Ellington

A Great Gray Owl

Memorial Day Ceremony at Fairview Cemetery

Memorial Day Service at Grace Baptist Church

Board aims to get tough on food violations

A policy passed at the May Flathead County Board of Health meeting is meant to clamp down on food establishments with multiple poor inspections.

SCS grad David Rice

British village honors Kalispell pilot

Memorial Day 2010

Residents of Redlingfield, a small village in Suffolk in eastern England, recently honored a Kalispell airman, 2nd Lt. Kenneth B. Rongstad — a B-17 pilot whose aircraft crashed in the village on Nov. 19, 1943.

'Grave robber' was only weeding

Flathead County Sheriff’s deputies were alerted to a possible grave robber Saturday at a cemetery at the corner of Rose Crossing and Whitefish Stage Road. It turned out be a woman weeding and putting flowers on her husband’s grave.

Willow Creek project discussion resumes

The controversial Willow Creek development on Foy’s Lake Road is back on the Kalispell Planning Board agenda for June 8.

Piano man plays for free and for fees

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

British war memorial

Daniel Raymond Mitchell, 74

Daniel Raymond Mitchell passed away on May 25, 2010, after an ambitious and hard-fought four-year battle with lung cancer. Dan was born in Custer, S.D., to Dora Mae Johnson Mitchell and Milton Theodore Mitchell. His father died in 1936 and the family moved to Walnut Grove, Minn. When Dan was 6, his mother moved to Kalispell with her three children, Dan and his sister, Gladys, and brother, Don, both of whom survive him, and Dan thereafter made his home in the area. He attended grade school in Evergreen and graduated from Flathead County High School in 1954. An outstanding athlete in track, football and basketball, he played varsity basketball all four years and on state championship basketball squads in 1951 and 1953. In 1956, Dan joined the National Guard. After basic training at Fort Ord, Calif., he was assigned duty at a San Francisco hospital. On July 6, 1956, he married Gail Lyonais and they were blessed with five children, Danette, Scott, Joel, Paul and Eric. Dan worked for Mills Lumber Co., in both Kalispell and Kemmerer, Wyo. He and Gail moved back to Kalispell in 1960. Dan then worked for Jim Slack, as both mechanic and truck driver. Later, he bought his own truck and drove cross-country, hauling grain, petroleum products and logs. He also transported campers for Bell Manufacturing. The passing years led to divorce and a return to hauling logs and working for Bob Wager Trucking until retirement. Dan married Marian Nordtome Miller, acquiring two stepchildren, Rob and Kim. Marian passed away in 2003. In June 2004, Dan married Reta Sweeney, of Kalispell, adding another eight stepchildren s extended families to his tree. Reserved, perceptive and possessed of a generous sense of humor and irony, Dan was also long known for his work ethic, a dedicated and conscientious worker. He carried out many home improvement projects, always trying to make his living space more practical, attractive and comfortable. He loved his family, friends, and the Flathead. He followed his son Eric s interest in stock car racing and often worked with his sons on vehicles and machinery in the home shop. Dan was an avid, life-long builder and pilot of model airplanes, a complement to his general fascination with aviation and its history. Dan s knowledge of planes had depth and breadth; he could name the plane and year it was made upon a brief viewing. A pilgrimage to see the famed Spruce Goose aircraft and sit in the cockpit was a highlight of his life. And a recent visit to the Smithsonian aircraft collections in Washington, D.C., left others following him around as if guided by a museum docent, gently corrected when details about a plane s history were mis-stated. A close family friend dedicated as Mitchell Field their home-based landing strip for radio-controlled model flights (and a few crashes.) Others who fly in that same airspace will always do so with a nod to the spirit of fun and flight that Dan brought to the hobby and to his life and to the lives of others. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. June 5 at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home, followed by a celebration of Dan s life at the Doran Center at St. Matthew s Church.

Harry R. Barker, 86

Harry R. Barker, 86, passed away Wednesday, May 19, 2010, at the Lakeview Care Center in Bigfork. He was born Oct. 30, 1923, in Salt Lake City, to the late Jesse Lee and Mary Pearl Barker. He was the youngest of ten siblings. Harry moved with his parents to San Francisco in 1940, where he began work in the shipyards. On Jan. 25, 1943, he received his call to active duty, serving in the First Army under General Omar Bradley, with the 146th Combat Engineers, and later in the 612th Tank Destroyer Battalion. Harry arrived in England on Oct. 17, 1943, and served for a little over two years in various parts of Europe. He was involved in numerous campaigns, including Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. Harry was an accomplished marksman and received many medals and ribbons. One of his most remarkable memories was being one of the first soldiers to set foot on Omaha beach during the invasion of Normandy, and one of the few who lived to talk about it. Harry had seen and experienced many things during the war, but his love and patriotic feelings for his country were never dampened. He stated, It was worth it; peace is always going to be costly. After the war, Harry returned to San Francisco, where he met his beautiful bride-to-be, Shirley June Lumley. They met in 1946 at Western Union, where Shirley was working, and were married one year later on April 11, 1947. They lived in San Mateo, Menlo Park, Palo Alto and Cupertino. During this time, Harry worked for Haight Appliances and Goldeens. In 1965, he became a Mason, and soon after, a member of the Shriners, and in 1970 he became the president of his local Shriner Lodge. In 1973, Harry took a trip to Montana and fell in love with the country. They sold their house in California and he was hired to work in the Physical Plant at the University of Montana Biological Station, Yellow Bay. Harry started his new job on Labor Day,1974. During his time at the Biological Station, Harry was actively involved in many church and community activities, including the Sea Scout program. He retired from the Biological station in 1989. Harry and Shirley continued to reside in Yellow Bay where he fulfilled his dreams of fishing, hunting and raising Arabian horses along with various other animals. They celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary this April. Harry loved people and they loved him. He was a wonderful husband, uncle and friend. It was an honor to know Harry and experience his never-ending sense of humor, beautiful voice, and love for life, family and his country. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Harry was preceded in death by his parents and nine siblings. He is survived by his wife, Shirley; and many nieces, nephews, great- and great-great-nieces and nephews. There will be a public viewing from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, June 4, at the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home, 525 Main St., Kalispell. Family will be present from 2 to 4 p.m. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 5, at the Lakeview Cemetery in Polson, with military honors by the Veterans Honor Guard. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Harry s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Harry s tribute wall.

James Michael Mike Collins, 61

James Michael Collins passed away at his home in Evergreen on May 15, 2010. He was born on April 2, 1949, in Spokane. The family moved to Columbia Falls where he attended school and graduated in 1967. He attended Flathead Valley Community College, focusing on forestry. In 1969, Mike joined the Army National Guard, where he attended officer candidate school and later became a captain. He was highly recognized for his excellence in leadership, selflessness and dedication to his unit, and received numerous prestigious commendations. Mike was described as a diamond among many gems by his peers and superiors. He retired from the National Guard in 1993 after 34 years of service. During his service with the Guard, he also worked for the Forest Service and the Department of State Lands for several years, after which he went to work for Semitool for many years, until April of 2007. Mike was preceded in death by his brother, Wesley Bubba Collins, and his father, Waylon Collins, both of whom passed away within five weeks of Mike s passing. He is survived by his mother, Jean Collins; sisters, Virginia Darsow and Kathy Collins, of Columbia Falls; brother, Windy Collins, of Missoula; sister, Carol Davies, of Bigfork; sons, Travis, Jarrod and Nathan Collins; and six grandchildren in Colorado. Mike was a kind and generous man, always putting others first. He was also a man of God and a friend to all. We love and miss you Mikey. Thank you for being a part of our lives. Please give our love to Bubba and Dad and tell them we love and miss them too. Military services are pending arrangements. There will be a special prayer for Mike during services for his brother Wesley and his father Waylon, starting at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 5, at the Eagles Club, at 1640 Highway 2 West in Columbia Falls, with Pastor Jim Holman officiating.

Neidra Marie (Waltz) Newberry, 88

Neidra Marie (Waltz) Newberry was born on Oct. 31, 1921, to Ernest and Mary Waltz, in Arkansas City, Kan. She died on May 27, 2010, at Brendan House, after a short but hard-fought battle with cancer. She grew up helping her dad on Greens Farm in southern Kansas, attending country school, learning about God s love at the United Brethren Church and enjoying a large extended family. After graduating from high school, she attended Arkansas City Junior College. Following her father s death, she completed medical technology training in Wichita, Kan. Neidra married H.W.C. Doc Newberry in 1946, and they moved to Montana in 1955 with their two children, Mike and Susan. Daughter Sally was born two years later. In addition to her duties as wife and mother, Neidra assisted Doc in his veterinary practice. She also worked part-time at Kalispell General Hospital as a medical technician. In later years, Neidra enjoyed her work in medical offices around the valley. Neidra loved every aspect of life. She loved her children, but adored her grandchildren, and was thrilled to celebrate the birth of her first great-grandchild. She liked relaxing at Bitterroot Lake, eating watermelon, and sitting around campfires. She valued her friendships with people of many ages and liked to discuss new ideas. She liked playing bridge, golf and racquetball, and was especially proud of the three gold medals she earned at National Senior Olympics in racquetball. She spent many joyful hours studying the Bible and leading Bible studies. She considered her college degree in Biblical studies, completed in 2001 at the age of 80, to be one of her finest accomplishments. She loved challenging her mind and body, laughing and playing practical jokes. She loved the Lord and sharing God s love with others. As much as she loved life, Neidra was ready to meet her creator when the time came. Neidra was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and one daughter-in-law, Ginny Newberry. She is survived by her children, Mike Newberry of Nashville, Tenn., Susan Hanson and husband Marlin, and Sally Newberry, all of Kalispell; grandchildren, Brandon Hanson, wife, Jennifer, and children, Gabe and Lilly, of Hobbs, N.M., Hillary Harris and husband, Adam, of Billings, and Whitley and Natalie Newberry of Kalispell. A memorial service for Neidra is scheduled for 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 1, at Faith Free Lutheran Church, 405 Liberty Street. Memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church building project or to a charity of the donor s choice. Friends are encouraged to visit our website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Sheila Rae Isbell, 50

Sheila Rae Isbell, 50, passed away on Friday, May 28, 2010, at her home in Columbia Falls. She was born on June 25, 1959, in Vinton, Iowa, to Merle and Evelyn (McIntyre) Roths. Sheila received her early education in Vinton. She married John Dave Isbell in Vinton on Dec. 24, 1984. The couple eventually moved to the Flathead Valley, where Sheila worked as a machine operator at Top Copy Printing in Whitefish. She also operated her own business of House Cleaning and Reflexology. Sheila loved her husband, her dogs, the outdoors and just being your friend. She was preceded in death by her brother, Bruce Roths. She is survived by her husband, Dave; stepson, Justin; her parents, Merle and Evelyn Roths of Vinton, Iowa; and a twin brother, Mike Roths of Stevensville. Memorial services for Sheila will be held on Wednesday, June 2, at 1 p.m. at Jesus Community Church in Stevensville, with Pastor Kelley McCormick officiating. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Sheila s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Sheila s tribute wall.

John F. Tempel, 87

John F. Tempel, 87, a Joplin farmer who moved to the Flathead Valley in 1978 and loved fishing, golfing, and snowmobiling, died Wednesday, May 26, 2010, at the Havre Hospital. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 1, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Joplin. Burial with military rites will follow in the Joplin Cemetery. Arrangements are by Rockman Funeral Chapel in Chester. He is survived by his wife, Ruby Hagen-Tempel of Clifton, Kan.; seven children, Linda Moore of Butte, Butch Tempel of Joplin, Dolores Cicon of Chester, Rod Tempel of Libby, Joan Thompson of Anchorage, Alaska, Tim Tempel of Joplin, and Scott Tempel of Missoula; 18 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Ed Tempel of Chester, Bill Tempel of Colfax, Wash., and Ben Tempel of Kalispell; and one sister, Mary Gormley of Choteau. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Leone, in 2000.

Whitewater Festival

Paying tribute to our heroes

The recent deaths of two Montana soldiers in Afghanistan are stark reminders of the overall losses of American military personnel through history, to be somberly recognized on Memorial Day.

Vikes' Evans wins three golds at state track

LAUREL - Keenan Evans sprinted his way to three state championships and the Bigfork girls ended the season with a trophy on Saturday at the Class B state track meet.

Home School Grad Profile Olivia Roskos

Home-school grad off on Czech mission

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

On Saturday, Olivia Roskos graduated in a small, intimate ceremony with 20 other seniors with whom she technically hadn’t gone to school.

Heroic mother had a profound impact

Some people are born stars. They arrive on this Earth as white-hot light, like the tip of a Fourth of July sparkler, and shine so brightly people can’t help but notice.

Sankovic flag to fly over cemetery

C. E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery has selected the casket flag of Joseph R. Sankovic for the honor of flying over the Veterans Memorial Monument for the coming year.

Flathead, Glacier bring home track trophies

Braves, Wolfpack girls both place 3rd at AA state track

GREAT FALLS - The coldest, wettest Class AA state track meet in memory wasn't without something to celebrate.

Polson girls continue title haul

Pirates dominate final day of Class A state track

LAUREL - Keep the fire engines warmed up, there's another state championship team to parade through Polson.

Shodair Soccer Classic lists 15 area players

Bigfork, Glacier both have four players on West roster

Fifteen players from five area schools have been selected to play for the West team in the Shodair Soccer Classic on July 24 in Helena.

Three for the road

Local vendors join exclusive Farm Chicks Show

Once a year, Callie Hulslander Cooper has a real girls’ weekend.

Exploring history is living life

“The student interprets the age of chivalry by his own age of chivalry, and the days of maritime adventure and circumnavigation by quite parallel miniature experiences of his own.”

Flathead's Karl Ingram

Flathead distance runners

Lexy Boschee

Who is most to blame for the Gulf oil disaster?

Lexy Boschee wins state high jump

Connor Thomas wins state shot put

Kayla Carlson

Whitewater Festival

Norbert Dale Richardson, 86

Norbert Dale Richardson, 86, of Hamilton passed away Monday, May 24, 2010. He was born Sept. 3, 1923, in Peever, S.D., the son of Fawn and Matilda (Peterson) Richardson. Norbert was an honorable man, highly respected by his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, in 1981; and his grandson, Chris Stroisch, in 1993. In memory of Norbert, his daughter, Linda, his grandchildren, Shauna Stroisch and Tori Clemens, his great-grandchildren, and all of his family on the Richardson side and the Kelly side of our family, wish for you to honor our father by reaching out to someone you love and telling them so. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 2, at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.

Beating the odds

Disability doesn’t keep grad from achieving goals

One week from today, Cedar Vance will don a cap and gown and proudly accept her diploma with the rest of Whitefish High School’s Class of 2010.

Polson state softball champs

Beat Belgrade in championship game 6-3

BILLINGS - The road to the state tournament was a little bumpy for the Polson Pirate softball team.

Three-vehicle crash injures six people

A three-vehicle pileup east of Kalispell landed six people in the hospital Thursday evening and closed Montana 35 for about an hour.

Honoring the departed

Trinity Lutheran youths spruce up cemetery as service project.

Paddlers challenge 'Wild Mile' this weekend

Slalom kayakers compete today in annual Bigfork Whitewater Fest

The 34th annual Bigfork Whitewater Festival gets under way today with kayaking events on the “Wild Mile” of the Swan River

Mee falls in semis; settles for third

Polson girls place 2nd; Libby boys 3rd

BILLINGS - Jackie Mee's bid for a second-straight Class A state singles title and undefeated season came to a surprising halt during semifinal tennis action on Saturday.

Class A State Track: Dogs' Daoud state 400 champ

Columbia Falls boys 2nd, Polson girls tied for third

LAUREL - Whitefish senior Anto Daoud won his first individual state championship while the Columbia Falls boys are hoping to achieve a similar accolade on the team front.

Class B State Track: Carlson wins 1,600 title

LAUREL - Kayla Carlson will go down as one of the best distance runners in Bigfork track history, and Friday's state-champion performance only cemented her status.

AA State Track: A damp but decent day for Kalispell athletes

Flathead boys 2nd; Flathead, Glacier girls tied for 2nd at AA meet

GREAT FALLS - Kalispell is shining bright in the Electric City.

Man OK after collision with semi

A man was transported to the hospital after his car collided with a semi around noon Friday. According to

Bigfork's Tia Bakker

Stillwater Christian David Rice

Farm Chicks Collette Gross

Farm Chicks Callie Hulslander Cooper

Farm Chicks Allison Young

Glacier Softball Abby Connolly

Magnus Connor Magnuson

son of Landon and Alexis Magnuson of Kalispell, was born Feb. 16 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Bella Marketta Muonio

daughter of Terry and Eva Muonio of Kalispell, was born Feb. 17 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Keegan Lee LaStofka

son of Dustin LaStofka and Charlene Hampton of Whitefish, was born Feb. 19 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Keira Jane Hulbert

daughter of Kayla Marie Hulbert of Kalispell, was born Feb. 22 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Hudson Bradley Kastelitz

son of Brad and Rhonda Kastelitz of Kalispell, was born Feb. 22 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Ryder William Nelson

son of Tiffani Nelson of Kalispell, was born Jan. 28 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Audrey Elaine Hewgill

daughter of Derek and Rachel Hewgill of Kalispell, was born Jan. 27 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Jaxon Craig Barney

son of Shad and Wendy Barney, was born Jan. 14 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Hudsen Rye Israel

son of Jenae and Matthew Israel of Whitefish, was born Feb. 28 at North Valley Hospital.

Curtis Robert Hallas

son of Matthew Hallas and Telena Morris, was born Jan 26 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Kendall Marie Massengill

daughter of Debbie and John Massengill of Kalispell, was born Jan. 28 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Isabella Taylor Gragg

daughter of Kevin Gragg and Ashley Bloomfield of Kalispell, was born Feb. 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Ryan Michael Long

son of Jason and Kristin Long of Kalispell, was born Jan. 22 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Gabriella Taylor Brackel

daughter of Lauren Brackel of Kalispell, was born Feb. 16 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

James Mason Gallegos

son of Sarah and Travis Gallegos of Kalispell, was born Feb. 25 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Tija Marie Vialpando

daughter of Travis Vialpondo and Alecia Payne of Whitefish, was born Feb. 27 at North Valley Hospital.

Carter Hudson Colby

son of Mark and Tina Colby of Kalispell, was born Feb. 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Chloe Grace Farrell

daughter of Amy and Brian Farrell of Kalispell, was born Jan. 25 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Gabriella Neva Ampudia

daughter of Ryan Ampudia and Kimberly Heger of Kalispell, was born Jan. 24 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Tiana Rae Williams

daughter of Shawn and Brittaney Williams of Columbia Falls, was born Feb. 16 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Hadlie Blayne Lingle

daughter of Scott and Elisha Lingle of Columbia Falls, was born Feb. 15 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Nakayla Karen Seeley Johnson

daughter of Nicholas Johnson and Natasha Seeley of Columbia Falls, was born Mar. 1 at North Valley Hospital.

Hawken Orion Wolford

son of Patrick Charles Wolford and Niki Alexandra Glynos-Wolford of Columbia Falls, was born Feb. 23 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Jacob Warden James Beck

son of Jacob Beck and Krystina Perkins of Kalispell, was born March 1 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Lexi Rien Franck

daughter of Bob Franck and Holly Conlin of Thompson Falls, was born Feb. 17 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

A dream come true for vets

Vision, dedication and commitment.

Man pleads no contest to vehicular homicide

Saying he can’t remember the incident, a Columbia Falls man pleaded no contest on Thursday to causing a crash that killed a young Eureka woman in February.

State softball: Polson levels Laurel

BILLINGS - It took a couple of innings, but once the Polson Pirates figured out the Laurel pitcher, things started to roll fast.

Track squads primed for state finales

Class AA in Great Falls; Class A, B in Laurel

They were the definition of clutch last weekend, but now the Glacier girls track team has to try and do it all over again.

Man's lost pants due to 'rough night'

Somewhere in an alley, a man lost his pants, wallet and shoes Wednesday night. When asked how this happened, the man did not care to elaborate, according to

Graduation ceremonies begin on Saturday

All who’ve missed the sight of tasseled hats and polyester robes can get their fix starting Saturday as graduation season arrives in Flathead County.

Libby's Mee, Maloney in state singles semifinals

BILLINGS - Libby's Jackie Mee edged closer to another state Class A tennis title in singles play on Thursday by posting two easy victories on the first day of play.

Man pleads not guilty to stealing pot plants

A Kalispell man pleaded not guilty Thursday morning to taking marijuana plants from the apartment of a medical marijuana patient later found bludgeoned to death.

Team effort goes into solving mystery

Authorities have resumed investigation into the cause of a fatal house explosion in Columbia Falls earlier this month.

Glacier recruiting volunteers for summer

Glacier National Park is recruiting volunteers for the 2010 summer season.

Pack has chemistry

Close bonds, laid-back approach a winning combination for Glacier

Glacier's Joel Bemis will never forget his first game as a head coach.

Whitewater Festival

Glacier wins for first time at state

HELENA - One more goal was checked off for the Glacier Wolfpack softball team.

College board certifies trustee election

The Flathead Valley Community College board of trustees certified the election by acclamation of John Engebretson and Mark Holston at its regular board meeting Monday. They were unopposed in their bids to retain their seats.

Symphony rewards four young musicians

Four young musicians — Zach Matteson, Jake Gloschat, Jessica Chon and Arrianna Noland — have received scholarships from the Glacier Symphony and Chorale.

Glacier Softball Bryttani Knopp

Columbia Falls House Explosion Investigation

Cliff Bennett at the Animal Shelter

Cedar Vance

Peace protest

Josh Schott

Lavert Boone Elkins, 91

Lavert Boone Elkins, 91, passed away May 24, 2010, at Heritage Place in Kalispell, of natural causes. She was born Jan 21, 1919, in Linden, Texas, and raised in Alexandria, La. She graduated with a degree in early childhood education from West Valley College in San Jose, Calif. In 1939, Lavert married Charlie Elkins in Hawthorne, Calif. Lavert was the administrator and owner of Green Hills Preschool for 11 years until her retirement. Prior to her work at the preschool, she was a homemaker, mother and wife. She enjoyed art, especially drawing and painting, Bible study and Christian fellowship groups. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Charlie Elkins, who passed away in 1989; her brother, Dan Boone; and mother, Annie Ingram. Lavert is survived by her sons, Garris and wife, Jan, and Dwain and wife, Carol; grandchildren, Heather Elkins Holmquist and husband Wes, Chuck Elkins and wife Kristina, Matt Elkins and wife Keah, Jim Elkins, David Elkins and Anna Elkins; and great-grandchildren, Hadley and Harper Holmquist, and Baelyn and Ever Elkins. A private family burial will be held at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the charity of your choice.

Norman Skiftun, 91

Norman Skiftun s soul was received by his maker on May 25, 2010. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., June 5, at Bethany Lutheran Church. He was born Nov. 2, 1918, to Ole and Mabel Skiftun on the family farm near Parshall, N.D. There he grew up, attending the Spring Valley grade school and three years of high school. His family moved to the Flathead Valley in 1937, where he completed his high school education, graduating from Flathead County High in 1939. Farming with his father in the Lower Valley until 1942, the family then moved to the Swan River community. During this time he met Louise Lynch, and they began a courting relationship until their ultimate marriage on Oct. 3, 1943, in Somers. They made their first home in a small farm house with no electricity or running water. Being an outdoorsman at heart, he continued farming, custom-combining and grain hauling. Winter coming on, harvests complete, supplemental income was made by cutting and hauling Christmas trees. Having an avid interest in electronics, his course of study turned to radio and the new advent of television, for installation and repair. Bitney s hired him as a sales and repair person. In those early days, many areas in the Flathead were hard-pressed to find a signal for the newly acquired TVs. This became a challenge for Norm, as he fought the signal challenge, and when attained, many a family were jubilant with picture and sound. The family made their first trip to Alaska in 1957 where he did some long-shoring and masonry work, also finding that Seward had no TV. It was his goal to attempt to figure a way to obtain the proper signal. Returning to Seward during the next summer he again was unable to find a TV signal; it just wasn t there. In 1959 the family moved to Sitka, Alaska, where he worked as an electrical contractor wiring a housing project for a year. They then returned to Bigfork where he continued to work for Dewy Martin as an electrician. Time evolved and Norm ventured on his own to continue his electrical work, well into his 80s. Norm and Louise loved to travel, venturing about Alaska and Canada, Hawaii and much of America. Being a gifted musician, Norm played numerous instruments, singing in the Bethany Lutheran church s choir for 60-plus years and in several quartets for the majority of his life. Norm was preceded in death by Louise, his wife of 64 years; his parents; and sisters, Opal Skiftun, Benida Brosten and Lil Baker. Surviving Norm are daughters, Aneda and Ray Wykoff of Great Falls, Cathy Anderson of Douglas, Alaska, and Carol Carter of Juneau, Alaska; grandsons, Steve and Kristen Childers of Coeur d Alene, Idaho, and Morgan and Diana Carter of Juneau; granddaughters, Lori and Jeff Cormier of Kalispell, and Megan Carter of New York; great-grandchildren, Cody Childers, Jordan Carter, Tristan Carter, Andrew Perez and Garrett Cormier; sisters; Arlene Kjos of Kalispell, Margie McClure of Boise, Idaho, and Fern and Bill Hartford of Honolulu; and numerous nieces and nephews. Being a gentle-mannered person, Norm always said he never met a man he didn t like, and was very proud of his Norwegian and North Dakotan heritage. As his soul now traverses into eternity, we bid Norman Skiftun farewell. He will be sorely missed. Memorials may be made to Wings, P.O. Box 7852, Kalispell, MT 59904; Bethany Lutheran Church, Bigfork, MT; or a favorite charity. To send condolences to the family, please go to www.buffalohillfh.com Buffalo Hill Funeral Home caring for the family

Mary E. Walters, 97

Mary E. (McLean) Walters, 97, passed away May 25, 2010, at Heritage Place in Kalispell, of natural causes. She was born April 16, 1913, in eastern Montana and raised in the Chinook and Havre areas. On May 28, 1931, she married Cort B. Walters, and they moved to the Flathead Valley. Mary was a homemaker in the Birch Grove area and was a longtime member of the Birch Grove Willing Workers. She was known for her kindness, her generosity, baking, sewing, and making the best out of little. Mary will be loved and missed, but can now rest in peace. She was preceded in death by her parents, Duncan and Emma McLean; her husband of 55 years, Cort B. Walters; an infant daughter, RoseMary; sisters, Margaret Hanson and Jesse Frank; and brother, Alfred McLean. Mary is survived by her daughter, Carol, and children, Courtney and Robert; daughter, Sandra, and John, and children, John, James, Daniel and Susan; son, Oran, and Vicki, and child, Cory; brother, Sandy, of Havre; and many nieces and nephews in Montana, California and Washington. A private burial will be held today, Thursday, at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell. Memorials may be made to the donor s choice; or just do a good deed for someone and think of Mary " She would like that.

Burning candle leads to bedroom fire home

No injuries were reported in a fire that consumed a bedroom in a house on Whitefish Stage Road north of Kalispell on Tuesday night.

Evergreen gravel-pit expansion sought

Expansion of an Evergreen area gravel pit will be considered by the Flathead County Board of Adjustment following a public hearing on June 1.

Recharged Glacier Street Rod Association still going strong

Association marks 30th anniversary

After reorganizing the club two years ago and revamping its annual classic car show, the Glacier Street Rod Association is back in the limelight, celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Mack Days anglers reel in 34,637 fish

The Spring Mack Days Fishing Event ended Sunday with a total of 34,637 lake trout entered over an 11-week period.

Swan Run challenge frivolous

The Flathead National Forest should pull out all the stops to ensure that the Swan Crest 100-Mile Run goes on as planned, making clear to Keith Hammer and his group, the Swan View Coalition, that their opposition to the event is frivolous.

Wolfpack softball on a mission in Helena

Last year getting there was an achievement.

'Fugitive' game becomes reality

Seeing two young men loitering near a Main Street hotel around 4 a.m. Wednesday, a

Creston Hatchery Kids Fun Fair

County will study attorney space crunch

Flathead County will spend $2,626 on a design study to see if space in the County Attorney’s Office can be reconfigured to give the staff more room.

Libby's Mee ready to defend state tennis title

Defending state singles champion Jackie Mee of Libby will open Class A state tournament play today in Billings against Stefanie Huschka of Glendive.

Daybook

CARE faces funding gap

Thanks to a perfect storm of funding losses, a local drug prevention program is struggling to find a way to maintain its level of service.

FVCC gives Garner its mentor award

Flathead Valley Community College President Jane Karas presented her fifth annual Montana Mentor Award to Frank Garner, retired Kalispell chief of police, during the college’s 42nd commencement. 

What is the most impressive achievement for an individual in a sporting event?

Memorial Day packing

Cemetery Clean Up

Creston Hatchery Kids Fun Fair

Hike for Heroes

Claire Ann Reitzel

daughter of Kodee Reitzel of Kalispell, was born April 19 at North Valley Hospital.

Gavin Mitchell Brown

son of Mitchell and Michelle Brown of Kalispell, was born Jan. 22 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Royvern Arthur Brown

son of Gordon and Wilma Brown of Kalispell, was born Jan. 19 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Oziah May Watstein

daughter of Jemima and Fred Watstein, was born Jan. 20 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Anita Louise Hamilton, 53

Anita Louise Hamilton, 53, of Missoula, went peacefully from her home to be with her Lord on May 22, 2010, after many years of being ill. She was born on May 16, 1957, in Bristow, Okla., and moved with her family to Kalispell in 1965. Anita was a graduate of Flathead High School in 1975 and a 1981 graduate of Montana State University, with a Bachelor of Science and Sociology degree. She spent her 25-year career with Flathead Industries in Kalispell, and retired as the habilitation services director and quality assurance coordinator in 2005. Anita and her mother Carolyn moved to Missoula in 2008 to live with her sister and brother-in-law. Anita took her first European trip with her sister Jeanne Ann and her Aunt Jeanne in 1972, and had fun touring through several countries for a month. She was an active member in her church and enjoyed being a choir director. Anita also participated, with her many church friends, in the Women of The Church of God local church group and was an active member of the Montana Women of The Church of God state group. Anita spent most of her life giving back to others in need. She joined a Christian medical missionary group and made a trip to the Ukraine, where she helped take medical supplies to a camp for special children suffering from the Chernobyl meltdown in 1986. She returned three more times to help those children, coming home very sick herself each time. In addition, she also helped bring two Ukrainian boys to Kalispell for a month, over two summers. It was a very important part of her life and one of the many contributions she made. Anita was preceded in death by her stepfather, Lawrence E. O Neil; her aunt, Velma Jeanne Barnett; and her brother, Richard Hamilton. She is survived by her mother, Carolyn L. O Neil, of Missoula; her dad, Donald Daniel, of Vacaville, Calif.; her sister and brother-in-law, Brian and Jeanne Ann Wilson; her brothers, Dale and Jennifer Daniel and their children, and Dean Daniel and son, of California. She also leaves her nephew, David Keith, and his children, Dalton and Lorelei; niece, Nicole Stewart and her children, Landen, Isaac and Adeline; niece, Jess Keith; and niece, Brianna Wilson, and her son, Jesse. She also leaves behind her dog, Oz. Anita s generosity, sense of humor and huge heart will be remembered by all who knew and loved her. We love you, Auntie! A memorial service and reception will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 31, at the Missoula Children s Theatre, 200 North Adams St., in Missoula. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to Flathead Industries, P.O. Box 1916, Kalispell, MT 59903.

William John Bill Wise, 77

William John Bill Wise passed away on Sunday night, May 23, 2010. Bill was born Feb. 10, 1933, to William McKinley and Lauretta Alice (Biggs) Wise, in, much to his chagrin, Los Angeles, where his parents had gone for a week s visit. Bill grew up Casper, Wyo., the Mission area and Kalispell. He enlisted in the Army and served with the 11th Airborne in Korea. In 1959 he married Dona Fae Eklund, and they had two children, Carrie and Mark. Following their divorce, he met Shirley Ann (Watson) Busselle on Mother s Day 1971. They married that fall and he gained daughters Dawn, Gloria and Cheryl. Dad delivered freight throughout the valley for Helphrey Motor Freight, Ringsby United, and later Wallace-Colville. After retiring from trucking he worked as a heavy equipment mechanic in the mining and highway construction industries throughout Montana, Washington and Nevada. When that played out, he turned his extensive creative talents to fabricating and was a partner in a small machine shop. For fun, he built several Volkswagon-powered trikes, and could be seen riding them around town. Throughout his life, Dad spent many an hour working with Les Bauska at the Gun Shop: There is nothing more beautiful that a finely turned barrel. Shooting was a passion and he was instrumental in founding the Flathead Muzzle Loaders, and was active in the Archery Club and Northwest Montana Arms Collectors. He is survived by Shirley, his wife of 39 years; daughter, Carrie, of Kalispell; son, Mark, of Houston; daughter, Dawn Gienger, and husband, Kevin, of Kiensal, N.D.; daughters, Gloria Brown and Cheryl Busselle, of Kalispell; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A man of few, but all the more wise words, Dad had a deep, gruff voice, and a heart as soft as a marshmallow; he appreciated a good joke, a good steak, his family and friends, the warmth and companionship of Sykes, his flower beds (particularly tulips), and the Irish Rovers. His passing leaves a hole in the fabric of many lives. He will truly be missed. No services are planned. Please join us for celebration of Bill s life from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, May 28, at Sykes Restaurant. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Bill s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences.

Cecil Keith Main, 68

Cecil Keith Main was born March 3, 1942, to Rose and Keith Main in Kalispell. He passed away at home on May 23, 2010, after a struggle with cancer. After graduating from Flathead County High School in 1960, Cecil attended the University of Montana. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, spending two years active duty and an additional two years in the Reserves. He married Cheryl Morrow on Dec. 29, 1966. Cecil worked on the seven-mile train tunnel in Trego and from there he went to rental and sales of heavy equipment in Seattle, Portland and Spokane. In 1974 he went to work for the Spokane County Road Department. ( Ya know, Cecil was the guy that always plowed your driveway shut with snow just after you had shoveled it out. ) Cecil and Cheryl didn t have any kids, so in 1983 Cecil built their dream house in Newman Lake, Wash., to put his stamp on this earth. In 2004, Cecil retired from the County to take up his real passions, whether it be at Liberty Lake or Meadow Wood golf courses in spring and summer, and bowling league in fall and winter. Cecil was league treasurer for Liberty Lake and Meadow Wood golf courses and also bowling treasurer for two bowling leagues. He also loved fishing, hunting and playing pinochle or cribbage. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl, at the house he built; mother-in-law, Louise; sister-in-law, Jean, and her husband, Dan Stetler; brother-in-law, John, and his wife, Randee Morrow; brother-in-law, Bob, and his wife, Kelly Morrow, all of the Kalispell area; nieces, Michelle Beck, Sarah and her husband, Dan Fjheld, and their son Gabe, and Maren and her husband, Aaron King, and their children, Sadee and Jonathan, Jemma and Julia Morrow. He is also survived by many relatives and friends in Spokane and Kalispell. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 29, at Greenacres Christian Church, 18010 E. Mission, Greenacres, WA 99016. A memorial service will be held in Kalispell at a later date. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Greenacres Christian Church. Hazen and Jaeger Valley Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Panel mulls future of Whitefish High School

When it comes to planning for a new high school, the Whitefish School District is starting from scratch.

Courthouse renovation gets OK from county

After no one showed up for a public hearing on Tuesday, the Flathead County commissioners unanimously approved an environmental assessment that sets the stage for a $1.8 million renovation of the main Courthouse.

Case against paralegal dismissed

The state Attorney General’s Office has agreed to dismiss a complaint that alleged Flathead Valley paralegal and former state Sen. Jerry O’Neil had been “deceptive” in his practice.

Lawsuit threatened over Swan Crest run

Keith Hammer and his Swan View Coalition have filed a 60-day notice of intent to file a lawsuit if a planned endurance run in the Swan Mountains is not moved to another location.

Pistorese throws perfect game

Kalispell lefty fans 14 batters and allows no hits or walks in Lakers' 8-0 win

WHITEFISH - After 27 batters and nine innings pitched, Joe Pistorese was perfect.

Dog pulls boarder

More than they bargained for?

At a discount store on U.S. 93 around noon Tuesday, a woman apparently pushed a shopping cart into another woman. This sparked a dispute which ended with each woman wanting to press assault charges against the other, according to

State wolf hunt to be discussed June 2

An open house to solicit public comments on proposed 2010 wolf hunting regulations, including an increase in wolf quotas, will be held June 2 in Kalispell.

Big Bat Benson

Slugging shortstop an all-conference, all-state performer for Pirates

Some athletes just must make things right.

Pistorese throws perfect game

Lakers versus Twins

Polson's Staci Benson

Staci Benson

Black Bear in Glacier Park

Barbara Calm

Clara Lucille (Burk) Graves, 87

Clara Lucille (Burk) Graves, 87, of Eureka, passed away Tuesday, May 18, 2010. She was born to Gilbert and Lena Jane Talbot Burk on April 19, 1923, in Kalispell. Clara grew up during the Great Depression and attended school during her early years in Olney. She started working at an early age. She met Frank while cooking at a logging camp and they married in 1940. To their union was born a son, Jack, and two daughters, Carol and Jan. She enjoyed working in the family Christmas-tree business for many years, bookkeeping for Graves Logging, and as camp cook at the logging operation on Drop Creek. Clara was a great cook. People still comment on the many good things she made, including her maple bars and cinnamon rolls. She loved the outdoors and was a successful hunter many times, including shooting an elk with a .22. She could be found any season on the lake; out on her pontoon boat in the summer or out on the ice in the winter. Her family and friends looked forward to the fish she caught and later smoked. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren have many happy memories of times spent with their grandmother fishing, hunting, playing at the lake, and learning to make pies, holiday cookies and candies. Grandma was an avid card player and she enjoyed nothing more than beating her adult grandchildren in a spirited game of Shang Hi. Her last year was spent at Mountain View Manor where she was treated with much love and respect. Her family will be forever grateful. Clara was preceded in death by husband, Frank, in 1987; brothers, Albert Burk, James Burk, Ted Burk, Louis Burk, Bill Burk and Bobby Burk; and special friend, Bill Murray. She is survived by her son, Jack Graves, and Gail, of Polson; daughters, Carol Workman and Jack of Eureka, and Jan Corneliuson and Roy of Eureka. Clara is also survived by brother, GI Burk, of Olney; sisters, Mona Hanson and Harvey of Whitefish, and Betty Overby of Libby; brother-in-law, Bernie Enger, of Libby; sisters-in-law, Karen Burk of Helena, Norma Burk of Olney, and Vera Burk of Whitefish; grandchildren, Ken Workman of Kalispell, Val Taylor of Salt Lake City, AnnMarie Newell of Eureka, Michelle Bohn of Eureka, RaeCille Chambers of Stevensville, Frank Graves of Colorado Springs, Colo., Amy Greene of Eureka, Joel Graves of Eureka, and Marcie Motichka of Polson; and 20 great-grandchildren. A service was held on May 21 at the First Baptist Church in Eureka. The family suggests donations be made to the Mountain View Manor.

Intoxicated men taken off train

Whitefish Police helped remove two intoxicated men from the Amtrak train who had been causing a disturbance on their way to Malta Sunday night.

County to help out new pond for fishing

Flathead County will financially support a proposed children’s fishing pond in Evergreen by chipping in $8,500 worth of labor and equipment use to help build a parking lot and trail to the Whitefish River.

Daybook

Today

Bigfork High School's Cave Club honored

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized a group of local high school cavers for their environmental efforts.

New director at helm of RSVP

Sara Cowger is not in Kansas anymore but she brought a lot of ideas from her home state to her new position as director of Retired Senior Volunteer Program for the Flathead Valley.

Ceremony marks opening of new veterans center, food pantry

With the raising of the flag, singing of the National Anthem and a few tears, the Northwest Montana Veterans Stand Down and Food Pantry inaugurated its new location Monday.

Residents question county road plan

Residents who live along many of the substandard roads the county wants to stop maintaining voiced objections and raised concerns about property values, fire protection and liability at a public hearing on Monday.

Ballots go out for school bonds

Ballots for West Valley School’s $3.5 million bond election will be mailed today.

Northwest Montana Veterans Food Pantry Grand Opening

Evelyn LaRene Mayer King, 89

Evelyn LaRene Mayer King was born Feb. 24, 1921, in Round Butte and died Tuesday, May 18, 2010, in Missoula. Evelyn lived in Montana her entire life. Montana was part of who she was. Raised in Pablo, she went to the local elementary school and to Ronan High School. She moved to Missoula in 1939, to attend the University of Montana (then known as Montana State University), graduating with a degree in journalism in 1943. She married Colie King, an Army Air Force cadet from Seattle, in 1944. After Colie s death in 1975, she remained single until meeting and marrying Dick Moore in 1991. Evelyn was preceded in death by her father, Frank Mayer; mother, Ethel Hiltbruner Mayer Harley; brother, Wallace Mayer; stepfather, Earl Harley; her husband of 31 years, Coleman E. King; and her granddaughter, Larissa Coleen Haarr. She is survived by her husband of nearly 19 years, Richard T. Moore; her children, Karen Haarr and Loren, of Kalispell, Sally King and Alan Westhagen, of Seattle, Patrick King, of Missoula, Colette King, of Missoula, and Tony King and Tricia, of Kalispell; Dick s children, Richard and Ruth, and Kenneth; her grandchildren, Lars Haarr, Jennifer King Westhagen and Andrew Ernst, Coley King and Davonna, Kaycee King, Amy King Westhagen, Steven King, Tessa King, Lindsey Moore, Devin Moore, Stacey Marie Amrine and Mark, Peter Westhagen and Suzanna, and Jon Westhagen; and a multitude of Missoulian associates, neighbors and friends. There will be a celebration of Evelyn s life at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 26, at the Missoula Senior Center, 705 S. Higgins Ave. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to an organization dear to Evelyn s heart, Nine Pipes Museum of Early Montana, 69316 U.S. Highway 93, Charlo, MT 59824.

James E. DeLong, 87

James E. DeLong, 87, died Friday, May 21, 2010, in Kalispell. He was born May 16, 1923, at Shawnee, Okla., to Jacob and Amelia DeLong. He served in the U.S. Navy, serving two tours in the South Pacific in 1943 and 1944; he was one of five brothers who were serving in the Armed Forces at the same time. One of his first jobs after the war was as a lineman building power lines to Eureka; that is where he met Helen Shenefelt and they were married, a union which lasted 55 years. They raised four children together and moved throughout the western U.S. Golf was his passion and he was involved in Meadow Lake Country Club at its beginning. He retired as greens keeper from there and, in his early 80s, coached the Eureka high school golf team. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, and daughter, Virginia. Surviving him are his three sons, Tom and Annette DeLong; Dennis and Susan DeLong, and Kevin DeLong; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 29, at Tobacco Valley Cemetery in Eureka. Austin Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Eva Mae Christofferson, 90

Eva Mae Christofferson, 90, passed away peacefully from natural causes on Friday, May 21, 2010, at her home in Hamilton. She was born Jan. 18, 1920, in Somers, to the late Howard and Olevia Trusty. Eva was married to Ted Christofferson on July 29, 1942. The couple were married 62 years. In those years, they enjoyed camping, traveling and spending time at their cabin on Bitterroot Lake with their family. Eva was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and enjoyed reading, playing cards and socializing with her many friends and family members. Eva is preceded in death by her son, David Christofferson; and her husband and best friend, Ted Christofferson. She is survived by her daughter, Susan Gosney, of Kalispell; and granddaughters, Sonja Cawood of Kalispell, Amber Looney of Meridian, Idaho, and Tiffany Gosney of Missoula. Eva had one great-grandson and three great-granddaughters. She also leaves behind her precious companion, her dach-shund, Heidi. The family suggests memorials be made to Aspen Hospice of Montana, 230 Marcus St., Hamilton, MT 59840. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 1, at the Libby Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby.

Denise May (Feaser) Hamilton, 55

Denise May (Feaser) Hamilton passed away peacefully at home on May 22, 2010, at the age of 55 after a short battle with cancer. Born Aug. 5, 1954, in Maryland to John William Feaser and Dolores Wilderson Feaser, Denise could be considered a wild child as she was always getting into trouble with her black and gold Mustang. After graduating from Randallstown High School in 1972, Denise went to Arizona to visit long-time friend and sister Helen. In 1979, daughter Christina Marie was born. Denise was a devoted mom and sometimes worked two or three jobs to make ends meet. After moving to Troy in 1996, Denise worked for Dr. Annie Bukachek as a receptionist. When Dr. Bukachek decided to relocate her practice, Denise then went to work for BTC Grocery Store and Panhandle State Bank in nearby Bonners Ferry, Idaho. In 1999, Denise met the man who would keep her on her toes, Jordan Kittleson. November of 2000 brought Denise great pride when her grandson Jonathan William Hamilton was born. She was in the delivery room and even was tricked into cutting the cord. Denise and Jordan moved to Columbia Falls in 2003 to be closer to Christina and Jonathan. In January 2003, Denise was hired at Super 1 Foods to be a checker at the new Columbia Falls location, which opened in March 2003. At the time of her cancer diagnosis, Denise was the only original cashier left from the store s opening. She was everyone s favorite cashier, and many customers often waited in long lines just to go through hers! Denise was preceded in death by her parents, John and Dolores Feaser, and adopted brother Randy Wilfong. She is survived by daughter Christina Marie Hamilton-Smith and spouse Christopher Smith Jr.; cherished grandson Jonathan William Hamilton; devoted long-time love Jordan Kittleson, all of Columbia Falls; brother Craig William Feaser and spouse Debbie of Westminster Md.; adopted sisters Helen Midge Dickson of Elko, Nev., and Terri Cozad of Whitefish; nieces Stephanie Brown and Valerie Feaser of Westminster Md., Cheri Irving and Tina Rittenhouse of Arizona; extended family Kristine Kittleson, Dawn, Tori, Breanna and Sean Opland of Troy, and Karla Kittleson of Washington. Services will be at 6:30 p.m. today, May 24, at the family home, located at 1216 Hems Road in Columbia Falls. Anyone who knew Denise is welcome to attend. For directions, please call Christina at 270-0602. The family suggests memorials be made to the Jonathan William Hamilton college fund savings account at Parkside Credit Union. Columbia Mortuary is assisting the family.

Berta ScabbyRobe

Timber firm offers grants for school teachers

Starting next fall, the Plum Creek Foundation will offer grants for innovative public school teachers.

Sculpture to welcome all to Flathead

The same artist who created the distinctive metal sculptures that mark the entrances to the Blackfeet Reservation has — with the help of four dedicated Flathead High School students — fashioned a similar monument for Flathead.

Award-winning drum group to play for concerts

Powwow at Flathead

When Berta ScabbyRobe is on stage at Flathead High School two nights this week, she will be drawing little from her vocal training with Flathead choir director Kevin Allen-Schmid.

Man uses business savvy to keep water park afloat

Water world

It was a simple college internship that led Roger Elliott to his life’s work.

Daybook

Wedding was 'explosive' situation

A resident in the Vista Linda vicinity at Somers told the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office there were explosions going off in the neighborhood Saturday evening. Deputies learned there was nothing to fear — the explosive sounds were fireworks going off to celebrate a newly married couple.

Swan Crest run challenged

A 100-mile run on the Swan Crest planned in late July has run into opposition from an environmental activist who says the U.S. Forest Service has failed to properly consider the impacts of the event.

Karen Anne Smith-Bott, 53

Our sweet, lovable, generous Karen passed into the arms of our heavenly father on Nov. 28, 2009. She was born in Hayward, Calif., on Sept. 17, 1956. Karen loved people and animals, particularly her miniature schnauzers. Her dogs were her kids and she stopped at nothing to give them the best life she possibly could. Karen was generous far beyond call. She never thought of herself; she was always seeing the needs of others and doing what she could to help them, whether it was materialistic or emotional. Karen loved motorcycles and took small engine repair classes in the hopes of becoming a mechanic. She repaired her own motorcycles and worked in motorcycle parts departments for many years. On her first trip to Montana she was learning to ski and ended up with a spiral fracture, landing her in the hospital for days and a cast for months! She still loved Montana though and, after traveling to Alaska and living there a few years, she returned to Montana to live out what would be the rest of her life. Karen loved hiking in the woods with her dogs. She did beautiful, intricate needle work, and riding her motorcycles was when she felt the most free. In her special times when she wanted to think and reflect, she would find a quiet place and play her harmonica. Whenever she was stressed or depressed, making music with her harmonica was what would make life seem sensible to her again. She was a romantic at heart and loved to read. She was working on a book about all the trials and tribulations of life when she passed. We wish Karen could have finished the book so the world could have shared what was deep in her heart. Karen worked at Northwest Sports in Kalispell for many years as a parts manager. That is where she met and married Jeffrey Bott. Jeff and Karen had many happy years together. They parted ways but remained true friends. Karen outlived six of her precious schnauzers. Strangely enough, the good Lord decided to take the last two of her dogs just weeks before he made his final call to Karen. Karen could not have passed comfortably from this world if she thought she was leaving her kids behind. Four of her schnauzers are buried in a special place and that is where she requested her and her last two schnauzers ashes be spread. Some of her ashes will be saved to be spread with her parents and brother, Gary, at her surviving brother Carl s ranch in Idaho. We will and do miss Karen terribly and the world was a better place with her in it. With her golden heart we have full faith that she is an angel above, continuing with her quest of helping in any capacity needed. We know Karen would want any memorials to be sent to animal shelters, schnauzer rescues or a veterans fund. The best way to remember Karen is to help a human or animal in need!

Larry August Kickbusch, 60

Larry August Kickbusch headed for the barn and greener pastures to be with our Lord and Savior on May 18, 2010 at LSU Medical Center in Shreveport, La. Larry was born Oct. 11, 1949, in Havre to Roy and Lucille Kickbusch. He spent his childhood years in Coram and completed schooling through his second year of college. He later married Jeanne Amos and they had a daughter, Augusta, in 1975. He was employed by Anaconda Aluminum Co., Burlington Northern and Plum Creek. Throughout his years, Larry loved his pack trips at Spotted Bear with Russ Baeth, logging, fishing, hunting, camping and stock car racing. He was a lot like his father, Roy, when it came to tinkering with fixable stuff. He was always in touch with family and friends. He is survived by Augusta of Coram, Jeanne of Coram; Judy and Jeff Halsey of Whitefish; Doug Kickbusch of Great Falls; Pauline Kickbusch and Leland of Columbia Falls; Phillip and Tammy Kickbusch and family of Coram; Nathan and Shaylyn Dorlarque of Salt Lake City; Sheila and Colby Miller and family of Columbia Falls; Shelley Wick and Brad Kuzmic of Coram; Brittney and Eric Holden of Kalispell; Irene and Steve Garvin and family of Bigfork; Kela Bergren, Willard Kickbusch and family, and Martin and Greg Kardell and family, all of Havre, Wilma Berg and Chuck Tadewalt, both from Great Falls, Jean Kato and family of California; his friends, Karen Tolar, Vernon Tolbert, Noah Peppers, Skip and Marie Hanson, Steve and Dee Brown, Russ Walters, Dave Nedved, Ed Mundell, and numerous others. He also leaves behind his special four-legged friend, Jake. He was preceded in death by his mother and father; sister, Jola; and numerous other relatives and furry friends. There will be a celebration of Larry s life and a potluck at Hungry Horse Reservoir at a future date. Larry will be remembered for being very generous and having never asked for anything in return. He had a silly sense of humor and a ruff and gruff look, but had a heart of gold. Happy Trails!

Mary Elizabeth Betty Zimmer, 91

Mary Elizabeth Betty Zimmer, 91, of Ronan, passed away on Monday, May 17, 2010, at the St. Luke Extended Care Center, where she had been a resident. Betty was born on Feb.17, 1919, in Florence, Colo., a daughter of Joseph and Mary Hahn. She received her education in Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. She married Harold Kilman in 1937 and had her first son, Lloyd. She later divorced in 1939. Betty and Chester W. Zimmer were then married in 1941 and lived in Vallejo, Calif., where their daughter, Carolyn, was born. They lived in Vallejo until World War II ended and then moved to Polson in 1947. Her last two sons, Dick Zimmer and Ken Zimmer, were later born in Polson. She and Chet were the owners of Flathead Plumbing, Heating and Appliances for many years. She worked there greeting and serving customers, and in bookkeeping and sales. The family later bought and built the KOA on the east shore, and she lived there until Chet s retirement in the mid-1960s. Betty had the opportunity to travel extensively with Chet and, at times, with her beloved sister, Louise, and her daughter, Caroline. Betty and Chet wintered for many years in Arizona and traveled to Germany to her family s origin more than once. They enjoyed traveling to Mexico, Alaska, and much of the western and southwestern United States. In 1985, they had also traveled to China. Later, Chet built their home in Big Arm, where they lived for a number of years. She was an active member of the American Legion Ladies Auxilary. Betty had a love for flowers that lasted throughout her whole life and also had a real knack for growing things and cooking. The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Polson was her beloved place of worship. She labored there for the parishioners, fixing and helping with many meals and attending with the priests for homilies and friendship. Her daughter-in-law, Nonna Kilman, and her granddaughter, Stephanie Kilman, preceded her in death. Survivors include her loving husband, Chet; a dear sister, Louise; brothers, John and Eddie; her sons and a daughter, Lloyd of California, Carolyn of California, Richard of Polson, and Kenneth of Michigan; and Betty loved her 12 grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A memorial Mass will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 25, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Polson. 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 Betty s family.

Donald Welch, 77

Donald Welch, longtime Las Vegas resident, passed away May 10, 2010, at the age of 77. Don was born Feb. 25, 1933, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, but grew up in Whitefish. He was an outstanding high school athlete and was inducted into the Whitefish High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Don was a graduate of the University of Montana in Missoula, where he continued to perfect his golfing skills. He was later inducted into the Montana Golf Hall of Fame. In 1961, Don turned professional and began his career at the Desert Inn Country Club. He spent 14 wonderful years there before moving to the Dunes Golf Club as director of golf. He was a lifetime member of the PGA of America. After a short retirement, he went to work at the Las Vegas Paiute Resort helping to bring tournament groups to the new development. In 2004, Don was awarded the PGA Lifetime Achievement Award. In the span of a nearly 40-year career, he was involved in coordinating, hosting or participating in most of the major golf tournaments in Las Vegas. Don is survived by his wife, of 54 years, Peggy; sons, Dan Welch and wife, Kim, and Jamie Welch; daughter, Miki, and husband, Jeff Reid; beloved grandchildren, Jake and Paige Reid; sister, Janice Gerzema, and husband, Larry, of Valparaiso, Ind.; brother, Jim Welch, and wife, Anita, of Whitefish; and numerous nieces and nephews. Don was an avid supporter of the local Junior Golf programs, especially those that helped the children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to play the game he loved so much. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Don s memory to The Junior Golf Academy at Desert Willow, Attn.: Pam Bowers, 263 Delfino Way, Henderson, NV 89074. Services were held May 17 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Henderson.

Robert Lee Stayton, 81

Robert Lee Stayton, 81, passed away on Tuesday, May 18, 2010, at his residence in Bigfork. Bob was born on Nov. 11, 1928, in Great Falls, to Welby and Mattie Stayton. He was raised on a small farm and started formal art training at the age of six. In those beginning years, Bob drew and painted farm animals, wildlife and scenery of the Rocky Mountains. Horses dominated Bob s life, and he became an accomplished rider at an early age. He spent his preteen and teen years in the remote Centennial Valley, working as a ranch hand and honing his riding skills. Bob enjoyed storing the mental images of the ranch stock, wild animals and scenery while moving the herd. A serious riding accident ended his intended career as a professional jockey, so Bob headed for college and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Montana State University. He studied Industrial, Architectural and Commercial Design and he graduated with a design and art education major. Bob had both an enjoyable and successful career as a teacher and industrial designer, as well as many years as an interior business and commercial designer. Throughout his life, Bob maintained his ties with his native Montana and chose to stay close to his early roots in the Big Sky Country. In 1980, with three sons well into their own careers, he chose to pursue his fine art career full time and created many excellent works in bronze. Bob spent his last years in the Flathead Valley of western Montana, near the foundry where he spent a great deal of time personally overseeing the production of his sculptures. The influence of his early encounters with nature, combined with his heritage of Celtic boldness and American Indian sensitivity, formed the foundation upon which Bob s work was based, containing a unique blend of form, balance, rhythm, color and style that brought to life the clear, primitive beauty of each piece. He commented, The freedom to imagine and dream the life of a cowboy and outdoorsman is exciting, but to have lived and experienced the life is exhilarating. The sculptor must be on guard that the eye does not deceive as it is the touch that brings life to his creations. Bob s sculptures have been displayed in galleries in Indiana, Montana, West Virginia, Connecticut, Idaho and Colorado, and he has received numerous awards since 1982. Bob is survived by his wife, Mary; and three sons, Lee and wife, Barbara, of Ashland, Mass., Jay and wife, Beverly, of Bigfork, and Russ and wife, Joanie, of Kalispell; a sister, Bernice; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Memorial services for Bob will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 27, at the Community United Methodist Church in Bigfork, with Pastor Kathy Young officiating. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Bob s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Bob s tribute wall.

Cig-fishing ends in stick-hitting

Seeing a transient fishing out cigarettes from an ashtray in front of a Third Avenue East North grocery, an employee asked what he was doing. The man apparently began yelling obscenities and hit the employee with a stick, then took off.

A journey of faith

They were forced out of their native Bhutan because they were Christian.

Processing of claims remains a concern

An audit of Flathead County’s financial records has turned up a concern about how claims are processed, mirroring the same issues cited in an internal audit last year.

College to buy 7.5 acres near campus

Flathead Valley Community College trustees voted Thursday to buy a home on 7.5 acres next to the college’s south border.

Lakers falter in tourney

Calgary Redbirds defeat host Kalispell 3-1 in extra innings

Calgary skipper Bryan Allen looked at his team's schedule for this year's Canadian Days tournament and found out when they were playing the Lakers, that way he knew when to use his ace.

Bigfork girls Western B track champs

MISSOULA - Mallery Knoll won two individual events, Cailtlin Charlebois took first place in the pole vault and senior distance standout Kayla Carlson shattered the meet record in the 800 to help Bigfork claim the Western B divisional track title on Saturday.

Bigfork netters claim B-C state

MISSOULA - Cut Bank, which had won eight-straight Class B-C state boys tennis championships, gave way to Bigfork on Saturday.

Daybook

Glacier girls win AA state tennis title

BOZEMAN — Kellen Bates wrapped up a perfect season with a singles title on Saturday at the Class AA state tennis tournament while the Glacier girls, led by doubles state champions Cami Mathison and Veronica Walton, brought home its first-ever state championship.

Summer jobs? There aren't many

Youths compete with out-of-work adults

The good old-fashioned lemonade stand might be the best bet this year for high school or college students looking for summer cash.

Time to temper tapeworm hype

Maybe Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials have to show deference and not be entirely dismissive of public concerns about a tapeworm carried by wolves that can be dangerous to people.

County OKs dog day-care land use in West Glacier

Dog day-care facilities will be allowed in the West Glacier area, the county commissioners decided Thursday.

'His worn-out fire boots will be hard to fill'

Community to honor longtime Chief Sonny Kahn

Community members and local fire departments will pay respects to one of their longest serving fire chiefs on Saturday, May 29, at a memorial service in Bigfork.

Cats triumph at divisional track

LIBBY - It was the same old story for the Polson girls track team, but in Columbia Falls there's a new boys divisional champion team.

Glacier girls win division track title

HELENA — Runners-up no longer. The Glacier girls are the best in the west in track and field.

What the world needs now is more real liberals

Liberals — God bless them!

Week in Pictures May 17-23

Monger Refuge Family

Canadian Days Tournament

Canadaian Days Tournament

Sheri Dee Benson, 62

Sheri Dee Benson, 62, died Wednesday, May 19, 2010, at her home in Whitefish. She was born in Livingston on May 3, 1948, and was raised and educated in Livingston. While in the eighth grade, she met Benny Benson and they were later married on Sept. 12, 1970. Following high school, she attended Dahl s Beauty School in Great Falls. Sheri poured her life into being a mother with the birth of her children, Tara and Jeffrey, and was a good and loyal friend to all she knew. The family later moved to Whitefish in 1987 where Sheri continued to pour her life into her family and be a mother and caretaker to many others, including her four-pound poodle, Harry, who never left her side. Sheri is remembered for many vibrant and unique things, among them being a lifelong Elvis fan. Sheri was preceded in death by twin sons in infancy; and her father-in-law, Robert Benson. Surviving her are her former husband, Benny, of Whitefish; her children, Tara Benson of Kalispell, and Jeff Benson and fiancee, Stacey Douglass, of Vancouver, Wash.; a sister, Sue Martello, and husband, Jerry, of Livingston; mother-in-law, Donna Benson, of Livingston; and brothers-in-law, Bobbie Benson of Whitefish, and Jeff Benson of Billings. A gathering will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Great Northern in Whitefish. The family suggests memorials may be made to your local chapter of The Humane Society. Austin Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Lawrence Ernest Hoffmann, 77

Lawrence Ernest Hoffmann, 77, passed away at his home Tuesday, May 18, 2010, after a valiant effort to overcome cancer. Larry was born just north of Beulah in Rural Mercer County, North Dakota on Nov. 24, 1932, to parents, Magdelena Rosena Tesky and Freidrich Gottleib Hoffmann. He grew up on a farm in North Dakota, worked as a corn picker in his youth, then as a farm hand for his future in-laws in Grassy Butte, N.D. He attended auto body school in Wapaton, N.D. On July 7, 1957, he married Joyce Eileen Tarnavsky. They lived in Minnesota, where Larry worked at a boat factory. In 1963, he moved with his family to Spokane, where he worked a variety of jobs. In 1971, he moved his family to Columbia Falls where he was employed as a millwright at Plum Creek Lumber, and worked there until his retirement in 1992. Larry was a loving husband and devoted father and grandfather. He was soft-spoken, incredibly generous, friendly, and loved telling jokes. He loved constructing, modifying and repairing things, and enjoyed working on the family farm. He was happiest driving a tractor and gardening. His passions were tinkering, traveling, photography, music and dancing, especially the polka. Always generous with his time and talents, he served several terms as president for the Northwest Montana Accordion Association. He was an active member of the Moose Lodge and the Kalispell Eagles (an Eagles member since 1965). He also volunteered at Glacier National Park s Native Plant Restoration Project and the Dream Ski program on Big Mountain. Larry was preceded in death by his wife and his parents. He is survived by his sister, Ella Kruckenberg, of Hazen, N.D.; three daughters, Lori Hoffmann and Wade Dudley of Conrad, LeAnn and Dan Diessner of Seattle, and Kristi and Shayne Hoffmann-Hatfield of Columbia Falls; six grandchildren, Skye, Joyce and Kate Hatfield, Jessica and JT Otwell, and Becky Opalka; and four great-grandchildren. Also, AFS children, Barb Pulliam from Germany (and daughter Julia) now residing in Idaho, Febby Intan from Indonesia, and David Thonan from Belgium. Larry s family is hosting a life celebration at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 23, at his home at 1660 Berne Road in Columbia Falls. The celebration will include a service by the Rev. Ray Davis of Kalispell, followed by a potluck, and dancing, with music by Larry s beloved friends of the Northwest Montana Accordion Association. Columbia Mortuary is assisting the family. The family suggests memorial gifts be given to the Joyce Hoffmann Memorial Scholarship fund at School District 6; or to the First Best Place Task Force, in Columbia Falls.

Loggers knock off Pirates in softball

LIBBY - Lexie Hagness hit a 3-run home run with two outs in the fourth inning to break open a tie Northwestern A softball game on Friday as the Libby Loggers (5-3) beat the visiting Polson Pirates, 5-4 in the regular season finale for both teams.

Laser leader knows all about second chances

Calnan stepping down after years at alternative school

Kevin Calnan’s life has been full of twists and turns.

Carlson, relay place first for Bigfork track

MISSOULA - By the slimmest of margins, the Bigfork girls are the ones out front so far.

Transfer hearing delayed yet again

Sentence severity hinges on where teen is tried

A District Court judge has again rescheduled the hearing to determine whether an Evergreen teenager charged with the death of a mother and son in a highway crash will be tried as a juvenile or adult.

Young journalists win honors in state contest

Student journalists at Flathead and Glacier high schools scooped up several awards recently from the Montana Journalism Education Association.

Near 'perfect day' for Pack in track

Braves in 2nd place at Western AA divisional

HELENA - Glacier girls track coach Jerry Boschee couldn't have hoped for much more on the first day of the Western AA divisional.

Tie-dye Chemistry

Vikes top B-C state tennis

Bigfork girls tied for 2nd with Cut Bank

MISSOULA - Bigfork's boys are sitting first and the Bigfork girls are tied for second after second-day action at the Class B-C state tennis tournament on Friday.

Mee nets fourth tennis title

Libby boys, Polson girls divisional champions

Her career may be winding down, but the list of accomplishments continues to grow for Libby's Jackie Mee.

Glacier lands five in tennis semis

Wolfpack boys, girls eye tennis trophies

BOZEMAN - Glacier's Kellen Bates, Liana Bates and Hailey Blalack along with doubles players Cami Mathison and Veronica Walton have all advanced to semifinal action at the Class AA state tennis tournament.

Columbia Falls boys, Polson girls front-runners

Northwestern A divisional track meet wraps up today

LIBBY - Polson had a winner in six of seven girls events as the Pirates made a strong statement on the first day of the Northwestern A divisional track meet on Friday.

Minivan prayer session declined

A man reportedly approached a woman outside a Nucleus Avenue grocery Thursday and asked her to come to his minivan to pray. Although he said it would only take a couple of minutes, she declined.

Western A Divisional Tennis Jane Probst

Western A DIvisional Tennis Joel Mallams

Western A DIvisional Tennis Jackie Mee

Laser School Kevin Calnan

Do you believe cyclist Floyd Landis' claim that Lance Armstrong, Levi Leipheimer and others used performance-enhancing drugs?

Mother and Foal

Evergreen Water Tank

Libby at Whitefish Softball

Summer Jobs

Tie-dye Chemistry

Maryalys Marrs Frisbee, 94

Maryalys, it was time for your beautiful, gentle soul to return to God and to be with your beloved husband, Selden, and your youngest, Beth. The unkindness of time diminished your cognition, but never your kind and loving nature. Maryalys Marrs Frisbee passed away peacefully on May 18, 2010, at the age of 94. Her long life, spent largely in Cut Bank, consisted of devotion to her husband, her family, her church, her community and the hundreds of children she taught. She loved the Big Sky country and its many outdoor pursuits " summers at Flathead Lake, Glacier Park, gardening, and careening too fast along snowy trails on her Arctic Cat. She had three holes-in-one, putting to shame the male members of her family. Gramma s house, with a kitchen full of soup, sandwiches, cookies and milk after school and on weekends was the highlight of her grandchildren s early lives. It was always a safe haven from parents and the outside world. Maryalys graduated from Hellgate High in Missoula, and received her Bachelor of Arts degree and Masters of Arts degree in teaching and English from the University of Montana where she was a Delta Gamma. She first taught in Victor, but left there to marry Selden, a new lawyer, in August 1939. Son Bob was born in 1940, followed by Lynne, Snuff and Beth. She lived numerous places during World War II until Selden was discharged, and returned to Cut Bank in 1945; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren ultimately followed. She took great pride in being the first and only woman on the Cut Bank Golf Club board of directors, the first woman on the hospital board, and achieved a Distinguished Woman Award for starting the Cut Bank Senior Citizen Center. She was proud of her family as well. She believed, though, that she would be forgiven that small sin. Maryalys found these words for Selden s passing, which she did not use. However, they eloquently express her faith and nature: Maybe you will burn my body and scatter it to the winds to help the flowers grow. If you need to bury something, let it be my faults, my weaknesses, and all my prejudices against my fellow man. Give my sins to the Devil and my soul to God. If by some chance you wish to remember me, do it with a kind deed or word to someone who needs you. If you all do that, I will live forever. Maryalys is survived by son, Bob, and his wife, Susan; daughter, Lynne; son, Snuff, and his wife, Laurie; and son-in law, Dan Short. She also leaves her loving sisters, Patti Chapman, and Jean Swanson and her husband, Norm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Maryalys at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 22, at St. Margaret Catholic Church in Cutbank, with Father Michael Drury as celebrant. Burial will follow at the Crown Hill Cemetery. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Maryalys family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Maryalys tribute wall.

Jo-Anne O. Franchi, 69

Jo-Anne O. Franchi, 69, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2010. Born in San Francisco, Jo-Anne was the oldest of five children born to Adrienne and Joseph Osterloh. She married Donald R. Franchi in 1961 and together they had two children, Andrea of Medford, Ore., and Edward of Kalispell. After a long career as a registered nurse at Woodland Memorial Hospital in California, Jo-Anne retired to Kalispell to be closer to her son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. She was blessed with six grandchildren, Jonah, Tyler, Maya, Cory, Solomon and Ava; and her two daughters-in-law, Cassie Trujillo and Eden Roberts Franchi. Jo-Anne enjoyed the support and friendship she found in the Kalispell community. She was a gifted needle crafter and seamstress who enjoyed making gifts for her many friends and family. Jo-Anne held The Serenity Prayer close to her heart. A celebration of her life will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 22, at 916 Seventh Avenue E., in Kalispell.

Rape-case evidence sent to crime lab

Evidence from an alleged kidnapping and rape Sunday night in Hungry Horse has been submitted to the Montana State Crime Lab to further the investigation and potentially identify any additional suspects, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement Thursday.

Lakers riding strong start

Kalispell program ready for annual Canadian Days baseball tourney

There's been plenty to celebrate at Griffin Field these days.

State deals with worries over worms

A potentially dangerous tapeworm carried by wolves has raised growing concerns, but some state officials say the issue is an overhyped, alternative way to demonize wolves.

Mahlum advances at state tennis

MISSOULA - Bigfork's Bridger Mahlum has advanced to the semifinals after two victories on Thursday in singles play at the Class B-C State Tennis Tournament.

Cree's hard-luck victory

Libby’s Maloney beats adversity at divisional tennis

At this point, Cree Maloney must be wondering what could possibly happen next to derail his state tournament aspiration.

Libby wipes out Whitefish

Loggers’ victory seals Class A state tournament bid

WHITEFISH - Ask Libby's Dean Thompson why the Logger softball team won Thursday's matchup with the Whitefish Bulldogs and he'll point to the number of hits the Loggers posted.

Rollover accident kills Trego man

Around midnight Wednesday, a Trego man died of injuries he sustained in a single-vehicle rollover north of Eureka earlier that night.

Track squads land at divisional meets

In the last 28 years, a Kalispell boys track team has come home with a Class AA divisional trophy 27 times. Sixteen of those plaques have been championship gold, nine have been silver and two were bronze.

Man convicted in shooting incident

A Hungry Horse man has been convicted of a shooting that left one woman injured after an argument about money escalated into gunfire.

Heroic mom left a big impression

Our hearts go out to members of the Shelton family as they mourn the death of their beloved Sharrie Shelton Duncan, who was swept out to sea and drowned in Italy as she sacrificed herself to save her 12-year-old son. They were standing on a pier when a freak wave overcame them.

Polson improves to 15-5 with win

POLSON - A seven-run fourth inning carried Northwestern A regular-season softball champ Polson to an 8-4 victory over Columbia Falls on Thursday.

Bigfork seeks $8.1 million bond OK for sewer work

Bigfork voters will be asked in July to approve $8.1 million in bonds to replace the village’s aging wastewater treatment plant.

Kalispell Lakers batting practice

Kalispell Lakers

Batter Up

Whitefish Wolf

Richard Allen Veidt Larson, 36,

left this world for a better place on Wednesday, May 12, 2010. He was born on June 9, 1973, in Kalispell to Donny Veidt and Debra Fauerso. Richard spent most of his life in Kalispell, and later resided in Anaconda where he met Kayla Yeoman (now deceased) and had two beautiful daughters that he loved and adored more than anything. He left memories behind that will forever remind us of his amazing spirit and adventurous heart. Richard s incredible smile will be missed dearly by all that knew him. We love you Richard, rest in peace. Richard is survived by his daughters, Kasidy and Rylee of Anaconda; mother, Debra Fauerso, and husband, Steve Fauerso, of Kalispell; father, Donny Veidt, of Kalispell; sisters, Dacia Larson, and Sheri Smith and husband, Jason Smith, of Kalispell; nephews, Jayden and Coby Smith, of Kalispell, grandparents, Don and Alice Veidt of Kalispell; Grandma Gloria Bolin of Kalispell; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and dearest friends. A celebration of his life and a potluck will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 21, at the pavilion at Lawrence Park. The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to John and Karen Yeoman, c/o Kasidy and Rylee Yeoman at 1417 W. Third, Anaconda, MT 59711.

Alberta Mae Lister, 64

On May 17, 2010, Alberta Mae Lister lost her valiant struggle with breast cancer, surrounded by her loving family, in her brother Mark s home. She was born Feb. 27, 1946, in Edmonton, Canada, the oldest of five children. Her family immigrated to Montana in 1948. After graduating from Flathead High School in 1964, she attended Gonzaga University and later Northern Montana College in Havre. She raised her sons in Kalispell and was recently living with them in the Portland area. Alberta loved her family, cats, hummingbirds, and riding carousels. She had great respect and reverence for Native American culture. The breathtaking mountains of the Flathead inspired and blessed her. She will be greatly missed by her three sons, James Patrick Murphy, of Vancouver, Wash., Shawn Christopher Murphy and wife, Tonya, of Lake Oswego, Ore., and Nicholas Francis Murphy and wife, Kristin, of Aloha, Ore.; four beautiful grandchildren, Tristen, Kean, Mika, and Sydney; as well as four siblings, all of Kalispell: Maxine Pond, Gordon Lister, Marceline Maroney, and Mark Lister; and 13 loving nieces and nephews. Her father and mother, Doug and Geri Lister, preceded her in death. Since Alberta was never closer to heaven than when sitting around a campfire with her family and friends, please join her family in an informal celebration of life at an Open Memorial Campfire Reception between 3 and 6 p.m. Sunday, May 23, at Lone Pine State Park. You are invited to bring your own camp chairs and weather-appropriate clothing. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the Lister/Murphy family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Alberta s tribute wall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Alberta s memory to Home Options Hospice, 430 Windward Way, Suite 101, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Virginia Melton Shoemaker, 91

Virginia passed away Tuesday May 11, 2010, in Kalispell. She was born May 20, 1918, in Kalispell, joining her sister, Kathleen, and brothers, Willard and Howard. She married Hugh Shoemaker on Oct. 24, 1934, and from that union they had two daughters. Except for short times in Spokane and Missoula, they resided in Kalispell. She was a gracious and loving woman and was very much loved by all her family. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, parents, siblings, and a grandson, Corey Clawson. She is survived by daughters, Virgie and Bill Dawson, and Beryl Thomas; four grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. A family graveside service has been held.

Max F. Allen, 72

The Angels took Max F. Allen home to the Lord on March 18, 2010, after suffering a long, faithful battle with severe COPD. He was born March 25, 1937, in Kalispell. He served his country in the U.S. Army, worked as operating engineer in southern California for 18 years, and three years on the Alaskan Pipeline. Even though Max had to move away from his beloved Montana for work, his heart always stayed here. He enjoyed the great outdoors, fishing and hunting, and loved living at Middle Thompson Lake. Max and Isabelle Marty were married Aug. 19, 1965. They were blessed with two children, Marty Ann and Max Wayne. They were again blessed with granddaughter Natasha Ann, who was adopted into the family as their daughter. He was known for his loving nature and compassion for his great Lord and devotion to Jesus Christ. Max was a kind person who sacrificed his own personal well-being for others and never asked for anything in return. He had a quiet, witty way with humor, which he used to pull tricks on all with much enjoyment. Max was preceded in death by his daughter, Marty Ann; and his parents, Frank and Nettie Allen. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Isabelle; son, Max Wayne, and wife, Tammy, and their son, Rance Vaughan; daughter, Natasha Ann; brothers, Gary and wife Angie, Ron and wife Marilyn, and Dennis; also, several nieces and nephews, whom Max loved and prayed for. A rosary will be said for Max at 7 p.m. Friday, May 21, and funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 22, at St. Richard s Catholic Church in Columbia Falls.

William Dale Bill Stine, 62

William Dale Bill Stine, 62, passed away on Monday, May 17, 2010, at his residence in Kalispell, following a year-long battle with brain cancer. He was born on Nov. 19, 1947, in Malta, the son of William Kenneth and Corrine (Granlund) Stine. He attended schools in Malta and graduated from Malta High School in 1966. He attended Northern Montana College (now MSU-Northern) and the University of Montana. He was later drafted into the U.S. Army in 1969 and served in Vietnam, and was discharged in 1971. Bill joined his father as a partner in Stine s Insurance of Malta and sold the business when he retired. Bill loved following horse racing, both on the track and at simulcast sites. He also enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He liked to take trips to visit old friends. Last fall he took in an Arizona Cardinal game and a Phoenix Suns game; and he enjoyed the Beatles show Love in Las Vegas. Bill enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and loved spoiling his nieces and his great-nieces and -nephews. Bill was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his sister, Linda Taylor, and husband, Vince, of Bigfork; two nieces, Marshelle Wade and husband, Curt, of Bigfork, and Janell Berger and husband, Brandon, of Billings; great-nieces and -nephews, Colin and Keni Wade, and Spence and Kamryn Berger; an uncle, Keith Stine, of Malta; three aunts, Dorothy Granlund of Malta, and Nancy Granlund and Esther Brayton, both of California. There will be a memorial service later in the summer, which will be announced at a later date. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Bill s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Bill s tribute wall.

Tea, fashion show to be staged Sunday

The Flathead County Democratic Women’s Club presents its annual tea and fashion show, Fashion Goes Green Il, from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 23, at the Outlaw Inn in Kalispell.

Excavation planned next week at C.F. explosion site

Excavation on the site where a Columbia Falls house exploded and killed a worker May 6 will begin next week, according to a NorthWestern Energy official.

Murphy Lake Common Loons

Fashion Goes Green II

Daybook

Mack Days wraps up Sunday

Anglers so far have caught 31,975 fish

Woman on overnight grocery run

A transient man called

Whitefish delays vote on marijuana zoning

The Whitefish City Council on Monday delayed a vote on proposed zoning regulations for medical marijuana businesses.

By any name, it's a bad bill

It is beyond unbelievable that Washington continues to press ahead with job-killing “cap and trade” energy legislation as the country drags itself from recession with unemployment still hovering just below 10 percent.

Libby's Mee looking for 4th straight divisional singles title

Jackie Mee, the defending Class A state singles tennis champion, will be looking to win her fourth-straight Western A divisional title starting today at the Glacier Tennis Club at The Summit.

Wolfpack on the prowl at state tennis

Glacier boys, girls vying for trophies at state tournament

Two things Glacier's tennis team is concentrating on this week are titles and hardware.

Hazardous waste collection event planned on Friday

Businesses are invited to participate in the eighth annual Small Business Hazardous Waste Collection Event on Friday, May 21, at the Flathead County Landfill.

Kids Camp still has plenty of openings

Right now, there are more counselors than campers lined out for Flathead CARE’s annual leadership camp.

Youth hockey team makes history

First Montana team to win it all

A group of local athletes put Montana hockey on the map last month at the USA Hockey National Championship Tournament in Pennsylvania.

Bigfork rides success into Missoula

Western B-C divisional singles champion Jade Bosic of Bigfork will open state tennis tournament play today versus Sadie Brown of Chester-Joplin-Inverness in Missoula.

Col. Falls seeking money for trail work

The city of Columbia Falls is looking at ways to fund improvements to River’s Edge Park.

Fire leaves mom, son homeless

A mother and her young son are homeless after a fire destroyed their rented Columbia Falls home Tuesday evening.

Montana Thunderblade 2010 U16 National Championship Celebration.

Tyler Hulslander of the Montana Thunderblades

Dylan Gamble of the Thunderblades

Montana Thunderblades National Champions

Kellen Bates

Liana Bates

CARE Camp Recruitment

Murphy Lake Common Loons

Mother and son

Monica Sue Campbell, 38

Monica Sue Campbell, 38, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on May 15, 2010. Her viewing will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 21, at the Holland & Bonine Funeral Chapel in Havre. Her funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 22, at the Fifth Avenue Christian Church, with Rowlie Hutton officiating. A fellowship luncheon will be held at the church immediately after the service. A private family burial at AM Farms will be held at a later date. Memorials in Monica s honor may be made to the Fifth Avenue Christian Church or Pioneer Bible Translators. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home. Monica was born Jan. 14, 1972, in Havre, to Michael and Judy (Meyers) Badgley. She was raised and educated in Havre and graduated from Havre High School in 1990. She married her true love, A.J. Campbell, on Sept. 29, 1990. Together they made their home north of Havre on the family farm. Monica quickly adapted to farm life and said she would never move back to town because she just loved the farm. She worked side by side with the love of her life, A.J., for 19 years. Monica and A.J. were blessed with two sons, Raymond and Carson. Monica loved her boys: A.J, Raymond, Carson and father-in-law, Bud. She was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister, daughter-in-law, aunt and cousin, and was a friend to many. All that knew Monica loved her and considered her a friend. She greeted everyone with a warm smile and joyful heart. Monica loved spending time with her brother Michael, Lori and Dano Boy. Michael and Monica were always close. He was her guinea pig. If Michael did it and got away with it, then Monica did it too. They grew up together, played together, laughed together, cried together and were best friends. Monica enjoyed life and all of the people she would meet along the way. She worked part-time at the 5th Avenue Grind, and was a full-time farm wife and mother. She volunteered at the St. Jude School, where her children attended, and was a member of the St. Jude Booster Club. She was a member of Fifth Avenue Christian Church, where she taught Sunday school and worked with junior high and high school youth. All the kids at the Church and the Bridge loved their Monica. She was known for her loving nature, compassion and her great love and devotion to Jesus Christ. She was a kind person who sacrificed her own personal well-being for others and never asked for anything in return. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather and grandmother, Donald and Sophie Meyers; paternal grandfather and grandmother, William J. and Marjorie Badgley; her nephew, Ryan Valdez; and her mother-in-law, Sis Campbell. Monica is survived by her husband of 19 years, A.J. Campbell, and their two sons, Raymond and Carson, all of North Havre; her parents, Michael and Judy Badgley, of Havre; her brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Lori Badgley, of Ulm; sister, Michelle Harris and Jim, of Rockingham, N.C.; father-in-law, Bud Campbell, of Havre; nephews, Daniel Badgley, Tyler, Henry and O Ryan Valdez, along with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Lillian Louise Stege, 85

Lillian was born Aug. 5, 1924 in St. Charles, Ill., to Clara and Earl Cook. Her mother passed away when Lillian was 9 years old and she and her brother lived with their grandparents in Elburn until she married Nils Martin Haggstrom, from Varmland, Sweden, in 1947. They had one daughter, Clara. Lillian cared for her grandparents until their death, then she and her family moved to New Port Riche, Fla., and later back to Batavia, Ill. After divorce, she married Harold Stege and they lived in Superior, Wis. After his death, she moved to Montana in 1995, to be near her family. Lillian spent many happy years, always busy with crafts to give to friends and loved ones. She loved taking her gladiolas and baked goods to friends. She loved her white cats and family get-togethers. She loved people and had many dear and kind friends. The past year she spent in the loving care of Immanuel Lutheran Home. Lillian went peacefully to her heavenly home May 14, 2010. Lillian was preceded in death by her mother, Clara; her father, Earl; grandmother and grandfather, May and Frank Cook; Nils Martin Haggstrom; Harold Stege; brother, Ken Cook; and several aunts and uncles. She is survived by her daughter, Clara, and her husband, John Nelson, of Whitefish; grandchildren, Jan Trainer and Todd and Taylor Nasland of Kalispell, and Joshua and Amber Nelson of Amarillo, Texas; five great-grandchildren, Heather Trainer of Billings, Jaimie and Jessica Trainer of Kalispell, and Ethan and Madison Nelson of Amarillo; and three nieces and a nephew. A family graveside service will be held at Glacier Memorial Gardens with Pastor Ron Meyers of the Kalispell Church of the Nazarene officiating.

Westside fund decision deferred to August

Advisory board to be established

The Kalispell City Council voted Monday to delay until August a decision on redistributing Westside Tax Increment Financing District money.

Pairings set for AA state tennis

Glacier’s Kellen Bates will put his 19-match winning streak in singles play on the line this weekend at the Class AA state tennis tournament in Bozeman.

Veteran community college employees honored

Flathead Valley Community College has acknowledged 29 employees with Employee Service Awards.

Power pole catches fire, causes explosion

Although a flaming power pole in Lakeside caused an explosion, no structures or people were threatened by the fire around 8:30 p.m. Monday.

W. Glacier enrollment deadline is Thursday

Parents who want to enroll their students at West Glacier Elementary School in 2010-11 must sign up by Thursday.

spectrUM Discovery

Bigfork golfers disqualified at state tourney

What seemed like an innocent practice round Sunday en route to the Class B state golf tournament in Huntley Project resulted in Bigfork’s disqualification from that event on Tuesday.

Sweep sends Glacier to state

The second item on Glacier’s wish list for the softball season is now checked off.

Kalispell launches annual hydrant testing

Fire hydrant testing has started once again, but it shouldn’t be an inconvenience for residents, according to the Kalispell Fire Department.

Twins roll by Loggers

WHITEFISH — The Glacier Twins put together a total-team effort behind the plate on Tuesday, turning 14 hits into 15 runs against the Libby Loggers.

American mom saves son from rogue wave in Italy - May 17, 2010

sports landing instory

Fashion Goes Green II

Peace Officers Memorial Day

Glacier vs. Flathead Softball

Mildred Devereaux Goodrich, 87

Millie passed away May 11, 2010, at Heritage Place in Kalispell. She was born June 18, 1922, in Brady Town, Mich. She and her five brothers and two sisters grew up on the family farm. At a country dance, Millie met Sidney Goodrich. They were married two years later on Dec. 14, 1940, in Grand Rapids, Mich. The family grew to include a son, Larry, and a daughter, Janet. Sid joined the Navy during World War II. Millie and the children moved to Brant, awaiting his return, where she worked in a small electrical motor factory. When the children were in school she helped out in Scouting and 4-H Clubs. In Janet s senior year of high school, they opened their home to a German foreign exchange student named Jutta. She is still considered a daughter in the family and has come back to visit in later years. Facing an empty nest, Sid and Millie headed for Great Falls where Sid worked for Boeing Aircraft on the Minute Man Project. They bought a cabin on McGregor Lake. In 1973, they bought and operated the Izaak Walton Inn. Millie ran the kitchen, dining room and housekeeping departments. Eventually, they sold the hotel and returned to McGregor Lake, and began another adventure traveling the world to Germany, Russia, Japan and China. A few years later they bought a trawler-style boat and lived in the Bellingham harbor for two years. Sid and Millie began annual summer cruises to Alaska, circumnavigated Vancouver Island, and cruised the San Juan Islands and Puget Sound. In 1990, Millie had a stroke. Her doctor gave her permission to continue boating with Sid for as long as they liked. They sold their home, car and boat and drove to Florida where they bought another boat. Sid named it True Grit for Millie s unfailing fortitude. For the next two years Millie was first mate as they cruised up and down the Inter-coastal Waterway to New York, up the Hudson River, and into the Great Lakes. In the fall they cruised down the great rivers of the Midwest to the Gulf of Mexico and back to Bradenton, Fla., for the winter. Millie tended the stern lines while they transited over two hundred locks. Together, they sailed enough mileage to go around the globe twice. Later, they bought a home in Florida and sold the True Grit. They continued traveling to Greece and Turkey, and went on two cruises to the Caribbean Islands, Panama, Costa Rica and Guatemala. They also traveled to Australia four times to visit Janet (who has since passed away) and their grandchildren. Millie and Sid say they have lived a happy, adventurous, exciting life during their 67 years together " and counting. Millie was preceded in death by her parents, Wells and Lennie Devereaux; and daughter, Janet Mae Goodrich. She is survived by her husband, Sidney Goodrich; son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Rosalee Goodrich; grandchildren, Julie, Matthew, Joan, Cybele, Carina and Travis; great-grandchildren, Brittany, Tyler, Zane, Brennan, Aerro, Zephyr, Zinnia, Cyan and Adamar; and siblings, James Devereaux, Kathryn Muirhead and Mary Beth Spike. Cremation has taken place. Services were held May 14 at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home.

Mildred Agatha Field, 82

Mildred Agatha Millie Field, 82, passed away May 11, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, from natural causes. Mildred A. Woehler was born June 14, 1927, to Walter and Iva Mae Woehler in Missoula and raised there, until her marriage on June 18, 1949, to George D. Field at his parents home in Deer Lodge. Millie worked as a cook at Hamburger King in Missoula, waitressed in restaurants in Deer Lodge, and then became a switchboard operator for Mountain States Telephone and a training operator, until the advent of dial phones. Millie worked as a clerk in the Registrar of Motor Vehicles and then transferred to switchboard operator at Montana State Prison, later becoming supervisor of communications and the mail department. George and Millie moved to Las Vegas in 1970, where she became a switchboard operator for the Bank of Nevada. They returned to Montana in June 1972. They purchased property in Ferndale, near Bigfork, when she went to work for Conrad Bank in Kalispell (First Interstate Bank) until her retirement in 1991. Millie was preceded in death by her parents, and her only brother, Donald. She is survived by her husband, George; stepsister, Francis McAndrew; stepniece, Francis Trainor, sister-in-law, Margie Lund, and Paul; nephew, Richard Woehler, and Sandee, and sons, Ryan and Aaron; niece, Caroline Scharffenberg, and Bob; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard and Loretta Field, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Eileen and Wayne Grove. Millie loved to roller skate as a teenager in Missoula and loved each of her jobs. She loved cocker spaniels and always had one or two in her home. She had a tender heart for all animals, and was especially fond of the bull elk visitor to their yard (Ferdinand), the deer (Sweet Mama and her offspring), and the turkeys. Per her wishes, she was cremated and asked for no services. Millie had a wonderful sweet spirit and will be greatly missed.

David Albert Miron, 59

David Albert Miron, 59, of Great Falls, died Friday of respiration complications at a local hospital. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Croxford Funeral Home and Crematory. A memorial service will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Croxford Funeral Home in Great Falls. Interment will take place at a later date in C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell. Dave is survived by his sister, Mary Abbott, and Bruce; and brothers, Paul and Jamie, and Mark and Lauri, all of Billings, stepmother, Bess Miron; a niece and five nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and infant sister, Ann Marie. Dave was born in Kalispell on Aug. 25, 1950, the oldest child of Albert and Hazel Miron. He attended St. Matthew s Elementary School in Kalispell and graduated from Flathead High School. Dave loved music and became an accomplished rock and blues guitarist. He was able to listen to songs and transcribe them onto a piano or guitar. Dave also enjoyed sports and attended the Al Summers School for umpires in Florida, after which he umpired many local games in Kalispell. Memorials may be sent to the Center for Mental Health Foundation, 915 First Ave. S. Great Falls, MT 59405, and indicate for the New Direction Center. Condolences to the family can be left at www.croxfordfuneralhome.com

Eleanor Elli Wolf, 76

Eleanor Elli Wolf passed away Sunday morning the ninth of May, 2010. She died of natural causes after many years of illness. She was born April 16, 1934, in Columbus, Ohio, to Clarence Pete Brown and Mary A. Brown. She attended St. Peter s grade school, a school which her grandfather helped to build. She graduated from Holy Family High School in Columbus in 1952. Elli married Robert Wolf, the love of her life, in 1954 after a four-year courtship. They moved to Colorado in 1963 and to Montana in 1968, settling in Kalispell. Elli worked as a secretary until they moved to Thompson Falls in 1974. There she was secretary to the superintendent of schools. She was one of the first EMTs in Sanders County and helped to form what is now the Thompson Falls Ambulance Service. After moving to Hamilton in 1979, she worked as office manager for the Bitterroot Irrigation Company. She also was active in the Ravalli County Ambulance for nine years. Eleanor had a loving spirit for life, family and God. Her commitment to the service of her community was only surpassed by the time she shared with her family and friends. She will always be remembered with the sparkle in her eyes that could make the darkest times better. She always brought out the best in those around her and the world is a better place because of knowing her. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Mary M. Eing; brother, Lawrence Brown; grandson, Specialist James R. Wolf, who died in Iraq; and sister-in-law, Sally Ann Wolf. She is survived by her husband, Bob, of 55 years; three sons, Robert and Chris Wolf of Scottsbluff, Neb., Michael and Karen Wolf of Post Falls, Idaho, and Thomas and Patti Wolf of Lolo; eight grandchildren, David and fiancee Jodi, Elli Jo, Rachael, Zachary, Michael, Cassidy, Jared and Brittany, and Chantel; two great-grandsons, Tyler and Caleb; many special brothers-in-law, Douglas Wolf and Irene, James Wolf and Kathy, and Jeff Wolf and Julie; nephews, Eric Wolf, Mark Wolf, Danny Wolf and Sean Eing; nieces, Connie Eing, Gina Murray and Lisa Powell; special friend, Marlene; and many other close friends. Eleanor s life was celebrated by a Mass on Aug. 7 at St. Anthony s Catholic Church (her and Bob s 56th anniversary). She and Bob were well noted for the proliferation and support of the Red Pin Society. Memorial contributions can be made in Eleanor s name to The American Cancer Society.

Daybook

Today

Blue Building staff to relocate

The Flathead County Treasurer’s Office, Superintendent of Schools Office and the motor-vehicle department will be relocated for about six months while the county’s Blue Building gets a $784,000 upgrade.

Arrest made for rape, kidnapping

Flathead County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a man for an alleged kidnapping and rape Sunday night in Hungry Horse in a scenario very similar to an abduction in Kalispell last week.

Courthouse renovation project slated

Flathead County is ready to embark on a $1.8 million renovation project to upgrade and preserve the 107-year-old main Courthouse.

Courthouse renovation

Assault leads to facial injury

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office got a report Sunday from a woman who showed up at the Bigfork Fire Hall, saying she had been assaulted in Lake County. The woman, who had a possible broken cheek, was transported to Kalispell Regional Medical Center for treatment. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating.

Years have been golden for 'Friendship Club'

In 1960, a group of women organized into what was called a home demonstration club with the help of Lillian Tubb, an extension agent with the Montana Extension Service. They recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of their enduring club at a party at Jagz.

news landing instory

Daybook

Man arrested after crash on Reserve

Montana Highway Patrol arrested a man for driving under the influence after an accident at Whitefish Stage Road and Reserve at about 10:30 p.m. Saturday. The driver who was headed north on Whitefish Stage Road failed to yield at the blinking red light and hit the car traveling east on Reserve.

Police tell people to watch for tip problems

Some restaurant customers have been charged more than they intended to pay for tips, and Kalispell Police want to be sure people keep track of their purchases.

Council considers tax-district money

A roundtable discussion last week aired some ideas on what to do about the $1.8 million remaining in Kalispell’s Westside Tax Increment Financing District.

Water carves steel, stone at GlacierJet

At GlacierJet Technologies, owner Joshua Boyce harnesses the power of water and crushed garnets to precision-cut thick slabs metal or stone into works of art or industrial parts with no hazardous waste, toxic fumes or dust.

Animal love turned into teaching career

The animals in John Hughes’ classroom need a home.

Lexi Rose Wilke

daughter of Jeremy and Christina Wilke of Columbia Falls, was born May 15 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Gary Duane Gilley I, 72

Gary Duane Gilley I passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Thursday, May 13, 2010, at Kalispell s Health Center Northwest. He was born in Missouri Valley, Iowa, on Aug. 11, 1937, the second of three sons to Medford and Margaret Gilley. Gary, or as family and friends called him, Gilley, spent his early years in the Midwest. On Jan. 12, 1957, he married his sweetheart, Beverly Gilley. To their union, four children were born. Gilley ran his own roofing company for many years. While in the Midwest, he also worked for the Union Pacific Railroad. Dad loved to hunt and fish. He traveled several times to Montana with his close friend, Barry Abel, to hunt. He found he left his heart in Montana, and in 1978, moved his family to Big Sky Country, first living in Hamilton and later settling permanently in the Flathead Valley. After moving to Montana, Gilley worked as an electrician and was a proud and loyal member of IBEW No. 768. Gilley was an avid reader and was always willing to share the wisdom he gained by reading. He was a lifetime member of the NRA. He collected many guns through the years and loved going to the local gun shows. After Gilley retired, he and Beverly traveled across the country in their motor home. Visiting family and friends as far east as Arkansas and as far south as Mexico, they spent their winters in Arizona and the rest of the year in their home state of Montana with their family. After some health issues, they decided to stop traveling and spend their remaining years with their children, their spouses and their grandchildren. Dad s patience and kind words for everyone were always admired. Gilley was preceded in death by his parents, Medford and Margaret Gilley; and son, Gary Duane Gilley II. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Beverly; son, Mark and Laurie Gilley of Columbia Falls; daughter, Valarie and Rex Galloway of Kalispell; daughter, Teresa and Brad Miller of Kalispell; seven grandchildren, Jason and Danielle Gilley of Columbia Falls, Tabatha and Jordan Venezio, and Erica Miller, all of Kalispell, Jamie Sue Gilley Pierce of Kansas, and Logan Nosbusch of Minnesota; brother, Robert Gilley and family of Elkhorn, Neb.; brother, Donald Gilley and family of Council Bluffs, Iowa; and numerous other family and friends. As per family wishes, a memorial for Gilley will be held at a later date. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Gilley s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Gilley s tribute wall.

Barbara Turner, 72

Barbara Turner, 72, died Monday, April 19, 2010, at her home near Whitefish. She was born Dec. 13, 1937, in Minneapolis, to Alvin Luther and Julia Elizabeth (Spies) Turner. Barbara spent her early life in Lahwille, Minn., attending school and some college. She followed her sister to Glacier Park, working for the Glacier Park Hotel Company in the East Glacier Warehouse. During the winters, she returned to Minneapolis to work as a switchboard operator at University of Minnesota Hospitals. Later she obtained a job at the East Glacier Park office and subsequently transferred to the Whitefish Post Office until her retirement. She loved to paint with watercolors, attending classes at Flathead Valley Community College. She sang in the church choir and went yearly to attend the Ashland Shakespeare Festival with her sister. She enjoyed the community concert and theater performances, often volunteering to usher. She was a cancer survivor and participated in Relay for Life. She also participated in a swimming exercise class, where she had many friends. We loved her and will miss her. She is survived by her sister, Mary Ann Wilcox, of Roseburg, Ore.; a brother, Dan J. Turner, and wife, Judy, of Wapwallopen, Pa; and nieces and nephews and their families. A memorial service for Barbara will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 22, at the First Presbyterian Church of Whitefish, with lunch to follow. The family suggests donations be given in Barbara s name to the Whitefish branch of the Flathead County Library, Attn. Joey, 9 Spokane Ave., Whitefish, MT 59937; or to the First Presbyterian Church, 301 Center Ave., Whitefish, MT 59937. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Barbara s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Barbara s tribute wall.

Jonathan Ray Ondov, 55

Jonathan Ray Ondov left this world for the heavenly stage, at age 55 on April 6, 2010, in Kalispell, from complications due to Type 1 diabetes. A Montana native, Jonathan was born in Missoula on Oct. 23, 1954. He also lived in Nebraska, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He later moved to Washington to continue his education, worked for Boeing Inc., married and raised two sons. Jonathan lived in Livingston and Kalispell during his last five years of life to be closer to his family. He enjoyed golf and bicycling, writing poetry and prose, homemade bread, the game of Scrabble and crosswords, and Swan Lake vacations. Next to his strong faith in Jesus, his Lord and Savior, he loved acting the most, having performed in community theaters throughout his life. Most recently, his role as R.P. McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo s Nest received many accolades from his peers and audiences. Jonathan is survived by two sons, Likhi and Elisha Ondov, of Federal Way, Wash.; his parents, the Rev. Daniel and Lorraine Ondov, of Billings; brother, David Ondov, and Carol, of Kalispell; sister, Rachel Feigley, and Pete, of Livingston; niece, Sarah Schmautz, and Seth, of Kalispell; and nephew, Mark Ondov, of Florida. He also leaves a multitude of cousins, aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his sister, Beth Ondov. Cremation has occurred and a memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. June 26, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 2336 St. Johns Ave., in Billings. A luncheon and gathering of friends and relatives will be held at the church following interment at Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his honor can be sent to the American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org); the Blue Slipper Theatre (www.blueslipper.com), or Firehouse 5 Playhouse Theatre (www.crazymountainproductions.org), both of Livingston; or a charity of choice. Jonathan s compassion for others and his passion for performing and all things spiritual will be missed!

Daniel Keith Woods, 50

Daniel Keith Woods, 50, left this world for a better place May 13, 2010, from his home in Kalispell, after a short battle with cancer. Dan was born in Basin, Wyo., to Glenn Lloyd and Rose Marie (Schneider) Woods. Dan attended school and graduated in 1977 in Libby. He continued his education at trade schools in Havre and Helena as an auto body technician. Dan moved to the Flathead Valley in 1982. In 1983, Dan met and fell in love with Mona Ayers. They were married in 1987. Dan worked at Brieske s Collision Repair for several years, and then at Able Body Repair for 16 years. Dan s voice can be heard on the radio as the voice of Able Body Repair. As a child, Dan s mischievous ways bewildered his mother, as well as his siblings, who loved him all the more because of it. When Dan was in high school, he participated in choir, football and woodworking. After marrying Mona, he enjoyed time with her and their sons, Tony and Nathan. This included anything outdoors, hunting and fishing, camping, floating the South Fork with his friends and family, playing pool and rebuilding vehicles. It was said by many that Dan should have done stand-up comedy, as he always had a quick wit that made every gathering memorable, sharing stories that usually had a Mona-ism or two. He had a gentle way that made him so endearing to everyone who knew him. He leaves many laughable memories and will be greatly missed. Dan is preceded in death by his father, Glenn; mother, Rose; brother, Brian Woods; sister, Maria Marozzo; and nephew, Zachary Newman. Dan is survived by his wife, Mona; and sons, Tony and Nathan; sisters, Carol Woods of Las Vegas, Joanne and Larry Newman of Libby, Diane and David Van Buren, and Julie and Bob Komenda of Marion; as well as brothers, Tom and Mori Woods of Butte, Mike and Ginny Woods of Missoula, Jerry Woods of Polson and Tony Woods of Kalispell; and numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of his life will be held at 4:30 p.m. May 28, at the Eagles Lodge. The family suggests donations can be made to the Dan Woods Memorial at the Whitefish Credit Union. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Dan s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Dan s tribute wall.

Vals claim district track title

BIGFORK — There won’t be a problem fitting all the names on this year’s District 7B girls track trophy.

United we dance

Instructor aims to create community through salsa

Salsa culture in Los Angeles is about more than the dance. 

Polson girls, Corvallis boys ABC Invitational track champs

POLSON — The Polson girls and Corvallis boys came away victorious on Saturday at the ABC Invitational track meet.

Gambling revenue declines sharply

Gaming across Montana continued to decline in first three months of 2010.

Picking rocks is stone-cold hard work

It’s ironic that I ended up owning an acre of land full of rocks because at some point in my youth I’m sure I shook my fist in the air and vowed: “As God as my witness I will never pick rocks again.”

High level of trauma care saves lives

Snowboarder owes his life to swift care by trauma center

On a gorgeous spring day in late March, Garrett Morrison, 24, became the poster boy for the benefits of Kalispell Regional Medical Center’s Level III trauma center.

Schools to switch insurance carriers

Most of Flathead County’s public schools will have a new health insurance carrier next year, after a recent vote by a rural schools cooperative.

Hospital plans clinic in Walmart

Kalispell Regional Medical Center on June 16 will open a medical clinic inside the new Walmart Supercenter on U.S. 93 in north Kalispell.

Valkyries capture Western B-C division title in tennis

BIGFORK — Bigfork captured the Western B-C girls divisional tennis title on Saturday, and in the process qualified all eight players for the upcoming state tournament.

Havlovick leads Pirates at ABC

POLSON — The Polson girls and Corvallis boys came away victorious on Saturday at the ABC Invitational track meet.

Lay claim to Constitution - or lose it?

One of the most worrisome social trends today is that many Americans no longer claim ownership of the Constitution.

Salsa dancing

District 7B Track Meet

National Guard Freedom Salute Ceremony

FVCC Commencement

Glacier girls net champs

Wolfpack girls claim first divisional championship

A singles champ, a doubles champ and a team title.

More Flathead National Forest campgrounds open

Additional Flathead National Forest campgrounds, including Holland Lake, Emery, Lid, Murray and Big Creek, opened to the public on Friday.

Keeping a little girl's dream alive

Bayden Cini seemed absorbed in his orange Popsicle while his mother, Robin Jean Lyon Cini, hung a ribbon on a tree at Fair-Mont-Egan School.

Bravettes relay team, Perrin turn in top times

LIBBY - Some of Flathead's tracksters saved their best for last as the Braves and Bravettes competed in their final meet before next week's divisionals.

Train collides with jogger

Teen hospitalized, expected to recover

A Columbia Falls teen apparently didn’t see or hear the train barreling down on her Thursday night until it struck with enough force to carry her for a distance before she slid off to the side, miraculously still alive.

Glacier Girls Doubles Final

GlacierJet welding

GlacierJet Technologies water cutter

GlacierJet Technologies bison art

John Hughes at Laser School

ALERT Helicopter

KRMC Trauma II Status

Lawrence taylor Arrested

Debate lively on tax district

There was lively discussion but no specific solutions Wednesday during a meeting on how to proceed with Kalispell’s Westside Tax Increment Financing District.

Eleanor Eli Wolf, 76

Eleanor Eli Wolf passed away Sunday morning the ninth of May, 2010. She died of natural causes after many years of illness. She was born April 16, 1934, in Columbus, Ohio, to Clarence Pete Brown and Mary A. Brown. She attended St. Peter s grade school, a school which her grandfather helped to build. She graduated from Holy Family High School in Columbus in 1952. Eli married Robert Wolf, the love of her life, in 1954 after a four-year courtship. They moved to Colorado in 1963 and to Montana in 1968, settling in Kalispell. Elli worked as a secretary until they moved to Thompson Falls in 1974. There she was secretary to the superintendent of schools. She was one of the first EMTs in Sanders County and helped to form what is now the Thompson Falls Ambulance Service. After moving to Hamilton in 1979, she worked as office manager for the Bitterroot Irrigation Company. She also was active in the Ravalli County Ambulance for nine years. Eleanor had a loving spirit for life, family and God. Her commitment to the service of her community was only surpassed by the time she shared with her family and friends. She will always be remembered with the sparkle in her eyes that could make the darkest times better. She always brought out the best in those around her and the world is a better place because of knowing her. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Mary M. Eing; brother, Lawrence Brown; grandson, Specialist James R. Wolf, who died in Iraq; and sister-in-law, Sally Ann Wolf. She is survived by her husband, Bob, of 55 years; three sons, Robert and Chris Wolf of Scottsbluff, Neb., Michael and Karen Wolf of Post Falls, Idaho, and Thomas and Patti Wolf of Lolo; eight grandchildren, David and fiancee Jodi, Elli Jo, Rachael, Zachary, Michael, Cassidy, Jared and Brittany, and Chantel; two great-grandsons, Tyler and Caleb; many special brothers-in-law, Douglas Wolf and Irene, James Wolf and Kathy, and Jeff Wolf and Julie; nephews, Eric Wolf, Mark Wolf, Danny Wolf and Sean Eing; nieces, Connie Eing, Gina Murray and Lisa Powell; special friend, Marlene; and many other close friends. Eleanor s life will be celebrated by a Mass at 2 p.m. on Aug. 7, at St. Anthony s Catholic Church (her and Bob s 56th anniversary). She and Bob were well noted for the proliferation and support of the Red Pin Society. Memorial contributions can be made in Eleanor s name to The American Cancer Society.

Carole R. Isakson, 78

Carole R. Isakson, 78, passed away on Sunday, May 2, 2010, surrounded by her family, at Edgewood Vista in Kalispell. Carole was born on Oct. 25, 1931, in Harlem, to John and Susie (Hendrickson) Soderstrom, the fourth of six children. While young, Carole moved with her family to the Flathead Valley where she received her education and graduated from Flathead County High School. On Dec. 31, 1950, she married the love of her life, Orville E. Isakson. Carole and Orville raised five children in a home full of love and laughter. She was very active in all of her children s lives, not only as mother, but as a best friend. Her life revolved around her family and her church. Carole passed on her love of life to her grandchildren and the highlight of their summers was the week that each got to spend at Grandma s house. Carole was preceded in death by her husband; one son, Michael; her parents; and a brother, Bill. She is survived by four children, Scott Isakson of Kalispell, Sandee Isakson of Columbia Falls, Buckley Isakson and wife, Debbie, of Kalispell, and Jodie Isakson-Bittinger and husband, Jim, of Trout Creek; 16 grandchildren, Lisel, Devon, Tami, Trista, Ryan, Elliott, Stephanie, Tracy, Brandi, Susan, Tyler, Averie, Ali, Kari, Megan and Brent; as well as two brothers and two sisters, Nita Fishel of Hemit, Calif., Bob Soderstrom and wife Arlene, Jane Connelly, and Mike Soderstrom and wife Anna, all of Kalispell. Carole was also blessed by many great-grandchildren. Memorial services for Carole were held on May 6 at the Church of Christ, 241 Stillwater Road, with James Williams officiating. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Carole s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Carole s tribute wall.

Knox, Rocker homer for Twins

LIBBY - Kyle Knox and Devon Rocker both homered in an eight-run second inning helping the Glacier AA Twins whip Libby's Loggers 15-1 in American Legion baseball play Thursday evening.

A life's collection goes up for auction

Jim Hendrick was a man of many talents — mule driver and packer, farrier, farmer, country musician, story teller, contractor/builder and mega collector of antiques, instruments and all things useful.

Guard to honor soldiers on Saturday

The Montana Army National Guard will conduct a Freedom Salute Ceremony on Saturday to honor approximately 80 members of the 639th Combat Sustainment Support Company.  

Thieves steal from Forestry Expo exhibits

Thousands of dollars of items have been stolen from the Family Forestry Expo site, and law enforcement is asking for leads.

Strong start at divisional for Glacier

Mathison, Walton cruise on opening day of Northern AA tennis tourney

Thirty minutes, then 45.

Thompson, Jessat set school marks in track

C-Falls standards fall in dual with Glacier

COLUMBIA FALLS - Columbia Falls had a pair of school records go down while the Glacier track squads tuned up one last time before divisionals.

Trouble with a capital 'T'

It was kind of like a scene out of “The Music Man.” You just need to change the lyrics a bit to get a sense of the “terrible, terrible trouble” confronting Evergreen:

Car, lasers track walking woman

A silver 1999 Pontiac followed a woman walking along Liberty Street during the early hours Thursday, pointing laser beams at her. The creepy car was last seen turning north onto an unknown street.

Wolfpack batter Bravettes

Glacier holds Flathead to one run in two games for crosstown sweep

It was close last time.

Law officers to parade on U.S. 93

Law officers from around the state will join forces Saturday to celebrate fallen peace officers and pray for safety along the U.S. 93 corridor.

Glacier v Flathead Softball

Yellow Bay Cherry Blossoms

Sheriff proud of meeting challenges

During his 3 1/2 years as Flathead County sheriff, Mike Meehan said, his administration always has tried to be a responsible steward of taxpayer money.

Kristi Schellinger, 55

On Tuesday, May 11, 2010, at 1:30 am, Kristi s two sons passed her from their arms into the awaiting arms of angels. A wonderful mother, sister, daughter and friend to all who knew her, Kristi spent her last days in the adoring presence of her boys who were the brightest light in her life. Kristi was born in Glasgow on March 4, 1955, to Cliff and Polly Schellinger. She graduated from Whitefish High School in 1973. She worked as a secretary and real estate agent until Huntington s disease made work too difficult. Kristi will be remembered as a beautiful and compassionate woman with a magnetic child-like spirit. Her nieces and nephews fondly remember sleepovers at fun aunt Kristi s where teeth didn t have to be brushed and dessert was served for breakfast. Her strawberry-pretzel-whipped cream salad counted as a fruit group and if you didn t want to take a bath, well that was fine too. And while she showered her nieces and nephews with love and attention, no one held a softer spot in her heart than her two sons, Dustin and Jesse. From the time they were born she cared for them as if they were the most precious gift, and even when those roles reversed as her illness set in and they cared for her, nothing could put a smile on her face like they could. Kristi was preceded in death by her mother, Polly, and nephew, Brett. She is survived by her sons, Dustin and Jesse, of Whitefish; father, Cliff, and Vernell Schellinger, of Eltopia, Wash.; sister, Shelley, and Pat Dolan, of Billings; and brothers, Al and Sandy, and Randy and Kathy Schellinger, both of Whitefish. She leaves behind two nieces and four nephews; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and dearest friend, Donna Morris, who was by her side caring for her until the end. Kristi will be missed by all who knew and loved her, but we can find peace knowing that she is finally free from her broken earthly body and free from pain and disease. Although we are not ready to let her go, we are comforted knowing that she is finally at rest. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Austin Funeral Home is assisting the family. Donations can be made to the Huntington Disease Foundation, 3960 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10032.

Alvina Rose Nikki Stringfellow, 80

Alvina Rose Nikki Stringfellow died on May 8, 2010, at the age of 80. Nikki was born in Manhattan on Jan. 15, 1930, to Earnest Colonel and Mary Warwood. She was raised in Bozeman and Kapowsin, Wash. She left school and married her first husband, Harold Forman, when she was just 17. Harold died of cancer when she was 19. She then made the difficult choice to return to Gallatin County High School where she graduated in 1950. Next, she fell in love with Norman Stringfellow. They were married in Missoula in January 1953 and made their home in Columbia Falls. This partnership lasted until Valentine s Day 2001, when Norman passed away. Theirs was a lifetime of hard work and adventure. Nikki was truly a logger s helpmate. They loved to explore the country and enjoy the outdoors in their camper. Their lives were filled with family and friends. Pinochle games played a pivotal role in many of these gatherings. Nikki worked as a telephone operator in the 50s and early 60s. But her meaningful life s work was as a homemaker and mother. She loved crafts of all types, sewing, pets, reading and going to garage sales. She made friends easily and often. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Tiki and Alan Levinson of Delta Junction, Alaska, and Judy and Len Hall of Tallahassee, Fla.; grandchildren, Taylor and Thea Levinson of Delta Junction, Erika Pollner of San Diego, Tara Norick of Columbia Falls, Deirdra Dougherty of Landenberg, Pa., Michael Mountan of Kalispell and Shawn Mountan of Martin City; great-grandchildren, Tristan and Alina Pollner, Brandon, Colter, Colin and Cassidy Norick, Ryan Janzen and Anya Dougherty, and Joey, Ty, and Lillian Mountan; brothers, Ward Langeway, Bob Smith and Bill Warwood; and sister, Doreen Hoss. She was preceded in death by her husbands; her daughter, Renee Mountan; and her son, Ty Stringfellow. Services will be held at 3 p.m., Friday, May 14, at Columbia Falls Mortuary. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Deaf grad finds his calling at FVCC

Justin Kauffman, 21, found more than a good education at Flathead Valley Community College. He found his calling to help other deaf students break through the sound barrier to pursue their dreams.

'DVD rage' leads to man's arrest

When his “Avatar” DVD wouldn’t play, a man became irate. The 43-year-old apparently started throwing things around the Ashley Lake Road residence, some of which were in the direction of his wife, who called

College graduates record 2010 class

Flathead Valley Community College graduates the largest class in its 42-year history at 7 p.m. Friday in the Expo Building at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.

Graduates from two schools join for party

This year’s seniors at Flathead and Glacier high schools have led separate lives since their sophomore year, the first year Kalispell Public Schools had two high schools.

Kalispell schools working to cut $603,000

Kalispell Public Schools has proposed deeper cuts to next year’s elementary budget after voters denied the district’s levy request last week.

Spring Roaming

Sergeant touts his front-line experience

Flathead County Sheriff's Sgt. Lance Norman says he believes his experience on the front line of law enforcement helps him understand what the community needs and gives him an edge over his opponents.

Milestone night for Malmin

Lakers beat Loggers for coach’s 400th-career win

Kalispell Lakers head coach Ryan Malmin will likely remember Wednesday night for the rest of his life.

Greek riots are scary harbinger

Pundits of many political stripes are correctly viewing Greece’s fiscal crisis as a harbinger for other welfare states of the Western world, including the United States.

Board shelves Willow Creek project

A proposed 471-lot housing development on Foy’s Lake Road was tabled indefinitely Tuesday night.

Former No. 2 runs for sheriff position

Serving for a decade and a half as Flathead County undersheriff has given Chuck Curry the skills to run the office, he said of his candidacy for sheriff.

Local Pizza Hut is No. 1

It’s official: The Columbia Falls Pizza Hut has won the Kendall Award, making it the top-rated Pizza Hut in the nation.

Lakers vs. Loggers Swing

Lakers vs. Loggers Safe Home Slide

FVCC Student Justin Kauffman

John Richard Kacirek, 90

John Richard Kacirek, 90, of Elmo, died on Monday, April 5, 2010, in Summerlin Hospital in Las Vegas, with his family at his side. John was born in Omaha, Neb., on July 18, 1919, to Joseph and Marie (Slavik) Kacirek. The youngest of three children, he spent his early childhood in Touhy, Neb., before moving to Omaha in 1931. He graduated from Omaha Technical High School and attended one year of college at Creighton University. In 1941, John began working for Nebraska Power which later became the Omaha Public Power District. After serving in the Navy during the war, he returned to the Power Company where he worked as a journeyman electrician. John spent his entire career working at the Jones Street Power Station where his final job was helping with the dismantling of the plant. He was a member of the IBEW union. After 38 years of service, he retired in 1979. On Aug. 12, 1940, he eloped with Mae Gustafson and secretly married in Papillion, Neb. They were married for 58 years before Mae s death in 1998. In 1979 he and Mae moved to Elmo. They had first visited relatives on Flathead Lake in 1954, and subsequent yearly vacations to the lake convinced them that this would be their retirement home. In the early 1960s they purchased a lot on Flathead Lake and built their retirement home on the lot in 1979. Over the years, John and Mae enjoyed traveling, dancing, making new friends, and spending a few months each year farther south. John was an avid fisherman who enjoyed a fish dinner of fresh silver salmon he had just caught from Flathead Lake. He was especially proud of his garden which supplied him any many others with fresh vegetables for the summer. For many years he also enjoyed a round of golf with good friends. But most of all he will be remembered for his warm smile and sense of humor. He always seemed to be at the center of activity in any group, helping plan the course of action. He was a teller of great stories which always had a light side and were often at his own expense. In later years he enjoyed his friends at the Polson Senior Citizen Center, and spending his winters in Las Vegas, playing bingo and eating at the buffet. He was also a longtime member of Lakeside Community Chapel. He will be sorely missed by all. He is survived by his son, Kenneth, and wife, Deborah, of Elmo; a sister, Joyce, and Lorvey Schwinck, of Papillion; grandchildren, Stephen Kacirek of Everett, Wash., and Phillip Kacirek of Duschesne, Utah; a niece, Nancy, and Michael Feldman, of Portland; sister-in-law, Mildred Henderson, of Las Vegas; brother-in-law, Richard, and Suzie Gustafson, of Paso Robles, Calif. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mae; his brother, George; and sister, Blanch. A memorial service will be held at 11 am. Saturday, May 15, at the Lakeside Community Chapel, Lakeside. Memorials may be sent to Lakeside Community Chapel or Polson Senior Citizens Center.

Genevieve Gen Dorothy James, 86

Genevieve Gen Dorothy James, 86, of Billings, passed away on Monday, May 10, 2010, in Lakeside. She was born in Houghton, Mich., to George I. and Eunice (Kelly) Jeffery and was the fourth of 11 children born to this union. At an early age she moved to Butte, attending McKinley and Butte High Schools. In 1944, she met and later married James Jerry James, while Jerry was home on leave, while serving in the Pacific during World War II. From this union three children were born, Jerry, Randy and Laurie. Gen worked for many years in Butte at Paumie Dry Cleaners as a silk presser, and in the Butte School District Hot Lunch Program. She enjoyed cooking, especially baking; as well as bowling, shopping, traveling, spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and her occasional bottle of Miller Light. She is survived by her children, Jerry and Sharon James, and Laurie and Ray Guccione; grandchildren, Dan and Bree James, Alicia James and fiance John Softich, Jon Guccione and Chelsey Buscho, and Jeffery Guccione; great-grandchildren, Piper James and Jameson Guccione; brother, Don and Betty Jeffery; sisters, Mary and Clyde Kelley, and Jeanie Cleveland; and special friend, John Jack Price; along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years; son, Randy; brothers, Willard, Jack, Robert and Sonny; and sisters, Marbel, Eva and Lorraine. She was Butte tough up to the day of her death! Tap er light, Mom! Visitation is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. today, May 12, at Duggan Dolan Mortuary in Butte with interment scheduled for 2 p.m. at Mountain View Cemetery; a reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in Gen s name to Home Options Hospice, 430 Windward Way, Suite 101, Kalispell, MT 59901; or Riverstone Health, P.O. Box 1562, Billings, MT 59103; or the charity of your choice.

Diane Gail McLaughlin, 61

The children of Diane McLaughlin said goodbye to their mom on April 28, 2010, at her home in Spokane Valley, Wash. Diane had fought a courageous battle against multiple sclerosis for over 30 years. Diane was born to Daryl and Dorothy Lyngard in Whitefish on Dec. 13, 1948. She attended school in Cut Bank, and later their family moved to Kalispell, where she graduated from high school in 1967. Diane married Hugh McLaughlin and they had three children, Bryan, Jennifer and Elizabeth. The family resided in Kalispell and Diane lived there until 2007, when she moved to Spokane Valley to enjoy living near her daughters and their families. Diane s beautiful smile was contagious and her friends were many. All who knew her admired her positive outlook on life, her sense of humor, and her ability to bloom where she was planted. Visitors were always treated like Diane s best friend, and always left her room inspired. Her children and family admired and cherished her. Diane s strong faith in God was evident in the way she lived her life. She was an example of inner strength, courage and family devotion. She will be greatly missed by her daughters, Jennifer and Gene Fogelson of Spokane Valley, and Elizabeth and Sam Rambo of Kennewick, Wash.; her son, Bryan, and Shauna McLaughlin of Kalispell; her sisters, Joanne and Roger Young of Buckley, Wash., and Jan and Scott Weidner of Enumclaw, Wash.; four grandchildren, Breanna, Zayne, Gabrielle and Alex; many nieces and nephews; and her many friends in Washington and Montana. A service in memory of Diane s life will be held at the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell.

Lingle, Flathead drop Libby

Back-to back sounds pretty nice for a Flathead softball team which has suffered its share of bumps in the road this season.

Cause of blast that leveled house still a mystery

Fund established in name of worker

Investigation continues into a fatal house explosion in Columbia Falls last week.

Suspect pleads innocent

A Kalispell woman pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges related to a murder case in which her common-law husband is a suspect.

Lakers A win streak reaches 5 games

The Kalispell Lakers used a seven-run sixth inning to charge past Mission Valley B for an 11-7 victory in American Legion baseball play Tuesday at Archie Roe Field.

Second century for a 'sacred place'

About 1,000 people gathered to celebrate Glacier National Park’s 100th birthday on Tuesday in a ceremony aimed at recognizing people who have supported and protected the park for decades.

Dickson wins pro debut

Local MMA fighter secures seventh-straight

Kalispell resident Zach Dickson won his professional mixed martial arts debut with a come-from-behind submission in Dickinson, N.D., last weekend.

Daybook

Kalispell House candidates differ on budget cuts

Both Democrats vying for the right to represent Kalispell’s House District 8 say the state’s budget is in a precarious position.

'Untrue' texts about boyfriend lead to fisticuffs

Punches were thrown near a coffee shop on U.S. 93 North after a teen accused another of “texting lies” about her boyfriend.

Teen wins world marketing contest

A Whitefish High School junior took first place in an international marketing competition recently.

Roger Elliott at Big Sky Water Park

Libby vs Flathead Softball

Hendrick Auction

Whitetail Deer

Glacier Park Centennial Birthday Crowd

Glacier Park Centennial Birthday Superintendent Chas Cartwright

Glacier Park Centennial Birthday Cake

Are you looking forward to the 2010 World Cup soccer tournament?

36th Annual Archie Roe Track Invite

Robert E. Hardy, 87

Robert E. Hardy passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side May 1, 2010. He was born May 30, 1922, in Fairmont, N.D., the son of Harry and Grace Hardy, the youngest of three siblings. He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise, of 63 years; both parents; and his brother, Maurice Hardy. He is survived by his two sons, Dale Hardy and wife Barbara, and Glenn Hardy and wife Pamela; five grandchildren, Ronne Bosket and husband Frank, Amy Goddard and husband Matt, Jed, Jennifer and Katelynn Hardy; and two great-grandchildren, Jay and Cooper Goddard; his sister, Harriet Hanson; and many nieces and nephews. Bob was raised on a farm in North Dakota and moved to the Flathead Valley in 1936 with his parents. It was here that he and his family, along with five others, became part of the first congregation of Jehovah s Witnesses. Later, he met his wife, Louise, and they together raised their two boys on the property they purchased on the Stillwater River. Bob was a jack-of-all-trades, as a person had to be in those days. He logged with his father. He was a piano tuner, a mechanic, a sheet metal worker and furnace installer. Later in retirement, he learned the upholstery trade and opened his own business, Hardy s Upholstery. Bob loved camping and traveling with his family. His sons have many fond memories of camping trips spent in the homemade camper. He had a wonderful sense of humor that we will all miss. He remained faithful to his God Jehovah to the end, and we look forward to seeing him again in the Resurrection. A memorial will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 15, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah s Witnesses, 100 Valley View Court, Kalispell.

Kenneth Ken Odegard, 85

Kenneth Ken Odegard passed away May 7, 2010, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center. Born March 12, 1925, to Knute and Kate Odegard in Kalispell, Ken grew up in the Creston area where he met and fell in love with Pat Bellmore. They married in 1953 and had five children, Leah Ann, Carol, Ken Jr., Susan and Tom. During the early part of their marriage, Ken made his living as a dairy farmer. As busy as life was, Ken found time to give back to the community, serving on the Cayuse Prairie School board, the Community College board and the Equity Supply board. He also served as a member of the Creston Volunteer Fire Department. In 1971, he and Pat moved to Bozeman, where they owned and operated Taco John s Restaurant for 23 years. Ken and Pat returned to the Flathead area in 1995. Ken inspired all he met through his zest for living. An avid racquetball player and downhill skier, Ken began snowboarding at 70 years of age. Instilling in his children this joy for life is one of the greatest gifts he has given his family. His undying love for his children and grandchildren was evidenced in all that he did. Ken s kindness and generosity will always be remembered as will his love of learning. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Harold and Alfred Bud, and by his beloved first-born daughter, Leah Ann. He is survived by his loving wife, Pat; daughter, Carol Waugh, and her husband, Rex; daughter, Susan Odegard Fellows, and her husband, Steve; son, Ken Jr.; son, Tom, and his wife, Mimosa; son-in-law, Dave Lewis; and grandchildren, Alison and Adrienne Lewis, Mackenzie and Morgan Waugh, and Samara, Shelby and Duncan Fellows. Ken is also survived by brothers-in-law, Jim and Larry Bellmore, whom he loved as though they were his own brothers. Interment will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 12, at Glacier Memorial Gardens. A celebration of his life will follow at 2 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 603 South Main St., Kalispell, with the Rev. Larry Stappler officiating. A reception will then take place at the Creston Eastside Grange Hall (the Church of Creston) located on Creston Road off Highway 35. If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Home, 185 Crestline Ave., Kalispell, Montana, or to the Church at Creston Building Fund, 2475 Mission Trail E, Kalispell, Montana. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements. If you would like to express your condolences to the family, please go to www.buffalohillfh.com

West Valley School Limo Ride

Jobs the key issue for Kalispell house hopefuls

With an unemployment rate of 13.8 percent here, nobody has to tell Flathead County legislative candidates what will be at the top of most voters’ minds in the June 8 primary.

Coffee tune a finalist in Folgers contest

A catchy tune written by a Flathead High School graduate has been chosen as one of five finalists in a Folgers Coffee jingle contest.

Three Republicans vie for open House seat

Three Republican candidates — Sandy Welch, Harm Toren and Jerry O’Neil — are competing in the primary election for House District 3 in the Columbia Falls/Canyon area.

Fence vandalizing catches up to man

Responding to a disturbance on Caroline Road Sunday night, Flathead County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a woman, 45, on contempt warrants and later arrested a man, 51, who was involved after he was reported for vandalizing a fence on Conrad Drive. He was arrested for disorderly conduct, criminal mischief and criminal trespass.

West Valley School Limo Ride Arriving

West Valley School Limo Ride Waving

Miniature artwork highlighted for tour and tea

The May senior tour and tea at the Hockaday Museum of Art on Thursday features an exhibit of 99 pieces of new miniatures by noted local artists as well as the official centennial collection of Glacier National Park art.

Sheriff faulted for misleading ad

Dupont endorses Meehan's opponents

Flathead County Commissioner Jim Dupont, former longtime sheriff, had intended to stay neutral in the election race that pits incumbent Sheriff Mike Meehan against challengers and law-enforcement veterans Chuck Curry and Lance Norman.

Daybook

Today

Ken Ainsworth

Following the call to Coram church

Pastor-musician leaves behind a different life

Red Fox

Camille Hope Ward

daughter of Joseph and Amber Ward of Kalispell, was born March 11 at North Valley Hospital.

Madeline Spear

daughter of Rebecca Spear of Whitefish, was born March 21, at North Valley Hospital.

No headline

Kayla Danielle McCarthy

daughter of Dan McCarthy and Wendy Giono of Kalispell, was born March 15 at North Valley Hospital.

Devon Earl Ray Morse

son of Dion and Jessica Morse of Whitefish, was born March 15 at North Valley Hospital.

Hallie MaKenna Smith

daughter of Danielle Smith of Columbia Falls, was born Feb. 1 at North Valley Hospital. She weighed 6 pounds, 11.4 ounces, and was 19 3/4 inches long.

Dylan Jon Adams

son of Todd Michael Adams and Cassie Ann Beauregard of Columbia Falls, was born Jan. 19 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He weighed 6 pounds, 3 ounces, and was 20 inches long.

Ansley Keegan Arvidson

daughter of Aaron and Krista Arvidson of Bigfork, was born March 12, at North Valley Hospital.

Quinn Connellly Zauher

son of Dylan Zauher and Sara Walters of Bigfork, was born March 21 at North Valley Hospital.

Jordan Dewayne Graham

son of Tiffany Graham and Hulon Graham, Jr. of Swan Lake, was born Jan. 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He weighed 6 pounds, 7 ounces, and was 20 inches long.

Abigail Lynn Graham

daughter of Chad and Tory Graham of Kalispell, was born Jan. 29 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. She weighed 6 pounds, 7 ounces, and was 19.5 inches long.

Bernard Ray Benson, 81

Bernard Ray Benson, 81, of Eureka, died Monday, May 3, 2010, in Eureka from natural causes. Survivors include his children, Kelly Marks, of Kent, Wash., Kimberly Brock of Duncanville, Texas, and Karl Benson. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, at the Memorial Park in Eureka. Local arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Eureka.

Ava Jane Anderson

daughter of Cory and Sarah Anderson of Columbia Falls, was born March 22 at North Valley Hospital.

Olivia Nicole Miller

daughter of Joshua and Brianne Miller of Whitefish, was born March 15 at North Valley Hospital.

Dallas LuAnne Green

daughter of Russell and Karlee Green of Kalispell, was born Jan. 19 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. She weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces, and was 20 inches long.

Payton Nevaeh Holtz

daughter of Caleb and Ashlie Holtz of Kalispell, was born March 11 at North Valley Hospital.

Sophia Elizabeth Hargett

daughter of Breanna Evans of Columbia Falls, was born March 23 at North Valley Hospital.

Benjamin Knox Mullet

son of Lonnie and Deborah Mullet of Kalispell, was born March 12 at North Valley Hospital.

Kobalt Augusta Smith

daughter of Kanyon and Julie Smith of Kalispell, was born March 24 at North Valley Hospital.

Kloey Lee-Ann Wagar

daughter of Colton Wagar and Marisa Kenfield of Columbia Falls, was born Feb. 25 at North Valley Hospital. She weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces, and was 19 inches long.

No headline

Patsy Jean Kraft

daughter of Kirk and Brandy Kraft of Libby, was born Jan. 20 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. She weighed 6 pounds, 2 ounces, and was 19 inches long.

Henry Gene Orem

son of Beau and Amy Orem of Columbia Falls, was born March 15 at North Valley Hospital.

Eric Joseph Wilmot

son of Kevin and Tricia Wilmot of Whitefish, was born March 19, at North Valley Hospital.

City to begin looking at budgets

Public Safety budget up first

Road could threaten Trails

Developers to seek revamp of subdivision

James Virgil Hilton, 53

James Virgil Hilton, 53, passed away on Thursday, May 6, 2010, in Columbia Falls, as the result of an explosion. Jim was born on June 19,1956, in St. Ignatius. He was raised in the St. Ignatius and Ronan area, graduating from St. Ignatius High School in 1974. Jim worked for Cenex in Ronan from 1974 until 1990, when he and his wife Shirley moved to Kalispell to start a new job with North West Propane. After two years, he accepted a job with Montana Power/NorthWestern Energy. Jim was the Gas Man . Any family or friends needing advice about propane or natural gas, Jim was the person we called. Jim was an avid blood donor and was adopted by the Eastgate Volunteer Fire Department as the official cook of steaks twice a year at the Montana Mutual Aid Meetings. He was always there for his friends and family. He loved his family, especially his children and grandchildren, and would do anything for them. Jim loved fishing, especially bass fishing, it was the thing. He found that he also loved hunting, especially opening day, with his family. He also enjoyed farming, boating and bowling. He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett Hilton and Margery Hilton, and stepson T.J. , Timothy. He is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughter, Korrie; son, Ezeaquil Bautisa; four grandchildren, Shanae, Jathaniel, Isabell and Carlos; Tim and Delores McAllister; sister, Evelyn Jennotte, of St. Ignatius; brothers, Dave Hilton of Billings, Larry Hilton of Great Falls, and Ken Hilton of Darby; along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. A celebration of Jim s life will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 12, at Risen Christ Parish, with the Rev. Rudy Bullman officiating. Interment will follow the service at C.E. Conrad Cemetery. A reception will be held following the interment at the NorthWestern Energy offices located at 890 N. Meridian Rd., Kalispell. You are invited to go to www. buffalohillfh.com to leave your condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Janice M. Norby, 56

Janice M. Norby, 56, died Thursday, May 6, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. Janice was born in Billings to John and Helen (Quinn) Mulloy on Oct. 17, 1953. She was raised in Billings and attended school there, graduating from Billings High School. During her childhood, she vacationed often in the Whitefish area, which she greatly enjoyed. She resided in Flagstaff, Ariz. for 18 years, where she raised her two sons before returning to Montana in 2003, and resided in the Flathead Valley until the time of her death. Janice greatly enjoyed her family and spending time with them; she also enjoyed traveling and camping, as well as doing handcrafts, most especially sewing and quilting. In her quiet times, she also liked playing cards and word games as well. Preceding her in death were her parents; a brother, Jack; and sister, Pamela Ann. Janice is survived by her husband, Shane, of Kalispell; her sons, Ryan Schmaing of Flagstaff, Ariz., and Jared Luke of Phoenix; her aunt, Marguerite Peg Beyersdorf, of Spokane; and three grandsons. Services will be Monday at 2 p.m. at the Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish, with Pastor Dick Bishop officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 9 a.m. until service time, at the funeral home.

John Wayne Blake, 45

John Wayne Blake, 45, passed away suddenly on April 20, 2010, in Phoenix, from a massive stroke. He was born on July 28, 1964, in Kalispell. He graduated from high school in Richland, Wash., and received his bachelor s degree in computer programming from DeVry University in Phoenix. John had a career spanning 20 years in the avionics software field, both commercial and military. He worked at General Dynamics in Dallas, and most recently for Belcan Engineering in Phoenix. He was a brilliant engineer and good friend to many. John enjoyed many hobbies and excelled in sports, including table tennis (once ranked fifth in the world), and games of chance. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Blair; brother, Michael Blake; and his grandparents. Those left to cherish his memory are father, Wayne Blake; and stepmother, Carol; Warner Blake, James Blair, Michelle Sevesind, Paul Ulberg, Lorena Blake, Travis Blake, aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends, Susan Stuart and Scott Miles. A memorial service and burial will be at a later date at Sunnyside Cemetery in Richland.

John W. Cole, 88

John W. Cole, 88, passed away on Wednesday, May 5, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. He was born on Dec. 23, 1921, in Coeburn, Va., the son of John and Mollie Cole. John and his wife Irene moved to Kalispell from Chicago, Ill. in 1997. John loved his family and friends and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Irene Cole, of Kalispell; his son, Jon Cole and his wife Pat, of Polebridge; his granddaughter, Robin Layton and husband Jim, of Fortine; a great-granddaughter, Cheyenne Drew; his sister, Irene McVay, of Indiana; stepdaughters, Carole Gramm and husband Pat, of Illinois, and Janice Kane and husband Bill, of Oregon; and many step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Memorial services for John will be held on Tuesday, May 11, at 2 p.m. at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel. Parking is available at Bethlehem Lutheran Church next door. The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to the American Heart Association, 501 1st Avenue North, No. 114, Great Falls, MT 59401. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for John s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view John s tribute wall.

Tradition lives on at Archie Roe

Kalispell’s track skills on display as Flathead boys, Glacier girls win

In 36 years, Lew Savik has only missed one Archie Roe track meet.

Weather interferes again

Rain creates havoc at Kalispell tennis tourney

It's starting to get old

Let's learn from oil disaster

The full impact from the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has yet to be realized, but even as it all unfolds, the U.S. should not put its head in the sand and ban offshore drilling and exploration.

Powered by slime

Michael Smith was in Hot Springs the day he decided to change how energy is created.

Teacher plans to rock summer with music

Flathead Valley, are you ready to rock?

Columbians keep the beat for five decades

For five decades, the Columbians have been synonymous with good music.

Mother's Day Tea at the Conrad Mansion

Four seek new judge position

Two Flathead Valley attorneys and two judges are running for a new Flathead County District Court judge position.

Man holds off dogs with sprayer

As he sprayed weeds on his Shady Lane lawn Saturday afternoon, a man was charged by a small pack of dogs. After he managed to hit one with the sprayer, the four animals took off.

Racial profiling: It's only cool if it DOESN'T save lives

The backlash against Arizona for having the audacity to try to protect its citizens from a known and identifiable threat would be laughable were it not so dangerous.

Columbians 3

Columbians 4

Columbians 2

Columbians 1

Week in Pictures May 3-9

Mother's Day Tea at the Conrad Mansion

Archie Row Track Meet 2010

Glacier Tennis

Dana A. Gonser, 40

Army veteran and former Kalispell resident Sgt. Dana A. Gonser, 40, of Fowler, Ind., died April 15, 2010, at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, as a result of injuries received in a car/motorcycle accident in Fowler. Funeral services with full Masonic and military honors were held in Oxford, Ind., with burial in Mound Cemetery in Pine Village, Ind. Surviving are his wife, Kathryn; two daughters, Ember D. and Hailey N. Gonser, of Fowler; stepdaughter, Kassie R. Smith, of Lafayette, Ind.; and his parents, James E. and Cynthia L. Gonser, of Kalispell. Dana was born Oct. 17, 1969, in Billings, where he graduated from Billings Senior High School. He attended ITT in Phoenix, and received his associate s degree in drafting and architectural design, as well as graduating from various military training classes. He lived in Billings, Butte, Great Falls and Kalispell before moving to Fowler in 2006. Mr. Gonser served as a unit administrator for the 209th Quartermaster Co., stationed in Lafayette, and held the rank of sergeant in the Army Reserves. He spent five years on active duty with the Army at Fort Lewis, Wash., and served in Iraq from February 2002 until April 2003 with the 889th Unit of the 101st Airborne Division. He married Kathryn A. Toy in Kalispell on Dec. 10, 2001. He was a loving husband and devoted father of two daughters, Ember, age 7, and Hailey, age 6. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Bigfork. The family requests that you follow Dana s example and become an organ donor. Condolences may be posted online at www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com

Community gardens thrive in Flathead

In the growing season of 2010, new community gardens have sprouted up across the Flathead and long-standing plots now have multiple gardeners tilling the soil.

Man chases ex to get house key back

Racing harmony

Jason, Josh Robinson keep family tradition alive at local raceway

The setting wasn’t quite as idealistic as the one Beaver Cleaver and his older brother Wally enjoyed while growing up on Pine Street, Mayfield, USA.

Last day of Forestry Expo open to public

The public is invited today to the 21st annual Family Forestry Expo near Columbia Falls.

Deer Park math wizards finish ninth at state

A team of four boys from Deer Park School came in ninth at the state Mathcounts competition in Bozeman recently.

Pitching, timely hits lifts Polson

COLUMBIA FALLS — The hits all came at the right times on Friday for the Polson Pirate softball team.

Investigators seek cause of blast

An exploding Columbia Falls home claimed the life of a veteran NorthWestern Energy employee as he and others were repairing a damaged gas line that served a neighboring home.

Beck back on track as FHS coach

Lexie (Miller) Beck can no longer run or jump, but that isn’t keeping her away from the sport she loves.

Family Forestry Expo XXI

Columbia Fall Explosion aftermath

Kael Sterling Miller

son of Luke and Keely Miller of Eureka, was born April 29 at North Valley Hospital.

Onyx Carmyn Jean Robinson-Lake

daughter of Karrolyn Robinson of Kalispell, was born April 26 at North Valley Hospital.

Irelyn Chayse Kniser

daughter of Lawrence Kniser, Jr. and Chasitie Morrison of Kalispell, was born April 30 at North Valley Hospital.

Taven Samuel Allen McCann-LaChance

son of Corey LaChance and Theresa McCann of Kila, was born April 28 at North Valley Hospital.

Jakob Ronald Underdahl

son of Joren and Nancy Underdahl, was born April 30 at North Valley Hospital.

Clyde Jacob Owens

son of Derrick Owens and Lizzy Sutch of Columbia Falls, was born April 30 at North Valley Hospital.

Donald Dell Manning, 89

Donald Dell Manning, 89, of Polson, passed away Sunday, May 2, 2010, after a six-year battle with multiple myeloma. Donald was born on July 28, 1920, in Nortonville, N.D., the son of Dell and Edith Manning. He married Anna G. Kimble on April 27, 1946. After his retirement from the U.S. Air Force, the couple moved to Polson in 1970. Don loved photography, gardening and woodcarving. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Polson. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and is missed very much. Besides his parents, his wife, Anna, who passed away in 2008, and two sons, Jerry and David, preceded him in death. Don is survived by his daughters, Jane, Margie and Dona; along with seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A graveside service for Don and his son David Manning, who passed away in 2009, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 8, at Lakeview Cemetery, Polson, with the Rev. Mark Calhoun officiating. Military honors will be provided by Polson VFW Post 2986. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home, Polson considers it a privilege to care for Mr. Manning s family.

Sage Saffron Ordway

daughter of Michael and Kelly Ordway of Whitefish, was born at home on April 16.

Tucker Buls

son of Ryan David Buls and Michelle Smith of Kalispell, was born May 1 at North Valley Hospital.

Solan Taj Tallman

son of Brett Tallman and Michelle Richards of Kalispell, was born April 4 at North Valley Hospital.

Darrius Kole Sanford

son of Robert and Kelly Sanford of Columbia Falls, was born May 1 at North Valley Hospital.

Polson boys, girls win county track titles

POLSON — The Polson girls owned the track on Thursday, winning every race except the 3,200.

Congratulations, Coach

Columbia Falls boys basketball coach Cary Finberg said he was surprised last week at the postseason team banquet when he was commemorated for his 200th win. But it was no surprise to a community that has watched Finberg rebuild the Wildcats basketball program since taking the reins in 1996. At the time the team had barely won eight games the previous three seasons, and hadn’t won a divisional tournament game since 1991. In Finberg’s first year of coaching the Wildcats made it to state, and since then the program has soared, winning three state championships and racking up a 107-30 record the last seven years.

Libby Dam spill test for sturgeon planned in June

A spill test for white sturgeon will proceed at Libby Dam in June, based on recent inflow forecasts for Lake Koocanusa, and an old dispute has resumed over the way the dam will operate this summer.

Kalispell man dies in gas explosion

House, car, carport a total loss in C. Falls blast

A violent explosion flattened a home, killing a Kalispell man Thursday afternoon in Columbia Falls.

Whitefish nips Kats in softball

COLUMBIA FALLS — Seems safe to say no matter what happens over the next few days, the Whitefish freshman softball players are likely to be excused from any extra running.

Guilty plea entered for chase, DUI

A Rollins woman has been convicted of leading officers on a high-speed chase that ended in a head-on collision in January.

Glacier netters rule

Blue skies and tolerable temperatures — in the high 40s — made for a great day for tennis on Thursday in crosstown action at the Flathead Valley Community College courts.

Storms give boost to still low snowpack

April delivered the most mountain precipitation since October in Montana, but only slightly improved snowpack and stream runoff forecasts in most parts of the state.

Wolfpack's 5 runs in 5th sink Pirates

POLSON — Glacier broke open a tie ballgame with a five-run fifth inning and then held off a seventh inning rally by Polson for an 8-6 nonconference softball victory on Thursday.

Crosstown Tennis Women

Crosstown Tennis Men

Columbia Falls House Explosion Yellow Tape

Columbia Falls House Explosion Firefighters

Columbia Falls House Explosion

Man dies in gas explosion

A Northwestern Energy employee died when a house exploded in Columbia Falls Thursday afternoon.

Test Timeline Asset

National Prayer Day at Ten Commandments monument

Praying on National Prayer Day

National Prayer Day gathering

Range riders

Grizzly captured

Collins murder suspect Cody Naldrett

Collins murder suspect Jeffrey Allen Nixon

Collins murder suspect Robert Allen Lake

Della Lee Bedford, 60

Della Lee Bedford, 60, passed on May 2, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, to be with our angels. She was born in 1950 in Sioux Falls, S.D., and had resided in Hungry Horse for 23 years. Della will be greatly missed by her loving husband of 42 years, Dale Bedford; as well as her children, Wanda Bedford; Lawrence Bedford and his wife, Sara; and Tonya Liciaga and her husband, Mike; and her beautiful granddaughters, Chelsea, Krystal, Tearra and Chevelle; and her sister, Betty Doering, and husband, Larry; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, father and other siblings. Della loved her holidays with her family. She loved her yard, flowers and shopping. She loved to be goofy with her grandchildren; and always put others before herself. She is going to be greatly missed by all that she touched. Services will be held at a later date.

Arthur Carl Strasdin, 92

Arthur Carl Strasdin of Somers went to be with his Lord and Saviour on May 3, 2010, in Kalispell. He had terminal cancer, but is now free from all pain and sickness. He was born on Oct. 7, 1917, in Fallon, Nev., to Peter and Libe Strasdin. Arthur had spent the majority of his life in the farming and dairy industry. Graduating from Churchill County High School, he, along with his parents, purchased the Fallon farm. He has been a member of the Assembly of God Church nearly all his life. In 1946, he was married to his first wife, Ruth Davis Strasdin. In 1970, he was married to Emma Schmick Strasdin. Both preceded him in death. Arthur s family would like to thank the staff of Greenwood Village Assisted Living, Frontier Hospice and Comfort Keepers for their loving care of our dear father. Arthur is survived by his sister, Zelma Strasdin; his three children, Paul L. Strasdin and wife, Cathy, of Fallon, Roberta A. Morken and husband, Joe, of Somers, and David C. Strasdin and wife, Lynn, of Fallon; five grandchildren, Michele (Strasdin) Byers and Tim Strasdin, both of Fallon, Julie (Strasdin) Guillen of Sparks, Nev., Randy Morken of Kalispell, and Arthur Morken of Ellensburg, Wash. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren and other relatives. Funeral services for Arthur C. Strasdin will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 7, at the Bigfork Chapel Assembly of God, 290 Highway 83, Bigfork. Burial will follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Arthur s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Arthur s tribute wall.

Thelma M. Gulbranson, 75

Thelma M. Gulbranson, 75, of Columbia Falls passed away Sunday morning, May 2, 2010, at Brendan House Nursing Home in Kalispell. She was born on July 11, 1934, in Browning, to Noble Bennett Sr., and Nancy Yellow Owl Bennett. She graduated with a GED from Columbia Falls High School in her 40s. She loved the outdoors, picnics, yard picnics, dancing, country music, animals and being with friends and family, especially with all her grandchildren. She spent most of her later life disabled at her home with family and friends, whom she was always glad to see, but she most wanted to help her own self. She also enjoyed helping others and had a very tender heart. She loved her home and helping her family from day to day. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and she never faltered in that. She will be greatly missed by all. She is survived by her children, Linda Street of Kennewick, Wash., Karol Knowles of Columbia Falls and Portland, Russell Gulbranson of Martin City, Charles Gulbranson of Columbia Falls, and Corinne Gulbranson of Hungry Horse; brothers, Earl and Roy Bennett of Browning; sisters, Shirley Little Dog of East Glacier, and Lorrainne Triplett of Bigfork; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Freda Sanderville; brothers, Nobel Bennett Jr., Charles Bennett and Earl Bennett; and a son, Karre Gulbranson. A visitation will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 7, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls, with a vigil service at 7 p.m. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 8, at St. Richard s Catholic Church in Columbia Falls, with the Rev. John Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls.

Veteran, newcomer vie for Senate nomination

For Rep. Jon Sonju, the Montana Legislature’s prime task is to do anything and everything to improve the state’s economy.

Hockaday Expansion

Grizzly captured in Swan

Two grizzly bears have been roaming too close to homes in the Swan foothills north of Ferndale for several days, and one was captured for relocation Wednesday morning.

Daybook

Remaining Movie Gallery stores to close

Looking to rent a movie for a quiet night in? With the last three Movie Gallery locations to close, options in the Flathead Valley just got smaller.

Two Kalispell school principals honored

Two Kalispell principals recently were recognized as outstanding by their peers and co-workers.

Bison Range trail ride canceled

A popular annual trail ride that has been held at the National Bison Range since the Korean War has been canceled by the refuge manager, raising the ire of riders who have participated in the event for years.

Bringing it home

Columbia Falls’ Cary Finberg hits milestone win No. 200

Ask Cary Finberg about basketball and he'll tell you about family.

Too buzzed for dentist's drill

Anti-Arizona hysteria is hype

The hysterical opposition to Arizona’s new immigration law has ridden roughshod over the truth of the law and ignored the obvious motivation behind it: there is a deep frustration with illegal immigration and the status quo is no longer acceptable in Arizona.

Painting in Whitefish

Hockaday Expansion

Gayland H. Jones, 74

Gayland H. Jones died of natural causes Monday, May 3, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. Gayland was born on May 29, 1935, in Lovell, Wyo., the second of three children, to Billie and Si Jones. His early childhood years were spent in the oil fields of Wyoming. He and his family moved to the Deer Lodge Valley to a ranch purchased from his grandfather, Elmer Jones, in the late 1940s. After graduating from Powell County High School, Gayland proudly served in the Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict as a DUCK driver. After completing his military service, he moved home to Deer Lodge, where he met and married Judith E. Wilson. They made their home on the family ranch working with his father. Gay and Judy had three daughters, Kasie, Kellie and Kathie. One of Gayland s favorite places to spend time was Bowman Lakes where he and his family built the road and a cabin, which was enjoyed by many family and friends throughout the years. His three daughters will see that his final wishes will be carried out by the spreading of his ashes there. Gayland was an avid fisherman, enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, hunting, welding and tinkering. He and Judy opened their home and hearts to many family members over the years on the ranch. The family moved off of the ranch in 1975 to the upper valley and Gayland began his excavation/fabrication business. Judy relocated to Bigfork. Gayland married Vermae Pecora in 1983. They later divorced. Gayland enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, and he had a favorite saying that he imparted to his daughters, Work hard, play hard. He was known for his strong work ethic. For fun he would take his girls fishing to Bowman Lakes, on picnics and swimming in the Miles Square, Sunday drives to admire the crops, shooting gophers, snowmobile trips, and many camping excursions. He had a great sense of humor and was a bit of a prankster which provided lots of laughs and great memories for all fortunate enough to know him. He will be missed. Gayland retired and lived with his beloved sister, Phyllis Leckwold, in Deer Lodge, until he took ill and moved to the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. Gay made many friends and always had a joke at hand and a smile on his face to share with staff and residents. He was preceded in death by his parents, Si and Billie Jones. Survivors include his sister, Phyllis Lechwold; his brother, Darrel Jones; three daughters, Kasie and Richard Bailey Jones, Kellie and Bob Hilley, and Kathie and Dennis Flagg; nine grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. His memorial service (followed by a traditional valley picnic) will be Saturday, July 17, at the South Valley Racetrack Community Hall in Deer Lodge. The celebration of life will begin at 3 p.m. at the Community Hall. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Gayland s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Gayland s tribute wall.orking with his father. Gay and Judy had three daughters, Kasie, Kellie and Kathie. One of Gayland s favorite places to spend time was Bowman Lakes where he and his family built the road and a cabin, which was enjoyed by many family and friends throughout the years. His three daughters will see that his final wishes will be carried out by the spreading of his ashes there. Gayland was an avid fisherman, enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, hunting, welding and tinkering. He and Judy opened their home and hearts to many family members over the years on the ranch. The family moved off of the ranch in 1975 to the upper valley and Gayland began his excavation/fabrication business. Judy relocated to Bigfork. Gayland married Vermae Pecora in 1983. They later divorced. Gayland enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, and he had a favorite saying that he imparted to his daughters, Work hard, play hard. He was known for his strong work ethic. For fun he would take his girls fishing to Bowman Lakes, on picnics and swimming in the Miles Square, Sunday drives to admire the crops, shooting gophers, snowmobile trips, and many camping excursions. He had a great sense of humor and was a bit of a prankster which provided lots of laughs and great memories for all fortunate enough to know him. He will be missed. Gayland retired and lived with his beloved sister, Phyllis Leckwold, in Deer Lodge, until he took ill and moved to the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. Gay made many friends and always had a joke at hand and a smile on his face to share with staff and residents. He was preceded in death by his parents, Si and Billie Jones. Survivors include his sister, Phyllis Lechwold; his brother, Darrel Jones; three daughters, Kasie and Richard Bailey Jones, Kellie and Bob Hilley, and Kathie and Dennis Flagg; nine grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. His memorial service (followed by a traditional valley picnic) will be Saturday, July 17, at the South Valley Racetrack Community Hall in Deer Lodge. The celebration of life will begin at 3 p.m. at the Community Hall. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Gayland s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Gayland s tribute wall.

James Arneson Myers, 66

James Arneson Myers, 66, passed away on Friday, Apr. 30, 2010, at his home in Pullman, Wash. Jim was born in Kalispell Nov. 28, 1943, to Violet Teresa Arneson and James Ray Myers. When Jim was born, his father was serving overseas in the United States Navy during World War II. Father and son did not meet for two years. Jim was 5 when his brother Kenneth was born in 1948 and they were young playmates. Jim spent his childhood and youth in Kalispell with the exception of a few years in Missoula where his father taught school. Jim graduated from Flathead County High School in 1961. After graduating, he attended Northern Montana College in Havre and later graduated with both a bachelor s and master s of education from the University of Idaho in 1969. Upon earning his bachelor s degree in 1967, he taught distributive education at Pullman High School until the program was discontinued, and then went on to teach English, math and driver s education. Jim retired from teaching in 1989 due to heath complications. Jim married Linda Robertson Aug. 18, 1964, in the Salt Lake City Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple. Four children, Gordon, Tamara, Brett and Tonja became the Myers family, his proudest accomplishment. Jim enjoyed backpacking, canoeing and fishing in his healthier years. Lionel trains were his passion and he enjoyed being a member of the Palouse Empire Rail Society. Jim was preceded in death by his father and mother. He is survived by his wife, Linda; and his four children, Gordon and wife, Lisa, of Coeur d Alene, Idaho, Tamara Hill and husband, Blake, of Hillsboro, Ore., Brett and wife, Darcell, of Pullman, Wash., and Tonja Janette and husband, Jay, of Seattle. He is also survived by 12 beautiful grandchildren, and his brother, Kenneth, and wife, Karen, of Havre. The funeral service will be held today, May 5, at the Pullman Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Kimball Funeral Home of Pullman is caring for the family. Online condolences may be sent to www.kimballfh.com.

Lydia Beck, 88

Lydia Beck, 88, passed away on Jan. 18, 2010, at Powell County Memorial Hospital. Lydia was born on Sept. 1, 1921, in Dodge, N.D., to Carl and Margaret Stuber Singer. She was raised in North Dakota and Montana. Lydia married Tom Beck in 1946 in Baker. She worked for the Columbia Falls School District cleaning, cleaned houses, and worked for Columbia Falls Clinic cleaning for over 35 years, retiring at the age of 82. Lydia enjoyed gardening, raising flowers, having a pretty yard, and shopping at garage sales. She loved to watch her grandson, Chad, race his car, and loved picking berries. She spent most of her time with her children and grandchildren. Lydia was preceded in death by her son, Ray Beck; three brothers, John, Bill and Richard Singer; two sisters, Anna Shoppe and Ida Bonnett; and one granddaughter, Kimberly Lundstrom. She is survived by two sons, Tom and Randy Beck; five daughters, Sandra Lundstrom, Linda Holliday, Rita Hawkins, Wendy Witte and Meredith Tuttle; two sisters, Emma Schopp and Millie Rieger; grandchildren, Stephanie Grein, Chad Lundstrom, Lora Blankenship, Michael Steppe, Doug Hawkins, Steven Hawkins, Jessie Beck, Tarryn Beck and Brad Hawkins; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. A celebration of Lydia s life will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 10, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home with the Rev. Daryl Newby officiating. Urn burial will take place following the service at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Backroom in Columbia Falls. You are invited to go to www.buffalohillfh.com to sign Lydia s book or leave a personal message. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Forestry Expo open to public on Saturday

The 21st annual Family Forestry Expo gets under way this week, but the weekend schedule has been scaled back to be held on Saturday only.

Libby boys, Eureka girls county champs

EUREKA - Kody Berget won three individual events (110 and 300 hurdles and 200) and ran on two winning relays to help Libby take the team title at the Lincoln County meet on Tuesday.

Polson netters down Columbia Falls

POLSON - Polson swept play in doubles and took three of four singles matches to down Columbia Falls 6-1 on Tuesday in a Class A tennis dual.

Council backs new hotel room fee for marketing

Sixteen hotel owners won approval Monday night for a new revenue stream that could bring in $335,000 a year to help market Kalispell to tourists, trade shows, meetings and individual travelers.

QB Reilly signs with Seahawks

Former Flathead High School quarterback Mike Reilly was claimed off waivers by the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday, hours after he was released by the St. Louis Rams.

FHS sweeps triangular

Any track meet without rain involved is being considered a success this spring, but even by the traditional standard, Flathead had a successful day on Tuesday.

Glacier road to be repaved

Glacier National Park officials have announced plans to repave about 14.5 miles of Going-to-the-Sun Road from Apgar to the Avalanche Campground this month.

Weather hampers Glacier road work

Crews plan weekend construction

Recent foul weather has delayed Going-to-the-Sun Road reconstruction in Glacier National Park, and it has caused problems on Flathead National Forest roads.

Clerk and recorder candidates tout experience

There’s no shortage of experience in this year’s Flathead County clerk and recorder race.

Daybook

Catching Snowflakes in Glacier Park

Grizzly bears visit Bigfork yard

Seeing two grizzly bears in the yard, a Wolf Creek Drive resident apparently fired once over their heads to scare them, but to no avail. A grizzly bear management specialist set traps for the bears Tuesday morning.

Whitefish levy approved but Kalispell's fails

Voters in Whitefish approved a levy request for the elementary school district Tuesday, but levies in the Kalispell and Kila district were defeated.

FHS Track

Kalispell bans new pot businesses

Despite pleas from seven speakers Monday night and a motion to reconsider by council member Bob Hafferman, the Kalispell City Council adopted a law to ban new medical marijuana dispensaries and commercial grow operations in city limits.

Front Page Instory2 Position

Glacier Park Centennial Banner

Timeline Logo

Waylon Curtis Collins, 81

Waylon Curtis Collins, 81, of Columbia Falls, passed away Thursday, April 29, 2010, of an apparent heart aneurism. We call it a broken heart. Dad will join his son, Wesley Bubba Collins, who died on April 12, 2010, as the result of a homicide. Dad was born Aug. 28, 1928, in Baxley, Ga., one of 11 children born to William Curtis and Velma Collins. He was raised on the family farm and attended school in Baxley, graduating in 1945. He later joined the Air Force where he was an airplane mechanic. On June 19, 1950, Dad married our beloved mother, Jean Lucille Pohl, in High Point, N.C. They soon thereafter moved to Montana, where Dad went to work logging. During his early working life he did many different types of work to support his growing family, but always went back to logging, which is what he loved. He built his own small logging business and spent most of his working years logging in the Swan Valley. In 2001 he had a stroke that ended his logging career. Dad s other favorite things were traveling and going out to breakfast with family members to the Nite Owl or Cislo s restaurant. Over the years he had many friends. Many are gone now, but there are many others left who were always there for him and his family after the stroke. Dad was preceded in death by his son, Wesley; his parents; a brother, Harold; and a sister, Glenda. He is survived by his wife, Jean, of Columbia Falls; three daughters, Carol Davies and husband, Dick, of Bigfork, Virginia Darsow and husband, Terry, and Kathy Collins of Columbia Falls; and two sons, Mike Collins of Kalispell, and Windy Collins and wife, Candi, of Missoula; five grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind two sisters and three brothers in Georgia, Pauline Lawrence, Kathryn Flanagan, Troy Collins, Kenny Collins, and Max Collins, and a sister and three brothers in Florida, Francis Glass, Wendell Collins, Bill Collins and Robert Collins; two aunts, Lorene Wood in Georgia, and Nell Crum in Kansas; and many nieces and nephews who all loved Uncle Waylon. The family will have a gathering at a later date to remember the lives of Waylon and Wesley. We miss you, Dad, more than you can imagine. We love you and have a safe and peaceful journey!

Daybook

Today

Barbecue restaurant reopening

Famous Dave’s is smoking again — but this time it’s to prepare to reopen.

City looks for comments on Westside district

Development proposals and questions about distributing money from the Westside Tax Increment Financing District will be on the table at a May 12 public meeting at Kalispell City Hall.

Nine school districts hold elections

Voters in nine Flathead Valley school districts go to the polls today.

Tree falls on house

Tree falls on house in windstorm

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office got a rash of reports of trees falling on power lines and in at least one case, a house, after a powerful windstorm swept through the Flathead Valley Monday afternoon.

Study says state reappraisal was accurate

HELENA — The residential property values determined by the state’s 2009 reappraisal accurately reflect the sales prices of those homes that have sold, even in the Flathead Valley, an independent study released Thursday concluded.

Man who led high-speed chase pleads guilty

The Evergreen man involved in a high-speed chase in March changed his plea to guilty last week.

Sign up for state Olympics at Summit's Senior Day

Athletes interested in participating in the Montana Senior Olympics Summer Games may register on Wednesday during Senior Day at The Summit, the official headquarters of the games.

Tree Smashes Echo Lake Home

Belton Chalet Lodge interior

Belton Chalet - 1910

A century at the Belton

Tranquil rooms infused with fresh mountain air, beautiful hardwood flooring and expansive covered porches beckon travelers to the Belton Chalet today, just as they did in 1910.

Park photog: Ruder

Park photog: George Bird

Picture perfect

It's tough to go to a place like Glacier National Park and not take a camera. Even before it was officially a national park, photographers have been capturing Glacier's grand stage on film.

Ian Tippet

Tippet's tenure

Ian Tippet remembers the Glacier National Park lodges in a different time.

Alpine Plants

Peak plant life part of alpine study in Glacier

In the high windy peaks of Glacier National Park, a team of researchers has been quietly keeping an eye on the plants.

Missing without a trace

Glacier National Park has its fair share of ghosts -- men who have gone off into the wilds and have never been found.

Books fill the shelves for Glacier's centennial

Glacier National Park can quite simply be an inspirational place.

Centennial: Laura Bush visit

Centennial: FDR Visit

Centennial: Lots of famous people have visited Glacier Park

For a century, Glacier National Park has welcomed travelers from around the world. This includes some very famous visitors, from royalty to presidents to Hollywood actors.

Many Glacier Hotel Circa 1916

Many Glacier Hotel restoration planned

The National Park Service recently announced that the next phase of work has been awarded to Swank Enterprises for $9,531,200. This project is broken into two components, which address all interior rehabilitation work on the northern half of the hotel.

Glacier Park Dedication - 1910

Centennial: Rededication ceremony planned May 11

On May 11, 1910, the awe-inspiring wilderness that is Glacier National Park was officially set aside as a national park when President William Howard Taft signed the bill establishing Glacier National Park as the 10th national park in America.

Glacier: The next 100 years

Melting glaciers. Warming rivers. Swarms of pine-devouring beetles. Forest fires.

Schools hold elections Tuesday

Voters in nine school districts go to the polls Tuesday to approve or deny levy requests and decide school board trustees.

Glacier Centennial Cover Photo

Glacier Park Centennial

Centennial Film Fest (All the Young men)

Centennial Film Fest - (heavens gate)

Centennial Film Fest (Reagan)

Glacier Centennial Green Business Badge

Going-to-the-Sun Road reconstrcution project continues

Calder Morrison at FVCC

Man accused of sexually assaulting 5-year-old girl

Flathead County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 21-year-old man for sexual intercourse without consent after he allegedly assaulted a friend’s 5-year-old daughter. The girl’s father told deputies the man had been visiting the home Saturday night and went down a hallway to use the restroom twice in short succession. The father said he became suspicious and checked on the suspect, and found him in the child’s bedroom allegedly assaulting her at that time. The sheriff’s office got the report just after 2:30 a.m. Sunday.

Graphic designer aims for 'arresting' artwork

Sudden impact

Whitefish has been good to Pete Thomas.

Kila aims to build 'one classroom at a time'

When voters overwhelmingly shot down Kila School’s $2.1 million bond request last June, the district could have given up its building dreams.

FVCC reviewing applicants for fall Scholars Program

Never stop learning

Calder Morrison, a member of Flathead Valley Community College’s new Scholars Program, had his choice of colleges after graduating as a valedictorian at Flathead High School in 2008.

Pete Thomas

Daybook

Today

Dr. John Milton Milt Small, 86

Dr. John Milton Milt Small, 86, a retired Kalispell dentist and patriarch of the Small family, passed away on April 15, 2010, in Tucson, Ariz., due to complications from pneumonia. Milt was born in Kalispell on Oct. 16, 1923, the son of Arthur H. and Therma McGlaughlin Small. He grew up on the family farm, pre-empted by his grandfather in 1884, and graduated from Flathead County High School in 1941. Milt served his country in the U.S. Navy as a pharmacist s mate third class. Milt married Janet Charles of Ohio in 1946. They raised their three children on the family farm. Milt raised certified russet seed potatoes on one of the first seed potato farms in Montana. Milt earned an undergraduate degree from Montana State University and in 1965 received a Doctor of Dental Surgery from Washington University School of Dental Medicine-St. Louis, specializing in reconstructive and implant dentistry. Dr. Small practiced dentistry in Great Falls for over 10 years. Later returning to his beloved Flathead Valley, he practiced at his Evergreen Dental Center until his retirement. In 1968 Milt married Jane Roach of Missouri and raised three stepchildren. In 1977 Milt married Elenor Ellie Bench of Missouri. Milt loved life and the grandeur of Montana s natural wonders from fly fishing on the North Fork to hunting, boating, drives through Glacier National Park and flying his plane above it all. He lived to play and listen to music, playing his trombone in many a parade or band. Milt was proud to be a native of the Flathead, his heritage and his children and grandchildren " always teaching them about the wonders of life. Milt was known for his ability to grow almost anything, from potatoes to lemons and grapefruit. He selflessly gave his time and talent to help others and was honored to sponsor many children to Shiner s Hospitals. He was a member of the following service and Masonic organizations: Kalispell Lodge No. 42, Scottish Rite, York Rite, Algeria Shrine, Adah Chapter of O.E.S, Elks, Jesters and S.A.E fraternity. Professionally, he was president of the Western District A.A. of Implant Dentistry in 1989. Milt was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Harold; and sister, Virginia Small Yaeger. He is survived by his wife Elenor Ellie of Tucson; three children, Lynette Thomas and Bob of Kalispell, Sharon Graham and Larry, and Dr. David Small; four stepchildren, Michael Bench and Renee, Nicki Lamey and Matt, Teresa Kaminski and Dean, and Dale Roach and Gunda; 12 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Milt s smile, laughter and friendship touched many lives, and often he was heard to say, Are-ch you glad you met me? We all agree it has been an honor to know such a great man, husband, father, uncle and grandfather. Yes Daddy, we truly are glad to have met you! A memorial service will be held this summer. The family suggested that memorials be sent to Shrine Crippled Children s Hospital in Spokane.

Roy Alfred Johnson, 87

Roy Alfred Johnson, 87, went to be with his wife Marge on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010, while at Park Place in Denver. He was born Aug. 31, 1922, in West Hartford, Conn., the third of four children. He attended Hall High School and enlisted in the Army during World War II. Coming home, he married his high school sweetheart, Marge Hall. He worked for Sunshine Biscuits and later for Connecticut Mutual Life. He was a friendly man, always ready with a Howdy and a good story. He loved his family and life in general. He is survived by his sister, Ruth Jester of Bigfork; and his children, Bruce, Steven, Susan and Peter. A memorial for Roy and Marge will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 8, at Community United Methodist Church in Bigfork, with a celebration of their lives following at 2:30 p.m. at the Eagle Bend Yacht Harbor.

Marjorie Nelle Johnson, 86

Marge went to be with her Lord on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, surrounded by her family, while at Park Place in Denver. She was born Oct. 25, 1923, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the second of six children. Her family moved to West Hartford, Conn., when she was a young girl. Marge attended Hall High School and Texas Tech. In 1944, she married Roy A. Johnson, and they were blessed with three sons and a daughter. Marge was a spirited and active woman and will be greatly missed. She was always ready for a game of tennis, golf, hearts or a day of skiing. She loved her family and was involved in the churches she attended. In retirement, Marge and Roy enjoyed their homes in Cape Cod and later in Bigfork. She is survived by her brother, Henry Hall of Denver; sister, Virginia Constantino of Hilton Head, S.C.; sons, Bruce and Steven of Denver; daughter, Susan of Medford, Ore.; and son, Peter of Spokane.

Flathead falls to Bengals, Bruins

HELENA — One bad inning foiled Flathead against Helena Capital on Saturday in Western AA softball play.

Woman faces charges over marijuana gift

LIBBY — The wife of a man who is opening a medical marijuana dispensary is scheduled to be arraigned Monday for allegedly distributing the drug illegally.

David Sipe Memorial

Kellen, Liana Bates rule court play at tourney

MISSOULA — It was Bates and more Bates on Saturday at the Missoula Invitational tennis tournament.

Libby pair building a marijuana cooperative

LIBBY — Two men plan to open a medical marijuana cooperative in the coming weeks that they estimate will serve hundreds of local patients.

Scenes of spring

The beauty of Glacier National Park is revealed to early-season hikers

Views of massive mountains can be seen along the 4-mile round-trip hike to Avalanche Lake.

FVCC to increase tuition slightly

The Flathead Valley Community College Board of Trustees has approved a tuition increase of $2 per credit for in-district, out-of-district and out-of-state students.

Pot land-use law goes up for second reading

The second reading of Kalispell’s ordinance banning new commercial medical marijuana dispensaries and growing operations goes before the City Council on Monday night.

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Hoffenbacker homers; Bouley throws 1-hitter for Glacier

HELENA — Kendra Bouley threw a 1-hitter on Saturday to help the Glacier Wolfpack pick up one win, and Lyndsey Hoffenbacker hit her second home run of the season to claim a second victory for the Wolfpack.

Upswing in bullying is appalling

Bullying is not a new phenomenon, but the viciousness woven into many recent acts of violence by students against other students is nothing short of horrifying.

Happy 100th, Glacier Park

Glacier National Park’s 100th birthday approaches, and Montanans and Americans should be thankful and proud to have such a majestic park on the landscape.

Neighbors pooh-pooh over doggy doo

Friday night, after a dog defecated in the yard of a Rogers Lake Road property, the property owner asked the dog’s owner not to allow her animal to do so. In response, the dog owner reportedly returned to the Rogers Lake Road property with a bag of feces and put it in the yard. She later returned to remove the bag. The two have apparently resolved the issue.

Six records tumble at rainy A.R.M.

WHITEFISH - The on-again, off-again downpour wasn't enough to stop six meet records from being broken or some of the fastest times in the state from being set at the Whitefish High track.

Meth-lab suspect pleads innocent

The man accused of running a meth lab from a Columbia Falls trailer home pleaded not guilty on Thursday in Flathead County District Court.

America's moral crisis is threat to our security

Without law enforcement, there is no law.

Week in Pictures April 26 - May 2

A.R.M. Invitational 300m Hurdles

A.R.M. Invitational Triple Jump

Glacier Park Avalanche Lake

Glacier Park - Avalanche Creek

Glacier Park - Framed Landscape

Glacier Park - Sunlit Needles

Practicing for Bow Hunting

Madison Michelle Dockrey

daughter of Jesse and Rheanna Dockrey of Kalispell, was born Feb. 14 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Bowdrie Thomas Simonson

son of Seth and Juliana Simonson of Kalispell, was born Feb. 4 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Landen Eli Dion

son of Karen and James Dion, was born April 14 at North Valley Hospital.

Jayson Dale Rich

son of Kiersten Rich of Kalispell, was born Feb. 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Jake Randall Baldwin

son of Randy and Shelley Baldwin of Kalispell, was born March 1 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Andrea Jeanne (Noice) VanDyke, 53

On April 27, 2010, we lost a strong, sweet soul. Andrea Jeanne (Noice) VanDyke, Jesus freak and awesome mom, daughter and sister, was called home from Kalispell Regional Medical Center at 7 a.m. She never was a morning person. Andrea is survived by her children, Aaron A. Hove of New York City; and Alesha J. Claveria of Los Angeles; her parents, Frank M. Noice of Los Angeles and Marion A. Gerrish of Kalispell; and her dear friend, Curtis J. VanDyke. Born in Fargo, N.D. on July 23, 1956, her life was always a celebration. She will be missed by her brothers, Marshall Noice, Andrew Noice and Alex Noice; and her sisters, Anna Noice and Ava Noice. Andrea will be remembered by her family and very close friends at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 1, at Glacier Mountain Fellowship, with Pastor Albert officiating.

Trinity Lee Moser

daughter of Jake and Kimberly Moser of Kalispell, was born Feb. 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Col. Eugene T. Gene Olson, (Ret.), 90

Colonel Eugene T. Gene Olson (Ret.), 90, passed away at Brendan House on April 29, 2010. His grandfather homesteaded near Lincoln, and his father as a young man guarded the silver shipments on the stage coach run between Virginia City and Helena. His father later ranched near Helena, and met and married his mother there. He was born in Alberta, Canada on Nov. 30,1919, when his parents were visiting his mother s parents. Soon afterward, they returned to Montana. As Gene grew older he attended schools in Great Falls, Fort Peck and Butte. He graduated from high school in Cut Bank. Gene then attended Montana State University at Bozeman on a basketball scholarship, and while there, met and married a lovely Norwegian girl, Agnes (Kit). They were married for 63 years. After college, he entered the U.S. Army. It was World War II, and he fought in France and Germany. As Commander of Slavic and German P.O.W. Stockades in France and England, he was instrumental in dispersing them to various units. After the war, he attended and taught military law in the Provost Marshal General School. He was then selected for four years of graduate work in Soviet public law at Columbia University in New York, and in Soviet Geopolitics at the Institute for Advanced Soviet and East European Studies in Germany. As a Diplomatic courier, he traveled extensively in Russia and Eastern Europe, and was able to smuggle then-forbidden Bibles into Russia. Later, while assigned in Washington D.C., he became an advisor on Soviet affairs to the secretary of agriculture when Khrushchev, the leader of the Soviet Union, and his minister of agriculture visited the United States. Serving for several years as special assistant to several different cabinet members in Washington, D.C., he conducted their visits to the Soviet Union, and then also escorted Soviet officials visiting the United States. Later he was asked to organize and accompany U.S. trade-promoting groups traveling to major countries around the world. His last assignment, six years before his retirement, was as a United States attache in the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, Canada. His military awards included the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, American Theater Ribbon, European Theater Ribbon with two battle stars, Victory Medal, Army Occupation Ribbon with German clasp, and the Combat Infantry Badge. Through the years and the ups and downs, he gave thanks to his Savior for His abiding love and guidance day by day, and also for a loving wife who was always there with loving help and prayers. As he said, It s been a good life together, and the best is yet to come; thanks be to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. This well-traveled and educated man who has been involved with world leaders, at the same time truly knows the One who created the world, who had a deep, abiding love for his dear wife and loved the Lord God with all his heart; there s only one man, one crown jewel hand-crafted by God that fits the description: Colonel Eugene Olson. Gene was very active with the Gideons in placing Bibles. He was very active with the Kalispell Foursquare Church, and devoted his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Myrtle and Charlie Olson; dear wife, Agnes; and brother, Jack Edgar. He is survived by his daughter, Ardis Ardy Adams and husband Joe of Maryville, Tenn.; nephew, John Edgar of Thailand; niece, Angie Colombini of Santa Rosa, Calif.; grandchildren, Mike and Tracie Adams of Atlanta, Ga., and Jim and Heather Adams of Easley, S.C.; great-grandchildren, David, Brett, Andy and Libby; great-niece, Amee and Jim Knight of Santa Barbara, Calif.; great-nephews, Mike and Amy Edgar of Sacramento, Calif., and Cameron Boles of Bakersfield, Calif.; great-great-nephews, Luke and Keef; and a great-great-niece, Clare. Visitation for Gene will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 2, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 3, at the Kalispell Foursquare Church, with burial following at Glacier Memorial Gardens. Friends are encouraged to visit www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Cruz Nolan Pettymyers

son of Jubal and Krista Pettymyers of Somers, was born Feb. 7 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Joseph Giovanni Barone

son of Gary and Jenni Barone of Kalispell, was born Feb. 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Addison Joy Bass

daughter of Roby and Krista Bass of Kalispell, was born Feb. 4 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Zedekiah Gaius Jaramillo

son of James and Christine Jaramillo of Kalispell, was born April 6 at North Valley Hospital.

Leola Marie Slaughter

daughter of Chuck and Judith Slaughter of Kalispell, was born March 9 at North Valley Hospital.

Sophia Belle Lowell

daughter of Gary and Mandy Lowell of Columbia Falls, was born Feb. 12 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Cody Kent Rosenlund

son of Kent and Mindy Rosenlund of Kalispell, was born Feb. 4 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Bryson Keegan Walter

son of Brad Walter and Ashley Fry of Whitefish, was born April 3 at North Valley Hospital.

Jasper Jack Bench

son of Colleen and Logan Bench of Kalispell, was born Feb. 3 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

James Allen Wittlake, 74

James Allen Wittlake, 74, Our beloved father and friend, passed away April 21, 2010, at his home in Somers. He was born May 13, 1935, in Flathead County. Jim married Alice Nelson on August 29, 1955. They moved their family to Somers in 1959. During his lifetime, Dad had many interests, a few of which were trapping, prospecting, logging, farming, and gardening. But his favorite times were spent hunting and fishing in the Montana wilderness. Over the years, Jim has had many memorable hunting and fishing buddies, but the ones he will miss the most are his friends Bruce and Norman. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Mable; wife, Alice; daughter, Laurie; infant son; infant granddaughter, Heather; and his brother, Bud. Those left to cherish his memory are son, Matt; and daughters, Kathy, Chris, and Debbie; sisters, Margaret, Sandy, and Roxy, nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. In addition to his family, Jim will be missed by his many wonderful friends and neighbors.

Chloe Jean Christianson

daughter of Lance and Kimberly Christianson of Rollins, was born Feb. 10 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Garrett Duane Dahlke

son of Larry and Carrie Dahlke of Kalispell, was born April 3 at North Valley Hospital.

Veteran Whitefish speech coach steps down

The Northwest Class A Division lost a second longtime speech and debate coach recently when Pat McLaughlin submitted her resignation.

Whitefish, Polson split in tennis; C-Falls pulls sweep

POLSON —  Whitefish and Polson split in Western A dual tennis action on Friday.

New Flathead High scholarship fund will benefit theater students

Flathead High School recently received $3,000 to start a scholarship fund for theater students.

Benson's RBI single lifts Polson

POLSON — Staci Benson’s single to right field scored Kylie Knutson from third base in the bottom half of the seventh inning on Friday as Polson rallied past Libby 4-3 in Northwestern A softball play.

Blue Skies Outdoor Painting

Ferocious cat terrorizes dog

A vicious cat bit a dog, an Antelope Trail resident reported to

Carlson, Daoud headline A.R.M.

Some of the state’s finest track and field athletes are converging on Whitefish today for the 13th annual A.R.M. Invitational.

Internet bragging leads to poaching bust

Nine animals taken illegally

An Oregon man who proudly posted pictures of his big game kills on a website has been convicted of poaching the animals near his father’s home in Trout Creek.

'Change for Chile' effort pays off

Heather Gerg had only been back in the Flathead Valley for about five days when disaster struck Chile.

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