Ellington

Woman faces prostitution charge

A 43-year-old Kalispell woman could face up to life in prison after allegedly forcing a 13-year-old girl into prostitution to support the woman's drug habit.

Sports season tickets for sale

All-sports season tickets are available for $50 at the Flathead and Glacier high school offices.

Sealant still an open issue at 911 center

Sealant problems still need to be addressed at the Flathead County 911 center.

Student musicians picked as best in state

Thirty-three Kalispell students have been selected for the 2011 Montana All-State Music Festival.

Hospital begins $2 million campaign

North Valley aims to build funding for future services

North Valley Hospital Foundation kicked off its Legacy of Caring campaign recently.

Wolf reportedly kills dog on Blankenship Rd.

A big boost from small arms

When one thinks about economic recovery in Northwest Montana these days, it’s not always a positive picture that comes to mind.

Bertha Gostnell

Brien Edward Pyles, 49

Brien Edward Pyles, 49, of Martin City, passed away on Monday, Aug. 29, 2011, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

Paul Michael Busch, 25

Paul Michael Busch “entered heaven” on Aug. 27, 2011, due to an accidental drowning.

Bertha Jean (Jorgenson) Gostnell, 69

Bertha Jean (Jorgenson) Gostnell, 69, of Columbia Falls, passed away Monday, Aug. 29, 2011, at Northwest Health Center in Kalispell.

Irene Elizabeth Taylor, 81

Heavens sunrise

The 8,987-foot summit of Heavens Peak catches the first rays of sunrise in Glacier National Park.

Schweitzer could be fined $4,100 in ethics case

Jennifer Ellen Johnson

Jennifer Ellen Johnson

Daniel Smith

Daniel Smith

Contest

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Taxidermy contest

Applebee's construction

Workers raise trusses for the new Applebee’s restaurant near Costco on Wednesday morning.

Kelly St. Onge

Kelly St. Onge at Mountain West Bank on Wednesday morning.

Sandra K. Lewis, 58

Sandra K. Lewis, 58, passed away on Monday, Aug. 29, 2011, at HealthCenter Northwest in Kalispell.

Jake Rigby

Jake Rigby, a Glacier Park seasonal worker, has been missing since Sunday.

Glacier, Stillwater spikers triumph

MISSOULA - Glacier's volleyball team overcame a slow start to dispense with Missoula Hellgate 21-25, 25-10, 25-19, 25-18 in Western AA play on Tuesday.

Platke finishes with a 67; wins Flatfish Invitational

WHITEFISH - There were no bogeys, just plenty of pars to go with four birdies - two on both nines - for Whitefish's Reed Platke on the final day of the Flatfish Invitational at Whitefish Lake Golf Club on Tuesday.

Soccer: Late goals lift Wildcats over Vikings

Bigfork boys soccer coach Keith Koslosky defined his team's conference opener against Columbia Falls (1-1, 1-0)with a single word - heartbreaker.

No need for county fire restrictions yet

Although several wildfires are burning in Northwest Montana, it’s not yet necessary to implement specific restrictions on fires or burning, the Flathead County fire service area manager told county commissioners recently.

Public-safety tax proposed to fund 911 center

The next logical step in creating a permanent funding stream for the new consolidated 911 center in Flathead County is to add a public-safety levy to property tax bills in the county, Flathead County Commissioner and 911 board chairman Jim Dupont said at a Monday night meeting to discuss the center.

Kalispell swimmer takes on Lake Chelan

Kalispell long-distance swimmer Emily von Jentzen will start swimming at noon today for what she hopes will be a historic swim across the 55-mile-long Lake Chelan in northern Washington.

College offers classes for infant care certification

Flathead Valley Community College created a class this fall for educators who work with children under 36 months old. 

Ralph Douglas Boots, 87

Ralph Douglas Boots, 87, passed away on Aug. 28, 2011, at The Springs of Whitefish.

Nancy J. Watson, 80

Comment period ends for CFAC power deal

Today is the last day to comment on Bonneville Power Administration’s proposed electric power deal that could provide service to the dormant Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. for up to 4 1/2 years.

Yellowstone hiker killed by bear

Guitar heroes

Joe Bonamassa kicks off the evening solo before being joined by rock guitarist Steve Lukather and jazz guitarist Lee Ritenour, bass guitarist Melvin Lee Davis and Dave Weckl on drums on Monday night during the Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival at the Flathead Lake Lodge.

Flatfish Invitational

Reed Platke, senior at Whitefish High School, lines up a putt on the fourth green at Whitefish Lake Golf Club during the second day of the Flatfish Invitation on Tuesday morning.

Glacier Park search to resume on Thursday

A massive search for a missing hiker unsuccessfully concluded its third day Wednesday in Glacier National Park's alpine backcountry.

Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival

Grammy-winning jazz guitarist Lee Ritenour plays with Joe Bonamassa and Steve Lukather Monday night during the Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival.  

Grill 459 Menu

Big Salmon Fire map 8/28

This map shows the progression of the Big Salmon Lake Fire in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. The fire has covered 4,100 acres since it was started Aug. 16 by people.

Hammer Creek Fire map 8/28

This map shows the patterns of growth of the Hammer Creek Fire in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. The fire, currently at 5,100 acres, tripled its size in the past week. The fire was ignited by lightning on Aug. 8.

Glacier's Ballard leads Flatfish Invitational

An improved swing, a new outlook and better scores ... golf is suddenly a lot more enjoyable for Shelby Ballard.

Hunt is on for killer Yellowstone grizzly

BILLINGS - Wildlife agents were trying to capture a grizzly bear in Yellowstone National Park on Monday after it killed a Michigan hiker in the second fatal bear attack this summer at the famed park.

Little Leaguers welcomed home as stars

BILLINGS  — The first Montana team to advance to the Little League World Series is back home after spending nearly a month on the road.

Kalispell griz may have moved on

A grizzly bear that wandered well into the Kalispell area recently has eluded capture, probably finding its way back to safer territory.

Weather may change fire situation

The National Weather Service is forecasting a weather front that should cool down Western Montana fires, including a new one that recently emerged northeast of Libby. 

Lemonade stand run by smart cookies

A person calling the

Big Sky All Stars

Gabe Sulser hugs his brother Ben as Big Sky Little League players arrive at the Billings airport Sunday evening to the cheers of friends and family.

Big Salmon Lake Fire

The Big Salmon Lake Fire puts up a sizable plume of smoke on Sunday. The fire has covered 4,100 acres in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

Flatfish Invitational

Lindsey Trent, right, senior from Hellgate High School, tees off on the seventh hole during the Flatfish Invitational on Monday afternoon at Whitefish Lake Golf Club.

Hal "Doc" Wayne Reading, 59

Hal "Doc" Wayne Reading, 59, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday Aug. 21, 2011, surrounded by close friends, family and his beloved golden retrievers after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer.

Hal 'Doc' Reading

Hal 'Doc' Reading

This Week in Pictures August 22-28

Man tosses stuff at passing cars

At 3 p.m. Sunday, the Kalispell Police Department received a report of a man in his mid-20s walking south on U.S. 93 North and throwing stuff at passing cars. The caller said the man was acting like he was going to jump into traffic and laughing as drivers slammed on their brakes.

Locally made rifle wins top honor

Brian Sipe nods with satisfaction that Field and Stream magazine recently recognized his American Standard Rifle as the "Best of the Best" new rifle on the market in its first year of production, but it's an accomplishment that took a long time to develop.

Daybook

Painter wants decorative work on old vaults

Determining whether to spend any money to paint three original Victory safe doors as part of the restoration effort at the Flathead County Courthouse is under review by the county commissioners.

Outdoor camps offered

Group forms to offer helping hand for those who knew fallen officers

The Kalispell-based nonprofit Montana Concerns of Police Survivors stands ready to help and offer a hand up to family, friends and coworkers of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

Soccer: Columbia Falls girls blank Stillwater 11-0

Volleyball: Bravettes sweep Rustlers, Bison

Soccer: Stillwater boys top C-Falls

Cities, county to discuss 911 center funds

The funding and structure of the 911 center is the topic of discussion at a Monday meeting of Flathead County governing bodies.

Sen. Tester, how about an apology?

Sen. Tester’s honesty and integrity are now on trial. His campaign has engaged in a dishonest smear attack that should unnerve all Montanans. Sen. Tester’s campaign falsely stated that Concerned Women for America (CWA) — which has 500,000 members nationally and more than 2,500 in Montana — lobbied Congress against child pornography protection. This charge is completely false, and Sen. Tester should immediately apologize.

End of the line for Billings

Little League team falls 11-2 to squad from California

A smart move for the county

Flathead Industries and the Flathead County Solid Waste District Board should be lauded for their well-intentioned pilot program aimed at diverting useful items left at the Colulmbia Falls garbage container site from the county landfill to local thrift stores.

Ex-federal defender turns to private law practice

After spending 20 years wrangling with all manner of legal cases for the Department of Agriculture — mostly representing the Forest Service — Ken Pitt is setting up shop as an environmental attorney in Polson.

Bob Spencer

Bob Spencer, who graduated from Flathead High School in 1987, is the brains behind the new “You KNOW you’re from Kalispell (whtfish, C.F., Somers) if you remember ...” page on Facebook. As of Sunday afternoon, the group had 1,005 members.

Mark Edward Olson, 40

Little League

Billings second baseman Jet Campbell waits out a pitching change during the U.S. Championship baseball game against Huntington Beach, Calif., at the Little League World Series Saturday.

Magdalene Martha Spry, 90

Magdalene Martha Spry, 90, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011, in Kalispell.

Manford E. 'Buzz' Johnson, 87

Buzz Johnson died on Aug. 17, 2011, in Beaverton, Ore., from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.

Hal 'Doc' Wayne Reading, 59

New Mindset List makes me feel old

 One of my esteemed colleagues shared an interesting bit of information the other day when he alerted me about the newly released Mindset List at Beloit College, a private school in southeastern Wisconsin.

Aaron Scott Robinson, 24

Mary Kathryn (Polensky) Herman, 69

Sept. opening planned by some schools

The Daily Inter Lake

William 'Bill' Moser, 67

Paint the Mansion

Artists celebrate Kalispell landmark in competition

The event was the brainchild of museum Director Mike Kofford. Kofford said he got the idea from watching a museum visitor working on a painting. He asked if the painter would be interested in coming back for an event that invited area artists to the mansion for a competition. When the painter said yes, Kofford decided to create Paint the Mansion. He promises to bring the competition back next year if the event is a success. He chose this time of year for the competition because the gardens are at their peak.

Revolution went from violent overthrow to co-opting the system

Does any legitimate authority really think that communists targeted the U.S. public education system as a means to transform the American character from rugged individualism to comfortable socialism?

Stillwater Christian defeats Columbia Falls

Stillwater Christian School's Joshua Bray (3) goes up for a header as teammate Travis Kauffman (4) and Columbia Falls's Kevin Shea (18) look on during  Saturday's nonconference soccer match in Columbia Falls.

Glacier passes 1st test, beats Skyview

The situation ... 6:40 to go, the Skyview Falcons had just cut the Glacier Wolfpack lead to four points - and a football game which had seemed firmly in hand for the Wolfpack is suddenly a bit of a question.

Senior rolls over Flathead in AA football opener

BILLINGS - Flathead fell to Billings Senior 56-28 in a fast-paced and high-scoring Class AA football season opener at Wendy's Field at Daylis Stadium Friday afternoon.

Billings Skyview at Glacier

Glacier running back Kyle Griffith (3) breaks a tackle by a Billings Skyview defender on a run Friday night at Legends Stadium.

Frenchtown will make Northwestern A football a lot tougher

Frenchtown is in, Ronan is out.

Bulldogs blow out Stevensville

WHITEFISH - It might be hard for the Whitefish girls to top this offensive showing.

Speeding biker evades troopers

The Billings Big Sky All-Stars

The Billings Big Sky All-Stars play today in the Little League World Series U.S. Championship  game against Huntington Beach, Calif. In this photo, Ben Askelson of Billings is mobbed by teammates after he hit a game-winning home run in extra innings Wednesday to give Montana a 1-0 semifinal victory over the California team. Huntington Beach won a consolation-bracket game on Thursday to earn a rematch against Billings. The winner of today’s game (to be broadcast on ABC) advances to Sunday’s game against the international champion for the Little League World Series title. The loser of the Montana-California contest plays in a consolation final on Sunday.

Team captures state's imagination

Championship game starts at 1 p.m. today

 A young Montana team chasing its baseball dream has captured the hearts and imaginations of residents across the state.

Fish project targets Necklace Lakes

A multiyear project aimed at restoring native westslope cutthroat trout in alpine lakes above the South Fork Flathead drainage will resume next week when Necklace Lakes will be treated with a toxin to remove non-native or hybrid fish.

Evacuations in N. Carolina as Irene approaches

Montana Rifle Co.

Brian Sipe, owner of Montana Firearms Group and the Montana Rifleman, has been making rifle barrels for more than 20 years.

Whitefish Girls Soccer Season Opener

Whitefish junior forward Megan Danczyk (13) pushes past Stevensville defender Megan Greene during the first half of Friday’s soccer match in Whitefish.

Glacier National Park

A chipmunk enjoys its breakfast on Thursday morning near the Logan Pass Vistors Center in Glacier National Park.

Back to School

West Glacier Elementary School Principal Cory Pierce uses the quiet early hours of Thursday to work on a paperwork related to a Montana Office of Public Instruction grant. Students at West Glacier will start back to school on September 1st.

Paint the Mansion

This watercolor painting by local artist Karen Leigh took first place in the professional category of the Paint the Mansion event on Tuesday in Kalispell. First place in the amateur category was won by Mary Miers for her pencil sketch of the mansion.

Flathead football focused on future

There's no escaping the fact that the 2010 season was a disappointing one for the Flathead Braves.

Glacier's young, but talented on the gridiron

Some different guys are going to get their shot.

Bravettes have something to prove in volleyball

A definite sour taste.

Wolfpack spikers aiming higher

The foundation has been set for the Glacier Wolfpack volleyball team.

EPA releases final Libby asbestos report

Federal environmental regulators are seeking public comment on a toxicology study that details the dangers of asbestos from a Montana mine that has killed hundreds of people.

Fire along South Fork reaches 2,800 acres

The Hammer Creek Fire appears to have doubled in size over the last two or three days, according to updated reports on three active fires in Northwest Montana.

Manford E. 'Buzz' Johnson, 87

Buzz Johnson died on Aug. 17, 2011, in Beaverton, Ore., from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.

Phillip A. Sieler Sr., 62

On Aug. 22, 2011, Phillip A. Sieler Sr., “went home to be with his Savior.” At the age of 10, Phil placed his faith in the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. From that time on he knew his home was heaven.

Montana's disaster assistance list grows

Flathead is one of 15 Montana counties and one Indian reservation added to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s eligibility list for assistance related to flooding and severe storms earlier this year.

'Everybody's talking about it'

Montana boys make their mark in World Series

The boys from Billings are the talk of the town.

Ram tough

A bighorn sheep makes its way through the parking lot at Logan Pass on Thursday morning in Glacier National Park.

The Koreas: NKorea reported ready to halt WMD tests

AP interactives header

Kila School

Jorden Jensen, center, holds up four fingers to display his shoe size during ice-breaking exercises at Kila School on Thursday morning. Students raced around the gym to form groups based on eye color, age and shoe size.

Opinion Header

Social Media Header

Fire training

Jason Schwaiger, left, is carefully lowered into position while practicing a ropes rescue during a training exercise at the Kalispell Fire Department North Station on Wednesday afternoon.

Becky Sturdevant

Becky Sturdevant stands with a photo of her son, Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Evan Schneider, who was killed when an oncoming pickup truck crossed the center line and struck the trooper’s car head-on in 2008.

Football Preview

Anthony Gugliuzza returns a kick during practice on Wednesday at Glacier High School.

US Troop Fund Bake Sale

Jeannie Sattler of Whitefish works in her kitchen on Wednesday afternoon preparing vegetables and making salsa to sale on Saturday at the US Troop Fund Bake Sale at Army/Navy of Whitefish. The sale is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds will be used to purchase and ship supplies to troops and schools in Afghanistan. Also at the bake sale people can view and buy raffle tickets for a quilt that will be raffled at noon on September 11 at the Whitefish VFW. Sattler has volunteered for the bake sale for four years. Later this week she'll be working on bananna nut bread and cherry pie, also for the sale.

SBA offers disaster loans

Disaster loans through the Small Business Administration are available to some residents of Flathead, Lake and Sanders counties stemming from economic injury suffered as a result of severe storms and flooding in Montana.

A start at better government

Usually, an interim legislative committee generates more yawns than yippees, but in the case of the new Select Committee on Government Efficiency, we think at least a tentative cheer is appropriate.

Was mini-chopper spying or just flying?

Fire crews gear for possibility of lightning

While some firefighting resources are being redirected from the Flathead area to other parts of the state, local firefighters are gearing up for possible lightning today and tonight.

Donald A. Blair, 77

Donald A. Blair passed “from this life into eternity” at his home near Columbia Falls on Aug. 23, 2011, following a brief, but heroic surrender to cancer.

Unusual earthquake: Strong tremor along East Coast

Dick Lowell, 70

Jack West, 78

Jack West, 78, passed away Aug. 22, 2011, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center of congestive heart failure.

Local fair attendance soars

The numbers couldn’t be much better for this year’s edition of the Northwest Montana Fair, according to Flathead County Fairgrounds Manager Mark Campbell.

Glacier Sun Winery

Dana Cordell fills bottles of wine during the first major bottling at Glacier Sun Winery Tuesday afternoon. Ninety cases of the winery's cab-sauv, merlot, cab-franc blend, Triple Arches, were bottled. Glacier Sun Winery is owned by Cordell and her husband David.

US Highway 93 Under Construction

Construction crews begin milling US Highway 93 southbound on Wednesday afternoon near Happy Valley. Motorists are advised to expect reduced speeds, fresh oil, loose gravel, single lane closures, grooved surfaces, temporary traffic lights, flaggers and short delays.

First day of school

Kurt Weber, left, demonstrates how to strum to his introductory guitar class during the first day of school at Evergreen Junior High on Wednesday morning.

Fair

View of the Ferris Wheel and Northwest Montana Fair sign.

This Week in Pictures August 15-21

Hammer Creek Fire map 8/23

This map shows the progression of the Hammer Creek Fire, which started Aug. 8 in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

Big Salmon Fire map 8/21

This map shows the area covered by the Big Salmon Lake Fire as of Aug. 21. 

Two KATS shine at Zones

KATS swimmers Joseph Potkonjak (12) and Maxie Scroggs (17) competed in the Western Zones Long Course Championships in Clovis, Calif., Aug. 9-13.

Glacier boys tie Billings West for golf title

Glacier's boys golf team slipped a little on the final day of play at the Great Falls Invitational on Tuesday at Eagle Falls, but not enough to prevent the Wolfpack for tying for team honors.

Evergreen schools offer adult ed classes

The Evergreen School District will offer a variety of adult education classes throughout the school year. The classes are free and cover topics ranging from computer basics to dance to parenting.

Attorney says death penalty unconstitutional

An attorney for accused double murderer Tyler Michael Miller argued that Montana’s death penalty statutes are unconstitutional Tuesday during a brief hearing in Flathead District Court.

Colorado visitor dies on Glacier Park trail

A 69-year-old man from Arvada, Colo., was hiking Glacier National Park’s Gunsight Pass Trail when he apparently suffered a heart attack at about 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Crews gain ground on new local fires

Firefighters continued to tangle with a new fire east of Stryker while two fires in the Bob Marshall Wilderness were mostly unaffected by stiff winds Tuesday.

Council nears vote on Westside tax district

The Kalispell City Council will decide at its next regular meeting whether it wants to move to expand the Westside Tax Increment Financing District, which is on track to sunset in March 2012.

Firearm drawn on driver in roadway dispute

The

Trevor Dale Mead, 31

Trevor Dale Mead, 31, of Bozeman, passed away Friday, Aug. 12, 2011.

William Eugene Arend Jr., 53

William Eugene “Bill” Arend Jr., 53, passed away on Monday, Aug. 22, 2011, in Rollins.

Robert 'Bob' L. Wilson, 81

Robert “Bob” L. Wilson, of Whitefish, died of natural causes Sunday, Aug. 21, 2011. He was 81 years old.

Donald George Trankle, 89

College extends deadline for culinary program

Flathead Valley Community College has extended the application deadline for the fall 2011 culinary arts program to Aug. 29. 

Dr. David William Bossler, 87

Tyler Miller in Court

Ed Sheehy, one of Tyler Miller's attorneys, in court on Tuesday in Kalispell. Sheehy and Larrivee submitted a motion on June 1, stating that Montana's death penalty statutes are unconstitutional because sentencing powers are vested in judges rather than juries.

Fitzsimmons Creek fire

Bryan Olson, left, and Christopher Smith from the Murphy Lake Ranger Station stand near a portable water tank as they watch the Fitzsimmons Creek Fire burn Tuesday afternoon east of Stryker.

25th Anniversary of the Kalispell Center Mall

David Peterson of Goodale and Barbieri Company at the Kalispell Center Mall on Monday afternoon.

If Sarah Palin gets in the race, do you consider her qualified to be president?

Wolfpack leads Great Falls Invitational

GREAT FALLS - The Glacier Wolfpack shot a 300 on Monday to lead the Great Falls Invitational golf tournament.

Commissioners say green-belt zoning foes off-base

A new zone classification was added to Flathead County's zone options in late July after commissioners approved a highway greenbelt designation.

John "Dale" Ashby

John "Dale" Ashby, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend, "returned to his loving Heavenly Father" on Friday, Aug. 19, 2011.

Kay Schweitzer

Kay Schweitzer

Kathleen "Kay" Helen Schweitzer, 83

Kathleen "Kay" Helen Schweitzer, of Helena, died from an accident on Aug. 21, 2011, at the age of 83.

Stolen car was hotwired

The Flathead County Sheriff's Office got a report Sunday from a man who said his Honda was stolen from a Mission Trail address. He called back later to report that he located the car at an eatery on West idaho in Kalispell, and that ignition wires had been pulled out to hotwire the vehicle.

City raises questions for legislative panel

The Select Committee on Government Efficiency heard Monday about how state government has been passing its costs on to cities.

Firefighters called to new fires

Fire crews scrambled Monday to two new fires near the Flathead Valley: one north of Whitefish and one southwest of Tally Lake.

Lost Creek

A helicopter carries a helitorch Friday to ignite a burnout on the South Fork Lost Creek Fire.

Connolly Charged

Bryson Connolly in Justice Court on Monday afternoon in Kalispell. Connolly was charged with attempted deliberate homicide, assault on peace officer and two counts of assault with a weapon.

Mayor and City Manager

Kalispell City Manager Jane Howington, left, speaks on Monday before a legislative panel on government efficiency. To the right is Kalispell Mayor Tammi Fisher.

Slash Pile Burn

Firefighters Joe Brenneman, River Mallery, John Klippel and Carl Strand head into deep brush in the Lake Blaine area Monday morning as they look for a fire that had been spotted from the sky. The smoke was the result of a slash pile burn.

Home Health Care

Kathy Warmoth of Agape Home Care plays Scrabble with Linda Powell on Friday morning in Evergreen.

'Stolen' car moved by jokester friend

At 11:44 p.m. Saturday, the Kalispell Police Department received a call from a man on Seventh Avenue West North who reported his Honda Accord stolen. A few minutes later the man called back to cancel his report. He said he found his car two blocks away and that his friend had moved it as a joke.

Radio man has long career in industry

Robin Mitchell attributes his success in the radio business to two simple strategies: Give the people what they want and don't be afraid to take chances.

Man involved in standoff sentenced

Zach Torres choked back tears Friday in Flathead District Court as he apologized to the police officer he was found guilty of endangering after firing a bullet in his direction during a 2009 standoff.

Dog recovering from twin tick infections

A Columbia Falls couple continues nursing their dog back to health after it was bitten by a tick and afflicted with Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Home front: The domestic toll from a decade of war

Eash cashes in at fair rodeo

LeRoy Eash pumped his fist in an uppercut motion and produced a beaming smile as he strided out of the office of the Northwest Montana Fair PRCA Rodeo at the Flathead County Fairgrounds Saturday.

'Pleasure Vineyard' - A new American dream

I have a dream. A dream where Congress and the president are on perpetual vacation.

Northwest Montana Rodeo

James Irish of Lewistown rides Easy Does It in the saddle bronc competition on Saturday night at the Northwest Montana Fair PRCA Rodeo in Kalispell.

Reported crime, heart attack untrue

The

Fix needed for asbestos law

Whether or not you support the federal health-care reform law, the special dispensation given to help Libby asbestos victims is a vital step in providing care for some very sick people.

The revolution you may not even know happened

Revolutionaries, by the very nature of their task, face a peculiar challenge that creates inherent risk in their enterprise, and thus necessitates that they be ready to change tactics frequently.

2 men sought in ongoing vandalism case in Bigfork

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office is looking for two people in connection to a rash of vandalism in Bigfork.

Panel looks toward efficient government

A panel of Montana legislators will meet in Kalispell this week to discuss efficiency in government with local officials, health care and technology experts and the public.

Colors of the carnival

Today is the last day of the fair.

Floyd Virgil Gordon, 75

Floyd Virgil Gordon, 75, died Aug. 18, 2011, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell from natural causes. 

Louisa M. Lovering, 90

Scavenging ban hasn't boosted trash load

The amount of waste hauled from the garbage container site in Columbia Falls hasn’t increased in the six weeks since the solid waste district banned scavenging from the garbage containers, the landfill operations manager recently told Flathead County commissioners.

Winds could raise fire activity today

Fire activity was relatively quiet Saturday, with fires in Northwest Montana gaining little ground.

Robert 'Bob' Weber Jr., 59

Man accused of firing at sheriff's deputy

Flathead County Sheriff’s deputies Eric Morrison, left, and Danny Thompson observe damage on the patrol vehicle, which was shot at least twice.

Triplett back in business

Columbia Falls bull rider posts a 79 on King of the Road; sitting in 2nd place

By the skin of his teeth or the hair of his chin ... whichever saying you prefer ... doesn't matter. Matt Triplett got it done in the bull riding on Friday night.

Friday Night Rodeo

Luke Gee of Stanford wrestles a steer on Friday night at the Northwest Montana Fair PRCA Rodeo in Kalispell.

Baby sitter faces assault charges

A baby sitter could face a prison sentence after she was arrested Wednesday for allegedly dropping and shaking a 7-month-old infant who later was found to have a fractured skull.

Teen faces charges for high-speed accident

A 19-year-old Kalispell man is facing five felonies and multiple misdemeanor charges in Flathead District Court for a May 15 high-speed crash that ejected him from the vehicle he was driving and left five people injured.

Joseph Strauss, 88

Joseph Strauss (Straszewski), 88, passed peacefully on Aug. 18, 2011, at Sylview Healthcare Center in Sylvania, Ga., following a lengthy illness.

Burnout effort aims to rein in Swan fire

Two large wildfires in the Bob Marshall Wilderness settled down somewhat Friday, while a burnout operation was initiated on a fire just outside the wilderness seven miles southeast of Swan Lake.

Lost Creek fire

A helicopter makes a water drop on the South Fork Lost Creek Fire.

Unflushed toilet a burglary clue?

The

Robert Jay Jeffries, 44

Robert Jay Jeffries, 44, of Columbia Falls, died Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011, at his home of heart and lung failure.

China, U.S. VPs meet to strengthen relations

Jobless rate dips

Flathead County’s unemployment rate improved a full percentage point in July as the effect of seasonal summer hiring finally kicked in.

School days arrive next week

Summer’s days are numbered and children across the valley are gearing up for a new school year.

Fair parade

Dick Bratton tunes his bagpipe before the Northwest Montana Fair Parade on Friday morning. Bratton walked in the parade with the Montana Highlanders.

Farewell to the Fair

The ferris wheel at the Northwest Montana Fairgounds lights up against the sunset sky on Thursday night in Kalispell. Today is the last day of the fair.

Fair Round Up

A line forms in front of the Round Up ride on Thursday evening at the Northwest Montana Fair in Kalispell.

Colors of the Fair

Riders on the Tornado create a blur against the ferris wheel and the night sky at the Northwest Montana Fair on Thursday in Kalispell.

Ridin' high: Texas cowboy Richardson turns in an 81 to lead bull riding

These days, riding is the easy part of rodeoing for Bryan Richardson of Dallas.

Hammer Creek aftermath

Smoldering areas remain after the Hammer Creek Fire burned through this area of the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

Wilderness fires

This aerial view shows the Hammer Creek Fire, foreground, burning along the South Fork of the Flathead River, and the Big Salmon Lake Fire burning at left in the distance.

Northwest Montana Fair PRCA Rodeo

Nolan Conway of Browning wrestles a steer to the ground during the first night of the PRCA rodeo at the Northwest Montana Fair Thursday.

Raffle tickets being sold for new truck

Those who haven’t yet purchased tickets for the pickup truck being raffled off by Kalispell schools will have an opportunity to do so at the Northwest Montana Fair.

ABC show chronicles murder case

The ABC news magazine “20/20” will air an hourlong report tonight on the murder trial of Justine Winter for the 2009 car crash that killed Erin Thompson and her son, Caden Odell, north of Kalispell.

Show to benefit CARE in Whitefish

Whitefish residents soon will start receiving phone calls about a concert to benefit a nonprofit that helps students make healthy choices.

Pint-sized pals get their day at the fair

The Northwest Montana Fair isn’t all about farm livestock. The little guys get a lot of love, too.

Big Salmon Lake fire

Woman rolls, keeps on driving

T

Louis Allison Dahle, 88

Louis Allison Dahle, 88 years of age, of Kalispell, passed away at home on Aug. 16, 2011, after an extended illness.

Missouri town on the road to recovery

William Lysle 'Bill' McMannamy, 41

John Lester Ament, 62

Ousted by Gov: Is that so bad?

A bizarre set of events unfolded in the hallowed halls of state government during the past week.

Back to School at Whitefish Christian Academy

From left, David Restivo, a parent, and Joe Coco, a board member, work on putting together a new desk on Saturday, August 13, at the Whitefish Christian Academy.

Pocket Pals at the Fair

Bryce Erbelding, 12, of Kalispell, shows off Onyx, her red-tail boa, before the judging of the Pocket Pals on Thursday morning at the Northwest Montana Fair in Kalispell.

Daily deals

From left to right, Zach Bernheim, Ethan Golf and Mark DeLorme started Eponme.com, a community based deal and coupon website.

Big Salmon Fire map 8/17

This map shows the area covered by the Big Salmon Fire as of Thursday, when it was estimated at 2,000 acres.

Robin Mitchell Profile

Robin Mitchell goes over the daily news on Wednesday afternoon at KGEZ in Kalispell.

Edgerton School

A paving crew works to smooth out a new layer of asphalt on the driveway to Edgerton School on Aug. 4. Classes start Wednesday at Edgerton and other Kalispell schools.

Changes to the library at Helena Flats School

Liz Sorlie sorts and arranges books at the library at Helena Flats School on Wednesday afternoon as she begins to get ready for her first year as librarian at the school. The first day of classes is Aug. 29 at Helena Flats.

Fire map for Aug. 18, 2011

This Google Earth map shows the location of three major fires burning in Northwest Montana. From top are the South Fork Lost Creek Fire, the Big Salmon Lake Fire and the Hammer Creek Fire.

Flathead Fires

Fires churning away

Wildfires in the Bob Marshall Wilderness have spread rapidly over the last couple of days, and an aerial burnout operation is planned today on a fire burning just outside the wilderness southeast of Swan Lake.

Platke, Doorn, Porch help Montana win Cup

Reed Platke of Whitefish swept his singles match last Tuesday to help Montana's boys win the Montana-Alberta Junior Ryder Cup in Lethbridge, Alberta.

Ballard, Porch help Glacier double up on golf titles

MISSOULA - Glacier's girls followed through with another strong showing while the Glacier boys overcame a five-shot deficit as the Wolfpack captured both team titles in the season-opening Missoula Invitational golf tournament on Wednesday.

Hill, Triplett up on 2nd day of PRCA fair rodeo

Rodeo fans will have the opportunity to cheer twice as loud on Friday night during bull riding at the Northwest Montana Fair at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.

Baucus takes on tough task

Montana’s Sen. Max Baucus sure has put himself out there again with his selection to the so-called deficit reduction “super committee,” a panel of six Democratic and six Republican lawmakers that will get plenty of attention in the months to come.

Police arrest suspects in break-ins

Two Whitefish brothers were arrested Tuesday in connection with a theft ring that began last December.

Wilderness fire grows to 2,000 acres

Flathead Valley residents got to take in a familiar summer spectacle Wednesday: Smoke columns towering over the Swan Mountain Range.

Broken budgets: States in economic crisis

Cyril 'Cy' Rehberger, 92

Ruby Arthella Gardner, 88

New process makes for quick construction

Dangling from a crane in downtown Whitefish, a 40-foot-by-8-foot wooden floor plate weighing 4,400 pounds slowly swings into place — not your typical piece of construction material.

William L. 'Bill' McMannamy, 41

William L. “Bill” McMannamy, 41, passed away Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011, as a result of a motor vehicle accident.

Vandalism reported at Bigfork concession stand

The latest in a recent string of vandalism incidents was reported to the

South Fork Lost Creek fire

Blake Lindsay of the Idaho Panhandle Hot Shots uses a drip torch to set back fires Tuesday at the South Fork Lost Creek Fire above Swan Lake.

2011 Fires

Dog Contracts Lyme Disease

Kate Moseley and her dog Hopkins, a two-year-old Border Collie, sit in their livingroom on Wednesday morning in Columbia Falls. "I've taken this animal into my house and promised to raise and take care of him," said Moseley. "I can't let him suffer when I know I could do something about it."

Bigfork High School football practice

Bigfork head football coach Todd Emslie watches practice last Wednesday at Bigfork High School.

Winning rose

A blue-ribbon-winning Queen Elizabeth rose is displayed at the Northwest Montana Fair. The rose was grown by Sharon Askelson of Kalispell, who competes in the advanced category and is a member of the American Rose Society. “We didn’t have much for roses this year because it’s been so hot,” said Askelson. “The fair is the wrong time of year for roses. Most of the roses are done right now.” Askelson has been competing at the fair for more than 30 years.

Floriculture judge Bill McClaren

Floriculture judge Bill McClaren closely examines a bouquet of sunflowers on Wednesday morning at the Northwest Montana Fair in Kalispell. McClaren judges the flowers on maturity, uniformity, spacing, shape and form.

Wilderness fire plume

A wide plume of smoke rises above the Swan Mountain Range on Wednesday from the Big Salmon Lake and Hammer Creek fires. The Big Salmon fire went from 10 acres to 2,000 acres in a day. 

Glacier girls on top in golf opener

MISSOULA - Not a bad way to open the Class AA high school golf season.

Platke, Whitefish boys place second at Anaconda Invitational

ANACONDA - Reed Platke shot an even-par 72 on Monday to help the Whitefish boys place second (328) at the season-opening Anaconda Invitational golf tournament.

Man dies in traffic crash

The victim of a fatal single-vehicle rollover crash late Saturday night on Juanita Way in Kalispell has been identified.

Columbia Falls schools registering new students

Summer vacation ends in Columbia Falls with the first day of school Aug. 31. But before the first bell rings, new students need to register and attend orientation with their parents.

Lost Creek Fire now at 520 acres

DNRC: Cost of battling blaze reaches $700,000 on fourth day

With the help of dry, warmer weather, the South Fork Lost Creek Fire picked up some steam Tuesday and was sized at about 520 acres by the end of the day.

Kalispell upgrades city's website

City of Kalispell officials are encouraging people to visit the city’s new website that was launched a week ago.

Kalispell budget includes slight tax increase

The Kalispell City Council passed a string of resolutions Monday to set annual appropriations and property tax levies and adopt the city’s budget for fiscal year 2011-12.

Susan S. Maisch, 57

Susan “went to be with Jesus” on Aug. 13, 2011, leaving behind her two beautiful daughters, Angela and Juliet. They also love the Lord and have the certainty they will see their mom in Heaven.

Inez Evelyn Weyrauch, 84

Edward 'Bud' Jones Jr., 78

Mabel Loy, 91

James 'Jim' Lewis Wilbur Hume, 90

South Fork Lost Creek Fire

Kevin Love, left, sprays water over the ground and debris burned by the South Fork Lost Creek Fire as Jamie Poukish works with a shovel to uncover hidden embers.

Phone hacking: Police looking into who knew what

Shotgun deters pair of intruders

The

Thrift shop to collect items at Columbia Falls green-box location

A pilot program to reduce the volume of waste at the Flathead County landfill began this week.

New Smartwoods Building in Whitefish

A floor plate weighing more than two tons is hoisted and lowered into place on Tuesday afternoon in Whitefish. According to Pete Kobelt of Innovative Timber Systems construction is on schedule to have the building up with in five days.

East Africa: Hunger complicated by drought, violence

GOP 2012: Iowa straw poll jolts race, Pawlenty exits

Libya uprising: Gadhafi remains defiant despite losses

Sheep judging at Northwest Montana Fair

Nikaela Higgins prepares a sheep for judging at the Northwest Montana Fair Tuesday morning.

Inez Evelyn Weyrauch, 84

After having lived a long full life, Inez Evelyn Weyrauch, 84, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011, at the Health Center at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

Swan fire swells to 450 acres

A wildfire burning about seven miles southeast of Swan Lake has grown to 450 acres, even with diminished activity because of a cool weather front that moved into the area Monday.

Fire destroys Whitefish duplex

A duplex in Whitefish was destroyed by fire early Sunday morning, displacing nine people.

Charles Arthur Purdy, 85

Charles Arthur Purdy, 85, died on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2011, at Mountain View Manor in Eureka.

Francis W. Loomer, 96

 Francis W. Loomer, 96, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011, at the Roosevelt County Medical Center in Culbertson of natural causes.

Craig Alan Cummings, 53

Craig Alan Cummings passed away Aug. 13, 2011, at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital as a result of a cardiac event. 

Like shooting turkeys in a field

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office got a report Sunday morning from Edgewood Drive in the Whitefish area regarding a suspicious pickup truck pulling up to a bunch of turkeys in a field, and then someone opening fire on the turkeys from the truck. The matter was referred to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Cummings obit

C. Falls plywood plant to reopen

Plum Creek Timber Co. temporarily shut down its Columbia Falls plywood plant Monday in the wake of two recent workplace injuries.

Loomer obit

Weyrauch obit

County planning numbers still reflect slowdown

Fee revenue collected by the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office for the fiscal year that ended June 30 dropped for the second straight year, according to data compiled by county Planning Director BJ Grieve.

Daybook

Tuesday

Luella Iona Schwenke, 90

Luella passed away on Aug. 11, 2011, at the nursing home in Superior. She will be missed by her family and friends.

Beyond Mubarak: Egypt in transition

This Week in Pictures August 8-14

Peter's Ridge fire

A Sikorsky CH-54B Tarhe lands at Ferndale Airfield to be refueled Monday afternoon. The Tarhe is capable of holding up to 2,000 gallons of water.

China's one-child policy helps elevate some women

Tiger Woods: Heads home after missing PGA cut

Eyeing world beyond Internet: Google to buy Motorola

Northwest Montana Fair

Gabrielle Sutton gets Pixie ready for the 4H miniature horse judging at the Northwest Montana Fair Monday morning. Sutton also plans to enter PIxie in the open miniature horse show on Thursday.

Complaint dismissed against Whitefish judge

The Montana Judicial Standards Commission has dismissed a citizen complaint against Whitefish Municipal Judge Bradley Johnson involving a verbal dispute last summer at the Columbia Falls Post Office.

Champion pie maker practiced more than 50 years

Irene Houston, 78, practiced her art more than 50 years before winning the Great American Pie Contest with her apple pie at the 2010 Northwest Montana Fair.

Five wildfires continue burning in region

Firefighters continue on the scene of the Hammer Creek fire in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area. 

Bike, purses, phones all stolen in Kalispell

Teen's essay earns her D.C. trip

Do teenagers in America have a role in the country's future?

Whitefish seeks to repeal peddler ban

The Whitefish City Council tonight will vote to abolish a 1956 city law banning door-to-door sales as a nuisance, but will hold a public hearing before making a final decision.

100-acre fire burning near Swan Lake

A new 100-acre fire sent smoke high above the Swan Mountain Range Saturday.

Eastside oil boom evokes deja vu

Question: Where do you go to get a hotel continental breakfast that starts at 4 a.m. and a single-serving size box of animal crackers costs $2.89 at the quick stop?

Business sends cherries around the world

Thousands of pounds of Flathead cherries, packed in bright green and red boxes bearing information about Montana, are arriving now in retail outlets throughout Asia and Europe.

'The purpose of education' - and the failure to pursue it

It would seem obvious that how we educate our children is also how we preserve our culture. It is the solid foundation that allows us to even speak of a culture — a shared experience that defines who we are.

NASCAR at Montana Raceway Park

Michael Waltrip climbs into his car before the Toyota/TTC 150 at Montana Raceway Park Saturday evening.

Groups ask court to halt wolf hunts

BOISE, Idaho — Environmentalists have asked a federal appeals court for an emergency injunction to halt wolf hunts scheduled to start in a few weeks in Idaho and Montana.

Is hidden agenda showing?

We were surprised last week to receive a press release from the Department of Environmental Quality announcing that Montana Alberta Tie Ltd. was going to be able to reroute its proposed transmission line in order to avoid an old Indian tepee site as well as to skirt a mapped wetland.

Several items stolen from unlocked rig

The Kalispell Police Department received a report after someone stole an iPod, cellphone, sunglasses, necklace and a wallet containing a Social Security card, driver’s license and $50 from an unlocked vehicle parked near a business on Hutton Ranch Road Friday night.

Hugh Butler

Hugh Cato Butler, 86

Dr. Hugh Cato Butler, DVM, passed away from natural causes in Austin, Texas, on July 23, 2011.

Andora Tutvedt

Andora Jan Tutvedt, 49

Andora Jan Tutvedt, 49, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2011, at the Hunterdon Medical Center in Flemington, N.J., following a heart attack. Her organs were donated to the Organ Sharing Network of New Jersey, per Andora’s request.

Stuart Gustafson

Stuart Vernon Gustafson, 94

Our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Stuart Vernon Gustafson, 94, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, Aug. 12, 2011, at his home in Kalispell.

Cherry harvest hits high gear

Roadside cherry stands on the east shore of Flathead Lake are hopping with activity, as cherry lovers finally are able to purchase Flathead cherries.

Stillwater Free Lutheran Church celebrates 100 years

A century of service

With its spire pointing heavenward now 100 years, Stillwater Free Lutheran Church exudes a country church charm that touches the souls of all who pass the West Valley landmark.

5th annual Big Sky Futurity & Aged Event

Eli Auger, riding Rockin By Choice, finished in second place in the brideless cutting competition during the 5th annual Big Sky Futurity & Aged Event at Majestic Valley Arena Friday night.

Kalispell Race Meet

Orlando O'Farrill, right, riding No Baggage, keeps an eye on the position of Rodd Thomas, on Mitt, during the second race of the Kalispell Race Meet at the Flathead County Fairgrounds Friday afternoon.

Great American Pie Contest

Irene Houston checks on the crust of what will be a peach pie.

Cassia Wagner

Cassia Wagner at her home south of Kalispell.

Ten years after 9/11: New York transformed

GOP 2012: Charges fly at Iowa debate

Food contamination: Salmonella blamed in U.S. death

Youths craft art to look up to

A longtime haven for children in crisis gradually is getting a little homier.

A crime of fashion? Not so much

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office received a report of suspicious activity on Tamarack Lane near Columbia Falls after a caller saw a man wearing a dress and high heels Thursday at about 9:50 a.m. The caller was informed that cross-dressing is not illegal.

Daughter's state job leads to director's departure

HELENA — Gov. Brian Schweitzer confirmed Friday that his Department of Transportation director resigned after the governor’s office learned the agency head’s daughter was given a department job.

Holland Lake

Scattered clouds pass over Holland Lake on Wednesday evening. The lake can be reached off of Montana 83 in the Swan Valley.

Daybook

  Gladys Marie 'Nanny' Weed, 95

  Gladys Marie “Nanny” Weed, 95, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011, at the Billings Clinic in Billings, of natural causes.

Gladys Weed obit

Asbestos victims frustrated by program changes

The end of two significant medical funding programs for Libby asbestos victims has been confusing and frustrating for patients who must now tap into the “Libby Provision” of the federal health-care reform law.

Attorneys say double-murder defendant mentally unstable

The mental competency of accused double murderer Tyler Michael Miller and the constitutionality of Montana’s death penalty statutes will be the subject of two upcoming hearings in Flathead District Court.

thomas brown obit

Two change pleas in pot-transfer case

Two men behind a lawsuit aimed at clarifying Montana’s laws on caregiver-to-caregiver medical marijuana transfers now have pleaded no contest to felony drug charges in Flathead District Court.

Thomas E. Brown, 61

Thomas E. Brown, 61, of Columbia Falls, died Thursday, May 5, 2011, due to injuries from a motorcycle accident in York, Pa.

Daybook

Friday

Fred J. Miller, 80

Fred J. Miller, 80, passed the morning of Aug. 10, 2011.

Father's ashes target of theft

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office received a report from a woman on Rosewood Drive who said someone broke into her home and stole an urn containing her deceased father’s ashes.

miller obit

tripp obit

A dark day in Afghanistan war

It was a dark day Saturday when America learned that 30 U.S. troops and eight Afghan soldiers were killed in the deadliest attack on U.S. forces since the beginning of the 10-year-old war.

Stillwater Church

Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake Stillwater Church is located at Church Drive and West Valley Drive.

Flathead cherries

Eulices Aleman, left, dumps recently picked cherries into a water bath at the Glacier Fresh processing center. The water helps to separate leaves that may have been picked with the cherries. Any remaining leaves are picked out by Omar Chino, right.

Buffalo Hill Terrace construction

Workers guide a truss into place as it is lowered onto the frame of the new addition at Buffalo Hill Terrace Thursday morning.

Wilderness fire grows to 15 acres

A fire that is being allowed to burn in the Bob Marshall Wilderness for resource purposes has grown to 15 acres.

Buoys to monitor water quality, weather

Two large instrumented buoys are being placed in Flathead Lake this week to monitor water quality and weather on the lake.

Teachers go to school next week

Teachers across the valley are gearing up for school next week at the Northwest Montana Summer Institute.

What people make: FVCC

The attached chart listing pay scales for Flathead Valley Community College is part of an ongoing series by the Daily Inter Lake on public-sector pay.

Richard Chowning

Young boy, old fish

This photo released by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks on Wednesday shows Garrett Frost from Kalispell holding a largemouth bass he caught in Rose Creek Slough on July 16, 2011. According to biologist Mark Deleray, Frost may have caught the oldest largemouth bass reported in Montana. The fish was 20 to 22 inches long and weighed about 3.5 pounds and was later released back to the creek.  

Flathead Lake buoy

A Flathead Lake buoy gets tested at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

London riots: Violence, looting ravage suburbs

Airport job may get money after all

The director of Glacier Park International Airport is “cautiously optimistic” that federal funding for a taxiway paving project can be salvaged because of legislation passed by Congress last week.

Driver may face assault charges

A 25-year-old Marion man is in the Flathead County Detention Center after allegedly assaulting a Montana Highway Patrol trooper and threatening to kill his family after being arrested for drunk driving Sunday night.

Muslims celebrate holy month of Ramadan

Kalispell triathlete aims to swim Lake Chelan

A Kalispell triathlete who last year became the third person ever to swim the length of Flathead Lake has set the bar higher this summer as she attempts to swim the 55-mile-long Lake Chelan in northern Washington.

Beer bottle toss goes awry for driver

Kalispell Police Department officers arrested a man at about 7 a.m. Tuesday shortly after he was seen throwing a beer bottle from his vehicle near Fifth Street East. The witness was the Kalispell police chief, who also pursued the vehicle for a short time.

Rubert 'Butch' Kruckenberg, 79

Rubert “Butch” Kruckenberg passed away Sunday, Aug. 7, 2011, at The Health Center in Kalispell. He was 79 years old.

Emily Von Jentzen

Emily von Jentzen swims in Flathead Lake near the Somers swimming access Tuesday afternoon. Von Jentzen is training to swim the 55-mile Lake Chelan in Washington state.

Baucus to join 'super committee'

 WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid plans to name Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., to a powerful “super committee” charged with finding more than $1 trillion in deficit cuts this fall, a Democratic official said Tuesday.

Children of war: Holocaust survivors

Flathead Youth Home students create mobile

With the help of Stumptown Artist's Studio, students at the Flathead Youth Home created the mobile that hangs inside the home.

Salvation Army School Supply Drive

From left Major Merry Svenson, Heather Barranger, David Dittman, bank president, Tammy Foster, Jean Kellenberger, and Major Steve Svenson load supplies donated primarly by bank employees and customers into the Salvation Army van on Tuesday afternoon at First Interstate of Whitefish. First Interstate in both Whitefish and Evergreen are acting as donation drop locations for the annual Salvation Army School Supply Drive. In Kalispell donations can be taken to Flathead Electric and Shopko and to the Salvation Army directly at 110 Bountiful Drive. According to Major Merry Svenson the Salvation Army gave out 350 backpacks filled with supplies last year. This year they expect the need to be even greater.

A-Rod: Controversy surrounds Yankees superstar

Afghanistan war: Insurgents down US helicopter

Matter of course: PGA Championship at Highlands

Landfill

Workers adjust the new lining at the Flathead County Landfill.

Real Estate in the Flathead Valley

David Fetveit of Trails West Real Estate in Lakeside, center, shows a home on Caroline Point Road to Lori and Mike Neussle on Monday morning, in Lakeside. The Neussle's split their time between Lakeside and Fountain Hills, Ariz.

This Week In Pictures August 1-7

Man pleads innocent to marijuana charges

A 35-year-old Whitefish man has pleaded innocent to federal charges related to coordinated raids of medical marijuana dispensaries across Montana in March.

Park won't take action against grizzly sow

The Minnesota man who was mauled by a grizzly bear in the Many Glacier area Friday was treated and released from a hospital that same day, and Glacier National Park officials have decided no action will be taken against the bear.

Court questions man's shackling

The Montana Supreme Court has ruled that a Lake County man's due process rights were violated when he was presented to prospective jurors while shackled and strapped to a chair.

Daybook

Tuesday

New road tops upcoming highway projects

Long-term planning for road construction projects in Montana is always a fluid effort, officials with the Montana Department of Transportation recently reminded Flathead County commissioners.

McDonald's Puddle

Even a short rainstorm brings enough water to create a large puddle at the entrance to the McDonald's on U.S. 2 Friday afternoon.

Kalispell Art Casting Works on Largetst Project Ever

From left, Jeff Stephan and Harvey Fairchild work on one fifteen life and a quarter bronze horses on Monday afternoon at Kalispell Art Casting.  Jeff Stephan is the lead welder on the project. He's been with KAC for seven years. According to Stephan these sculptures come to him in 40 to 50 pieces. Once they are welded together Stephan will begin chasing in the details. The horses are the work of Canadian artists Robert Spaith and Rich Roenisch, both of Longview, Alberta. When complete the sculpture, On the Banks of the Bow, will be a permanent fixture at the Calgary Stampede. The fifteenth and final sculpture is due at the foundry this month. Kalispell Art Casting got involved with the project in April of 2008. They did an estimate of the amount of bronze that would be needed to complete the sculpture and came up with 16,000 pounds. Eight tons of bronze. This is the biggest project the KAC has ever done. The first piece arrived at the foundry in March of 2009. If they finish all the pieces this year the project will have taken almost three years. The project is expected to wrap up this year. The completed sculpture will be able to be viewed in 2012 at the Calgary Stampede.

Riding on the Great Northern Historical Trail

Margie and Dave Fine, of Butte, set off from the commuter parking lot just north of Somers for a ride on the Great Northern Historical Trail up to Kalispell on Monday morning.

Trash transfer station catches fire

Martha Obermiller Profile

Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake Martha Obermiller, a 2009 graduate of Glacier High School, outside her home in Kalispell on Thursday morning.

Local student sees Cuba from inside

Martha Obermiller, a 2009 graduate of Glacier High School, returned from seven weeks studying in Cuba addicted to the people and the high-octane coffee.

Mobile Medical Unit

Andre Vanterpool sits on the imaging bed inside the Mobile Nuclear Medicine truck outside of North Valley Hospital recently.

Nuclear medicine hits the road

Heads turn when Kalispell Regional Medical Center’s big black motorcoach rolls down the road, emblazoned Mobile Nuclear Medicine with an eye-catching atom graphic.

Rae Martinson obit

River project designed to help sturgeon

Libby Dam releases are being ramped up to prepare for running the Kootenai River at low flows this fall to allow for the start of a long-planned white sturgeon habitat restoration project.

Impressive run over for Glacier All-Stars

The Glacier All-Stars ended an impressive run at the Babe Ruth Pacific Northwest Regional Tournament for 13-year-olds Saturday with a 10-8 loss to Bend, Ore.

On 2nd visit, cops shut down party

Kalispell Police officers shut down a party near the intersection of Youngs Lane and Willow Glen Drive late Friday night after the attendees refused to be quiet after an initial visit by police. A neighbor said a group of youths ran when police arrived, but returned as soon as the police were gone and made disparaging comments about law enforcement.

Special forces do special work here

Montana members call themselves the Devil’s Brigade Chapter of the Special Forces Association, but Staff Sgt. Elain Colon sees a heavenly connection.

Mountain men draw crowd to Kalispell

Twelve-year-old Jared Wicker and his family stopped by Lawrence Park in Kalispell Saturday afternoon with the goal of finding a picnic table to eat lunch.

Rural shop specializes in rare books

If you’re looking for a 1833 edition of “Introduction to Geology” with hand-colored illustrations, Parkland Books has a copy.

Rae Marie Martinson, 70

Rae Marie Martinson passed away peacefully on July 26, 2011.

CFAC gets new shot at life

The Flathead Valley is in a position where any new jobs and industry are welcome, and that applies precisely to a potential re-opening of the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co., which was once a front mover in the valley’s economy.

League gives people with special needs a place to play

Making miracles

Wild applause erupts every time Ronnie Anderson gets a hit.

Howse, history and the spirit of exploration

Exploring history is a lot like exploring a strange new continent — there are lots of dead ends and false hopes, and the occasional high promontory that offers a clear view of, in one case, where we have been, and in the other, where we are going.

Mountain Man Rendezvous

From left, Tom Rogers of Kalispell discusses his one-quarter scale canoes with Greg Holmes of Langely, B.C., on Saturday afternoon at the Mountain Man Rendezvous in Lawrence Park in Kalispell. Rogers said the pieces are based on information from the Smithsonian Museum.

Erma D. Buckingham, 95

Erma D. Buckingham, 95, a 50-year resident of Kalispell, passed gently in her sleep near her son and granddaughter in San Rafael, Calif., on April 14, 2010.

Grizzly attacks Glacier hiker

A hiker from Minnesota was attacked and injured by a grizzly bear Friday in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park.

Kerry Duane Adams obit

Emery Stendell, infant

Infant Emery Stendell passed away on Monday, Aug. 1, 2011, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.

Daybook

Erma Buckingham obit

Montessori youths tour the world in 77 days

On a recent Tuesday morning, a group of students between the ages of 2 and 10 explored Central America.

Kerry Duane Adams, 57

Kerry Duane Adams, 57, of Kalispell, passed away Aug. 4, 2011.

C. Falls company building high-end weapons

The proof is in the shooting, and a new company called PROOF Research Inc. is building a new firearms research and manufacturing facility in Columbia Falls to produce high-end weapons.

Wolf licenses go on sale Monday

Hunters can buy licenses to hunt wolves in Montana starting on Monday.

Underdressed man unwelcome

Kraft Foods: Plans to split into two companies

Grizzly attacks Glacier Park hiker

A hiker from Minnesota was attacked and injured by a grizzly bear Friday in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park.

PROOF Research

Sean Averill, business development director of PROOF Research, sets up a tube rifle at Shooting Star Ranch outside of Whitefish Friday morning.

Martha Obermiller Profile

Exterior of the Casa de las Americas, the school Martha Obermiller attended in Cuba.

Miracle Field

Shirley Willis, executive director of Lighthouse Christian Home, center, gets a hug from Jamey Herron, right, after she successfully makes it around the bases on Wednesday, July 13, at Miracle Field in the Kidsports Complex in Kalispell.

Glacier All-Stars advance to regional semifinal

The Glacier All-Stars are playing this week at the 2011 Kennewick Babe Ruth 13-year-old regional tournament in Kennewick, Wash.

Top trumpeters

Trumpeter Adam Rapa listens as 12-year-old Natalie Dungey gives her rendition of a piece from the Arutunian Concerto for Trumpets on Wednesday evening at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. Their performance was part of this week’s Festival Amadeus. For this portion of the concert, Rapa played the piece first, then Dungey followed to show the audience the difference between his jazz style and her more classical style. Both Rapa and Dungey will perform with the full Festival Orchestra tonight for “Mozart’s Jupiter and Trumpet Treats.” The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center. For more information, go to www.gscmusic.org/concerts/festival-amadeus. The festival wraps up with another orchestra concert on Saturday night.

Packer dies in 'Bob' trail accident

A crew member of a Choteau-area guest ranch was thrown from a horse and killed Tuesday during a pack trip in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

Muscular dystrophy group says Jerry Lewis out

Dorothy 'Dode' Sivright, 90

Steven Michael Boyd, 19

Festival Amadeus

Trumpeter Adam Rapa and12-year-old Natalie Dungey.

Fugitive arrest east of Kalispell

A man wanted in Ohio for armed bank robbery was arrested east of Kalispell Wednesday night after a law enforcement vehicle collided with his car during a chase.

Cherry time arrives

Oscar Baldovinos, 11, picks cherries at the Point Caroline Orchard near Lakeside on Wednesday morning. The delayed Flathead Lake cherry harvest finally is getting under way.

Joyce E. Fontenoy, 64

Joyce E. Fontenoy, 64, passed away from progressive supranuclear palsy on Sunday, July 31, 2011, at her Marion residence.

D.C. debt deal: Who wins?

There were plenty of people on all points of the political spectrum who were entirely unhappy with the debt limit deal that was struck in Congress this week.

Four-day trip explores Glacier

Registration is open for “Discovery in the Crown of the Continent: A Glacier National Park Experience,” a four-day excursion Sept. 23-26.

Fire destroys trailer, car near Whitefish

A fifth-wheel trailer and a nearby car were destroyed by fire Wednesday south of Whitefish.

Chrystal Fern Hunt, 96

Chrystal Fern Hunt passed away quietly in her sleep on Aug. 2, 2011, just three weeks shy of her 97th birthday.

County to pay out $2.1 million

Flathead County will pay $2.1 million under a revised agreement to settle a land-use lawsuit filed by developers Keith Simon and Sean Averill of Whitefish.

Bonds for 911 center come with 3-percent interest

Flathead County will pay a 3.03 percent true interest rate for the next 17 years as it pays off an $800,000 bond sale approved by commissioners on Tuesday.

Church group donates $1,000

The American Red Cross recently received a $1,000 donation from a Bigfork church group.

'Extreme Huntress' show to air today

An episode of a hunting television show featuring “Extreme Huntress” winner Angie Haas-Tennison will be broadcast today at noon on the Versus Channel.

Donald Lavern Nielsen, 83

The Rev. Donald Lavern Nielsen died of natural causes at Immanuel Lutheran Home on July 30, 2011, at the age of 83.

Joan Christensen, 85

Medical marijuana: Oregon town tops grower list

Trailer Fire outside Whitefish

Whitefish firefighters, from left, Capt. Travis Tveidt, Heather Bellings and Brian Wood battle a fire in a fifth-wheel trailer on Wednesday afternoon just south of Whitefish. The fire destroyed the trailer and a nearby car.

Beyond Mubarak: Egypt in transition

NBA takes legal action against Players Association

Cherry Haus

Martha Obermiller, right, helps Warren Donahue select a bag of cherries from the Cherry Haus stand near Lakeside Wednesday morning.

Moonset

The moon hangs low in the sky Tuesday evening beyond the clock tower in Whitefish.

Parkland Books

Ed Rothfuss displays a comemorative coin in his for sale collection on Monday, July 25 in Creston.

CFAC deal months away

A decision to restart Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. is still months away, even with an electric power deal potentially in the works, a company spokesman said Tuesday.

Kalispell Council favors changes in pay scales

Kalispell City Council members on Monday generally favored a plan to alter the city’s salary matrix and to increase the salaries paid non-union members if raises are negotiated for union members in any given year.

Dinner service expands at Samaritan House

Starting Thursday, Samaritan House’s administrative center officially is open for dinner.

James Wesley 'Jim' Swartzenberger, 56

James Wesley “Jim” Swartzenberger, 56, passed away Sunday, July 31, 2011, in Kalispell.

Samaritan House

Monday night served as a quiet launch for the Samaritan House to prepare for Thursday’s offical opening of expanded dinner facilities.

Evergreen fire

Firefighters from Evergreen, Kalispell and several other fire departments battled a fire at a double-wide mobile home on Edgewood Drive in Evergreen on Tuesday afternoon as dozens of bystanders looked on. The fire was first reported at about 5:30 p.m. Firefighters cut holes in the ceiling of the structure to allow for ventilation, causing smoke to drift through the neighborhood. No one was injured. Witnesses said a passerby notified the family inside the residence of the fire after seeing smoke coming from the building.

Suspect 'turns himself in' by accident

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Festival Amadeus

Concertmaster Sam Taylor and members of the Glacier String Quartet play one of Mozart’s last string quartets, No. 21 K. 575 in D Major, which was written for the king of Prussia, on Tuesday afternoon during open rehearsal at the O’Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center in Whitefish. The quartet will perform with April Lane this evening at the O’Shaughnessy Center as part of the weeklong Festival Amadeus.

Laurel wins state baseball title

POLSON - Laurel collected 12 hits overall while starting pitcher Cole Dooper threw a complete game and struck out five. The Mariners did get nine hits but Dooper was able to scatter them to minimize the damage.

Locals win Montana Junior Am

HELENA - Several local youths won their age groups at the Montana Junior Am Championship on Monday at Bill Roberts Golf Course in Helena.

Eugene Keith 'Swede' Buck, 70

Eugene Keith “Swede” Buck, 70, passed away Thursday, July 28, 2011, at his Columbia Falls home after a long illness.   

Guide reports possible clue to missing man

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BPA offers power deal for CFAC

Grants help Fair-Mont-Egan expansion

Fair-Mont-Egan School’s summer construction project recently was bolstered by a pair of grants totaling more than $10,000.

The view from above

Main Street runs north toward downtown Kalispell in this view from the new tower windows of the Flathead County Courthouse. The new windows are part of the $2.6 million renovation of the 109-year-old building.

Disabled skydiver had done 125 jumps

A 27-year-old quadriplegic man was identified as the victim of Saturday’s fatal skydiving accident near Marion.

Cheetos-snacking man loses high-court appeal

The Montana Supreme Court has upheld a DUI conviction for a Libby man a Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputy suspected tried to conceal the odor of alcohol by stuffing Cheetos in his mouth.

College OKs $757,272 land deal

Flathead Valley Community College trustees on Monday approved a package price of $757,272 for 8.8 acres of land and other considerations in a right-of-way deal needed for the Montana Department of Transportation to build Reserve Drive South.

Saturday event will focus on trafficking

Java Rocks, the coffee shop in the Blue Cow building, is hosting an evening dedicated to raising awareness of and work toward ending child trafficking.

Montana Supreme Court to hear cases in Kalispell

Montana’s highest court is coming to Kalispell.

Peter 'Pete' Frank Votapka, 23

A friend to everyone, people he knew and those he never met, Peter “Pete” Frank Votapka was born 10 weeks prematurely in Spokane on Feb. 17, 1988. Before he was two years old he had a multitude of surgeries but he was a fighter for a better life throughout his short time. He was willing to help at home or with friends, whether it was clearing brush or fixing a problem computer. He had many answers on how to solve the problems of the world and put those into action, not just ideas or words.  Pete volunteered at food drives, raising money for the band, and other projects.  

Fair-Mont-Egan expansion

Kirk Hammerquist, left, and Dave Gildart work on the additions to Fair-Mont-Egan School last week.

Fair-Mont-Egan School construction

Joe Hermosillo installs plumbing for the new classrooms at Fair-Mont-Egan School.

NRA Heritage Days Rodeo

movable AD code position

Week in Pictures July 25-31

Singing Sons of Beaches - Airport Security Tips for Glacier Park International Airport

Fallen skydiver a veteran of 125 jumps

A 27-year-old quadriplegic man was identified as the victim of Saturday's fatal skydiving accident near Marion.

Howse House

This oil painting by artist Allen Jimmerson recreates Howse House, the first fur trading post in the Flathead Valley founded for the Hudson's Bay Co. by Joseph Howse in 1810-11. It was located south of Kalispell near American Indian trails close to the Flathead River. Jimmerson worked from specifications for fur trading outposts developed by Hudson's Bay Co. and the North West Co. A celebration in Kalispell's Lawrence Park on Saturday celebrates the 200th anniversary of the trading post founding.

Mountain men rendezvous with historians

From mountain men throwing knives and brandishing muzzleloaders to history seminars and panel discussions, Saturday's Howse House Bicentennial Celebration and Mountain Man Rendezvous offers something for everyone.

Fireworks fun continues in Whitefish

The Fourth of July may have been almost a month ago, but the fireworks celebration continued in Whitefish Saturday.

Rustad powers Mariners

POLSON - Mission Valley knocked off the Western District champion Libby Loggers 11-3 on Sunday behind a stellar pitching performance by Josh Rustad, who was running on just two days rest.