Ellington

Bigfork downs Troy; Davey leads Polson past Whitefish, 53-32

BIGFORK - Cody Dopps ran for 138 yards and two touchdowns as seventh-ranked Bigfork defeated Troy 41-6 in a District 7B football contest on Friday night.

Crosstown Football

Flathead senior wide receiver George Sherwood (11) points to the crowd after scoring a touchdown Friday night.

Porch, Glacier boys 2nd at AA state golf

BUTTE - It was second again for Ryan Porch and the Glacier boys golf squad regarding state tournament play.

Suspensions continue for two youths

Glacier High School has indefinitely suspended two boys potentially facing charges related to a Sept. 12 incident on a freshman football bus.

Everett M. Rankin, 84

Everett M. Rankin, 84, “left this world” and those of us who adored him on Sept. 26, 2011. He died at his home in Ferndale after a year-long battle with malignant melanoma. He was the director of his entire life until the end “and is now in the loving hands of his Maker and, thankfully, at peace.”

Glacier Jazz Stampede features free shows

For the last 18 years, jazz musicians from across the country have flocked to Kalispell in the fall, bringing the genre’s diverse sounds — from Dixieland to ragtime to contemporary jazz — to town during the Glacier Jazz Stampede.

Bigfork offers high school diploma online

There are no boundaries in the virtual world of learning and Bigfork High School is taking advantage of that through Bigfork Digital High School.

Arduous quest establishes memorial for crash victims

A quest to erect a memorial for two Daily Inter Lake reporters who died in an airplane crash near Perma in June 2010 has been accomplished, with a sense of relief and reward for those involved.

Tower Six reinstalled

Lake Ragnar Stoelzle, right, and Mark Hazelby guide the top of Tower Six into place during reinstallation of the Chair One tower at Whitefish Mountain Resort Friday morning.

Key link for Chair One

A crane lifts the pole of Tower Six of Chair One at Whitefish Mountain Resort during the reinstallation of the tower on Friday morning. The tower was removed in late June after a slump in the ground caused the tower to shift about 6 inches out of plumb.

Flathead vs. Glacier - Crosstown Football V

Braves

Gridiron, links duty for Johnson of Columbia Falls

Here's how Columbia Falls' Parker Johnson's Friday went recently.

Bulldogs eye trophies, medals in state golf

Individual and team honors are within reach for the Whitefish High School golf programs this weekend at the Class A state tournament in Hamilton.

Tough go for Glacier, Flathead golfers at state

BUTTE — It wasn’t the best start for Glacier’s golf teams, but it was nothing to panic about either.

Flathead belts Big Sky in volleyball

MISSOULA - Timi Severson had eight kills and served nine aces as the Flathead Bravettes (5-2, 9-4) swept host Missoula Big Sky (2-5, 5-10) on Thursday night. Scores were 25-14, 25-22, 25-17.

Big Sky edges Glacier's boys, girls in soccer

Missoula Big Sky's Nic Frontespezi scored in the 76th minute to give the Eagles a 2-1 Western AA boys soccer victory over Glacier on Thursday at Glacier.

Bigfork man suspected in bank robberies

The arrest of a Bigfork man Wednesday night may signal the end of a multi-year crime spree made up of six robberies and spanning five cities.

Robbery suspect has long list of financial struggles

Steven Dee Norred, the 55-year-old Bigfork man arrested in relation to the robbery of Glacier Bank in Lakeside Wednesday, has faced serious financial struggles in recent years.

Joining steel

Waylon Felds of Dawson Enterprises welds a butt joint onto a frame piece Wednesday afternoon on the new surgical services tower being built at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. The $42 million project is expected to be completed in October 2012.

Let the court decide, quickly

Good. The U.S. Supreme Court has finally been petitioned with appeals of federal health-care overhaul legislation, and a timely ruling on this profoundly important matter should be a priority for the court.

Joseph L. Beaudion, 84

Andrew David Guy, 76

Andrew David Guy of Somers heard the words, “‘Well done, good and faithful servant,’ and was welcomed into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ” on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011.

Mom says son may have been high

The

Detour route switches for Whitefish project

The intersection of Baker Avenue and Second Street in Whitefish is expected to open for through traffic by Monday or sooner as work progresses on the U.S. 93 rebuild through downtown Whitefish.

Flathead County Animal Shelter Open House

Janette Reynolds of Kalispell holds Misty, a 1-2 year old cat she is considering adopting, at the Flathead County Animal Shelter on Thursday afternoon in Kalispell. On Saturday the Shelter will be having their Fall Open House from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. at 225 Cemetery Road. According to Shelter Director Cliff Bennett 500 Rabies Vaccinations were recently donated, and the Shelter will be giving these away for free to the first 500 dogs and cats on Saturday. The vaccinations will be given to Flathead County residents only. In addition to the vaccinations the Animal Shelter will be offering low cost microchipping, dog licenses and adoption speacials. The Shelter can be reached at 752-1310 for additional information.

Jesse DeVine Profile

Jesse DeVine, new Artistic Director for the Whitefish Theater Company, at the O'Shaughnessy Center on Wednesday morning in Whitefish.

Bigfork Virtual HIgh School

Christian Ruiz, a sophomore, types on a laptop as he works on a video game designing virtual class on Wednesday at Bigfork HIgh School.

Flathead Video Hollywood To-Go

Kim Dutton, store owner, adds mustard to finish the New York Dog, a gourmet hotdog topped with sauerkraut, sauteed onions in red sauce and mustard on Wednesday afternoon at Flathead Video Hollywood To-Go in Bigfork.

Al Michael Olszewski leads Flathead defense

Glacier hopes state roll continues

Five-for-five is what the Glacier boys golf team is shooting for.

Two boys, 15, face charges for bus incident

Two of six students involved in a Sept. 12 incident on a Glacier High School freshman football bus now are facing criminal sexual assault charges.

Whitefish project worth the wait

We’re glad to hear that the traffic congestion in Whitefish has settled down a bit over the past few days, especially with the resort town hosting its annual Great Northwest Oktoberfest starting on Friday.

Board wants bigger renewal area

In a special meeting Tuesday, the Kalispell City Planning Board agreed the Westside Urban Renewal Plan should be expanded to include the Flathead County Fairgrounds and a mile-long block of land that runs to the eastern city limit.

Norma Jean Johnson Jasken, 75

Norma Jean Johnson Jasken, 75, of Houston, formerly of McComb and Vaughn, Miss., “was called home by the Lord” Sept. 23, 2011. At her side was her beloved husband of 56 years, Robert J. Jasken.

Mother-in-law could face charges in fight

The

Fredrick 'Fritz' Joseph Wetzel Jr., 51

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Thomas Kendall Hughes, 54

Anna Bessie Fossum, 93

Glacier Bank robbery

Law officers respond Wednesday afternoon to a robbery at Glacier Bank in Lakeside.

Crosstown Bands

Allen Slater, director of the Flathead Marching Band closely observes the Flathead players as they perform their school song on Monday evening. Both Flathead and Glacier will perform together on Friday evening with each band doing their own school song.

Glacier defeats Big Sky volleyball

Photos from the Wolf Pack's victory over Big Sky on Tuesday night.

Glacier vs. Big Sky volleyball

Soccer: Whitefish boys top Polson

Volleyball: Wolfpack sweeps Eagles

Glacier defeats Big Sky volleyball

Glacier's Lexy Boschee (3) spikes the ball past an Eagles defender during the Wolf Pack's victory over Big Sky on Tuesday night.

First of two Oktoberfest weekends ready to polka

Bavarian culture will converge on Whitefish this weekend, with beer, brats and a bevy of brass instruments at the Great Northwest Oktoberfest.

Fredrick 'Fritz' Joseph Wetzel Jr., 51

Fredrick "Fritz" Joseph Wetzel Jr., 51, “moved on from this life” on Friday, Sept. 23, 2011, at home in Bigfork.

College forensics students test their skills at mock crime scenes

It was like an episode of the television “CSI” shows on Monday morning at Flathead Valley Community College, but with dummy dead bodies, students in the white forensic jumpsuits and real police officer consultants.

Norma Jean Johnson Jasken, 75

Norma Jean Johnson Jasken, 75, of Houston, formerly of McComb and Vaughn, Miss., “was called home by the Lord” Sept. 23, 2011. At her side was her beloved husband of 56 years, Robert J. Jasken.

Charles 'Chuck' William Major Sr., 61

Charles “Chuck” William Major Sr., 61, passed away on Sept. 23, 2011, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, due to complications after a heart procedure.

Eunice Louise Shevenko, 99

Eunice Louise Shevenko, 99, passed away on Friday, Sept. 23, 2011, at Heritage Place in Kalispell.

Sidney 'Sid' Bitney, 58

Highway contract awards studied

The Montana Department of Transportation opened bids last week for three road construction projects in the works for Flathead County.

Grizzly with history of break-ins captured, killed

A large grizzly bear that had been raiding garages and sheds in the Swan Valley was captured near Condon and killed by state wildlife officials on Tuesday.

Accident at Reserve and Highway 93

Crews from the Kalispell and West Valley Fire Departments respond to an injury accident at the intersection of Highway 93 and Reserve Drive on Tuesday morning in Kalispell.

Raceway ends season crowning champs

Montana Raceway Park ended the 2011 season Saturday night with five drivers claiming championships in five divisions - Bombers, Hobby Stock, Legends, Hornets and Super Stocks.

Kalispell holds off on hiring new fire chief

The city of Kalispell is holding off on hiring a new fire chief as it looks for ways to possibly reorganize the fire and police departments, potentially into one public safety department with a shared administration.

Whitefish plans 'political picnic' for candidates

In the spirit of town-square gatherings that were stumping grounds for local politicians in America's early days, Whitefish is planning an old-fashioned "Politics in the Park" event on Tuesday, Oct. 4.

Economic turnaround will take time

With consumer confidence lagging, financial problems looming in Europe and an economic slowdown in Asia at hand, crawling out of America's "Great Recession" will be a test of endurance, First Interstate Bank's staff economist said Monday.

Runaway camel? Yep, that's news

Traffic situation improves in Whitefish

After two weeks of major street reconstruction in downtown Whitefish, the initial gridlock has subsided and traffic flow has improved, city officials say.

Faye Thornton

Faye Alene Thornton, 84

Faye Alene Thornton, 84, of Frederick, Md., died on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, at the Kline Hospice House, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was the lifelong wife of Kern D. Thornton.

Bruce Alan Laws, 52

Bruce Alan Laws, 52, passed peacefully on Sept. 22, 2011, at his home in Kalispell, due to Lou Gehrig's disease/ALS.

Mike Pichette, 66

Mike Pichette died Sept. 24, 2011, in Helena, after a brief illness.

Merritt Kittock

Merrit Marie (Elam) Kittock, 48

Merrit Marie (Elam) Kittock, 48, of Tekoa, Wash., passed away suddenly Friday, Sept. 23, 2011, at the Spokane Valley Hospital.

FVCC CSI

Students from the Forensic Science I class at Flathead Valley Community College investigate a fake crime scene Monday afternoon.

Whitefish carmageddon

Most sidewalks remain open during extensive road work in downtown Whitefish.

This Week in Pictures September 19-25

Lela Holder

TIF district expansion up for talk in Kalispell

The Kalispell City Planning Board will start its talks about the Westside Tax Increment Financing District during a special meeting Tuesday night.

Show jumping

Pam Quinby of Lakeside works on her show jumping with Lollypop, an Irish Gray, on Thursday afternoon in Lakeside.

Man admits to bashing up his pickup

The

Monday Profile

Leslie Budewitz, author of "Books, Crooks, and Counselors," outside her home in Bigfork on Friday afternoon. In addition to being an author, Budewitz is an attorney at law.

Attorney weaves writing career around her job

Leslie Budewitz always knew she wanted to write.

Local group launches program to honor veterans

In June, Tricia Kinnamon received a Buck knife while attending the 90th annual Montana state convention of the Disabled American Veterans held in Butte.

Patricia M. Miller

Patricia M. Miller, 68

Patricia M. (Stevens McSloy) Miller, 68, passed away peacefully at her home in Ronan on Sept. 24, 2011.

Patricia Miller

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Airport gift shop felled by lease dispute

A disagreement over terms of a new lease for the Kindred Spirits Gift Gallery at Glacier Park International Airport has prompted the gift-shop owner to bow out of a relationship that has spanned 17 years at the airport.

Polson, Whitefish, Eureka, Bigfork net victories

POLSON - Heidi Rausch had three blocks and 11 digs and Ashley Johnson added nine kills and 11 digs as the Polson Pirates (4-3, 3-1) swept visiting Libby (1-4, 1-3) in a Northwestern A volleyball match on Saturday.

Glacier golfers take team titles

Soccer: Bravettes blank Big Sky

Cross country: Morley wins at Mountain West Classic

County mulls request for invasive species funds

Flathead County commissioners are considering a request to contribute $10,000 during the next two years to an education and outreach effort related to aquatic invasive species.

Civic leader Jack Hensley dies

Longtime Kalispell banker and civic leader Jack Hensley died Thursday at his summer residence in Lakeside, leaving a legacy of behind-the-scenes contributions that have benefited the Flathead Valley in many ways.

Donald Harring

Reba Fern Davis Hollopeter

Reba Fern Davis Hollopeter “went to be with her Lord and Savior and many beloved family members” on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011.

Donald C. Harring Sr., 87

On Sept. 13, 2011, Donald C. Harring Sr., 87, passed away peacefully with his loving wife, Giselle “Jessie” at his side at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

John Richard Beam, 76

John Richard Beam, 76, passed away peacefully in his home in Creston on Sept. 21, 2011.

John Beam

Jack Hensley

Boys reportedly threaten girl with knife

The Kalispell Police Department received a report that two boys age 7 to 10 years old pulled a pocket knife on a little girl, who ran into her apartment yelling for her mother to help her. Officers located the boys’ home, but were unable to find the boys themselves.

Jack Logan Hensley, 86

Jack Logan Hensley, 86, husband, honored father, grandfather and loyal friend, passed away peacefully on Sept. 22, 2011, at the family summer home in Lakeside, a place he dearly loved.

North, to Alaska, but how?

My oldest daughter, Heather, just accepted a job as a television reporter and photographer in Anchorage, Alaska. It’s a great opportunity for her, but the logistics of moving from her humble apartment in Eugene, Ore. to The Last Frontier have sent me into a frenzy.

Recipe for disaster: Ayers, Alinsky, Cloward & Piven

When last we left the revolutionary Bill Ayers, he was furiously scribbling the "Weatherman" manifesto in 1969 and learning how to build nail bombs while actively encouraging not just one, but "two, three, many Vietnams," in an effort to bring down the United States government.

Thanks for the memories, KRMC

A paean to health care in the Rockies

During last summer's vacation in Whitefish, I experienced every traveler's nightmare. One year ago this month, I found myself lying on a gurney looking up at the anesthesiologist who was about to put me to sleep for emergency surgery - thousands of miles west of big-name medical centers I was familiar with.

Flathead vs. Sentinel football

Flathead's victory over Sentinel Friday night.

Flathead High School vs. Missoula Sentinel

Glacier/Whitefish/Flathead Invitational

Flathead's Michael Lavin chips onto the first green during the second round of the Glacier/Whitefish/Flathead Invitational golf tournament at Buffalo Hill Golf Club Saturday morning.

Flathead vs. Big Sky soccer

Braves forward Brittany Earnest, right, and Eagles midfielder collide while going for the ball during Flathead's victory over the BIg Sky Eagles at Kidsports Saturday afternoon.

Braves run by Sentinel

Time after time, the Flathead defense found itself backed into its own territory against a Missoula Sentinel team threatening to score.

Glacier upends testy Bozeman

BOZEMAN - A win is a win and the Glacier Wolfpack will take it.

Glacier girls 1st in golf tourney

EUREKA - Glacier had five girls shoot under 96 and place in the top 10 on the first day of the Glacier/Whitefish/Flathead Invitational golf tournament at Indian Springs Ranch Golf Course on Friday.

DiGiallonardo, Pirates whip Wildcats

COLUMBIA FALLS - Last year Columbia Falls spoiled Polson's homecoming.

Daybook

Glacier loses road match to Spartans

MISSOULA - Lexy Boschee had 21 kills and Hannah Liss contributed 41 assists and three aces, but the Sentinel Spartans downed Glacier in a Western AA volleyball match on Friday 25-22, 25-14, 16-25, 20-25, 15-11.

Flathead vs. Sentinel football

Flathead running back Austin Root hurdles Missoula Sentinel’s Tanner Rheinschmidt (5) during a carry at Legends Stadium Friday night.

Lela Joann Holder, 74

Lela Holder passed away suddenly and peacefully from a heart attack on Sept. 22, 2011.

Artists on display at Local Color Studio Tour

Julie Wulf works on a silk painting of the view from her studio, a piece she has titled “Spring on Peaceful Bay,” Thursday afternoon in Lakeside. She is one of 17 local artists and artisans working in diverse media — from glass to leather to painting to pottery — taking part in the Hockaday Museum of Art’s Local Color Studio Tour. According to Brian Ekland, communications director, the goal is to celebrate local artists and to get people out to see them so people can experience live demonstrations of how the work is made, ask about the artists’ inspirations and learn about the skills and talent that go into the creation of these works of art. The tour takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday throughout the Flathead Valley. For artist information and a map, visit www.hockadaymuseum.org.

Football bus investigation to last into next week

A criminal investigation into an incident on a Glacier High School freshman football bus returning from a game in Missoula is taking longer than expected.

Rain, cool nights quiet fires

While fires burning in and around the Bob Marshall Wilderness are still listed as “active,” recent rains and cooler, longer nights have mostly put a lid on them.

Skees plans run for state auditor post

State Rep. Derek Skees, R-Whitefish, intends to run for Montana Auditor next year with a focus on resisting federal health-care reform in every possible way.

Man hocks mom's pontoon boat

The

Two sentenced for meth trafficking

Two Kalispell residents were sentenced Sept. 16 on methamphetamine trafficking charges in U.S. District Court.

Phillips-Brown

Nogueira-Rodriguez-Walters

Oran and Victoria Walters of Kalispell announce the engagement of their son, Cory Walters, to Lia Nogueira-Rodriguez, daughter of Jose Ramon and Maria del Carmen Nogueira-Rodriguez of Irapuato, Mexico.

St. Matthew's expands education for preschoolers

The 2- to 5-year-olds at St. Matthew’s School now have room to grow.

Margaret Jane 'Peggy' Gilbertson Burgess

Margaret Jane 'Peggy' Gilbertson Burgess, 72

Peggy Burgess passed away Sept. 10, 2011, after an extended illness, in Tacoma, Wash.

Katherine 'Kate' Ann Parkin

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Katherine 'Kate' Ann Parkin, 61

Katherine “Kate” Ann Parkin, 61, passed away on Sept. 21, 2011.

Earl Grey McPike, 73

Earl Grey McPike, 73, an owner and operator of Two Bears Trading Company in Bigfork, passed away on Sept. 17, 2011, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

Leslie Budewitz Profile

Leslie Budewitz, author of Books, Crooks, and Counselors, outside her home in Bigfork on Friday afternoon. In addition to be an author Budewitz is an attorney at law.

Scratch One Off the Bucket List

Pam Richmond of Edenton, N.C., learns to fly fish on Friday afternoon along the lower Swan River east of Bigfork. Richmond, who just turned fifty, said fly fishing had been on her bugket list. So, on this visit to Montana, she and her husband and friends purchased a fishing license and went out to watch as she learned. Acccording to Richard Dixon, the family friend who helped teach her they didn't catch any fish, but the goal of the day was more the learning process. He said she looked like she had been casting much longer than one would expect from a first-timer.

Early Learning Center

Amy Joy writes names on the plates of the 2 to 3 year old students in her Early Learning Center class on Friday morning at Saint Matthew's.

Don't forget assault victims

Surely the entire community is concerned about what appears to have been a sexual assault on several teenage boys aboard the Glacier High School freshman football bus following a recent game in Missoula.

Kalispell man pleads guilty to theft charge

Convicted sex offender McKinley Brooks pleaded guilty to a felony theft charge in Flathead District Court Thursday morning.

Daniel Earl Leighty, 68

Grizzly caught after run-in with bowhunter

The male sibling of a grizzly bear that crossed Flathead Lake also had westward tendencies. It was recently captured in the Kuhns Wildlife Management Area about 10 miles northwest of Kalispell after a run-in with a bowhunter.

'Unlikely accident' claims kayaker's life

The woman who drowned on the North Fork Flathead River on Wednesday afternoon has been identified as Shawna Thomas, 51, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Logger, bicyclist tangle near town

The

Lift lines: Chairlift work progressing at Whitefish Mountain Resort

Work is well under way on two lift projects at Whitefish Mountain Resort — one to repair a slump above Chair One’s Tower Six and the other to complete the new Bad Rock lift.

Bravettes spill Wolfpack

One block. One huge gut-wrenching yell - and one big turnaround.

Defense on display in Northwestern football opener

No, that zero for points allowed is not a typo.

Doorn, Tabish top Dogs at divisional golf

POLSON - A one-two finish by Arthur Doorn and Reed Platke delivered the Northwestern A divisional title to the Whitefish boys golf team on Thursday at Polson Bay Golf Course.

Bulldogs defeat Broncs in volleyball

FRENCHTOWN - Whitefish volleyball coach Sarah Scott says it's the best her team has played all season.

Kayak retrieval

Brian Heino, left, search and rescue coordinator for the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, and Glacier National Park Ranger Scott Emmerich work at the scene of a drowning on the North Fork Flathead River south of Polebridge on Wednesday.

Crosstown Volleyball

Flathead junior Emily Russell (3) reacts as Flathead pulls ahead in the second set of Thursday’s crosstown volleyball match with Glacier at Glacier High School.

Local Color Studio Tour

Lee Proctor works on a crushed glass landscape on Tuesday morning at his studio in Bigfork. His most recent series of landscapes were done on site at the Teton Mountains in Wyoming. Proctor will be demonstrating how he blows glass and then rolls over these plates to create his lamps and vases.

Show Jumping

Pam Quinby of Lakeside works on her show jumping with Lollypop, an Irish Gray, on Thursday afternoon in Lakeside.

Federal Housing Administrator Tammye Trevino

Federal Housing Administrator Tammye Trevino aligns a two-by-four at a Mutual Self-Help Housing Project project site in Spring Creek Estates Thursday afternoon.

Bad Rock lift at Big Mountain

A helicopter lowers the pole for Tower Six of the new Bad Rock lift at Whitefish Mountain Resort on Thursday morning. The helicopter made three trips from the staging area in the Willow parking lot to bring all the parts up to the new tower. Three other towers still need to be installed.

Crosstown volleyball takes center stage

Today: Flathead (3-2) at Glacier (2-1).

Richard Roby Parsons, 72

Richard Roby Parsons, 72, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2011, at his home in Kalispell.

Schools trying to do 'what is fair' for students

Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Darlene Schottle is rebutting several claims about the school administration’s handling of the Sept. 12 incident on a freshman football bus.

Here's a postal counterproposal to post

The Postal Service made a special delivery to Kalispell last week, and we think Kalispell should mark it “return to sender.”

Whitefish aims to simplify critical areas law

With a directive to simplify Whitefish’s critical areas ordinance, the Whitefish City-County Planning Board tonight will hold a work session to begin tweaking the comprehensive drainage law to make it more user-friendly.

William 'Bill Eric Wimmer, 59

William “Bill” Eric Wimmer, 59, passed away peacefully in his home in Whitefish on Sept. 18, 2011.

Elderly woman gets 'out of control'

The

Pinwheels for Peace

Zach Maas, sophomore at Flathead High School, assembles a pinwheel during Art Survey class Tuesday afternoon.

Construction Along Electric Avenue

Aaron Hadley, left, and other crew members from NCC Neumann Construction work on replacing the storm sewer system on Wednesday in Bigfork. Work began on Tuesday and is expected to wrap up early to mid-October.

Should Palestine be granted statehood?

Volleyball: Flathead sweeps Hellgate

Flathead vs. Hellgate volleyball

Flathead's Hannah Sackett (24), Emma Andrews (16) and Nouf Rashoodi (4) celebrate after a point during Flathead's victory over Hellgate Tuesday evening.

Mom speaks out about bus incident

Now nine days after an incident of alleged sexual assault on a Glacier High School freshmen football bus, a mother of one of the victims is talking.

African Children's Choir performs in Whitefish

Two worlds will meet tonight in Whitefish across a bridge built of music.

Mildred (Ruley) Wolfe, 85

Public cautioned about thefts from autos

Local newspapers have begun offering big prizes online

The Daily Inter Lake and its affiliated members of the Flathead Publishing Group have rolled out big-money prizes as part of a new promotional venture called Flathead Deals.

Hildur Ann Olson Pettis, 95

Hildur Ann Olson, 95, passed away on Sept. 19, 2011, at Immanuel Lutheran Home, with her son Jim at her side.

Council OKs money for sewer cleaner

Columbia Falls City Council members on Monday agreed to spend $324,865 to buy a truck to clean out city sewer lines.

The African Children's Choir

Members of the African Children’s Choir perform in September 2009.

The African Children's Choir Comes to Whitefish

Courtesy Photo Kari Penrod sits with Sandra, on of the members of the Africa Children's Choir in Tennessee earlier this year. Penrod volunteered with the organization for two years.

Deconstructing the Memorial

Conner Masur, left, and Robert McCarvel, both students at Saint Matthew's, remove flags from the memorial outside the Kalispell Fire Department. On Friday, September 9th, staff and students from Saint Matt's along with law enforcement and emergency responders marched 343 flags to the fire departmetn in honor of the first responders who died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. According to Dominick Kovacevic the flags were to be taken down last week but the fire department asked if they could keep the memorial up a while longer as people were still stopping by on a regular basis.

Railroad track removal one option for TIF money

The Kalispell City Council has taken a first step toward possibly expanding the size of the Westside Tax Increment Financing District. But the clock is still ticking for city officials to find a project.

Teen undergoes evaluation after making threats

Susan Mary Nelson, 69

Taressa Rae Burke-WolfTail, infant

Taressa Rae Burke-WolfTail was born early Sept. 15, 2011, and passed away shortly after at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Polson due to premature birth.

Close call in Canada: Hiking, yoga helped senior survive

Alice Hutchison, 73, of Whitefish, credits yoga and hiking for giving her the physical fitness that helped rescuers save her life recently.

Elder suicide risks explored at conference

Elder suicide risks, dealing with nursing homes and advance planning for disability and medical care are among the topics to be explored at an upcoming conference sponsored by Pathways in Kalispell.

John David Dunagan, 74

John David Dunagan, 74, of Whitefish, passed away on Friday, Sept. 16, 2011. He was surrounded at home by his family who lovingly cared for him.

Whitefish bans hand-held cellphone use by drivers starting today

Whitefish drivers, put down your cell phones.

FVCC launches flavor fest

Chef Andy Blanton, owner and executive chef of Whitefish’s Café Kandahar and former professional chef instructor, will join local farmers, Flathead Valley Community College artisans, local food vendors, brewers and winemakers on campus Thursday, Sept. 29, to kick off the college foundation’s biggest fundraising event of the year.

Shining in the storm

Sunflowers stand out starkly against a stormy sky on Monday morning west of Kalispell.

This Week in Pictures September 12-18

Libby boys settle for soccer tie with Badgers

BONNERS FERRY, Idaho - Barak Lapka put Libby on the scoreboard first with a goal 21 minutes into play, but the Bonners Ferry Badgers scored once in the final half for a 1-1 nonconference boys soccer tie on Monday.

Champs crowned at Montana Raceway Park

Zach Havens set the fast time, won the heat race and then capped off his perfect evening in the Hornet division by drawing the checkered flag in the 50-lap main event last Saturday at Montana Raceway Park.

Future of the Rails

A view of a section of the tracks north of the Kalispell Center Mall on Monday afternoon in Kalispell.

contest-listings

Bagpiper blends Scottish pride with mountain-man ideals

Kalispell resident Rod Douglas believes people can probably discover their heritage through the music for which they have an affinity. Douglas' passion is the Great Highland bagpipe, a tangible icon of his Scottish pride.

Celia Torgenrud

Rollins woman passionate about quilts

Sharon Betts, featured quilter of the Flathead Quilters Guild's 2011 show, admits to occasionally disappearing to her downstairs studio at 7:30 a.m. and making only brief appearances for lunch and dinner.

Israeli-Palestinian conflict: A push for statehood

Human remains found in search for missing mom

Bravettes fall short versus Helena High

The Flathead Bravettes are a volleyball team in search of answers.

Glacier spikers drill Capital

The Glacier Wolfpack got off to a fast start, built some cushion between itself and visiting Helena Capital and came away with a 25-16, 25-18, 24-26, 25-12 Western AA volleyball victory over Helena Capital (0-3, 2-7) on Saturday.

Wolfpack girls, boys fall to Big Sky in soccer

MISSOULA - Glacier tied Saturday's Western AA girls soccer match with Missoula Big Sky on a goal by Abretia Crandell in the 33rd minute, but the Eagles followed with two goals to claim a 3-1 victory.

Perrin, Morley turn in fast times

Flathead's Zach Perrin once again out-ran the competition and placed first, this time at the Ronan Invitational cross country meet on Saturday.

Kidsports seeks permanent easement

Securing long-term lease could cost up to $3 million

Kidsports President Dan Johns said “the stars seem to be aligning” for the organization to acquire a permanent easement at the sports complex, a part of Section 36 school trust property along U.S. 93 North.

'Do or die' deficit reduction

The congressional “super committee” charged with finding —before Nov. 23! — at least $1.2 trillion in savings over the next decade certainly has its hands full.

Missing hunter found after search

The

Life, liberty ... and the pursuit of lemonade

Forbes did a story in August about an “inexplicable war” that merits some consideration. No, not the inexplicable war in Libya, or the one in Afghanistan. It was “The Inexplicable War on Lemonade Stands,” and it proves that nothing makes sense anymore.

Roger Baker, 31

Roger was taken on a glorious Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011; “faith, hope, gifts of the Holy Spirit, to Jesus through Mary, and grace of final perseverance” by saving two other lives and giving his own in a car accident.

Lena May Naethe, 77

Lena May Naethe, 77, “went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011, at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell.

The incredible shrinking dollar (and penny too!)

I am worried about our nation’s financial health. You should be too.

Free, cheap meals at local schools

Hundreds of students throughout the Flathead Valley won’t have to pay full price for school breakfast and lunch this year.

A. Joyce Barry, 86

Celebrate the Constitution

You can’t blame the decline in American patriotism over the past 50 years on any one thing or any one person — but you can look at individual people and individual agendas and see plainly that there are enemies of patriotism everywhere.

Dale E. Gifford Jr., 71

William 'Bill' Halstead Ling, 67

William “Bill” Halstead Ling, 67, passed away at home in Whitefish on Sept. 16, 2011. 

Ex-fair manager's lawsuit against county dismissed

A lawsuit filed against Flathead County by former county Fairgrounds Manager Jay Scott has been dismissed with prejudice.

County asked to consider water quality

It’s time to think about water regulations to protect property owners around Whitefish, John Sinrud, government affairs director for the Northwest Montana Association of Realtors, recently told Flathead County commissioners.

Ruth E. Hutton, 93

Flathead vs. Helena High Girls Volleyball

Flathead junior Emily Russell passes ball during the first set against Helena High.

Pete's Fall Fest

Bailey Ulrick, 5, of Kalispell, works her way through the miniature golf course on Saturday afternoon at the 14th Annual Pete's Fall Fest at Peterson School in Kalispell. Ulrick also competed in the one mile run and took second place in the 6 and under category.

Kidsports

The Kidsports complex is pictured here Saturday afternoon in Kalispell. According to Kidsports President Dan Johns, the organization may be acquiring a permanent easement at the sports complex, which is a part of the Section 36 school trust property along U.S. 93 North.

Glacier whips Hellgate

There was no mystery and no last minute heroics.

Bengals pull away from Braves

HELENA - Top-ranked Helena High's defense wouldn't allow Flathead a touchdown as the Bengals rolled over the Braves 33-3 Friday night.

Dopps scores 3 TDs as Bigfork rolls

CONRAD - Cody Dopps ran for 120 yards on 25 carries and scored three touchdowns as Bigfork improved to 2-1 overall with a 49-12 Class B nonconference football victory over Conrad on Friday.

Unemployment: Rates rise in more than half of states

Supreme Court makes historic stop in Kalispell

The Montana Supreme Court made what was reportedly its first-ever stop in Kalispell during the 37th annual meeting of the Montana State Bar Friday.

Glacier vs. Missoula Hellgate

Glacier senior linebacker Caleb Harris tries to get his hands around Missoula Hellgate quarterback Jake Arledge (40) during first-half action Friday night at Legends Stadium.

Out for a swim: Grizzly conquers lake

Flathead Lake proves to be no obstacle for bear

Could it be webbed claws? Or maybe an ancient connection to a Labrador bloodline?

Teen pleads guilty to drug charges

Kalispell teenager Connor Thomas, accused of bringing marijuana-laced brownies to a June 4 Flathead High School graduation party, has pleaded guilty to two felony charges of distributing drugs.

Grizzly out for a swim

This image shows the movements of a young female grizzly bear after she was captured on the west side of Flathead Lake in June 2010. The bear was tracked by GPS coordinates from a satellite collar she was fitted with. After spending some time on the west shore, the bear swam long distances to eventually reach the east shore of Flathead Lake. She now lives in the Swan Lake area.

Pick a peck of potatoes: Garden teams up students, community in Whitefish

The second annual harvest of the Lions Club Farm to School Garden was under way Thursday in Whitefish.

Mary L. Parkhill, 57

Jobless rate drops to 10.2 percent

Flathead County’s unemployment rate continued to improve in August, posting at 10.2 percent, down slightly from 10.4 percent in July.

Rod Douglas

Rod Douglas, pipe major with the Montana Highlanders Association pipe and drum band, outside his home on Thursday in Kalispell.

Medal of Honor: Highest military award rarely given

Polson spikes C-Falls

COLUMBIA FALLS - When push came to shove, the Polson Pirates simply found a way to get it done on the volleyball court on Thursday night.

Hellgate girls trip Wolfpack in soccer

Missoula Hellgate scored two goals in the first 10 minutes and Glacier was unable to recover, falling 5-2 in Western AA soccer action on Thursday at Glacier.

C-Falls girls edge Whitefish

WHITEFISH - Columbia Falls came out on top 4-3 in a back-and-forth rivalry soccer matchup that featured the top two teams in the Northern Class A Conference.

Tough day for Glacier, Flathead golfers

For the first time this fall, Glacier's golf teams struggled.

Debra 'Debi' Ann Burton, 58

Debra “Debi” Ann Burton died at the age of 58 on Sept. 11, 2011, at Northwest Health Center in Kalispell.

Electrocution victim ID'd

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office identified the man killed following a car accident Wednesday as 31-year-old Kalispell resident Roger E. Baker.

Perfect attendance nets chance to win car

Flathead Valley high school students have a big reason to look forward to waking up bright and early each day to attend school.

Problem bear put down

A grizzly bear with a history of trouble was captured and put down by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Wednesday night.

Great Northern Brewing trades beer vouchers for homegrown hops

Great Northern Brewing Co. in Whitefish is staging a Hop Swap Tuesday to allow local residents with homegrown hops to swap hops for beer.

Glacier Park visitation numbers down from 2010

As Glacier National Park’s 2011 summer season comes to a close, park visitation statistics are nearly 20 percent behind last year’s record-high numbers.

Court OKs $43 million settlement for asbestos victims

The District Court in Helena has approved a $43 million settlement with the state for 1,128 people sickened by asbestos exposure linked to the former W.R. Grace & Co. vermiculite mine at Libby.

A first-hand look at justice

The Montana Supreme Court meets in Kalispell today for oral arguments in two cases, and its a rare opportunity for local citizens to get an up-close view of one of the most important institutions in our state government.

Mary Louise Lamb, 72

Police investigating alleged assault on football players

The Kalispell Police Department will be undertaking a criminal investigation of an alleged assault on several Glacier High School freshmen football players that took place on a bus returning from a game.

Kalispell post office's processing plant may be targeted

Postal Service may move processing center to Spokane

As part of a nationwide effort to cut costs, the U.S. Postal Service will study Kalispell’s mail processing center to see if it can be shut down and folded into larger operations in Spokane.

Prostitution case gets pleas

A man and woman arrested after the woman allegedly forced a 13-year-old girl into prostitution to support her drug habit were arraigned in their first court appearances Thursday.

Glacier takes on Hellgate

Glacier’s Chantal Gustine fights for position with Missoula Hellgate's DeNae Vandam (11) during Glacier's loss to Missoula Hellgate at home on Thursday evening.

Reach for the sky

Eric Wolfe, left, and Steve "Wood" Delmer, iron workers with H2O Cutting Service, solder a spire onto the south corner of the courthouse on Wednesday afternoon.

Whitefish Middle School farm to school

Whitefish Middle School teacher Lisa Pallard holds open a sack for her students to toss potatoes from the Whitefish Lions Club garden into on Thursday afternoon.

Complete Nutrition

Complete Nutrition franchise owner Carson Stratman in his new Kalispell store at Hutton Ranch Plaza. The store had its grand opening yesterday and is one of six Complete Nutrition stores Stratman and his family plan to open within the next 18 months.

56th Annual Ceramic and Doll Show

Carol Lillie, of Carol's Ceramics in Kalispell, sets up ready-to-paint pieces as she and others prepare for the Montana State Ceramic Association 56th Annual Ceramic and Doll Show on Thursday, at the Outlaw Inn in Kalispell. The show, which runs today through Sunday, is open to the public.

Is Social Security a Ponzi scheme?

Flathead girls boot Sentinel

KALISPELL - The Bravettes got an extra day of rest and practice when smoke from Missoula-area wildfires forced their match with Missoula Sentinel to be moved to Kalispell.

Glacier's strength is on the line

The highlight of Luke Halliburton's football career is still fresh in his mind.

100 years for role in murder

A 19-year-old Kalispell man was sentenced to 100 years in prison Wednesday on charges related to the bludgeoning murder of Wesley “Bubba” Collins.

Seven GHS students suspended

Two recent incidents involving Glacier High School students resulted in a total of seven suspensions, according to Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Darlene Schottle.

Lockers highlight of school addition, teens say

The 169 students at Fair-Mont-Egan School now have an additional 3,000 square feet of space to explore at their school.

Green jobs and gray areas

It remains to be seen whether the bankruptcy of the Solyndra solar panel firm in California was just another expensive government blunder or possibly a bona-fide scandal. But it is already an obvious and growing embarrassment to the Obama administration, a prime example of stimulus funding failure and Washington crony capitalism.

State Supreme Court hears cases in Kalispell Friday

The Montana Supreme Court brings its proceedings to Kalispell on Friday for oral arguments in two cases.

Odean May Grilley Brown, 84

Odean May Grilley Brown, 84, of Burley, Idaho, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011, at Parke View Care & Rehab in Burley, of natural causes.   

Richard L. Smith, 91

Bernard Anthony Robinson, 91

Betty L. Tibke Held, 86

Possible mountain lion sighting reported

Sharon Betts

Sharon Betts is the featured quilter of the Flathead Quilters Guild's 2011 show.

Jeffrey Nixon sentenced

Jeffrey Nixon is sentenced to 100 years in Montana State Prison for his role in the death of Wesley Collins.

Fair Mont Egan Open House

Fair Mont Egan Principal Christine Schmidt-Anthony in her new office on Wednesday morning. The school will have an open house from 2 to 3: 30 p.m on Friday.

Bigfork Volleyball

Amber McDaniel hits the ball during the first set of Bigfork's matchup against Stillwater Christian on Tuesday night at Bigfork High School.

Fair-Mont-Egan School

Hayden Willard, Ethan Olson and Rielly Manger and others in Heather Dickey’s seventh grade social studies class work on Wednesday morning. According to Dickey, the addition to the Fair-Mont-Egan School have given the class much more light and space. She said the students are proud of their school.

Seven-year-old motocross

Sean Allen helps his son Ty Allen practices his riding on a dirt track west of Kalispell on Thursday evening.

Bill Shaw

New public works director Bill Shaw

Whitefish boys, girls top Polson

POLSON - Whitefish scored five goals in the first half and upended Polson 6-0 Tuesday in Northern Class A play.

Stillwater sweeps Bigfork

BIGFORK - Stillwater swept Bigfork 25-21, 25-10, 25-15 in nonconference volleyball action Tuesday night.

Bigfork Volleyball

Amber McDaniel digs the ball during the first set of Bigfork's matchup against Stillwater Christian on Tuesday night at Bigfork High School.

Man with machete arrested in Col. Falls

A 51-year-old man was arrested by Columbia Falls Police officers after allegedly threatening a waitress with a machete at the Nite Owl restaurant Saturday afternoon.

Robert Wayne 'Bob' Sellers, 66

Robert Wayne Sellers, 66, of Missoula, passed away on Friday, Sept. 9, 2011, of natural causes.

Ramp reduction ordered

Boat size on Church Slough now limited

A long-running dispute over public access to Church Slough off the lower Flathead River has taken an odd turn with a court order to reduce the width of a new county boat ramp for the purpose of limiting the size of boats that can use it.

Jere Davis, 87

Jerome Bardsley “Jere” Davis, 87, of Great Falls, a retired banker and a World War II Army veteran, died of natural causes Monday, Sept. 12, 2011, at his residence.

Clifford Walter Luke, 75

Youth project gives unemployed kids work

Don’t get Dean Scheller started talking about training young people for jobs instead of locking them up at a cost of $50,000 per year.

Kalispell annexation requests test city policy

During a work session Monday, the Kalispell City Council and city planning staff considered two outlying annexation requests as a way to review an annexation policy adopted in March.

Maurice McEnaney

Maurice 'Butch' Richter McEnaney, 64

Maurice “Butch” Richter McEnaney died at the age of 64 on Sept. 11, 2011, at his home in Polson, overlooking what he thought to be the most beautiful valley he had ever seen.

Park employee reportedly threatened

A Glacier National Park employee reported to the

Wildfires show steady growth

Several wildfires touched off by lightning Sept. 8 made galloping runs over the weekend along the Continental Divide, most of them in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

'Carmageddon' starts in Whitefish

Downtown street projects mean perfect storm for motorists

Patience, folks.

promo-front-header

U.S. hikers in Iran: Set bail creates path for release

Missoula runners win Two Bear Marathon; Menicke first in half marathon

WHITEFISH - Christopher Kollar and Kristina Pattison, both of Missoula, were the overall winners of the seventh annual Two Bear Marathon on Sunday.

Hinkle claims first Montana Open golf title

MISSOULA - Lon Hinkle of Bigfork shot a final round 66 to claim the Montana Open title with a one-stroke victory over Russell Grove of Couer d'Alene on Sunday at Larchmont Golf Course.

Davis, Warburton, Wells main-event winners at MRP

Drivers posting fast time were also main event winners last Saturday night at Montana Raceway Park.

promo-contests-9

This Week in Pictures September 5-11

Whitefish construction

Construction on Second Street in Whitefish began Monday morning. So did the traffic problems.

Peace pole

A new peace pole was unveiled at Kalispell Regional Medical Center on Monday morning. It features a peace prayer inscribed in eight different languages.

Helena High takes on Glacier

Luke Halliburton (45) chases down the ball during Glaciers loss to Helena High last Friday night at Legends Stadium.

Church Slough

Church Slough public access is now limited to boats under 16 feet long.

C.F. bike path work ready to begin

City officials in Columbia Falls hope to move forward this fall on the Third Avenue East bike path.

Polson woman joins China expedition

Monica Pokorny of Polson was one of 10 young professionals to spend three weeks in China in June as part of a public diplomacy exchange focused on global environmental issues.

9/11

Marine corporal Evan McLellan salutes the flag as the audience sings "The Star Spangled Banner" at the beginning of the Remembering 9/11 event at the Christian Center on Sunday night.

Police remodel

Columbia Falls also hopes to move forward with remodeling the jail portion of the city’s police department.

Two neurosurgeons join Northwest Healthcare

Northwest Healthcare has added spine surgery and cranial surgery specialists Dr. Frank Bishop and Dr. T.C. Origitano to the practice of Northern Rockies Neurosurgical Associates.

9/11 parade

Kim Love and her son Jonah, 9, watch as steel from steel beams from the World Trade Center go by during the parade for the 10th anniversary of 9/11 on Sunday morning. The World Trade Center display was provided by the Whitefish Fire Department.

'We ask that you always remember 9/11'

Bulldogs battle back, blast Browning

WHITEFISH - The Bulldogs exploded offensively for a total of 628 yards and handily defeated the Browning Indians 53-26 in Class A football action Saturday.

Huge day for Braves' Perrin

A dandy debut by a promising freshman and a sensational showing by a very special, seasoned veteran captured all the attention at the annual Flathead Invitational cross country meet on warm, sunny fall Saturday afternoon at Kidsports Complex.

Flathead second in Great Falls volleyball

GREAT FALLS - The Flathead Bravettes were rocking on all volleyball cylinders on Saturday night - for a little while at least.

Soccer: Glacier boys beat defending state champs

HELENA - The temperature was soaring and the competition was stiff, but the Glacier Wolfpack found a way to win against the defending Class AA state soccer champion Helena Bengals Saturday.

Local seminar to span three days

A three-day seminar in Kalispell this week aims to help leaders learn more about how to grow themselves both personally and professionally.

Dawn's early light

In Glacier Park, early morning is a time of subtle tones and quiet.

'How did we get here?' Finally, here's the answer

Lots of people resist the notion that the horrible things that have gone wrong in the United States could possibly have been the outcome of a planned rebellion.

A simple gesture from the heart

On the 10th anniversary of 9/11, the Ferndale Volunteer Fire Department’s vigil of the lone firefighter continues as a simple, yet powerful reminder.

The lessons and losses of Sept. 11

One decade ago, on Sept. 11 Americans woke up in one world and went to bed in another.

Airport security checks now a way of life

TSA — it’s an acronym that’s become synonymous with airport security, and not always in a good way.

Donald Edward 'Don' Wagner, 78

Donald Edward “Don” Wagner, passed away at the Brendan House in Kalispell on Sept. 1, 2011. 

Covering 9/11 took severe emotional toll

 It started as a day like any other.

Carl John Volkmann, 46

Carl John Volkmann, 46, passed away at North Valley Hospital on Sunday, Sept. 4, 2011.

Wolfpack rally falls short

Midway through the fourth quarter Glacier head coach Grady Bennett turned around to find a sizable portion of the home crowd had headed for the Legends Stadium exits.

Zach Perrin

Zach Perrin

Flathead Invitational

Bigfork’s Makena Morley placed first in the Flathead Invitational at Kidsports Complex on Saturday afternoon.

Remembering 9/11

Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake

Flathead, Glacier move to championship bracket in volleyball

GREAT FALLS - Flathead and Glacier have both advanced to the championship bracket at the Electric City Invitational volleyball tournament.

Whitefish boys top Libby soccer 4-0

LIBBY - Casey Beiser scored two early goals and Mark Stormes and Sam Donaldson both scored once in the final half as Whitefish blanked defending state champ Libby 4-0 in Northern A soccer action on Friday.

Braves dump Bison in football

GREAT FALLS — The Braves are officially on a winning streak.

Vance leads Stevensville by Columbia Falls

COLUMBIA FALLS - Caleb Vance threw for 237 yards and two touchdowns and was four of five on PAT kicks to lead Stevensville to a 34-14 nonconference Class A football victory Friday night over Columbia Falls.

Helena High takes on Glacier

Glacier wide receiver Kyle Griffith (3) tries to escape a tackle by a Helena High defender during Friday’s game at Legends Stadium.

Peace pole to be unveiled

At noon Monday, Northwest Healthcare invites the public to a dedication and unveiling of a new peace pole in front of Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Criswell trial

Cheryl Criswell testifies during her trial on Thursday morning.

Utility-box destruction investigated

The

Robert Jan 'Bob' Buzzard, 76

Criswells found guilty of animal cruelty

After a more than 13-hour day and two hours of deliberation, jurors returned verdicts of guilty for both Cheryl and Edwin Criswell on charges of aggravated cruelty to animals.

Fire ignites south of Marias Pass

A lightning-triggered fire emerged Friday along the Continental Divide south of Marias Pass, rapidly growing to about 70 acres in heavy, dead timber.

Curb Appeal

Zack Ferron, 16, left, Mike Thomas, 16, and Jack Newman, 15, right, with Dean Scheller, center, sit with a curb they just painted on Friday, September 2, in Kalispell.

Remembering 9/11

Emotional Toll

Father Rod Ermatinger of Saint Matthew's gives the homily at mass on Friday morning in Kalispell. Follow mass Father Rod, and students, staff and family members processed from the church to the Kalispell Fire Departmetn carrying 343 flags honoring the first responders killed during the 9/11 attacks.

9/11 Memorial at Saint Matthew's

Rod Douglas of the Montana Highlanders Bagpipe Band gathers with parishoners outside Saint Matthew's Catholic Church on Friday morning in Kalispell. Douglas later helped lead a procession of students, staff and family from the church to the Kalispell Fire Department for a memorial honoring the 343 emergency responders killed in the 9/11 attacks.

Soldiers from the 163rd Come Home

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.

Glacier, Eureka ranked in football polls

Impressive starts by Glacier and Eureka have resulted in both teams being ranked in the first Montana Prep Football Polls of the season.

Glacier rules course play

It was all Glacier on the links Thursday for the Valley Triangular at Village Greens Golf Course.

Mixed results for Wolfpack, Bravettes in volleyball

GREAT FALLS - Lexy Boschee had 24 kills, Cassidy Hashley added seven blocks and Hannah Liss recorded 40 assists as the Glacier Wolfpack downed Billings Skyview 25-23, 28-26, 21-25, 22-25, 15-8 on Thursday night at Great Falls High.

Donaldson, Edland boot Dogs past Vikings

WHITEFISH - Sam Donaldson and Curran Edland both had hat tricks as Whitefish opened Northern A league soccer play Thursday with a 9-0 triumph over Bigfork.

A net benefit for Glacier Park

Netting lake trout out of Northwest Montana lakes doesn’t sit well with some people, but in the case of a netting project in Glacier National Park’s Quartz Lake, it is entirely warranted.

Leininger: respected community leader, child rapist

The man at the center of a lawsuit against the Boy Scouts for failing to monitor him at a time when he was sexually abusing young girls in the 1970s was a respected member of the community in Kalispell from the time he arrived in 1956 until his arrest in 1975.

Airport taxiway construction starts

With a $6.4 million federal grant finally in hand, Glacier Park International Airport began work Thursday to reconstruct a portion of the taxiway before winter weather sets in.

Man arrested after shooting incident

The

Gilbert Edward Zimbelman, 93

Gilbert Edward Zimbelman of Great Falls passed away on Friday, Sept. 2, 2011.

Clara Mae Bauer, 86

William Arthur Janes, 92

Robert Jan 'Bob' Buzzard, 76

Robert Jan “Bob” Buzzard, 76, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011, at his home in Kalispell.

Nellie Shiflett, 87

Teen pleads innocent in shooting case

The 19-year-old Kalispell man accused of opening fire on a Flathead County Sheriff’s deputy pleaded innocent Thursday to attempted deliberate homicide and two other felonies.

Flathead students get historical perspective of 9/11

Flathead High School social studies teachers focused on a historical perspective to the events surrounding the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks as they gave short presentations Thursday to inform students and dispel myths.

Margaret Rachel Powell, 85

Margaret Rachel Powell, 85, passed away on Monday, Sept. 5, 2011, at home in Bigfork.

Teacher to talk about genographic project

How did you get to where you live today? Where do you really come from? Who are you related to?

Glacier Park International Airport construction

Reconstruction of a stretch of Taxiway B at Glacier Park International Airport began Thursday morning. Crews from Knife River are milling the old asphalt and will repave the 2,350-foot-long stretch over the next 30 days.

Jet crash: Russian hockey team's plane goes down

9/11 video header

Women sue Boy Scouts over 1970s sex abuse

HELENA — Five women who were sexually abused by a scout leader in the 1970s when they were children in a Montana co-ed program sued the Boy Scouts of America on Wednesday, saying the organization should be held responsible for the man's actions.

AP 9/11 Video

Steven R. 'Grandpa' Eisenbarth, 57

Steven R "Grandpa" Eisenbarth, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away on Sept. 4, 2011, while enjoying a beautiful day sailing in Polson Bay.

Whitefish Soccer Games this weekend

Colin Sellwood, the men's event organizer for the Whitefish Soccer Games, has watched teams play in snow and rain during the last 30 years this event has been held.

Grizzly bear moved out of Coram trouble

 A 3-year old male grizzly bear was captured near Coram late last week and transferred Tuesday to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone. 

Defendant details grim cat-rescue saga

Edwin Criswell took the stand Wednesday to begin telling the story behind his and his wife Cheryl’s involvement with cat rescues.

Council keeps door open for expanding tax district

The Kalispell City Council voted 7-1 Tuesday to follow a planning department staff recommendation and take at least a first step toward possibly expanding the Westside Tax Increment Financing District.

Confidence building is 'job one'

Many detractors and conservative critics have already dismissed President Barack Obama’s speech on jobs and the economy before an unusual joint session of Congress tonight as being just another politically motivated opportunity to say the same things he’s said in many prior speeches.

Avalanche experts meet Oct. 1

 A regional workshop on avalanche safety will be held for the first time in the Flathead Valley at Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish on Oct. 1.

Olga Esch, 82

Russell 'Russ' Jay Hoeldt, 61

Russell “Russ” Jay Hoeldt was born Nov. 2, 1949, in Anchorage, Alaska. He lived in the Kalispell area for most of his childhood and teen years and attended Kalispell High School, receiving his GED in 1969.

Hidden Lake Trail

View of Hidden Lake Trail on Thursday morning in Glacier National Park.

Photography in Glacier

Melanie Wright of Missoula photographs Wild Goose Island on Sunday morning in Glacier National Park.

Hazy morning in Glacier

Smoke creates a hazy morning over Logan Pass.

Lake Mary Sunrise

A view of Wild Goose Island in the first light of dawn on Sunday in Glacier National Park.

Wild Goose Island at Sunrise

Wild Goose Island is silhouetted against St. Mary Lake as sunrise begins to brighten the peaks in the distance.

Logan wildflowers

A field of wildflowers blooms near the Hidden Lake Trail on Aug. 25.

Columbian Ground Squirrel

A Columbia Ground Squirrel at Logan Pass on August 25, in Glacier National Park.

Two Medicine Sunrise

Sunrise over Two Medicine Lake on July 8, in East Glacier.

Glacier Wild Flowers

Wild Daisies in Glacier National Park on July 14th.

Fog over Bowman Lake

A foggy morning in Glacier National Park on July 28th.

Clouds and Mountains

View of mountains near Bowman Lake in Glacier National Park on July 28th.

Bowman Lake Sunrise

A cloudy sunrise in Glacier National Park over Bowman Lake on July 28th.

2011 Glacier Retrospective

Foggy Sunrise

The first rays of sunrise illuminate fog on a tree-lined ridge.

Lake McDonald Sunrise

View of Lake McDonald at sunrise on June 22, in Glacier National Park.

Shores of Lake McDonald

Moss grows in the cracks of a rock along the shores of Lake McDonald on June 22, in Glacier National Park.

Avalanche Creek

View of Avalanche Creek on June 22, in Glacier National Park.

Trail of the Cedars

View of the Trail of the Cedars on June 22, in Glacier National Park.

Roger Lyall Vick , 68

Remembering September 11th

Grant Tafoya, a junior in Kristyn Morin's class, helps make red, white and blue memorial ribbons on Wednesday morning at Glacier High School.

Remembering September 11

Teacher Kristyn Morin helps juniors Shea Stevens, left, and Sara Burch as they make red, white and blue memorial ribbons on Wednesday morning. Several of Morin’s history students are working on projects commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Cinnamon Hall

Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake Cinnamon Hall holds an engraving of her husband. Hall says it is one of her son's favorite things to take to camp.

Paving in Whitefish

Road crews continue to work on road repairs on U.S. 93 in Whitefish on Wednesday morning.

This Week in Pictures August 29 - September 4

Youths tie ribbons to mark 9/11

Most adults can vividly recall where they were, how they felt and the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, but for younger generations the memory is fainter.

Couple with 116 cats on trial

Details have finally emerged in the aggravated animal cruelty case against Edwin and Cheryl Criswell after the prosecution called its first witness in day one of their trial.

Aerial assault quells fire on Big Mountain

Firefighters responded Tuesday afternoon to a fire apparently started by logging equipment on Big Mountain.

County imposes fire restrictions

As persistent hot and dry conditions continued to fuel fires, the Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday approved fire restrictions for private property in the county.

Genealogical gathering in Kalispell open to the public

People interested in gathering lost leaves from their family tree have an opportunity to learn new strategies at the upcoming annual Montana State Genealogical Conference.

Stillwater at Bigfork Boys Soccer

Stillwater sophomore Julian Emond works to move the ball into position as he and the team move close to the goal during the game against Bigfork on Tuesday evening.

Kevin Richard 'Kevina' Kamerer, 25

Kevin Richard Kamerer passed away unexpectedly at Kalispell Regional Medical Center on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011. He was 25 years old.

Anella Walters (Wygle) Aemisegger, 91

Fire on Big Mountain

A helicopter drops water Tuesday on a fire on Big Mountain. Three helicopters and two single-engine retardant planes were used to fight the fire, dipping water from snow-making ponds at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Paul Wilfred Sibley, 62

Paul Wilfred Sibley was born in Kalispell on Sept. 24, 1948, and in August 2011 “crossed to the other side, continuing his journey on the Red Road.”

County firms up trail project guidelines

Work continues by employees in the Flathead County roads, parks and planning departments to firm up guidelines for future recreational trail projects, Planning Director BJ Grieve told the county commissioners last week.

Laura Jean Hawks Wilkes, 82

Kalispell man drowns while swimming in Flathead Lake

Lake County officials say a Steven R. Eisenbarth, 57, of Kalispell died of what appeared to be an accidental drowning in Flathead Lake over the weekend.

James 'Jim' Valov, 60

Detours planned during Whitefish U.S. 93 work rebuild

Motorists can expect detours and traffic bottlenecks in downtown Whitefish during the coming weeks as the reconstruction of Second Street/U.S. 93 begins the week of Sept. 12.

Edwin and Cheryl Criswell

Cheryl Lee Criswell wipes her eyes as attorneys give their opening statements Sept. 6, 2011. She and her husband, Edwin, are appealing their conviction of aggravated cruelty to animals.

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.

Amanda Kotila

Amanda Kotila at the library at Whitefish Christian Academy on Friday, August 2.

Mossfeldt wins Labor Day tourney

Whitefish's Kyle Mossfeldt won his second big title of the summer with a two-stroke victory over Kalispell's Grahm Schmaltz at the 74th International Labor Day Golf Tournament at Buffalo Hill Golf Club.

Ex-Whitefish man ends distinguished military career

U.S. Navy Capt. John A. Dollan was honored during a retirement ceremony at Fort Gordon in May after 25 years of service.

Car abandoned after high-speed chase

A woman in Columbia Falls told the Flathead County Sheriff's Office early Sunday morning that another woman who was over drinking the night before may have stolen her black Dodge Neon, which had a key broken off in the ignition.

Couple wins big at custom car show

In the Colby family, hot-rodding is a his-and-hers sport.

Hot rod heaven

Mark and Tina Colby, with their son Carter, recently won awards at a hot rod show in Spokane with their 1926 Ford Model T roadster, right, and 1955 Plymouth Belvedere.

White Wash

Bob Morris puts a layer of primer on a fence around his yard on Monday in Kalispell. Morris said he built the fence last summer is taking advantage of the warm weather to paint and protect the fence this year before the snow comes again.

Local golfers lead Buffalo Hill tourney

Kalispell golfers Grahm Schmaltz and Kyle Mossfeldt made big moves Sunday at the annual Labor Day Golf Tournament at Buffalo Hill Golf Club.

Carlson's Cross

Duane and Kathy Carlson decided to erect a lighted cross in front of their home off of Whitefish Stage Road after seeing one at a home outside Reno.

Caller reports car paintballed on U.S. 93

A caller told the

Keeper of the cross

‘He just loved the Lord and wanted to show it'

Duane Carlson came home from Reno earlier this year with something big, and it wasn't a jackpot from one of the casinos.

Working for a Living

Johnson helps Polson spikers drop Whitefish

POLSON - Ashley Johnson had quite a night on the volleyball court on Saturday.

Whitefish boys top Laurel in soccer

LAUREL - Sam Donaldson scored twice in the first half and Nathan Boone added a second-half goal as Whitefish topped Laurel 3-1 in Class A boys nonconference soccer action on Saturday.

Canadians lead Labor Day golf

Two Canadian golfers top the leader board after the first round of the 74th edition of the annual Labor Day Golf Tournament at Buffalo Hill Golf Club.

Glacier boys stop Braves; Wolfpack, Flathead girls tie 1-1 in soccer

Matt Peters and Josiah Bumgarner accounted for all the offense Glacier needed on Saturday as the Wolfpack blanked Flathead 4-0 in the first crosstown soccer match of the season.

Conspicuous man with suspicious search

Kim Hammond Forza, 70

Wolf hunt under way

James E. Elgin Sr., 71

Our beloved father, husband, brother, grandfather and friend, James Edward Elgin Sr., passed away suddenly of natural causes on Aug. 29, 2011.

William L. 'Bill' Peters, 78

William L. "Bill" Peters died Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011, at 8:30 in the evening at Whitefish Care & Rehabilitation Center (the old Colonial Manor Nursing Home) with his wife at his side. He was 78.

Mary 'Lou' Olsen, 72

Tying yellow ribbons

Elinor, 6, and Jackson, 8, string ribbons around trees near Cornelius Hedges Elementary School in preparation for their father’s return from Iraq.

Is American decline the product of chance or of design?

Look around and ask yourself if the United States of America is growing stronger or weaker.

Tommy Whiskers' excellent adventure

Kalispell cat winds up in Glacier National Park

It could only have happened to Tommy Whiskers, a Highland lynx cat now happily back home with Leslie Luikens and her family in Kalispell after a solo trip to Glacier National Park.

Honoring the working man (and woman)

While millions of Americans look forward to resting from their labors on the first Monday of September, the holiday’s origins are somewhat mysterious. Historians debate who first proposed the holiday.

Student-built house becomes a home

At 8 a.m. on Aug. 25, Scott and Michelle Hadwin had a vacant lot next to their home.  By noon, construction crews were completing the assembly process of a brand new home for Michelle’s father, Monty Clemenhagen.

An evolving view of Labor Day

As Labor Day rolls around, it’s important to have high regards for the people who have over time built the nation, the Treasure State of Montana and the diverse communities of Flathead County.

Cherry harvest tops 2 million pounds

The total weight of cherries harvested this year was down from a year ago, but the quality was top-notch and the individual cherries were huge, several growers and the president of the cherry growers association say.

Hiker's body recovered from Glacier Park

The body of a 27-year-old hiker was successfully recovered from a high alpine location at the southern end of Glacier National Park Saturday morning.

Golf at Buffalo Hills

Former Glacier standout and current University of Washington golfer Larry Iverson III tees off from the sixth hole on the Cameron Nine on Saturday morning at Buffalo Hill Golf Club in Kalispell. Iverson shot 68.

Glacier vs. Flathead Soccer

Glacier freshman Kade Deleray (2) keeps the ball away from Flathead junior Andrew Klingensmith during Saturday’s first crosstown soccer meeting of the season at Kidsports Complex.

Braves blow out Big Sky

Flathead exploded offensively and held strong on defense while upending Missoula Big Sky 41-15 Friday in Class AA action at Legends Stadium.

Glacier knocks off CMR, again

GREAT FALLS - Two straight!

C-Falls, Polson, Whitefish win Class A football openers

COLUMBIA FALLS - Brendan Windauer scored on a 4-yard run with just over four minutes to play, giving Columbia Falls a 14-6 season-opening Class A football victory Friday night over Corvallis.

Loggers blank Belgrade, 4-0

LIBBY - Libby spread it around offensively with four different players scoring as the Loggers blanked Belgrade 4-0 in Class A boys soccer play on Friday.

Flathead vs. Missoula Big Sky

Flathead senior wide receiver Sidney Schenck tries to avoid a tackle by Big Sky junior defensive back Olan Donaldson during the first half of Friday’s Class AA football game at Legends Stadium.

Who shot eight deer? Poachers sought

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wardens are searching for poachers who killed eight deer in the Whitefish area during the first two weeks of August.

Moose struck, killed near Olney

A moose was killed after being struck by a vehicle on U.S. 93 in the Olney area Friday morning.

Body of missing hiker found

Searchers found the body of alpine hiker Jacob “Jake” Rigby at approximately 2 p.m. Friday, according to a press release from Glacier National Park officials.

Uncertainty a problem for economy

Denny Rehberg speaks at chamber roundtable

Deficit spending, taxes and excessive regulation have combined to create a stew of uncertainty that is at the root of the country’s sluggish economy, Rep. Denny Rehberg said at a Kalispell Chamber of Commerce roundtable discussion Friday.

Littlest students fill Kalispell classrooms

Numbers up 28 percent in 2 years

The Kalispell School District is crawling with kindergarteners.

Emily von Jentzen of Kalispell

Kalispell swimmer conquers Lake Chelan

James Wallace 'Wally' Bergmann, 97

James Wallace “Wally” Bergmann passed away peacefully at Greenwood Village Assisted Living in Kalispell on Aug. 31, 2011.

Tommy Whiskers Comes Home

Tommy Whiskers, a Highland Lynx cat, stares longingly out the front window of the Luikens home on Friday in Kalispell. In spite of the cats recent expedition to Glacier he has not lost his outdoor privileges. Leslie Luikens said Tommy is part bobcat and she feels she cannot keep him locked up all day.

Labor Day

Angela Daedario uses a pressure washer to clear debris from cracks in the curb and street Wednesday morning.

Working for a living

Jessy Foultner fills a cup of salsa for an order of nachos at the Wrap and Roll Cafe in Kalispell on Friday afternoon.

Rehberg in Kalispell

Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont., speaks to a roundtable at the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce Friday.

Kindergarten crowding

Peterson Elementary School kindergarten teacher Lindsey Bushnell gets her class of 25 students ready for lunch on Friday morning.

Kindergarten enrollment boom

Lindsey Bushnell reads “Dinosaurs before Dark” to her kindergarten class of 25 students at Peterson Elementary School Friday morning. Kindergarten enrollment in Kalispell Public Schools this year is up 14 percent over last year.

Restaurant revival

Chef Brian ScottiBelli works in the kitchen at ScottiBelli’s Ristorante Italiano.

Restaurant Roundup

Two homemade chicken strips meals on Friday at The Original Chicken Coop in Kalispell. Co-owner Steve Karchut said that everything they make at the restaurant is homemade and based on family recipes.

Bulldogs outlast Wildkats in volleyball

WHITEFISH - Nobody left early.

Young champs take over Labor Day golf

The youth movement at Buffalo Hill Golf Club's Labor Day Golf Tournament will likely continue this weekend during the 74th edition of this annual event.

Eureka up for tough football schedule challenge

Balance was mentioned more than once by Eureka football coach Ed Newell as he talked about the upcoming season on Thursday.

Penrod, Ozegovich score goals to lead Flathead past Hellgate in soccer

Flathead coach Scott Warnell said his team got off to a slow start Thursday.

Glacier boys tie Sentinel in soccer

Missoula Sentinel and Glacier opened the Western AA boys soccer season with a tie Thursday afternoon at Glacier High School.

Bravettes bump Hellgate in volleyball

MISSOULA - Alison Lunde had team highs in assists (17) and aces (four) as Flathead cruised to a 25-15, 25-9, 25-23 Western AA volleyball victory Thursday evening over Missoula Hellgate.

Crown of the Continent Guitar Workshop and Festival

John Pless of Fair Oaks, Calif., plays a piece he wrote.

Whitefish vs. Columbia Falls Volleyball

Columbia Falls junior Hope Burlage (20) sets the ball for Taylor Peterson ( 11) during the first set against Whitefish on Thursday night in Whitefish.

Nominees sought for Legends status

Kalispell Public Schools is looking for local legends.

Schools hold open houses

Every school in the Kalispell School District will host an open house this month.

Rains help slow fires

Recent rains, higher humidities and lower temperatures have put a damper on fires still burning in Northwest Montana.

High-country colors

Park ranger Bill Schustrom raises the U.S. flag on Sunday morning at Logan Pass in Glacier National Park.

Whitefish plans Back to School Bash

The Smith Soccer Field Complex in Whitefish will come alive Wednesday for the fifth-annual Back to School Bash.

Reagan Christine Roberts

Tanner Elliott Roberts, son, and Reagan Christine Roberts, daughter, of Sean and Kara Roberts of Kalispell, were born June 6 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Freya Athena Neason

Freya Athena Neason, daughter of Micah and Stephanie Neason of Kalispell, was born July 1 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Otto Zebulun Saisburg

Otto Zebulun Saisburg, son of Donny and Katy Saisburg of Kalispell, was born July 6 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Haylie Lynn Presta

Haylie Lynn Presta, daughter of Jeremy and Tina Presta of Kalispell, was born July 8 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Federal agency opens disaster center in Kalispell

A state and federal disaster recovery center to help people affected by storms and flooding has opened in Kalispell.

Dylan DeAnne Wyant

Dylan DeAnne Wyant, daughter of Chans and Brittany Wyant of Kalispell, was born July 3 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Zachariah Lee Caverly

Zachariah Lee Caverly, son of Travis and Hannah Caverly of Kalispell, was born June 30 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Silas Malachi James

Silas Malachi James, son of Timothy and Erin James of Kalispell, was born July 2 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Naomi Elizabeth Fett

Naomi Elizabeth Fett, daughter of Ben Direito and Alyssa Fett of Kalispell, was born July 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Glacier National Park Ranger Kyle Johnson

Glacier National Park Ranger Kyle Johnson shows one of the larger lake trout that have been caught in Quartz Lake.

Lily Grace Bessette

Lily Grace Bessette, daughter of Chad and Jennifer Bessette of Kalispell, was born July 6 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

James Scott Allen 'Scooter' Harrell, 46

James Scott Allen “Scooter” Harrell, 46, of Columbia Falls, passed away suddenly Aug. 25, 2011, in Minot, S.D.

Charlie Eric Jolma

Charlie Eric Jolma, son of Gordy and Lana Jolma of Kalispell, was born July 3 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Lake-trout tactics paying off

Effort removes 1,500 fish from Quartz Lake

It’s been rough and wearying work plying the waters of Glacier National Park’s remote Quartz Lake for unwanted lake trout, but the effort appears promising so far.

Mum's the word about Martin City mayhem

Izzabella Maryjayne Hauck

Izzabella Maryjayne Hauck, daughter of Jason Elliott and Rachel Hauck of Martin City, was born July 5 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Landon Michael Sperry

Landon Michael Sperry, son of Jason and Amanda Sperry of Kalispell, was born July 4 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Tanner Elliott Roberts

Tanner Elliott Roberts, son, and Reagan Christine Roberts, daughter, of Sean and Kara Roberts of Kalispell, were born June 6 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Summer Garden

Brad Knuth of Whitefish, pulls weeds from his the section of his garden for zuccini, squash and pumkin on Wednesday, August 24, in Whitefish. Knuth has been gardening here for 15 years.

Glacier National Park

A deer munches on breakfast on Sunday morning up at Logan's Pass in Glacier National Park.

Park search entering fifth day

Searchers return to Glacier Park's rugged alpine backcountry today to look for a hiker missing since Sunday .

Lake Chelan swimmer

Emily von Jentzen strokes her way across Lake Chelan in Washington state.

She did it! Swimmer conquers Lake Chelan

After 36 hours in the water, Kalispell swimmer Emily von Jentzen early Friday completed the first swim of the length of Lake Chelan in northern Washington.

Cross

Duane and Kathy Carlson erected a lighted cross in front of their home off of Whitefish Stage Road.

Sidewalk Chalk

Austin Saunders, 4, of Kalispell and other children work on thier chalk master pieces on the sidewalk south of the library on Wednesday afternoon in Kalispell. The kids were all participants in Story Time which takes place Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the library at 11 a.m.