacy of faith and love of God s creation will carry on long in the lives of those he touched. A celebration of a life well lived and a man well loved will be held at 7 p.m. today, Tuesday, June 22, at the Kalispell Church of Christ, 241 Stillwater Road, Kalispell. The family request donations be made to Orphan s Lifeline of Hope International, P.O. Box 1100, Kalispell, MT 59901, or to World Bible School. To send condolences please go to www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Lyn Irene Baden, 61

Lyn Irene Baden passed peacefully away June 20, 2010, at St. Patrick Hospital, with her loving family and friends surrounding her. Lyn s life has been filled with many challenges, which she has met with grace and dignity. Lyn was born May 31, 1949, in Kalispell, to parents Art and Irene Baden. She spent her growing-up years in Smith Valley as part of an active rural community, and graduated in 1967 from Flathead High School, later attending college in Havre. In 1971 Lyn s life was enriched with the birth of her son Shawn, who has remained a blessing in her life ever since. A tragic car accident in 1974 limited her mobility and confined her to a wheelchair; at that time she and Shawn moved to Missoula, where they have resided ever since. Lyn s courage and acceptance of her condition allowed her to pursue a full life, and she touched the lives of many. Lyn is survived by her son, Shawn Baden, and partner Trina of Missoula; her brother Norman and wife Sandy of Lewistown; and several nieces and nephews, Bob Baden of Texas, Linda Brown of Malta, Brian Baden of California, Mark Smith of Alaska, Steve Smith of New Mexico, Barbara Preston of Washington, Chris Frehse of Lewistown and Doug Baden of Minnesota. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Gary Baden; and her sister Fay Ann Baden. Lyn s ready smile and open heart have impacted many along her journey. Her positive attitude and sense of humor will always be remembered. She will be missed by all her family and many friends. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Aug. 7, 2010, at the LDS Church on South Avenue in Missoula.

Viktoria Jacqueline Miller

daughter of George and Sabrina Miller of Kalispell, was born April 20 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Frank Antonio Durado, 69

Frank Antonio Durado, 69, of Grandview, Wash., and formerly of Kalispell, passed away Saturday, June 19, 2010, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born Jan. 1, 1941, to Rocco T. and Frances (Grecco) Durado in Missoula. He was the youngest of five boys, Jim, John, Larry, Bob and Frank. At a young age, his work ethic and infectious smile created many tips while working as a shoeshine boy. A love of music grew as he mastered the drums and started his dance band, The Stardusters, playing for school dances and nightclubs. Frank also enjoyed sports in high school, playing on championship teams in football and basketball, and lettering in track. College brought a new band, The Playboys, with bookings most weekends, which allowed him to work his way to a Bachelor of Arts in music and physical education. While attending Montana State College, he met and married the love of his life, Susan Sue Kent. Together they created a beautiful family, one son, Tony Durado and his fiance, Wendy Hughs, and one daughter, Tammy Parrish and husband, Scott; and grandchildren, Courtney Durado, Payton Parrish, Teagan Parrish, Treyton Rocco Parrish, Amber Foster and Nicole Foster. Mr. D. began teaching music, through which he encouraged others to aspire to their highest potential. He won many awards and took his bands of 70 to 80 members rocking down the street to the latest new beat. After losing partial hearing, he changed directions to marketing and DECA. This began another legacy of molding and mentoring young people to be the best they could be in the business world. Working at Snokist Cherry Warehouse as a test grader sparked a new interest in farming. He and Sue have farmed their cherry orchard for the past 25 years. After 31 years of teaching, he retired to enjoy farming, spending time in the shop with friends, hunting, fishing, creating leaded glass projects, golfing, cooking, laughing and attending the 10-4 Coffee Club meetings. Above all he loved his God and family. You are greatly loved and missed, Cadillac Man. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 23, at the Grandview Church of the Nazarene. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grandview Community Dollars for Scholars at the Chase Bank in Grandview for a DECA Memorial Scholarship Fund in memory of Frank Durado. Those wishing to share their memories or sign Frank s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com.

Tanner Dean Strey

son of Jeremy and Holly Strey of Kalispell, was born April 19 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Elizabeth Rose Cincis

daughter of Chad and Linda Cincis of Columbia Falls, was born April 15 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Virginia Ann (Brooks) Bell, 79

Virginia Bell, 79, passed away with her children by her side June 18, 2010. She was born May 21, 1931, in Ronan. She is survived by her four children, Jack and Julie Bell of Columbia Falls, Sharon Lukens of Forney, Texas, Vivian Spencer of Terrace, British Columbia, and Ken and Barb Bell of Grants Pass, Ore.; 11 grandchildren; six stepgrandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and four stepgreat-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack L. Bell; two sons-in-law, Richard Lukens and Dan Spencer; her parents; three brothers and four sisters. Virginia worked hard, as she would say, for many years of her life. She worked on the farm growing up, and later she cooked in logging camps and restaurants as well as working alongside her husband in cedar mills across Montana, Idaho and Canada. Virginia was the happiest when she could do something for those around her, whether immediate family, her church family or her neighbors. She sought to serve others in the name of the Lord. She loved to garden and definitely had a green thumb. Over the years, many enjoyed the fruit of her labor as she cooked, canned and shared the bounty of her gardens. In her later years, her flower garden continued to bring her much pleasure, especially as those who passed by her window stopped for a moment to enjoy and comment on the beauty they saw. A memorial service joyfully celebrating her life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 26, at Columbia Falls Assembly of God Church.

Izabella Jean Walen

daughter of Andrew and Chelsie Walen of Kalispell, was born April 14 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Teagan James Harley Neether

son of Scott and Heidi Neether of Kalispell, was born April 21 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Clara Beth Shilling

daughter of Adam and Alisha Shilling of Kalispell, was born April 19 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Logan Wyatt Cox

son of K.C. and Melissa Cox of Kalispell, was born April 20 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Kalispell woman to vie for Miss America

A Kalispell woman has been crowned this year’s Miss Montana.

homicide sister crying

Body found in reservoir

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a Kalispell man whose body was found Monday morning after a search in the Graves Bay area on Hungry Horse Reservoir.

Daybook

Today

Woman locks keys and baby inside car

A Kalispell Police officer assisted a woman who had locked her keys inside a car, along with a 6-month-old child, on the 2300 block of U.S. 93.

Montana Tornado

Homicide trial begins

The trial of Baron James Foster got under way Monday with a Flathead County prosecutor outlining in opening arguments how Foster allegedly shot and killed his neighbor, Michele Miller, on May 9, 2009.

Fair Board restarts search for new manager

The Flathead County Fair Board has gone back to the drawing board to find a new fair manager.

More tweaking suggested for Lakeside Neighborhood Plan update

A long-awaited update of the 1994 Lakeside Neighborhood Plan is inching its way toward completion.

Tornado Damage

Tornado Destroys MetraPark

Eli Lee Morgan

son of Jason and Brechta Morgan of Kalispell, was born April 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Donovan Eugene Wells

son of Daniel and Kayla Wells of Bigfork, was born April 8 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Preston Michael Ness

son of Jason Ness and Desauri Connolly of Kalispell, was born April 10 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Silas Matthew Emerson

and Ian Mark Emerson, sons of David and Heather Emerson of Columbia Falls, were born April 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Axel Lee Prather

son of Craig and Dacia Prather of Whitefish, was born April 10 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Robert 'Bob' Melvin Woodland, 70

Robert Bob Melvin Woodland passed away June 16, 2010, in Spokane, traveling with his loving wife, celebrating their 50th Anniversary that day. Bob was born in Butte to Melvin and Mary Sis Woodland. Bob attended St. Ann s Elementary school in Butte and moved to Kalispell with his family in 1954. After graduating from Flathead High School in 1957, Bob worked at the Mobil gas station that his dad owned. He married his wife of 50 years, Rosemary Hebert, in 1960. Bob and Rosemary were blessed with two children, Kelley and Scott. In 1962, he joined the Kalispell Fire Department, where he worked until 1977. He then went to work for Valley Oil. In 1985 Bob and Rosemary moved to Tucson, Ariz. for a short time, returning six months later, after finding that he missed the Flathead Valley too much. Upon his return, he drove a car carrier for a short time, and then drove a fuel tanker for Valcon until his retirement in 2001. Bob enjoyed camping and fishing in his younger years with his family. His favorite spot was Fish Trap. As he grew older, camping continued with trips to Swan Lake. Traveling south in the winter months with his wife became a new adventure and passion. Recently they had been joined by a new puppy, Stomper, who was going to join in on the traveling adventures. He was an old western movie enthusiast, particularly John Wayne movies, one of which he was enjoying at the time of his death. Bob was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary, of Kalispell; one sister, Patricia Johnson, of Walnut Creek, Calif.; one brother, Ed Woodland and his wife, Penni, of Somers; daughter, Kelley Wood and husband, Rick, of Kalispell; and son, Scott Woodland of Kalispell. Also surviving Bob are his mother-in-law, Bernice Teigen of Kalispell; grandchildren, Amanda Hayes, Cody Wood, and Tanner, Travis and Stephanie Woodland, all of Kalispell; and two great-grandchildren, which he considered to be a special blessing, Abigail and Brodie Hayes, also of Kalispell, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. At Bob s request there will be no services held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bob s name to a local charity of choice.

Aryahna Ann Marie Stevenson

daughter of Shawn Stevenson and Tiana Killip of Kalispell, was born April 13 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Jazmyn Rose Perina

daughter of Joey and Carrie Perina of Whitefish, was born April 13 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Ian Mark Emerson

and Silas Matthew Emerson, sons of David and Heather Emerson of Columbia Falls, were born April 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Puffs of air saved preemie

Fighting for every breath

Ashley and Erik Nadeau of Whitefish never expected that their baby would arrive prematurely and end up fighting for breath.

2010 Senior Olympics Results

Golf

Elks take two from Lakers

Lethbridge scored early in the opener, then rallied late in the nightcap to sweep the Kalispell Lakers 5-0 and 7-2 in AA American Legion baseball play on Sunday at Griffin Field.

Bagnell, Rausch pace Mariners sweep of Mavs

POLSON — Kyle Bagnell struck out 13 batters and allowed just one hit and Tim Rausch doubled four times and drove in four runs as the Mission Valley Mariners whipped Missoula 10-0 on Sunday in the first game of an American Legion baseball doubleheader.

Reason for 'caution' unknown

Mary Bang

New music school director makes smooth connection from Vermont to Montana

When Mary Bang decides she wants to try something new, she simply does it.

Daybook

Missouri woman drowns at Glacier National Park

WEST GLACIER (AP) — A 62-year-old Missouri woman drowned after she fell from a bridge and was carried away by a fast-flowing creek in Glacier National Park.

Paul Alan Christopher Ridenour

son of Cody and Kaitlyn Ridenour of Kalispell, was born April 1 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Alex Austin Hogard

son of Cyrus Hogard and Tarissa Marsengill of Kalispell, was born April 2 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Matthew Richard Monen

son of Wendy and Matthew Monen of Kalispell, was born April 1 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Robert 'Bob' M. Woodland, 70

Robert "Bob" Melvin Woodland, 70, passed away June 16, 2010, in Spokane, traveling with his loving wife, celebrating their 50th Anniversary that day. Bob was born in Butte to Melvin and Mary Sis Woodland. Bob attended St. Ann s Elementary school in Butte and moved to Kalispell with his family in 1954. After graduating from Flathead High School in 19575, Bob worked at the Mobil gas station that his dad owned. He married his wife of 50 years, Rosemary Hebert, in 1960. Bob and Rosemary were blessed with two children, Kelley and Scott. In 1962, he joined the Kalispell Fire Department, where he worked until 1977. He then went to work for Valley Oil. In 1985 Bob and Rosemary moved to Tucson, Ariz. for a short time, returning six months later, after finding that he missed the Flathead Valley too much. Upon his return, he drove a car carrier for a short time, and then drove a fuel tanker for Valcon until his retirement in 2001. Bob enjoyed camping and fishing in his younger years with his family. His favorite spot was Fish Trap. As he grew older, camping continued with trips to Swan Lake. Traveling south in the winter months with his wife became a new adventure and passion. Recently they had been joined by a new puppy, Stomper, who was going to join in on the traveling adventures. He was an old western movie enthusiast, particularly John Wayne movies, one of which he was enjoying at the time of his death. Bob was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary, of Kalispell; one sister, Patricia Johnson, of Walnut Creek, Calif.; one brother, Ed Woodland and his wife, Penni, of Somers; daughter, Kelley Wood and husband, Rick, of Kalispell; and son, Scott Woodland of Kalispell. Also surviving Bob are his mother-in-law, Bernice Teigen of Kalispell; grandchildren, Amanda Hayes, Cody Wood, and Tanner, Travis and Stephanie Woodland, all of Kalispell; and two great-grandchildren, which he considered to be a special blessing, Abigail and Brodie Hayes, also of Kalispell, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. At Bob s request there will be no services held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bob s name to a local charity of choice.

Garrett Dale Gress

son of Darrin and Shelly Gress of Columbia Falls, was born April 6 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

super dad

Rally, monster trucks don't mix

At the fairgrounds, where there was, simultaneously, a Gay Pride rally at the north end and a Monster Truck show in the main grandstand, unknown subjects were apparently driving around the north end, tearing down signs and yelling obscenities around 4:30 p.m. Friday, according to a report made to

Inter Lake wins 14 awards at state convention

The Daily Inter Lake won 14 awards Saturday in the 2009 Better Newspaper Contest sponsored by the Montana Newspaper Association.

Local student tops state in academic test

KMS eighth-grader has highest score

A Kalispell Middle School eighth-grader earned the state’s top score in an academic competition.

Boschee inducted into Hall of Fame

Glacier High girls track coach Jerry Boschee was inducted into the North Dakota High School Track and Field Hall of Fame at the 2010 state meet at the Bismarck Community Bowl on May 28 and 29.

Less talk, more action in Gulf

So what did Americans get this week from their political leaders regarding the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico?

Little Bitty Ranch a place for kids to connect with animals

To Susie Thompson, a ranch is not just a place to raise animals. It is a place where one is guaranteed unconditional love.

Whitefish Ice Cream

Kalispell man not charged in meth case

For pleading guilty to possessing drugs and intending to sell them, a Kalispell man will not face charges of operating a meth lab.

Whitefish garden closes in on grant competition

Following a concerted grassroots effort, the Whitefish Community Garden has won the online voting challenge for the Nature’s Path Gardens for Good grant contest by 196 votes and is now in the running to win a $25,000 grant.

Twins get rolling at tourney

WENATCHEE, Wash. — The AA Glacier Twins won two of three games in the first two days of the Apple Valley Invitational baseball tournament.

Navy Seals were heroes ... even before they were proven innocent

“Where do I go to get my reputation back?” former Labor Secretary Ray Donovan famously asked after being acquitted of fraud and larceny in 1987.

'You scream, I scream...'

With two new shops, Whitefish has frozen treats galore

There are few things as indispensable to summer as a good, old-fashioned ice cream cone. It’s cheap, it’s delicious and it’s the perfect complement to a hot day at the beach.

Damian Archer Moller

son of Brad Moller and Katie Nesbit, was born May 2 at North Valley Hospital.

Adelaide Camas McCarter

daughter of Carsten and Jennifer McCarter, was born May 5 at North Valley Hospital.

Roane Henry Wiersma

son of Ben and Brittani Wiersma, was born May 6

Shaedra Cailet Penner

daughter of Chris Penner and Denise Krause of Kalispell, was born May 10 at North Valley Hospital.

Aidan William Hartman

son of Michael Hartman and Pamela Callnan of Fortine, was born May 6 at North Valley Hospital.

Hailee Elizabeth Holley-Jordan

daughter of Amber Holley and Mike and Lissa Jordan of Kalispell, was born May 11 at North Valley Hospital.

Catherine Rose Opalka

daughter of James and Becky Opalka of Columbia Falls, was born May 11 at North Valley Hospital.

Ella Frances Robbins

daughter of Frederick and Jennifer Robbins of Columbia Falls, was born May 7 at North Valley Hospital.

Lillian Grayce Kelley

daughter of James and Shasta Kelley of Columnbia Falls, was born May 6 at North Valley Hospital.

Sun Road opens to Big Bend

The west side of Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road was opened to the Big Bend area Friday afternoon.

Lakers rally back in Libby

LIBBY - Cody Dopps knocked in three runs, Mario Venturini had two RBI and the Class AA Kalispell Lakers rallied back from a 7-0 deficit to beat the Class A Libby Loggers 19-11 in a nonconference American Legion baseball game on Friday.

Daybook

Denali in detail

Flathead deputies recount arduous journey to the top

For three long days, four members of the Cops on Top team sat in their cramped tents at 17,200 feet on Denali, waiting out a storm that threatened their summit attempt.

Anderson closes out education career

Bill Anderson recommends that anyone interested in education start their careers in a place like Westby.

Search on for missing woman

Rangers are searching for a woman who was seen falling from a bridge in Glacier National Park early Friday.

FVCC expands nursing capacity

Flathead Valley Community College plans to expand its practical nursing program student capacity following approval from the Montana State Board of Nursing to double enrollment from 10 to 20 students.

Denali - Cops on Top

Columbia Falls names top teachers

Five educators were chosen Teachers of the Year recently by their peers in the Columbia Falls School District.

Storm Douglas Lister

son of Gordon and Kay Lister of Kalispell, was born May 3 at North Valley Hospital.

Ilse Marit Aiken

daughter of Jay and Kari Aiken of Bigfork, was born May 4 at North Valley Hospital.

Benjamin Arden Byers

son of Carson Byers and Katie Low, was born May 3 at North Valley Hospital.

Richard Charles Dick Riedel, 59

He arrived on a rainy June morning in 1951, the second child of Mary and Tom Riedel, and they christened him Richard Charles Riedel after each of his grandfathers, but through most of his life he was known to us as Dick. He completed his far-too-short circle of years on June 14, 2010, the same day he was born, on his 59th birthday. Dick died quietly in his sleep of heart failure. Dick was a well-loved son, brother and uncle; a father, grandfather and friend. There was a time he was a daredevil little boy who scribbled on kitchen walls with crayons, chased the cat and teased his sister. In that young rapscallion, few would have seen the kind, easygoing man that emerged, with his special smile and a ready quip. Dick was raised in the Lower Valley, a fourth-generation native. He attended school at St. Matthew s and Flathead High School, and later FVCC. He worked for a time in the non-food department at Buttrey Foods and later retired to take up his real life s work, farming. While working at Buttrey, Dick met his wife, Bonnie, and with her came two of his life s most gracious gifts, his daughter, Melanie, and son, Justin Francis. Though the couple later divorced, Bonnie and her family always had a special place in his heart. Dick was, in the span of his life, a quietly amazing man. He was the quintessential go-to guy. All you needed to do was tell him when and where. He could fabricate anything from a tractor part to a toy chest, and there was never a Chevy he didn t love, and he loved lots of them. Dick was a master gardener, a fisherman and gun enthusiast. One of his pet projects was the sweet corn he grew so proudly in the garden east of his home. He was also a fierce Nascar fan and a lover of animals, particularly his boys, Otis, Dink and Tuffy. If the practical joke could have been an art form, Dick had that perfected. He loved the gatherings with his extended families and the good food, good times and good fellowship with them. He held a place of special reverence for the pies his daughter made him, and his last night was celebrated properly with her famous birthday pie. Dick appreciated so many things " the earth he worked to perfection, the beauty of a sunset, the amazing bits of nature he observed from the seat of a tractor. In recent years, some of the finest things in his life came to him in the form of those who called him Grandpa and Uncle Dick. Dick kept short accounts, and if he carried any grudges, they were known only to him. His sense of humor, charity, integrity and kindness defined his life. Throughout that life, like a deep, quiet river, ran his faith in Christ, seldom spoken, unfailingly lived. Dick is survived by his daughter, Melanie Nelson and her husband, Andy; their children, Adam, Audrey and Grahme; by his sister and friend, Kay Burt; his nephew, Justin Burt and wife, Melanie, and their children, Timothy, Jonathan, Faith, Grace and Benjamin; his nephew, Brandon Burt and wife, Megan, and sons David, Thomas and Kieren; and his niece, Courtenay Dulak. He is survived by friends and extended family, too numerous to mention here, but each immensely loved. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Tom Riedel; and by his son, Justin, in July of 2000. Dick s was a life so many long for, one of quiet satisfaction. He died and went in peace with his fellow man, himself and God, and there are no words deep or wide enough to say how he will be missed. Graveside services for Dick will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Bethel Cemetery on North Somers Road. A reception will follow. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at Johnson-Gloschat funeral home. The family suggests memorials be made in his name to the Northwest Humane Society, P.O. Box 221, Kalispell, MT 59901. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Dick s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Dick s tribute wall.

Willem Tuinzing Pedersen

son of Mike and Annelies Pedersen of Columbia Falls, was born May 9 at North Valley Hospital.

Fisher Jones

son of Dustin Jones and Gillian Bales of Kalispell, was born May 3 at North Valley Hospital.

Louis Anton Schreiner

son of Randall and Rebecca Schreiner of Eureka, was born April 20 at North Valley Hospital.

Trent Matthew Shay

son of Andrew and Anna Shay of Fortine, was born May 3 at North Valley Hospital.

Cody Allen Floyd

son of Randal and Kristi Floyd of Coram, was born April 21 at North Valley Hospital.

Four mares released on Wild Horse Island

Flathead Lake’s Wild Horse Island got four more namesake animals Wednesday, wild horses delivered from the Ulm area.

Flooding unlikely despite heavy rain

With recent steady rain, Northwest Montana rivers are rising to peak flows over the next couple of days, but are expected to stay below flood stage.

Libby Dam tests inconclusive on sturgeon spawning

The spill test at Libby Dam ended Thursday morning, but it’s still unclear whether there was any success in using higher flows to get white sturgeon to move into optimal spawning habitat on the Kootenai River.

Woman sentenced in high-speed chase

The Rollins woman who led officers on a high-speed chase that ended in a head-on collision was sentenced during a hearing Thursday afternoon.

'It's a little wild out there now'

Gov. Brian Schweitzer is confident there will be changes to Montana’s medical marijuana law, that Montana’s agreement with British Columbia over mining in the Canadian Flathead will produce the expected results and that the state will endure its fiscal challenges.

Sexual assailant is sentenced

A man accused of sexually assaulting a girl at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting was sentenced during a Thursday morning hearing.

wild horse island

Three in the group of four wild mares make their way onto Wild Horse Island Wednesday. State Senator Brad Hamlett, of Cascade, and Lyle Heavy Runner, of Great Falls, donated the horses to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Robert Lee of Cromwell Island donated the use of a barge to transport them. These mares joined the two geldings currently living on the island, which calls for a herd of five wild horses to roam the 2,164-acre site. According to Flathead Lake Parks Manager Jerry Sawyer, roughly 1,500 people typically visit the island from mid-June to mid-September. "The horses are really popular," he said. "Tourists come out, do some hiking and they want to see some wild horses."

Airport in line for grant to update master plan

Kalispell’s Airport looks to be in line for a $95,000 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Editorial delayed ... by rain

We were going to write an editorial today about the opening of Going to the Sun Road... We were hoping to write an editorial about the opening of the Sun Road. We really wish we could write an editorial saying Sun Road was going to open across the top today.

Partial Sun Road opening expected

Snow-clearing operations have been hindered by foul weather in the Logan Pass area in recent days, but Going-to-the-Sun Road will open to vehicles up the Big Bend area by this weekend, weather and road conditions permitting, park officials said.

Ronan man sentenced

A Ronan man was sentenced Thursday for breaking into two Bigfork businesses — part of a string of burglaries that spanned three western Montana counties.

Doris Ziegler Schumm, 72

Doris Ziegler Schumm passed away on Nov. 28, 2009. Doris philosophy of life was to experience it to the utmost. Her sense of adventure, compassion for others and tireless energy defined her. She was born in Indianapolis and grew up there with her sister and three brothers. The family spent their summers at Walloon Lake in Michigan, where Doris spent most of her waking hours in the water, either swimming or navigating her Sunfish sailboat. Her enthusiasm was on proud display as a Lawrence High School cheerleader. She attended Hanover College, continued on as a cheerleader, joined the Phi Mu sorority, and met and married Jerry Schumm. Upon his completion of law school, they relocated to Seattle for 17 years, having two children, Steve and Surrey. This phase of Doris adventure was dedicated to nurturing her kids and supporting their ambitions to the fullest. She did, however, find time to learn to play tennis, which became one of her lifelong passions. In 1973, the family moved to Whitefish. Doris was a force in the burgeoning tennis scene in the valley, organizing and winning many a tournament. Having boundless energy, she was also a horse jumper, skier, water-skier (sometimes in a prom dress ), high school tennis coach, mountain biker, hiker, kayaker and rollerblader, to name a just a few of her activities. She was also a huge supporter of the community and donated much of her time and energy for causes dear to her heart, such as the Whitefish Community Foundation, the Whitefish Food Bank, the Whitefish Library and the Whitefish Theatre Co. Later in her life she became quite a world traveler, having visited every continent. Her travels were many times with her siblings and children and included such adventures as exploring the Galapagos Islands, trekking in Peru, floating the Nile and, two years ago, a dip into the icy waters of Antarctica. Doris spent the last 10 winters on Maui, where she loved kayaking, swimming and snorkeling. Her zest for life was a thing of wonder. When in Whitefish she began most every morning at the Buffalo Cafe with her Coffee Boys, making sure they tipped adequately and otherwise behaved themselves, not always successfully! Doris generosity of spirit and open heart touched all she came into contact with. She had a long, long list of close friends and family all over the world. Doris was always up for an adventure and the ultimate partner in fun. Doris will be missed dearly by us all but lives on in each adventure we embark upon, hand that we lend and heartfelt laugh that we share. There will be a luau celebration to reminisce about Doris life from 4 to 7 p.m. June 26 at the Stumptown Ice Den. It is open to any and all who knew and loved Doris. In lieu of flowers, please honor Doris memory through the Whitefish Community Foundation, The Whitefish Library, The Whitefish Theatre Co. or the Whitefish Food Bank.

Jonathan A. Leavitt, 73

Jonathan A. Leavitt, 73, died Sunday, June 6, 2010, of natural causes, in Kalispell. He was born in Glasgow, Ky. He graduated from Colville High School in Colville, Wash. Jon worked for Boeing in Seattle before following in his father s footsteps and going to work for the U.S. Forest Service on the Flathead National Forest. On Feb. 14, 1975, he married Margo Kostka at his parents home in the Rattlesnake Canyon near Missoula. He enjoyed hunting, camping and picking huckleberries before his retirement. He spent time playing cards and completing jigsaw puzzles with family and friends at the family home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roswell and Ruth Leavitt; a brother, Scott Leavitt; his son, Jonathan Scott Leavitt; and an infant daughter, Diane Leavitt. He is survived by his wife, Margo Leavitt, of Kalispell; and his children, Linda Clark of Kalispell, Barb Libo, Debbie McIintosh and Scott Libo, all of the Seattle area; his grandchildren, Jeff Harper, Jonathan Griggs, Raymond Griggs, Samantha Theilen, Justin Dahlum, Ryan Ehlke, Courtney Jonas, Joshua Whitis, Alyssa Libo and Jack Libo; and four great-grandchildren, Haley Griggs, Tivan Theilen, Haden Dahlum and Bella Marie Jonas. He is also survived by his brother, Glen Leavitt, and Pug Carey, of Dillon; cousin, Carolyn Fincher; nephews, Jonathan C. Leavitt and Chad Leavitt, and stepchildren, Kelly Morrow of Kalispell and Tracy Wilson of Seattle. There will be no public service. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.

William Bill F. Ambrose, 84

After a long and full life, William Bill F. Ambrose, 84, died at his home on the original Ambrose homestead in Creston on June 12, 2010, with family at his side. He died of natural causes, after a yearlong struggle with the effects of a stroke and Parkinson s disease. Bill was born in Kalispell on Oct. 9,1925, the second of three children born to Thomas Henry and Elizabeth Lizzie (Sullivan) Ambrose. Bill grew up on his dad s farm, a scant mile south of the Ambrose homestead where his grandparents lived. He was a true farm boy, through and through. Freckle-faced and mischievous, he worked the farm as a youngster and to well into his 70s. He walked to Echo School, a one-room school where his father, and later his own children, were educated. He graduated from Bigfork High School in 1943. Unlike many of his generation, he could not enter the military but stayed on the home place helping his father and brother farm both the Grant place and the Ambrose farm. He tried his hand at stone masonry with Anderson Masonry but ultimately returned to farming, a way of life he embraced and loved. He could work a team of horses and was one of the last in the area to feed with a team and sled in winter. He literally went from a Model T to riding in the cockpit of the Concorde, twice, to and from London. As a young man, Bill met Louise while he was on a date with her older sister. Louise, smitten, told her brother, I m going to marry that man. On July 28, 1951, Bill married Louise Bartlett at St. Anne s Church in Somers. He and Louise soon moved to the Ambrose homestead, where he lived for the remainder of his life. Theirs was a devoted partnership that lasted throughout all their years. Bill and Louise were blessed with daughters, four of them, but together they raised independent women. He continued to farm in the Creston area until his retirement only a few years ago, brought on by ill health. Bill was very involved with the community in which he lived. He was a charter member of the Creston Volunteer Fire Department, where he remained active for 53 years, continuing to work on the board of trustees until this year. He was also a member of the Eastside Grange, ASCS/Farm Services and Cenex Farmer s Union. Bill was active in the Catholic community of St. Catherine s Parish in Bigfork, where he remained a member when the parish combined with St. Anne s to become Pope John Paul II. Bill was fortunate to travel to Europe, England, Africa and Ireland, as well as many places in the United States, but he always kept his watch set to Montana time. Bill was not much of a gypsy, and he always thought Montana, particularly Creston, was the best place to be. He enjoyed his regular meetings with his coffee bunch and loved to visit with old and new neighbors and friends all his life. He loved history, always reading about World War II, the Civil War and Montana history, and was a great resource about the history of the Flathead Valley. But what he cherished most was his wife, his family, the farm, three meals a day (on time), coffee and gossip with friends and five evening news broadcasts. You couldn t speak to Bill or interrupt him during the noonday farm report without being shushed, even as grown women. Still, Dad was our anchor, the only male in a household of women. No wonder he liked the solitude of tractor and field. We will miss you, Dad. Good night, sleep tight and don t let the bed bugs bite. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jimmy; and his sister, Mary Ruschman. Dad is survived by his wife of 58 years, Louise, at the family home; his daughters, Colleen Ambrose and husband, Earl, of Garrison, Kelly Ambrose Kelsey and husband, Kim, of Gallatin Gateway, Kathleen Ambrose, and Patricia Ambrose; six grandchildren, Carrie and Raney Frick, Konnor, Kameron and Kyleen Kelsey, and Madison Ambrose Hall; as well as two great-grandchildren, Brook and Jackson. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Elmer Ruschman, of Kentucky; and his niece, Beth Finn, and nephew, Tom Ruschman; and numerous cousins. On Louise s side, he is survived by his sister-in-law, Marlene Bartlett, of Seeley Lake; and Mickey and Bonnie Bartlett of Vancouver, Wash. We d like to thank the Creston Fire Department for continuing to include Dad, especially this last year, and for making him feel so appreciated and respected. Special thanks to Lynn Kehoe and Heather Sullivan of Agape Home Services for their loving care of Bill and to the many friends who visited him at home over the past year. Visitation will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, June 18, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home in Kalispell. A rosary will be said at 7 p.m. Friday at Pope John Paul II Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 19, at Pope John Paul II in Bigfork. Please join us in celebrating Dad s life. Interment will take place at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Bill s family suggests memorials to the Creston Fire Department, 4498 Montana 35, Kalispell, MT 59901. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Bill s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Bill s tribute wall and share condolences.

Rayma J. Beller, 84

Rayma J. Beller, 84, died Tuesday, June 15, 2010, in Kalispell. Born Sept. 24, 1925, at Rexberg, Idaho, she came to Whitefish as a child with her parents, Harry and Anna Wagner. Rayma was raised and educated in Whitefish, graduating from Whitefish High School in 1943. She later married Jack Beller. She and Jack made their home in Whitefish, where they raised their family. She enjoyed being a mother and liked to cook, can and garden. She continued to make her home in Whitefish until moving to Kalispell in 2006. Preceding her in death were her husband, and her son, Wayne. Survivors include her daughter, Terri Gimello, and husband, Michael, of Columbia Falls; and grandchildren, Adam, Jason, Briana and Kyle. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Whitefish Cemetery. Austin Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Parking, collective bargaining top health agenda

The Flathead County Board of Health meets today to consider a variance request from the city of Whitefish, a new employee bargaining agreement and proposed changes in some community health services fees.

Students get help from high-tech tools

Beginning this summer, students at Flathead Valley Community College have access to state-of-the-art technology tools to prepare them for the business of jewelry design and manufacturing.

School seeks volunteers for two committees

West Glacier Elementary School is looking for community input on two committees.

Bartender pleads no contest to over-serving

Hale convicted of role in crash that killed trooper

A bartender pleaded no contest during a hearing Wednesday to over-serving the drunken driver responsible for a crash that killed him and a Montana Highway Patrol trooper.

Kalispell man pleads not guilty to child-porn charges

In federal court Tuesday, a Kalispell man pleaded not guilty to receiving child pornography.

Long-overdue stimulus arrives

The bloated federal stimulus package passed in early 2009 has long been frustrating, full of faults and clearly not the most effective way to actually stimulate the economy.

Like 'good dinner conversation'

One-man show brings legendary Barrymore to life

Director Greg Johnson likens the Alpine Theatre Project production of the one-man show “Barrymore” to “a really great dinner conversation — with a fabulous guest.”

Rape, kidnap case dismissed

Charges have been dropped against Kasey D. Kehoe, 27, the man accused of kidnapping and rape a month ago in Hungry Horse.

'This is by far the best Walmart in the world'

It was perhaps the most celebrated Hershey bar in Walmart history.

Has the World Cup been worth the four-year wait?

West Valley School expansion rejected

West Valley voters rejected the school district's $3.5 million bond request Tuesday.

Barrymore

New Walmart Opening

Denali Climber return safely home

Thomas A. McDermott, 72

Thomas A. McDermott, 72, passed away suddenly from a heart attack on Saturday, June 12, 2010, at his home in Kalispell. Darlene and family wish to express their deepest appreciation to Tom and Darlene s neighbor, Travis, and the Kalispell Fire Department EMS team who worked selflessly in an attempt to save his life. Despite his sudden departure from us, Tom lived a full and happy life. Following his honorable service in the Unites States Army, Tom married Judy Troy. Together they raised their three daughters, Theresa Kerzman, Lorraine Fox and Valerie Rao, in the New Jersey area where Tom worked for RCA. Life transitions caused their marriage to end, but Tom and Judy remained friends. After moving to the Flathead Valley in 1974, Tom worked for Semitool, Inc., where he met the love of his life, Darlene, and became a second Dad to Pam Penrod, Jody Hunt, Cristie Hunt and Michelle Reimer. Tom was also employed by Nupac, where he enjoyed working with many friends. After his retirement in 2003, he proudly served his community as a member of the Flathead County Sheriff s Posse. During the summer, Tom relaxed by spending time boating with his wife and family on lakes around the valley. Tom and Darlene enjoyed spending their winter months in Port Mansfield, Texas, where they met many wonderful people while attending Port Mansfield Community Baptist Church. Among their dearest friends is Robert. Robert s passion for Christ, despite extremely difficult circumstances, affected Tom deeply and rekindled his love for God, which ultimately led him to his heavenly home. Tom will be forever missed by his wife, Darlene; his seven daughters; sons-in-law; and nieces, Lisa, Donna and Susan. His absence will create a void in the family which cannot be filled. Gramps was devoted to his 20 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, whose lives are eternally changed because of his love and influence. It is fitting to note that Tom died wearing his favorite Awesome Grandpa T-shirt. A private family memorial has taken place. Memorials may be made to africanchildrenschoir.com. Austin Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Kortni Renae Speed

daughter of Amanda Speed of Columbia Falls, was born April 9 at North Valley Hospital.

Lily Aaliyah Popelka

daughter of Josiah and Angel Popelka, was born April 13 at North Valley Hospital.

Douglas Eugene Eyestone

son of Jonathan and Emily Eyestone of Kalispell, was born April 22 at North Valley Hospital.

Aedan Koyt Flanigan-McMickle

son of James McMickle and Amanda Flanigan of Kalispell, was born April 13 at North Valley Hospital.

Nathanael Douglas John Brisendine

son of Carl and Bonai Brisendine of Kalispell, was born March 31 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Lila Elaine Zuffelato

daughter of Dustin and Nicole Zuffelato of Kalispell, was born March 31 at North Valley Hospital.

Evelyn Grace Vradenburg

daughter of Jerod and Amy Vradenburg, was born April 10 at North Valley Hospital.

Bentley Wayne Cody

son of Devin Wayne Cody and Bethany Lynn Owens of Columbia Falls, was born April 14 at North Valley Hospital.

Natalie Joe Cislo

daughter of Josh and Heidi Cislo of Whitefish, was born April 10 at North Valley Hospital.

Jacob Alexander Wiebe

son of Daniel Wiebe and Ashley Gordner of Kalispell, was born April 24 at North Valley Hospital.

Isabelle Marie Backer

daughter of Joshua Backer, Jr. and Chelsi Birgensmith, was born April 14 at North Valley Hospital.

Jerika Kathleen K. Bonny

daughter of Caleb and Julie Bonny of Kalispell, was born March 31 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Ashyr Kordel Chilson

son of Ryan and Megan Chilson of Whitefish, was born April 8 at North Valley Hospital.

Maielle Audrey Bales

daughter of Brian and Nicolette Bales of Coram, was born April 12 at North Valley Hospital.

Bailey Mae Shewalter

daughter of Michelle Shewalter of Columbia Falls, was born April 7 at North Valley Hospital.

Kalispell sewer users could face higher costs

5-percent raise may be ‘way too low’

Kalispell officials are proposing a 5-percent increase in sewer rates.

Sun Road opening uncertain

Snow-plow crews tackling Big Drift

Glacier National Park plow crews are still digging into the Big Drift near Logan Pass, and with poor weather on the horizon it’s unlikely that the pass will open to vehicle traffic by Friday.

Golfers primed for Pinehurst

Bigfork’s Keenan, Libby’s Johnston qualify for U.S. Kids Golf World Championship

Making the cut at this tournament was a biggie for five youngsters on Tuesday at Buffalo Hill Golf Club.

Trail crossing may go underneath road

After a four-year saga, the city of Kalispell has reached a compromise on the Willow Creek residential development.

Mavs humble Lakers

Missoula avenges earlier season loss by sweeping doubleheader

Deep home runs, diving catches, hard hits up and down the batting order - the Mavs can do it all.

Invasive species plan available for public review

The Flathead Basin Aquatic Invasive Species Draft Plan is available for public review and comment through July 15. 

911 Center now up and running

Aside from a few minor glitches, dispatchers had a pretty smooth transition into Flathead County’s new consolidated 911 Center.

Round and round

Daybook

Kalispell studies system of business licenses

Business licenses could be on the agenda for Kalispell business owners soon.

Lakers Baseball

Little Bitty Ranch

US Kids Golf World Championship Qualifier

Nadeau baby saved

Lloyd Weldy, 78

Lloyd Weldy passed away on Oct. 6, 2009, in KaIispeII. He was born April 9, 1931, in Rocky River, Ohio, to Lorna and Lloyd Weldy Sr. After graduating from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and joined the Field Band as a trombonist. Lloyd earned a doctorate in music at the University of Southern California. He was a professor of music at the University of Arizona. As a professional musician, Lloyd performed with the Los Angeles, Phoenix and Tucson symphonies. He contracted musicians for celebrities on tour, such as Cher and Sammy Davis Jr., when they performed in Arizona. He also filled in for musicians for acts in Las Vegas, Reno and Lake Tahoe casinos during his vacation breaks while at the University of Arizona. Later, he branched out into arts administration and staffed facilities in Arizona, New Jersey and Michigan where he presented concerts, other entertainment and speakers, including Vincent Price and Charles Kuralt. In addition to having a good ear for music, Lloyd had a good eye for beautiful things. Landscaping, architecture and interior design captivated him. He used his talents to design and redecorate his many homes. He collected modern art and often built his own furniture to fit his vision. Photography was a passion for which he won many awards. Lloyd loved the outdoors and was a distinguished Eagle Scout. He lived most of his early adult life in Tucson, Ariz., where he was drawn to the fragile beauty of the desert and became a docent at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. Many trips were spent hiking through the Swiss Alps from where his ancestors came. His last years were spent enjoying life in the Big Sky country of Montana. He married Norma Pitts of Clarksburg, W.Va., in 1952. Norma, a pianist he met at CCM, has academic degrees and proficiency in languages. They were well-suited for each other with similar interests in music, teaching and especially traveling. Altogether, Lloyd created and lived a very full and exciting life. He moved on with his usual quirky sense of humor and much dignity as he headed off to a new quest. He is survived by his wife, Norma, of 57 years; and two daughters, Kim Brown, and Piper Weldy. In addition, he leaves behind his cherished sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Ray Bahm. His family thanks you for your good thoughts over this time.

Neighbor threatens woman's cats

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office heard from a Shady Lane resident Sunday afternoon who was reporting that an elderly woman next door was threatening to make her cats disappear.

Eureka couple's ministry finds footing in the great outdoors

It’s been a long time coming, but Marty and Darla Kaarre’s outdoor ministry has taken hold in the mountains of Northwest Montana.

Senior center welcomes help from realty crew

After a year of maintenance nightmares, the staff and volunteers at the Kalispell Senior Center welcomed a surprise offer of painting labor from Keller Williams Realty with donated Sherwin-Williams paint.

Board takes second look at Lakeside plan

Now being deliberated for a third year, the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan comes back before the Flathead County Planning Board on Wednesday for a second work session.

Daybook

Today

Group aims for repeal of medical marijuana law

BILLINGS — A group trying to repeal Montana’s medical marijuana law started gathering signatures over the weekend.

Flag Day Ceremony

Nesting baby robins

Mokutaro M. Hori

Linda Boe

Answering a call when a person's life depends on it

The call came in like any other 911 call.

Paralyzed pilot

Joseph Andrew Jelleff

son of Joseph Jelleff and Nikkia Cooper of Kalispell, was born March 30 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center He weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces, and was 20.25 inches long.

Gwendolyn Louise Russell

daughter of Kirk and Shyla Russell of Bigfork, was born March 25 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center She weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces, and was 20 inches long.

Mattilynn Clair Juelfs

daughter of Matthew and Jessica Juelfs of Whitefish, was born March 25 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center She weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces, and was 19 inches long.

Alexandra Calypso Cash

daughter of Russell Cash and Amanda Sesock of Bigfork, was born March 24 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center She weighed 8 pounds, 13 ounces, and was 20 inches long.

Noah Kenai Dugan-Hutchison

son of Cory Hutchison and Chandra Dugan of Kalispell, was born March 26 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center He weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces, and was 21 inches long.

Elizabeth Marie Reichow

daughter of Andrew and Jennifer Reichow of Kalispell, was born March 29 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center She weighed 8 pounds, 14 ounces, and was 21 1/2 inches long.

Raya Jane Gronley

daughter of Ben and Kara Gronley of Kalispell, was born March 24 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center She weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces, and was 20 inches long.

Elijah Lee Jordan

son of Matthew Jordan and Bethany Wallace of Marion, was born March 26 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center He weighed 8 pounds, and was 19.5 inches long.

Trey James Hopkins

son of Nate and Shaeleen Hopkins of Kalispell, was born March 26 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center Trey joins Ava Sky.

Sophia Grace Pittaway

daughter of Thomas and Holly Pittaway of Kalispell, was born March 27 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center She weighed 7 pounds, and was 20 inches long.

Tel William Anderson

son of Ty and Leanne Ander He weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces, and was 20 inches long.

Darby Mae Stonehocker

daughter of Colt and Holly Stonehocker of Charlo, was born March 26 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center She weighed 5 pounds, 9 ounces, and was 18 inches long.

Karver Alan Buss

son of Cameron Buss and Heather Hedrick of Kalispell, was born March 25 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center Paternal grandparents are Terry Buss and Donna Buss of Missoula. Maternal grandparents are Lora Hedrick of Kalispell and Drew Hedrick of Great Falls.

Great Northern State 1 Criterium

After 19 years, paralyzed pilot earns private license

It’s taken 19 years, but Justin Sands finally has his private pilot’s license in hand.

Daybook

Irene Doris Darling, 80

Irene Doris Darling, 80, of Columbia Falls, passed away peacefully Wednesday night, June 9, 2010 at the Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center in Whitefish, with her husband, son and daughter at her side. Irene was born Jan. 13, 1930, in Westby, to Archie and Persis Downen. The family migrated westward, first to Browning, then to Coram, in 1936, and arrived and settled in Columbia Falls in 1940. She attended school in Coram and Columbia Falls. On April 10, 1949, she married Marvin Pete Darling of Columbia Falls. This year they celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. Irene worked at the Veterans Home for a short time. She also worked at B & B Foods for nearly 20 years, and at the Aluminum Plant for approximately 10 years as a custodian. She finished her working career at Brendan House in Kalispell. Irene is survived by her husband, Marvin Pete , of 61 years; her son, Charles and wife, Maryleigh Darling, of Columbia Falls; daughter, Judith Ann and husband, Steve Benson, of Columbia Falls; three grandchildren, Evan Darling of Columbia Falls, Charlie and wife, Eve Darling, of Starr, Idaho, and Kara and Bill Gustafson of Columbia Falls; four great-grandchildren, Skylar and Billy Gustafson of Columbia Falls, and Hunter and Tanner Darling of Starr, Idaho; sisters, Clarice Harrison of Whitefish, and Arlene Rowe of Kalispell; brothers, Stan Downen and Richard Dick Downen, both of Columbia Falls; lifelong friend, Martha Kassel of Columbia Falls; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Irene was preceded in death by her mother, Persis Downen; father, Archie Downen; sister, Ardythe Richmond; and her grandparents, Peter and Lenora Mack. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 15, at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls, with Pastor Ray Davis of Kalispell officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Irene s name to the Wildcat Endowment Association, P.O. Box 2932, Columbia Falls, MT 59912. Arrangements are by the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls.

Shirley Anne Wesley, 63

Shirley Anne Wesley, 63, passed away Monday, June 7, 2010 in Whitefish, surrounded by her family. She was born Jan. 16, 1947, at Coudersport, Pa., to Carl and Rose Smith. She attended college in Philadelphia, graduating as a lab technician. She worked as a lab tech in Coudersport, until she and her husband, David, moved to Montana in 1974. She worked as a lab tech at North Valley Hospital until retiring to raise her three children. After her family was grown, she began working at Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish, until retiring in 2005. Shirley was an avid Dallas Cowboys football fan and never missed a game. When not watching football, she could be found doing anything and everything with her children and grandchildren. Shirley will be very much missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 43 years, David. Surviving her are a brother, Robert Smith of Coudersport, Pa.; her children, Robert Wesley and wife, Lexy, of Newport News, Va., Karen Baker and husband, Dave, and David Wesley; as well as grandchildren, Kelsey and Megan Baker, all of Whitefish; and many more family and dear friends. Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 15, at the Austin Funeral Home Chapel. A reception will follow at Grouse Mountain Lodge. Memorials in her name may be made to the Flathead Animal Shelter.

Donald William Kaltschmidt Sr., 80

Donald William Kaltschmidt Sr., 80, died at home on Thursday, June 10, 2010, in Kalispell from cancer. He was welcomed into the world as the only child of William and Bertha Kaltschmidt on June 8, 1930, in Queens, New York. At the age of two, the family moved to Carlstadt, N.J., where he spent his growing years in the company of his aunts, uncles and cousins. In 1947, he graduated from East Rutherford High School and later spent a year and a half at Syracuse University on a Football scholarship. He became a patrolman with the Carlstadt police force, and at 22 years of age entered training to become a New Jersey State Trooper and was later stationed on the Turnpike. On July 25, 1955, he married Birthe Jorgensen from Copenhagen, Denmark, and together they had three children, Donald Jr., Karole and Kenneth. In 1968, the family went on an extensive vacation touring across the United States looking for a better place to live and move. Kalispell was the ideal choice and the family packed up and came west, where Don spent his remaining years. Don's gratification and fulfillment came from time spent in the water, swimming or paddling a canoe. He loved dogs and always had a faithful canine companion at his side. He and his wife, Birthe, of 54 years, enjoyed a portion of their retirement as snowbirds, traveling with a camper across the border into Mexico. Don was happy to launch a canoe each morning to go fishing and share the fresh catch. He invested a great deal of his time and energy toward his passion to support and help those in need, and shared a fellowship with all in Alcoholics Anonymous. He is survived by his wife, Birthe Kaltschmidt; two sons, Donald Kaltschmidt Jr. and his wife, Debbie, of Whitefish, and Kenneth Kaltschmidt and his wife, Marcy, of Auburn, Wash.; one daughter, Karole Sommerfield and her husband, Dale, of Kalispell; eight grandchildren, Don Jr. s sons, Erik, Jason, and Kevin, Ken's daughters, Cali, Sierra, and Shelby, and Karole s daughter and son, Stacey and Scott. A memorial service and celebration will be held in honor of Don's life at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 16, in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel, with Chaplain Bob Thornton of Home Options Hospice officiating. The family suggests memorial donations can be made to Home Options Hospice, 430 Windward Way, Kalispell, MT 59901. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Donald's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Donald's tribute wall.

Roy Louis Wolf, 83

Roy Louis Wolf, 83, passed away May 26, 2010. He was born Aug. 18, 1926, in Blue Grass N.D., to Bernard and Anna (Krueger) Wolf. The family moved to Kalispell when Roy was young. He graduated from high school as an Eagle Scout then joined the Navy a day before his 18th birthday. He served two and a half years, with most of time spent as a gunner in the South Pacific. He had many jobs in his life, including being a smoke chaser, a fireman at a nuclear plant, a trash collector and a milkman. He also worked on the Hungry Horse Dam. In the 60s Roy became a carpenter and then went on to do concrete work. Mud was his passion! He worked in concrete until after his 80th birthday. For his 80th birthday the family decorated a pickup and drove in a community parade with banners signed by family and friends. Roy was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles for over 60 years, and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He valued that his father and all of his brothers were members of the Eagles together. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers Albert, Leonard, and Milton; and an infant daughter, Peggy. Survivors include his wife of 44 years Gloria (Stubbs); daughters, Sandra Thompson of Plains, Debra Wills of Mesa, Ariz., and Cindy Chenowath of Morgan Hills, Calif.; a son, Rick of Portland; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren; also several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank all the loving people that cared for him in life and death. At his request there will be no services. Memorials are suggested at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles or the VFW.

Japanese settler given Hall of Fame honor for his role in Whitefish history

One of Whitefish's most accomplished early Japanese immigrants has earned a place of honor in the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame & Western Heritage Center.

W. Valley ballots due on Tuesday

Ballots in West Valley School’s $3.5 million bond election are due Tuesday.

Western governors coming to Whitefish

Whitefish later this month is hosting 22 U.S. governors representing 19 western states and three U.S. territories, along with Canadian premiers.

Patients defend marijuana

Don Lisk, 57, of Kalispell has spent at least 20 years in pain from back injuries.

Daybook

'Investing in public safety'

It’s a new world for emergency services in the Flathead Valley.

Forest launches array of stimulus projects

The Flathead National Forest is launching a series of federal stimulus projects this summer, some of which will cause temporary access changes across the forest.

Marijuana plants seized from home of deceased

A

Goodbye, Mr. Kurdy

It’s always hard to say goodbye to a friend, but at least it’s much easier when they retire than when they die.

Coker's grand slam gives Loggers a split

HAMILTON — Joe Coker hit a grand slam home run in the third inning and Adam Stapley pitched five strong innings as Libby defeated the Bitterroot Red Sox 5-3 in the first game of an American Legion baseball doubleheader on Saturday.

Livestock rescue ranch needs a rescue

All Mosta Ranch Montana, a livestock rescue/adoption and education center in Marion, needs a rescue itself so it can continue caring for a menagerie of cast-off critters, according to ranch operator Kate Borton, also known as Granny Kate.

Opening day ahead for Supercenter

New Walmart store begins business on Wednesday morning

The shelves are stocked, the ovens fired and the roll-back signs are firmly in place as Walmart employees prepare for the grand opening of their new Supercenter on Hutton Ranch Road off of U.S. 93 in north Kalispell.

Mavs topple Twins

WHITEFISH — Eight hits, no errors, one four-run inning — and it just wasn’t enough to carry the Class AA Glacier Twins past the Missoula Mavericks on Saturday.

Dedication of the Memorial Park at the Roundabout

A tribute to a man who always made us laugh

America lost a gem of a man and entertainer when Art Linkletter died May 26 at age 97. He made us laugh and we loved him for that.

Great Northern State 1 Criterium

Dedication of the Memorial Park at the Roundabout

Gorilla Cup Grappling Competition

Gage Daniel-Creed Petersen

son of Branin and Shara Petersen of Kalispell, was born March 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Landon Christopher Bradburry

son of Christopher Bradburry and Sandi Crow of Kalispell, was March 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Havoc Gauge Darrington

son of Chad and April Darrington of Kalispell, was born March 15 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Cole Allen Hunnicutt

son of Brad and Sara Hunnicutt of Kalispell, was born March 15 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Jamie Patsy Pervais-Martin

daughter of Jennifer Pervais and Jeffery Martin of Kalispell, was born March 19 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Raymond A. Kube Sr., 91

Raymond A. Kube Sr., of Whitefish, passed away peacefully June 8, 2010, in Kalispell at the age of 91. He was born in St. Paul, Minn., on Feb. 5, 1919. He married Lillian L. Walters in St. Paul on Aug. 26, 1942. Ray served in the United States Army during World War II, from 1942 until his honorable discharge in 1946. He and his wife moved to Great Falls in 1946. Ray s career as a sales representative led him to travel extensively in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. In 1966, Ray and Lil moved to their home on Whitefish Lake. Ray retired in 1981, at which time they wintered at their second home in Mesa, Ariz. Throughout his life Ray enjoyed the outdoors. He built his first sailboat as a young man at the family cabin on Bone Lake, Wis.; his interest in boating continued throughout his life. Other interests he enjoyed over the years were skiing, golfing and outdoor photography. Surviving him are his wife, Lil, of 68 years; his son, Ray Kube Jr., of Seattle; and grandsons, Paul Kube of Wenatchee, Wash., and Scott Kube of Snohomish, Wash.; his daughter, Pam Kube, of Bigfork; and three great-grandchildren. Private arrangements are by Austin Funeral Home. The family suggests memorials be made to a charity of the donor s choice.

Violet Jay Close

daughter of Derek and Ciera Close of Kalispell, was born March 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Grady Michael Burton

son of Derek and Monique Burton, was born March 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Caleb Thomas Poe-Hatten

son of Jason Hatten and Debby Poe of Kalispell, was born March 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Timothy Lee Lemburg, 66

Timothy Lee Lemburg, Papa, passed away June 1, 2010, following a courageous battle with cancer. Tim was born on July 25, 1943, to Marvin Henry Lemburg and Betty Lou Pearcy, both of whom preceded him in death. Tim served as a boiler operator in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Pritchett during the Vietnam War where he sustained injuries to his legs during an on-ship boiler accident. Following his military service, Tim was a power plant operator until 1981 when he retired due to disability. During his early 20s, Tim broke his hip in an accident that lead to ongoing challenges for the duration of his life. However, Tim refused to allow his physical disabilities to dictate the way he lived. Refusing to rely upon crutches or a wheelchair, as his doctors repeatedly recommended, Tim instead wore out a total of six hip replacements, in addition to having both knees replaced, to maintain his ability to walk and remain active. Tim loved the mountains and was an avid fisherman. He was particularly fond of stream fishing and only wished that he had discovered the joy of fly fishing earlier in his life. He was also a terrific cook and the type of guy you wanted to have around when just about anything broke. Above all, he loved his family and found particular joy in his 11 grandchildren. He is survived by Judy, his loving wife of 27 years; his sons, Scott and Julie, Jon and Angela, and Steve and Brooke; his stepdaughter, Shannon McMillian, and Barry; and 11 grandchildren, Matthew, Hannah, Bailey, Brianna Kyle M., Evan, Gage, Peyton, Makayla, Kyle L., and Jacob. The family would like to extend special thanks to those at the Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center who took such wonderful care of Tim during his final month. He appreciated you very much, as do we. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m., July 2, at his son s home, 1020 Lemburg Lane, in Columbia Falls.

Lake nears full pool

Flathead Lake is with 7 1/2 inches of refilling to full pool, and it’s expected to close in on the full level by June 15.

Mavs bounce back, defeat Twins 7-4

WHITEFISH — Missoula thwarted a comeback attempt by Glacier in the ninth inning to claim a 7-4 AA American Legion baseball victory Friday night at Memorial Field.

Loggers split with Bitterroot

FLORENCE — Eric Riddle threw a 1-hitter as Libby tripped the Bitterroot Bucs 2-1 on Friday in the nightcap of an American Legion baseball doubleheader.

Dogs corner confused man

Dogs cornered a man on a log early Friday morning in the backyard of a home on Wisconsin Avenue in Whitefish. He was lost and couldn’t remember his last name. He may have had a medical incident.

Program emphasizes the positive

Olivia McRae wasn’t feeling well the day her mother caught her doing something surprising.

Road work ahead on U.S. 2

Starting next week, Flathead motorists can expect delays, single-lane traffic and limited left-turn access on U.S. 2 East through much of Evergreen.

Fast first fight for Nolte

Tough night for locals at Kalispell Kombat event

Gus Nolte put in 14 long months of training and 45 seconds is all he got.

Nicholas honored as top FVCC alumna

Lori Nicholas, an adjunct instructor for math and Adult Basic Education, is the first recipient of Flathead Valley Community College’s Distinguished Alumni Award. 

DNRC fire training in Marion

Mountain goat study halted by animal deaths

A mountain goat study in Glacier National Park has been suspended following the deaths of two goats after they were shot with tranquilizer darts.

Kalispell Kombat

Harvey Naslund at the Senior Olympics

The new Walmart store

Moana Morgans

DNRC fire training in Marion

Florence Waterman McLelland, 93

Florence Waterman McLelland, 93, of Helena, passed away on June 5, 2010, at Aspen Gardens. She was born on July 7, 1916, to Helena pioneers, Jack Marcus and Violet (Vessey) Waterman in Helena. Floss was a second generation Helenan. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Louise Waterman Clark; brothers, Edward, Ernest, George E., Thomas C., and Richard Waterman; and sister-in-law, Eileen (Jack) Waterman. Floss is survived by her brother, Jack Waterman, of Camarillo, Calif.; sisters-in-law, Judy (Thomas C.) Waterman of Helena and Patricia (Richard) Waterman of Midland, Mich.; many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and -nephews and great-grandnieces and -nephews. Floss attended Jefferson and Central grade schools and graduated from Helena High in 1934. After graduation, Floss worked for AJ Roberts, principal of Helena High School. When the earthquake damaged the new high school, Floss worked in the railroad cars as secretary to Mr. Roberts. She then worked for Schroeder Bros. Insurance and then at Drs. Klein and Cashmore as office manager in Helena. Floss married Malcolm S. McLelland in 1948 and moved to Kalispell in the early 1950s, where she and Malcolm purchased and operated Glacier Reality and Insurance, and later selling in the early 1980s. Floss and Malcolm remained residing in Kalispell and enjoyed traveling all over the British Isles and many times to Scotland where Malcolm was born. Floss was the president of the Kalispell Women s Republican Club. Her other passion was to volunteer for the Community Concert Association. Malcolm passed away in 1997, and Floss moved to Helena in 2006 and resided with Aspen Gardens Assisted Living. She enjoyed the loving skill that the staff, management and owners showed to her and the other residents. Floss and Malcolm were members of the Buffalo Hill Golf Course in Kalispell. She learned to play golf by Bill Roberts at the golf course in Helena. Floss became a lifelong, talented golfer as well as enjoying a couple of hands of bridge, bowling and loved being with her brothers and their families. No ceremony will be held and burial will be next to her husband in the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell. Memorials may be sent in Floss name to Aspen Gardens, 9 Bumble Bee Ct., Helena, MT 59601. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.

Gordon Arthur Conrad, 84

Gordon Arthur Conrad, 84, passed away June 7, 2010, in Kalispell. He was born Feb. 26, 1926, in Kalispell to Ed and Alma Conrad. He received his elementary education at Kila School and graduated from Flathead County High School in 1944. On June 5, 1949, he married Irene Harders in Rochester, Minn., and he and Irene spent their life on the family ranches west of Kalispell. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Alma; his brother, Edwin; his wife, Irene; grandson, Cody; and numerous other relatives. He is survived by three children, Larry, Lee and LouAnn, and their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. At Gordon s request, graveside services for friends and family will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, June 11, at Glacier Memorial Gardens, Highway 93 North, Kalispell. Refreshments and luncheon will follow the services, at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Evelyn Johnston, 88

Evelyn Johnston passed peacefully on May 31, 2010, in Puyallup, Wash., with her two sons in loving attendance. Evelyn Mae Wiedenhamer was born in Havre on Aug. 23, 1921, to Andrew and Mabel Wiedenhamer. After her husband Andrew died, Evelyn s mother Mabel married Gilbert Speer and the family moved to the Flathead Valley. Gilbert was a most caring husband and beloved father to Mabel and her four children. The Speers added three more children to their family while living in Columbia Falls. After high school graduation, Evelyn was attending a dance at Deer Park School where she met Calvin Preston Johnston. They married on April 12, 1941. They moved to southern California where Calvin found employment at an aircraft factory in Los Angeles. He and Evelyn were living in Englewood, Calif., when their first son, Gary, was born in 1942. After Calvin s military service in World War II the family returned to the Flathead Valley where their second son, Lindsay, was born in 1948. The family moved to Campbell, Calif., in 1957 where Evelyn enjoyed her role of homemaker, seamstress and gardener. She always took pride in the lovely flower gardens that surrounded her home. Calvin and Evelyn lived in Boulder, Colo., from 1966 to 1977 where Evelyn continued her gardening and sewing, as well as working as a dedicated Red Cross volunteer at Boulder Hospital. The couple retired in 1977 and returned to the Flathead where they enjoyed many years of living on their 10-acre farm and traveling in their motor home during winter months. Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin; her mother, Mabel Speer; stepfather, Gilbert Speer; brothers, Roy Speer, Alvin Speer and Hugh Speer; and sister, Rena Cornell. She is survived by her two sons; four grandchildren, Erin, Jane, Allison Anne and Kirk; brother, Evan, and Shirley Speer, of Columbia Falls; sister, Jeanette, and Mel DeCarrico, of Portland; and many nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, June 11, at Columbia Mortuary, 1010 Fourth Ave., in Columbia Falls. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery where Evelyn will once again join Calvin, her loving husband of 62 years.

Alice Jane Kimes, 67

Alice Jane Kimes peacefully passed away on Monday, June 7, 2010, at her home in Camas, Wash. Born on April 17, 1943 to Lloyd and Jane Woodworth in Great Falls, Alice was 67 years old. A Camas resident since 1976, Alice was formerly of Montana. She was raised in the Flathead Valley, and attended Flathead County High School. She later went on to work for K-Mart as a retail associate and in the shipping/receiving department. Outside of work, Alice enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and attending numerous performing arts events such as the opera, ballet and symphonies. Alice is survived by her mother, Jane Woodworth of Camas; daughter, Lynn Kimes of Colorado; sons, Mark Kimes of New York, Brett Kimes of Vancouver, and Kevin Kimes of Idaho; brother, Roy Woodworth of Athena, Ore.; 13 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Tom Blackwell; father, Lloyd Woodworth; and son, Fred Kimes. There will be a celebration of Alice s life at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 12, at Brown s Funeral Home in Camas, with a reception to follow. Brown s Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Camas has been entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences or to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.brownsfh.com.

Vaughn Shafer, 85

Vaughn Shafer, 85, mayor of Hungry Horse, died Sunday, June 6, 2010, in the arms of his beloved son Ron, and daughter Jan, at his home in Hungry Horse. Vaughn was born Aug. 21, 1924, in Downsville, Wis. After graduating from high school, Vaughn played semi-pro baseball with Andy Pathco. Andy was drafted into the majors and Vaughn was drafted into the Navy, as Vaughn said. He received his medical discharge and married the first pretty woman he saw when he got off the boat, Irene Karnes. In 1963, Vaughn and Irene loaded up the station wagon with the family and moved from Milwaukee to Hungry Horse. Vaughn was an avid sports fan, from local teams to his Cubbies and Packers. He rarely missed a game, even if he had to listen to it on the radio, cussing out the poor reception in the Canyon. Vaughn worked at the Aluminum Plant for 20 years and developed lifelong friendships with his buddies. In 1982, Vaughn and Irene bought the Hungry Horse Corral, and for 29 years they entertained family, friends and tourists. Vaughn was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Irene. He is survived by sons, Terry and Judy of Hungry Horse, Ron of Columbia Falls, Mark and Sharon of Whitefish, and Craig of Hungry Horse; and daughter, Jan, of Lakeside; grandchildren, Todd Shafer, Toni and James Nanini, Ben and Amanda Shafer, Siara and Chuck Jay, Kyla Shafer, Cydney Sergeant and Jeff Shafer; special nephew, Louis, and Mary Kentros; and one great-granddaughter, Aspen Shafer, the light of his life. Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 19, at Canyon Baptist Church in Hungry Horse, with a potluck following. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Canyon Baptist Church or Canyon Elementary School.

Full contact Kombat

Three local fighters make hometown debuts tonight at Flathead fairgrounds

Mixed martial arts fans in the Flathead Valley will have no shortage of action this weekend.

Teen sentenced for school attack

A Whitefish teenager has been given a six-year deferred sentence for severely beating another student in the Whitefish High School parking lot last year.

Hula 'spectacle' on local stage Saturday

Even with five children and a full-time job as a home-health nurse, Sharon Pillsbury has, for many years, found time to hula.

Plows get to Logan Pass area

 Glacier National Park plows have reached the Logan Pass parking lot from the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road, while east-side plows are at the base of the Big Drift, the perennial drift a quarter-mile east of the pass.

County delays decision on flood-plain regs

After taking testimony from just two citizens, the Flathead County commissioners on Thursday delayed until later this month a decision on the overhaul of county flood-plain regulations.

Arson charge dropped

Ronan man admits burglarizing two Bigfork businesses

After admitting to breaking into two Bigfork businesses — part of a string of burglaries that spanned three Western Montana counties — a Ronan man will not face arson charges.

Lakers put stop to Mavs' win streak

MISSOULA — Mario Venturini pitched eight solid inning and Marshall Boyland led the offense with three hits as the Kalispell Lakers cooled off the streaking Missoula Mavericks on Thursday 7-6 in Class AA American Legion baseball play.

Welcome to a new Walmart

It is a popular pastime to make jokes about Walmart, but the fact of the matter is that the huge retailer is a vital component of our national and local economies.

Eagle Scout Project

Hula School of the Peaceful, Heavenly, Flowing Waters

Bill Anderson Day

Elrod letters to parents

Linda Boe

Caden Tylan Kidwell

son of Mike Kidwell and Charity Matthews of Missoula, was born March 12 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Woodrow W. Bunyak, 89

Woodrow W. Bunyak, 89, passed away on Monday, June 7, 2010, of natural causes at the lmmanuel Lutheran Home. Woody was born May 6, 1921, on the family homestead located southwest of Sweet Grass. He was the oldest child of Steven and Katherine (Lozing) Bunyak. He graduated the eighth grade from ltherbide School (west of Sunburst) and went to work for the Itherbide Sheep Ranch for three years. He bought his first parcel of farm land at the age of 16. He farmed in North Toole County and North Glacier County for 48 years, retiring In 1983. He married Mary Angyal of Milk River, Alberta, on Jan. 28, 1946, in Sunburst. They raised their three daughters in the Cut Bank area. In 1988, Woody and Mary moved full time to their dream home on Echo Lake (near Bigfork) to be closer to their grandchildren. Woody was a family man first and foremost. He was a lifetime member of the Lutheran Church in Sunburst, Cut Bank and Bigfork. He bowled in several leagues in both Cut Bank and Bigfork. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge and the Eagles. He was a Montanan, born and raised, and Montana was his favorite state. A man with a strong work ethic, he encouraged his daughters to do the same. He could fix most anything, and if he couldn t he would know the best and cheapest place to take it. He loved to visit and could find humor in the most ordinary part of this life we are all living. He is survived by his daughters, Sandra and Ted Harke of Columbia Falls; Marlene and Bill Doyle of Great Falls, and Rita Graham of Kalispell; granddaughters, Tawnia and Barry Harke Ramstad of Columbia Falls, Sonja and Shane Harke Steele of Spokane, Lisa Graham of Seattle, and Jill Graham of Spokane; and great-grandchildren, Ariel, Olivia, Kaitlyn and Taylor Ramstad, and Shelby and Zach Steele. He is also survived by his brother, Stan, and Gladys Bunyak, of Sunburst; sister, Delia Atkinson, of Sweet Grass; brothers-in-law, Steve and Helen Angyal, and Mike and Marion Angyal, all of Milk River; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 53 years, Mary; his parents; Mary s parents; sister, Vera Dye, and her husband, Virgil; brother-in-law, Leonard Atkinson; and nephew, Greg Angyal. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, June 14, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Bigfork. Donations may be sent in Woody s name to the Kidney Cancer Association, P.O. Box 3516, Oak Brook, IL 60522; or your local Humane Society. Friends are encouraged to visit the website www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Kaylee Marie Jasmine Balderas

daughter of David and Corina Balderas of Eureka, was born March 13 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Cullen Andrew Michlig

son of Andrew and Breana Michlig of Kalispell, was born March 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Leah LaDawn Hardman

daughter of Chad and Amy Hardman of Kalispell, was born March 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Martha Annice Cullen, 71

Martha Annice Cullen, 71, died June 6, 2010, at St. Luke s Hospital in Ronan, after a long illness. She was preceded in death by two sons, Laurence Wesley Cullen and Raymond Roy Cullen; one daughter, Zeldene Joy Cullen; and two sisters and their spouses, Clareece and Roland Cooley, and Pauline and Dayton Hill. She is survived by husband, Paul W. Cullen, of 52 years; two sons, Brian and Lauren Cullen of Carbondale, Colo., and Michael and Christine Cullen of Ronan; two daughters, Bev Cullen-Hoover and Chad of Ronan, and Beth and Terry Donelan of Rapid City, S.D.; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous honorary children and grandchildren. She was born May 31, 1939, at the family home in Whitefish, where she was the fourth child to John and Daisey Reimer; and is also survived by her siblings, Bruce and wife Mary Reimer of Whitefish, Joanne and husband John Spurlock of Whitefish, and Lorna Isaak of Whitefish. She attended schools in the Whitefish public school system and was very active in the Nazarene Church. She played the clarinet in school and enjoyed her part in family life and the family farm. She married Paul W. Cullen on Jan. 18, 1958. They lived in Libby for 10 years before moving to the family ranch in Ronan. She was currently the vice president of the Mission Valley Historical Society, a 42-year member of the Round Butte Grange, had held numerous offices of the Subordinate and Pomona and State Grange, was a 4-H leader for 15 years, and belonged to the Sew and So Club in Round Butte as a life member. She was the past president of the Western Montana Cattle Women s Association. She enjoyed many hobbies and most loved to spend time with others. Her pride and joy were her family and friends. Her door was always open and her heart without judgment while she encouraged and provided support to many. Her deep faith was her strength against sorrow and hardship. She saw heaven on earth in the flowers and gardens, farms and mountains. Her loving embrace of life will provide a point of aspiration for those of us who will dearly miss her beautiful soul. Funeral services for Martha will be held at 2 p.m. June 11 at the Pablo Christian Church, U.S. Highway 93, Pablo. Flowers may be sent to the funeral director at Schrider-Thompson.

Drake Adon Brechbill

son of Frederick Brechbill and Terri Mansfield-Wright of Somers, was born March 13 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Izaac Allen Lehman

son of Joshua and Jessica Lehman of Kalispell, was born March 12 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Jayden Cody Milton Webb

son of Dillon Webb and Abreon Giesy of Kalispell, was born March 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Roby Patrick Street

son of Jon and Traci Street of Eureka, was born March 8 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Primary election final results posted

Following are unofficial final results from Tuesday’s primary election.

Senators need to step forward

It appears Montana’s two senators have joined a national trend in Democrats avoiding wide-open town hall meetings in recent months.

Loggers split with Twins

WHITEFISH — The Libby Loggers and Glacier Twins split a Class A American Legion baseball conference doubleheader on Wednesday at Memorial Field.

Deputies NOT hiding under boat

After a man was apparently running around outside and looking under a trailer and boat for

Clean-up firm has ties to Whitefish

A water engineering and environmental services company with strong ties to Whitefish is deploying equipment to the Gulf to help clean up the BP oil spill.

Glacier players in Softball Classic

Glacier’s Abby Connolly and Lyndsey Hoffenbacker will compete in the Montana Treasure State Jim Patrick Softball Classic at Stodden Park in Butte this weekend.

911 Center Opening

Courageous comeback

Andrews returns from a serious accident to compete in State Finals

Lucky to be alive!

Two Bigfork, Eureka gridders on North roster

Bigfork and Eureka will be represented at the 22nd Annual Class B Big Sky All-Star Football Game this weekend.

Developer sues county over Church Slough site

A businessman who donated park land along Church Slough to Flathead County several years ago has sued the county for installing a fishing access at the site.

Glacier Park ranger honored as best in the nation

Could you imagine a job where on any given day you might handle a wild cougar, rescue someone from the top of a mountain, fight a wildland fire, treat a heart attack victim, teach a winter survival class or hike with an 80-pound pack through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world?

Great Whitefish Award

Dahlia Anne Leatzow

daughter of Elaine and Dan Leatzow of Kalispell, was born March 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Evelyn Ayn Bechard

daughter of Jonathan and Carolyn Bechard of Rollins, was born March 3 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Boden Thomas Sloan

son of Ryan and Angelika Sloan of Ronan, was born March 5 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Nolan Steven Sanders

son of Erik and Leona Sanders of Columbia Falls, was born March 6 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Owen Reid Hadley

son of Cole and Ashley Hadley of Kalispell, was born March 5 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Allie Jean Goff

daughter of Tim and Jennifer Goff of Kalispell, was born March 4 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Abigail Giovanna Elizabeth Jelley

daughter of Aaron and Allison Jelley of Kalispell, was born March 2 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Luke Raymond Nielsen

son of Aaron and Crystal Nielsen of Rollins, was born March 8 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Howard Dempsey Curtis, 79

Howard Dempsey Curtis was welcomed into the arms of his loving Savior, Jesus Christ on Friday, June 4, 2010, in Kalispell. Howard was 79 years old and resided in Kalispell for most of his adult life. He was born on Nov. 18, 1930 in Rupert, Idaho, the son of William and Inez (Hunt) Curtis. Howard served four years in the United States Navy as a journalist during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1954. Howard and his wife Carol were married on Sept. 9, 1955, in Kennewick, Wash. They moved to Kalispell in 1956. Howard enjoyed life, being an avid hunter, outdoorsman, gardener and singer. He served on the Creston Volunteer Fire Department for 11 years and as a Creston School board member for six years. As a professional, he was a very skilled and knowledgeable optician, as well as trained in the custom manufacturing of prosthetic eyes. Howard is survived by Carol, his loving wife of 54 years; his son, Randal, and wife Jill Curtis, of Bigfork; daughter, Robbin, and husband Ron Taylor, of Black Diamond, Wash.; son, Rodney, and wife Teresa Curtis, of Bigfork; son, Ronald, and wife Shirleen Curtis, of Billings; his sister, JoEtta Turner, of Spokane Valley, Wash.; his brother, Joseph Curtis, of Scottsdale, Ariz.; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many valued friends. Graveside services for Howard will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 12, at Fairview Cemetery on Middle Road east of Kalispell, with Pastor David Beaulieu of Kalispell officiating. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Howard s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Howard s tribute wall.

Daybook

Lakers drop Twins

Kalispell used two big innings to remain perfect in Western AA American Legion baseball action Tuesday at Griffin Field.

Deputies locate missing fisherman in jail

Around 1 p.m. Tuesday,

Polson lands 3 on Class A all-state softball team

Three members of the Class A state softball championship team from Polson have been to the all-state team.

Brenneman to face Holmquist

Incumbent Flathead County Commissioner Joe Brenneman overcame a Democratic primary challenge and will face Republican Pam Holmquist in the November general election.

Curry returns to command

Former Undersheriff Chuck Curry handily defeated Flathead County Sheriff Mike Meehan's bid for re-election Tuesday night, beating out the incumbent as well as longtime deputy sergeant Lance Norman in the hotly contested Republican primary.

Dam spill begins in effort to help sturgeon

The spillway at Libby Dam will be opened on Thursday in an effort to improve white sturgeon spawning success in the Kootenai River above Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

Whitefish garden pushes for grant

The race is on for the Whitefish Community Garden to win a $25,000 grant to build an irrigation system and expand the garden.

Whitefish honors its top citizens

Richard Atkinson, known to many as Stumptown's "Old Man Walking," was named Whitefish's Citizen of the Year and retiring North Valley Hospital executive Carol Blake was honored with the Great Whitefish Award at the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet on June 2.

Final election results

Following are unofficial final results from Tuesday’s primary election.

Primary voters

Studio Time with Lavonne Burgard

Last day of school for Elrod Elementary

Sylvia Constance Jacobson McKenzie, 92

Sylvia Constance Jacobson McKenzie died Wednesday, June 2, 2010, at Clark Fork Valley Long Term Care Facility in Plains. Sylvia Constance Jacobson was born Dec. 23, 1917, in Creston to Ernest and Berthine Lee Jacobson. She was raised in Somers. On June 29, 1940, Sylvia married Harry McKenzie. The couple moved to Libby in 1950. Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Gertrude Rognlie; and her brothers, Basil and Arnold Jacobson. Sylvia is survived by her sister, Celia Meadows; and her brother, Ray Jensen. She is also survived by her children, Marian and John Meckler of Plains, Harry David McKenzie of Spokane Valley, Wash., and Kathy McKenzie of Scotch Plains, N.J.; grandchildren, Kari and Rod Zeiler, J. Eric Meckler, and Rev. Sarah Meckler, all of Plains; and great-grandchildren, Sera Boggess, Ashlynn Meckler, Leena Meckler and Mya Zeiler, all of Plains. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on June 8 at Christ Lutheran Church in Libby, with Rev. Steve Benson officiating. Burial will follow at Libby Cemetery. Pallbearers are Eric Meckler, Sarah Meckler, Kari Zeiler, Rod Zeiler, Don Poier and Howard Poier. Arrangements are being handled by Sunset Hills Funeral Home in Plains, and Schackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Harvey Leroy Knebel, 92

Harvey Leroy Knebel passed away on Friday, June 4, 2010, at the age of 92. He had pneumonia, congestive heart failure, and other related complications. He was born Nov. 25, 1917, in a two-room house on a wheat farm in Retah, Mont., to Leroy and Retta Knebel. He grew up near the town of Glendive where he went to school. After high school, he attended Montana State University and earned a degree in mechanical engineering. On Jan. 7, 1945, Harvey married Ella Mae Hewitson at the First Presbyterian Church in Kalispell. He moved to California where he worked as a flight engineer for Pan American Airways, flying sea planes called China Clippers. He later flew for the Naval Reserves during World War II, flying reconnaissance and troop transport missions, among other things. He traveled throughout the Orient, the South Pacific and India. In 1949, Harvey returned to Montana with his wife and daughter, Kathy, who was born on Sept. 16, 1947. He began working for the family business Sunset Carburetor and Electric in Kalispell, of which he was part owner. A second daughter, Janet, arrived on April 4, 1951, and son Joe on Aug. 31, 1962. He became the city engineer of Kalispell in 1974, then went to work for Anaconda Aluminum in 1978 as a project engineer until his retirement at the age of 66, in 1983. He continued working on various engineering projects and fixing airplanes at local airports and also attended courses at Flathead Valley Community College, covering a variety of topics, including computer programming. Harvey was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church where he held several positions, including ordained elder. He was also an active member of Masonic Lodge No. 42, AF and AM, of which he was past master, and was a past Worthy Patron of Adah Chapter No. 17 of Eastern Star. He belonged to other ancillary organizations (the Shriners and the Scottish Right) and the Elks. Harvey enjoyed taking walks, spending time with his family, flying his private, single-engine airplane, and working on computers. He always remained curious and was a lifelong learner. He was patient, thoughtful and optimistic, and was always content with what he had. He was a great husband, father, and grandfather and he will be greatly missed. Harvey was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Earl (wife, Dottie) of College Station, Texas. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ella May; brother, Bill, and Corky, of Billings, sister, May Yonce, and Lloyd, of Chapel Hill, N.C.; daughters, Kathy Knebel and John Pedone of Novato, Calif., and Janet Kosior and John of Calgary; and son, Joe, of Missoula; as well as his two grandchildren, Jeremy and Jayme Kosior, both of Calgary. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 10, at the First Presbyterian Church of Kalispell, followed immediately by a reception at the church, then internment at the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Harvey's name to the First Presbyterian Church, 540 Main Street, Kalispell, MT 59901-4851; or the Wings Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 7852, Kalispell, MT 59904. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Harvey's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Harvey's tribute wall.

Daybook

Today

Musicians cash in with coffee jingle

“The Folgers shaker is genius.”

New 911 center ready to open

Flathead County’s new consolidated 911 center will be the site of a reception Wednesday evening to celebrate going live next week.

Subdivision proposal goes before Planning Board

A proposed 91-home subdivision on 38.6 acres along Helena Flats Road in Evergreen gets its first public scrutiny at a Flathead County Planning Board hearing on Wednesday.

Starving horses taken to fairgrounds

A horse owner who apparently skipped town and left 16 horses in the care of a Jellison Road border may face criminal charges.

Marauding grizzly trapped

A grizzly bear that had been killing livestock in the Star Meadow area was captured Saturday and has been moved to the Spotted Bear area in the South Fork Flathead River drainage.

SilverSneakers gets seniors moving

Nancy Mehring, senior advisor, started SilverSneakers at Flathead Health & Fitness about two years ago with two people.

Man starts fire too close to own barn

A woman called Flathead County Sheriff’s deputies after her husband, who had been drinking, apparently started a bonfire close to the barn around 4:30 p.m. Sunday. The man went to a motel for the rest of the night.

Cat Dog Smoker Reaction

Cat Dog Smoker lost footing

Cat Dog Smoker

Abandoned Horses at Fairgrounds

Abandoned Horses

It's Election Day

Four compete for Justice of the Peace job

It’s a crowded race for the Department No. 2 Justice of the Peace position in Flathead County.

Daybook

Man saved from capsized canoe

Whitefish Police got a report of a canoe tipping on Whitefish Lake, leaving a man in the water about 300 yards from shore Saturday night. People in two other canoes assisted the man, and he was brought safely to shore within about 15 minutes.

Farmer Bennett at helm of shelter

Cliff Bennett, a fifth-generation farmer, has gone to the dogs — and cats — as the new director of Flathead County Animal Shelter.

Needle-felted caricatures

Kay Petal

Kalispell man is the featured 'rookie' on this season of 'Ice Road Truckers'

Ray Veilleux remembers exactly what went through his mind the first time he drove Alaska's notorious Dalton Highway, a ruthless, rugged 414-mile road stretching from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay.

Road warrior

Dean L. Lingle, 52

Dean passed away Saturday, March 20, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his family. Dean was born Feb. 23,1958, in Wolf Point to Alvin L. and Goldie N.H. Lingle. He moved with his family to the Flathead Valley in the fall of 1962. He attended school at Demarsville and Columbia Falls. On June 23,1986, he married Patti Stevens. They were later divorced. Dean was preceded in death by his father, Alvin Lingle; his stepfather, Vincent Neudecker; and brother, Kim A. Lingle. He is survived by his son, and three granddaughters, of Kennewick, Wash.; his mother, Goldie Neudecker, of Columbia Falls; a sister, Katrina Moore, of Killeen, Texas; brothers, Gerry and wife, Shelly, of Kalispell, and Joel and wife, Jennifer, of Tucson, Ariz.; his dear aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, his best always friend, Patti, and her granddaughter, Bailey Rose, who was his li l fishing bud who called him PaPa ; stepdaughter, Missy, and her daughter, Cheyenne, and numerous friends. A potluck remembrance will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 12, at Marantette Park, in Columbia Falls.

A son's death, a father's mission

Ian Hineman receives posthumous diploma

Ian Hineman would have been so proud Saturday.

Ian Hineman

Project Homeless Connect launches here on June 9

Flathead Valley Project Homeless Connect will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 9, at the Samaritan House Administration Building at 1110 Second St. W. in Kalispell.

Loggers sweep Rangers

LIBBY — Joe Coker hit two home runs, a double and batted in seven runs to help the Libby Loggers pick up two American Legion baseball victories over visiting Kootenai Valley on Saturday.

Graduates face new challenges

Welcome, graduates, to a brave new world.

Goodbye high school, hello future

Farm to Market Pork benefits from 'locavore' trend

When Duane and Janette Braaten transformed Farm to Market Pork from a hog farm into a meat processing and retail facility in 1985, the plan was to create a local market for high-quality locally raised pork.

Man pleads guilty to escape charge

A federal prisoner pleaded guilty Thursday to escaping from the Mineral County Jail last year.

Primary election ahead on Tuesday

Poll open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Tuesday across Flathead County during the primary election.

Twins top Calgary

WHITEFISH — The fourth time was the charm for the Glacier Twins.

Buying the lie: 'Something for nothing'

I suppose it was just plain greed that got us to this point.

Week in Photos May 30 - June 6

Flathead and Glacier 2010 Graduations

GHS Grad Cowboy Hat

GHS Grad Montana Highlanders

GHS Grad Family Photos

GHS Grad Footwear

GHS Percussion Band

GHS Grad Mikayla Winter

GHS Grad Surprise

GHS Grad Tear

GHS Grad Violin

FHS Grad Waiting

FHS Grad Tossing Caps

FHS Grad Red Shoes

FHS Grad Sunglasses

FHS Grad Getting Diploma

FHS Posing Fun

FHS Grad Face in the Crowd

FHS Graduation Scott Hineman

FHS Graduation

Farm-To-Market Pork

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Della Yenne, 78

Della Yenne passed away April 22, 2010, in Palm Desert, Calif., just short of her 79th birthday, of congenital heart failure and kidney complications. She was born April 23, 1931, in Creston, where she lived until attending Northern Montana College and met and married her husband, Bernard A. Yenne, from Whitefish. They made their residence in Salem, Ore., in 1959 and opened an orthodontic office on Liberty Street SE, where Della was the office manager until they both retired in the mid-1980s. Della loved the outdoors, adventure, gardening, cooking, traveling, oil painting, sewing and reading. She was very talented and creative. She also loved animals of any kind, especially dogs and was a regular contributor to various humane societies. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Dr. Bernard A. Yenne; her sons, Dr. Stephen Yenne and wife, Stephanie, and Ralph Yenne and wife, Debbie; her twin sister, Donna Johnson, from Bigfork; her sister, Janet Beebe, from Modesto, Calif.; and five grandchildren, Abby, Zach, Adi, J.J. and Lucia. Della was preceded in death by her youngest son, Robert, in 1965; and her parents, William and Fern Calbick. Her life will be celebrated privately by her family. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Humane Society of the Willamette Valley, in her honor.

Dr. John Jerome Jerry Wildgen, 85

John Jerome Jerry Wildgen, M.D., died on Sunday, May 23, 2010, in Wilsonville, Ore. He was 85. Dr. Wildgen is survived by his three sons, Mark of Bemidji, Minn., Jay of Yakima, Wash., and Kevin of Edwards, Colo.; his daughter, Stasia Ann Larsen, of Wilsonville; his brother, George Wildgen, of Little Rock, Ark.; and six grandchildren. Born in Hoisington, Kan., to Frances Norton Wildgen and Jerome Charles Wildgen, he was the second oldest of six children. After the death of his father, the family relocated to Canon City, Colo., where Jerry completed high school at Holy Cross Abbey School. He also assisted his mother in raising the large family and in operating the Canon Hotel which the family owned for many years. His undergraduate and graduate education was obtained at the University of Kansas from which he received his Doctor of Medicine in 1949. Dr. Wildgen served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and then in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict. He was discharged as captain in 1954. While working in Yellowstone National Park, Jerry met Jacqueline M. Hanson of Appleton, Minn. They married in June of 1949 and settled in Kalispell, where Dr. Wildgen then began Family Medical Associates with George H. Gould M.D. The practice remained active for the next 40 years. During that time he served as a member of the board of trustees of Kalispell General Hospital as well as president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, and was a member of the Institute of Medicine. He was instrumental in helping medical schools across the nation in instituting family practice medicine as an academic specialty. He loved camping and fishing in Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness. He enjoyed telling jokes and always will be remembered for his famous Moon Stories which he told to his children, their friends, grandchildren and whoever else he could get to listen! After retiring as a family physician, he offered his services as a medical missionary in Vietnam, as well as Tanzania, Jamaica, Newfoundland and St. Lucia. In 2003, Dr. Wildgen moved to Palm Desert, Calif., to enjoy a warmer climate and one of his primary passions in life, tennis. He also enjoyed other outdoor activities; mostly fly fishing, but also golf, volunteering at the Living Desert Animal Hospital, and a good walk with his dog, Lily. Dr. Wildgen spent these retirement years with his partner Sheila Bertozzi of Palm Desert. Other associations and organizations in which Dr. Wildgen assumed a leadership include the Boy Scouts of America, Rotary Club (president and Paul Harris Fellow), Sigma Chi Fraternity and Alpha Omega Alpha Honorary Medical Society. A celebration to remember Dr. J.J. Wildgen will be held in Kalispell this coming September. Any memorials or remembrance should be directed to Saint Matthew s School Kalispell; or to The American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation, 1140 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Leawood, Kansas 66211.

Darren Stanley Root, 43

Darren Stanley Root, 43, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away May 29, 2010. Darren was born in Montana at the Kalispell Regional Hospital. He was a proud Veteran of the United States Army, a beloved son, brother and father. He loved music, was an avid hunter, fisherman, and he loved to cook. His sense of humor was indeed a gift that carried our family through some of the toughest times. In any predicament good, bad or otherwise, he found a way to lighten the load by bringing everyone s spirits up. He spent much of his time commercial fishing in Alaska and worked for many years doing construction in Kalispell. Darren is and will be greatly missed by all for a long time to come. He is survived by his children, Zane and Hanna Root, of Kalispell; his father, Stan, and wife, Lyn, of Choteau; his mother, Pattie Campbell, of St. Roberts, Mo.; brother, Don, and wife, Rhonda, of St. Roberts, Mo.; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces. A private memorial for the family was held in Kalispell Saturday, June 5. Friends wishing to send condolences or share memories of Darren may do so to montanaroots1@yahoo.com.

Ryan Douglas Harp, 49

On May 31, 2010, God sent his angels to take Ryan Douglas Harp home and end his battle with cancer. Ryan died at home in Lakeside, surrounded by friends and family. Ryan was born on May 9, 1961, in Pasadena, Calif. Ryan was preceded in death by his father, John Harp; and brother-in-law, Mike Higgens. He is survived by his two daughters, Amy and Sara; four grandchildren; his mother, Elizabeth Ann; stepmother, Shirley; brothers, Rodger, Warren and Steve; sisters, Roxa, Janet and Jennifer; nephews and nieces, Patricia, D.J., Benjamin, Chelsey, Jacob, Whitney, Thomas, Nichole, Megan, Michelle and Warren Jr.; and too many friends to list. Ryan was a bighearted, fun-loving guy. He loved music, dancing, golfing, fishing, Cash Cab, The World s Deadliest Catch and Mash. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. A special thanks go to the nieces, and staff at Home Options Hospice for their dedicated and caring ways. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.

Distinctive students

Flathead High School is the only high school in the state to offer the International Baccalaureate Programme. The rigorous internationally recognized curriculum demands a dedication to academic life, as well as time spent in community service, the arts and physical endeavors. These students have all earned the full IB diploma:

Glacier senior 'wants to be there to help'

This is the seventh and final story in a weeklong series about Class of 2010 graduates who are making a difference in the world.

There were moments when Becca Eisenman questioned her dedication to the Glacier High School football team.

Primary will narrow District Court contest

Four lawyers — two in private practice and two judges — are in a primary runoff for the new District Court judge position in Flathead County.

Manager convicted in connection to crash

Woman allowed bartender to serve after bar closed

A bowling alley manager pleaded no contest during a hearing Friday to serving the drunken driver responsible for a crash that killed a Montana Highway Patrol trooper last year.

Glacier High's Becca Eisenman

SCS Graduation

Tawny Haynes

Diane Pickavance

Top Grads

Sarah Noelle Arlint

Spencer Carl Davis

Madison Linley Evans

Kenisha Rae Himsl

Austin Wyatt Rhoten

Molly Elizabeth Benedetto

Corrinne Minnehan

Gregory Michael Seaman

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Flathead Valley High School Rodeo Team

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Sharrie Shelton Duncan, 48

Sharrie Shelton Duncan, 48, died May 16, 2010, in Positano, Italy. She was born July 13,1961, to Charles and Margie Shelton in Butte. She is survived by her husband, Gil Duncan; son, Shane Duncan; stepson, Aaron Duncan; mother, Margie Milaney, and her husband, Terrence Milaney; father, Charles Shelton, and his wife, Patty Shelton; brother, Randy Shelton, and his wife, Kaydel Shelton; sister, Shayne Hendrix, and her husband, Mark Hendrix; sister, Staci Martin, and her husband, Kenny Martin; nephews, Sam Shelton, Cade Estes and Mark Estes; and niece, Tessa Shelton; and many others considered her family who lived in her local neighborhoods, Seattle, and places as far away as England, Germany and Italy. Sharrie lost her life on May 16 due to drowning in Positano, Italy, as she was attempting to get her 12-year-old son Shane back to safety. She grew up in Kalispell where she attended Cornelius Hedges Elementary School, Linderman Junior High and Kalispell Junior High, until graduating from Flathead High School in 1979. She was awarded a track scholarship to attend Montana State University where she graduated in 1984. Sharrie was a tremendous track athlete from the first time she stepped on to a track. Although, due to her complete and utter modesty, you would never have known her long jumping ability was legendary, setting a Montana state record, a Meet of Champion record, and still holding the AA divisional long jump record set over 30 years ago. She truly loved her childhood years swimming and diving at Woodland Park pool, running track, riding horses and being a part of her family she so passionately cherished. While a sophomore in high school she began dating Mike Nichols who became her husband in 1987. They lived in Seattle where she worked for The Boeing Company for about 10 years; it was shortly thereafter her marriage to Mike ended. Sharrie started her European excursion when she relocated to England where she married Gil Duncan on July 15, 1997. It was in England where their son Shane, the sunshine of her life, was born. The majority of the years between 1997 and 2010 were spent traveling throughout Europe where she became quite a well-known personality of all cities where she lived. Her examples of love and kindness were often shared with life s less fortunate throughout her travels, and in doing so, she never sought credit for any kind deed, of which she did many. While Sharrie was well known and loved for her passion for life, her love for her family and her competitive spirit which carried forward in all aspects of her life, it was her love for her son Shane that was her greatest and most admired quality. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held to honor her life at 11 a.m. Monday June 7, at Easthaven Baptist Church. Sharrie s family will place her ashes near those of her beloved grandmother, Helen Simonich, at Glacier Memorial Gardens in a private family gathering immediately following the service. Everyone is invited to share their memories and love at a reception being held at the Siderius Farm immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Flathead Food Bank, 1203 U.S. Highway 2 W., No. 2, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Arthur Franklin Phelps, 86

Arthur Franklin Phelps, 86, also known to many as Whitey, passed away May 26, 2010, in Spokane. He was born March 7, 1924, in Oklahoma, to Herman and Edna Phelps. He was the second of four children. In his early years, Whitey worked in the fields on his father s sharecropping farm. At 16, he went to the CC camp to work. He met and married the love of his life, Ruth Katheryne Lemons before being called to duty in World War II. They became the proud parents of four children, Carolyn, Kathy, Dale and Linda. As a family, they traveled abroad while Whitey worked as a supervisor in the tunnels. After Whitey retired from his tunnel work he wanted to relocate closer to his children and grandchildren. Whitey and Ruth picked property along the river in Hungry Horse as the perfect place to build their retirement home. He enjoyed spending time golfing, hunting and fishing. Whitey was a family man who worked hard all his life and took great pride in being able to provide well for his family. He also enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren good work ethics and the importance of family, friends and helping others. He and Ruth also enjoyed many hours in their yard gardening together. Whitey then took up land management as his retirement past time. He assisted many who were not as fortunate to be able to provide their families with property and a home to call their own. He was a firm believer in giving others a hand up, not a hand-out. Whitey was preceded in death by his parents, his three siblings, and his beloved wife, Ruth. He is survived by his four children, Carolyn Phelps, Kathy Phelps, Dale Phelps and Linda Hanson and her husband, John; seven grandchildren, Sonja Nordahl, Travis Herron, Kara Erickson, Shannon Phelps and his wife Molly, Rhonda Tallman and her husband Lonny, Dustin Phelps and Tiffany Hanson; four great-grandchildren, Kaileen Alvarez, Josh Erickson, Leilani Herron and Cameron Tallman; and many other extended family members and friends. Whitey had an incredible sense of humor. He was a very loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know and love him. One of the things Whitey took pride in was hosting family barbecues. As a tribute to Whitey, we will be hosting a barbecue in his honor this summer. The date will be announced later to accommodate family arrangements. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Whitey s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences.

Ruth Laurel Lou Maley, 79

Ruth Laurel Lou Maley, 79, passed away May 30, 2010, in Billings, in the presence of family members, after a long battle with Alzheimer s disease. Lou was born on Jan. 16, 1931, to Walter and Audrey Freeberg in Lisbon, N.D. She was one of nine siblings. Lou married Marvin Maley on Oct. 20, 1952, in Valley City, N.D. They had three children Marvin, Kelly and Michelle. Lou had resided in Billings for 48 years. Many family members and friends survive Lou, including Marvin and Pam Maley of Kalispell, Kelly and Kandy Maley of Billings, and Michelle Maley of New Mexico; one grandson, Jonny Martin Marvin Oson, of Red Lodge; four siblings, Leon and Jean Freeberg of Lisbon, Lawrence and Dorothy Freeberg of Billings, Lois Seelye of Lisbon, and Sandy and Bob Hill of Hesperia, Calif. Lou was preceded in death by her husband Marvin; her parents; three sisters; and one brother. Cremation has taken place and services will be held in Lisbon on June 12.

Dorothy Mae Engebritson, 93

Dorothy Mae Engebritson, 93, passed away June 1, 2010, at her home in Kalispell, just as she wanted it to be. She was born Oct. 4, 1916, in Scobey, to George and Mary (Mow) Hunter. She spent her earlier years in Scobey and attended nursing school in Havre. She then moved to Kalispell, where she met and married the love of her life, Aril Engebritson, and they shared 70 wonderful years together. They had two children, a daughter, Vivian, and a son, Vernon. Mae helped her husband build and remodel several houses. She was a farmer s wife in every sense of the role. She drove tractors, helped with the cattle, did the books, raised her children, and worked full time. She was a very hard worker. She was a very caring person who was involved in many things for over 30 years. She worked at Flathead County and Kalispell Regional Hospital in the OB department as an LPN, was active in the Birch Grove Willing Workers, Neighbors in Need, and Woman United, and was a Charter member of Calvary Lutheran Church, where she was still an active member until her death. She was known for her famous homemade cinnamon rolls, family holiday dinners, and the handmade blankets, tablecloths, and clothes that she sewed, crocheted or knitted. Her yard was always beautiful with flowers, a big garden, and an open heart. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 70 years, Aril Engebritson; grandson, James Engebritson; granddaughter, Annette Berryman; great-granddaughter, Jennifer Engebritson; and three brothers and three sisters. She is survived by her sister, Evelyn Lash, of Seattle; daughter, Vivian Engebritson-Brunett, and husband, Jim, of Tucson, Ariz.; son, Vernon and wife, Agnes, of Kalispell; grandchildren, Terry Caudill and husband Mike, Tina Engebritson, and Vernon Engebritson and wife, Tracy, of Kalispell; great-grandchildren, Trevor, Mikey and Lisa Caudill, Chance and Cheyene Overnick, Chrissy Van Zant and husband John, and Shane and Kyle Engebritson, all of Kalispell, and Brandon and Nathan Berryman of Virginia; great-great-grandchildren, Mya Mcneely, Jowell Engebritson, Taeryn Caudill and Talyn Richardson. Funeral services for Mae will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 4, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Kalispell, with Pastor Kurt Rau officiating. Visitation will take place an hour prior to the service. Mae will be laid to rest at Glacier Memorial Gardens. The family suggests memorial donations can be made to Calvary Lutheran Church or Hospice. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Mae s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Mae s tribute wall.

Dorothy Ida Wagner Fredrickson Baker, 93

Dorothy Ida Wagner Fredrickson Baker, 93, formerly of Kalispell, passed away Saturday, May 29, 2010, in Sun City, Ariz. She was born on Dec. 3, 1916, at the J.J. Wagner Farm home near St. John, Wash., to Adrian F. and Ida E. (Steinke) Wagner. Her family soon moved to Galata, near Shelby. As much as Dorothy loved to dance, on Oct. 11, 1936, in Shelby, she married Nils I. Fredrickson, not the best dancer, but the one that made me laugh. They were very active in farming and the Lutheran Church. With their building and management skills, and her nursing degree at the age of 49, they improved many Lutheran rest homes. In 1976, they retired and moved to Sun City. Dorothy said, We sure did make the right choice. They took advantage of all Sun City had to offer. Dorothy loved to dance and did not like to miss an opportunity. She would bowl as much as three times a week and was good enough to take home the prize money. With retirement came more time for sewing. She made her own wardrobe and garments for others. After Nils death in 1983, Dorothy stayed active. On April 20, 1988, Dorothy married Louis Baker in Sun City. She and Louie continued her love for travel. Always an expert at tatting and crocheting, Dorothy and Louie spent many a day in hobby shops searching for just the right piece to create beautifully dressed dolls with hand-crocheted clothing. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Nils I. Fredrickson; and a brother, Ross A. Wagner, in 2002. She is survived by her husband of 22 years, Louie Baker, of Sun City; a sister, Wilma A. Search, of Gillette, Wyo.; and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Funeral services for Dorothy will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 5, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel, with burial to follow at C. E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Dorothy s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Dorothy s tribute wall.

Karen Anderson Longhart, 49

Karen Anderson Longhart, 49, died at home on Tuesday, June 1, 2010, in Kalispell, from cancer. She was born in Colorado Springs, Colo., on June 19, 1960, when her parents, Malcolm and Helen Anderson, welcomed her as their sixth child. They went on to have two more children to round out the family of eight. Karen grew up in Colorado Springs in a wonderful and loving family, where there was never a dull moment! She attended high school at Coronado High School and graduated in 1978. Her favorite high school age memories were having both parents cheering her on at every swim meet, giving a speech at graduation, and doing a moonlight climb of Mount Elbert. It was at Coronado where Karen met Fred, her soul mate and husband of 28 years. After graduating from college and finally convincing Fred to marry her, the couple moved to Kalispell and spent their time teaching math to thousands of students. Karen taught at Columbia Falls High School from 1982 to 1984, Kalispell Junior High School from 1984 to 1985, Flathead High School from 1985 to 2002, and Flathead Valley Community College from 2002 to the present. Helping people learn math and also helping math teachers improve their practice was a passion for both Karen and Fred and something they did together. Of course, they did everything together as anyone who knows them can attest. Her favorite memories of teaching were seeing a student s eyes light up when they succeeded, visits from Fred who taught next door, and sharing the energy and fun that often takes place in a high school classroom. Karen won numerous teaching awards and was involved in improving math education at the local, state and national level where she was heavily involved with both the Montana Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Being a Presidential Awardee and being honored with a State Department dinner and a visit to the East Wing of the White House were powerful reminders of the importance of helping children learn. It was even more special when Fred followed suit a couple of years later. In addition to her passion for teaching, her passion for being active and fit was also apparent by the amount of time she spent at The Summit swimming and lifting weights. Fred and Karen also spent every free moment hiking in Glacier Park or walking at their favorite secret spot west of Kalispell. During the winter, they skate skied as often as possible. Karen is survived by her wonderful and loving husband, Fred, and also leaves behind their dog, Monte. They did nearly everything together and particularly enjoyed working out together, sitting by the campfire talking and just enjoying each other s company. Karen was always in awe of the unconditional love that Fred showered upon her throughout their entire marriage, but in particular during the last three years. He was always there for her - every step of the way. Their love was a precious gift that was both valued and appreciated. That love will continue on forever. She was preceded in death by her dad. Karen is survived by her siblings and their spouses, Dave and Jennifer Anderson of Colorado Springs, Kathy and Jack Hickey of Monument, Colo., Debby and Chris Jenkins of San Diego, Dan and Julie Anderson of Columbia, S.C., Chris and Julie Anderson of Denver, Suzy and Danny Evans of Windsor, Colo., and Julie and Matt Nesbitt of Fort Collins, Colo. She has numerous nieces and nephews. Fred s siblings are Bill and Donna Holder of Cypress, Calif., and Sharon Gedack of Colorado Springs. Karen was grateful to have such a close knit and supportive family. A celebration of Karen s life will be held at 6:30 p.m. on June 7 at the Arts and Technology Building at FVCC. No memorial fund has been established. The family would prefer that you wear informal attire. Karen would prefer it if you would do something special with a loved one in her honor. Life is the school. Love is the lesson. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Karen s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Karen s tribute wall.

Eureka man to be deported back to Canada

Due to multiple criminal convictions, a Eureka man will be deported to Canada.

Dopps homers in Lakers win over M's

Cody Dopps homered for the second time this season and three Kalispell pitchers held Mission Valley to six hits as the AA Lakers improved to 14-5 overall with a 10-4 nonconference American Legion baseball victory on Thursday at Lakers Field.

Decision day is nearly here

Decision day is at hand for Flathead County voters.

Weather rules road-plowing progress

Torrents of rain and sleet would come and go Thursday, along with misty clouds that would obscure the view of plows on Going-to-the-Sun Road and the slopes above them.

Commission candidates differ on consolidation, N. Shore Ranch

Voters who choose the Democratic slate of candidates in Tuesday’s primary election will decide whether to pick incumbent Flathead County Commissioner Joe Brenneman or challenger Noel Gorton to represent the party in the November general election.

Living for powder

Glacier student accepted into Salt Lake City’s Rowmark Ski Academy

Frank Jobe will never forget it.

Crochet business leads to scholarship fund

This is the sixth story in a weeklong series about Class of 2010 graduates who are making a difference in the world.

Brett Harrison spent a fair amount of time this year crocheting.

Magazine honors Bigfork's Andrus

Former local track standout and current University of Montana senior Brooke Andrus has been honored by ESPN The Magazine for both academic and athletic excellence.

Three Republicans vie for District 2 seat

Republicans have three choices for Flathead County commissioner in Tuesday’s primary election.

Glacier Park Early June Snow Removal

Blanche Seccombe, 108

Blanche Seccombe, Bigfork s oldest citizen, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2010, at the age of 108. She was born in Highland, Calif., on Nov. 17, 1901. Blanche kept active with her crafts and was still able to do seed beadwork until just a year ago. Preceding her in death was her husband, Lyle, and her eldest daughter, Peggy Miller. Her survivors include daughter, Mary Lou Schmidt, of Bigfork; son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Bernie Seccombe, of Grants Pass, Ore.; daughter and son-in-law, Evelyn and Bill Dahlin of Woods Bay; and son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Ruth Seccombe, of Woods Bay. In addition, Blanche is survived by 21 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren and 40 great-great-grandchildren. A celebration of Blanche s life will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 8, at Lakeview Care Center.

Virginia Peggy Lee Riley Garrison, 84

Virginia Peggy Lee Riley Garrison, died May 16, 2010, at home in the arms of her husband and three children. She was 84 years old and was born on March 5, 1926, in Troy, the fourth of eight children born to Jack and Elma Williams. Peggy is best remembered for her love of family and friends, especially children. She was first and foremost a superior mother. Peggy quit school to care for her three little sisters when their father died and their mother was employed as a cook in logging camps to support her family of eight children. She always thought of these sisters as my girls and loved and cared for them as a mother would all of her life. She constantly had some child, her own and those of others, to care for and it was her greatest joy in life. She also made time for golf, sewing, reading and flower gardening. She loved to cook for her family, using many recipes handed down from her mother, Elma. Each of her children had a favorite recipe that Peggy never failed to make when that child came home for a visit. She is dearly loved, missed and survived by her husband, Jim Garrison; daughter, Sandy and Chuck Lehman; sons, Mike and Don Riley; former husband, Rick Riley, of Kalispell; foster children, Frank and Maria Diaz; granddaughter, Aimee, and Eric Goldberg; grandson, Pete Dero; stepchildren, Jay Garrison and Marshanna, and Jamie and Chris Robertson; step-grandchildren, Steve and Michelle Lehman, Lori and Carl Benson, Bria and Michael Perozzo, Jared Garrison, and Catrina and Nick Robertson; and great-grandchildren, Riley and Ethan Bolton, Carlee and Annie Benson, Braeden Lehman, Gwen Robertson, and Luke and Keziah Perozzo. Peggy is also survived by her sisters, Patsy and Joe Rocco, Joy and Bill Pegue, and Geri and Lou Perrine; and brothers, Don and Alene Williams, and George and Maxine Williams; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Jack; mother, Elma; stepfather, John Beckert; and sisters, Janiel Souther and Viola Krantz. Tragically, she lost her youngest daughter, Charlotte Jean Riley, in 1997. Peggy s life was celebrated at a funeral Mass May 18 at St. William s Catholic Church in Thompson Falls, officiated by Father Ken. She has been laid to rest next to her beloved daughter, Charlotte, at White Pine Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Peggy requested memorials to TRAC s or Sanders County Home Hospice.

Tea Party rally set for Saturday

A Tea Party rally is planned Saturday in Kalispell’s Depot Park, with participants focused on the June 8 primary election.

Lakeside grizzly moved

Five bears shifted to new homes

After getting a report of a bear eating chickens south of Lakeside, Heather and Derek Reich thought they were going to try to capture a troublesome black bear.

Swank gets contract for new Cayuse gym project

Swank Enterprises will build Cayuse Prairie School’s new gym.

Three veteran officers seek county sheriff's job

Three law-enforcement veterans are vying for the sheriff’s job in Flathead County.

Murder trial delayed

The trial has been continued until this fall for a Creston man accused of killing his father and brother, then holding six people hostage.

BikeFish: a week devoted to two wheels

From June 7 through 13, Whitefish will celebrate its first BikeFish, a week dedicated to the bike and benefiting Fish Trails, the Whitefish pedestrian and bike-path network.

Pistorese's perfect game a rare feat for state

Joe Pistorese may be in a league of his own after last week.

Bull rider has soft touch with young skiers

This is the fifth story in a weeklong series about Class of 2010 graduates who are making a difference in the world.

Chair Two looked intimidating to Spencer.

Attacking Israel - as usual

Lots of people like to hate Israel, the Mideast’s only fully functioning democracy, but the latest outcry over Israel’s handling of its blockade against Gaza is hypocritical at best.

Pistorese's gem

Hike for Heroes to honor fallen troopers

Seeing a poster for the Cops on Top climb in honor of Trooper Michael Haynes, Lacy Schneider knew she had to do something to allow the public to honor fallen Montana Highway Patrol officers.

Columbia Falls' Matt Triplett

Matt Triplett of Columbia Falls stands among bulls on his family’s property south of Columbia Falls in this file photo. (Daily Inter Lake, file)

Flathead High Grad Profile - Brett Harrison

Mildred L. (Hadley) Morrison, 100

Mildred L. (Hadley) Morrison, 100, passed away on Sunday, May 30, 2010, at Prestige Assisted Living in Kalispell. She was born on April 26, 1910, in Fullerton, Neb., the daughter of Oscar R. and Lola Edith (Krusor) Hadley. On June 11, 1933, Mildred and Frank J. Morrison were married in Fullerton. The couple and their 1-year-old daughter Charlotte moved to Kalispell in the fall of 1936. In 1939, they welcomed the birth of their son, John. During the late spring of 1942, the family moved to California where they stayed for three years helping in the war effort. In 1946, together they built the Morrison Service Garage on the back lot of their home. Mildred kept the books and expedited parts from local stores. In 1953, they bought a 20-acre farm about four miles from town. Here they raised a few cows, many chickens and a large garden. Mildred canned and froze the vegetables for good winter eating. Mildred s friends and family were the center of her life, always greeting them with a smile, a hug and home-baked cakes, cookies or pies. Mildred s family wishes to thank the loving care she received from Prestige Assisted Living and Hospice. A special thanks goes to Dexter for all his love and tailwags he had for Mildred. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; and her son, John. She is survived by her daughter, Charlotte Baker, and husband, Tom, of Pennsylvania; her grandchildren, Alan Horst and wife Patti, Rhee Schielein and husband Johnny, Carolyn Love and husband Rich, Melissa Paullson and husband Richard, and Michelle Arceneaux; 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. Funeral services for Mildred will be held at 2 p.m. today, June 2, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Burial will follow services at Glacier Memorial Gardens. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Mildred s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Mildred s tribute wall.

Rebecca L. Becky (Gray) Hewitt, 69

Rebecca L. Becky (Gray) Hewitt, 69, died of natural causes Thursday, May 20, 2010, at her home in Plentywood. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Fulkerson Funeral Home, and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Becky was born May 27, 1940, in Shelby, to Margaret Gray and Edwin Fouts. She was raised in Great Falls and graduated from Great Falls Central Catholic High School in 1958. She attended the College of Great Falls, the Columbus School of Radiology and Purdue University. She worked for Dr. Popnoe as an X-ray technician, followed by a 30-year career with Blue Cross of Montana, where she supervised the Federal Employees Program. She retired in 1991 in Bigfork. She was preceded in death by her father, Edwin Fouts; dad, Jake Gray; and mother, Margaret Gephardt Gray. She is survived by her husband, Clarence Skip Hewitt; sisters, Judy Wagner and Kathy Zuelke; a daughter, Julie; sons, Jade, Jack and Joe; and 10 grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. She was a very outgoing person who will be missed by all who knew her. Condolences may be sent to 310 N. Maurice St., Plentywood, MT 59254. In lieu of flowers, she would like contributions in her name sent to Glenwood, First Ave. E., Plentywood, MT 59254; or donors-choose.org.

Elva Sis Fusaro, 75

Our loving mother and grandmother, Elva Sis Fusaro, 75, of Augusta, died Saturday, May 29, 2010, in Kalispell, surrounded by family and loved ones. She was born on Sept. 15, 1934, in Glasgow, to Ernest and Nina Rundquist. Sis, as she liked to be called, was a very caring, compassionate and giving person with a great sense of humor. She attended Flathead County High School until her senior year and graduated from Brady High School in 1952. Upon completion of high school, she attended Spokane Business College, where she met her husband of 49 years. Sis and John Robert Fusaro were married on Oct. 2, 1954, in Augusta. They moved to Westerly, R.I., where they had five children, Diana, Karen, Chrissy, Paula and Peter. They resided in Westerly until moving to Augusta in July 1969. Sis was very active in the Augusta community and was a lifelong member of the Augusta American Legion Auxiliary. She was loved by many and will be missed by all. Elva was preceded in death by her husband, John Robert Fusaro; and brother, Darold Rundquist. She is survived by her brother, Keith Rundquist, of Augusta; her children, Diana Fusaro of Nampa, Idaho, Karen Brunner of Helena, Chrissy Shires of Helena, Paula Foster and Chris, of Anderson, Calif., and Peter and Mary Fusaro of Kalispell, Tim Brunner of Power, and Randy Shires of Helena; eight grandchildren, Lacey, Cassidy and Bailey Brunner, Randi Lee and Kaycee Shires, Zachary Williamson, and Ashley and John Wiley Fusaro. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 8, at the Augusta Legion. Memorials can be sent to the John and Elva Fusaro Memorial Scholarship, 88 Grandview Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Elva s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Elva s tribute wall.

Betty Ann LeDuc, 86

Betty Ann LeDuc, 86, passed away in Kalispell on Monday, May 31, 2010, to be with her Lord and deceased family and friends. She was born March 1, 1924, in Devils Lake, N.D., to George and Josephine Holgerson. Betty Ann graduated from Central High School in Devils Lake where she was a homecoming queen and honor student. She met and married her soul mate and love of her life, Robert LeDuc, in Seattle, in 1942. Bob and Betty Ann moved to Seattle during the War and she worked for Boeing Aircraft as a clerical worker while Bob was an army engineer. While in Seattle she gave birth to their first son, Trent, in 1945. They returned to North Dakota after World War II and then moved to Montana in 1951. She and Bob owned and operated several small businesses " the Kalispell Bar, a vending machine business, and the Golden Wheels Mobile Home and RV Center, to name a few. In 1954, Betty Ann gave birth to their second child, Scott. Betty Ann raised a beautiful, loving family and enjoyed the community and outdoors that Montana had to offer. She was the perfect mother, always performing her maternal instincts with love, adoration, kindness, comfort and guidance. Over the many years of child rearing, you would always be sure that Betty Ann was watching over her two sons, husband and mother Josephine, who lived with the family. When not with the family, she enjoyed spending time with Bob dancing up a storm, with the Big Band ballroom music. Dancing from North Dakota to Seattle, they would frequent dance halls and dance the night away to swing and jitterbug. She loved jazz and was a proud member of the local jazz society, and especially liked the Arnie Carruthers Band and the Don Lawrence Orchestra. Betty Ann was a proud member of the Elks Club and she and Bob operated the Elks Resort on Flathead Lake from 1967 to 1970. She enjoyed traveling the country and abroad via planes, trains, boats and cruise ships to near and far away places. She was an elegant, beautiful lady with class and style. She was recruited by local dress shops and department stores (the KM and Anderson s Style Shop) in the 60s and 70s when they would put on fashion shows at the Elks Club, hotels and convention centers. Betty Ann also enjoyed fishing and cruising on Flathead Lake, as well as the Lake Blaine gathering cabin owned by Bob s sister, Donna. Countless family outings were enjoyed by all the aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Above all, Betty Ann possessed the gift of love and happiness that she bestowed on all the lives she touched. She will be dearly missed but fondly remembered by all who met or knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Gordon and Donald; and one sister, Leona. She is survived by her husband, Robert Bob LeDuc; two sons, Trent LeDuc and wife, Sheila, and Scott LeDuc and wife, Joyce, all of Kalispell; five grandchildren, Ryan LeDuc and wife Kathy, Tye LeDuc and wife Jessica, Angela LeDuc, Kyle LeDuc and Paige LeDuc, all of Kalispell; with numerous great-grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held for Betty Ann at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 4, at Risen Christ Catholic Church followed by burial at Glacier Memorial Gardens. A reception will follow burial at the church. Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursday, June 3, with a rosary to follow at 7 p.m. at Johnson Gloschat Funeral Home. The family suggests memorials be given in her name to Religious Retirement, c/o Risen Christ Church, 65 W. Evergreen Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Betty Ann s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Betty Ann s tribute wall.

Elizabeth Betty Ann Deaton, 54

Elizabeth Betty Ann Deaton, 54, of Eureka, lost the battle to ovarian cancer on May 27, 2010. Betty was born July 10, 1955, in Great Falls. While she grew up in Cut Bank, she lived in other towns in Montana. She later moved to Port Angeles, Wash., where she lived for many years. About eight years ago she moved to Eureka where her mother and father were. Betty was diagnosed with ovarian cancer stage 4 last year. She went through many rounds of chemo treatments, but her body kept resisting. She fought long and hard, til her very last breath. She passed away at the Whitefish Hospital at 10:30 p.m. Thursday night. Betty will always be remembered as a survivor in our hearts. She will be loved and missed by many. She is survived by her mother, Vivian Sandell; sisters, Kathy Totten of Eureka, and Wilma Sandell; and brother, Lloyd Sandell, of Bremerton Wash; three children, Chari Camper, Billy Deaton and Jennifer Deaton, and two grandchildren, all of Port Angeles. Betty was preceded in death by her father, William Sandell; and sister, Christine Jolly. Private arrangements are by Austin Funeral Home.

Road-maintenance cuts might be mitigated

The Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday deferred a decision to stop maintaining some county roads.

Bigfork High's Tia Bakker

Landowners sought for water study

Researchers at the University of Montana’s Flathead Lake Biological Station are seeking Kalispell area landowners to participate in a scientific study to determine the presence of shallow groundwater contaminants in residential drinking-water wells.

Andrews wins all-around title at District 5 Finals rodeo

Jake Andrews of Kalispell was named the all-around cowboy at the District 5 Finals High School Rodeo on Memorial weekend at Drummond.

A quest for subterranean conservation

This is the fourth story in a weeklong series about Class of 2010 graduates who are making a difference in the world.

Show Tia Bakker a dark, damp hole in the ground and chances are she will crawl right in.

Libby research effort to span 40 years

LIBBY — The Center for Asbestos Related Disease will begin recruiting subjects this month for the Libby Epidemiology Research Project.

Memorial Day

Woman run over by vehicle

A woman ended up under a car after someone apparently hit the gas following a disturbance in the parking lot next to a Montana 35 bar around 4 p.m. Monday.

Glacier's Boschee pushes for indoor track meet

Would help athletes deal with early season weather

Standing in the rain at a local track meet in mid-May, Glacier coach Jerry Boschee thought out loud about how he'd like see the sport he loves move forward. For now, it's just an idea he's hatched, a solution to a problem. But it's a serious enough thought that other states have put it into practice, and Boschee would like to see Montana follow stride one of these days.

Senior 'driven to work for others'

Josh Schott was 14 when he first learned about the conflict in Darfur.

Libby man served on the high seas

Ralph Hildreth, a lanky 30-year-old, enjoyed a sailor’s breakfast the morning of June 7, 1944, as he traveled through the English Channel on the USS Susan B. Anthony.