Ellington

Crosstown Boys Soccer

Crosstown Girls Soccer

Crosstown Girls Soccer Kneed Ball

NCAA Game of Week

Sykes Reopening

Foggy Sunrise at Echo Lake

Brennen Irene Anderson

daughter of Travis and Brandy Anderson of Somers, was born Aug. 27 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Lakai Duane Allan Kassner

son of Charles Kassner Jr. and Lynda Arvidson of Columbia Falls, was born Aug. 26 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Ben Leroy Adams, 81

Retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Ben Leroy Adams, 81, passed away on Sept. 25, 2010. He is survived by his loving wife, Monique, and son, Frank, of Virginia Beach, Va., and his daughter and son-in-law, Anne and Kirk Hubbard, of Polson. A Montana native, he was born on April 12, 1929, the seventh of eight children to Frank and Fannie Judkins Adams in Havre, and grew up and graduated from high school in Whitefish. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1948. Commander Adams served with distinction for over 30 years, and was a veteran of Korea where he was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation. He also served in Vietnam in 1968-1969, where he earned the Bronze Star, and both a Presidential and a Naval Unit Citation. A Mustang, he retired in 1977 with, among other honors, a Joint Service Commendation medal. During his naval career, Cmdr. Adams served aboard the following ships: Leary, Juneau, St. Paul, Wrangell and Wilkinson. In Vietnam he served in Saigon and Danang, and as officer in charge in Cua Viet. He retired in Naples, Italy, after serving there in three consecutive NATO commands. Pen pals for five years, Ben and Monique were then married for 56 years and made a home for their family in Italy, England and France, in addition to the United States. They shared a love of nature and animals and enjoyed hiking and camping. The family thanks the staff of Sentara Bayside Hospital for their compassionate care. Cremation and Funeral Services of Tidewater is now assisting the family. A local service is not planned, as interment will take place at a later time in France. Memorial donations may be made to the Plaza Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 2128, Virginia Beach, VA 23450-2128; or to the North West Montana Veterans Food Pantry, 1349 Hwy. 2 East, Kalispell, MT 59901 (veteransfoodpantry.org).

Wyatt Keith Hall

son of Keith and Robyn Hall of Kalispell, was born Aug. 27 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Mary E. Creon Gable, 90

Mary passed away Sept. 22, 2010, in Richland, Wash. She was born in Dayton, Ohio, Feb. 28, 1920, to Ed and Sarah Line. She was preceded in death by her mother and father; four brothers, John, Jim, George and Ken; and sister, Millie Nelson. Mary is survived by sisters, Lil Westerlund of Whitefish, and June Kunzel of Hayden, Idaho; daughter, Barbara Loveall, and son-in-law, Bob Loveall, of Richland, Wash.; and her son, Alan, and Joe Creon of Colfax, Wash. She leaves cherished granddaughters, Mary Gillen and husband Dave and family, Chris, William and Halley, and Leslie Richardson and husband Steve and family, Robert, Alec and Rachel. Interment was in Sunset Memorial Gardens on Sept. 24.

Micah Jean Badewitz

daughter of John and Donna Badewitz of Columbia Falls, was born Aug. 24 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Arthur Roy Carnes Jr., 93

Arthur Roy Carnes Jr., 93, passed away on Monday, Sept. 27, 2010, of natural causes, at the family home in Kalispell. Arthur was born Feb. 15, 1917, in Des Moines, Iowa, and raised in Dixon, Ill. He attended schools in Dixon and graduated from Missouri Southern State College in Joplin, Mo. Arthur married LaVaughn Helt in Huntsville, Ariz., in 1952. They had been married for 47 years. Arthur was in the 993rd Service Corps and helped build the Alaskan Highway. He also spent two years in China. He worked as a mail carrier in Illinois afterward, and was an aircraft machinist and engineer for 25 years. He spent the first half of his life in the Midwest until moving to Kalispell. Upon moving here, Arthur worked various jobs until his retirement. In 1973, together with his wife, Arthur started a new church which would become the Family Life Christian Center. They both supported many missionaries and Bible colleges also. Arthur enjoyed huckleberry picking with grandchildren and camping. He was one of the regulars at Sykes where he even had a reserved table. Arthur was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur R. Carnes Sr., and Rhoda May Carnes; wife, LaVaughn Carnes; and stepbrother, Fenton Carnes. He is survived by two sons, David R. Carnes and wife, Joellen, of Marysville, Wash., and Arthur R. Carnes III and wife, Dora, or Moore Haven, Fla.; twin daughters, DeAun Tait and husband, James, of Cordell, Okla., and Debra Wolfshorndl and husband, Roger, of Kalispell; 16 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, with a set of twins on the way to make 20. Private graveside services will be held. The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Pinehaven Christian Children s Ranch and School, P.O. Box 940, St. Ignatius, MT 59865-0940. Friends are encouraged to visit the website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Skees, Hammerquist vie for open Whitefish seat

House District 4

Legal opinion backs library secession plan

If the city of Whitefish decides it wants to create its own city library, it can do so, according to a draft opinion from Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock.

FVCC students taking more classes this fall

Fall student numbers and course enrollment at Flathead Valley Community College reflect the continuing hard-hit economy in the valley.

Man arrested for hitting woman at bar

Business license, or new tax?

On the surface, it’s an idea that might appear to have merit.

Fish purging operation begins

Non-native fish to be replaced in Wildcat Lake

A project aimed at purging non-native fish from an alpine lake in the Jewel Basin Hiking Area got under way Wednesday, with a helicopter flying in people and gear from a staging area in the Foothill Road area.

Grower faces felony for too many plants

A registered marijuana caregiver from Marion is facing a felony charge after he was arrested Sept. 23 on suspicion of having more marijuana plants than allowed by state law.

Complaint filed in Lake County race

A complaint has been filed against Lake County Sheriff candidate Jay Doyle for naming his potential undersheriff on advertisements in advance of the November election.

Man charged with baseball-bat beating

Shane Glass said he was just trying to “beat some sense” into a man he believed was sleeping with his wife.

Family, friends praise victims of car crash

A Kalispell man is battling possible brain damage and numerous broken bones in a Seattle hospital after he and another man were struck by a car on U.S. 2 in Evergreen Saturday.

Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks WIldcat Lake Project Shoreline

What is the biggest concern surrounding the Griz moving to the WAC?

Wildcat Lake

Joan Dell Melrose

Bypass Roundabout

Afternoon Bike Ride

Betty Jane (Walker) Stevens, 82

Betty Jane (Walker) Stevens, 82, died Dec. 9, 2009, at the Lakeview Care Center. She was born May 17, 1923, in Kalispell and raised in Lakeside. On July 5, 1949, she married Neil Stevens. Betty taught school in Lakeside for 18 years. She was also the secretary treasurer for the Lakeside QRU and Blacktail TV. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, sewing and spending time with family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Neil Stevens, in 2002. Betty is survived by her daughters, Penny Stevens of Shelby, and Pam McCarthy of Lakeside; brother, Robert Walker, of Somers; and her grandchild, Ryan McCarthy, of Denver, N.C. A memorial service for Betty will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, at the Lakeside Community Chapel. A reception will follow immediately afterward. Memorials are suggested to the Lakeside QRU.

Arthur William Skip Davis Jr., 68

Arthur William Skip Davis Jr., 68, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010, at his home in Kalispell, with his family by his side. Skip was born on Aug. 24, 1942, in Maywood, Calif., to Arthur and Juanita (Daly) Davis. Skip lived in numerous places when he was young, because of his father s work in construction. They eventually settled in Boise, Idaho. Skip worked as a master metal finisher in the chrome plating business for 25 years. Skip was married first to Judy. They had two children, Tammy and Lori; they later divorced, and he then married his second wife, Shirley. They had three children, Chad, Christy and Alondra. Skip married Dianne Trevino on May 20, 1980. They celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2010. Skip and Dianne had three children, James and wife Nykole Davis, Joshua and wife Kerry Davis, and Allison Davis and Dan Moulton; and 11 grandchildren; as well as two lifelong friends, Fred Silva and John Dickman. Skip and family moved to Montana in 1984 so they could raise their children. He loved hunting, fishing, huckleberry picking and picking mushrooms. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. A potluck reception will follow the service at 124 Swan Ridge Court in Kalispell. You are invited to go to www.buffalohillfh.com to leave your condolences.

William Bill W. Hewitt, 88

William Bill W. Hewitt, 88, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010, at his home in Bigfork. He was born on Aug. 23, 1922, in Sykeston, N.D., to Robert and Bertha (Hildebrand) Hewitt. In 1943, Bill joined the Army Air Force. After completing pilot training, he became a combat crew flight instructor. He married Gladys Siebenaler of Anaconda in 1944. Together they had four children. After the war, they settled in Butte where Bill worked as a flight instructor and served in the Air Force Reserves and the Civil Air Patrol. In 1952 he was recalled to serve in Korea. He stayed on active duty until his retirement in 1974. During that time he was stationed in France, Germany, many bases in the States, and served two tours in Vietnam. In 1978 Gladys passed away, after 34 years of marriage. In 1980 Bill married Ann Henneman whom he had met through their work with the CAP, and in 1982 they moved to Bigfork. Bill was also preceded in death by Ann s son, Andrew Henneman. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Ann; his children, David, Gary and Jackie, Laurel and Marc Schkurman, and Lynn and Donna; and Ann s children, Robert Henneman, Vickie Pabst and Dave, and Rebecca Morris; 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Other survivors include many nephews and nieces. A family memorial service will be held at a later date. Johnson - Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Bill s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Bill s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

Harold Hal Draper, 89

Harold Hal Draper passed away peacefully Sept. 8, 2010, in Kalispell. He was born Aug. 18, 1921, in Red Lodge. Hal spent his early years traveling between Red Lodge and Kalispell, and graduated from Flathead County High in 1939. During high school he worked at his family s drugstore, Fitch Drugs, located on Main Street in Kalispell. In 1941, Harold left Montana for New York City where he worked on radios and communications for the war effort. By 1944 he was in the Army in Europe as the war wound down. Harold returned to Montana to finish his bachelor s degree at Montana State University. He started his teaching career in Roberts, Mont., moving to Fairbanks, Alaska, in 1952. In Fairbanks, he met Nadyne Fleming, and they were married in 1956. He and Nadyne both received their master s degrees in teaching from San Jose State the year after they were married. They returned to Fairbanks where Harold taught math and woodworking at Fairbanks High School, until retiring in 1976. Harold loved gardening, photography, traveling and, most of all, woodworking. He and Nadyne traveled between their cabin which they homesteaded at Lake Minchumina, Alaska, to Fairbanks, and to his family home on Flathead Lake. They thoroughly enjoyed their travels to Europe and Australia. Harold would brag of the family s numerous trips over the Alaska Highway beginning in 1952. Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Nadyne; brother, Richard; and sister, Gayle. He is survived, and will be missed by his sister, Virginia Fleming; son, Charles Draper; daughter and son-in-law, Tobi and Patrick Campanella; granddaughter, Cori; great-granddaughter, Chloe; grandson, Christopher; and his nieces and nephews. Harold s family would like to acknowledge and thank his friends and care givers at Buffalo Hill Terrace and the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.

Martha Marty Gwendolyn Goddard, 88

Martha Marty Gwendolyn Goddard left us here on this earth to be with her Lord and Savior on Sept. 25, 2010. She was born on Feb. 22, 1922, (2/22/22) to James Michael and Gwendolyn Elizabeth Ekiss in Martinez, Calif. Jim was a goldminer working as a roughneck on a ship to South Africa where he met Gwen, an English girl. She was working as a governess for a family who owned a diamond mine in South Africa. Jim was a frontiersman who had lived in Dawson, Yukon Territory, hunting grizzlies. They first lived in California where Jim dredged gold on the American River. He gave Gwen a horse for a wedding present. They moved to Denver, Colo., where Marty and her sister Lillian grew up, graduating from East High School. Marty s dad, lovingly called Pop, loved to fish and the family spent their summers fishing the rivers and the streams of the Colorado Mountains. Marty married Paul Lacey Goddard Jr., a Navy pilot during World War II at the Naval base in Corpus Christi, Texas, where Paul was stationed. Marty s mom was the only woman who attended the wedding. They lived in Texas until the war ended. Paul then moved back to Colorado where he graduated from the Colorado School of Mines in Golden with a degree in geological engineering. They lived in Evergreen, Colo., for a few years in a small cabin before moving to Denver. Paul worked in the mining industry in many of the small towns of Colorado: Blackhawk, Central City, Leadville, Red Mountain, Durango, Ouray, Silverton, Gillett, Cripple Creek and Telluride, to name a few. Marty worked for five years for Mountain Bell Telephone Company where her Pop also worked. They lived in Denver for many years where they raised their two children, Diane and Paul. The family enjoyed skiing in the winter and spent summers on a ranch in the Colorado Rockies between Nederland and Rollinsville. Marty and her family moved to northern California in the 1960s where Paul had his business, Coronado Engineering. Paul sold mining equipment until his retirement. Marty and Paul then moved to Bigfork. Their son Paul designed and built them a home on the Swan River which was truly their most loved place on earth. Marty enjoyed knitting, sewing and cooking. She spent many hours working crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles. Marty was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; her son, Paul; her sister, Lillian May Anderson, and her husband, Andy. Lilly was a special sister and aunt and Marty s granddaughter was named in her honor. Marty was also preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Florence Davis, and her husband, Don; and her niece, Linda Middelleton. Marty is survived by her daughter, Diane Paulsen, of Bigfork, and her two children, Aurora Paulsen of Portland, and Austin Paulsen of Bigfork; her granddaughter, Lacey Ann Brown, and her husband, Gary, and their three children, Jade, Reese and Trent, of Rossmoor, Calif.; her niece, Gwendolyn Anderson Schollard, and her husband, Bob, of Waldeboro, Maine; her nephew, Charles Edward Anderson, of Denver; her great-nephew, Charles Lee Anderson, and his wife, Candra, and their three daughters, Meagan, Melanie and Marissa, of Whiteland, Ind.; her nephew, Jeff Davis, and his family; her cousins, Helen Williams and Dorothy Suter of Phoenix; her niece, Linda Middleton, and family; and many members of the extended Goddard, Anderson, Ekiss and Davis family; too many to mention. Marty is also survived by her dearest and devoted friend, Shirley Matosich of Bigfork, who lovingly visited and brought flowers, faith and friendship to always brighten her days. As Marty has requested, there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Flathead Shelter Friends, P.O Box 567, Lakeside, MT 59922; or MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), P.O Box 11002, Bozeman, MT 59719. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Martha s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Martha s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

Thomas Gerald Stack, 70

Thomas Gerald Stack, 70, passed away in the arms of his daughters on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. He was born on Jan. 23, 1940, in Fort Benton, the third of four sons to Harold and Maybelle (Bury) Stack. His family ranched throughout Montana and finally settled in Great Falls in 1955. From 1957 until 1960, Tom served in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed in San Diego and the Philippines before receiving his discharge. Tom met his future wife, Judith Waldenburg, in January 1961. They wed in June of 1962 in Great Falls. Their first daughter, Shelly was born in 1963. The family then moved to Butte in 1967 and were blessed with another daughter in May of 1968, Stacey. He had various jobs throughout his life; a greenskeeper, truck dispatcher, assistant manager and finally a manager of a liquor store, before his retirement in 2006. Tom loved to fish, and was able to enjoy many of the waterways Montana has to offer. Fly-fishing, Mac fishing, trolling for salmon and ice fishing were among his favorites. It didn t matter the season, there were fish to catch and beer to drink. Tom spent many hours down at the docks on Flathead Lake, fishing with his grandson, Keatin. They both had big dreams of catching the big one. Hunting was a passion Tom shared with many friends and family; hunting ducks with Bob LeDuc and trusted companion, Coco ; and dragging his sons-in-law, his brother Dennis and grandson Keatin along for big game hunts on the other side of the mountains. Golfing with family and friends also helped pass the time. Tom was a member of the Flathead Clay Target Club. He received multiple awards for his excellent marksmanship. He volunteered many hours running the trap club kitchen during shoots. He joined the Moose Club in 1994 and continued that loyal membership until his death. His favorite time of the day came at 2 p.m. when the Moose Club opened and he was able to share in a friendly conversation with friends too numerous to mention. Tom loved to spend time with his family. He and Judy were blessed with six grandchildren. From hockey, basketball, football, baseball, debate and music concerts " they did it all. Some of the proudest moments included his grandson Brady s hockey team winning the state hockey championship, his grandson Chase receiving an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy, his granddaughter Brooke being accepted to the University of Washington School of Medicine, grandson Haiden being accepted into the Davidson Honor College at the University of Montana to begin his pharmacy education, grandson Keatin being the one to carry on the love of hunting and fishing, and finally, his granddaughter Kynzie for her honesty and sense of humor. Tom was diagnosed with lung cancer in April 2010. With aggressive treatment and care, it was determined that surgery would be needed. Tom wasn t able to recover from the surgery. A special thanks to the nurses, physicians and care professionals that touched his life during this journey. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Stack; and an infant daughter. He is survived by his wife, the bride of 48 years, Judy, of Kalispell; daughters, Shelly Christiaens and husband, Brian, of Great Falls, and their children, Chase, Brooke and Brady; Stacey Mohl and husband, Dave, of Missoula, and their children, Haiden, Keatin and Kynzie; his mother, Maybelle Stack, of Spanaway, Wash.; and his brothers, Dennis Stack of Kalispell, Jon Stack of Snohomish, Wash., and Neil Stack of Sandy, Utah; numerous nieces and nephews; and his best friend, Wayne Jake Jacobson. Mass of Christian Burial for Tom will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 1, at Risen Christ Catholic Church, with Father Rudolph Bullman as celebrant. There will be a rosary at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30, at Risen Christ Catholic Church. Urn burial will follow services at Glacier Memorial Gardens with full military honors. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Tom s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Tom s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

Senior-night success in Whitefish

Soccer squads earn homecoming sweep; girls win seventh straight

WHITEFISH - The homecoming crowd at Smith Fields was treated to a pair of impressive soccer victories on Tuesday.

Energy company aims for biomass facility

NorthWestern Energy is attempting to purchase the former Smurfit-Stone Container Corp. paper mill near Frenchtown with the intention of converting it to a biomass plant, a NorthWestern official told people at last week’s meeting of the Montana Wood Producers Association in Whitefish.

MHSA separates state wrestling tourney

First time in 20 years meet not held in Billings MetraPark

HELENA- The state high school wrestling tournaments will not be held in Billings in February for the first time in over 20 years.

Judge tosses out Bison Range funding deal

A federal judge has rescinded a controversial funding agreement that allowed the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to assume most jobs and management duties at the National Bison Range at Moiese.

House candidates want tougher DUI, marijuana laws

House District 5

Ronan stumps Columbia Falls

Maidens pick up conference win in three sets

COLUMBIA FALLS - So close and then ... not.

College president to join D.C. summit

Flathead Valley Community College President Jane Karas has been tapped to participate in the first-ever White House Summit on Community Colleges next month.

Sober house still an open question

The saga of the Freedom House continues with no City Council resolution.

Lakeside issues debated at forum

Commissioner candidates go head to head Commissioner

Discussion about a lawsuit and settlement agreement for the proposed North Shore Ranch subdivision near Somers showcased a fundamental difference between Flathead County commissioner candidates at a forum hosted Monday by the Lakeside-Somers Chamber of Commerce.

Columbia Falls vs. Ronan Volleyball

Flathead County Commisioner Forum

Montana Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve event

Bigfork Aerial

Donna Siblerud Sandholm Knadle, 72

Donna went to her Lord on Aug. 30, 2010, after a brief illness. Donna was born on Oct. 31, 1937, in Kalispell to Harold and Hazel Siblerud. She graduated from Flathead County High School in 1955. She moved to Tacoma, Wash., to attend Pacific Lutheran University, where she met and married James Sandholm. Jim and Donna raised four sons. Donna was a devoted mother, wife and friend. She was very active in church and school activities and maintained a large circle of friends, both in the Puget Sound region and the Flathead Valley. In 1992, Donna married David Knadle and moved to their farm in Maple Valley. Dave and Donna traveled extensively throughout their marriage. They had just returned from Donna s annual family reunion on Flathead Lake when she became ill. Donna is survived by her husband, Dave Knadle; brother, Roger Siblerud; her four sons, Kenneth, Steven, David and Micheal; her three stepdaughters; and four grandchildren. For those of us who were so truly blessed to have been a part of her life, her beloved memory will remain for the remainder of our time in a world that will be less one wonderful woman. We invited all to join us at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3, at the home of Roger Siblerud, at 383 N. Juniper Bay in Somers, for a celebration of Donna s life and her departure to be with the Lord she served so faithfully during her too-brief time in this world.

Harold Hal Irving Holden, 82

Harold Hal Irving Holden passed away Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010. He was born May 10, 1928, in Evergreen to John and Mary Holden. On Feb. 24, 1950, Hal married the love of his life, Elaine Brinton. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple in May of 1952. From 1952 to 1953, he served with the U.S. Army in Korea and Japan. Hal loved nothing more than watching his grandchildren participate in a variety of sports. He was their best cheerleader. Hal is survived by his wife; a daughter, Connie, and Jim Cozzi; a son, Chris Holden; a granddaughter, Lindsey Cozzi; and a grandson, Patrick Cozzi. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, at Lindquist s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd., in Ogden, Utah. The family will meet friends for a visitation from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the mortuary. Send condolences to the family at www.lindquistmortuary.com.

Virgil Bryant, 93

Virgil Bryant passed away on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, at Brendan House. He was born in Garden City, S.D., on April 20, 1917, to Ray and Karrie (Bass) Bryant. After serving in the Navy, he relocated to Conrad with his wife Clarinda and three children, Richard, Kenneth and Linda. Virgil and Clarinda were later divorced. On March 14, 1969, Virgil married Juanita Hembd. He worked construction throughout the state of Montana. Virgil was a member of Eagles Aerie 234, Montana, Old-Time Fiddlers and Northwest Montana Accordion Association. He was well known for playing the banjo at the Eagles and Sykes . He was preceded in death by four sisters; his son, Richard; and son-in-law, Gene Tredway. Virgil is survived by his wife, Juanita; son, Kenneth, and wife, Harriet; daughter, Linda Tredway; and daughter-in-law, Jean Bryant; sister, Alverta; and brother, Fred, and wife, Betty Bryant; along with five stepsons, Richard, Dan, Gary and wife Shelly, and Steve and Dennis Hembd; two grandsons, Jim and Steve Bryant; and two great-granddaughters, Tara and Laura Bryant; also numerous stepgrandchildren, stepgreat-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Virgil will be missed by his family and many friends. Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30, at Glacier Memorial Gardens.

Betty Benware Scholz, 69

Betty Benware Scholz, 69, met Christ on Sept. 25, 2010, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born June 23, 1941, to Newton and Corneilia Thayer in South Dakota. She met Harold Scholz in 1980. Betty loved reading romance novels. She collected and made dolls. She especially loved all her grandchildren and being with family. Betty had the biggest heart and always did for everyone, and never expected anything for herself. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Mark; and several sisters. Betty is survived by her husband of 30 years, Harold Scholz; her children, Gordon Jr., Jeannie, Mike and Julie, Bob and Deahn, Tom, Scott, Jennifer, Eric and Christy, and Daniel and Tammy; her sisters, Ann Wharton, Toynet and Fred Wassberg, Marie and Dennis Duxbury, Vicky and Bruce Sanders, and Kathy and Lonnie Persons; 19 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at noon today, Sept. 28, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home, 1890 U.S. 93 N., Kalispell (across from the Blue Cow).

Julie A. Singer, 47

Julie A. Singer, 47, of Olathe, Kan., passed away Sept. 6, 2010, at the University of Kansas Medical Center. A memorial service was held for her on Sept. 10. Julie was born May 14, 1963, in Portland to Donald and Janis Singer. She lived her childhood in Oregon and Montana, then moved to Kansas when she was 25. She enjoyed being with her son and watching him play sports, spending time with her family, friends, traveling and playing cards. She was preceded in death by her father, Donald. Julie is survived by her mother, Janis; and loving son, Grant; also many wonderful friends. We will miss her and her sense of humor. A memorial fund in Julie s name has been established for her son, Grant, at First National Bank of Olathe, 15084 S. Black Bob Road, Olathe, KS 66062.

LeRoy Auldin Carlson, 43

LeRoy Auldin Carlson, 43, of Lakeside, passed away Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010, in Dayton as a result of a tragic car accident. LeRoy was born Dec. 30, 1966, in Libby, a son of Larry Carlson and Alma Schatzi Peek Wood. His father, Larry Carlson, and grandparents, Elfrieda and Auldin Peek, preceded him in death. Survivors include his mother, Alma Wood; stepfather, James Wood; grandmother, Marylou Wood; two sisters, Elfrieda Benson and April Wood; a brother, Donnie Carlson; a stepsister, Tonya Lyftogt; and a stepbrother, Greg Wood. LeRoy is also survived by two biological children, Shane BJ Carlson and Maranda Luckhart Derr; an adopted son, Josh Petry; four grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who are considered family. LeRoy touched the lives of everyone he met. A private memorial service will be held at the home of his parents. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, is assisting the family.

Michael William Sloan, 30

Michael William Sloan of Hungry Horse passed away Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010, doing what he loved, fishing Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park. Mike was born Jan. 18, 1980, in Mount Holly, N.J. He lived his first 18 years in Tabernacle, N.J., graduating from Shawnee High School, Class of 1998. He obtained a Liberal Arts degree from Burlington County College in Pemberton, N.J. Mike spent the summers of his college years working at several national parks in the West, including Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and finally, Glacier National Park. After college graduation, Mike settled in Montana, working at Glacier as a chef for nearly eight years. In addition to his cooking career, Mike was an avid outdoorsman and had several hobbies, including making fishing lures and vegetable gardening. He was a dedicated fisherman, entering local and regional tournaments, achieving recognition in many. Mike was easy-going, friendly and had an incredible sense of humor. Mike is survived by his son, Kale Jameson Sloan, and his long-term girlfriend, Christina Soderberg, both of Hungry Horse. He was the loving son of William Sloan of Hungry Horse, and Margaret Anderson Sloan, of Tabernacle, N.J. Mike was the youngest brother of Frederick Sloan of Tabernacle, Danial Sloan and wife Laurie, of Tabernacle, and Jillian Sloan, of Glassboro, N.J. Mike is also survived by Betty Sloan, his aunt in St. Petersburg, Fla.; his maternal grandparents, Charlie and Eleanor Anderson, and several nieces and nephews in New Jersey. A lakeside memorial gathering will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28, near cabins 12 and 13 at Lake McDonald Lodge. In lieu of flowers, for those who would like to contribute, an educational trust fund is being established to benefit Mike s son Kale. The family would like to thank everyone from Glacier National Park and the surrounding communities for their support and compassion during this difficult time. It is much appreciated.

Bear family takes refuge in pine tree

Hanging around

A black bear and her four cubs spent Sunday up a pine tree northwest of Kalispell on Sanctuary Farm Lane.

Whooping cough increase triggers local health alert

A spike in pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, triggered a statewide alert recently to health care providers to redouble vaccination efforts with patients of all ages to protect babies and people with weak immune systems.

Scout work comes full circle in Glacier

The Boy Scouts of America built some of the first trails in Glacier National Park. 

Daybook

Toilet, woman reportedly assaulted

Family of Bears

Liesl Renee Krumbein

daughter of Gabriel and Chantal Krumbein of Kalispell, was born Aug. 21 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Tayven Michael Roloson

son of Spencer Roloson and Sarah Betthauser of Kalispell, was born Aug. 23 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Royce Fritz-Harlan Michaelis

son of Michael and Melissa Michaelis of Somers, was born Aug. 22 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Leilani Dayanarah Ersland

daughter of Ashley and Shaleigh Ersland of Kalispell, was born Aug. 21 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Nolan Carter Mayhew

son of Spenser and Natalie Mayhew of Kalispell, was born Aug. 22 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Christian Alexander Dale

son of Thadd and Holly Dale of Kalispell, was born Aug. 10 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Kenneth F. Friske

Kenneth F. Friske passed away Sept. 15, 2010, in Columbia Falls. He was born Dec. 23, 1921, in Polson, to Fred and Gunvor Friske, the eldest of eight children. Ken grew up in Columbia Falls and Troy, and graduated from Flathead County High School. Being highly proficient in shorthand, upon entering the service he would become a master sergeant chief clerk while serving in Italy and North Africa for the brigadier general. Service to our country was one of Ken s and his brothers greatest accomplishments. His disciplined skills of neatness, organization and work ethic were carried out his entire life. In March of 1948, Ken met and married his wife, Mary Ann, and the same year moved to their beloved state of Alaska. It was in Alaska that they built their lives, enjoying 51 years together. They enjoyed long drives and putting their boat in Harding Lake, taking cruises, and traveling extensively around the world. Kenneth would become the manager of the Alaska Motor Inn, VP of transportation for Westours, living in Fairbanks, Anchorage and Seattle. He played a major role in the construction of the Fairbanks Inn, owning a restaurant in Whitefish, and managing a motel in San Jose, Calif. He became a partner in the Pipeline Transportation Co., and worked in management during the pipeline years. His final employment would be working for Aurora Motors, starting in sales, moving to sales manager and then in charge of fleet purchases. Ken always enjoyed nice cars, always owning a top line model; everything from a T-Bird, Mark III, Jaguar XKE, and a Chevelle Super Sport. Of course, when he went to work for Aurora Motors he always had a nice demo at his disposal. Ken stayed with Aurora Motors until his retirement in 2000 at the age of 80, a year after losing his wife. Ken was very skilled, building intricate models, working on home maintenance repair, electrical, carpentry and especially painting. Two weeks after his retirement he moved to Montana to be close to his remaining siblings, Forrest, Barbara and June, and brother-in-law, Dick Gaertner. It was at this time that Ken and Forrest made up for lost years of being apart from each other. They enjoyed each other s company every day of their remaining years, taking long drives, trips back to Alaska, visiting Mount Rushmore, mini-vacations around the state of Montana, and just visiting at each other s home. Ken and Forrest were history buffs, exchanging books, history magazines, and talking about the wars of the past and the important history they held. Ken s life was full of staying busy even at his young age of 80-plus. Everything had a place and his home in Montana showed what an impeccable man he was throughout his life. He remained at his residence until 2008 and then lived at the Montana State Veterans Home after a radical surgery trying to remove a benign acoustic neuroma tumor. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann; brothers, James and Forrest; and sisters, Joyce, Margie and Wilma. He is survived by his sisters, Barbara and Dick Ott of Kalispell, and June and Dale Barr of Columbia Falls; grandson, Mike Leonard, of Fairbanks; brother-in-law, Dick Gaertner, of Whitefish; and numerous nieces and nephews. His niece Tanna would like to say a special thank you to those in Alaska that stayed in contact up until his recent hospitalization of pneumonia and death. Your friendship meant so much to him! To the staff and caregivers at the Montana State Veterans Home, you are all wonderful and caring people; you became a part of his family. He could not have been in a better place during this trying time of his life. Thank you to Frontier Hospice for your support during his final days. A private interment will be held in Fairbanks in early summer of 2011.

Elaina Grace Hilliard

daughter of Thomas Hilliard and Elizabeth Dicker of Marion, was born Aug. 20 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Taven Mark Jolliffe

son of Josh Jolliffe and Kayla Dean of Marion, was born Aug. 13 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Asia Lea Palmer

daughter of Arthur Palmer and Rebecca Reed of Kalispell, was born Aug. 22 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Keith W. Nelson, 81

Dr. Keith W. Nelson passed away from lymphoma on Friday, Sept. 17, 2010, at the home of his daughter in Kirkland, Wash. He was born Sept. 25, 1928, at International Falls, Minn. His family moved to Fargo, N.D., in junior high where he enjoyed playing hockey. He moved to Polson for high school, graduating in 1946. For two years he was a lumberjack at his father s railroad tie mill near Eureka, before attending the University of Montana in Missoula. He then attended dental school at the University of Minnesota and graduated with honors in 1956. Keith worked summers during college at Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park where he met a student/waitress, Virginia Jensen, who would become his wife and love of his life. They married Sept. 2, 1956, and moved to Misawa Air Force Base in Japan where he was a captain during the Korean War. He set up a dental practice in Polson in February 1959. Keeping up with progress in dentistry was his passion. He was a member of the American Dental Association, Montana State Dental Society, past president of the Missoula District Dental Society and belonged to Psi Omega Dental Fraternity. He retired in 1987, yet stayed in touch with his dental colleagues. Keith loved sailing, golfing, hiking, camping, gardening and downhill skiing with family and friends. He was predeceased by sons, Warren and Galen; brothers, Craig and Curt; and sister, Lois. Surviving are wife, Virginia; daughters, Maren and Matt Robertson, and Gaerda and Randy Zeiler; and grandchildren, Bryden, Gavin, Brita and Alex. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Oct. 3 at Bellevue First Presbyterian Church. A celebration of Keith s life will take place next summer at their Flathead Lake home, which Keith and his father built in 1963. Memorials can be made to the Polson High School Dollars for Scholars, or Evergreen Hospice in Kirkland.

Oliver Henry Clayton

son of Noah and Eliza Clayton of Whitefish, was born Aug. 3 at North Valley Hospital.

Robert H. Porter, 80

Bob Porter died Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010, at the Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. He was born in Parks, Neb., a tiny town in the Sand Hills, on April 14, 1930. He attended school in McCook and married Velma McCarty before joining the U.S. Air Force. Bob did his service in Korea, where he was pleased that he never had to fire in anger any of the weapons he loaded and maintained. After leaving the service, he and Velma relocated to Oxnard, Calif., where they raised three boys. At this time, Bob went back to college and received a degree in criminal justice, while working multiple jobs to support the family. He then began a career as a probation officer and retired as the director of the youth detention facility in Ventura, Calif. After the boys finished high school, Bob and Velma divorced. At his oldest son s invitation, Bob moved to Tucson, where they bought and ran a successful business, which they called Mike and Bob s Shoe Repair. In 1983 they sold the business. Bob, Mike and Bob s daughter-in-law, Robin, packed up their things and their two dogs and left Tucson with no destination in mind. They stopped in Kalispell to visit Bob s sister, Phyllis, and her husband, Dave, and went no further. They bought a house and lived together for many years. Bob met a new love, Dee Bennett, married and moved to Dee s property in Creston. They lived there for many years, until ill health caused Bob to move to the Veterans Home. Bob is survived by his brother, Gerry Porter and wife Barbara, of the Seattle area; sister, Phyllis Agner and husband Dave, of Kalispell; son, Michael Porter and wife Sue, their daughter Kelli and husband Ben, and grandchildren, Britain, Zac, Tylee and Christopher; son, Todd and wife June, and grandsons, Jackson, Alex and Brady; and nephews, Dave and Alex Agner. He was preceded in death by his son, Leslie Kent Porter; grandson, Jeremy Scott Porter; parents, Hervey and Doris Porter; and wife, Dee Bennett Porter. Bob was generous, compassionate, loyal and exceedingly honest. His appreciation for books, film, music and all of the arts is well known. Bob would not forgive us if we didn t mention that Dee s daughter, Joy, was his best friend and helper throughout his entire stay at the Veterans Home. Bob was a fine example of civility and grace, with nothing but kind words for everyone, except politicians. He will be missed.

Tales of a 'water logged' industry

We suspect we are not the only ones who read Tuesday’s front-page story about a creative approach to logging with a sense of irony — tinged with a bit of nostalgia.

Labrador retriever's nose sniffs out mold, bedbugs

Mold and bedbugs are no match for Russ the Labrador from Libby.

Little Guy program introduces kids to game of football

It’s a typical Saturday morning at the Kidsport Complex; the sun is out, cars are squeezed into every parking space within a mile radius and almost every sport but squash seems to be taking place somewhere across the 138 acres on the north side of Kalispell.

Whitefish golfers rule divisional

RONAN — All the honors were snapped up by Whitefish on Saturday at the Northwestern A divisional golf tournament at Mission Mountain Golf Course.

Polish equestrian team training in Whitefish for World Equestrian Games

Whitefish equestrians Mark and Shirley Schmidt have added some Polish pizazz to Team Montana for the upcoming World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Ky.

Stuff was sold, but not the memories

My first baby shoes — plaster-filled booties glued to a wooden stand and spray-painted to appear bronzed — were in the trash, but I plucked them out seconds before the bag went into the bonfire.

Bigfork gets new logo to pair with slogan

The new logo for Bigfork was unveiled Wednesday morning to go along with the community’s new slogan, “Where Flathead Lake begins.”

Hungry driver gets into brawl

Perrin cruises to easy victory

PABLO - Flathead sophomore Zach Perrin ran near perfect splits at the Silver Fox Golf Course on Saturday to easily win the Ronan Invitational boys cross country race with a course record time of 15 minutes, 9 seconds.

Law officers seek helmeted robber

A man wearing a motorcycle helmet entered a Bigfork bank, demanded money and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash late Friday afternoon, according to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.

Study outlines N.F. Road options

Only additional grading and stabilization treatments for the North Fork Road have broad public support, according to a recently completed study of the road corridor.

Eagles fly by Braves in 2nd half

The Flathead boys held Missoula Big Sky to only one goal in the first half, but the Eagles came alive in the final 40 minutes to pile on four more scores as Big Sky won 5-0 in Western AA boys soccer play on Saturday.

Tea Party is expression of 'general will' of the people

It’s not politics that drives the Tea Party movement; it’s patriotism — and not just flag-waving patriotism, but the underlying stream of the American consciousness that fueled our revolution and built our country.

Flathead vs. Big Sky Soccer

Recalled Similac taken off shelves here

A recalled baby formula was found and then removed from local store shelves.

Dayton man dies in U.S. 93 crash

A Dayton man died Thursday morning in a single-vehicle accident on U.S. 93 near Dayton.

Glacier holds off Braves in crosstown football

One thing is for sure - the Glacier Wolfpack can score in the first quarter.

Bigfork bank robbed

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a bank robbery that occurred in Bigfork Friday afternoon.

Searchers retrieve angler's body

The body of a 30-year-old Hungry Horse man was recovered from Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park just before noon Friday.

Political changes may hinder biomass

With Republicans poised to become the majority party in the U.S. House of Representatives after the November election, climate change legislation probably is dead for at least two years.

Bigfork marches past Eureka

BIGFORK - Start fast and finish tough.

Homecoming triumph for Wildcats

COLUMBIA FALLS - Devyn Rocker returned the opening kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown and quarterback Austin Barth threw three touchdown passes and ran for another as Columbia Falls whipped Libby 46-10 in Northwestern A football play on Friday night.

Math-class changes add up to success

Dave Carlson’s head has been a little chilly this month.

Covering up

Man repays $35,000 after burglary

A Flathead County man will serve no additional jail time after admitting his involvement in a 2009 burglary and repaying the victim $35,000.

Griz return home on two-game skid

It's been a long time since the Montana Grizzlies limped home like this after two straight road losses.

Malby ties for 5th at PGA event

MISSOULA - Ryan Malby, the head professional at Village Greens Golf Course, finished in a tie for fifth place at the Pacific Northwest PGA Professional Championship on Thursday at Canyon River Golf Course.

Pre-teen gets into trouble twice

The

Flathead vs. Glacier Football

Equestrian Training

Snoops K-9 Detection Service

Main - Math Class

Mark Casazza's Math Class

Helen Marie Everett, 94

Helen Marie Everett, 94, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center, following a heart attack in Kalispell. Helen was born in Silverton, Ore., on March 13, 1916. She was the only child of George and Ida Elton. Helen attended school in Silverton, graduating in 1934. While visiting in Kalispell, she met her future husband, Lyal Everett. Helen and Lyal were married on Dec. 29, 1937, in the parsonage of Central Christian Church in Kalispell. They were married for 52 years when Lyal suddenly passed away Dec. 30, 1989. Helen was a homemaker who loved her Lord, family, flowers, gardening, fishing and traveling. A highlight of her travels was a trip to the British Isles with her two daughters. At the time of her death, Helen was one of the oldest members of the Central Christian Church. She enjoyed attending her Women s Prayer Group every Wednesday morning. She was a charter member of Eastern Star. Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lyal; and grandson, Joel Conrad. Helen is survived by her daughters, Loretta and Charles Conrad of Kalispell, and Janice and Doug Knapton of Columbia Falls; and a son, Lynn Everett, and Virginia, of Portland; grandchildren, Wade and Star Conrad of Aloha, Ore., Todd and Bobbie Conrad of Kalispell; Kari Conrad Mockabee and Ty of Kalispell, Shawna and Jay Korth of Denver, Scott and Belinda Knapton of Cut Bank, Brenda and Kelsey West of Portland, and Bryan Everett and fiancee Sharon, of Portland; 12 great-grandchildren, three step-great-grandchildren, and one step-great-great-grandchild. A memorial service for Helen will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25, at the Central Christian Church in Kalispell, with Lois Lyford officiating. Prior to the memorial service, there will be a family burial at the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. The family suggests memorial gifts be given to the Central Christian Church, or the charity of your choice. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Helen s family. You are invited to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Helen s tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories.

Betty E. Frodsham, 68

Betty E. Frodsham, 68, passed away on Monday, Sept. 20, 2010, at her residence in Kalispell. She was born on June 11, 1942, in Vesper, Wis. to Richard and Irene (Grumann) Snyder. Betty moved with her family to Montana when she was 10 years old. In 1962 she married Fred Jaquith and they had four children, Fred Jr., David, Janna and Carol. For several years Betty worked at the Montana Evergreen Tree Yard. She was also a beautician. Betty was very artistic. She painted on real eggs and China. She loved plastic canvas and was working on her doll house. She had a good eye " if she saw it, she could do it; you name it " she probably had done it. Betty loved to play bingo, go to movies and of course, go out to eat. She loved to visit all of her friends. She also spent a lot of time with her sister, Sally, visiting farmer s markets and going out to coffee. She loved spending time with the people she cared about and you know who you are. Later, Betty married Carl Frodsham. Betty was active in the Salvation Army. She loved doing League of Mercy work and going to Home League, where she was a fellowship chairman. Betty was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Bernadine Pyles; son, Fred Jaquith; and two grandchildren, Rachel and Jonathon Jaquith. She is survived by her sister, Sally McIlhargey; her brothers, Arvid and Rick Snyder; son, David Jaquith, and partner, Paula; former daughter-in-law, Donna; daughters, Janna Heitschmidt and husband, Paul, and Carol Kiefer and husband, Fred; along with several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by many grandchildren and some great-grandchildren. We will all miss her riding in her power chair all over town; you may have seen her. Memorial services for Betty will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, at the Salvation Army Church. Graveside urn burial will be on Monday at Glacier Memorial Gardens. The family suggests memorial donations to the Dialysis Center or the Salvation Army. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Betty s family.

Crosstown IV: Braves to test Wolfpack

Records and everything else can go right out the window tonight.

Glacier, Sentinel battle to tie

Glacier scored early - just four minutes into play on a shot by Tanner Maroney - but Sentinel scored late and pulled out a 1-1 Western AA soccer tie at Glacier on Thursday.

Convening in kayaks

Sentinel spikes Glacier; Stillwater stays unbeaten

Lexy Boschee had 10 kills and two aces in a losing effort on Thursday for the Glacier Wolfpack volleyball team.

Baseball bat used as a weapon

The

Airport plan may take up to two years

The opening meeting on planning the future of Kalispell City Airport began with an apology.

Glacier boys lead golf invitational

ANACONDA - Glacier holds a six-shot advantage on second-place Missoula Hellgate after first-round play Thursday at the Anaconda-Butte Golf Invitational at the Old Works Golf Club.

Jewel Basin Road closes on Monday

The Jewel Basin Road on Flathead National Forest will be closed for resurfacing beginning Monday, Sept. 27.  

Caregiver exceeds limit for pot plants

Authorities seized 91 marijuana plants from a registered caregiver’s home on U.S. 2 West near Marion Wednesday.

Few clues in search for angler missing in park

An extensive ground and aerial search gave way to a narrowed focus on the confluence of McDonald Creek and Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park Thursday as the search for a missing Hungry Horse man continued.

Disposal day planned for unused medications

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and the Northwest Drug Task Force are providing people a chance to dispose of unused medications in an effort to limit  access to potentially dangerous drugs.

Bed bug complaints rise in the Flathead

If you notice a nice new mattress at the green boxes, don’t even think about taking it home.

When broccoli goes bad: Fumes lead to emergency call

Evergreen man Loren Beebe has long harbored disdain for broccoli, so much so that his wife agrees not to cook it in their Scenic Drive home.

Glacier Missoula Sentinel Girls Soccer

Glacier Missoula Sentinel Boys Soccer

American Indian Heritage Day

Protest outside Community Action Partnership

Noreen I. Sorenson, 89

Noreen Inez Sorenson, of Whitefish, passed away Sept. 20, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was born June 26, 1921, in Lidgerwood, N.D., to August and Margaret Grobe. She was one of four siblings. She attended school in Lidgerwood and graduated from cosmetology school. Noreen began her career as a beautician in Parshall, N.D., where she met Arnold Sorenson. On Dec. 15, 1942, they were joined in marriage which began a long lasting journey of 57 years until Arnold s death in 2000. In the spring of 1943, they sold their ranch in Parshall and moved to Whitefish, where they purchased a farm. Together they developed the property and began their family. In addition to farming, they operated a dairy for over 20 years. Noreen was a full-time homemaker and was proud to be a farmer s wife. She could often be found milking and feeding the cattle. She loved to fish and spent many hours fishing the Stillwater River. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church and was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish and Stillwater Lutheran Church in Kalispell. She truly was a woman of faith and enjoyed reading her Bible and listening to and playing gospel music. She enjoyed artistic whistling and played the harmonica by ear, entertaining many at church functions, nursing homes and family gatherings. She filled many homes with her beautiful hand work and was able to crochet doilies without a pattern until shortly before her death. Noreen was a loving, caring and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her kindness was extended to everyone she met. The family has fond memories of gatherings at Thanksgiving and Christmas enjoying the lefse and lutefisk she prepared. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother and sister. She is survived by her son, Gregory Sorenson, and wife, Susan, of Columbia Falls; daughters, Diane McEntire and husband, Danny, of Whitefish, Sandra Balch and husband, Mike, of Spokane, Janice Nicol and husband, Kenneth, of Sparwood, British Columbia, Julie Walhus and husband, Greg, of Whitefish, and Judy Coonrod and husband, Dan, of Spokane; 12 grandchildren, Brian and Bill Sorenson, Patty, Wayne and Tim McEntire, Glenn McGaughey, Angela Balch, Scott and Nancy Nicol, Matthew, Rebecca and Jessica Walhus; and eight great-grandchildren; sister, Betty Kackman, and husband, Mel, of South St. Paul, Minn.; and brother, Norm Grobe, and wife, Carol, of Veblen, S.D.; and many nieces and nephews. Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home with visitation from noon to 6 p.m. today. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Friday at Stillwater Lutheran Church, Kalispell, with Pastor Tim Bartholomew officiating. Burial will follow at Glacier Memorial Gardens in Kalispell. To view Noreen s guest book, offer condolences and share memories, please visit www.jgfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be given to Stillwater Lutheran Church.

Evelyn Geraldine Jackie Donovan, 88

Evelyn Geraldine Jackie Donovan, 88, was promoted to glory on Sept. 17, 2010, at Dumas Memorial Hospital in Dumas, Texas. She was born on Feb. 19, 1922, in Kalispell, to Frank and Margaret (Eckelberry) Logan, the youngest of three children. She spent all her life in the Kalispell area. Jackie graduated from Flathead County High School with the Class of 1940. It was June 29, 1944, in Kalispell, that she married James Donovan. She spent most of her time helping others, including volunteer work at Brendan House. She really enjoyed cooking and making family and friends feel at home. She touched so many people in so many different ways. She was an inspiration to us all. She devoted herself to studying God s word and applying it to her life. She was a Baptist by faith and an active member of Bethel Baptist Church. Jackie was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her parents; a brother, Darrell Logan; and a sister, Thelma McCarty. She is survived by a son, Richard, his wife, Victoria, and five grandchildren, Michael, Timothy, Kelly, Lisa and Ryan; three step-grandchildren, Nathan, Adam and William; 12 great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and friends of all who knew her. Funeral services for Jackie will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home Chapel in Kalispell, with Pastor David Pestel of Bethel Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Glacier Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24, at the funeral home. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Jackie s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Jackie s tribute wall to offer condolences and share memories.

George Wesley Turner, 61

George Wesley Turner, 61, passed away Monday, Sept. 20, 2010, in Kalispell due to medical reasons. George was born Sept. 11, 1949, in Kalispell. He was raised in Kalispell and attended Mountain Brook School, and graduated from Flathead High School in 1967. He then graduated from Montana State University with an agricultural business degree in 1972. George was a hardworking, honorable and loving man with an incredible sense of humor. He was an avid outdoorsman whose warm and giving heart is in the hands of God. May the Lord embrace George and love him as George did his friends and family. Finally, George is truly perfect. George was preceded in death by his parents, Redford and Georgianna (Zimmerman) Turner; and a brother, Fred Turner. George is survived by his children, Jim and Jennifer Turner, Toni Liehr and Michael Bleken, Chantel and Shannon Brown, and Christopher Turner; grandchildren, Tyrell and Kristi Crowell, Mark Hall Jr., David Turner, Tymber Liehr, Tavian Beasley, Kaileb Liehr, Karissa Turner and Micah Liehr; great-grandson, Mark Hall III; siblings, Aldon and Kathy Turner, Wayne and Peggy Turner, Redford Dutch Turner, Shirley Brown and Ruth Church; sister-in-law, Sandra Turner; his special aunt, Ina Koerner, and husband Jack; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and beloved friends. Visitation for George will be held at 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, Sept. 24, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. A reception will follow at the Mountain Brook School on Foothill Road in Kalispell. Friends are encouraged to visit the website, www.buffalohillfh.com, to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Albert L. Lee Draeger, 80

Albert L. Lee Draeger, 80, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010, at Heritage Place in Kalispell, of natural causes. Lee was born Dec. 11, 1929, in Sherwin, Kan. He attended schools in Sherwin and in Hallowell, Kan. He entered the U.S. Army in November 1951 and was honorably discharged in October 1953. In 1955, he married Betty June Owen in Sherwin. They were married for 55 years before Lee passed. Lee worked as a farmer and later as a masonry contractor. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening, as well as breeding French Brittany gun dogs. Lee is survived by his wife, Betty J. Draeger, of Kalispell; son, R.C. Draeger, of Kalispell; daughters, Becky Anderson and husband, Joe, of Condon, and Deb Doney and husband, Allen, of Bigfork; brother, Marvin Draeger, of Columbus, Kan.; grandchildren, Kristi Dorcheus and husband, Nathan, PFC Dale Doney, Christopher Anderson and Nicholas Anderson; and great-grandchildren, Javien, Jaylean and Kobe Dorcheus. Visitation for Lee will be from 2 to 7 p.m. today, Sept. 23, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 24, at the Little Brown Church in Bigfork. Burial will follow at Lonepine Cemetery. Friends are encouraged to visit the website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Glacier Park waives entrance fee on Saturday

Glacier National Park will celebrate the 17th annual National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 25, by waiving entrance fees for all visitors.

FHS football players off team

The Flathead Braves football team is moving forward without four of its former members.

Doughnut fix is slam dunk

The long-simmering feud between Whitefish and Flathead County over planning jurisdiction in the so-called “doughnut area” may finally be close to resolution.

Searchers look for overdue angler

A 30-year-old Hungry Horse man is missing in Glacier National Park after an afternoon fishing trip along Upper McDonald Creek at the north end of Lake McDonald.

Hedges School gets $30,000 state award

Hedges Elementary School will receive a $30,000 boost this year from the state Office of Public Instruction.

Rains confound dam plan

Sometimes Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate with government biological opinions, and that was the case this week with heavy rains in the Kootenai River Basin.

Medical condition results in driver's death

The

Grants expected to boost regional economy

The receipt of a $1.1 million grant is expected to allow the Flathead County Economic Development Authority to purchase property for an industrial park that has railroad service.

Missing Man in Glacier

Roberta Josephine Joie Hutton Matteucci Hodges, 71

Joie Hodges passed away in the morning hours of Sept. 19, 2010, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish. She had been stricken with COPD, also known as emphysema (not that many years back), and had battled the disease until her final breaths. Joie was born Aug. 31, 1939, in Great Falls, to Robert and Josephine Hutton. She attended elementary as well as high school in Great Falls and graduated from Great Falls High School in 1957, where she was an honor roll student for four years. Later, she attended the University of Montana in Missoula, where she became a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. She later moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked for a time before returning to Great Falls. Joie became assistant manager of The Paris of Montana. She married Ed Matteucci of Great Falls, whom she later divorced. In 1967, she married Ted Hodges of Great Falls, and they lived in Missoula nearly 30 years, later moving to Columbia Falls. Joie and Ted divorced in June 2007. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Hutton; mother, Josephine; stepfather, Joe Tomes; and brother, James Hutton. Survivors include her children; sons, Paul A. Matteucci, 46, of Kalispell, and Michael J. Hodges, 41, of Columbia Falls; and Heidi Peters (adopted daughter, so to speak), 41, of Eagle, Idaho; cousins (extended family in and out of state) as well as many, many close friends. Joie was tied strongly to her faith, having belonged to the Catholic church at various parishes throughout her life, most recently St. Richard s in Columbia Falls. Joie had a fondness for people, friends and family, enjoying the simple pleasures of lending an ear in a time of need or just to talk, offering what she thought was best to help the situation as well as being a voice of reason when you needed to hear it. She loved being a mother and showed numerous times, through actions and words, how she cared and wanted people (not only those closest to her) to be their best in all aspects of life (dealings with others, etc.), but also balancing that with standing on solid ground for yourself. She would say, Stand for something or you ll fall for anything, and If you re not the lead dog the scenery never changes. She believed in education and had said, more than once, that if she would ve pursued a career (outside the home as a housewife and mother in the 70s and 80s) a teacher would have been it. She fought for what was right in teaching kids critical thinking skills as young people to prepare them for what was to come. She gave her opinion many times, loved good food, big band music ... good music in other aspects, too, dancing, traveling, writing, watching sports, the arts, making the best of a bad situation; she got sad and laughed, too. When she was helping/mentoring college-aged women at the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority house at the University of Montana in Missoula, it was said, You could always hear when Joie was around, as her laughter carried throughout the house. She exuded fun and laughter, and was for many of those girls living there at the time the example of what Theta sisterhood should look like once they left school. Joie was a romantic and paid attention to details that made moments special or defined things a little more clearly. It was those traits that endeared her to many who call her friend and mother. Many of those she touched recall and will remember her as a favorite. She thought of others sometimes before herself and didn t verbalize that philosophy often, but by her actions illustrated, It s better to give than receive. She was always appreciative of those who went out their way to help her and others, and reciprocated many, many times. She will be missed by those who perhaps didn t talk to her for months, but in a moment would call and pick up the conversation right where they left off. She had many great sayings, observations, passions and left a lasting imprint on those who now carry her zest for living into the future! She will be remembered for trying to make a difference. We all thank her for her thoughts, words and deeds! A rosary devotion for Joie will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, at St. Richard s Church in Columbia Falls, with a funeral at 1 p.m., Friday, Sept. 24, at St. Richard s Church. Any donations can made to: St. Richard s Parish, 1210 Ninth St. W., Columbia Falls MT 59912.

Clark H. Joy, 96

Clark H. Joy, 96, passed away Monday, Sept. 20, 2010, at his home in Ronan. Clark was born on July 4, 1914, on a homestead near Pompey s Pillar, about 30 miles northeast of Billings. He was the son of Ruby and Warren Joy. Clark grew up with his sister LaVange and his three brothers Lloyd, Arles and Elwood Shorty. Clark was the youngest of the five children. When Clark was about 11, his grandmother got sick and his father went back to Nebraska to see her. When he never came back, times became pretty tough for the family. As Clark got older, he began working for local farmers but money was tight for everyone, and no one ever really had money to pay him. When he was 15, Clark left for Wyoming and went to work for the Continental Oil Company. He lied about his age; they thought he was 18. When that job ran out, he went to work for the railroad as a gandy dancer, maintaining tracks and keeping things in working order. After a year or so on the railroad, he was back in Polson. There wasn t a lot of work in those days, so he did a little bit of everything and any little short jobs he could find. He even helped build Kerr Dam. Clark married Bertha Zimmerman in 1934 in Polson and they had four children together. Clark began working in the lumber industry, working for both the Dewey Lumber Company and the Polson Lumber Company. He moved to Kalispell in 1952 to work for the Kalispell Lumber Co., and worked for lumber companies for the rest of his career. He ended up in Columbia Falls at Plum Creek where he worked as a saw filer until retiring when he was 67. After retiring, Clark traveled and enjoyed his time with his wife Bertha until she passed away in 1995. Clark then moved to Minnesota to stay with his son, but after a few years he made his way back to Montana. In 2000, Clark was headed to a dance in Polson with a group of friends when they stopped to pick up Elda Cordier-Umphrey. That was the first of many dances for the two. A few short months later they were married and they ve spent the last 10 years dancing, playing cards and just enjoying each other s company, whether they were traveling across the country or just going out to lunch. Clark also joined the Church of Latter-day Saints on Dec. 7, 2002. He was preceded in death by Bertha, his wife of 61 years, and his stepdaughter, Laura Hauck. Clark is survived by his wife, Elda; his children, Robert Joy of Kalispell, Donna (Joy) Hedge of Columbia Falls, Clara (Joy) Sayles of Kalispell, and Ronald Joy of Crosby, Minn.; his stepchildren, Faye (Larry) Garlock, Mike (Valerie) Umphrey, Kenneth Umphrey, John Umphrey and Jim Umphrey; his 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews; as well as Elda s children and grandchildren. A visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at the Foster Funeral Chapel in St. Ignatius. Viewing will continue at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Church of Latter-day Saints in Ronan, with the funeral services being held at 11 a.m. The graveside committal service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in the Glacier Memorial Gardens in Kalispell.

Johnna Kathryn Pimentel, 49

Johnna Kathryn Pimentel, 49, of Ashburn, Va., died on July 20, 2010, in Leesburg, Va., after courageously battling an aggressive case of cancer that began as melanoma. Johnna was born to Sharon and (George) Roger Wilson on Feb. 20, 1961, in Coeur d Alene, Idaho. In 1970 her family moved to Columbia Falls, just outside of Glacier National Park. She and her family enjoyed camping and picnics in Glacier, skiing on Big Mountain in Whitefish, and traveling to see family in Coeur d Alene. She graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1979, attended Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell and the University of Montana in Missoula. Johnna joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1985, and served six years. She was promoted to sergeant on March 1, 1990. She finished her Bachelor of Arts degree at National University, and then went on for her Master of Arts in business while in the Marine Corps. After her time in the military, Johnna worked for the federal government for over 23 years. She started with the Small Business Administration and eventually became a senior intelligence research specialist with the Department of Treasury. In 2009, she was recognized with an Outstanding Customer Service Award by the Department of Treasury. Johnna was also an avid crafts enthusiast who enjoyed cross stitching and continued her mother s tradition of knitting baby afghans for her friends and co-workers. Five years ago, Johnna met the love of her life, Victor Pimentel, of the Dominican Republic. They were married Dec. 1, 2007. She is also survived by her father and wife, Joan, of Coeur d Alene; brothers, Emery Wilson and wife, Mary, of Portland, and Sam Wilson and partner, Dan Stern, of Seattle; sister, Megan Field, husband Steve, and nephew Lee, of Helena; two aunts, Ja-Nee Newby of Coeur d Alene, and Kaye Wilson of Apache Junction, Ariz.; two uncles, Jack Russell and wife, Kathy, of Milwaukie, Ore., and James Russell and wife, Janice Gega, of Portland; and a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Sharon Russell Wilson; her grandparents, Lee and Mary Russell, and Alvie Doc and Thelma Wilson; and her uncle, Rod Newby. A memorial service will be held at 11a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 625 E Haycraft Ave., Coeur d Alene, with Father Roger LaChance officiating. A luncheon will follow at St. Pius Church. Interment will be at the St. Thomas Cemetery in Coeur d Alene. Memorial donations may be made to the Melanoma Research Foundation, 170 Township Line Road, Building B, Hillsborough, NJ 08844; or Doctors Without Borders, P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Please sign Johnna s guest registry and view online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.

Patricia Ann Patty Smith, 79

Patricia Ann Patty Smith, 79, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010, at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell. She was born on Oct. 2, 1930, in Fargo, N.D., the daughter of Roscoe Marcus and Alice (Mattson) Perry. The family moved to Glasgow when Patty was young and moved to Cut Bank in 1939, attended schools and graduated from Cut Bank High School in 1948. She attended Stephens College in Columbia, Mo., with a major in fashion design. While in high school, she met her future husband, Darrell, at Lake Blaine where Darrell s family owned and operated the Lake Blaine Resort. She and Darrell were married on June 20, 1950, at the First Presbyterian Church in Cut Bank. Following their marriage they helped operate the Lake Blaine Resort for about a year. In 1952, Darrell became a partner at Perry Motors in Cut Bank, until selling it in 1964. Patty loved being a stay-at-home mom, raising her three daughters. She sewed all of her children s clothes and enjoyed cake decorating. While she was in college, one of her designs was made into a pattern for Butterick s. She was an accomplished clothing designer and seamstress. From 1978 until 1984, Patty was the secretary for the Soil Conservation Service. In 1985 she bought and operated the Jeane B. Shoppe for 12 years until her retirement. She was a member of the Bridge Club, PEO, and also a deacon and elder of her church all in Cut Bank. Patty was preceded in death by her husband, Darrell. She is survived by her three daughters, Judy Smith and husband, Chris Weeks, of San Clemente, Calif., Cathy Lauenstein and husband, Gunnar, of Ellicott City, Md., and Peggy Erickson and husband, Reid, of Livingston; a brother, Donald Perry, and his wife, Judy, of Libby; and five grandchildren, Karl, Kristina, Kimberly, Katrin and Gibson; as well as three nephews, Keven, Curtis and Kent; and one niece, Crystal. Funeral services for Patty will be at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24, at the First Presbyterian Church in Cut Bank. Burial will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25, at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell. The family suggests memorials to the First Presbyterian Church in Cut Bank, P.O. Box 577, Cut Bank, MT 59427; or the local P.E.O. chapter. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Patty s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Patty s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

Inga Julia Olson, 92

Inga Julia Olson, 92, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010, at Immanuel Lutheran Home. Inga was born in Malta on Feb. 28, 1918, to Alfred and Marie Higdem. She grew up on the family homestead where she went to country school in the Bennett Lake community and attended Malta High School. On Nov. 27, 1952, she and Dewey Olson of Scobey were married and bought a house in Hungry Horse. Later they moved to Columbia Falls, where they owned and operated Olson s Sand & Gravel for over 25 years. Inga had worked in a dry-cleaning business, a grocery store, was a nurse s aid, and a bookkeeper for their gravel business. She enjoyed painting, baking, crocheting, and being with friends. She was active in Our Savior s Lutheran Church and Stillwater Free Lutheran Church. Many ladies have taken part in the Bible studies that were held in her home. Inga loved studying God s word and loved the Lord with all her heart. Inga moved into Immanuel Lutheran Home in October 2003 and soon became the resident welcoming committee. She took part in the many activities there and continued having Bible studies in her room with other residents and visiting friends. Inga was preceded in death by her husband, Dewey; daughter, Eileen Berglund; granddaughter, Jennifer; her parents; brother, Elmer Higdem; brothers-in-law, Victor Lyon and William Dove; and former husband, Clifford Bergsagel. She is survived by one daughter, Miriam Erdahl, and husband, Bill, of Gresham, Ore.; three sons, Irvin Bergsagel and wife, Kay, of Minnetonka, Minn., Norman Olson of Columbia Falls, and Ron Olson of Scottsdale, Ariz.; sisters, Evelyn Lyon of Seattle, and Alice Dove of Helena; and sister-in-law, Verda Higdem, of Sun City, Ariz. Inga has eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, at Immanuel Lutheran Home, 435 Crestline Ave., Kalispell, with Pastor Kathleen Larson Phillips conducting the service. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be given to Immanuel Lutheran Home. Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is assisting the family.

Christine Lydia Kennedy, 45

Christine Lydia Kennedy, 45, died suddenly Monday, Sept. 13, 2010, while living in Dunedin, Fla. She was born in Missoula on Nov. 19, 1964. Christy attended schools in Bozeman, Coeur d Alene, Idaho, and Wenatchee, Wash. She lived many years in Wenatchee where she married Chris Crimins and was blessed with her only child, Tiffany. Christine and Chris later divorced, at which time Christine and Tiffany moved to Kalispell and subsequently Whitefish. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Herb and Lydia Kennedy; and her maternal grandparents, Dora and Lawrence (Brownie) Bronson. Christy is survived by her daughter, Tiffany Crimins, of Brewster, Wash.; father, Curtis Kennedy, of Kalispell; stepmother, Pamela Kennedy Carbonari, of Kalispell; mother, Cherlyn Petersen, of Glendive; sisters, Kathy Haas and Caryn Kennedy; brother, Kevin Entze; her partner, Vincent Bila; nephew, Wesley; nieces, Carissa, Melissa, Cherlyn and Aleisha; numerous aunts, uncles, and many other relatives and friends. Her life, too short, touched many lives and we have fond memories of her childhood and adolescence. A time of remembrance and sharing will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home.

Driver, 73, charged with felony

A 73-year-old woman has been charged with a felony in Flathead County District Court after allegedly causing two automobile crashes in three days.

County quashes large-tract zoning proposal

By a 2-1 vote with Joe Brenneman dissenting, the Flathead County commissioners put the kibosh on a proposed large tract rural zoning classification Tuesday morning.

Kalispell hunter attacked by grizzly

BOZEMAN (AP) — Wildlife officials say a Kalispell bow hunter is recovering after a grizzly bear mauled him in the southern Gravelly Mountains near Ennis, just 3 1/2 miles from where a similar attack happened less than a week earlier.

Animal ordinance still being tweaked

Kalispell City Council postponed a revised animal ordinance Monday night.

Tale of a man, a dad, a debt and a dog

Kalispell Police counseled a man and his father after a dispute involving a debt and a dog was reported. The son said the father owed him money, and the father said the son had taken the dog and threatened to kill it.

Meeting notice raises questions

Some Kalispell residents aren’t happy with what they consider too short a notice about a public meeting related to the municipal airport.

Loyola sweeps Bigfork

BIGFORK - So close.

Education touted for economic growth

As more well-educated baby boomers leave the work force, the economy of the United States could stagnate, people attending Tuesday’s Kalispell Chamber of Commerce luncheon were told.

'Legends' to be inducted into Wall of Fame

Wall of Fame to add four former FHS standouts

The Legends Stadium Selection Committee has announced the induction of four former Flathead High standout athletes into the Legends Wall of Fame.

Local jobless rate down to 10.2 percent

Flathead County’s unemployment rate dropped in August to 10.2 percent, the second straight monthly decline.

Autumn arrival

What is the most surprising storyline in the NFL season so far?

Swan Lake Fall Color

Swan Lake Wildlife Viewing

Rich and Paige Udell

Boy Scouts in Glacier

Geneva M. Hotel, 90

Geneva M. Hotel, 90, died of natural causes in Conrad, on Sept. 19, 2010. She was born Aug. 17, 1920, in Froid, to Sam and Pearl (Kao) Hahn, the second of seven children. She moved to Whitefish at an early age and attended school there. During World War II, she moved to Seattle where she worked in the fish cannery, the shipyards and as a window decorator for Nordstrom s. After returning to Whitefish, Geneva continued to enjoy many diverse jobs such as harvesting Christmas trees, waitressing in local restaurants, bartending at the Palace Bar and working in the deli at Safeway. The common thread in all of her work was her love of people and her enjoyment of life. She was known for her beautiful smile and quick laughter. After her retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her extended family and large network of friends, cooking family dinners, baking a special birthday cake or decorating her house for any holiday, but especially Christmas. She was a longstanding member of the Women of the Moose and the Whitefish T.O.P.S. Club. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Hotel; her son, Richard (Si) Auge; her parents; siblings, Roger Hahn, Eva McDowell and Blanche Deeter; plus various other beloved family members through the years. Geneva is survived by three daughters, Gloria Auge of Conrad, Darlene Mullins of Whitefish, and Omie Brock of Eureka; one brother, Stuart Hahn, of Westernport, Md.; and two sisters, Ramona Ross of Culbertson, and Carol Davidson of Clancy. She also leaves 10 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren; plus many dear friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice in Geneva's name. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, at the Moose Home in Whitefish.

Mae Christian, 84

Our mother, our sister and our friend Mae Christian passed away Sept. 14, 2010, after a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Mae was born March 26, 1926, to Tillie and Jack Vance in Dagmar, Mont. In 1936, the family moved to Bigfork. She married John Buck on March 27, 1943. They had two children, Myrna Stillwaugh and Daniel Buck. On July 1, 1956, she married Tuffie Christian. They had three children, Ray Christian, Darwin Christian and Jawana Green. Mae worked at Kalispell Regional Hospital for 20 years. She enjoyed her daily visits to Del s for coffee and keno, making the pies for family gatherings and making quilts for friends and family. She is survived by a sister, Lois Nyby, of Joliet, Ill.; brother, Kenneth Vance, of Kalispell; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Friends and family are invited to a celebration of Mae s life at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25, at the home of Stan and Jawana Green, 3800 Foothill Road, Kalispell. For questions or directions, feel free to call Jawana at 261-6858.

Charmain Grace Wolf, 86

Charmain Grace Wolf, 86, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010, at the Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center in Whitefish. Grace was born May 15, 1924, in Kalispell, to William C. and Susie (Ferwerda) Sievers. She married Leonard H. Wolf on May 21, 1945. She was a member of 3 Jays Home Demonstration Club, The Eagles, was a 4-H leader and a hospital volunteer. She loved gardening, picking huckleberries, fishing, garage sales and quilting. Grace was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Wolf; son, James Wolf; her parents; six brothers and two sisters. She is survived by her son, David Wolf, and wife, Dorothy, of Polson; daughter, Joyce Sanders, and husband, Carl, of Columbia Falls, sister, Jeanette Davidson; grandchildren Kurt, Erik, Julie, Heidi, Greg, Keith, Travis and Brad, and eight great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind Buster, the wiener dog. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Pastor Tim Bartholomew will officiate. Interment will follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. A visitation will be held from noon until 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23, at the funeral home. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Grace s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Grace s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

Dorothy Jean Anderson-Peterson, 79

Dorothy Jean Anderson-Peterson, 79, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sept. 19, 2010. Dorothy was born on May 7,1931, in Kalispell, to George and Ella Sunde-Anderson. She was a 1949 Flathead County High School graduate. On Aug. 3, 1952, she married Harold D. Peterson. They had three children, Kim, Jon and Ruthie. Dorothy is survived by her son, Kim Peterson, of Kalispell; and daughter, Ruthie Johnson, of Sultan, Wash.; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; brother, Gary Anderson, of Kalispell; sisters, Carol Cummins of Seattle, and Meridee Anderson of Shelton, Wash.; and numerous relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Ella, and stepfather, Mark Mohn; husband, Harold; and son, Jon. A memorial dessert potluck will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday Sept. 21, at the South Kalispell Fire Department, located at 1253 Willow Glen Dr., Kalispell.

John Westley Baker, 88

John Westley Baker died at Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center on Friday, Sept. 17, 2010, at the age of 88. John Westley Baker was born on Feb. 14, 1922, in Rexford, to Ralph and Anna (Sakon) Baker. John graduated from Whitefish High School in 1940, where he was an outstanding athlete. In 2006 he was elected to the Whitefish High School Hall of Fame. During his short tenure at the University of Montana, he participated in athletics until his call to duty to World War II. He received two Bronze Stars and other merits. He served in North Africa and Italy with the 341st Squadron. On May 23, 1948, he was united in marriage to Helen Sagen. Together they raised two sons, Jim and Rick Baker. John was a lifelong resident of Whitefish and worked for Great Northern Railroad (now Burlington Northern), starting out as a carman, then a fireman, then a locomotive engineer; retiring after 45 years. He was active in Boy Scouts and attended the National Boy Scout Jamboree in Washington, D.C. He was an avid outdoorsman throughout his life, and especially enjoyed fishing. Other hobbies included stamp and coin collecting. He was a member of the Whitefish VFW Post No. 276, Loyal Order of the Moose, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the Flathead Valley Stamp Collectors. John is survived by his two sons, Jim and Geri of Whitefish, and Rick and Marietta of St. Paul, Minn.; one granddaughter, Heather, and Art Abbott, of Flagstaff, Ariz.; two grandsons, Brandt Baker of Missoula, and Michael Long of Sacramento, Calif.; one great-granddaughter, Lila; and numerous other nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen; and his siblings, Julia Lamberson, Clara Crawford, Helen Doyle and Ralph Baker. The family would like to thank the staff at Whitefish Care and Rehab and also Frontier Hospice for the wonderful care they provided our father. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by Austin Funeral Home. Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer s Association.

harvest festival

Libby boys drop first match in soccer

TROY - Andre Zarate gave visiting Bonners Ferry, Idaho, an early lead with a goal five minutes into play and then assisted on another just before the first half ended to guide the Badgers to a 2-0 nonconference boys soccer victory over Libby's Loggers on Monday.

High School Football

Rose Campbell

Lifelong love of Egypt comes to fruition

Rose Campbell's fascination with ancient Egypt began more than two decades ago.

Stolen items see quick turnaround

Daybook

Whitefish man took on the mob - and won

'Citizen Spy'

When Whitefish's Robert W. Morgan was spending his time in the midst of mafia figures in the 1970s under the pretense of being a filmmaker looking out for their interests, his only fear was for the safety of his daughter. 

Rose Campbell at Giza

Richard Dick Trinastich, 79

The cutthroat trout of the Hungry Horse reservoir can rest a little easier now that Dick Trinastich has passed away. Dick was born July 10, 1931, to Pete and Florence Trinastich in Great Falls. He graduated from Great Falls High School where he was a standout on the Bison basketball team. Dick received a scholarship to play basketball for the University of Montana. After two years at the University of Montana he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea and Japan. Upon his return, he married his high school sweetheart, Carol Lindsay, at a ceremony in Massachusetts. They returned to Montana and he enrolled at Northern Montana College where he finished his final two years of basketball eligibility and earned a bachelor s degree in physical education. Dick and Carol moved their family to Columbia Falls when he accepted a job offer from the Columbia Falls School District in 1959. This is where they raised their four children, Bob, Cheryl, Randy and Richard. Dick taught physical education for grades K-8 for the next 25 years. During that time he coached football, basketball and track. His love for basketball (and a way to make some extra money) drew him to refereeing high school games. He officiated many state tournaments for both boys and girls. Dick and Carol moved to Helena in the early 1980s and lived there for many years. Dick loved his home on the top of Rimini Road and took great pride in his beautiful flower gardens there. After Carol s death in 1993, Dick returned to Columbia Falls to be closer to three of his children and their families. Time with family is the thing Dick treasured most. He loved watching the sporting and extra-curricular events of his children, and then eventually his grandchildren. The outdoors is where Dick felt most at home. He was an avid fly fisherman since his youth and spent much of his free time on the water. As the years caught up to him, his focus switched to trolling for trout. Dick spent every summer since his return to the area camping on the east side of the Hungry Horse Reservoir. He was there so much that the Forest Service finally gave him a new job these last few years as a camp host at the Riverside boat launch. Here he met many new people and spent time catching up with old friends. Many hours were spent with family and friends around the campfire, telling stories and jokes. Dick had a great sense of humor and was definitely the life of the party. He could hardly wait every year for the snow to melt so he could get back up to camp, and then he would stay until the bitter fall weather finally forced him to call it a season. He simply loved it there. So, it was quite appropriate that when he passed away on Sept. 12, 2010, he was up at camp. Dick is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carol; and his son, Bob. He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Schweigert and her husband, Val; son, Randy; son, Richard and his wife, Shannon; grandchildren, Kari Peters and her husband, Tyler, Katie Schweigert, Jordan and Tyler Trinastich, and Nathan and Jared Trinastich. He is also survived by his brother, Ron and his wife, Kat; brother, Bob and his wife, Nora Beth; sister, Janet Squires and her husband, Larry; daughter-in-law, Connie Trinastich; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, also at the Columbia Mortuary. Memorials can be made in his name to the Wildcat Athletic Endowment Association, P.O. Box 2732, Columbia Falls, MT 59912.

Gladys Blanche Gray, 90

Gladys Blanche Gray, 90, died Sept. 12, 2010, at her home in Kalispell. Gladys was born June 7, 1920, in Somers, to Henry and Violet Wittlake. She enjoyed her grandchildren and being able to work with horses. Since 1951 she has been one of Jehovah s Witnesses and was active in the Christian ministry. She enjoyed sharing her Bible hope with others. Preceding her in death were her husband, Richard Dick Gray; her parents, Henry and Violet Wittlake; four siblings, Ward, Jean, Emery and Shirley; and her daughter, Beaneita Brusell. Survivors include her daughter, Irene Dahl; sisters, Dode Altenburg and Kathleen Sutton; four grandchildren; and numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah s Witnesses, located at 1414 Woodland Ave., in Kalispell. A get-together at the Smith Valley Grange Hall will follow.

Joseph Matthew Bud Wilhelm Jr., 81

Joseph Matthew Bud Wilhelm Jr., 81, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010, surrounded by his family, at home in Kalispell. He was born on July 27, 1929, in Kalispell to Joseph F. and Mary E. (Keller) Wilhelm. Bud received his early education at Evergreen Elementary School and graduated in 1947 from Flathead County High School. He was active in the Future Farmers of America and enjoyed playing basketball. Bud worked the family farm his entire life. He was a very hard worker. He worked primarily for Owens Lumber as a sawyer and road builder. After a full day in the woods, Bud would come home to the farm and care for the land and his numerous animals. If there was any spare time, it was spent in the enjoyment of the outdoors with his family; hunting, fishing, camping and in his gardens. Bud was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor; one daughter, Vicki Stickney and husband, Guy; two sons, Donnie Wilhelm and wife, Betty, and Bryan Wilhelm, all of Kalispell; three sisters, Louise Clements of Ravenwood, Mo., Lucille Jones of Yakima, Wash., and Mary Wilhelm of Seattle; seven grandchildren, Christopher and Mandy Stickney, and Jeremy and Joshua Wilhelm, all of Kalispell, Brandon Wilhelm of Goodlettsville, Tenn., Caleb Wilhelm of Spokane, and Beau Wilhelm of Kalispell; as well as four great-grandchildren. A funeral service for Bud will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23, in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel in Kalispell, with Pastor Tim Bartholomew of the Stillwater Free Lutheran Church officiating. Visitation will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Bud s family. You are invited to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Bud s tribute wall and offer condolences.

Micheal J. Ryan, 56

Micheal J. Ryan died Friday morning, Sept. 17, 2010, at his home in Columbia Heights following a battle with cancer. He was born Aug. 11, 1954, in Williston, N.D., to Barbara Peone and the late Patrick T. Ryan. The family later moved to East Glacier, where he was raised. He attended grade school in East Glacier, and high school in Browning. He enlisted in the U.S. Army following high school. Mike made many friends, who remained close to his heart until his passing. He and his brother Rick were inseparable as youngsters. Rick was the mastermind, Mike was the daredevil. They grew up helping at the T.P. Cafe, which was built by Pat and Barb. After serving in the Army, Micheal had many occupations. He worked for the railroad, and as a chef, and a truck driver. Mike met and later married Carol while working as a truck driver. Together they spent many a day crossing the states. Micheal loved to take pictures of all the places he would see. He loved to share them. He and his friends liked to be the first to float the river in the spring. He and Carol liked to go camping, fishing, and huckleberry picking. His favorite thing to do was spend time with family. Micheal is preceded in death by his father, Patrick T. Ryan; and his stepfather, Elmer J. Peone. He is survived by his wife, Carol; mother, Barbara Peone; brother, Rick Ryan and wife, Carolyn; sister, Joan Olson and husband, Jeff; sister, Carol Ann Ryan and fiance, Greg Anklam; niece (best uncle ever) Rhiannon Samuell and husband, Kurtis; great-nieces, Paige and Ridley; nephew, Patrick Vasquez; stepdaughters, Lavonnie McManus and husband, Jason, and grandsons, Cash and Justice, and Eva Darling and grandchildren, Stephen, Natasha, and Bradley; and mother- and father-in-law, Robert and Yvonne Quilling. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 20, at the Valley Victory Church in Evergreen. Celebration of life is to be held immediately after the services at the church. At a later date his ashes will be spread at his two favorite spots, Mount Henry and St. Mary s. A beautiful life has been lived and won t be forgotten.

Virgie Lorraine King Knoll, 76

Virgie Lorraine King Knoll, 76, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sept. 17, 2010. She slipped peacefully away at the home of her daughter in Columbia Falls, surrounded by her devoted family, after a long and brave battle with leukemia. Virgie was born on Jan.10, 1934, in Pikeville, Ky., to Aaron and Allean (Meade) King. As a young girl her family moved to Western Washington where on June 21, 1948, she married her beloved husband, James Michael Knoll. They would spend the next 58 years together. He preceded her in death on March 18, 2007. Virgie is survived by five sons and five daughters who loved and adored her. They are her son, Michael and wife, Gail of Whitefish; daughter, Inis Baker and husband, Tom of Lafayette, Tenn.; son, Lawrence and wife, Dana of Centralia, Wash.; son, Pastor Tim and wife, Kay of Great Falls; daughter, Joan Pedersen and husband, Wayne of Lewistown; son, Christopher and wife, Clariece of Centralia; daughter, Mary Husted and husband, Paul of Columbia Falls; son, Nathan and wife, Brenda of Marion; daughter, Mamie Goodwin and husband, Dennis of Columbia Falls; and daughter, Judy Roose of Whitefish. She was the proud grandmother of 33 grandchildren and 58 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her two brothers, Gene King of Onalaska, Wash., and Aaron King of Yreka, Calif.; and one sister, Iris Hanson of Winlock, Wash.; along with numerous nieces and nephews, whom she dearly loved. Virgie was preceded in death by her husband; parents; 11 brothers and sisters; and two grandsons, Caleb Husted and Matthew Goodwin. Virgie loved her chickens, wild birds and flower gardening. She loved being outside and would go for walks until her health began to fail. She had the gift of hospitality. Her open-handed generosity was witnessed by all who knew her, from feeding hoboes in the 60 s to helping a needy neighbor. Virgie was known to say, I ll never have so little that I can t share. Besides, you never know but that you are entertaining angels unaware. Virgie enjoyed berry picking and all-day excursions with her sisters and large family gatherings, from jam sessions to birthdays and Sunday dinners with whoever just happened to show up after church. She baked cookies by the bags-full for her children, young and old. She loved to surprise her sons with a freshly baked pie, just because she loved them. Her goodies were legendary. She taught her children through example the importance of God, country and family. We will cherish her and hold her in our hearts forever because we know our mother is waiting for us in heaven. Virgie s life will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22, at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery with graveside services, followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. at Cornerstone Community Church, with Pastor Mark Foreman of the Whitefish Community Church of God. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Virgie s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Virgie s tribute wall to offer condolences and share memories.

Gunman given five-year sentence

A Hungry Horse man convicted of shooting a woman after an argument over a debt was handed a five-year sentence on Thursday.

Alpine road job may be done in 2012

Stimulus money helps accelerate Glacier project

Accelerated by federal stimulus funding, this year’s work on Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road is helping to propel rehabilitation of the road’s alpine section toward completion in two years.

Knife River consolidates its operations in Western Montana

Restructuring by Knife River Corp. officials has resulted in the loss of between 12 and 15 jobs in Western Montana.

Logan Pass access to be limited to east side of Glacier

Starting Monday, motorists wanting to get to Logan Pass will have to drive from the east side of Glacier National Park.

Bystanders hold man until arrest

Hat trick sinks Flathead

Sentinel’s Fulbright scores three goals in 3-2 win over Bravettes

Kennedy Fulbright capped her second hat trick of the season with a hats off, head-on goal in the final two minutes.

Construction to close major forest roads

The first 11 miles of the West Side Reservoir Road and the road leading to the Jewel Basin parking area will be closed this fall for repaving and resurfacing work.

Local United Way campaign aims to raise $825,000 this year

“Listen to Your Heart” is the theme of the 2010 United Way fund drive, which benefits a variety of nonprofit agencies throughout Northwest Montana.

Wrong time to increase taxes

First things first. Economic recovery is needed before raising taxes to fight deficits. All of the so-called Bush tax cuts should be extended, not because Republicans want it that way, but because it’s the best course for the country.

Slow starting Glacier sweeps

It took a few minutes to shake off the rust off a quiet week, but the Glacier Wolfpack volleyball team rallied from a slow start to sweep the visiting Missoula Hellgate Knights 25-21, 25-15, 25-11 on Saturday afternoon.

Habitat plan for 5 species released

After more than seven years in development, a final habitat conservation plan for protected fish and wildlife species on state forest lands is being rolled out by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Biomass tops agenda of wood group meeting

Biomass is the topic for several speakers at this week’s annual meeting of the Montana Wood Products Association in Whitefish.

Bigfork's new logo to be rolled out Wednesday

A new logo, website and planned signs to boost marketing efforts in Bigfork are to be unveiled at the Team Bigfork meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 22.

Perrin, Starkey place fourth at Mountain West

MISSOULA - A pair of local runners placed fourth at the massive Mountain West Classic cross country meet on Saturday.

Season of Splendor

Summer scenes from Glacier National Park.

Intolerance, history, fear and the facts about Islam

Because I wrote a column last week on the historic threat of Islam to the West, this week I am dealing with the usual accusations of intolerance and Islamophobia.

Week In Pictures September 13-19

Glacier Missoula Hellgate Volleyball

Flathead Missoula Sentinel Boys Soccer

Flathead Missoula Sentinel Girls Soccer Rainy Day

C. Jeanette Wilson, 93

C. Jeanette Wilson, 93, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010, at St. Joseph Hospital in Lewiston, Idaho, of causes related to age. Clara Jeanette Schilling was born Aug. 7, 1917, in Green Bay, Wis., to Mira Belle and Franklin Christian Schilling. Her father owned the Cash Way Food Stores in Green Bay which were later sold to the Red Owl Food Chain. Due to illness as a young child, she also spent a few years in Florida with her mother. Jeanette enjoyed many exciting times at the family cottage at Point Comfort outside of the Green Bay area. She graduated from East High School in Green Bay in 1936. She was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and would always watch every football game she could that involved her beloved Packers. Jeanette went on with her education and graduated from New York University on June 11, 1941, with a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Commerce, Accounts and Finance. This degree helped her throughout her life. Moving to Chicago and while attending Greg Secretarial School, on a blind date she met her future husband. She married Dr. Fredric William Wilson Jr., of Stuart, Neb., June 14, 1942, at the First Methodist Church in Green Bay. They lived in Chicago while Fred finished medical school. During World War II, Jeanette moved to Sioux City, Iowa, to be near her in-laws while waiting for Fred s return from serving overseas as a doctor in the United States Army. When Fred returned from service, they stayed in Sioux City while her husband practiced medicine with his father, Doc Sr. Their medical practice was known as Drs. Wilson and Wilson. While In Iowa, she was active in the Methodist Hospital Auxiliary, the Methodist Church, and raising her children. Jeanette was a loving homemaker throughout her life. She joined P.E.O. In 1946. There were many parties and social events held at their home on Pierce Street In Sioux City, due to her husband s occupation and their civic involvements. Time was also spent on the Wilson Family Ranch in Stuart, Neb., and having many fun outings on the family boat on the Missouri River and any other places a boat could be landed. After living for many years in Sioux City, Jeanette moved to Kalispell to be near her sister, Isabel, and the Babcock family. She stayed in Kalispell from 1974 to 2002. While in Kalispell, she finished raising her daughter, Carol, and was active in the Presbyterian Church, Eastern Star and P.E.O. In the summer of 2002 she moved to Juniper Meadows in Lewiston to be closer to her family there. She is survived by one son, Robert Franklin Wilson, of Clarkston; three daughters, Dianne Bessie Wilson of Salt Lake City, Linda Belle Torgerson and her husband, Peter Kinsey, of Clarkston, and Carol Jeanette Savage of Kalispell. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Christopher Ogden Torgerson of Lewiston, Patricia Belle Brinegar and her husband, J. Benjamin Brinegar, of Clarkston, and Sean Savage of Kalispell; two great-grandchildren, Caitrianna Kinsey Dawn Torgerson of Lewiston, and Alexandra Belle Brinegar of Clarkston; plus several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister, Mildred Almira, in 1914; her parents, Franklin in 1931, and Mira Belle in 1943; husband, Fredric, in 1980; her sister, Sarah Isabel Babcock in 1984; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Besides raising her family, some of her many hobbies included reading, gardening, genealogy, needlepoint, scrabble and word puzzles. There will be a celebration of life from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21, at the Torgerson home in Clarkston. Jeanette will be going home and interment will be at a later date next to her mother and father at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Green Bay. The family would like to thank First Presbyterian Church of Kalispell for their care during her life and at this time. Memorials may be made in her name to a hospice of your choice. Thanks, Mom, Grandma and Great-grandma for the many things that you taught us and the wonderful love you gave us. Your legacy in our family will shine and live on.

Sheila A. LaVelle, 72

Sheila A. LaVelle, 72, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010, at her home in Kalispell. Sheila was born on Jan. 31, 1938, in Terry, to Jeff and Louise (Bragg) LaVelle. She was raised in Miles City, Glendive, then when she was 12 years old moved to Butte where she attended junior high and high school. Sheila worked for Kelly Hardware, GMAC, Mountain States Telephone Co., LaVelle Power Co., and Dugdale Excavating, before going to work for U.S. West Communications in 1973. She retired in 1990. Sheila loved to vounteer at the food bank, as well as other places that needed help. She enjoyed gardening, crafts, and putting together her butterfly collection. She is survived by her children, Bill LaVelle, Jeffry and his wife Tracy LaVelle, and Jennifer LaVelle; grandchildren, Bill LaVelle IV, Ben LaVelle, Jessica LaVelle, Mikle LaVelle, Dustin LaVelle, Nathan LaVelle and Paul Barrows; and eight great-grandchildren. A celebration of Sheila s life will be held at 1 p.m. today, Sept. 18, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home, with Bishop Mark Robison officiating. You are invited to go to www.buffalohillfh.com to sign her book or leave a message.

Rock tossers caught, hauled home

Rock-throwing youths were caught by a motorist on U.S. 2 East and reported to the

Polson pounds Anaconda

ANACONDA - Quarterback Vince DiGiallonardo ran for three touchdowns and passed 27 yards to Louis Mohr for another as No. 4-ranked Polson rolled to a 41-0 nonconference victory over Anaconda (1-3) on Friday.

Fischer, Smith golf medalists at Libby Invitational

LIBBY - Cody Fischer and Ashton Smith picked up individual honors while team titles went to Glacier's boys and Polson's girls on Friday at the Libby Invitational golf tournament.

Whitefish squads finish fourth at Missoula Invitational

MISSOULA - Colin Gunstream of Missoula Hellgate and Mari Wolverton of Missoula Sentinel were both wire-to-wire winners at the Missoula Invitational golf tournament on Friday.

Elrod students on the move with NFL Play 60

The excitement was palpable Monday morning as runners took their marks outside Elrod School.

Jammers 'bitten by Glacier Park bug'

Reunion brings together former red bus drivers

Leroy Lott, a Glacier National Park gearjammer in 1949 and 1950, grins as he recalls a story he told tourists when he stopped his red bus at an overlook for Wild Goose Island and St. Mary Lake.

Reading of Constitution planned today in Kalispell

Local residents will gather at 1 p.m. today at the law office of Hinchey and Hinchey, located at 118 S. Main St., in Kalispell, for a reading of the U.S. Constitution.

Bravettes bear down, bury Sentinel

It took a little time, a little elbow grease, a couple of small defensive adjustments ... and a few well-thought out words from the coach.

Bengals hold off Wolfpack

The Helena Bengals upheld their reputation of having the toughest defense in the state, but Glacier sure made them prove it.

Glacier Helena HIgh Football Colter Hanson

Glacier Helena HIgh Football

Going-to-the-Sun Road Construction

Going-to-the-Sun Road Bicylists

Mountain Goat Family

HIkers on Loop Trail

New Retail Space at Hutton Ranch Plaza

Brooklynn Sophia Wheeler

daughter of Melissa Wheeler of Kalispell, was born Aug. 14 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Garrett Sackett Pacheco

son of Thomas and Deborah Pacheco of Whitefish, was born Aug. 7 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Micah John Prouty

son of John and Lyndsey Prouty of Kalispell, was born Aug. 12 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Zorrah Lorene Smith

daughter of Greg and Sonesta Smith of Kalispell, was born Aug. 9 at home.

Easton Robert Coopman

son of Cory and Meredith Coopman of Lakeside, was born Aug. 17 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Cylis David Lee Ballenger

son of David Hendrickson and Alicia Ballenger of Kalispell, was born Aug. 16 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Ella Joy Frase

daughter of Justin and Anna Frase of Lakeside, was born Aug. 17 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Andrew Scott Gibbs and Lauren Elizabeth Gibbs

son and daughter of Tim and Jolene Gibbs of Whitefish, were born July 27 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Savannah Rhyan Berg

daughter of Dustin Berg and Sarah Corman of Kalispell, was born Aug. 17 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Kenlie Jo Morin

daughter of Kevin and Hailey Morin of Kalispell, was born Aug. 12 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Rebecca E. Becky Mattson, 88

Rebecca E. Becky Mattson, a longtime resident of Lakeside passed away from natural causes on July 5, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. She was 88 years old. She was born June 25, 1922, and raised in Duluth, Minn., she was the youngest daughter of Swedish immigrants Selma and Gustav Lundmark. She graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1940. In 1945 she married Richard C. Mattson, her high school sweetheart. Becky owned and operated Mattson Realty with her husband Dick Mattson since the 1960s. She was first licensed as a Montana Realtor in 1960 and was one of the first women in the profession. Her business specialized in lakeshore property and homes. Her Happy Homes Mattson Realty logo was a reflection of her sunny personality and commitment to finding the right home for her clients. In the early 1970s, Becky and husband Dick established the National Good Neighbor Day Foundation and worked tirelessly throughout the next three decades in lobbying Congress to establish the fourth Sunday of every September as a day for neighbors to help each other. Three U.S. presidents and multiple governors signed proclamations recognizing Good Neighbor Day. Becky loved children and being a clown for community fundraisers. She was an artist, working in oils and pencil, and designed her own business logo, posters and advertisements. Her contributions to the community were many, including working with the North Shore Coalition to stop lakeshore property erosion; working on the acquisition committee for the Lakeside Sewer District; active in the local Women s Club and the annual Lakeside Fair; helping overturn plans to sell the Lakeside School; and serving as a notary public for many years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dick Mattson; parents; four brothers and one sister. She is survived by her son, Dick Mattson, who lives in East Glacier; her sister, Dorothy Stange, of Mabel, Minn.; and several nieces and nephews. Her bright smile, sparkling eyes and enthusiasm for living each day to its fullest will be missed by many. A celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, at the Lakeside Volunteer Park or, in case of inclement weather, at the Lakeside Chapel. Memorials can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, or the Richard Mattson Memorial Scholarship fund at Flathead Valley Community College.

Kallen Lee McCracken

son of Rick and Julianne McCracken of Columbia Falls, was born Aug. 8 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Daniel Lee Walker

son of Misti Walker of Kalispell, was born Aug. 17 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Bailey Ray Simpson

daughter of Jake and Trina Simpson of Kalispell, was born Aug. 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Javen Draayk Kuntz

son of Justin and Rylee Kuntz of Kalispell, was born Aug. 12 at home.

Shirley Rundell Brown, 93

Shirley Rundell Brown, 93, died Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010, at home in Kalispell. She was born Feb. 7, 1917, in Ambrose, N.D., to Elmer John and Clara Brooks. Shirley attended school in Kalispell, graduating from Flathead County High School in 1935. On Aug. 29, 1936, she married Donald Rundell. On Nov. 5, 1977, she married Clinton W. Brown. Shirley was preceded in death by husband, Donald Rundell; infant daughter, Beverly; husband, Clinton Brown; parents, Elmer and Clara Brooks; sisters, Sylvia Sustello and Vera Brandewie; brother, George Brooks; grandson, Dennis Rundell; niece, Georgene Brooks; and nephew, Robert Brandewie. She is survived by son, Howard, and Joyce Rundell; daughter, Donna, and Ralph Tice; stepdaughter, Mary, and Don Patterson; grandchildren, Wendy Howard, Kirt Harbin, Steven Harbin, Leslie Harbin, Bradley Harbin, Stacy Tice, Tami Tice and Shannon Tice; and many grandchildren, great- and great-great-grandchildren. She loved them all! A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 603 S. Main Street, Kalispell. Pastor Debra Abbott is officiating. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Shirley s behalf to Bethlehem Lutheran Church; Samaritan House, 124 W. 9th Avenue, Kalispell; or Abbie Shelter, P.O. Box 1401, Kalispell, MT 59903. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Shirley s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Shirley s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

Everet Wright Lannaghan

son of Michael and Ginger Lannaghan of Kalispell, was born Aug. 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Class AA Football Preview: No. 3 Helena arrives at Legends

Lurking bear adds to mother's worries

The black bear in the Hellman Lane area only magnified a mother’s worry when she found her 10-year-old son hadn’t gotten off the school bus Wednesday afternoon. The child was found with his father several minutes later, and a

County budget includes slight increase in taxes

Without much discussion, the Flathead County commissioners on Thursday morning unanimously approved the final budget for Fiscal Year 2011.

Lakeside plan update advances

An upgrade of the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan took another step forward on Wednesday.

More good news for C-Falls

Kalispell Regional Medical Center is the latest in a long line of businesses and agencies recently that have given their imprimatur to Columbia Falls as a good place to build.

Spartans edge Braves in score-fest

MISSOULA - Mike VanArendonk threw for 237 yards, ran for 156 yards and was in on four touchdowns in a losing effort for the Flathead Braves on Thursday night.

West-side road limits start Monday in Glacier

The last chance to reach Logan Pass from the west side of Glacier National Park is this weekend, with a vehicle closure starting at Avalanche Campground at midnight Sunday.

Fire razes Echo Lake home

No one in house at time of blaze

An Echo Lake home was reduced to a steaming pile of burned wood and metal Thursday morning after a fire destroyed the two-story structure.

Rehberg to take action on delisting wolves

Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont., has drafted legislation to amend the Endangered Species Act to allow for the delisting of gray wolves in Idaho and Montana.

Public invited to view 'Walk in the Clouds' film

In honor of National Wilderness Month, officials with Glacier National Park and the Glacier National Park Fund have announced the release of “Walk in the Clouds,” a new short film about wilderness values.

Bulldogs blank Wildkats in soccer

Goal, assist for Gayner in 3-0 victory

WHITEFISH - The shutout streak continues in Whitefish.

Bighorn sheep

A file photo of a bighorn sheep.

Whitefish vs. Columbia Falls girls soccer

Lighthouse Christian Home Harvest Festival

Echo Lake House Fire

Echo Lake House Fire Aftermath

Echo Lake House Fire Firefighter with Hose

Echo Lake House Fire from the forest

Echo Lake House Fire Teamwork

Echo Lake House Fire Spraying Fire

Echo Lake House Fire Silhouette

Echo Lake House Fire near shore

Echo Lake House Fire Stairway

Echo Lake House Fire Firefighters

Creston Elementary first field trip

drop-AD position code

Lee Longfield, 51

Lee Longfield passed away Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010, at his home in Columbia Falls, of a massive heart attack. He was born Oct. 2, 1958, in Salmon, Idaho, to Alvia Lee and Mary Longfield. Lee graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1976. He graduated from the University of Reno, Nev., in 1981. In 1982, he returned to Columbia Falls. Lee and his brother Paul bought the Paul Bunyan Bar. In 1984, he married Brenda Felstet and started their family. In 1985, they were blessed with their daughter Meagann and, in 1989, their son Matthew. Lee fulfilled his dream of becoming a groomer on Big Mountain where he was approaching his 25th year. He was an avid skier and called the mountain his second home! During the summer he worked at Whitefish Golf Course. He enjoyed golfing with his friends and son in his free time. Lee always enjoyed watching sports and doing play-by-play with Matthew, whether together or on the phone. Lee s greatest joy in life was his children. Lee was preceded in death by his father, Lee; and his brother, Tom. He is survived by his daughter, Meagann; son, Matthew; mother, Mary; brother, Paul, and his wife, Shawn Longfield, and their children, Dalin and Terryl and her husband, Kelly Johnson; nephews, Micheal Longfield, and Todd and wife Shannon Longfield; several other nieces and nephews; and many golf and skiing buddies. We now know Daddy, you are grooming the ultimate ski slope. Rest with all our love. There will be a celebration of his life and luncheon at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at the Eagles in Columbia Falls.

Richard Dick Lee Wingate, 57

Richard Dick Lee Wingate, 57, a carpenter from Cut Bank, lost a long battle with cancer at his home in Cut Bank on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010. A potluck memorial will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18, at the Larry and Pam Wingate residence located at 2130 Lion Mountain Road in Whitefish. (You may contact the family for directions). Also, a gathering of friends will take place 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, at the Village Inn in Cut Bank. Whitted Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Dick is survived by his mother, Elaine Lawlor, of Kalispell; older brother, Larry Wingate, of Whitefish; sisters, Kathy Dortch of Kalispell, and Becky Forbis of Cut Bank; his son, Christopher, of Illinois; daughter, Shannon, of Wisconsin; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Roger Motichka; and Mr. and Mrs. Art Wingate; and his father, Arthur Wingate. Dick was born March 27, 1953, in Kalispell to Art and Elaine (Motichka) Wingate and grew up in the Flathead Valley. He graduated from Whitefish High School in 1972. He was a carpenter by trade and enjoyed the out-of-doors, hunting, fishing, camping and woodworking. Dick loved life and never passed up opportunities for fun.

Cause of massive Libby fire remains unresolved

Ambitious effort aims for forest museum

An ambitious effort to bring a national museum on the Forest Service and conservation history to Missoula has been quietly gaining momentum, marching toward a groundbreaking target next summer.

Economy, summit and solutions

Sen. Max Baucus recently flexed his economic muscle, and showed why having a senator with seniority is a big boost for a small-population state like Montana.

Toxic algae bloom poisons dog

A dog hovered near death Wednesday battling liver failure after contact with water in Middle Foy’s Lake probably contaminated with blue-green algae, according to the Flathead City-County Health Department.

Man drives car down an embankment

Panel agrees on 'doughnut' plan

A compromise may have been reached in the long-running dispute over the Whitefish “doughnut area.”

Hearing considers defense bid to move trial

After being called Wednesday to testify about an opinion she posted on the Daily Inter Lake website, Jennifer Sysa cried and professed she didn’t truly wish for the death of an Evergreen teen charged with two counts of deliberate homicide.

Class AA Football Preview: Flathead travels to Missoula Sentinel

TODAY: Flathead (0-3) at Missoula Sentinel (2-1).

Board backs lease of old state property

The Kalispell Planning Board unanimously recommended approval Tuesday for the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to lease its old building to Flathead Valley Community College.

Budget cuts affect school library services

One of the most important parts of Sandy Streit’s job is helping students find their “passion book.”

Hungry bears on the move

Bears are on their annual fall hustle for food in the Flathead Valley, prompting a variety of reports, including one from a resident on West Colorado Street in Kalispell who encountered a black bear in her driveway Monday night.

Defense attorney David Stufft

Blue-green Algae in Middle Foys Lake tight

Montana Library Day

Blue-Green Algae in Middle Foy's Lake

Dillard Gail LaMunyon, 92

Dillard Gail LaMunyon, 92, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010, in Mesa, Ariz. Dillard was born in Laverne, Okla., on April 5, 1918, to Charles and Blanch Carrie (Brooner) LaMunyon. He grew up on the family farm in Laverne with his four siblings. He married his beloved wife of 58 years, June Moorehead, in 1937, and they lived happily together until her death in 1995. Together, Dillard and June lived in many places before settling down in Great Falls, in 1950. Dillard worked for Gambles Stores as an operations supervisor. Upon his retirement from Gambles Stores, Dillard and June moved to Flathead Lake for the summer months and Mesa for the winter. Dillard served shipboard on the USS Conserver in the Pacific with the US Navy during World War II. He was an active member of the Elks Club, Masons and Shriners. He rode with the Motosikl Tauf for the Al Bedoo Shriners Temple and enjoyed many trips and adventures with friends from the Shiners and Gambles organizations. Dillard will be missed by his daughter, Velora LaMunyon, and son-in-law, Wayne J. Anderson; three grandchildren, Ginnette and Wynn Kearney of Mankato, Minn., Mike and Linda Sinclair of Auburn, Wash., and Ann and Clay Damon of Spokane; two sisters, Leota Neff of Oklahoma City, and Florene Alder of Newton, Kan.; and close friend, Ruth Baker. Eleven great-grandchildren loved their Bubby. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and two brothers. The family will have a private burial at a later date. Memorials are requested to go to Shiners Children s Hospitals.

Former tax worker admits illegal record inspection

A Kalispell resident and former Internal Revenue Service employee has pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to unauthorized inspection of tax returns.

Net effect

Gail Shattuck puts a net over her husband, Tim, a guide for Flathead Lake Charters who dressed in a fish costume during a protest outside the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks office in Kalispell on Tuesday afternoon. The group opposes proposals to target lake trout in Flathead Lake with extensive netting. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are preparing an environmental review that will outline those plans.

Join the fun on Sunday at Pete's Fall Fest

Pete’s Fall Fest, the annual fundraiser hosted by Parents of Peterson School, takes place Sunday.

Flying stoves landed safely

Sperry Chalet gets new cook facilities

They are just simple, industrial gas cooking stoves, but there was nothing simple about getting them into Sperry Chalet in Glacier National Park’s backcountry.

New scholarship established for Billings students

A memorial fund has been established by family and friends in Billings in memory of Melissa Weaver.

U.S. Border Patrol tests disaster skills up North Fork

The U.S. Border Patrol’s National Critical Incident Response Team conducted a training exercise in the North Fork area last week.

Council to pursue west-side land donation

The Kalispell City Council has directed its planning staff to proceed with acquiring a 100-foot wide, 3,000-foot long strip of land on the west side of the city.

Eureka bounces Libby

EUREKA - The Eureka Lions held on to claim a hard-fought volleyball win against Class A Libby on Tuesday.

Stillwater makes it 10-0

Cougars defeat Wildkats in three sets

Ball control. Aggressive serving. Team chemistry.

Family's home destroyed by flames

A fire of unknown origins destroyed a house in the Smith Valley area on Sunday, leaving a family homeless.

Crowbar reportedly used against car

Stillwater Christian vs. Columbia Falls Girls Volleyball

Little Guy Football

Gear Jammers Reunion

Robert W. Morgan Profile

Gill Netting Protest at Fish Wildlife and Parks Live Together

Gill Netting Protest at Fish Wildlife Parks Fish Costume

Jerald D. McDonald, 60

Jerald D. McDonald, 60, of Columbia Falls, was born March 29, 1950, and passed away Sept. 12, 2010. He graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1968 and attended the University of Montana before joining the Army. He served for three years with one tour of duty in Vietnam. Afterward, he worked as a Montana Highway patrolman and at Plum Creek before starting at the aluminum plant in 1976, where he worked 30 years, retiring on medical disability. He was preceded in death by his parents, Doug and Elna; and brother, John. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Kay; two sons, Jason and Sharon, and Chris and Paula; and granddaughters, Jacey and Quinn; brothers, Dan and Jean of Columbia Falls, and Donald and Barbara of San Diego; along with nephews Ryan, Rob, Greg, Geoff, Brad, Justin and Will; and nieces, Jessi, Melissa, Meredith, Lynette and LaRay. Jerry loved the outdoors, especially the hunting and fishing trips with his boys. He is loved by his family and friends, especially Poppa s granddaughters, and will be greatly missed by all. Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 17, at Our Savior s Lutheran Church in Columbia Falls. Memorials can be made in his name to Project Hope, P.O. Box 5927, Helena, MT 59604.

Harold Fitzner, 90

Harold Fitzner, 90, of Branson, Mo., passed away Friday, Sept. 10, 2010, at his home. No services are planned with cremation under the direction of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home, Branson. Private burial will be at a later date in Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery, Branson. Visitation at the family home is welcome at any time. Harold Walter Fitzner was born Feb. 25, 1920, near Winner, S.D., and grew up near Edgemont, S.D. He hitchhiked to Boulder, Colo., at the age of 16 where he worked his way through school and graduated from Boulder High School. He joined the National Guard and served in the Army when the guards were mobilized prior to World War II, and later received a medical discharge due to a knee injury. Harold married Betty Richardson in 1943 and two sons were born to them. They moved to a Montana ranch in 1961. Harold served as Lake County Commissioner in the 1980s. They later moved to Hudson, Fla., and lived there from 1989 until 2005, when Harold and Betty moved into their present home in Branson. Harold is survived by his wife of almost 67 years, Betty Fitzner; son, Gary, and wife, Crystal, of Overland Park, Kan.; grandson, Shawn, of Portland; and Shawn s mother, Judy Fitzner, of Missoula. Also surviving are two stepgrandchildren, Ryan Smith and Ra Vae Smith, of San Diego; two brothers, William Fitzner of Hot Springs, S.D., and Ralph and wife Dorothy of Rapid City, S.D.; two sisters, Helen Bennett of Hot Springs, S.D., and Esther Wineteer of Gillette, Wyo.; and many other friends and relatives. Preceding Harold in death were his son, Richard; grandson, John George Fitzner; his parents, Fred and Emma Fitzner; brother, Orville Poore; sister, Virginia Nelson; and sister, Ruth Howe. Harold loved the Lord and always worked hard to provide for his family. In recent years he looked forward to Saturday night with the Gaithers and Lawrence Welk and sharing a bowl of popcorn with the family Pomeranian, Tiger II. All who knew him will remember fondly his laugh.

Gary Hall, 67

Gary Hall, 67, of Olney, died quietly in his sleep early Saturday morning on Sept. 11, 2010, after a long, courageous battle against cancer. Gary was born Aug. 2, 1943, the first-born of three to Lowell "Larry" Hall and Janet Cummins Hall (Ayelsworth). He married Rita Mary Cole on Dec. 27, 1971, in Naples, Fla., and they moved to Montana in 1974. After residing in Bigfork they moved north of Olney where they built their log home and raised their two children, Jeremiah and Sarah. He worked at American Timber for 18 years where he was head mechanic. After retiring, he dedicated his time to serving his community and fighting relentlessly for the causes he believed in. He served as treasurer and wrote the newsletter for Montana Gold Prospectors and enjoyed many prospecting outings with the group. He also served as vice president and webmaster of Montanans For Multiple Use and fought diligently for the freedoms the organization stands for. He also served on various community-minded boards and committees. Gary enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, backpacking, skiing, prospecting, poker nights, Bible study and spending time with his family. Gary will always be remembered as a loyal and loving husband and father. He was a true friend to many and fully devoted to those close to him. He loved his Lord, Jesus, and currently resides with Him in heaven. Survivors include his wife, Rita M. (Cole) Hall; son, Jeremiah Hall, and wife, Selena Coats Hall; daughter, Sarah Hall; brother, Steve Hall; and sister, Kathy O Connell, and husband, Larry. He also leaves behind his beloved dog Misha, numerous nieces and nephews, and one uncle. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home in Kalispell, followed by a luncheon at True Life Church in Whitefish. A visitation will be one hour prior to the service. The family requests donations to Montanans for Multiple Use or True Life Church. To sign Gary s guest book, please go to www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Glacier squads secure soccer victories

MISSOULA - The Glacier soccer squads picked up their first victories of the season with a pair of Western AA shutouts against Missoula Big Sky on Tuesday.

Weil sets world records in lifting

Mel Weil, 41, of Whitefish didn't just break a world powerlifting record in the bench press, he annihilated it.

Wild Goose Island, Glacier National Park

Community Instory

Elrod Elementary and the NFL Play 60 Program

Robert Louis Schultz, 70

Robert Louis Schultz passed away Sept. 10, 2010, at Colonial Manor of Whitefish. Robert was born Nov. 17, 1939, in Hot Springs, S.D., to Louie and Edna Schultz. Known to his classmates as Dakota Kid or handsome, Robert was raised in Custer, S.D., where he attended school for 11 years. He graduated from high school in Troy in 1958. After graduation, Robert took up employment at W.R. Grace before joining the Navy in 1961. Robert served in the Navy as an engineman through the Vietnam War. He returned to Kalispell after the war in 1966, where he lived until he passed. Robert brought joy and laughter to the lives of many and enjoyed associating with everyone around him. He enjoyed leatherwork, walking, music, dancing, traveling and genuinely enjoyed being with his family and friends. He was known as a generous man and a friend to many. Robert was notorious for brightening the days of all around him with gifts and flowers. Robert was preceded in death by his infant brother, Richard; stepfather, Mervin Amick; father, Louis Schultz; mother, Edna Amick; and brother-in-law, Gary Ayars. Robert is survived by brothers, Donald Schultz and Loraine of Kalispell, Francis Schultz of Castle Rock, Wash., James Schultz of Kalispell, Mervin Amick of Denver, and Walter Amick of Butte; sisters, Sharon Ayers of Riverton, Wyo., Mary Nelson and Dennis of Snohomish, Wash., Carol Amick of Kalispell, and Cecilia Thomason and Dick of Ironwood, Mich.; an uncle, Delbert Knight of Iowa; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Special thanks goes to niece Tashya Evans for being such a special friend and loving caregiver to Bob. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 14. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory, with burial to follow at C. E. Conrad Cemetery. Johnson Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Robert s family. The public is invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Robert s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

Betty Jean McDonald, 86

Betty Jean McDonald, 86, passed away Friday, Aug. 20, 2010, at St. Peter s Hospital in Helena. She was born to the late Henry and Marie Evans on Dec. 10, 1923, in Helena. Betty married Nicholas R. Mergenthaler in 1945, and they divorced in 1963. They had three children. Betty then met and married Charles E. Chuck McDonald on July 31, 1967, and they just recently celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary. Betty and Chuck lived in Kalispell and owned the McDonald School of Music from 1968 to 1978. Betty was also an avid painter and attended Carroll College, where she studied art. Betty s paintings were shown in art shows all over the Northwest, including Canada. Her art won Best of Show and People s Choice awards during these shows. In 1980, Betty and Chuck relocated to Helena and owned and operated High Country Plumbing until their retirement in 2000. Her favorite activities were hunting and fishing with her family and friends. Betty is survived by her husband, Chuck; three children, David Mergenthaler of Kalispell, Roger and Martha Mergenthaler of Helena, and Lynn and Judy Mergenthaler of Kalispell; and her sister, Barbara Toftley of Seattle. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Jim Cooper of Unionville; as well as 14 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and a nephew. Betty was preceded in death by her daughter, Claudette Cooper of Unionville. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Betty s life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at the family home, 406 S. Park in Helena. For information, please call (406) 442-4872. In lieu of flowers, it was Betty s wish that donations be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children Burn Centers, 911 W. Fifth Ave., Spokane WA 99204. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.aswfuneralhome.com.

Cats now half price at county animal shelter

Flathead County Animal Shelter Director Cliff Bennett was heartened by the public response to a Daily Inter Lake story about critical overcrowding at the shelter.

'Mountain Goat' not about to slow down

Woman in her late 70s still hiking Glacier trails

Mina Henke smiles when she tells the story of a hike a few years ago into Glacier National Park's Granite Park Chalet.

Longtime cabinetmaker strives to 'be involved'

A hearty life

Ole Netteberg's heart pumps at half the pressure it should, but no one could accuse him of being halfhearted about anything.

Roommate fight ends in arrest

Margaret Shirley, 93

Margaret Shirley left her broken-hearted family on Aug. 14, 2010. She was born Jan. 28, 1917. Margaret resided in many places, but she was best known and loved in Eureka and Kalispell. At one time, she was married to Bud Giese and resided in Eureka, where together they owned the Stockman's Bar in Eureka. She moved to Washington in 1968 where she married Leslie Shirley. She was a member of the Moose Club, Eastern Star, The Red Hat Society, and the Tobacco Valley Ridge Riders. Margaret and Les returned to Kalispell in 1976. She loved to work in her yard and gardens. She couldn't conquer the weeds and rocks, but she tamed a lot of the land. She even somewhat tamed an ornery donkey named Rosie. She loved all of her pets; of which there were many, even the ones she made from rocks and the stuffed dog that stood guard in the entrance way. She was preceded in death by her husband, Les; and her daughter, Judy Yates (Pilatti). She leaves behind her daughter, Linda Miller, of Washington, granddaughter Terry Webb of Eureka, and daughter Desiree, and grandson Tracy Webb and wife, Twila, and children, Lena, Katie and Britney of Eureka; grandson, Goose Fleming and daughter Amber of Kalispell, and granddaughter, Kim Fleming and husband Don Barta of Kila. We love you grandma. Bye the bye, for now. Friends of Margaret are invited to join her family at 2 p.m. on Sept. 18 at 555 North Hill Road in Kalispell where she will be granted her final wish to have her and Les's ashes spread on the hill overlooking their home. Afterward, everyone is invited to the home of Kim Fleming and Don Barta at 293 Hoffman Draw in Kila. You may call Kim at 257-8166 for more information.

Robert Lee Sevier, 81

Robert Lee Sevier, 81, passed away Friday Sept. 3, 2010, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls after a lengthy battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He was born to Herbert Eugene Sevier and Grace (Jane) Muir-Sevier in Windham on Aug. 19, 1929, the youngest of eight children. The family moved to Kalispell in 1934. He graduated from Flathead County High School in 1949. He then joined the U.S. Navy and spent two years on board the U.S.S. Frontier in Japan during the Korean War. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Kalispell. Bob married Shirley Main and they had two children, Robi and Ron. They later divorced and Bob married Wanda Ward on Nov. 25, 1967. Bob worked construction during the building of Hungry Horse Dam. He joined the Kalispell Police Department in 1956, rising in the ranks from Patrolman to Detective and retired in 1976 as Assistant Chief. He also attended the FBI Academy at the Justice Building in Washington, D.C. After retiring from the police department, he went to work in security at Glacier International Airport for 17 years. He also worked for Garrett and Consolidated Freight Lines. Bob learned to fly and became a licensed pilot flying Piper Cubs in the area. He was an avid sportsman, enjoying hunting, fishing and camping. Every fall he and Wanda made a trip to Canada, fishing, along with friends. They later purchased a motorhome and became snow birds, going to Arizona for the winter. They later sold the motorhome and bought a park model home in Quartzsite, Ariz. They made many new friends along the way. He is survived by his wife, Wanda; his daughter, Robi and husband Greg McCue, of Missoula; his son, Ron Sevier of Spokane; grandsons, Ryan and wife, Henriette Vickhammer of Missoula, and David and Blaine McCue of Missoula; brothers, Gene Sevier of Polson and William Sevier of Lewiston, Idaho; sister, Mary Mints of San Jose, Calif.; and sister-in-law, Patty Sevier of Kalispell. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Jack and Parker Sevier; and sisters, Alice Lamach and Hazel Swanson. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. The family will have a private burial at a later date. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Bob s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Bob s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

Richard J. Downen, 46

Rich Downen, 46, of Columbia Falls, died at his home on Sunday, Aug. 29, 2010. He was born Nov. 21, 1963, in Whitefish, the son of Richard and Dorothy Downen of Columbia Falls. He grew up in Columbia Falls and attended Columbia Falls schools. After attending Trapper Creek Job Corps he returned to Columbia Falls and worked at the Plum Creek fiberboard plant for over 25 years. At the time of his death he was an assistant apartment manager for his cousin, Dennis Howard, at an apartment complex in Columbia Falls. He had many interests and hobbies, including family genealogy and raising his organic vegetable garden. He is survived by his daughters, Anna, Sarah and Emily Downen, and his parents, Richard Downen and Dorothy Downen, all of Columbia Falls; his sisters, Rebecca Grady of Seattle, and Debra Dotson and her husband, Mike, and children, Adrienne, Allyssa and Jerad of Spokane; his uncles, Stan Downen of Columbia Falls, and Joe and Jan DeFlyer of Bishop, Calif.; his aunts, Clarice Harrison of Whitefish, and Arlene Rowe of Kalispell. He is also survived by many cousins and friends, including his friends since his grade school days, Chuck and Tom Oxley. Rich was preceded in death by his grandparents, George and Alice DeFlyer, and Archie and Persis Downen; as well as his cousin, Tracy Downen. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, at Fellowship Alliance Church in Columbia Falls.

Judy Marlene Siblerud, 60

Judy Marlene Siblerud finished her journey on earth at her home Sept. 6, 2010, in the loving presence of her daughter, Deva, her siblings and her wonderful hospice nurse, Laurie. Judy loved living and valued every breath she was given. She tenaciously and courageously fought cancer for 15 years. Sept. 23, 1949, Judy was born, the fourth child of Ellsworth and Kathryn Siblerud. She joined her siblings on the family farm in the Egan area and embarked on her first adventure at age two, riding her trike a mile to Zobach s to check on the crying lambs. Judy graduated from Egan School, Flathead High School, Eastern Montana College and earned her master s degree in school administration from the University of Montana. She received many honors academically, musically and socially throughout her formal education for her excellence. Judy taught school in Missoula and Lewistown before being elected as Fergus County Superintendent of Schools for eight years. She especially enjoyed being involved with the Hutterite schools in the area. She moved to New Mexico where she completed massage school and various alternative health courses. Her travels took her to Hamilton, where she worked with friends at Garden Seed Company for several seasons. That circle of friendship maintained its closeness and loyalty even in the last days of Judy s life. Nov. 2, 1989, Deva Elise Maeser Siblerud was born in Hamilton. Deva was Judy s passion and joy, evidenced in their close relationship. They lived in Canada for two years before settling in their home a mile from Judy s childhood home. Deva welcomed Judy s presence in her everyday life, and so did Deva s friends, especially Tasha. Judy s adventures took her to Hawaii, Jamaica, Amsterdam, Germany and most recently Brazil, searching for a cure for her disease. Her appreciation for God s creation initiated adventures through the wildernesses of Montana and Idaho via horseback and covered wagon. She loved to hike in Glacier Park and other spots with her cousins Marcia and Bob and many friends. Mount Aneas was one of her favorite places to go. Judy was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church and has attended Christian Science church and Shining Mountains over the years. Judy will be missed by her daughter, Deva; siblings, Lonnie (Ginni) Siblerud, LuAnn (Bob) Borgen, Jan (John) Bustad and Joyce (Alan) Schmautz; Aunt Jo and Uncle Don; nieces and nephews, Juleen, Tammi, Jason, Jaime, Janae, Katie, Cody, Will, Seth, and Kadyn; family members, Walkin and Harmony Maeser; close friends, Sally and Steven; and many relatives and friends. Services will be held Thanksgiving weekend, time and place to be determined. An account to benefit Deva has been established at Valley Bank. To sign Judy s guest book, please go to www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Walter James Jim Lauterback, 82

Walter James Jim Lauterback, 82, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. Jim was born on May 5, 1928 in Glendale, Calif., to Walter and Melba (Evans) Lauterback. He worked as a railroad brakeman and owned and operated his own body and paint shop. He loved playing pool. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Ellen Lauterback of Lakeside; children, Steven Lauterback of La Crescenta, Calif., Sandy McKee of Glendale, Calif., and Veronica Morris of Springfield, Mo.; four grandsons; one granddaughter; and four great-grandsons. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15, at Eidsvold Lutheran Church in Somers. You are invited to go to www. buffalohillfh.com to sign Jim s book or leave a message.

William Bill H. Hathaway, 94

William Bill H. Hathaway, 94, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010, at the Heritage Place in Kalispell. Bill was born in Kalispell to Oliver and Millie Hathaway on April 12, 1916. He finished his schooling early and drove cattle from Kila to Hot Springs and Nirada in the spring and fall. In his teen years he drove freight trucks to Spokane for Claude Walter. He met and later married Grace Jeanette Weldon on Nov. 11, 1939, in Kalispell. Bill bought his own truck and started to haul logs and fuel tankers. He started Glacier War Surplus on Main Street which operated for a few years, then he returned to trucking. Bill semi-retired in the 60s and drove for Garrett Freightliners. He finally retired in 1971. He and Grace started heading to Arizona for the winters, first hauling a trailer, then buying a home. They enjoyed spending the summers in the Valley. Bill loved to fish and camp, and took a memorable caravan trip to Alaska. He was a member of the Eagles, Presbyterian Church and the Flathead County Sheriff s Posse. He is survived by his daughter, Judy Hathaway of Kalispell. Bill was preceded in death by Grace; his two sons, Jim and Bob; and four brothers and sisters. A memorial service for Bill will be held at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 14, at the First Presbyterian Church in Kalispell with Pastor Glenn Burfeind officiating. Bill s family has invited members of the community to offer memorial contributions in Bill s name to the Kalispell Jaycees Coats for Children project, P.O. Box 427, Kalispell, MT 59903. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Bill s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Bill s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

S. Elaine Persinger, 77

S. Elaine Persinger, 77, passed away Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010, and went home to our dear Lord and Savior. She was born in Hondo, Texas, July 24, 1933. She was the oldest child born to Will and Loreta Neely and had a younger brother, Jimmy. They have all gone to meet the Lord. She attended Multnomah University-Bible College as a young woman, then met her husband, Wesley Gene Persinger in Hines, Ore., while she was attending nursing college in California. She then stopped school to be married and create a family. They were married on Dec. 17, 1954. They soon had four children, Brent, Gary and Ilene, Scott and Wendy, Cindy and Don Bullock. She soon finished her nursing degree at Boise State. They raised their children in Burns, Ore., then Wes and Elaine managed Motel 6 in Kalispell for 13 years, retired, and then bought Riverside Trailer Park in Columbia Falls. She was preceded in death by her parents, Will and Loreta Neely; and her brother, Jimmy Neely. She is survived by her husband, Wesley Persinger; four children; 11 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren. Elaine was always smiling and enjoyed hunting, camping and fishing. She had great love for God and her family. She lived her life as a wonderful Christian woman, expressing her morals and values along with offering prayer and loving advice for all those in need. Our dear loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother will be truly missed and cherished. A gathering and celebration of her life will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13, at the family home at 1055 Jellison Road, D-7, Columbia Falls. Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is assisting the family.

Phillip J. Lipp, 88

Our dad, Phillip Lipp, 88, died on Sept. 7, 2010, in Kalispell. Phil was born March 8, 1922, to Andrew and Katharine Lipp in Fairchild. The family of eight moved to a farm south of Hingham in 1923. Phil graduated from Hingham High School in 1940 and attended Carroll College and Montana State College. He was inducted into the Army Air Force in September 1942, and served in Iran and Saudi Arabia. He was honorably discharged in November, 1945. Phil married a Hingham girl, Clara Muller, on Oct. 8, 1946, and they lived in Hingham until their five daughters were raised. During those years, Dad managed Lipp Motors, the local garage, gas station and fuel distributorship, until it was sold in 1982. Phil and Clara moved to Kalispell in 1983 and retired from the farm business in 1986. During their years in Kalispell, Dad replaced his love for farming with fulfilling yard work in the summer. In the winter he was always there to clear his neighbor s driveways with his trusted John Deere tractor. His manicured yard was his pride and joy. Dad and Mom enjoyed many years of golf and making new friends, but the most treasured times of their lives were visits from family and old friends from the Hi-Line. Phil was a very quiet man and like so many of his generation, he rarely spoke of his military service. It took many years for us to become aware of how proud he was to serve his country. He loved the Hi-Line, his friends and the farming way of life. His death was preceded by his wife, Clara on July 1, 2010; oldest daughter, Carolyn Davies in 1998; and his grandson, Drew Engebretson in 1990. His three brothers and a sister also preceded his death. He is survived by his daughters and their husbands, Marge and Bob Hoene of Bigfork, Jane and Nate English of Lolo, Rita and John Laird of Chester, and Diane and Keith Engebretson of Kalispell. Kim Spicher, of Whitefish, was considered their sixth daughter. Their grandchildren are Casey, Sara, Jessica, Cory, Heather, Mitch, Aaron, Megan, Keegan and Leah; and great-grandchildren, Carolyn, Finley, Edie, Evelyn, Georgia, Declan, Caitrin, Spencer and Emerson. Phil is also survived by his sister, Betty O Donnell of Billings. A special thanks to Dr. Tim Obermiller of KRMC for his thoughtful care of Dad. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., with a vigil service at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13 at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 14 at Risen Christ Catholic Church with the Rev. Rudy Bullman officiating. Interment with military honors will follow the services at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. The family requests memorials be made to a charity of your choice in Phil s name. You are invited to visit www.buffalohillfh.com to sign the book or leave a message for the family. Rest in peace Mom and Dad. We love you. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Glacier defeats Flathead for 3rd

GREAT FALLS - The Glacier Wolfpack volleyball team finished third in the Electric City Invitational on Saturday.

Man chases one woman, another chases him

Near the intersection of U.S. 93 South and Kelly Road, someone told

Columbia Falls boys forfeit soccer season

 Columbia Falls activities director John Thompson has announced that the Wildcats' boys varsity soccer team will forfeit the remainder of its matches this season.

Stabbing incident during wild ride, chase nets man five-year term

A man who stole a truck and stabbed the owner of the vehicle during a mile-long chase through Kalispell now is serving a five-year sentence with the Montana Department of Corrections.

Polson tops Dillon in volleyball final

COLUMBIA FALLS - Southwestern A triumphed in four of the six placing matches on Saturday at the Northwestern A vs. Southwestern A volleyball tournament.

W. Valley rezoning gets initial approval

The Daily Inter Lake

Flathead firefighters, others mark anniversary of 9/11

Firefighters, politicians and citizens across Flathead County marked the ninth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 9/11 Saturday.

This 'Phy-ed' teacher made a lasting mark

My high-school physical education teacher, Leona Anderson, died a couple of weeks ago. This came as a surprise to me because we all thought she’d live forever.

C-Falls' Trenerry gets 100th coaching win

COLUMBIA FALLS - It was more than just a victory.

Daybook

Sykes' gets a fitting champion

It may not rise to the level of Donald Trump and the Plaza Hotel, but when two local icons got together recently, it was certainly big news in the Flathead.

Natural food store celebrates recent expansion of facility

Creating a sense of space for their customers was a key goal when owners of Mountain Valley Foods in Kalispell decided to expand their business, adding another 1,250 square feet to the shop on Commons Way earlier this summer.

Founder reflects on Semitool success

Ray Thompson, founder of the recently sold Semitool, said he decided in 1979 to base the business in the Flathead Valley because of the great respect he had for the character of the people he knew growing up here.

Eureka spikers defeat Plains

EUREKA - Eureka improved to 3-1 overall and in District 7B volleyball action by defeating Plains 25-13, 25-12, 25-17 on Saturday.

Learning center, rifle range permits OK'd

The Flathead County Board of Adjustment unanimously approved conditional use permits for a family learning center and rifle range on Tuesday.

Hospital to build new clinic in C. Falls

Facility will provide imaging, primary care

Kalispell Regional Medical Center officials on Friday announced plans to build a primary care and imaging clinic in Columbia Falls next to Super 1 Foods on U.S. 2.

Speedy Perrin defends title at Flathead Invite

Finishes in 15:40 to lead Braves to team title

Western Montana's young crop of running talent was showcased on Saturday at the annual Flathead Invitational cross country meet.

History, Islam and the war against the West

If you can start a war by burning a book, you have proven two things:

Whitefish Stage Road Wreck

9/11 Memorials

Cross Country

Frances Frankie L. (Battenfield) Shea, 61

Frances Frankie L. (Battenfield) Shea passed away at her home in Tucson, Ariz., on Sept. 6, 2010. Frankie was born in Prairie Grove, Ark., to Fred and Pearl Battenfield on June 8, 1929. She married Donald J. Shea in Shelby on Oct. 3, 1948. Don and Frankie raised their four children in Shelby, until moving to Seattle in 1962. They remained in Seattle until 1993, then returned to Montana, settling in Kalispell and enjoying retirement together until Don passed in 1999 after 51 years of marriage. In 2008, Frankie moved to Tucson living near her niece, Betty Davis, and husband, Doug. In June of 2010 Frankie married Howard McClellan. Frankie's focus in life was her family. She was a devoted wife and mother and a selfless care giver for her husband, Don, for the last two years of his life. Her boundless energy was evident in managing of home, finances and kids, working full time, yet embracing play and friends. Frankie's reputation for great meals is remembered by all who sat in her kitchen as was spirit, passion, and her love of family. Frankie is survived by her husband, Howard; sons, Michael and Lorna, James, and Dan and Sue; daughter, Janet; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. today, Sept. 11 at Christ Community Church in Tucson.

Youths invited to try out for 'Mulan Jr.'

Alpine Theatre Project continues its community outreach program, Alpine Kids! Theatre Project, with auditions for its upcoming production of Disney’s “Mulan Jr.” today at 11 a.m. at the Whitefish Middle School Auditorium.

Rotary marks peace park anniversary

Approximately 150 Rotarians and park representatives from Montana and Western Canada are gathering this weekend to commemorate the 1932 establishment of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.

Jury denies damages over man's injuries

The brother of a man who lost his left arm and leg and later died after spending hours stuck in a frozen trench is not entitled to financial damages, a Flathead District Court jury decided Friday.

Tutor business focuses on one-to-one work

Working one on one with students — that, according to Dave Hibbs, is the perfect learning setup.

Helena sweeps Glacier

Lily Kiely scored midway through the second half, helping Helena High down Glacier 1-0 on Friday in Western AA girls soccer play.

Subpoenas pile up in bid to move teenager's trial

Attorneys for Justine Winter have subpoenaed the Daily Inter Lake editor, publisher and several online commenters in an ongoing effort to move her trial out of Northwest Montana.

Record run by Sagen at Eureka Invite

EUREKA - Jessica Sagen broke the Eureka Invitational meet record with a fast time of 19 minutes, 41 seconds on Friday to help Whitefish's runners claim the team title at Indian Springs Ranch Golf Course.

Dillon, Polson spikers on top

COLUMBIA FALLS - Southwestern A's Dillon and Northwestern A's Polson hold the best records after during opening-round action Friday at the Southwestern A vs. Northwestern A volleyball tournament.

Polson downs Hamilton

POLSON - Defense was on display in Polson on Friday as the No. 4-ranked Pirates edged Hamilton with a pair of late fourth-quarter touchdowns to win 14-3.

West spills Flathead

A great first drive, terrific defensive effort ... but one huge Billings West play right at the end of the first half.

Roderick, Bozeman upend Glacier

Roderick runs for three TDs, passes for two more

Every time the Bozeman Hawks looked vulnerable, Tanner Roderick was there to save the day, all day.

Flathead vs Billings Football

Glacier vs Bozeman Football

Ray Thompson at Sykes

Ole Netteberg

Lake Trout at Swan Lake

Fuel Tanker's Pup Trailer in Ditch

Fuel Tanker's Pup Trailer in Ditch - Chains

Fuel Tanker's Pup Trailer in Ditch - Wrapping Chains

Fuel Tanker's Pup Trailer in Ditch - Siphoning Gas

Fuel Tanker's Pup Trailer in Ditch - Removing Brush

Fuel Tanker's Pup Trailer in Ditch - Lifting out

Fuel Tanker's Pup Trailer in Ditch - inspecting

Fuel Tanker's Pup Trailer in Ditch - Dirt and Brush

Fuel Tanker's Pup Trailer in Ditch - Tight Rope

James Lindley Patterson III, 56

After a short battle with cancer, James Lindley Patterson III, 56, of Bigfork, was taken to heaven on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010, on the wings of his angels while surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born on Jan. 3, 1954, in Santa Monica, Calif., to Meryl Cook Patterson and Dr. James Lindley Patterson Jr. At the age of 4, he moved with his family to Butte. He attended school in Butte and graduated from Butte High School in 1972. Jim attended Montana State College World Semester at Sea, graduating from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn., with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. After graduation, Jim spent two years working with the Zoological Society in Jackson, Miss., where he developed a keen interest in elephants. He spent the next 25 years working with and training elephants on various circuses in the U.S. and Canada. He spent six months in Japan with Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus and upon returning to the U.S., met the love of his life and wife of 16 years, Michelle Lomando Patterson. They worked together on Garden Bros. Circus of Toronto, Canada, until retiring in 1999 and settled in Hazleton, Pa., with their 3-year-old son, Sam. Jim worked as a truck driver for Y.O.U. Trucking for the next eight years. In 2007, the family moved to Bigfork, where Jim continued driving for Jim Palmer Trucking until his death. In addition to his parents, wife Michelle, and son Sam, he is survived by his sister, Leslie Ann Patterson Selin, and husband, Lonnie, and their children, Kari Ann and Kelsey Paul, of Salt Lake City; aunt, Elizabeth LaBorde, and cousins, Barbara Schoenberger and John and Kathy LaBorde, all of San Diego; cousins, Benjamin and Linda Taylor, of Raleigh, N.C.; Dr. Gordon King, of Georgia; Mary Frances Jones of Duncan, Okla.; and Nancy Poole of Dallas; and sisters- and brothers-in-law, Mary Lomando and Fernando Li of Pompano Beach, Fla.; Dorothy and Ed Wood of West Hazleton, Pa; Lisa and Dennis Chapman of Kalispell; and Carla and Jeff Garber, and children, Danielle, Jeffrey and Christopher, of Newtown, Pa. His loving, four-legged companions, Nibby and Benny, will miss their nature walks with Jim. Jim will be greatly missed by his many friends and co-workers and will forever be remembered for his passion for life, devotion to his family, and respect for all animals and nature. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Sept. 10, at St. Patrick s Episcopal Church, 30631 Montana Highway 209, Bigfork. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family. Friends may visit the website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family.

Beatrix Mae Peterson, 54

Beatrix Mae Peterson, 54, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. She was born on Feb. 10, 1956, in Kalispell, the daughter of Phillip and Rodessa (Bartel) Norton. She was the fifth of six children. She went to Peterson Elementary School and graduated from Flathead High School in 1974. During her senior year, she moved in with her sister Jan and her husband, and was a tremendous help with the children, Renee, Derek and Denise. Soon after graduation, she moved to Juneau, Alaska, to live with her sister Linda and worked in various state offices, eventually being promoted to assistant to the commissioner of Waters and Harbors. In Alaska, she fished for halibut, picked wild blueberries, and totally threw herself into a lifestyle foreign to her. She quickly made many friends. One of her biggest joys was baby-sitting her niece Alycia who was just a toddler. The joys they shared are unforgettable and cherished. When she returned to Montana, she found a job on the pot lines at the Anaconda Aluminum Plant. She prided herself on being able to work as hard as men and appreciated the reward of a larger paycheck. She moved to Beeville, Texas, with a friend and soon met her husband, Greg. He was from Shelby and was in the U.S. Navy. Soon he was stationed in Whidbey, Wash., and she followed. On Jan. 1, 1987, they were married in Kalispell and moved again to another assignment, eventually ending up in Handford, Calif. Greg was shipped out during Desert Storm and was away for quite some time. She found work in various print shops in the area. One of her proudest accomplishments was designing a brochure for the U.S. Park Service. Her two sons were born in Handford; Phillip Gregory on June 20, 1992, and Jan-Michael on April 26, 1994. When Greg retired from the Navy, the family moved back to Montana " God s Country. Greg soon looked for something to do and found work at Stoltze Lumber and Bea worked at the Town Printer in Columbia Falls doing what she loved most, printing. It wasn t long before she went looking for a bigger operation and more responsibility. She found it, the Kalispell School District 5 print shop. She enjoyed the challenge of the computerized printer and enjoyed her work there until ill health forced her to leave. During the past several years, Bea suffered many health issues and became mostly homebound. Bea always put others before herself, especially her sons. She loved personal pictures and crafts her sons made and she posted them proudly. She loved animals and birds. As a young child, she fell in love with chickens and had to be watched closely so she wouldn t wander away trying to catch one of the Banty chickens the neighbors let run loose in their yard. She also loved crafting. Each of the older nieces and nephews received a cherished Christmas stocking that she worked for hours on as she expertly embroidered and secured multiple sequins onto the design. Before she fell ill, she and Greg enjoyed riding their Harleys. It was always her intention to get well enough to do that again. She was extremely intelligent and could read and write at a very early age. She had a great imagination, a quick wit and an infectious laugh. She was watched over by her oldest sister Jan and the two had a special lifelong bond. She was the best mom her sons could have hoped for. She was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her sons, Phillip and Jan-Michael; her mother, Rodessa Norton; her sisters and their spouses, Jan and Roger Weller, Linda and Art Hayes, Cynthia and Terry Dell, all of Kalispell, and Deborah Norton of Geraldine; and brother, Steve Norton, of Seattle. She is also survived by Renee Weller, Derek Weller, Denise and Duane Schrade and their children Abby, Anna and Andrew, Andrea and Rob Benitz and their children Lilly and Hayden, Alycia Hayes and Kimberly Brown. She was preceded in death by her father, Phillip Norton, in 1985; and her husband, Gregory Peterson, in 2008. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13, at Glacier Memorial Gardens. A reception will immediately follow at Woodland Park Pavilion. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Bea s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Bea s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

James Walkin Jim Stoltz, 57

Walkin Jim Stoltz set off on his last forever wild hike on Friday, Sept. 3, 2010. Our master troubadour and dear friend fought a heroic battle with cancer in Helena. He was 57 years old. Walkin Jim is widely known throughout the U.S. for his unique combination of long-distance hiking, original songwriting and photography. He accomplished over 28,000 miles of long-distance treks, including the Pacific Crest Trail, the Appalachian Trail, an east to west cross-continent hike, the entire U.S. Continental Divide, and trips from Yellowstone to the Yukon. Between trips, Jim would create, produce and perform original shows of his travels with photography and music, always incorporating his keen sense of environmental awareness and justice for all things wild. His musical, hiking and environmental career spanned 45 years. Jim produced nine musical albums, one music video for children, and was also an accomplished poet, writer, photographer and painter. He founded the nonprofit Musicians United to Sustain the Environment (MUSE) with a group of professional musicians concerned about the health of our planet and wanting to help protect it. The Environmental Protection Agency honored Jim with its Outstanding Achievement Award for his advocacy of nature and wilderness across America. Jim was born in Royal Oak, Mich., June 8, 1953, to Wilbur and Audra Stoltz. He graduated high school from Royal Oak - Kimball High School. Walkin Jim began playing the guitar when he was in the fourth grade and first attained his love for the outdoors and hiking with the Boy Scouts. He is survived by his true friend, Leslie Stoltz, of Big Sky; brother, Mark Stoltz, of Honor, Mich.; sisters, Susan Grace Stoltz of Fairbanks, Alaska, and Lisa Mohr of Wixom, Mich.; and many nieces and nephews. Jim s life work and dreams centered on his desire to share and protect the beauty, the unique character, the mood, and the value of wilderness through his music, writings, art and activism. He leaves a special and enduring legacy to his family, friends, and innumerable list of fans. Contributions can be made in honor of Walkin Jim Stoltz to MUSE (Musicians United to Sustain the Environment) P.O. Box 1512, Helena, MT 59624. More about Jim is at www.walkinjim.com. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jim, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.

Glacier High band invited to top music conference

Group to play near Seattle

The Glacier High School Symphonic Band has been invited to perform at a Northwest music conference in February.

Flathead athletes involved in summer hazing incident

Incident occured at Billings AA football camp

Student-athletes from Flathead High have been disciplined for engaging in "inappropriate conduct" during a AA coaches' football camp in Billings this summer.

Vintage advantage

Man's poaching case part of broader probe

State investigating other possible violations

A Lake County man pleaded not guilty Thursday to two felony charges related to the poaching of a moose.

Fallen fire captain honored

A large procession of fire engines and other emergency response vehicles motored through the Kalispell area in honor of a longtime

Healing the wounds of Ruby Ridge

Sometimes, the passage of time can heal even the worst of wounds.

Wildcats whip Browning

COLUMBIA FALLS - Early and often.

Football Previews: Bozeman at Glacier, Billings West at Flathead

Registration plan a matter of safety

Increasing public safety is the main reason the city of Kalispell is proposing to start licensing businesses, according to City Manager Jane Howington.

Columbia Falls Browning Football

Mountain Valley Foods Expansion

David Hibbs of Club Z!

Glacier Triangular

full-width-drop

Ronnie Thomas Kinman, 69

Ronnie Thomas Kinman passed away Sunday evening, Sept. 5, 2010, in a hospital in Butte. He was born in Butte on April 24, 1941, to Thomas and Valerie (Reed) Kinman. Ronnie attended Butte schools and graduated from Whitehall High School in 1959. He served in the United States Air Force and upon his discharge went to work for the Anaconda Company for eight years. Ronnie joined the Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Agency and retired as sergeant in 1992 after 20 years of service. For the past 12 years, he has worked security at the Federal Building in Butte. He was a member of the National Rifle Association, was an avid Green Bay Packers fan, and enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, black powder shooting, motorcycles and riding snowmobiles. He and Teri Richards were married July 13, 1974, in Butte and she survives. Also surviving are his sons and daughters-in-law, Tom and Hannah Kinman of Butte, and John and Julie Kinman of California; daughters, Tammi McDaniel of Bigfork and Terri Bender of Butte; grandchildren, Valerie, Ashley, Nicole and Mark Kinman, J.T. and Brittney Bender and Amber McDaniel; his father, Thomas Kinman; brother, Don Kinman; sister and brother-in-law, Valerie and Dan Lloyd, all of Butte; mother-in-law, Joan Richards of Butte; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Paul and Sue Richards, Jeff and Kim Richards, Michelle and Lance Hicks, Jodi and Frank Toews, and Dori and Butch Harrington; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ronnie is preceded in death by his mother, Valerie Kinman; father-in-law, Ed Richards; and brother-in-law, Ed Richards. Mr. Kinman s remains are in Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home, where friends may call beginning Friday morning, Sept. 10. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday in the funeral home. Cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a memorial fund in Ronnie s memory for Amber McDaniel at Heritage Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 3958, Butte, MT 59702.

James Hodges VanDenburg, 70

James Hodges VanDenburg, 70, of Bigfork, died Sept. 2, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center of a cerebral hemorrhage. He was born on July 21, 1940, in Fredricksberg, Va., the youngest of two sons born to Richard Horton VanDenburg and Virginia (Yeatts) VanDenburg. He was a true son of the South and the proud great-great-grandson of a Confederate veteran. He earned his bachelor s degree in forestry from the University of Florida in Gainsville, Fla. Stories of mountain men and fur trappers captured his imagination all of his life, and he dreamed from childhood of coming to the Northwest. He made his dream a reality when he and his firstborn son, Barton Hodges VanDenburg, moved to Montana in the 1960s for Jim to go to work for the U.S. Forest Service as a silviculturist. After being transferred to the Nez Perce National Forest in Grangeville, Idaho, he met a fellow forester s daughter, Carlyn Kennedy, and Jim, Bart and Carlyn became a family on Jan. 26, 1968. The newlyweds lived in Florida briefly before returning to Montana, where they remained until Jim s death. They added two more sons to their family in Montana, Jeb Yeatts VanDenburg and Colby James VanDenburg. The forests, mountains and streams of Montana gave him everything he had envisioned as he grew up, and he never tired of their beauty. He went to work every day of his life loving his work and doing it with enthusiasm. His knowledge was respected throughout the organization and beyond. Everyone knew that Jim would speak his truth. He always did. During his work years, he earned many prestigious awards, including the Danny On Conservation Award for his conservation leadership role on the Flathead National Forest and his reforestation plan, which resulted in more than 14 million trees planted and more than 100,000 acres reforested. This award read, in part, ... Jim VanDenburg is a manifestation of what true professional conservation forestry is all about. He retired from the Flathead Forest in 1998. In his retirement years, he did private consulting and worked as a fire prevention forester for many clients. He enjoyed meeting and visiting with people, especially the old-timers, whose knowledge he venerated. Jim s hobbies were gunsmithing and woodwork, and he enjoyed pioneer skills, hunting, fishing, hiking and camping. He had been a Free Trapper in Rendezvous re-enactments and a muzzleloader. He took pleasure in researching and preserving history, especially of the Lewis-Clark Expedition, for which he had an endless fascination, and of the Civil War, which was his passion. He belonged to the Sons of Confederate Veterans, was registrar for Sons of the American Revolution, was a lifetime National Rifle Association member and was a member of the Civil War Round Table. He enjoyed genealogical research and had recently discovered family members whom he had never met. He was planning a trip to Virginia for a family reunion and historical tour this month. The only things more precious to him than the lands he loved were his sons, his grandchildren and his wife. He is survived by his wife, Carlyn, at the family home in Bigfork; three sons and their families, Barton Hodges VanDenburg, wife, Amy, and children Ashley and Spencer of Shingle Springs, Calif., Jeb Yeatts VanDenburg, wife, Jacque, and children, Josephine and Logan of Corvallis, and Colby James VanDenburg, wife, Sheryl Verbitski, and daughter, Olivia of Arvada, Colo.; and one brother, Richard Horton VanDenburg Jr., of Breckenridge, Colo. He was a happy man who believed himself well blessed. A memorial celebration of his life is planned for 2 p.m. today, Sept. 9, at the Swan River Hall in Bigfork. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you plant a tree or send a donation in Jim s name to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for James family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view James tribute wall and offer condolences.

Jim Floyd Edward Eugene VanDeHey, 85

Jim Floyd Edward Eugene VanDeHey, 85, The Nicest Guy in Missoula, bowled a 119 on Friday, Sept. 3, and on Tuesday, Sept. 7, he went to see Jesus, with great courage, in his home, surrounded and loved by family and friends. Jim was born in Appleton, Wis., on March 24, 1925, to Julia and Frank VanDeHey, weighing a whopping 1.5 pounds. Jim was orphaned by the time he was 6 years old. From age 6 to 14, Jim lived in a Catholic orphanage that he ran away from several times. The last time, at 14, he came to Missoula, where (lying about his age) he got on at Bonner Mill, the youngest person ever. Jim headed back to Wisconsin. He was married to Ella Schaefer in West Bend, Wis., on Aug. 10, 1945. Ella and Jim had two children, Dewayne and Dean. They moved back to Missoula in 1949, where later he and Ella divorced. Jim married Patricia Jean Harris on Oct. 18, 1955, blending their families, which included three children, Dean, Terri and Penni. Pat and Jim had three children together, Robin, Lisa and Patrick. Grandpa Jim, or the nicest guy in Missoula, as he introduced himself, brightened the lives of anyone he came in contact with. Jimmie lived life with enthusiasm and vigor. Much of Grandpa Jim s time was spent at the cabin he built with his best friends, Karl and Effie Schmidt, in Seeley Lake. It was a favorite family gathering spot where Grandpa taught his kids life lessons and instilled in them his infamous work ethic. Making his living as a cement finisher in the Five Valleys, he had a hand in some of Missoula s historical developments, including pouring the cement for the M on Mount Sentinel. Other projects included the dam at Georgetown Lake, as well as the Nevada Creek Reservoir Spillway. Jim s life was filled with family and friends, of which he made new ones wherever he went. Grandpa Jim s charm and charisma won t soon be forgotten. The family would love to see you at his service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Missoula, where he was a charter member. So put your teeth in your pocket, get your stocking cap on and we ll see you there! Jim is preceded in death by his son, Dewayne Pooki VanDeHey; his parents; and 12 of his siblings. He is survived and much loved by his children, Dean VanDeHey and wife Brenda, Terri Curtis and husband Mark Stevens, Penni Keersemaker and husband John, Robin Rau and husband Marty, Lisa VanDeHey and husband D.C. Haas, Patrick VanDeHey and wife Mindy; grandchildren, Matthew Keersemaker and wife Kristi, Sally Rau, Jessica Keersemaker, Christopher Rau and wife Julia, Kailey VanDeHey, Katie Haas, Karley VanDeHey, Nick Haas, Noel Walker, Alan Aavedal, Christina Kuntz, Yvonne Paul, and Brian McEvoy; great-grandchildren, Kelsey Keersemaker, Carson Keersemaker, Tylia Hawkins, Benjamin Rau, Joshua Lamp, Michael Keith, Tyler Keith, Cody Lague, Kaleb VanOstrand, Bryaonna McEvoy, Alayanna McEvoy, and Brea Kuntz; as well as several family members in and around the Green Bay, Wis., and Illinois area, and far too many friends to mention. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please send a donation to the Sleepy Teepee Trust Fund. His cabin, The Sleepy Teepee, was Grandpa s passion, and he would want it to be around for generations of family and friends to enjoy. Donations can be made to Missoula Federal Credit Union, care of the Jim VanDeHey Memorial Fund. God loves ya, and so do I!

Francis Kellie William McCleary, 88

Francis Kellie William McCleary, 88, passed away peacefully on Sept. 3, 2010, with his family by his side, at Brendan House in Kalispell. He was born July 17, 1922, in Watertown, Conn., to Mildred and Samuel McCleary. He attended Colorado College, where he played hockey and studied civil engineering. In December 1942 he enlisted in the armed forces with his two brothers, Samuel and Richard. He married Arline Denton before leaving to fight in World War II. After the war Francis returned to Colorado College, where he graduated in 1949. In 1950 he moved back to Connecticut, where he worked in the family business for 30 years, and he and Arline raised their five children. He was also a veteran of the Korean War. In 1980 Francis and Arline retired, and in 1985 they moved to Kalispell with their beloved Labrador retrievers to spend their time fishing, traveling and creating a warm and loving home for their family to spend vacation time and holidays together. Francis was an avid sportsman and deeply cared for nature and all of its creatures. Francis was preceded in death by his wife, Arline; his mother and father; his brothers, Richard and Samuel; and sister, Marion LeMay. He is survived by his children, Maren McCleary of Kalispell, Alex and Maribeth of Bozeman, Bill and Brenda of Laramie, Wyo., Susan and Walter of Anchorage, Alaska, and Marion of Kalispell. He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Daniel, Jessica, Jeffrey, Sean, Shannon and Kelly. Memorial services for Francis will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at Christ Church Episcopal in Kalispell. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Francis family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Francis tribute wall and offer condolences.

Legal case unfolds over man's injuries

Jason Bell lost his left arm and leg after spending hours in a frozen trench with his foot stuck in an abandoned septic tank on New Year’s Day 2008.

Council to allow impact-fee payments to be divided

The Kalispell City Council on Tuesday discussed but eventually tabled some housekeeping changes to the city’s administrative code.

Columbia Falls to get a community garden

The Columbia Falls City Council gave the community garden a place to officially take root Monday.

Mists of morning

Two injured in Kalispell knife fight

Gearjammers gather for Glacier reunion

Evergreen looks to the future

Evergreen has always gone its own way — and that suits most folks in Evergreen just fine.

Family, friends remember local 'legend'

Nine more holes of golf - for Bill Redmond, hope was being able to play nine more holes of golf.

Freedom House decision postponed again

Without any explanation, Kalispell City Council on Tuesday tabled consideration of a conditional use permit for the Freedom House.

Bigfork soccer

Phygg's Deli Subs

Lake Trout at Swan Lake

Lake Trout work

Apples for Sale

Norma E. Evans, 90

Norma E. Evans passed away Sept. 6, 2010, in Kalispell. She was born Feb. 5, 1920, in Great Falls, and spent her early years living in Canada. She met and married Albert Evans in Great Falls and moved to Whitefish in 1945, where she was a resident for 55 years, prior to moving to Kalispell. Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Evans; and daughter, Shirley Evans Mills. She is survived by her two sons, Jack A. and Cherri Evans of Morrison, Colo., and Leonard Butch and Sharon Evans of Kalispell; three grandchildren and their spouses, Rick and Penny Evans, Tina Evans of Colorado, and Shawn and Heesuk Evans of Virginia; and three great-grandchildren, Sebastian Evans of Colorado, and Alex and Allie Evans of Virginia. Norma was very active and a longtime member of the Whitefish Moose Lodge. Her favorite pastimes were fishing, gardening and sewing. Norma will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, at Austin Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10, at Glacier Memorial Gardens. Contributions may be made to Montana Association for the Blind, P.O. Box 465, Helena, MT 59624.

Rudy Arriaga, 78

Rudy Arriaga died Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010, near Paradise, at the age of 78. He was born June 14, 1932, in Wichita, Kan., to Lorenzo and Leonora (Granados) Arriaga. He grew up in California, and he married Gloria Dawn House on Aug. 27, 1954, and together they raised four children. He worked in San Jose as a brake specialist for Sears for over 30 years. After retirement, he and Gloria moved to Montana in 1992 to be near their daughter and grandchildren. Gloria preceded him in death on May 9, 2008. Rudy married Beverly Lee Smith on April 23, 2010. Rudy enjoyed camping, fishing, time with his grandchildren, attending their school and sporting activities. He served as a deacon at the First Baptist Church of Whitefish for many years. Rudy is survived by his children, Rudolph Rudy and his wife, Angela, of Columbia Falls, Dan of San Jose, Calif., Dennis and his wife, Karen, of San Jose, and Trish and her husband, Jarrod O Dell, of Whitefish; 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three brothers, Ernesto, Alvaro and Armando; and one sister, Leonora. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at the First Baptist Church of Whitefish. Services by Austin Funeral Home. Contributions may be given to the church general fund.

Shirley Turtle Mae Peterson, 53

Shirley Turtle Mae Peterson, 53, of Marion, passed away Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010, at Brendan House in Kalispell of natural causes. Shirley was born May 28, 1957, to Darlene (Sindt) and Richard Peterson in Great Falls. It was there she grew up, worked and began to raise her own family. Shirley eventually moved to the Flathead Valley because of her love for the outdoors. Shirley enjoyed painting ceramics, especially of Native American culture. She also loved turtles, hence her nickname. She cherished her family and was a loving mother and grandmother. She will be deeply missed by those left behind. Shirley is survived by her partner, Jim Watson of Marion; her children, Byron Jae Peterson of Kalispell, Christy Ann Wasson of Lebanon, Mo., Gerald Bud and Jennifer Wasson of Great Falls, and Nicole Wasson of Gypsum, Colo.; sisters, Donna Lee Vandeman of Washington, and Rebecca Hughes of Great Falls; brothers, Ricky Peterson of Texas, and Brian Peterson of Cascade; six grandchildren; and lifelong friend, Gerald Wasson Sr. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Dale Peterson. A memorial service was held Monday, Sept. 6, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Shirley Peterson Memorial Fund at Wells Fargo Bank, care of Emily Nadeau.

Marvin Glenn Nelson, 62

Marvin Glenn Nelson, 62, of Rollins, passed away early Saturday morning on Sept. 4, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. Marvin was born April 26, 1948, in Kalispell to Glenn C. and Mamie L. Nelson. A lifelong resident of Rollins, Marvin graduated from Polson High School in 1966 and the University of Montana in 1970 with a degree in forestry. He worked for the U.S. Forest Service in both the Flathead Valley and Northern California. His love of building drew him to commercial construction work, where he quickly moved from carpenter to superintendent on projects in New Brunswick, Canada, South Carolina, Georgia, and across Montana. A few of his projects in Montana included the community college in Miles City, the U of M library remodel, nursing homes in Circle and Eureka, and schools at Hot Springs, Whitefish and Polson. Marvin was a member of the Carpenters Union for 20 years, an Eagle Aerie No. 234 member for 35 years, and had served as a fireman, and later chief of the Rollins Volunteer Fire Department. Marvin s love for animals started at an early age. His animals were his constant companions, and he had many. Duke was his dog early in life and more recently, Black Dog. Princess was his horse for over 35 years, and he had many cats. He often said he never went looking for a pet, he let them find him. Over the years he took in and loved many stray animals, giving them a forever home or a place to stay until one was found. Marvin loved children and would often take neighbor kids water skiing or horseback riding. He was kind-hearted and would do anything for a friend. He was a people person and always had a joke or story to tell. He will be greatly missed. Marvin was preceded in death by his father in 1961. He is survived by his mother, Mamie Rogers of Rollins; brother, Loren Nelson of Kalispell; niece, Jen Nelson Anderson and husband, Gabe, and children, Kylie and Kaden of Rollins; niece, Christine Nelson of Kalispell; and a great many dear friends. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 10, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home, with visitation starting at 9 a.m. Burial will follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery, after which a lunch will be served at the Eagles Lodge in Kalispell. The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Humane Society of Northwest Montana or the Mission Valley Animal Shelter in Polson. Friends are encouraged to visit our website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Meeting looks at Polson road options

Thursday will be the first public meeting on the U.S. 93 Polson Corridor Study and Polson Area Transportation Plan. 

Art helps shape life skills at juvenile detention center

Karin Connelly, a tutor with Literacy Volunteers of Flathead County, goes to the Flathead County Juvenile Detention Center every week with cans of paint, egg cartons and brushes to work with three to five of the young inmates.

Vows on a mountaintop

Judge rules on Barkus motions

Evidence exclusion, change of venue motions rejected

With a November court date looming, a Malta judge has denied a series of requests by state Sen. Greg Barkus, R-Kalispell, involving his trial on three felony charges.

Texas couple wed on summit of Mount Aeneas

No one minded when a mountain goat crashed the wedding.

New fair manager hired

A Washington man with 25 years of experience in managing fairgrounds has been hired as the Flathead County fairgrounds operation manager.

Big first win for Bigfork girls

Charlebois scores four goals in Vals’ 12-1 win; Stillwater boys prevail

BIGFORK - Caitlin Charlebois and the Bigfork girls soccer team had some pent-up scoring to do, apparently.

Murder trial delayed

An Evergreen teenager’s trial on two felony counts of deliberate homicide has been postponed.

Witness blocks driver after accident

A witness to a hit and run collision followed the suspect to a business on North Meridian Road and parked behind the man’s vehicle.

Should Reggie Bush have to give back his Heisman Trophy?

Wolverine in Glacier

Mina Henke Profile

Evelyn E. Boomer, 73

Evelyn E. Boomer passed away on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010, from complications of diabetes. She loved working with her flowers and crocheting doll clothes and afghans. Evelyn E. (Parrish) Boomer was born Dec. 6, 1936, at Ferndale, to Dewey and Florence Parrish. She grew up and went to school in Fendale, Somers, Columbia Falls, and Charlo, and Washington State. She married Albert A. Boomer on Jan. 22, 1955, and helped him work the ranch on Gird Creek near Hall. She is survived by her son, Alan and Leslie of Hall; daughters, JackieLee and Bob Lingle, of Bourbonnais, Ill., BobbyLee and Roger Farrier of Dickinson, N.D., and RoseMary and Sam Brown of Philipsburg; grandchildren, Ashley and Alex Boomer, Henry, Paul and Miranda Lingle, Christy Farrier, Laura Brown and Samuel and Crystal Brown; great-grandchildren, Ashley and Jake Popovich, Jamie, Steven and Jessica Brown; sister, Josephine and Dale Brown of Kalispell; brother, Phillip and Debbie Parrish of California; brothers-in-law Fred Benton of Kalispell and George Sirucek of Motley, Minn.; along with numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Albert A. Boomer; parents, Dewey and Florence Parrish; sisters, Beverly Parrish, Alberta (Swede) Sagen, Charlene Benton and Marjorie Sirucek, and brother, Raymond Parrish. Funeral services will be at the United Methodist Church at Hall at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11. A potluck reception at the church will follow after services at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice.

Dean B. Haworth, 53

Dean B. Haworth passed away Sept. 2, 2010, at Whitefish Care and Rehab. He was born March 30, 1957, in Billings to Richard and Beverly Haworth. The majority of his working life, he was a carpenter who took great pride and satisfaction in the work he did. He always strove to make each customer fully satisfied with each job he performed, as this was of great importance to him. In his free time he enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, books, music (both listening to and playing his guitar), NASCAR racing, the Denver Broncos and spending time with family and friends. Dean was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, his uncle Rick Brewington, and his second mom, Carol Haworth. He is survived by his companion and best friend, Tanna Speed, and her son, Jason Speed and fiancee Michelle Stroupe, who all had a great love and respect for one another; also his mother, Beverly Hunt and Al Samson; father Richard Haworth; daughter, Kelly Richardson and Buck; sons, Dylan Haworth and Royce McCann; aunt, Adele Siddle; eight grandchildren; also Tanna s parents, Bubbles Grundstrom and Andy; Tanna s father, Jack Owens; and Tanna s brothers, John and Dave Owens, whom Dean considered family and they likewise. At Dean s request there will be no services. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Lakeside Neighborhood Plan emerges for 2nd hearing

The proposed Lakeside Neighborhood Plan is back on the Flathead County Planning Board agenda for a second public hearing on Sept. 15.

Chickens run a-fowl of the law

Chickens were "running around the neighborhood and tearing up the gardens" on Northern Lights Boulevard, a neighbor told the

Flathead Land Trust

Col. Falls couple dies in crash

A Columbia Falls couple died Saturday afternoon in a fiery crash near Paradise after their vehicle crashed head-on with an SUV.

Flathead Land Trust celebrates 25 years

Think of the Blasdel federal Waterfowl Production Area, or the new McWenneger Slough fishing access, or a 40-acre addition to Lone Pine State Park, or better yet, many of the farm fields and riparian areas along the lower Flathead River system. They have something in common: the Flathead Land Trust.

No jobs eliminated in city of Kalipell's 2011 budget

No jobs are being cut as a result of Kalispell's 2011 Fiscal Year budget. 

Rumble in the Bay Fly Over

Corsair flies over Flathead Lake

Corsair flies over Montana Highway 209

Corsair flies over Bigfork

Corsair flies past Echo Lake

Corsair flies over Montana Highway 35

Corsair flies over the Flathead Valley

Corsair flies over Montana 82

T-6 Texan Pilot Frank Hale

T-6 Texan Rain Droplets

Barbara Jean Ott Reynolds, 77

Barbara Jean Ott Reynolds passed away at home on Sept. 3, 2010, surrounded by her family. She was born in Bemidji, Minn., on April 30, 1933, to Emil and Else Ott, the seventh of 10 children. When she was in high school her family moved to Columbia Falls. However, she choose to remain in Bemidji to finish school. She moved into an apartment above the movie theater where she was working. She soon discovered that she missed her family and she too moved to Columbia Falls. It was there that she met the love of her life, Charles Ray Reynolds. They were married on March 3, 1951, at Our Savior s Lutheran Church and began their life together, both working and living at the Montana Veterans Home. In February 1952, Charles joined the Army and after basic training, he was sent to Ulm, Germany. Barbara soon joined him, sailing on the Queen Elizabeth. With the birth of their first child, Christy Rae Reynolds, in 1953, Barbara gladly took on the role of homemaker and dedicated the rest of her life to taking care of her family. The family soon expanded to five with the birth of Vicki Jean Reynolds in 1955, and Roxann Elizabeth Reynolds Weaver in 1959. She loved sewing clothes for her three girls, knitting, crocheting, gardening, canning and providing home-cooked meals and a warm, cozy home. As a family, some of the fondest memories are the weekends spent camping and fishing on Bitterroot Lake. Most of their married life was spent living in Columbia Falls, where Charles worked at Plum Creek Timber Co. for 43 years. After his retirement they moved to Kalispell, eventually settling into a house at Village Greens Golf Course. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Else; her brothers, Arthur Ott of Racine, Wis., and George Ott of Placerville, Calif.; and her sister, Delores Toftum Cox of Columbia Falls. She is survived by her husband, Charles, of Kalispell; children, Christy Reynolds of San Diego, Calif., Vicki Reynolds of Helena, and Roxann Weaver of Kalispell. Charles and Barbara have five grandchildren, Justin Taylor, Marie Taylor, Aaron Helgert, Philip Reinhold and Jacob Reinhold. Barbara is also survived by five brothers, LeRoy Ott of Green Bay, Wis., Floyd Ott of Columbia Falls, Richard Ott of Kalispell, Emil Ott Jr. of Placerville, Calif., and Glenn Ott of Hutchinson, Minn.; and one sister, Judith Campbell of Anderson, Calif. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls. Barbara was a huge supporter of Montana Special Olympics and always donated graciously in the name of her grandson, Justin Taylor. The family asks that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to Montana Special Olympics.

Work-services program a big part of Flathead Industries

Honing skills

To many, the name Flathead Industries brings to mind a chain of thrift stores. But behind the shelves and racks is a much larger picture: an operation with a mission as valuable to the Flathead Valley community as a piece of merchandise is to the avid thrifter. 

EMT rescues father-in-law from drowning

Husband's dad 1 of 2 people pulled from Dog Lake

A stay-at-home mother came to the rescue Friday. 

'Whatever I can paint on, I'll paint on'

All the world's a canvas for budding airbrush artist

Ely Yerian's first foray into the art of airbrushing was a bit of a fiasco.

Mildred Millie Francis Thompson, 83

Mildred Millie Francis Thompson passed away on June 24, 2010. She and her husband Glen moved to Yuma, Ariz., in early 2006 to live with family. She was living with her daughter Cathy at the time of her death. Millie was born on Jan. 13, 1927, in Miles City to Charles Dudley and Oca Doris Dudley Trachsel. She was raised on a homestead ranch in Sonnet, Mont., until moving with her mother, sister, and stepfather, Arnold Trachsel, to Ronan. She graduated from Ronan High School and worked at the local bank. On April 6, 1947, she married Glen Prune Thompson of St. Ignatius. They made their home in Kalispell for over 50 years. Millie was a great homemaker and her family says made the best pie around and had the most beautiful canning from their wonderful gardens. She was always available and happy to volunteer at their daughters school events, church and hospital. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. Millie is survived by her daughters, Cathy and Jim Gardner of Yuma, Ariz. and Sharon and Jay Brouillette of Idaho Falls, Idaho; granddaughters, Sara Gardner, Jacy and Matt Rothschiller, and Carrie and Mark McCulloch; grandsons, Eric Gardner and Zachary and Misty Brouillette; and great-grandchildren, Zachary and Ania Rothschiller, and Faith and Isabel McCulloch. She is also survived by her only sister, Maxine Stallcop, of Indio, Calif. She was preceded in death by her husband, Glen Prune Albert Thompson on Feb. 13, 2008; by her mother, Oca Doris Dudley Trachsel; her father, Charles Dudley; and her stepfather, Arnold Trachsel. Millie will be greatly missed by her family, but she has left a heart of love, good memories, and a promise of our eternal life ahead. A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Sept. 18, at the Pleasant View Cemetery in St. Ignatius.

Suspect in hatchet attack pleads innocent

A 68-year-old Kalispell man pleaded innocent Thursday to assault charges connected to an alleged hatchet and knife attack.

Whitefish resort-tax revenue up 12 percent in July

Whitefish resort-tax revenue for the month of July was up 12 percent over last July, reflecting a busy summer in the resort community.

Locomotives rally past Whitefish boys

WHITEFISH - Five goals in the second half was too much for Whitefish to make up as the Bulldogs dropped a 6-4 nonconference match to Laurel on Friday despite a strong start.

Tester says stimulus put people back to work

Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., believes misperceptions persist about the federal stimulus spending and the health care reform, and he discussed soon-to-expire tax cuts along with some of his recent votes during a stop Friday in Kalispell.

Community holds its own as northern Kalispell expands

Evergreen’s business scene is changing, but one longtime business owner thinks the area is going to be O.K. in the face of northern Kalispell’s expansion.

Men develop new twist for old game

Two Kila men found a new twist for the 500-or-so-year-old game of cribbage and after about three years of development are now marketing their new game, TurboCrib.

Glacier falls to Helena in five; Eureka comes up short

HELENA - Lexy Boschee had 14 kills and Paige Latimer had 34 assists, 14 digs and three service aces in a losing effort on Saturday for the Glacier Wolfpack.

Bridge work affects roads near Condon

Road access in three areas on the Swan Lake Ranger District of the Flathead National Forest will be temporarily affected as several culverts are being replaced with bridges.  

Man pleads innocent to child assault charges

A Flathead County man has pleaded not guilty in District Court to three felony charges of sexual assaults against children.

Mexico's crisis of lawlessness

News about violence along the U.S.-Mexico border has become increasingly alarming and last week it became downright jarring with a report of 72 Central and South American migrants found slain on a ranch just south of the border.

Guitar paradise: Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival

Some of the biggest names in music gather for a memorable workshop in the Flathead Valley

Renowned jazz musician Jody Fisher stood before roughly a dozen guitarists last week at Flathead Lake Lodge, explaining how to own any song by mastering the infinite series of inverted chords for each note of the melody.

Bulldogs roll past Laurel

WHITEFISH - A combination of smooth passing and aggressive defense worked wonders for the Whitefish girls soccer team on Saturday.

Event showcases wilderness artwork

Art inspired by wilderness will be unveiled Tuesday, Sept. 14, at a Kalispell reception and presentation of Forest Inspirations: An Extension of the Artist-Wilderness-Connection Program.

Desmarais, Cheney lead Labor Day golf tourney

Scott Desmarais of Calgary shot a 5-under 65 on the Cameron 9 to take the first-day lead in the 73rd Labor Day golf tournament at Buffalo Hill Golf Club.

Poker legends: 'All in' with Todd, Pam and Doyle Brunson

I used to be a big fan of boxing, savoring the combination of grit and intelligence that great fighters brought to the ring, but then I discovered an even more arduous sport that also had great champions and terrible defeats.

Week in Pictures August 30 - September 5

Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival

Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival Matt Smith

Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival Doug Smith

Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival Alex De Grassi

Whitefish Laurel Boys Soccer

Whitefish Laurel Boys Soccer Focus

Whitefish Laurel Boys Soccer Header

Whitefish Laurel Girls Soccer

Whitefish Laurel Girls Soccer Swinging Kick

Whitefish Laurel Girls Soccer Celebration

Frederick Theodore Grimm, 79

Frederick Theodore Grimm, 79, of Helena, formerly Kalispell, passed away Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, at Big Sky Care Center. Fred was born May 21, 1931, to Theodore and Ellen (Radabah) Grimm in Kalispell. Fred enlisted in the United States Navy, serving from June 1948 to June 1952. Fred moved to East Helena 20 years ago, living with his sister Frances and her husband. He moved into Big Sky Care Center in 2002. He was preceded in death by his parents; twin sister, Peggy Jackson; and brother, Erwin Grimm. He is survived by his sisters, Margie and Gordon Midland of Columbia Falls, Frances and Butch Condon of East Helena, and Janet and Francis Flanigan of Kalispell; and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff at Big Sky Care Center for their loving care of their brother. Graveside services will be 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 8, at Montana State Veterans Cemetery. If you would like to send condolences to the family, please visit www.bigskyfunerals.com. Big Sky Cremations assisted the family with the services.

Douglas David Marengo, 58

Loving father and brother, Douglas David Marengo, 58, of Whitefish, and formerly of Polson, quietly passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010, at home in his sleep from complications of diabetes. Douglas was born in Polson on April 15, 1952, to Clarence Speedy and Irene Marengo. He graduated from Polson High School in 1971, where he, like his father, was a standout athlete in track and basketball. He married the love of his life, Dondi Wester, and together they had two sons. Although they later divorced, they remained close friends throughout the years. He was a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe, where he was employed for many years in various capacities. He was a true entrepreneur who never knew a stranger and was known as the original pawn star. He was most noted for his kindness, generosity, humor, and free foot massages. He was proud of Polson and sought to improve its beauty and appeal. For years it was common for Douglas to take his sons along to help him improve the landscape along the highway in Polson. Besides his mother and father, a son, Jesse, and a nephew, Joseph Ploymar, preceded Douglas in death. He is survived by two sons, Tanner Ross Marengo and Shannon Jesse Marengo; his siblings, Carole and Keith Fredrickson, Lynda Frost, Sheila Garrison, Greg and Ellen Marengo, Monty Marengo, Brad and Debbie Marengo, Cyndie Marengo, Kevin and Peggy Marengo, and Kim Marengo; as well as many aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. At his request, no public services are planned and a private family memorial service was held. Douglas remains will be scattered in the Jocko, where he spent much time camping and fishing. We will miss our dear father and brother and look forward to seeing him in the resurrection. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Mr. Marengo s family.

Stanley Everett Mildren, 74

Stanley Everett Mildren of Pullman, Wash., went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sept. 1, 2010. He died from complications of pulmonary fibrosis. He was born to Delmar and Selia Mildren on Feb. 14, 1936, in Creston. His family moved to a farm near Bigfork when he was 2. He graduated from Bigfork High School in 1954. He worked in a sawmill after high school until he was drafted into the Army, in 1957. While stationed in Seattle he met Jo Ann Benson and they married Oct. 4, 1959. In 1968, they moved to the Spokane area. They moved to Pullman, Wash., in 1984. Stan was an accountant by trade. He did what it took to provide for his family, doing a variety of jobs. Stan retired from Washington State University in 2006. He actively served in the churches he attended. He was a faithful husband and a caring father. He will be missed by those left behind. Stan is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Mildren, of Pullman, Wash.; his children and their spouses, Jane and Thomas Lawford of Moscow, Idaho, Tim and Sally Mildren of Spokane, Tristene Mildren (daughter-in-law) of Anchorage, Alaska, Lynn Miles of Shoreline, Wash., Nate and Rebecca Mildren of Tel Aviv, Israel, Dan and Denise Mildren of Bigfork, Joelle and Bill Maley of Rosalia, Wash., and Tom Mildren of Spokane; his brother, Alvin, and Anna Mildren of Helena; 13 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one son, Mark Mildren. A memorial service will be at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, at Living Faith Fellowship, S. 1035 Grand Ave., Pullman, Wash. A graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at Bigfork Community Cemetery on Swan River Road in Bigfork.

New season for No. 2 Griz

Griz fans have had plenty to talk about this offseason, from a new head coach to possible conference realignments to the return of Jimmy Wilson. And on and on.

Capital blows past Flathead

HELENA - Was it a football game or basketball?

High School Soccer: Whitefish boys blank Rams

WHITEFISH - The Whitefish-Billings Central rivalry balanced in the Bulldogs' favor on Friday.

Braves' Perrin sets fast pace at time trial

CUT BANK - The season isn't but a week old and Zach Perrin is already setting quite the pace in Class AA.

Whitefish girls team champs at Libby

Glacier’s Heather, Troy Fraley win individual titles

LIBBY - Whitefish had five girls place in the top seven spots to lead the Bulldogs to the team title Friday at the Libby Invitational cross country meet.

Sykes' gets new life again

Semitool founder to reopen ‘special place’

Ray Thompson, the company founder who recently sold Semitool, is purchasing the Sykes’ property from Doug and Judy Wise with a plan of opening the restaurant in about three weeks and a market at a later date.

No additional charges planned for corporal

A Flathead County Sheriff’s corporal will face no additional charges after being ticketed for driving under the influence of alcohol Aug. 28.

Community members join editorial board

Community members of the Inter Lake’s newly expanded editorial board have been announced by Publisher Rick Weaver, and met for the first time as a group last week.

High School Football: Bulldogs trip Browning

WHITEFISH - Jeremy Nielson ran for 153 yards on 22 carries and scored three touchdowns as the Whitefish Bulldogs dropped visiting Browning 27-6 in a nonconference football game on Friday night.

Daybook

Historic win for Wolfpack in Great Falls

Glacier stuns C.M. Russell for first time, 31-21

GREAT FALLS - Kalispell had only had a football team beat Great Falls C.M. Russell five times in the last 38 years.

Schmaltz, Iverson, Labor Day golf favorites

Youth has prevailed the last three years at the Labor Day golf tournament at Buffalo Hill Golf Club, and there's an excellent chance that trend will continue for another year.

Crash injures three

Three people were being treated for non-life threatening injuries Friday night after a truck hauling a boat collided with two other vehicles on Montana 82 just west of Sportsmen’s Bridge.

Youth pursues police career with passion

Margaret Cornell has known since junior high that she wanted to go into law enforcement.

Snoozing driver disappears

Kalispell Police Department officers were unable to find a man who apparently fell asleep at a stoplight on Woodland Park Drive. A caller reported the possible drunk driver to police after they honked their horn when the snoozing driver idled at a green light. Officers were unable to locate the man or the vehicle.

Whitefish Browning Football Panoramic Fumble

Whitefish Browning Football Celebration

Whitefish Browning Football Jersey Grab

Whitefish Browning Football Pack of Players

Whitefish Browning Football Tackle

Whitefish Browning Football Quarterback Throw

Whitefish Browning Football

Highway 82 Accident Pickup Truck

Highway 82 Accident

Police career

Sykes' owner

Knox Box

TurboCrib

Dale Willard Powell, 83

Dale Willard Powell passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Aug. 30, 2010, in Wilsonville, Ore. He was born April 9, 1927, in Laurel, to Roy and Grace Powell. Dale graduated from Flathead County High School in 1945. Upon graduation he served as a sergeant in the Occupation Army in Japan. He returned from the war and married his high school sweetheart, Ellen Jane Chapman, on June 11, 1947. Three children were born of the marriage " Victor Dale, Christine Ellen and Connie Rae. Dale worked for many years in the appliance and furniture business, including his own Powell s Furniture stores in Billings and Missoula. He retired in 1997 in Clarkston, Wash. Dale will be remembered with love for his service to others and his love of camping, fishing, gardening and family gatherings. He is survived by his wife, Jane, of Wilsonville; son, Victor, and wife, Bonnie, of Missoula; daughter, Christine and husband, Larry Porter, of Wilsonville; daughter, Connie and husband, Lee Cameron, of Arvada, Colo.; nine grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Cal and Annette Powell of Choteau, and Bob and Joyce Powell of Libby. Military interment services will be held Friday at Willamette National Cemetery. Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Meridian United Church of Christ in Wilsonville. Donations or memorials may be made to the Alzheimer s Association of Oregon.

Karen Elizabeth Jones Rost, 44

Karen Elizabeth Jones Rost, 44, wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend, passed on Aug. 31, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. Karen was born Jan. 14, 1966, in Shelby and raised in Columbia Falls. She married Mark Rost in 1989 in Kalispell. Karen enjoyed fishing and the outdoors. She especially loved spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Snyder. Karen is survived by her husband of 21 years, Mark Rost, and daughters, Adrienne and Kassie, of Bigfork; father, Larry Snyder, of Columbia Falls; and brothers and sisters, Tim and Maralyn Snyder of Chester, Dawn and Monte Fauque of Cut Bank, Bob and Kathy Snyder of Martin City, Tom and Liz Snyder of Essex, and Paul and Theresa Snyder of Columbia Falls. Cremation has taken place with Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, at Christian Crossroads Church in Bigfork. A reception will follow.

Dawn Marie Kell Fraser, 81

Dawn Marie Kell Fraser, 81, died Aug. 30, 2010, in Whitefish. She was born July 4, 1929, in Grand Forks, N.D., to Pauline Jane Rebetore and Ira Elmer Kell. Dawn was raised in Whitefish with her sister Betty Jane Kell Nucci. Dawn graduated from Whitefish High School and attended the University of Washington in Seattle. She married John Angus Fraser. The couple retired in Seattle in1992 and moved to Whitefish, where they enjoyed golfing with the Shriners. Dawn played bridge, and pursued her talents in organ and piano music. She is survived by their only daughter, Laurie Nakamoto, who lives with her husband in Arlington, Va.; two nieces, Susan Schenk and Mai Britt Bennett, both of Whitefish; and a nephew, John Angus Fraser, of Boise, Idaho. She is also survived by a cousin, Paulette Thompson, of Eugene, Ore. A memorial service will be announced in the future. She is being cared for by Austin Funeral Home.

Class AA Football Previews: Glacier at C.M. Russell, Flathead at Capital

Schweitzer's fiscal discipline

Gov. Brian Schweitzer deserves another tip of the hat for the fiscal discipline of state government under his leadership.

Final cherry harvest totals 2.75 million pounds

More than twice as many pounds of Flathead cherries were harvested by members of the Flathead Lake Cherry Growers Association in 2010 as last year, Monson Fruit Co. Field Representative Brian Campbell said.

Young grizzly moved from West Kootenai

A troublesome young grizzly bear has been captured in the West Kootenai community and relocated to the extreme northwest part of the state.

Standoff a 'living hell' for Weaver family

Sara Weaver-Balter, now from Marion, lived through the harrowing incident on Ruby Ridge in August 1992.

Radio station embezzler pleads guilty

Jessica McGee admitted in District Court Thursday to embezzling up to $67,000 from a Kalispell Christian radio station.

Fundraising continues for Bibler trail

As construction of the first major leg of the Sam Bibler Commemorative Trail proceeds, project supporters are continuing their efforts to raise the remaining $20,000 needed to complete the funding.

Glacier edges Flathead

Wolfpack stays undefeated with 3-2 victory over Bravettes

The Glacier Wolfpack volleyball team is still racking up the ‘firsts.'

Ruby Ridge survivor learns to forgive

‘A huge weight off my shoulders’

Sara Weaver-Balter has forgiven the federal agents who shot and killed her mother and brother 18 years ago on Idaho’s Ruby Ridge.

Whitefish holds back-to-school celebration

With schools back in session, Whitefish is gearing up for its annual back-to-school celebration.

Crosstown Volleyball

Juvenile Detention Center Mural

Juvenile Detention Center Murual

Darlene Kay Speer, 65

Darlene Kay Speer, 65, passed away, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010, at Healthcare Northwest in Kalispell. She was born on April 17, 1945, to Ralph and Georgina Yarde. Darlene attended Flathead High School. She married Ronald A. Speer on July 1, 1967. Darlene worked at Ace Powell Bronze Foundry and enjoyed being a housewife. She loved horses, birds, donkeys, dogs, mules, miniature donkeys and horses, horseback riding, motorcycle riding, four-wheelers, painting and shopping. Darlene is survived by her husband, Ronald Speer, of Columbia Falls; son, Clint Speer, and grandson, Drew Speer, of Kalispell; son, Cory Speer, and granddaughters, Morgan Speer and Josie Speer, of Spirit Lake, Idaho; and brother, Dick Yarde, of Kalispell. A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, at First Baptist Church , 6232 Hwy. 93, Whitefish, with Pastor Eugene Speer officiating. Memorial contributions may be made on Darlene s behalf to St. Jude Children s Hospital, St. Jude Children s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Darlene s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Darlene s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

Josi Jean Eve, 22

Josi Jean Eve, 22, of Great Falls, left this earth to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, Aug. 27, 2010. Funeral liturgy was on Aug. 31 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Great Falls. Josi passed away at home, surrounded by her family, friends and beloved pets, four years after suffering a traumatic brain injury from an auto accident on Aug. 13, 2006. Josi is survived by her father, Joseph, and Melanie, of Lakeside; her mother, Debra, and Bob Trujillo, of Great Falls; sisters and brothers, Theresa and Daniel of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Grant and Mercede of Great Falls, Kati of Billings, Lacey of Great Falls, and Miranda, Jacques and Dustin of Lakeside; her grandparents, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by an uncle, Michael John Eve. Memorials may be made to the YMCA of Great Falls, 220 2nd St. N., Great Falls, MT 59401; or to Montana Wilderness Association, 30 South Ewing, Helena, MT 59601: or to any charity that helps people or animals in need. Condolences may be sent in care of: P.O Box 9587, Kalispell, MT 59904.

Whitefish 'doughnut area' talks favor joint control

A committee tasked with finding a solution to governance of Whitefish’s two-mile planning “doughnut area” is leaning toward a plan that would give the county voting power for new zoning and land-use planning legislation in the doughnut.

Community council proposal surfaces

A new proposal to create a community council for Whitefish’s two-mile planning area was introduced Tuesday night during a city-county “doughnut” meeting.

Change of command

Apparently not everyone can hold their liquor

C. Falls man takes command of warship

A Columbia Falls native is now in command of a guided-missile destroyer and its 300-member crew.

Prosecutors oppose bid to move trial

The Flathead County Attorney’s Office is opposing an Evergreen teen’s request to move her trial on two counts of deliberate homicide out of Northwest Montana.

100 years of care from Sisters of Mercy

On a blustery day in 2002, Sister Roxanne Dolak braved a high ride in a lift to write a lasting message from the Sisters of Mercy on a beam supporting the new entry at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Iraq war: Lessons learned?

Iraq — a country many Americans probably would like to forget about — came back to the forefront this week with the announcement that the last American combat troops have left the country.

Constitution Party mainstay moving to Flathead

Chuck Baldwin, a former Constitution Party presidential candidate and Baptist pastor from Pensacola, Fla., plans to move to the Flathead Valley with his family.

Sisters of Mercy

Bailey Mae Scott

daughter of Jessica Scott, was born Aug. 2 at North Valley Hospital.

Wallace E. Mac McCulloch, 91

Wallace E. Mac McCulloch, 91, passed away Aug. 29, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. He was born in Staples, Minn., Aug. 20, 1919, to George and Anna McCulloch. Wallace s mother died when he was 4 years of age. In 1925 his father moved to Livingston and married Mary Evert. Wally graduated from Dawson County High School in 1937. He lettered in basketball and football. His father worked for the Northern Pacific Railroad and Wally went to work for them as a boilermaker s apprentice after high school graduation. In February of 1942 he enlisted in the Army Air Force. He served in the 12th Tow-target Squadron in California until transferred to the Dutch Indies. He was discharged as a master sergeant in December of 1945. In 1949, he graduated from Bemidji State College in northern Minnesota. He received his master s degree from Colorado State in Fort Collins, Colo. Wally s first teaching position was in Idaho Springs, Colo., in 1949 and in 1951 he became the auto mechanics teacher at Flathead County High School. During his tenure at FCHS, he started a local boys club that was active in repairing and redistributing children s toys at Christmas. He later was a charter sponsor of VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America). He served as president of the Montana State Vocational Association and was a member of the Governor s Vocational Advisory board for six years. In 1977 he retired from teaching. After retiring, he stayed busy building four houses and fine furniture for his family and friends. He loved the challenge of figuring out how something was done or put together, and made all the pieces for a spinning wheel, a tea cart and a muzzle loader just to see if he could. He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and served as a deacon, trustee and president of the congregation. He sang in the church choir and was a member of a barbershop quartet. In 1975 he, with his wife, Olen, served in the mission field for two months in Arusha, Tanzania, Africa. He was involved with training mechanics who kept the mission vehicles running. On their return to the States they visited their daughter, Colleen, in Okinawa, thus circling the globe. It was the first of several trips to foreign ports. In later years they spent their winters in Borrego Springs, Calif. He loved his family, hunting, fishing, golf and his workshop. When in high school, Mac wrote the motto for the class yearbook of 1937, If you must hammer, build something. The family deeply appreciates the thoughtfulness of their friends and staff at Buffalo Hill Terrace. He is survived by his wife, Olen, of 66 years; his sister, Kay Brumbaugh, and her husband, Gaylord, of Spokane; his daughters, Margie and Larry Simpson of Kalispell, and Colleen and Hugh T. Greenway of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.; his grandsons, David and Ann Lee Simpson of Asheville, N.C.; and Michael and Heidi Simpson, and great-grandchildren, Alexander and Olivia, of Boise, Idaho; John Greenway of Macon, Ga., and William Greenway of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. Funeral services for Wallace will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, with burial at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. There will be no visitation. The family suggests donations be sent to The Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, P.O. Box 8087, Billings, MT 59108-0807, or Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 603 South Main St., Kalispell, MT 59901. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Wallace s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Wallace s tribute wall.

Micah Cruz Soto

son of Rachel Miciewicz and Richard Soto, was born Aug. 3 at North Valley Hospital.

Randall Carlton Clements, 54

Randall Carlton Clements, 54, passed away on Friday, Aug. 27, 2010, at his home in Kalispell. He was born in LaJunta, Colo., to Richard and Mary (Roberts) Clements. He was raised in Manzanola, Colo., where he attended school. Randall married Andrea Shadler on June 29, 1998, in Raton, N.M. He worked on the family farm, traveled with the family around the country shearing sheep, and had worked as a heavy duty equipment operator. He enjoyed woodworking. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother. Randall is survived by his wife, Andrea; a daughter, Rebecca Clements, of Kalispell; a stepson, Eric, and his wife, Megan Miletich; granddaughter, Katie Miletich; half brother, Kenny Purcell; brother, Sonny Clements; and sister, Tommy Clements. The family requests donations in Randall s name be made to the Flathead Valley Hockey Association, P.O. Box 2205, Kalispell, MT 59903-2205. You are invited to go to www.buffalohillfh.com to sign his book, or leave a message for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.

George Buck Reeder, Jr., 76

George Buck Reeder, Jr., 76, of Lengby, Minn., and formerly of Kalispell, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010, at his home after a battle with cancer. A celebration of Buck s life was held on Aug. 21 at Buck and Barb s home in Lengby. Military honors were conducted by the Lengby VFW Post No. 2759. Arrangements were with the Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home of Fosston, Minn., and messages of condolence may be sent at www.carlinhoialmen.com. Buck is survived by his life partner, Barb Thom, of Lengby; son, Clifton, and Nancy Reeder; daughters, Christina Reeder, and CarolLee and Kid Reeder, all of the Twin Cities area; one sister, Rosalie, and Joe Manzi, of Geneva, Ohio; and a special cousin, Phyllis, and Joe Carr, of Wilmington, Del. Survivors also include stepchildren, Jody and Terry Peterson, Jerry Thom of Lengby, Jamie and Cherie Thom of Moorhead, Minn.; 11 grandchildren; four stepgrandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons George Reeder Bucko and Brian Reeder; and one granddaughter, Laura Reeder.

Columbia Falls, Bigfork settle for tie in soccer

COLUMBIA FALLS - The early season rust is still being shaken off by the Columbia Falls and Bigfork boys soccer squads as both teams came away scoreless in a Northern A matchup on Tuesday.

Road move may nix bridge

The Flathead County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to abandon a short road in Hungry Horse, a decision that may end a developer’s plans to build a private bridge over the Flathead River.

Duct-taped man on way to hospital

Daybook

Platke pulls through on 18

Birdie putt on final hole earns WHS junior medalist honors

Reed Platke admits that it wasn't the best place for him to be.

West Valley enrollment jumps 8.8 percent

Todd Fiske long has maintained that if he could handpick new students at West Valley School, he could squeeze in a lot more kids.

Glacier, Stillwater win volleyball outings

MISSOULA — Lexy Boschee had 19 kills and three blocks, Cami Mathison had 12 digs and two aces and the Glacier volleyball team improved to 3-0 overall with a conference win against Hellgate on Tuesday.

Couple's bodies found after fire destroys their home

Ted Hardgrove could be spotted on Thursdays peddling his invention, the haywire klamper, at the Farmer’s Market in Libby. His wife, Swanie Hardgrove, was equally as handy — she baked delicious recipes and had mastered the art of tatting, a form of lace-making.

Sheriff's official charged with DUI

A veteran law enforcement officer and former candidate for Flathead County Sheriff was cited Saturday night for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

Families pitch in to improve Creston School

When Creston School found itself needing more space, it turned to its families for help.