Ellington

Marjorie Marian Moos Bolstad, 91

Marjorie Marian Moos Bolstad, 91, died from natural causes on Saturday night, Dec. 24, 2011, at WEL-Life Assisted Living in Kalispell.

Longtime bakery dream materializes

Alisha May waited 17 years for the perfect spot to open a bakery, and she has found it next door to Echo Lake Cafe.

Young actors sought for 'Great Ghost Chase'

 The Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre invites students in grades two through six to audition Tuesday for the cast of “The Great Ghost Chase.”

County may try liquid de-icer on roads

Flathead County plans to test liquid de-icer on some county roads during the winter of 2012-13, Public Works Director Dave Prunty told commissioners recently.

Top local stories of 2011

2011 was a year of extremes and unusual events.

When should a Pulitzer Prize NOT be a Pulitzer Prize?

Over 3 1/2 years ago I and my colleagues listed below strongly objected to the New York Times story entitled ‘’Behind TV Analysts, Pentagon’s Hidden Hand’’ (front page, April 20, 2008) and its assertion that we, as military analysts privileged to receive briefings from Pentagon leaders, were tools of a Pentagon propaganda machine.

Jesus statue intended as shrine, opponent claims

It has often been reported that the “Jesus shrine” on the Big Mountain was intended as a war memorial for WWII veterans who lost their lives. This turns out not to be the case at all.

Happy New Year? - We can hope so, but in the meantime let's prepare for the worst!

As I write this, the year 2011 is rapidly coming to a close and soon we can breathe a sight of relief and exclaim, “We made it through another one.” As we head into 2012, a look into the crystal ball reveals it will really be a very eventful, turbulent and potentially dangerous year.

How did the Treasure State wind up begging for jobs in N.D.?

Montana's 100-year jobs plan: Caught between 'best' and 'a fine mess'

Willard J. Bell, 82

Willie Bell, 82, passed away at home on Dec. 28, 2011, after a short battle with leukemia.

Michael Eugene Dougherty, 83

Michael Eugene Dougherty, 83, of Columbia Falls passed away on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011, at Brendan House in Kalispell.

Creighton Zigmont James Miller, 56

Creighton Zigmont James Miller passed away on Dec. 17, 2011, at his home in Challis.

First Night Flathead

Maya Cross-Chittenden, 1, picks up a hula hoop during "Hooping in the New Year" at First Night Flathead in the Kalispell Center Mall Saturday night.

Polson's Owen is Coach of the Year

Polson girls golf coach Bill Owen is the Class A Montana Coaches Association Coach of the Year for 2011.

Michael Eugene Dougherty, 83

Willard J. Bell, 82

Brawlers bloody up Martha Road

Officers with the

Flooding near Creston

Ryan Beavers, left, helps Bill Pataky of Northern Energy Propane, right, maneuver his propane tank safely away from the house in June near Creston. The Beavers' home in the background is partially submerged due to high water.  

Margaret 'Peggy' Ann Shaw, 77

Daybook

Stabbing suspect to be evaluated

The 19-year-old Kalispell man who allegedly entered a home on Fifth Avenue East and stabbed the owner will have a mental health evaluation before entering a plea to felony charges.

Librarian weathers storm over split

Joey Kositzky chooses to remember the great things about the changes at the Whitefish library that occurred in 2011 and gloss over the not-so-great parts of this past year.

Council considers $2.5 million school request

The Whitefish City Council on Tuesday will take the first step toward potentially allocating a portion of the city’s tax increment revenue to the proposed Whitefish High School reconstruction project.

Welcome, Canadian dollars!

It's no secret our neighbors to the north are an important part of the Flathead Valley economy. In sizable numbers they stay in our hotels, eat at our restaurants and shop in our stores.

Masked man raises suspicions

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a strange man in a tan jacket, jeans and a hockey mask running across the road, moving with a limp, pointing and staring at a woman before walking into a Christmas tree, and then walking toward traffic and the Ferndale area.

Vernon Elroy Bronson, 84

Ryan Pengelly

Crystal Pengelly scratches her husband Ryan's head in their new home in Columbia Falls Thursday afternoon. The Pengelly's home burned down earlier this year.

School in a Briefcase

David and Sharyn Curtis are the creators of “School in a Briefcase,” an early childhood literacy program centered around a book they wrote titled “East African Alphabet Animal Stories.”

Avalanche danger at high level

High wind led to power outages Thursday and, combined with snow, pushed the avalanche danger to high in the mountains of Northwest Montana.

Don't ship our jobs to China

In the midst of the worst national economy in the past 70-plus years, it was shocking to learn that a lot of the money being spent to rebuild America’s infrastructure is actually going to boost not the U.S. economy, but the Chinese.

Plenty of wolf-hunt opportunities still available

One district closes while one reopens

Wolf hunting ends today in one Northwest Montana hunting district, while another district has reopened to wolf hunting.

Program helps Canadian shoppers

A new initiative called Canada Certified is being launched in the Flathead Valley to allow business owners to accept Canadian debit cards.

Miller admits double murder

A reserved Tyler Miller quietly pleaded guilty Wednesday to the savage Christmas 2010 murders of 35-year-old Jaimi Hurlbert and her 15-year-old daughter, Alyssa Burkett.

Marjorie Rose Blood Cheff Daniels, 77

Kerry Andrew O'Donnell, 39

Kerry Andrew O’Donnell, beloved son and brother, passed away early Monday morning on Dec. 26, 2011, after a hard fought and courageous battle with the devastating disease of cancer. He was surrounded by and cared for by his devoted family and fiancee.

Tyler Miller guilty plea

Tyler Miller walks back to his table after pleading guilty to two counts of murder Wednesday afternoon in Flathead District Court.

Year to remember: Jake Bramante

Bramante pauses for a photo on the trail. He chronicles his hikes with photos, videos, maps and entries on his website, www.hike734.com.

Trumpeter Swans on Lake McDonald

Five Trumpeter Swans out on Lake McDonald on Tuesday morning, December 27, in Glacier National Park. Trumpeter Swans are the largest native North American bird.

Woman finds out home was burglarized

Lake County judge to seek re-election

Lake County District Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher has announced that she intends to seek re-election to the office of District Judge of the 20th Judicial District of the State of Montana.

Drying equipment stays in county courthouse

The drying process continues at the Flathead County Courthouse this week to remove all the moisture spread by a fire sprinkler set off as a result of a heating malfunction early Dec. 20.

'Made in China, loved in America'

2012 will bring burned girl a new family and face

Ai Liu, the severely burned Chinese orphan featured in the Daily Inter Lake last spring, arrived in the United States on Christmas Eve to begin life with her new American family and to start surgeries to reconstruct her face.

More snowy owls appear in Montana this winter

More snowy owls appear to have migrated from the Arctic to Montana and other states this winter in search of food.

Walter Vaughn Penrod, 80

Sandy Haven, 73

Cami Ai Liu

Cami Ai Liu and Karen Yingling are pictured together in China.

Jack Duane Graves, 71

This Week in Pictures December 19-25

Telemark race series at Whitefish Mountain Resort

A two-day telemark race series at Whitefish Mountain Resort is scheduled for next month.

Woman reports BB gun shots

A woman on Whitefish Stage Road told the Flathead County Sheriff's Office that the neighbors shot at her boyfriend with a BB gun while he was out walking his dog Sunday night. She said her boyfriend was not hit by a BB. The woman said the neighbors were angry because the dog was barking at deer in the road. Deputies spoke with the neighbors, who said dogs have been barking and chasing deer and that it has been an ongoing problem. One of the neighbors told police that she fired air from her air gun to scare the dogs, and the couple agreed to contact the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks about the dogs chasing deer and not shoot at them.

Resort-tax collections on upward spiral

Massive street reconstruction projects in Whitefish during September and October didn't hamper resort-tax collections.

Man came 'within a hair's breadth of dying'

The nights are long for Blaine Wright.

Stellar Recovery plans to expand Kalispell call center

Stellar Recovery Inc., a debt collection agency that has tripled its top-line revenue over the past year, is moving its corporate headquarters from Kalispell to Jacksonville, Fla., but will continue to expand the Kalispell call center.

RV Burn

Gerald Lopez of Affordable Towing talks on his cell as he keeps watch on a fire he started in an old RV on Monday afternoon west of Kalispell. Lopez said he was burning the camper as part of a process to remove trash from his property. Ambulance, fire and law enforcement were initially called to the scene after a witness reported seeing someone walking away from the fire with a gas can.

Disabled veteran's family needs help to finish home

From left, Ann Green, Juliane and Liam White, O.T. Green, and Kevin White, in the house that is being built for Kevin and Juliane on Friday, December 23, in Somers.

Buckaroo Bakeshop and Catering

Alisha May brings a box of cookies to a customer on Dec. 22 at the Buckaroo Bakeshop. The shop, which specializes in cheesecakes, is located next to the Echo Lake Cafe.

Kalispell ends its parking commission

The Kalispell Parking Commission's downtown parking enforcement duties will be folded into the Kalispell Police Department following a 7-1 vote in favor of the change by the Kalispell City Council on Dec. 19.

Business opportunities lure family to Whitefish

Karin Holder can easily list the things that drew her and her family to Whitefish two years ago.

Mountain View Manor fire

One resident dies in Whitefish fire

A fire at a Whitefish apartment complex left one woman dead on Christmas Eve.

The year in review photos

Daily Inter Lake photographers choose their favorite photos from 2011.

Christmas, community & an ongoing conversation

Christmas is a time to remember our blessings, and for me, having the opportunity to work at the Daily Inter Lake since 1984 counts as one of the best in a life full of them.

Grant helps buy new boiler for Discovery Square

An $8,000 grant from Flathead Electric Cooperative ended a three-week push by First Best Place to raise enough money to buy a new boiler for Glacier Discovery Square in Columbia Falls.

Kalispell looks for sign design help

The city of Kalispell is asking for proposals for someone to design a citywide system of way-finding signs to better promote local attractions and boost the tourism industry.

Tiny villages fill family's home

For JoAnn Illi, it takes many miniature villages to make a memorable Christmas all through the house.

Harley B. Blankenship, 74

Harley B. Blankenship, 74, a 10-year resident of Bigfork, passed away after a courageous battle with complications due to leukemia on Dec. 13, 2011.

Wayne Stanley Halvorson, 75

Wayne Stanley Halvorson died Friday, Nov. 18, 2011, after suffering a terrible fall on Nov. 15, and was unable to recover from the brain trauma. His wife Karen was at his side when he died peacefully in Tillamook County General Hospital in Oregon.

William Lawrence 'Bill' Kamps, 62

William Lawrence “Bill” Kamps, 62, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell, cared for and surrounded by devoted friends.

Luella B. Scott, 94

Luella B. Scott was born Sept. 5, 1917, in Fielding, Mont., the fourth daughter of Samuel and Anna Rickard. When she was a young child, she lived near Essex and attended school there. She attended schools in the Flathead Valley.

Reviving a Holiday Tradition

Volunteer Firefighter Glen Hartman of the Evergreen Fire Department and a group of volunteers from the fire department and the community place luminarias at the bridge at Rose Crossing Road on Saturday evening. The Evergreen Fire Department decided to revive the tradition of lining the road with luminarias after the Lister family decided they needed to discontinue the tradition in 2010.

Courtroom escape bid thwarted

A Flathead District Court security officer, along with a Montana Highway Patrol trooper and a civilian, thwarted a jail inmate's escape attempt during court proceedings Thursday.

Accident victim, 94, a dedicated walker

At age of 94, Luella B. Scott walked 20 blocks every day.

Polson receives $100,000 planning grant

POLSON - The city of Polson has been named one of five winners for the Orton Family Foundation's Heart and Soul Community Planning grant.

New wreaths placed on veterans' graves

Frigid weather didn't stop a group of spectators from showing their respect during a wreath rededication ceremony at Glacier Memorial Gardens late Friday morning.

National magazine honors Whitefish band director

Whitefish Middle School and Whitefish High School band director Mark McCrady recently received national recognition as an outstanding music instructor.

Teen reports fake photographer

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office received a report from a 16-year-old resident of Wildebeest Lane in Marion that she has been receiving emails from someone pretending to be a photographer who wants to take nude photos of girls.

Libby man pleads not guilty to forgery

A man wanted for forgery in three states pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court.

Carl Leslie Johnson, 85

James 'Jim' Lavin, 98

James “Jim” Lavin was born July 29, 1913, to Thomas and Mabel Lavin in Kalispell and died Dec. 23, 2011, at Brendan House.

Replacing Stolen Wreaths

A newly placed wreath sits atop the grave of a veteran at Glacier Memorial Gardens cemetery on Friday morning north of Kalispell. Approximately $2,500 worth of wreaths were stolen from the graves in mid-December.

Karin Holder

Karin Holder stands near a mounted whitetail deer on display at her office in Whitefish. The mount is made from the antlers of a deer Holder's father shot and the cape is from a deer she took.

Sheep Farm

Diane Ward feeds Spencer the ram a bottle Tuesday afternoon.

Black bear cub

A black bear cub and four of its siblings took refuge with their mother in a tree near U.S. 93 just south of Whitefish Oct. 17. The sight caused a “bear jam” along the highway.

View through the bullet hole

A bullet hole is shown in the windshield of a Flathead County Sheriff’s Deputy Roger Schiff’s patrol vehicle in August 2011.

Best of 2011

Bransen Holzer, 3, of Libby waves flags at the home coming of his father Staff Sgt. Brandon Holzer on Friday afternoon at Glacier Park International Airport.

After the fire

From left, single mother Hayley Matthews and her two children Darien, 12, and Kaden, 10, survey the damage to their home east of Kalispell. The Matthews’ house was destroyed in a fire Nov. 16, the same day Hayley had planned to purchase renters’ insurance.

Boys basketball: Lake City edges Glacier

Glacier couldn't recover from a bad second quarter, falling to Lake City of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on Thursday 63-54 in a boys nonconference basketball contest.

Eureka wrestlers ranked 8th in Class B-C

High School

Lake City slips past Glacier girls

Lake City used a late push to slip by Glacier for a 48-44 nonconference victory Thursday night in girls basketball play at Glacier High School.

Wolfpack 3rd in AA mat poll

The Glacier Wolfpack is ranked No. 3 in Class AA wrestling this week.

Greenchain sixth, Pirates seventh in Class A rankings

A terrific performance at last weekend's Tri-State Wrestling Tournament meant a nice jump in the Class A coaches wrestling poll for the Libby Greenchain.

Libby wrestlers stick dual losses on Whitefish, Polson

LIBBY - It was a great night Thursday for the sixth-ranked Libby Greenchain as it reeled off two Northwestern A wrestling victories in its last action before Christmas. The Greenchain defeated Whitefish 60-21 and Polson 57-30.

Daybook

Barbara L. Buentemeier, 79

Barbara L. Buentemeier of Columbia Falls “went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” Monday, Dec. 19, 2011. She passed away as a result of a staph infection-induced stroke at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

Crash claims life of Kalispell woman

An elderly Kalispell woman died Thursday afternoon after being struck by a GMC Suburban while she walked across Center Street in front of Kalispell Center Mall.

Glacier vs. Lake City

Glacier junior Rachel Chery, 5, passes the ball to a teammate during the game against Lake City on Thursday night in Kalispell. The wolfpack lost 48 to 44.

Lawsuit seeks to void Whitefish 'doughnut' vote

Four Whitefish-area residents have sued the city of Whitefish, asking the court to throw out a recently passed referendum that repealed a 2010 planning agreement for the two-mile “doughnut” area outside of Whitefish.

Dragon boats to race next year

Kalispell will host the inaugural Montana Dragon Boat Festival next fall on Flathead Lake.

Courthouse expected to be dry by Tuesday

An assessment of the costs to repair water-damaged areas in the Flathead County Courthouse continues following Tuesday morning’s heating system malfunction that set off a fire sprinkler.

Marijuana provider's sentence suspended

One of two men suing for clarification of Montana law on caregiver-to-caregiver medical marijuana transfers was sentenced Thursday in Flathead District Court.

District challenged by proliferation of tech devices

Operating without a high school building reserve levy this year to fund technology concerns Rich Lawrence, information technology director for Kalispell Public Schools.

2 suspected of theft from security vehicle

Two men were arrested Wednesday after allegedly stealing gear from the front of an armored security truck in the Big Mountain area.

Casino robbery suspects both plead innocent

Two men arrested for allegedly robbing the Lucky Lil’s Casino on West Idaho Street in Kalispell pleaded not guilty to charges Thursday in Flathead District Court.

Extra patrol requested after burglary attempt

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a woman who requested an extra patrol around her home on West View Drive in Kalispell after a failed break-in at her house. The door had been kicked in with the screen popped out, and there were footprints all around her house.

Books sought for food banks

Literacy Volunteers of Flathead County is collecting donated books for distribution at local food banks.

Hirst's castle

Jade Hirst, a Flathead Valley Community College student, built this castle of graham crackers.

Sitting with Santa

Matteus Thorsen, 6 months, plays with Santa's beard on Thursday afternoon as he and his brother Rorik, 3, get their picture taken at the Kalispell Center Mall.

Jack Gladstone

Year to Remember - Joey Kositzky

Colin Arakaki of Columbia Falls reads with his five-year-old daughter Harmony on Tuesday afternoon at the Whitefish Library.

Vehicle versus pedestrian

Law officers and firefighters respond to an accident Thursday afternoon in front of Kalispell Center Mall. An elderly Kalispell pedestrian died after she was struck by a vehicle.

Woodland Park Hockey

\Trees cast shadows across the pond at Woodland Park as Cole Treece, left, tries to score a goal on his brother Clay Thursday afternoon.

Sculpture of Jesus by Sunti

Sunti Pichetchaiyakul places the finished bronze sculpture of Jesus, the first of the Legends of the World collection at his gallery on Wednesday, December 21, in Bigfork.

FHS matmen wallop Hellgate

MISSOULA - It was a long drive for a short dual on Wednesday for the Flathead Brave wrestling team.

Glacier's Holmgren resigns

Paul Holmgren, Glacier's head girls soccer coach for the past five seasons, has resigned.

What's wrong with a year?

Across the country Wednesday, finger-wagging headlines made declarations such as “House GOP votes to reject extension” of the current payroll tax holiday.

Jenna Paige Meredith

Jenna Paige Meredith, daughter of Keith and Cora Meredith of Kalispell, was born Aug. 29 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Kaeden Douglas Bleick

Kaeden Douglas Bleick, son of Robert Bleick and Jessica Davis of Kalispell, was born Aug. 29 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Gracey Englen Dury

Gracey Englen Dury, daughter of Robert Dury and Jamey MaGarett of Kalispell, was born Aug. 28 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Vance Zachary Ek

Vance Zachary Ek, son of Jake and Maria Ek of Kalispell, was born Aug. 27 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Will Scott Reichner

Will Scott Reichner, son of Scott and Jill Reichner of Bigfork, was born Aug. 26 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Aria Anne Tafoya

Aria Anne Tafoya, daughter of Jeff and Michelle Tafoya of Kalispell, was born Aug. 26 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Coleman Kenneth Lee,

Coleman Kenneth Lee, son of Travis and Amy Lee of Kalispell, was born Aug 26 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Westin Lane Daken

Westin Lane Daken, son of DaLane and Melissa Daken of Kalispell, was born Aug. 24 at at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Caiden Lane Porter

Caiden Lane Porter, son of James Porter and Moriah Rogers of Columbia Falls, was born Aug. 23 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. 

Olivia Diane Hedges

Olivia Diane Hedges, daughter of Brian and Heather Hedges of Lakeside, was born Aug. 21 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Sawyer David Doble

Sawyer David Doble, son of Josh Doble and Rachel Robinson of Somers, was born Aug. 20 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Rhett Benjamin Newman

Rhett Benjamin Newman, son of Levi and Amber Newman of Kalispell, was born Aug. 20 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Zachary Nathan Denney

Zachary Nathan Denney, son of Timothy and Anna Denney of Kalispell, was born Aug. 19 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Benson Alexander Teske

Benson Alexander Teske, son of Alexander Teske and Kacie Thompson of Kalispell, was born Aug. 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Samantha Joy Albertson

Samantha Joy Albertson, daughter of Nathan and Jennifer Albertson of Eureka, was born Aug. 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Pot operation leads to federal prison sentence

A 34-year-old Whitefish man was sentenced to 18 months in prison for his part in a marijuana growing operation.

'Turn out the lights, the party's over'

Runner raises thousands to benefit youth

Zach Perrin was exhausted but satisfied after running 50 miles Saturday.

Marion School project slated to start in April

Construction on an addition to Marion School should start in April, according to a tentative timeline.

Whitefish schools seek bigger city contribution

$2.5 million sought for new high school

 The Whitefish School District Board of Trustees is asking the City Council to raise the amount of tax-increment money it’s willing to put toward lowering a bond request to build a new $19 million high school.

Trishia Tingson Crabill, 6

Trishia Tingson Crabill, 6, died in Saturday’s typhoon.

Distant typhoon tragedy felt deeply by Kalispell family

A typhoon that hit the Philippines last Saturday and has killed at least 1,000 people struck too close to home for one Kalispell family, with the tragedy still unfolding almost a week later.

Bullet hit bear, then hunter

Dying without a place to call home

Ceremony marks homeless deaths

On the day with the fewest hours of sunlight all year long and a blustery, cold wind, Kalispell residents came together to remember those who had died without a place to call home.

Blaine Wright

Blaine Wright displays an X-Ray of his pelvis.

Year in Photos 2011

Amber Thornton and Don Lessor wash their baby daughter Alexis in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Kalispell Regional Medical Center Wednesday morning Oct. 19, 2011. Alexis was born with a cleft palate.

Playoff game

Glacier High School’s senior wide receiver Anthony Gugliuzza (85) celebrates with Andrew Nelson (2) after the Wolfpack’s 24-10 playoff victory over Billings Senior Nov. 4 at Legends Stadium. It was the first playoff game in the program’s history. Glacier’s season ended the following week in a 16-45 loss to Billings West.

Wayne Mosbarger

Wayne Mosbarger frames one of his paintings at the Smoke Haus Emporium in Evergreen Wednesday morning.

Bull rider

Jarret Jacobi, right, stretches before his bull ride during the first round of the Columbia Falls Heritage Days NRA Rodeo at the Blue Moon Arena July 29.

Montana Homeless Persons' Memorial Day

Curt Lamm of Lakeside, assistant director of Samaritan House, serves a cup of chili as the crowd begins to gather at the start of the Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day ceremony on Wednesday afternoon at Depot Park in Kalispell.

Christmas villages

Illi says she bought most of her miniature houses from Department 56.

Making the mantel merry

JoAnn Illi looks over a miniature village in her Kalispell home Tuesday afternoon. Every room in the house — including the bathroom — has a miniature village. It takes her nine days to set them all up.

Sheep farm

Diane Ward feeds Spencer, a late-season merino lamb, a bottle of milk at Round Prairie Farms outside Whitefish on Tuesday afternoon. Bags of processed merino wool rest against the fence of the sheep barn.

Whitefish defeats Flathead for second straight year in boys basketball

WHITEFISH - Whitefish, for the second straight year, has defeated Flathead.

Johnson lifts Libby girls over Troy

LIBBY - Jenny Johnson scored six of her game-high 12 points in the third period as Libby rolled by Troy 34-14 in a nonconference girls basketball game on Tuesday.

Frenchtown wrestlers defeat C-Falls, Polson

FRENCHTOWN - Frenchtown got the better of both Columbia Falls and Polson in a pair of Northwestern A wrestling duals on Tuesday night.

Glacier drops Sentinel

The Glacier Wolfpack lost the first four matches it wrestled on Tuesday night, but then roared to life with five straight victories and came away with a 45-24 dual victory over visiting Missoula Sentinel.

Glacier vs Sentinel Wrestling

Kaleb Mitchell, left, tries to take down Missoula Sentinel's Jordan Hegel during Glacier's home dual against the Spartans Tuesday night.

Flathead man doubles CEO jobs

Former Flathead businessman and legislator John Harp has been named chief executive officer of Knife River Corp. in addition to his previous duties as chief executive officer of MDU Construction Services Group.

Man arrested after reports of mail mayhem

A 32-year-old Kalispell man was arrested following two reports of someone tampering with mailboxes in the Kalispell and Helena Flats area.

The Grinch who stole the Nativity?

Suspicious bail issues investigated

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office has identified a man who allegedly bailed several women out of jail with the intent to coerce sexual favors from them.

Firm gives $35,000 to food banks

For the third year in a row, Plum Creek is donating to food banks in the area that continue to struggle with impacts from the recession.

Kalispell Council approves group home permit

At a sometimes-contentious meeting Monday night, Montana Academy got approval from the Kalispell City Council for its fourth group home in the city.

Oil boom

Early oil exploration also took place on the east side of Glacier National Park. This drilling operation was set up along Sherburne Reservoir around 1912.

Early oil exploration

In 1904, oil drilling was under way at Kintla Lake, which later became part of Glacier National Park.

Montana's first oil well was drilled at Kintla Lake in 1901

State has history of boom-bust cycles

The history of oil in Montana began in an area that never had any substantial development of the natural resource — the Flathead Valley.

Ranger station, cabin now open to public use

The Old Condon Ranger Station in Condon and the Swan Guard Station near the town of Swan Lake now are available for public rental.

Luminaria show back for holiday

The Rose Crossing luminaria display will shine once again Saturday on Christmas Eve.

Local jobless rate dips

The unemployment rate for Flathead County improved slightly in November, though it’s still in double digits at 10.6 percent.

Council leery of parking-lot plan

The Kalispell City Council on Monday refused to bite on a proposed project to acquire and demolish the former Gateway West Theater and build a 255-space public parking lot in its place.

Veva Shaw Olsen, 103

Longtime Flathead Valley resident Veva Shaw Olsen passed away Nov. 10, 2011, just short of her 104th birthday, in Tacoma, Wash.

Gerald Edward Hough, 74

Robert 'Bob' Thornton, 79

Robert “ Bob” Thornton, 79, passed peacefully Dec. 18, 2011, at his home in Kalispell, after a courageous battle with infection.

Courthouse flood

Rainbow Restoration and Cleaning service technician Scott Alsbury adjusts fans drying the carpet of an office in the Flathead County Courthouse on Tuesday morning. A sprinkler problem early Tuesday morning caused flooding and water damage to the recently remodeled courthouse.

Tomy Parker

Tomy Parker displays a hand-crafted cane made for him by a fellow Marine he met in Maryland. The cane is decorated with images Parker requested, including the American flag, the Purple Heart, the Marine Corps seal, his unit seal and the soldier’s memorial.

Nelson Grant

Nelson Grant of the Flathead County Sheriff department is preparing to climb Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere, as part of the Cops on Top program. 

Nelson Grant Denali

Nelson Grant is pictured during the Cops on Top 2010 Denali Expedition.

Daybook

Cougars defeat Mt. Baker

After a tight battle with Flathead Valley Home School on Saturday, a 44-42 win, Stillwater Christian School had a much easier go versus Mt. Baker on Monday at SCS.

Paolinis, Danz carry Stillwater to easy win

There was no stopping the Paolini sisters or Jordan Danz Monday night at the Stillwater Christian School gym.

'I'm really thankful to have work'

For much of the past year, CJ Vaughn has been in North Dakota trying to make a living — something he couldn’t do in or around Kalispell after graduating from Flathead High School.

State adopts habitat plan

After nearly 10 years of developing a Habitat Conservation Plan for threatened species on state lands, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation has finally won approval for that plan.

Stillwater Christian Basketball

Stillwater Christian’s Josh Bray (center) tips in a shot during the first quarter of Monday’s nonconference basketball game with Mt. Baker at Stillwater Christian School.

Pair moved to Williston with their last $300

The Bakken oil fields are booming and people from around the world are descending upon Williston, N.D.

Customers didn't appreciate rap

Kalispell Police got a report Monday regarding three guys who were rapping in front a business off First Avenue East North. They apparently were bothering customers and refusing to leave when asked. The unwanted rappers were gone by the time an officer arrived.

Officers interrupt possible robbery

A Columbia Falls man was arrested Saturday night for a possible casino robbery attempt in Evergreen that may have been interrupted by law enforcement officers.

Tamale stand robbed

Kalispell Police are investigating a robbery Monday afternoon from a tamale stand on West Idaho Street.

Tires stolen from Polson store

A tire store in Polson reported the theft of numerous tires from a fenced storage area over the weekend.

Mrs. Claus

Eagle Transit driver Storm Yetter, dressed as Mrs. Claus, checks her route schedule inside of her Christmas themed bus Monday morning.

Layaway Santas: Good Samaritans paying off accounts

This Week in Pictures December 12-18

Mike Kofford

Mike Kofford is the new Kalispell Education Foundation Director, Outreach coordinator and Kalispell Public Schools communications and public relations director.

Columbia Falls, Eureka wrestlers dominate Lucey tourney

EUREKA - Columbia Falls and Eureka finished 1-2 respectively in the team wrestling standings at the Buzz Lucey Memorial Tournament on Saturday.

Baby in ER with head injuries, abuse suspected

The

Long weeks apart

The Smiths pause during packing. Dave works two weeks at a time in North Dakota, then comes home for a week.

Couple endures long weeks apart

'Holidays are really hard'

Williston, N.D., is desolate, cold and 563 miles from Kalispell, but the oil boom there has supplied jobs of last resort for hundreds of Flathead Valley breadwinners such as Dave Smith.

'A real, live ghost town happening'

Naomi and Arnold Morrison of Columbia Falls always had a keen interest in pioneer experiences and ghost towns.

Jolie Fish

Jolie Fish prepares chicken and fettuccine for dinner on Friday at her home in Columbia Falls.

Oil Boom - Naomi Morrison

Naomi Morrison and her children on Friday afternoon at Baker Park in Whitefish.

Expressions Inc.

Flathead's Francis 3rd; Libby's Leir 4th at Tri-State wrestling

COEUR D'ALENE, IDAHO - Flathead's Larry Francis placed third at 160 pounds and Libby's Kyle Leir was fourth at 145 on Saturday at the 2011 Tri-State wrestling tournament.

McLean, Braves drop Libby

Flathead pulled away for keeps with a 23-point second period for a 66-36 nonconference boys basketball victory Saturday over visiting Libby.

Glacier wrestlers 3rd at CMR Holiday Classic

GREAT FALLS - The Glacier Wolfpack finished third at the CMR Holiday Classic wrestling tournament on Saturday.

Bravettes defeat Loggers

Emma Andrews and Tess Brenneman scored 11 points each and the Flathead Bravettes rolled to a 58-25 nonconference basketball victory over Northwestern A Libby on Saturday night at Flathead High School.

Glacier girls top Great Falls

Great Falls won the battle of the turnovers, but the Glacier Wolfpack claimed the rebounding war - and the basketball game.

Glacier boys blast Bison

GREAT FALLS - Ryan Edwards and Kyle Griffith accounted for nearly half of Glacier's scoring as the Wolfpack drilled the Great Falls High Bison 57-37 on Saturday in Class AA nonconference boys basketball action.

Boys basketball: Krell scores 31 points in Polson's win over Hamilton

POLSON - Tyler Krell had a season-best 31 points to go with 10 rebounds as Polson rolled to a 75-62 Class A nonconference boys basketball victory over Hamilton on Saturday.

Girls basketball: Valkyries level Plains

BIGFORK - Melissa VanDerveer scored 12 points and pulled down eight rebounds as Bigfork rolled to a 51-25 District 7B girls basketball victory over Plains on Saturday.

Coffee shop robbery reported by employee

A man robbed a coffee shop on Center Street by spraying an employee with an unknown substance Saturday evening.

Gardner RV

Salesman Brad Dykes unlocks the door of a Wildwood Travel Trailer at Gardner RV & Trailer Center in Kalispell on Friday afternoon.

RV park near Sidney

RV parks such as this one near Sidney have become homes for many of the influx of workers in the oil fields of Eastern Montana and Western North Dakota.

N.D. boom benefits RV, vehicle dealers

As Flathead Valley workers rush to North Dakota’s thriving oil-based job market, they help the local economy, sometimes before they send back their first paychecks.

Enduring winter in the oilfields

Enduring winter in a fifth-wheel trailer has been a challenge for Shawnee and Scott Barge since they moved from the Flathead Valley to the oilfields of North Dakota.

Casey Malmquist

Casey Malmquist of Malmquist Construction in Whitefish has been building houses for Halliburton in Williston, N.D., for the past year and a half.

Expressions of caring: Facility carries on legacy started in monastery off Montana Highway 40

Residence gives dementia patients a home

As a young nursing student in Toronto, Patricia Zinke knew she wanted to care for the elderly, even as the other students opted for careers in operating rooms or pediatrics.

Daybook

Flathead vs Libby Basketball

Flathead’s Matt Mclean (22) goes up in front of a Libby defender for a layup during Saturday’s nonconference basketball game at Flathead High School.

Oil boom's ripples reach far

The hundreds of Flathead Valley residents journeying across the Hi-Line to find jobs in the North Dakota oil patch aren’t so different from the pioneers who settled the desolate prairie well over a century ago. It is a promised land whose harsh terrain and climate stands to make or break folks.

The 10th Amendment to the rescue

The main purpose of the first 10 amendments to the Constitution of the United States of America is to keep the federal government in check and only allow certain enumerated powers, which are few and well defined. 

These port protesters 'occupy' sheep's clothing

As a great man once said, “By their fruits you shall know them.” Indeed, Jesus warned that sometimes “ravening wolves” come to you “in sheep’s clothing.”

Area contractors tap into building frenzy

Whitefish firm has built 50 homes so far in Williston, N.D.

Faced with stagnant construction activity in the Flathead Valley, many local contractors are heading to the Williston Basin to build houses in boom towns.

Darlene Elizabeth Delap, 69

Darlene Elizabeth Delap, 69, of Redmond, Wash., passed away Dec. 14, 2011, in Redmond.

Ida L. Eberling Paulson, 87

Jean Baucus, 94

Jean Baucus, a rancher, historian, patron of the arts and mother of three children, including U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, died peacefully at her home in Helena Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011, at age 94.

M. Imogene 'Jean' Robert Gulbranson, 82

Bravettes roll after fast start; Braves pull away from 'Cats

COLUMBIA FALLS - Emma Andrews scored 18 of her game-high 20 points in the first half, Brittany Earnest hit all 10 of her points in the second period as Flathead defeated Columbia Falls 57-31 in nonconference girls basketball action Friday night.

Wolfpack takes 2 from Bulldogs

WHITEFISH - Glacier had four players in double figures and used a fast start to upend Whitefish 82-57 on Friday in a nonconference boys basketball contest.

Several local wrestlers still alive at Tri-State

COEUR D'ALENE, IDAHO - They wrestled late into the evening on Friday at the 2011 Tri-State Tournament.

Glacier wrestlers 2nd after 1st day at CMR Holiday Classic

GREAT FALLS - The Glacier Wolfpack wrestlers had a good day Friday at the CMR Holiday Classic in Great Falls.

Woman pleads guilty to misdemeanor assault

A 23-year-old Kalispell woman originally charged with two felonies and three misdemeanors in two cases pleaded guilty to two charges Friday in Flathead District Court.

Petition triggers broader study of rare stonefly

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced it will initiate a more extensive review on the status of a rare stonefly found only in Glacier National Park to determine if it warrants a listing under the Endangered Species Act.

Deputies set up nearby after shooting threats

A 50-year-old Kalispell man was arrested on charges of driving under the influence and partner or family member assault after an incident Wednesday.

Browning woman dies in Marias Pass crash

A 42-year-old Browning woman was killed in a single-car accident Thursday afternoon on U.S. 2 at Marias Pass.

Resident fears connection to attack

The

Man turns himself in for gun charge

A 28-year-old Kalispell man has turned himself in after learning police were looking for him after he carried a concealed handgun into class Wednesday at Flathead Valley Community College.

Flathead versus Columbia Falls girls basketball

Flathead forward Emma Andrews (10) drives past Columbia Falls guard Kathryn Jetty (15) during Flathead’s victory over the Wildkats at Columbia Falls Friday night.

Glacier versus Whitefish boys basketball

Glacier’s Andy Boyer (3) splits a group of defenders to take a shot underneath the basket during the Wolfpack’s victory over Whitefish Friday night at Whitefish High School.

Levi Joseph Ypma

Levi Joseph Ypma, son of Trey and Hilary Ypma of Columbia Falls, was born Aug. 22 at North Valley Hospital.

Taelor Marie Boyce

Taelor Marie Boyce, daughter of James and Amy Boyce of Kalispell, was born Aug. 15 at North Valley Hospital.

Boeu Thomas Wittal

Boeu Thomas Wittal, son of Robert Wittal and Samantha Davis of Lakeside, was born Aug. 18 at North Valley Hospital.

Weston David Jones

Weston David Jones, son of Chris and Melissa Jones of Columbia Falls, was born Aug. 15 at North Valley Hospital.

Maci Monroe Bailey

Maci Monroe Bailey, daughter of Destiny Bailey of Somers, was born Aug. 15 at North Valley Hospital.

Seth Wright Hunt

Seth Wright Hunt, son of Collin and Jaclyn Hunt, was born Aug. 19 at North Valley Hospital.

Henry Blake Collins

Henry Blake Collins, son of Ian and Claudia Collins of Whitefish, was born Aug. 19 at North Valley Hospital.

Kendall Cale Wermling

Kendall Cale Wermling, Matthew and Jillian Wermling of Whitefish, was born Aug. 18 at North Valley Hospital.

Nathaniel Kostelecky

Nathaniel Kostelecky, son of Scott and Maria Kostelecky of Kalispell, was born Aug. 18 at North Valley Hospital.

Clayton Richard Zdep Pohlman

Clayton Richard Zdep Pohlman, son of Jason and Liza Pohlman of Whitefish, was born Aug. 14 at North Valley Hospital.

Zayne William Gargasz

Zayne William Gargasz, son of Zac Gargasz and Taylor Role of Columbia Falls, was born Aug. 15 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Randolph Azazel Welker-Peterson

Randolph Azazel Welker-Peterson, son of Richard Peterson and Justine Welker of Kalispell, was born Aug. 14 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Council to vote on interim city manager

The Kalispell City Council will vote Monday on a proposed contract for an interim city manager who would start working Jan. 1, 2012.

Ray of Hope's program focuses on shelter

A Ray of Hope changed its Adopt-A-Family program this year, asking for contributions to help people pay utilities and rent.

Alli Mae Campbell

Alli Mae Campbell, daughter of Chase and Ashley Campbell of Kalispell, was born Aug. 14 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Ski areas optimistic about the season

Even with a shortage of snow, there is a sense of optimism for the ski season at Whitefish Mountain Resort, largely built on last year’s big business.

Oil Boom - Wagar

Michele Vaugh-Wagar and her three-year-old daughter Eva peek out the front door as they watch and wait for Jim and Colton Wagar to arrive home from North Dakota on Friday morning in Kila.

Willy Wonka Junior at Evergreen Junior High

Laney Wilson and the other Oompa Loompas rehearse the Bubble Room scene of Willy Wonka Junior on Thursday afternoon at Evergreen Junior High. In this scene Willy Wonka shows off his Fizzy Lifting Drink to the five golden ticket holders. Students will perfrom Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Junior twice today at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and once on Sunday at 2 p.m. The show is free and open to the public. Attendees are asked to help with the school food drive by bringing canned food items to the performances.

Oil Boom - Dave and Linda Smith

Linda Smith helps her husband Dave pack for his next trip to North Dakota on Friday, December 9, at their home in Kalispell.

VanDerveer, Valkyries roar past Lions

EUREKA - Bigfork used a 15-5 run to open the second half to blow things open en route to a 46-22 District 7B girls basketball victory over Eureka on Thursday evening.

Bigfork drops Eureka

BIGFORK - Ian Lorang scored 24 of his game-high 28 points in the first half as the Bigfork Vikings rolled past visiting Eureka 88-56 in a District 7B boys basketball matchup on Thursday.

Polson ranked 6th, Libby 10th in mat poll

Two local Class A wrestling teams are among the top 10 in the coaches' poll released on Thursday. The Polson Pirates are No. 6 and the Libby Greenchain is No. 10.

Libby wrestlers nip Columbia Falls

LIBBY - Zach Crace's 10-5 decision at 125 pounds on Thursday night tipped the balance just far enough in the Libby Greenchain's favor to come away with a 37-33 wrestling dual victory over Northwestern A foe Columbia Falls.

Expressions

Owner of Expressions Inc., Patricia Zinke, right, hugs resident Liz Nelson Thursday afternoon. Expressions Inc. is a care home specializing in helping people with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Bigfork Basketball

Bigfork's Ian Lorang (5) drains a three-point shot over Eureka's Chris Ibach (31) and Ryan Holder (23) during the Vikings' win at home over the Eureka Lions Thursday night.

Montana football fever still high

Montana football teams have done the state proud this year, and there’s potential for even more pride in the days to come.

Dante Kier

Thieves steal 170 wreaths

Just five days after hundreds of wreaths were placed on veterans’ graves in Glacier Memorial Gardens north of Kalispell, roughly 170 have been stolen.

Veterans sought for charity fight event Feb. 24

Army veterans are being sought to participate in a charity boxing smoker Feb. 24 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell.

The 9th annual Shop with a Cop

The 9th annual Shop with a Cop put on by the Columbia Falls Police Department was Wednesday afternoon at Target. Seven children were paired with members of the Columbia Falls Police department to select gifts for the children and their immediate family members, paid for with community donations and gift cards sponsored by Target. The families selected also received a $25 gift certificate to Super 1 foods in Columbia Falls.

Details emerge in stabbing

Details continue to emerge in the Monday night Fifth Avenue East home invasion and stabbing involving a self-proclaimed gang member.

Regina 'Jeannie' Mahaffey, 62

Regina “Jeannie” Mahaffey “went to be with our Lord Jesus” on Monday, Dec. 12, 2011.

Franks acquitted of child sex abuse charge

A man formerly convicted of sexual assault in Missoula has been acquitted of all charges in a child sex abuse case in Flathead District Court.

Dolly Edna Fisher Sproul, 90

Dolly Edna Fisher Sproul, 90, passed away Dec. 14, 2011.

Big Mountain

Skiiers and snowboarders ride Chair Six at Whitefish Mountain Resort Thursday morning.

Shop with a Cop

Sarah Marie Smith, 9, and Joshua Bear-Davis react when they’re told they get $50 more to shop with.

Gravel Pit Property Clean Up

Knife River Corp. continues to clean up its 40-acre property between Whitefish Stage Road and a spur of the railroad line that runs in Kalispell. Flathead County Economic Development Authority wants to purchase the gravel pit property to develop a new shovel-ready industrial park with rail access over the next 18 months, using a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The development authority has indicated that it hopes to be able to close on a sale by year's end.

Stellar Recovery, Inc.

John Schanck is chairman of Stellar Recovery Inc. 

Runner goes the distance for a cause

Zach Perrin plans to pound the pavement for 50 miles on Saturday to help out a youth in need.

City seeks airport input

The city of Kalispell is asking people to review and comment on a draft master plan update for the Kalispell City Airport.

New highway business zone advances

The first request to assign the new business highway greenbelt zone classification to property in Flathead County advanced this week, but not without a challenge.

William Jay Phillips 81

William Jay Phillips, 81, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, surrounded by loving family.

David Earl VanDort, 71

Local artist's work graces gallery in North Carolina

Four paintings by a Kalispell artist now are on display in North Carolina.

Hammering couple try to enter vacant home

The

Best chance for better downtown

Will demolishing an abandoned building and replacing it with a parking lot be enough to extend the life of Kalispell’s embattled West Side Tax Increment Finance District?

New Floor at Flathead Animal Shelter

Flooring in the second bay of kennels is scheduled to begin being replaced on Monday.

Holiday Concert at Glacier High School

Sherry Simmons leads the combined Choir and Orchestra in "Sing Noel, Sing Hallelujah" during rehearsal on Wednesday at Glacier High School.

Rockin' Ropers

The Rockin’ Ropers perform during halftime of the Glacier High School basketball game on Dec. 12.

Bonners Ferry, Idaho downs Libby girls

LIBBY - Taylor Quinn scored 11 points and the Libby Loggers stayed with visiting Bonners Ferry for a half, but couldn't hold the pace as they fell 47-25 in a nonconference girls basketball game on Tuesday.

Whitefish wayfinding sign project under way

Plan to be unveiled Thursday

Whitefish is embarking on a wayfinding project to create new and additional signs for major amenities in the resort town.

Take extra care with pets in cold weather

With winter weather here, the Flathead County Animal Shelter urges pet owners to take precautions to ensure the safety of their pets.

Otto Frederick Goers, 96

Otto Frederick Goers, 96, a former longtime resident of Dundee, Ill., and then of Sun City West, Ariz., died Dec. 1, 2011, in a Phoenix hospice center. He had suffered a severe stroke nine days earlier.

Senators say post-office moves delayed

Montana’s post offices and mail sorting facilities targeted for potential closure will remain open until at least mid-May, Sens. Jon Tester and Max Baucus announced Tuesday.

Daybook

Wednesday

Whitefish gears up for Holiday Food Bags

For some students, school is not only a place to learn, but also a place where they can eat breakfast and lunch every day.

Man stabbed during home invasion

A 19-year-old Kalispell man has been arrested after entering a home on Fifth Avenue East and allegedly stabbing the homeowner Monday night.

Gloria Grace Lyford, 79

Gloria Grace Lyford passed from this life early on the morning of Dec. 12, 2011, while in her home of some 50 years, surrounded by her husband, Bob, and members of their family.

Frozen Foy's

This view from a helicopter shows the snow- and ice-covered surface of Foy’s Lake southwest of Kalispell.

Alexander Graham Bell: Early recordings played

This Week in Pictures December 5-11

Sweet Peaks

Marissa Keenan, owner of Sweet Peaks Ice Cream, scoops huckleberry ice cream into a cone Wednesday afternoon at her shop in Whitefish.

Flathead Business Journal - Twisted Bliss

Kennedy Grove, left, and Olivia Olson, both of Whitefish, look over the various toppin options at Twisted Bliss on Monday night in Kalispell.

Clarence H. Wright, 94

Gregory Siravo, 44

Flathead to honor state basketball champs

 The 2001 Flathead High School girls basketball team, which won the Class AA state championship, will be honored during halftime ceremonies Saturday of the Bravettes home basketball opener against Libby.

New air group aims to help search efforts

FEAR is in the air.

Whitefish gears up for Holiday Food Bags

For some students, school is not only a place to learn, but also a place where they can eat breakfast and lunch every day.

Ex hurls shoes at man's door

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office got a report Sunday from a man who said his ex-wife drove up to his house and threw his shoes at the front door before driving off.

Columbia Falls man created legacy in wood

Floyd Kile, 84, lives  in Columbia Falls with his dachshund pal Freckles,  surrounded by his legacy of a lifetime of working with wood.

Floyd Kile, woodworker

Floyd Kile, 84, stands next to one of several grandfather clocks he handcrafted over the years.

Foys Lake Road

Foys Lake Road glints in the afternoon sunlight on Monday afternoon, December 12, just west of Kalispell.

Snowfall on the Courthouse

View of the newly renovated Courthouse under freshly fallen snow on Monday afternoon in downtown Kalispel..

93 Bypass

One of the traffic circles on the 93 Bypass cuts an interesting pattern in the snow on Monday afternoon, December 12, just west of Kalispell.

Flathead Emergency Aviation Resources

Jim Bob Pierce prepares for another flight with members of the Sheriff’s Office Monday afternoon over the Flathead Valley.

Quiet Skies

Scott Davis poses with a sign he made advocating closing the city airport outside his home in downtown Kalispell.

Quiet Skies still wants city airport closed or moved

Council to consider study recommendations

The Quiet Skies group continues its push to close or move Kalispell City Airport, with the City Council preparing yet again to ponder what to do with the 83-year-old general aviation facility.

Monday Profile

Fred Topp is proud of the accomplishments of the Social Concerns Office at St. Matthew's Parish in Kalispell.

Missing skiers found at Big Mountain

Two teenage girls went out of bounds and got lost skiing on Big Mountain on opening day Saturday.

Flathead rallies past Great Falls, 67-60

Flathead battled through a sluggish first half to rally past visiting Great Falls High for a 67-60 boys basketball victory on Saturday in the Class AA nonconference season opener for both teams.

Morley 9th at Foot Locker race

SAN DIEGO - Ninth grader Makena Morley of Bigfork settled for ninth place at the prestigious Foot Locker Cross Country Championships on Saturday.

Wolfpack wins Mining City Duals

BUTTE - Mining City Duals champs.

Stevi blows by Columbia Falls in boys basketball

WHITEFISH - Stevensville had too much balance offensively for Columbia Falls to contend with Saturday on the final day of the Northwest/Southwest Tip-off Tournament.

Kenney, Polson top Dillon in girls basketball

COLUMBIA FALLS - Polson (2-0) used a big finish to drop Dillon 49-36 on the final day of play in the Northwest/Southwest Tip-off Basketball Tournament Saturday.

Williams, Streit post firsts in Butte Invitational swim meet

BUTTE - Glacier had two individual winners on Saturday at the Butte Invitational swim meet.

Slow-starting Bravettes lose to Bison

GREAT FALLS - Flathead stumbled out of the gate and never recovered, falling to Great Falls High 46-31 on Saturday in Class AA nonconference girls basketball play.

Flathead Basketball

Flathead's Blaine Newman (13) shoots a jump shot in the second half of the Braves' victory at home versus Great Falls Saturday.

Kyle M. Thomas, 47

Kyle M. Thomas, 47, of Whitefish passed away on Dec. 6, 2011, from complications of a stroke at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

Convenience store taps solar, wind power

By the end of the year, motorists will notice big changes at Midway Mini Mart in Happy Valley.

Man finds stranger in his garage

The

Parking lot emerges as option for TIF money

A proposed land swap and construction of a public parking lot at the former Gateway West Mall got at least a preliminary nod of approval last week from the Kalispell Urban Renewal Agency.

Montana tourism grant goes to global conservation group

Montana’s office of tourism does a lot of good things.

The obvious energy policy not being considered

While we throw money here and there at various forms of both alternate and conventional sources of energy, we are not developing a sensible and sustainable national energy policy because the best and most obvious of policies is not favored by corporate America and our elected officials.

How to relieve grief at holidays time

 If you or your family is facing loss and major life transitions, the holidays may represent one of the most difficult times of the year.

'Christmas at Our House' draws a crowd

It takes roughly 200 volunteers, 100 turkeys, 100 hams, one ton of potatoes, 300 pounds of yams and 800 pounds of green beans to feed the army of people who attended the annual “Christmas at Our House” dinner.

Man pleads not guilty to three felonies

A 50-year-old Columbia Falls man pleaded not guilty to three felonies Thursday in Flathead District Court.

Joseph Franklin Sias, 94

Beloved husband, father and grandfather Joe Sias passed away at his home in Kalispell on Dec. 8,  2011, exactly three weeks after the passing of his sweetheart of 73 years, Edna.

Two years take Kila couple from terrified to overjoyed

Steve Sonoda, 57, cuddles newborn Sophia Grace gently in his strong arms as his wife, Sherrie, 47, smiles down at the two of them nestled on the couch with their dog, Kane. Sophia’s eyes lock lovingly at his face.

You want jobs? Approve the pipeline

So what will it be, real jobs, real infrastructure improvements, expanded trade with Canada and more energy for America, or will it be political obstruction of the highest order to satisfy the country’s extreme green wing?

Columbia Falls boys basketball

Columbia Falls junior forward Colin Kings (22) falls back while trying to block a shot by Jared Shultz (2) of Stevensville during Saturday’s Northwest/Southwest Tip-off Tournament at Whitefish High School.

Christmas at Our House

Volunteer Tucker Spooner serves up a helping of mashed potatoes.

Wolfpack wrestlers start 3-0 at Butte duals

BUTTE - Off to a pretty good start.

Glacier hangs on to defeat CMR

Karl Hellwig didn't figure in Glacier's scoring, but he had perhaps the biggest play of the game.

Broncs pull away from Wildkats

WHITEFISH - Hamilton used a big second quarter to break away from Columbia Falls en route to a 56-35 victory Friday during first-day play for girls at the NWA/SWA Tip-off Tournament.

Glacier girls lose to CMR in basketball

GREAT FALLS - C.M. Russell jumped out to a 19-8 advantage and held off a charge by Glacier in the third period to post a 52-47 nonconference Class AA girls basketball victory on Friday.

C-Falls drops Dillon in boys basketball opener

COLUMBIA FALLS - Austin Barth scored 12 points and pulled down 10 rebounds and the Columbia Falls Wildcats rallied from a four point halftime deficit to defeat Dillon 44-34 on Friday in a rematch of last year's Class A state championship game at the NWA/SWA Tip-off Tournament.

Glacier vs CMR basketball

Glacier’s Andy Boyer (center) dives for a loose ball during the first half of the Wolfpack’s home matchup against C.M. Russell Friday night.

Art contest focuses on wildlife crossings

 The Tribal Wildlife Management Program invites Flathead Indian Reservation schools along U.S. 93 to participate in the People’s Way Partnership’s Safe Passage for Wildlife Student Art Contest.

Woman gets five years suspended for stabbing

A 47-year-old Kalispell woman was given a five-year suspended sentence Thursday in Flathead District Court on a felony conviction for assault with a weapon.

Clyde L. 'Skip' Stout Jr., 55

Runaway driver accepts plea agreement

A 27-year-old Whitefish man accepted a plea deal Thursday in Flathead District Court.

Merle Jo Murray, 90

Jacqueline B. 'Jacky' Severson, 83

The amazing life of Jacqueline B. “Jacky” Severson began on March 14, 1928.

Woman arrested for murder

A 52-year-old Libby woman has been arrested for murder after her husband was found shot to death in their home Thursday.

Oregonian accused of shoplifting

Deputies with the

An early Christmas present

Bob Taylor hugs his grandson Davien Stetson close as they smile and watch the Red Eagle Aviation helicopter land in a field behind Helena Flats School Friday afternoon. Taylor arranged the helicopter ride as an early Christmas present for his grandchildren Davien and Cassie Carver. The children were accompanied on their flight by school Principal Ann Minckler.

Reading helps bridge generations

Although Anita Schumacher of Whitefish and Lynnette Ludviksen of Columbia Falls graduated from high school years ago, they have returned to the halls of high school to read with sophomores at Flathead High School.

Naked Noodle

Owner Sonya Burgard tops off a Singapore Stinger with cilantro at Naked Noodle in Whitefish Friday afternoon.

Columbia Falls Girls Basketball

Columbia Falls junior Allie Dierenfield (14) is fouled by Hamilton's Kara Wetzsteon during the Northwest/Southwest Tip off Tourney at Whitefish High School Friday afternoon.

Flathead Electronics Repair

Flathead Electronic's Repair Services owner Rick Kelso repairs a broken projector at his shop Wednesday afternoon.

Helena Flats Helicopter Ride

Grandparents Cheri and Bob Taylor, left, and P.E. teacher Amy Marsh wave to Davien Stetson, Cassie Carver, Principal Ann Minckler, and pilot Jim Pierce as they take off for a scenic flight on Friday afternoon. Bob Taylor arranged the flight as an early Christmas present for his grandchildren.

Flathead Business Journal - Fawn Boutique

Marty Bartel of Kalispell arranges a Christmas centerpiece on Friday morning at Fawn Boutique in downtown Kalispell.

Sentinel sneaks past Flathead in mat dual

MISSOULA - It couldn't have been more exciting.

Glacier whips Big Sky

MISSOULA - The Glacier Wolfpack rolled to a 73-6 Class AA wrestling dual victory over host Missoula Big Sky on Thursday.

Eureka water tests clean

Eureka residents got good news about the city’s water supply after samples were tested at the state laboratory in Helena.

Lakeside man pleads innocent to 4 charges

A 45-year-old Lakeside man pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to several charges related to a Nov. 18 incident in which he pointed a gun at his ex-girlfriend.

Driver in long chase accepts plea deal

One of two Kalispell men charged after a long, high-speed chase Oct. 3 accepted a plea deal Thursday in Flathead District Court.

Public comments nix roundabout for intersection

Public comments about a proposal to install a roundabout at the intersection of Montana highways 35 and 206 near Woody’s swayed state officials enough that a traffic signal will instead be located there.

County seeking state grant for weed patrol

The recent discovery of Eurasian water milfoil in Beaver Lake has prompted the manager of the county’s weed department to beef up surveillance efforts around the county for aquatic invasive species.

Leo Obermiller, 86

Hungry Horse man pleads guilty to lower list of charges

A 19-year-old Hungry Horse man was able to avoid several misdemeanor and felony charges after pleading guilty to a lesser list in Flathead County District Court.

America Reads/FHS Reads program

Lynnette Ludviksen meets with Flathead High student Kaitlin Martinez as part of the America Reads/FHS Reads program.

America Reads/Flathead Reads

Detail of the book Perfect by Natasha Friend. In the background is Flathead student Kaitlin Martinez.

Echo Lake causeway to reopen

The Echo Lake causeway, which has been closed since June due to high water, is scheduled to reopen today.

Obama's chaos (via Alinsky)

What do you expect when we have voted in a Marxist as president? 

Working on the railroad

Workers clear equipment from the tracks while moving a BNSF train last week at the rail yard in Whitefish. BNSF Railway Co. has hired 415 new workers this year.

Eldon James Kerney, 31

Man reports stolen gun, possible threat

The

Leaseholders vent concerns about new state rules

State officials got peppered with questions and criticism Tuesday from a riled group of state cabin-site leaseholders who are unhappy with proposed rules to implement legislation that was supposed to help them.

A false alarm over S. 1867

What do Ron Paul, the American Civil Liberties Union, Conservative Action Alerts, Democratic Underground, and Alex Jones and his Prison Planet group all have in common?

Deputy defuses tense situation

A Missoula County Sheriff’s deputy brought a safe end to a life-threatening situation Monday afternoon.

Helping Her Father with a Christmas Cause

Ben Vanhelden of Kalipsell lifts his three-year-old daughter Macie as she puts a donation into the Salvation Army bucket at Rosauers on Wednesday afternoon. Macie was there to help ring the bell and wish people Merry Christmas.

Solar power

Tom White of Mother’s Power installs solar panels Wednesday morning on the roof of the Midway Mini Mart on U.S. 93.

NASA Experiment

Glacier High School students, from left, Josiah Bumgarner, Nick LaGrandeur and Anna Deleray test the sparker before glueing it into place Tuesday afternoon at Glacier High School. The students performed an experiment to test the durability of a plexiglass box when it was filled with hydrogen and ignited. The experiment is part of the Glacier High School Microgravity Team that will be performing a series of electrolysis experiments in zero gravity at Johnson Space Center in February.

Whitefish CARE

Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake Linda and Charlie Maetzold are coordinating food purchases for the Holiday Food Bags program put on by Whitefish Care. The Maetzold's literally have boat loads of food at their Whitefish home.

Chocolate Extravaganza

Shannon Lund, center, helps judges John Vander Laan, left, and Sheriff Chuck Curry at the Chocolate Extravaganza on Wednesday morning in Kalispell.

Quiet Skies

Scott Davis poses with a sign he made advocating closing the city airport on Tuesday afternoon outside his home in downtown Kalispell.

Mountain opens on Saturday

Whitefish Mountain Resort will partially open with reduced lift rates on Saturday, thanks to snowmaking on Big Mountain.

Landfill pays $552,000 for 25-acre adjoining property

The Flathead County Solid Waste District acquired 25.66 acres next door to the landfill last week.

Patrick Robert Duane Wagar

Patrick Robert Duane Wagar, son of Levi Wagar and Nicole Brunes of Kalispell, was born Aug. 9 at North Valley Hospital.

Ida Marie Koistinen

Ida Marie Koistinen, daughter of Darwin and Erika Koistinen of Kalispell, was born Aug. 4 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Emilia Charlotte Knapp

Emilia Charlotte Knapp, daughter of Kevin and Rebecca Knapp of Kalispell, was born Aug. 1o at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Avery Grace Bailey and Ella Pearl Bailey

Avery Grace Bailey and Ella Pearl Bailey, daughters of Erik Bailey and Kym Island of Columbia Falls, were born Aug. 4 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Kylee Mae Cardwell

Kylee Mae Cardwell, daughter of C.J. Cardwell and Kayla Allen of Eureka, was born Aug. 9 at North Valley Hospital.

Kalispell lawyer confirmed as federal judge

Kalispell attorney Dana Christensen has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate to replace U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy of Missoula.

Teagan Richard Role

Teagan Richard Role, son of Bill Role and Carrie Williams of Columbia Falls, was born Aug. 13 at

Olney man accused of three felonies

A 43-year-old Olney man pleaded not guilty to three felonies and a misdemeanor Thursday during Flathead District Court.

Comments pour in on Jesus statue

One way or another, more than 90,000 people have chimed in on the Big Mountain Jesus statue issue so far, according to the Flathead National Forest.

Kasilyn Storm Cosman

Kasilyn Storm Cosman, daughter of Virginia Cosman of Kalispell, was born Aug. 11 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

CASA seeks artists to design license plate

Court Appointed Special Advocates of Montana is asking people to use their artistic talents to help improve the lives of abused children.

Jeffrey William Poe, 39

Jeff Poe of Kalispell passed from this life on Nov. 23, 2011.

Mesa Grace Lee

Mesa Grace Lee, daughter of Mike and Tara Lee of Kalispell, was born Aug. 10 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Elizabeth Lee Albrecht

Elizabeth Lee Albrecht, daughter of Brandon and Theresa Albrecht of Columbia Falls, was born Aug. 3 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Theresa (Hudon) Landwehr, 94

Our beloved mother, grandma and Great-Grandma T passed away very peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011, at home with her daughter and granddaughters at her side.

Anthony Jonathan Erdmann

Anthony Jonathan Erdmann, son of Anthony and Desiree Erdmann of Columbia Falls, was born Aug. 10 at North Valley Hospital.

Noelle Joy Morrison

Noelle Joy Morrison, daughter of Garrett and Sarah Morrison of Lakeside, was born Aug. 3 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Taylor'Lynn Helen McCully

Taylor’Lynn Helen McCully, daughter of Orville and Rhonda McCully of Marion, was born Aug. 10 at North Valley Hospital.

Kalispell accepts $1.5 million for land trust houses

The Kalispell City Council voted on Monday to accept $1.5 million in federal funding to buy and renovate more foreclosed houses to add to the Northwest Montana Community Land Trust.

Emlyn Mae Johnston

Emlyn Mae Johnston, daughter of Isaac and Megan Johnston, was born Aug. 7 at North Valley Hospital.

Greyson James Bouma

Greyson James Bouma, son of Chad Bouma and Candace Hunt of Bigfork, was born Aug. 2 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Max Daniel Inabnit

Max Daniel Inabnit, son of Eric and Teresa Inabnit of Kalispell, was born Aug. 14 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Ruth M. Anderson, 89

Halie Marie Christensen-Bolles

Halie Marie Christensen-Bolles, daughter of Rick Christensen and Shelby Bolles of Columbia Falls, was born Aug. 11 at North Valley Hospital.

P. Lew Kavalunas

P. Lew Kavalunas, daughter of Matt Kavalunas and Lindsey Whitcomb of Whitefish, was born Aug. 8 at North Valley Hospital.

Jaeza Rainn Juntunen

Jaeza Rainn Juntunen, daughter of Jeremy and Jenni Juntunen of Kalispell, was born Aug. 4 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

City may raise its street tax

The Kalispell City Council on Monday endorsed the concept of a revised street maintenance assessment that would raise more funding for road work — possibly in conjunction with an end to the city’s transportation impact fees.

Wilson Lee Erwin

Wilson Lee Erwin, son of Quinn and Ashley Erwin of Helena, was born Aug. 13 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Josephine Mae Carlburg

Josephine Mae Carlburg, daughter of Tim and Leah Carlburg of Kalispell, was born Aug. 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Dazen Jeffrey Vogel

Dazen Jeffrey Vogel, son of Stephen Vogel and Samantha Barbour of Kalispell, was born Aug. 6 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

A Christmas Harp Solo and Ensemble Recital

Harp Instructor Diane Dikerson leads the eight harp ensemble in rehearsal on Sunday afternoon at the North Valley Music School in Whitefish. The harps will perform their Christmas Harp Solo and Ensemble Recital on Friday beginning at 5:45 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. The recital is being given in conjunciton with the annual Whitefish Christmas Stroll.

Head on crash

Kalispell and Evergreen emergency crews inspect the damage of a head on collision on U.S. 2 near Rose Crossing Tuesday morning. One female was transported to the hospital in stable condition.

Hallelujah

John Zoltek turns to face the audience to lead a reprise of the "Hallelujah Chorus" at the close of the performance of Handel’s “Messiah” in 2011 at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center.

GSC John Zoltek

John Zoltek conducts the Glacier Symphony and Chorale in their annual performance of Handel's Messiah in 2011 at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center.

contests-page-leaderboard-middle-2

Daybook

Wolf quota reached in one district

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has closed wolf hunting in a district covering areas east of Kalispell and in the Swan Valley because the allotted quota was recently met.

BSMA totals 11 double winners, claims taekwondo tourney title

Big Sky Martial Arts had 11 double winners and captured the team title at the 14th annual Big Sky Martial Arts Championships at Glacier High School on Nov. 12.

Blacktail skiing starts on Saturday

Blacktail Mountain Ski Area above Lakeside will open for the season on Saturday, Dec. 10.

Shakespeare in the Schools

Aden YoungBird, right, and Jorden Jensen perform a stage combat routine at Kila School Monday afternoon. Members of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks taught students the basics of fighting on stage as part of their "Shakespeare in the Schools" tour.

Flu surfaces in Montana

The first two influenza cases in Montana have been confirmed by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services,

Ruth M. Anderson

Ruth M. Anderson, 89

Ruth M. Anderson passed away Nov. 29, 2011, in Brendan House. She was 89.

Karla Rae Jones, 80

Karla Rae Jones was a friend to all, especially children, youths and animals. Karla was born to Fred and Ethel Jones on Oct. 23, 1931, in Klamath Falls, Ore.

Karla Rae Jones

Larry 'Pops' Ryerson

Larry 'Pops' Ryerson, 76

Larry “Pops” Ryerson, 76, passed away Dec. 2, 2011, at his home in Olney, of natural causes

Fred Sanders, 95

Fred Sanders, 95, a Tucson, Ariz., resident, died Nov. 17, 2011, at Healthcenter Northwest in Kalispell.

Dorothy Kirby Williams, 82

Dorothy Kirby Williams of Evergreen died Dec. 2, 2011, at Brendan House.

Vehicles targeted across valley

A man calling the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office from Freckles Road in the Kalispell area reported that he caught someone going through his vehicle at about 5 a.m. Sunday. He yelled and the person fled, possibly dropping something in the driveway.

Road workers gear up for winter

Flathead County road workers have switched from summer to winter mode, Public Works Director Dave Prunty told county commissioners recently.

UM Football

Photos from the Montana Grizzlies victory over Central Arkansas Saturday afternoon at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

Stage Combat

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks member Steve Lenz, left, helps Logan Vaughn, right, and Jorden Jensen choreograph a stage combat routine at Kila School Monday afternoon. Lenz, along with five other members of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, taught students the basics of fighting on stage as part of their "Shakespeare in the Schools" tour.

This Week In Pictures November 28-December 4

Officers respond to bar room brawl

Early Sunday morning, the

Monday Profile

Community volunteer and Whitefish real estate agent Bill Milner is the "unofficial" photographer for the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce.

Ringing the bell a little louder

Whitefish promoter uses tenacity, humor to get the job done

Bill Milner has done a lot of out-of-the-ordinary things in the course of a lifetime.

Exhibit remembers Pearl Harbor

Gil Mangels, at the Miracle of America Museum, looks at the Dec. 8, 1941 front page of the San Francisco Chronicle.

Museum exhibit remembers Pearl Harbor

Gil Mangels, founder of the Miracle of America Museum in Polson, created a uniquely personal exhibit recalling the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor.

Lucille Leona (Garbe) Malson, 86, Calvin Earl Malson, 87

Lucille Leona (Garbe) Malson, 86, went on ahead Friday, Nov. 25, 2011, in Tempe, Ariz. Calvin Earl Malson, 87, soon followed on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011, apart from each other only six days.

Whitefish studies higher nonresident ambulance fees

A proposal to raise ambulance fees for out-of-city residents who live in the Whitefish Fire Department service area will be considered tonight by the Whitefish City Council.

Esther Evans, 88

Esther Evans passed from this life on Dec. 2, 2011. She was 88 years of age at the time of her death.

Helen May (Luke) Evenson, 95

Glacier wins Polson Invitational; Flathead fourth

POLSON - Saturday was a pretty good day for the local wrestling teams.

Glacier boys second at FHS Invitational

The Glacier boys swimming team placed second at the Flathead Invite Friday at The Summit in Kalispell, matching its finish at the same event a year ago.

Morley third in Foot Locker regional

Bigfork runner Makena Morley took third place in the West Regional Foot Locker Cross County Championships in Walnut, Calif., Saturday.

Herron Park grows by 60 acres

An acquisition of 60 acres by the Foys to Blacktail Trails organization has expanded Herron Park five miles southwest of Kalispell to 220 acres.

Sex offender faces long prison term

A 22-year-old Kalispell man was convicted of felony charges of sexual assault and sexual intercourse without consent following completion of his trial Thursday in Flathead District Court.

Northern neighbors spend plenty here

License plates from north of the border tell much of the story.

Jerry Lane, 68

Jerry Lane, 68, our very much loved father and grandfather of Missoula, “left this world to be with the Lord” on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, 2011.

Esther Ober, 99

After a fireworks accident left him crippled, Ian Reynolds now has...

A foothold in life

Kalispell resident Ian Reynolds walks with a bounce in his step that reflects the exuberance of his attitude toward life. The video game character Mario smiles up from his prosthetic calf and foot.

Robert Norman Allen, 76

Robbery attempted by men in ski masks

Reader: Editor's column may only be about '1 percent' accurate

In response to Mr. Miele’s Nov. 12 “Editor’s 2 Cents” column:

A conundrum for the GOP

No doubt some Montana Democrats are salivating at the possibility that the heavily crowded GOP primary race for governor will produce a big surprise in the form of a weak candidate.

Economic inequality and the enduring myth of 'easy money'

Thanks to winter weather and a handful of belatedly plucky mayors around the country, the Occupy Movement has gone into semi-hibernation, but don’t imagine you’ve seen the last of it.

UM Grizzlies

UM Football

Montana Grizzlies wide receiver Antwon Moutra (3) and Montana Grizzlies wide receiver Jabin Sambrano (16) celebrate in the end zone during the first half of the Montana Grizzlies second round FCS match up against Central Arkansas Saturday afternoon at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

2011 Kalispell High School Swim Invite

Glacier's Sara Burch swims in the Girls 50 freestyle on Saturday afternoon at the 2011 Kalispell High School Swim Invite. Burch won her heat with a time of 29.71.

Night of Lights

From left, Jessica Muir, Dan Muir, Christiane Hinterman and Cindy Woods roast marshmallows on the U.S. Forest Service float at the Night of Lights parade Friday night in Columbia Falls.

GHS Wrestling

Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake Conner Hagel, right, works to turn Butte's Dylan Wine in the 215-pound weight class during Flathead's match against Butte Friday afternoon.

Delores Swanberg, 89

Delores Swanberg, 89, was born on her parents’ farm near Nardin, Okla., on July 16, 1922, to J. Floyd and Luella Trekell McAninch.

Officials work on antenna solution

Officials with the Flathead National Forest have assured Flathead County commissioners and the sheriff that they are willing to work with the county to figure out where to locate equipment to provide reliable radio communication for emergency services in the Lakeside, Somers and Bigfork areas.

Marion bond request passes

Voters in the Marion School District have approved a $500,000 bond request to expand and upgrade the rural school.

Allan Sollid, 98

Teen denies assault charge in bus case

A teenager denied an assault charge Friday related to the Glacier High School freshman football bus case.

Ingvald A. 'Wally' Sagen, 78

Ingvald A. “Wally” Sagen, 78, passed away of natural causes at his home on Nov. 30, 2011, in Kalispell.

Mary Gunderson, 77

Couple blessed with new life after cancer

Sophia Sonoda was five weeks old on Tuesday, November 29.

Canadian shoppers

Andrea Salmon of Lethbridge, Alberta, shops as she stands in the checkout line early Black Friday morning at ShopKo in Evergreen.

Ian Reynolds

Reynolds works on a prosthetic socket for a patient at Glacier Prosthetic Care Inc. in Kalispell. “Until I give this away, this is my leg, that’s how I treat it,” he said.

Sparkler bomb opens new career path

Ian Reynolds, 24, adjusts his prosthetic leg before climbing the wall at The Summit on Thursday night in Kalispell. The Whitefish native chose to have his foot amputated after injuries from a sparkler bomb accident left him with drop foot.

Less painful flu shots offered Thursday

 The Flathead City-County Health Department will offer a special clinic on Thursday, Dec. 8, providing less painful and lower-cost adult flu shots from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Trade Center Building at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.

Man's sentence suspended for criminal endangerment

A 36-year-old Hungry Horse man was given a five-year suspended sentence Nov. 23 in Flathead District Court after having previously pleaded guilty to a felony charge of criminal endangerment.

Kootenai bull trout spawning declines

This fall’s bull trout spawning was 78 percent of the 10-year average in streams feeding the Kootenai River below Libby Dam and 70 percent of the 10-year average in streams feeding Lake Koocanusa north of the dam.

County agrees to buy $26,500 lift

Flathead County commissioners agreed to purchase a 1999 Genie lift for $26,500 for use mostly by the county maintenance staff.

Vandalism reported at Coram business

Kalispell man arrested after Missoula chase

A Kalispell man wanted for questioning regarding a Nov. 14 high-speed chase from Kalispell to within a few miles of Polson has been arrested after attempting to elude police in Missoula.

Skiing opener delayed

Whitefish Mountain Resort will not open Saturday as planned because there isn’t enough snow.

Police make quick arrest in casino robbery

Solid police work led to the quick arrest of two Kalispell men following the armed robbery of a casino early Thursday morning.

Jesse E. 'Smitty' Smith Jr., 87

Steeple scenic

The steeple of the old St. Richard’s Catholic Church in Columbia Falls contrasts with the snow-dusted Swan Mountain Range. The former church is currently the office of chiropractor Dr. Robert Hager.

Boys and Girls Club

NEIL TEKULVE plays football with Stevie Wilkinson, 9, and others on Wednesday afternoon at the Boys and Girls Club in Columbia Falls.

Bill Milner Portrait

Bill Milner, the ÒunofficialÓ photographer for the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce, in downtown Whitefish on Monday afternoon.

The Old Red Bridge

County commissioners are wrestling with what to do about the 99-year-old Red Bridge now that plans to renovate the river crossing have been shelved.

Heron

A Great Blue Heron hunkers down as it stands on a frozen patch of Whitefish River Tuesday afternoon.

BNSF

Burlington Northern Sante Fe trains fill the rail yard in Whitefish Wednesday afternoon.