Ellington

Man pleads guilty to child pornography

A 29-year-old Kalispell man pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography during a change-of-plea hearing Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Missoula.

Man sentenced for assault

A 19-year-old Kalispell man has been given a one-year suspended sentence after pleading guilty to misdemeanor partner or family member assault Feb. 23 in Flathead District Court.

County holds off signing health memo

Flathead County commissioners declined to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Flathead City-County Health Board related to money the county spent to construct a portion of the third floor of the Earl Bennett Building.

Local sailors head to regatta in Mexico

An all-Montana team is bound for a prestigious sailing regatta in Mexico for the second time.

Officials laud success of 24/7 program

It’s a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week success.

More fun than a barrel of monkeys

A report of screaming, yelling, doors slamming and furniture being thrown into the walls in an apartment on Liberty Street, when investigated by officers with the

Bass player tunes up for 'Boss' tour

Like a lot of people who live in the Flathead Valley, Garry Tallent is of retirement age, but unlike most of them he has no desire to give up his “day job” — which in his case means working as bass guitarist for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street band.

Graduating workers cause FVCC enrollment dip

Flathead Valley Community College enrollment has declined 7.7 percent from spring semester 2011, but much of the slide was from displaced workers trained with federalTrade Adjustment Act dollars finishing their studies.

School gets help from Springsteen connections

Getting one ticket to see Bruce Springsteen play in concert for $10 would in itself be remarkable. Getting two tickets for that price is unheard of.

Kayla Seaman

Photos courtesy of Shelley Graham

Man pleads innocent to kidnapping charge

A 36-year-old Hungry Horse man pleaded not guilty to felony charges of kidnapping and criminal endangerment and a misdemeanor charge of partner or family member assault Feb. 23 in Flathead District Court.

Park visitors spent $110 million in 2010

Recreation spending supported 1,695 jobs

A new report from the National Park Service finds that the record 2.2 million people who visited Glacier National Park in 2010 spent almost $110 million in and around the park.

Must we pay tribute to D.C.?

There was a time when government “of the people, by the people and for the people” was a saying that seemed true about our United States, but that is simply no longer the case regarding Imperial Washington and its relationship with the private sector in the distant provinces.

Whitefish library finds new homes for books

Recognizing that books are “very meaningful” to people, volunteers and employees at the Whitefish Community Library searched long and hard to find new homes for books they didn’t need in the library’s collection.

Daybook

Mary Alice Reimer, 81

Kimberly Kay Zavalney, 47

Enjoying the Snow

Enjoying the Snow Jason Rasco of Kalispell treks home from a visit to the library with his 4 year old twin boys Macy, in red, and Mac, in blue, on Wednesday morning in Kalipsell. The twins were enjoying the catching and eating the freshly falling snow.

Leap Year Contest (Enter by Noon March 2)

Answer questions about historical issues of the Inter Lake published in our Leap Year Digest, Feb. 29, 2012.

Leap Day paper one of the largest in 123 years for Inter Lake

What you hold in your hands today is one of the biggest editions in the 123-year history of The Daily Inter Lake, which started as a weekly newspaper in Demersville in 1889 and became a daily in 1908.

Kalispell's water, sewer impact fees will get further review

Kalispell’s water and sewer impact fees are going back to the drawing board, with the City Council questioning proposed fee adjustments that were based on a study done by HDR Engineering in August 2010.

Busy day keeps fire crews hopping

Responders called to two fires at once

Evergreen Fire Rescue was kept on its toes between Monday afternoon and Tuesday afternoon.

County emergency director stepping down

Flathead County commissioners and members of the Flathead Emergency Communications Center Board are soon to begin the process of hiring a new director of the county Office of Emergency Services.

Man pleads innocent to 5th DUI

A 47-year-old Coram man pleaded not guilty to his fifth offense of driving under the influence Feb. 23 during Flathead District Court.

Differences in style lead to county job action

Last week’s decision by the Flathead County commissioners not to renew an employment contract with longtime Agency on Aging Director Jim Atkinson boiled down to a difference in management styles, Atkinson said Tuesday.

Another wolf? Nope, just a canny canine

A Kalispell woman cried wolf Tuesday morning, leading to a response by the

Winter Classic arrives this week

The 27th annual Whitefish Winter Classic kicks off Thursday with a party at the Craggy Range Bar & Grill.

Suit challenges logging project

Two environmental groups have sued to stop a major logging project planned on the Spotted Bear Ranger District east of the South Fork Flathead River.

Missing kayaker rescued

A missing kayaker was found by a search and rescue team late Monday night after his craft overturned in Somers Bay on Flathead Lake.

Daybook

Nickie Konshur Freitag, 38

Donald 'Craig' Trankle, 53

Donald “Craig” Trankle, 53, passed away peacefully at his home in Kalispell Feb. 26, 2012, surrounded by his loved ones.

This Week in Pictures February 20-26

Snow Capped Swan

Snow Capped Swan Low clouds hover over the Swan Mountain Range as seen from Swan River Road on Tuesday morning east of Bigfork.

Fire at Alpine Inn

Evergreen and Kalispell fire departments were called to a fire Monday night at the Alpine Inn in Evergreen. The structure fire was called in at 7:23 p.m. when smoke was spotted coming from the roof above rooms 20 and 21.

Divisionals

Whitefish's (12) walks off the court after the Bulldog's loss to Polson in the Northwestern A divisionals challenge game Monday night at Columbia Falls High School.

Free throws push Polson to OT win over Whitefish

COLUMBIA FALLS — Polson hit 7 of 8 free throws and added a field goal by Zack Camel in overtime to spill Whitefish 40-35 in a Northwestern A divisional boys basketball challenge game Monday evening.

VanDerveer lifts Vals over Deer Lodge

HAMILTON — Melissa VanDerveer, a 5-foot-7 senior forward, carried the load for Bigfork with a 14-point, 14-rebound performance Monday evening to help the Valkyries knock off Deer Lodge 36-32 in a Western B divisional girls basketball challenge game.

Flathead boys entertain Missoula Sentinel in Western AA play-in basketball action

The Flathead boys are home for a Western AA basketball play-in game while the Flathead and Glacier girls are both on the road for their postseason action.

Couple serious about stolen valor

A former Kalispell resident who has spent years developing a database of verified military award recipients has been in the national limelight lately.

Port authority buys land for industrial park

The Flathead County Economic Development Authority has bought 40 acres of land adjacent to Kalispell city limits to develop a new rail-served industrial park.

Kalispell native a fashion hit on Oscar night

 Kalispell native Michelle Williams didn’t win an Oscar on Sunday for channeling Marilyn Monroe, but she did win a Spirit award for that movie role.

Three finalists named for Kalispell city manager

Kalispell’s city manager search committee has trimmed 44 applicants down to three finalists who will be invited for job interviews in late March.

Now, where did I put that phone?

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office got a call Sunday from a woman who had been found passed out behind a bar in Marion. After an ambulance was called, she refused transport, and claimed in her 911 call that the ambulance crew stole her cell phone. She was told that she had stuffed the phone in her bra and was advised not to call 911 again.

Latest avalanche victim identified

 The man who died in an avalanche near Marias Pass Saturday has been identified by the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office as Francis Skierka, 23, of Cut Bank.

Doug and Pam Sterner

Pam Sterner, left, is the author of a college paper that led to the drafting of the federal Stolen Valor Act, aimed at curbing false claims of military valor. Her husband, Doug, right, a Kalispell native, exposes phony medal winners.

Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams arrives before the 84th Academy Awards on Sunday in Hollywood. The Kalispell native was nominated for best actress.

Victim shines light on anorexia

At 5 feet 10 inches tall, Mary McRae weighed 68 pounds when her friends and family performed an intervention. She was skin and bones with a concave stomach.

Flathead residents not immune to eating disorders

Steve Bryson, a registered nurse and licensed therapist, specializes in treating people with eating disorders at Bryson Counseling and Consulting in Whitefish. He said these disorders afflict people around the world, including the Flathead Valley.

Avalanche danger up, no recreation advised

A special backcountry avalanche warning was issued Sunday for the mountains of Northwest Montana.

Man pulled out of pond, in critical condition

Sunday afternoon,

County can't refund taxes, penalties to club

Flathead County commissioners expressed their sympathy to leaders from the Boys & Girls Club of Glacier Country, but declined the group’s request for a refund of property taxes or penalties and interest assessed the group for taxes paid late.

CEO grows up with Flathead Industries

During her junior and senior years at Flathead High School in the 1960s, Vickie Poynter volunteered to work with Kalispell’s first kindergarten class for developmentally disabled children.

George M. Moore, 66

Broncs hold off Pirates in Northwestern A girls final

COLUMBIA FALLS — The Polson girls had their shot lined up to upset No. 2 Frenchtown at the Northwestern A Divisional girls basketball tournament on Saturday.

Four straight divisional titles for C-Falls boys

COLUMBIA FALLS — The whistle blew. The ball rolled ever so slowly around the rim and plopped in.

Valkyries fall to Breakers in Western B final

HAMILTON — Bigfork fell behind early and never fully recovered in falling to Missoula Loyola 48-39 Saturday night in the Western B Divisional girls basketball tournament championship game.

Data business undergoes big changes

A lot can change in 20 years.

Northwest Divisional A Tournament

Columbia Fall's (24) splits Whitefish defenders Gage Vasquez (left) and (11) on his way to the hoop during the Wildcat's Northwestern A divisional championship win Saturday night at Columbia Falls High School.

Wolf visits town

Three generations of the Grande family shared a bonding experience Saturday morning when they followed a wolf through northwest Kalispell.

Firm launches new version of software

A locally developed investment software program called Dynamic Investor Pro is getting some pretty good buzz in the investment world these days, and its owners are ready to launch a national marketing campaign for their product.

Decision time: Voters to determine fate of Whitefish High School in March

Schools want input on crowding

Kalispell Public Schools will host a community forum on overcrowding in schools at 7 p.m. Monday at Hedges Elementary School, 827 Fourth Ave. E.

New name proposed for rock spires near Troy

Some landscape features escape getting names, but that may not be the case much longer for a series of towering cliff-like spires 20 miles south of Troy in Lincoln County.

Vote YES on WHS bond

When the Whitefish School District rolled out a $19 million plan for the reconstruction of the high school last fall, we questioned whether it was the right time and the right amount of money for such an undertaking.

School bond decision heads to voters

The future of Whitefish High School is on the line as voters decide over the next couple of weeks whether or not to support a $14 million bond request to rebuild and renovate the high school.

Man dies in slide

One man is dead and another injured after an avalanche in a drainage off Skyland Road near Marias Pass.

Columbia Falls girls 3rd at Northwestern A divisional

COLUMBIA FALL — Ciera Finberg hit two 3s and Hope Burlage one during a 22-point third quarter for Columbia Falls, sparking the Wildkats to the consolation title at the Northwestern A girls divisional basketball tournament on Saturday with a 57-35 win over Libby.

Eureka girls bow out of Western B divisional play

HAMILTON — Eureka bowed out of the Western B divisional girls basketball tournament Saturday afternoon, losing to District 7B rival Plains 45-33.

Keep focus on airport realities

I know that Scott Davis is becoming tiresome to many following the airport debate. If you have been listening to him consistently, you may think that he was the general of an impressive army of individuals out there to protect us from anything airborne. His most recent letter and diatribe to the City Council recently asked, “How many planes need to crash into our homes, schools, day cares, playgrounds, city streets?” before our public officials end this dangerous activity? He undeniably knows how to put a sensational spin on this issue.

Sadly, 'everybody wants to rule the world'

If we could do it over again...

 Editors make a hundred decisions every day — some small and some large. Sometimes those decisions are right, in which case we might get a thank you from the public. Sometimes those decisions are wrong, in which case you might see a correction the next day. And sometimes they are decisions which are neither right nor wrong, but which give us heartache for a variety of reasons.

Minority Farmers urged to register with agency

Minority farmers in Flathead and Lincoln counties are being asked to join the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency minority farm register.

Encounters on the trail

 Imagine my unease and downright trepidation when my daughter — the one who lives in the moose-infested wilds of Alaska, namely Anchorage — leaves the following voice message on my cellphone:

George Edgar Bramlet, 85

George Edgar Bramlet, 85, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, as a result of a stroke.

Emma Gertrude (Kaiser) Hale, 72

 Emma Gertrude (Kaiser) Hale, 72, passed away on Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

Ruth Kathryn Corbett, 91

Ruth Kathryn Corbett passed away in her sleep on Feb. 21, 2012.

Case closed over Kalispell's handling of sobriety house

Responding to a complaint filed by Montana Fair Housing Inc., the U.S. Department of Justice said it was closing the case on Kalispell’s 2010 handling of a sobriety house on Third Avenue West, formerly known as Freedom House.

Ashley Davis Rich Jr., 91

Ashley D. Rich Jr., died Feb. 15, 2012, of natural causes, at the Montana Veterans Home where he had lived since April of 2011. Ashley was almost 92 years old and had lived in good health until six weeks prior to his death.

Daybook

Landon James Shawback, 5

Emma Hale, 72

Wolfpack rips Braves

There was doubt early but the Glacier boys made sure to put a stamp on their second straight conference championship, blowing by Flathead in the final three quarters to win 57-33.

Glacier defense checks Flathead

One defensive change made all the difference on Friday for the Glacier Wolfpack.

Wildcats, Bulldogs in boys final at Northwestern A divisional

COLUMBIA FALLS — There were no surprises on the first day of the Northwestern A divisional boys and girls basketball tournament on Thursday.

Ruth Kathryn Corbett, 91

Crosstown Basketball

The Glacier boys celebrate after their victory over Flathead in the second crosstown matchup of the season at Glacier High School Friday night.

Bigfork girls in title game at Western B divisional

HAMILTON — No. 3-ranked Bigfork rode the scoring of Taylor Peck, 12 points, and Tessa Robertson, 10, to a 38-27 victory in the semifinals of the Western B divisional girls basketball tournament on Friday.

Atkinson out as Agency on Aging director

County won’t renew contract for 19-year veteran

Without offering any public explanation, the Flathead County commissioners voted unanimously Thursday against renewing the contract of Jim Atkinson, who has been director of the county’s Area Agency on Aging for the last 19 years.

Polson man pleads guilty to federal charges in Ponzi scheme

Raymond Dominick

Raymond Dominick of Bigfork is ready to launch a national marketing campaign for Dynamic Investment Pro, a software program he developed with John Kyle.

Saylor Jean St. Marie

Saylor Jean St. Marie, daughter of Latigo and Liz St. Marie, was born Oct. 29 at North Valley Hospital.

Jenny Nicole Creighton

Jenny Nicole Creighton, daughter of Phillip and Elena Creighton of Whitefish, was born Oct. 20 at North Valley Hospital.

Dean Pochak and Jacob Pochak

Dean Pochak and Jacob Pochak, sons of Paul and Sarah Pochak of Somers, were born Oct. 24 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Asher Sorensen

Asher Sorensen, son of Seth and Jessica Sorensen of Kalispell, was born Oct. 24 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Madelyn AnnMarie Bonnet

Madelyn AnnMarie Bonnet, daughter of Sean and Melissa Bonnet of Bigfork, was born Oct 20 at North Valley Hospital.

Michael Leah Serrano

Michael Leah Serrano, daughter of Douglas and Kristie Serrano of Bigfork, was born Oct. 21 at North Valley Hospital.

Amber Ann Rose Everett-Smith

Amber Ann Rose Everett-Smith, daughter of Christopher Smith and Trina Everett of Whitefish, was born Oct. 22 at North Valley Hospital.

Phoebe Alissa Baird

Phoebe Alissa Baird, daughter of Michael Sura and Jackie Baird, was born Oct. 28 at North Valley Hospital.

Alec Ashdan Anderson

Alec Ashdan Anderson, son of Aaron Anderson and Larissa Buckler of Columbia Falls, was born Oct. 20 at North Valley Hospital.

Augusta Jane Milhoan

Augusta Jane Milhoan, daughter of Walker and Whitney Milhoan of St. Regis, was born Oct. 26 at North Valley Hospital.

Insurer sues over asbestos settlement

Josiah Day Lambertsen

Josiah Day Lambertsen, son of Keith and Rachel Lambertsen of Eureka, was born Oct. 27 at North Valley Hospital.

Reuben Paul Mast

Reuben Paul Mast, son of Scott and Jessie Mast, was born Oct. 24 at North Valley Hospital.

Psilas Everett James Hernandez

Psilas Everett James Hernandez, son of Steven Hernandez and Allissa Desjarlais of Columbia Falls, was born Oct. 27 at North Valley Hospital.

Carli Beck

Carli Beck, daughter of Jeff and Patti Beck of Whitefish, was born Oct. 27 at North Valley Hospital.

Zane Emerson

Zane Emerson, son of Joshua and Cameron Emerson of Columbia Falls, was born Oct. 24 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Elias James Bowers

Elias James Bowers, son of Kyle and Cassandra Bowers of Kalispell, was born Oct. 21 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Teagan Collom

Teagan Collom, daughter of Justin and Hannah Collom of Kalispell, was born Oct. 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Shae Lynn Pitts

Shae Lynn Pitts, daughter of Joe and Shawna Pitts of Kalispell, was born Oct. 14 at North Valley Hospital.

Lillian Isabel Nelson

Lillian Isabel Nelson, daughter of Leif and Gloria Nelson of Whitefish, was born Oct. 18 at North Valley Hospital.

Michael William Gesek

Michael William Gesek, son of Michael Gesek and Sarah Whittington of Whitefish, was born Oct. 17 at North Valley Hospital.

Dietrich Schurke

Dietrich Schurke, son of Mark and Samantha Schurke of Bigfork, was born Oct. 11 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Caden Hallas

Caden Hallas, son of Zachary Hallas and Chante Hampton of Kalispell, was born Oct. 6 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Jim Atkinson

Group effort reunites veteran and dog veteran

Nearly a year’s separation did not dim the love of a little fluffy white dog named Vanilla for George Vincent, the veteran she serves.

Likely joke of questionable taste

A security guard at a bank in Kalispell reported a not-so-suspicious customer to the

Science at zero gravity

Sally Vail, Tonya York and Todd Morstein float around the box containing an experiment on electrolysis of water in zero gravity. The experiment was conducted aboard a customized 727 jet that created zero gravity through a series of parabolic maneuvers.

School project gets NASA treatment

Four Glacier High School teachers are back in the classroom after spending a week with NASA engineers at Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Evan Eugene Robert Schell

Evan Eugene Robert, son of Ryan and Kim Schell of Whitefish, was born Oct. 6 at North Valley Hospital.

Fletcher Hugh Forrest

Fletcher Hugh Forrest, son of Jason and Abby Forrest, was born Oct. 5 at North Valley Hospital.

Daybook

Keaton William Hunt

Keaton William Hunt, son of Albert and Brandi Hunt, was born Oct. 4 at North Valley Hospital.

Astraya Mischenko

Astraya Mischenko, daughter of Cody Dow and Jessica Mischenko of Kalispell, was born Oct. 5 at North Valley Hospital.

River Knudsvig

River Knudsvig, daughter of Eric and Jordan Knudsvig of Whitefish, was born Oct. 22 at North Valley Hospital.

Micah Bryan Lutzen

Micah Bryan Lutzen, son of Bryan and Jasmine Lutzen of Kalispell, was born Oct. 18 at home.

Nevah Abriana Friess

Nevah Abriana Friess, daughter of Brian and Melissa Friess of Bigfork, was born Oct. 22 at home.

Back to school

Student teacher Pat Reilly gives a lecture about the Constitution in Mark Harkins' Western civics class at Glacier High School earlier this month. Reilly's student-teaching gig ends in April as he nears completion of two bachelor's degrees from the University of Great Falls.

Bradley James Halter

Bradley James Halter, son of James Halter and Leslye Chadwell of Kalispell, was born Oct. 11 at North Valley Hospital.

Ty Cooper Smith

Ty Cooper Smith, son of Scott and Nikki Smith, was born Oct. 11 at North Valley Hospital.

Reagan Jean Vincent

Reagan Jean Vincent, daughter of Chris and Michelle Vincent of Libby, was born Oct. 10 at North Valley Hospital.

Calder Michael Smith

Calder Michael Smith, son of David Smith and Joy Gaddis of Columbia Falls, was born Oct. 11 at North Valley Hospital.

Hollyn Snow Conner

Hollyn Snow Conner, daughter of Zach and Catie Conner of Kalispell, was born Oct. 20 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Aiyana Crabill

Aiyana Crabill, daughter of James Crabill and Jessica Troutman of Kalispell, was born Oct. 14 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Solara Vaughan

Solara Vaughan, daughter of Sean Vaughan and Briana Mitchell of Kalispell, was born Oct. 19 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Tyler Dean Norden

Tyler Dean Norden, son of Angela Norden of Kalispell, was born Oct. 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Halee Allard

Halee Allard, daughter of Britney Allard of Kalispell, was born Oct. 14 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Brady O'Brien

Brady O’Brien, son of Derek and Mollie O’Brien of Lakeside, was born Oct. 15 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Kateri McCubbins

Kateri McCubbins, daughter of Jonathan and Nastastia McCubbins of Noxon, was born Oct. 12 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

McAllister Denman

McAllister Denman, son of Travis and Molly Denman of Somers, was born Oct. 13 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Blaze Schneller

Blaze Schneller, son of Dan and Jill Schneller of Somers, was born Oct. 11 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Marshall Catch Single

Kealani Kearney

Kealani Kearney, daughter of Jason and Angela Kearney of Columbia Falls, was born Oct. 11 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Cayden Fisher

Cayden Fisher, daughter of Nick and Emily Fisher of Kalispell, was born Oct. 7 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

George Edgar Bramlet, 85

Wild About Music

Nigel Armstrong poses with students of West Valley School after his performance Friday morning at Flathead high School.

Susan Bennett

Susan Bennett poses for a portrait at The Summit Medical Fitness Center recently.

Service dog

George Vincent greets his service dog, Vanilla, at Glacier Park International Airport Friday afternoon. Vincent had not seen his miniature American Eskimo dog in nearly a year after he became homeless.

Peck, VanDerveer push Bigfork girls past St. Ignatius

HAMILTON — Bigfork held St. Ignatius to single-digit scoring in all four quarters en route to a 44-24 victory in opening-round action Thursday at the Western B girls divisional basketball tournament.

Flathead takes 2 from Hellgate

A pair of free throws by senior guard Matt McLean clinched a nail-biter for the Flathead boys, as the Braves escaped with a 71-69 home win over Hellgate on Thursday.

Libby girls work past Whitefish

COLUMBIA FALLS — With a deliberate style and a solid overall game, the Libby girls slid into the second round of the Northwestern A Divisional Tournament, beating Whitefish 37-14 on Thursday.

Camel, Pirates nip Loggers

COLUMBIA FALLS — It’s always good to have confidence.

Scholarships available for young musicians

High school students are invited to apply for music scholarships from Glacier Symphony and Chorale.

Kalispell post office future still uncertain

Local processing could move south to Missoula

A cash-strapped U.S. Postal Service said Thursday it plans to close 223 of its 461 mail processing centers around the country to save $2.1 billion a year.

Judge files for re-election

District Judge Ted Lympus has filed for re-election to the Department 1 District 11 judge’s seat.

Suspects to be extradited from Calif.

A pair of California men arrested for allegedly transporting a 12-year-old Evergreen girl to their home state will arrive in Flathead County this weekend to face felony charges.

Determined boyfriend tries break-in

An angry man recently kicked out by his girlfriend’s dad was reported to the

County says emergency shows antenna value

Flathead County officials are citing radio communication during a recent avalanche search in Jewel Basin as one more reason the Forest Service should issue the county a permit to put an antenna on Mount Aeneas.

Evergreen word wizard cleans up with 'hygiene'

Without pause, Evergreen Junior High School eighth-grader Jazmyn Austin spelled the winning word at the Flathead County Spelling Bee Thursday.

Vigilance makes a difference

Whether it’s caused by unemployment, boredom, bad parenting or all the above, there has been a noticeable increase in vehicle thefts, graffiti and other forms of vandalism in the Flathead Valley.

Man admits robbing Lucky Lil's Casino

The second of two Kalispell men arrested for the Dec. 1, 2011, robbery of Lucky Lil’s Casino on West Idaho Street pleaded guilty to felony robbery Thursday in Flathead District Court.

Chopper damaged in landing

The National Transportation Safety Board has released a preliminary report for the “firm” emergency landing of a helicopter at Kalispell City Airport Monday morning.

County selling home 'in state of disrepair'

Someone could purchase a Kalispell house on the cheap if they submit the winning bid to Flathead County commissioners.

Thomas O. Metzger, 73

Thomas O. Metzger died peacefully at the home of his eldest son Christopher on Feb. 7, 2012, after battling cancer.

Florence Hein Norby, 93

Florence Hein Norby, 93, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012, at Heritage Place in Kalispell.

Austin Cantrell, other local players sign with Montana Tech

Daybook

2012 Flathead County Spelling Bee

Jazmyn Austin, an eighth-grader at Evergreen Junior High School, smiles Thursday after winning the county spelling bee by correctly spelling the word "hygiene."

Iraq: Attacks across the country kill at least 50 people

Stumptown plays host to U19 state hockey

The puck drops on the Montana girls' U19 state hockey tournament tonight in Whitefish at the Stumptown Ice Den.

Bigfork trounces Loyola at Western B

HAMILTON - Ian Lorang scored 13 points and Cody Dopps added 11 as the Bigfork Vikings rolled past Loyola 58-38 in the first round of the Western B Divisional basketball tournament on Wednesday.

Divisional tournament tips off today

The third-ranked Frenchtown girls went 8-0 during the regular season against Northwestern A competition. They are currently 16-2 overall.

Intensity times two

COLUMBIA FALLS - The most tired guy in Columbia Falls as the Northwestern A Divisional basketball tournament gets ready to unfold this weekend?

Former Libby publisher Verdon dies at 85

Paul Verdon, 85, a longtime Montana newspaper editor and a former researcher for the state Legislative Council, died Friday at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena.

Kalispell Chamber outlines 2012 goals

Expanding tourism and advancing pro-growth legislation will be at the forefront of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce’s agenda this year.

Shrine Game lists 14 area players

Dec. 14, 2011

Gary Nyle Bolliger, 76

Gary Nyle Bolliger, 76, passed away on Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, at his home in Kalispell.

C-Falls resident has 'hip-hop' problem

A surprised resident of 12th Street East North in Columbia Falls called the

Canadian killer says he's changed

Interview from Death Row

Debate airport's future calmly

The recent crash of a light plane in south Kalispell, predictably, renewed a chorus of criticism of Kalispell City Airport.

Gus Hill

Moderate avalanche was lethal

The avalanche that killed a snowmobiler in the Lost Johnny Basin west of Hungry Horse Reservoir on Monday was moderate in size but powerful enough that the victim apparently died of trauma.

Lawsuit adds to legal actions in Lake County

Sheriff: ‘They have not been retaliated against’

Lake County Sheriff Jay Doyle said Wednesday it’s “premature” for him to comment on a recent lawsuit filed against him and others alleging retaliation for attempts to expose corruption, but he expressed his disappointment with the legal action.

Ronald A. Smith

Cameron Michael Cole, 13

Cameron Michael Cole, 13, passed away on Feb. 20, 2012, in Gladewater, Texas.

Teacher uses fire extinguisher on student, keeps job

Mary McRae

Mary McRae with her son Henry, 4, at her home in Kalispell last week.

Rainbow

A rainbow stretches across the sky over Kalispell as seen from Foys Lake Road. Wednesday, Feb., 22, 2012 in Kalispell, Mont.

2012 Presidential Race Data

Glacier girls rout Hellgate

The Glacier girls held strong on Senior night, beating Hellgate 53-28 at home on Tuesday.

Glacier boys down Hellgate

MISSOULA - Ryan Edwards scored 19 points, pulled down 13 rebounds and had a Glacier High record nine blocks as the Wolfpack outlasted host Missoula Hellgate, 56-52 on Tuesday night.

Vikings go back to work

August 21, 2011

Commissioners OK disputed greenbelt zoning

The zoning classification for 16 parcels of property along U.S. 93 north of Kalispell officially was changed by Flathead County commissioners to the new business highway greenbelt zone.

'You are our pot of gold'

Canadians find much to love about the Flathead

Canadian visitors have time and money to spend in the Flathead Valley, and they really like it here.

Evergreen Post Office veteran steps aside to battle cancer

There were many special deliveries for Linda Graham on Tuesday, all of them well wishes for a community leader who has operated the Evergreen Post Office for the past 20 years.

Symphony finds quick replacement for guest artist

The show must go on — it's a cliche for a reason.

Florence Beatrice Steele Borgen, 92

Florence Beatrice Steele Borgen, 92, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell, "joining her husband, Norman, on their anniversary."

Man can break into hotel but can't check into jail...

Officers with the

Florence Borgen, 92

Lake County sheriff sued by past and present officers

A group of past and present officers with the Lake County Sheriff's Office has filed a lawsuit against Sheriff Jay Doyle and three other officers alleging unlawful conduct.

Monday Profile

Vickie Poynter, chief executive officer of Flathead Industries, is pictured in her office on Tuesday afternoon.

Evergreen Post Office

Linda Graham, right, helps Heather Siderius at the Evergreen Post Office Tuesday morning.

Mike Dores of Merlin Information Services

Mike Dores, president and founder of Merlin Information Services, stands in the server room Monday morning at Merlin’s office just south of Kalispell.

Avalanche claims life of Washington snowmobiler

A 33-year-old Washington man was killed Monday afternoon by an avalanche triggered by the snowmobiles he and a companion were riding in the Lost Johnny area west of Hungry Horse Reservoir.

Eureka girls open divisional play versus Florence

District 7B tournament champion Eureka (11-9) will have the honors of opening the Western B girls divisional in Hamilton on Thursday with an 11:20 a.m. tipoff at Dale Berry Court.

Northwestern A divisional begins Thursday in Columbia Falls

The Northwestern A divisional boys and girls basketball tournaments get under way on Thursday with a pair of games at Columbia Falls High School.

Man sentenced for money theft

A 63-year-old Kalispell man was sentenced to five years of probation Friday in U.S. District Court after having filed a guilty plea to a charge of theft of government money.

Red Bridge grant application slowed

A software challenge has slowed Flathead County’s application for a grant to pay to remove the Red Bridge across the Flathead River near Columbia Falls.

FHS graduate named doctor of the year

Martin de Kort, a 1994 Flathead High School graduate, recently was honored as Physician of the Year by Yavapai Regional Medical Center in the Prescott area of Arizona.

Whitefish senior complex expansion under way

The Springs at Whitefish, a senior retirement community with assisted-living and memory-care facilities, has embarked on a major expansion project to enlarge the memory-care wing and upgrade other facilities.

Car hits pole, cutting power to thousands

Electricity was knocked out for 1,164 Flathead Electric Cooperative customers Monday morning after a car hit a power pole at West Evergreen Drive and U.S. 2. shortly before 8 a.m.

Off the road

West Valley Fire and Rescue responded to this one-vehicle rollover on U.S. 93 Monday morning. No one was injured in the crash. Icy roads contributed to several accidents across the Flathead Valley on Monday.

Timothy J. Attard, 28

Lorraine K. Hoffman, 94

Lorraine K. Hoffman, 94, passed away Feb. 15, 2012, at Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center.

Vance 'Bear' BearChild Birky, 42

Daybook

Martin de Kort

Richard Chase, 73

Richard Chase, 73, of Libby died on Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. 

Whitefish High School open house

Principal Dave Carlson points out the lack of fire sprinklers in the hallway while showing off the firewall during an open house at Whitefish High School Thursday afternoon.

Cary Finberg

Columbia Falls head coach Cary Finberg greets Glacier girl's coach Kris Salonen and Wolfpack players after a game at Glacier High School earlier this year. 

This Week in Pictures February 13-19

Paintball bandits strike Aurich Avenue

Sunday afternoon, a caller on Aurich Avenue reported to the

Two minutes at a time to healthy teeth

Armed with an oversized plastic model of teeth and a toothbrush, Kalispell dentist Cameron Clark of the Northwest Center for Dentistry was prepared to teach oral hygiene to Edgerton Elementary School kindergartners on Friday.

Kalispell considers boosting some impact fees

Two weeks after killing off the short-lived transportation impact fees, Kalispell City Council members are staring at a whopping $2,846 proposed increase to more than double the city's wastewater impact fee.

Baseball principles carry over to life

If you can hear the sound of a baseball bat cracking after striking a ball, you'll probably find John Bemis nearby.

Evergreen students learn about the grim effects of meth

Evergreen junior high students grimaced Thursday when they looked at images of "meth mouth" or the progression of oral decay when people use methamphetamine.

John 'Bud' Alexander Rabska, 87

John "Bud" Alexander Rabska, 87, of Lake Mary Ronan, passed away peacefully at his son's home in Encino, Calif., on Jan. 19, 2012.

Eash has top bull ride on final night

Gerald Eash of Trego was the lone bull rider to post scores both days at the Rocky Mountain Extreme Bull Riding Challenge 2012 at Majestic Valley Arena.

Cory Orr, Troy knock off 4th-ranked Bigfork

COLUMBIA FALLS - The old adage is true - it's tough to beat a team three times in a season.

Eureka girls stun No. 3 Vals

COLUMBIA FALLS - One adjustment made all the difference for the Eureka Lady Lions.

Glacier whips Capital

The Glacier boys systematically dismantled Helena Capital on Saturday afternoon, beating the visiting Bruins 57-43 to claim sole possession of first place in Western AA.

Flathead holds off Helena

Flathead weathered a second-half storm by Helena High to secure a much-needed Western AA home boys basketball victory on Saturday afternoon.

Stillwater girls, boys MCAA state champs

HELENA - Stillwater Christian School captured the Montana Christian Athletic Association state boys and girls basketball titles on Saturday at Carroll College.

Flathead County has vacancies on three boards

There are vacancies on three Flathead County advisory boards and county commissioners are accepting letters of interest from people willing to volunteer for the boards.

United Way takes agency applications

 United Way takes agency applications

Eureka boys 3rd at Dist. 7B tourney

COLUMBIA FALLS - Eureka had five players in double-figure scoring, led by Ryan Holder's game-high 20, as the Lions stopped Thompson Falls 75-61 on Saturday in the District 7B Tournament consolation boys final.

Basketball roundup: Flathead, Glacier finish 0-2 on road trip to Helena

HELENA - Second-ranked Helena High doubled the score on Flathead in the opening quarter en route to a 55-42 Western AA girls basketball victory Saturday afternoon.

Perrin 3rd, Fraley fourth in Simplot 3,200 run

POCATELLO, Idaho - Zach Perrin and Troy Fraley, both of Kalispell, finished third and fourth, respectively, in the 3,200-meter run finals at the Simplot Games indoor track and field meet Saturday.

Polson people helped during World War II

U.S. Air Force Col. Herbert F. Egender returned to the site of the Feb. 5, 1943, landing at the Polson Airport to visit with people who helped line the runway with car headlights that night.

Polson residents proved heroes to World War II bomber crew in distress

World War II reached across nations and cost the lives of 70 million people, the deadliest conflict in human history. While the Mission Valley was a considerable distance from the theaters of war, it didn’t stop many of the region’s residents from going overseas to fight, and even die, for their country.

County health officer to speak in Dubai

Joe Russell, Flathead County’s health officer, has been tapped as a speaker for the Seventh Dubai International Food Safety Conference.

Cocaine use 'brought the devil out' in kidnapper

Lester Van Waters

FILE - This file photo provided by the Williams County, N.D., Sheriff's Department shows Lester Van Waters Jr., 47. Van Waters has been charged with aggravated kidnapping in the disappearance of schoolteacher Sherry Arnold. After more than a month of secrecy, prosecutors in Montana are expected to file a criminal complaint Friday Feb. 17, 2012 detailing why they believe two Colorado men, Michael Keith Spell and Van Waters, are responsible for the disappearance of Arnold. (AP Photo/Williams County, N.D., Sheriff's Department, File)

Michael Keith Spell

Sherry Arnold

In this undated photo provided by the Sidney, Mt., Police Dept. shows Sidney High School math teacher Sherry Arnold, 43, who has been missing since Saturday, Jan. 7. Hundreds of people are assisting in the search for the Sidney teacher who did not return home after going for a jog on Saturday Jan. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Sidney Montana Police Dept.)

Nathaniel Blumberg

Nathaniel Blumberg died last week at age 89.

One killed in Somers crash Saturday

A 28-year-old Kalispell man is dead following a rollover accident in Somers early Saturday morning.

Glacier Basketball

Glacier’s Sean Peters (left) shoots over a Bruins’ defender during Glacier’s victory over Helena Capital Saturday afternoon at Glacier High School.

U.S. 93 Crash

Emergency crews respond to a crash on U.S. 93 near the Majestic Valley Arena Friday night.

Bigfork Basketball

Bigfork’s Taylor Peck (30) and Eureka’s Alex Pecora (11) battle for a loose ball during the District 7B Tournament final Saturday evening at Columbia Falls High School.

A 'dream room' for Caleb

School leads effort to remake room for 6-year-old

Caleb Speed is just like any other 6-year-old boy — unless you look closely around the Evergreen home where he lives with his mom, brother and sister.

String of vehicle break-ins discovered

Another string of vehicle break-ins were discovered by the

Quick work halts meningitis spread

Quick responses by Kalispell Regional Medical Center’s emergency room staff and the City-County Health Department kept bacterial meningitis limited to one local high school student, the Flathead City-County Board of Health learned Thursday.

Death of a nation: Five stages of grief

It is painful for me to have to write this column, just as it is always painful to write about the loss of something or someone near and dear to us — but finally the truth must be told:

Norma J. Turner, 63

Wood Turning

Wood shavings fly as Skip Beardsly turns a piece of Birch into a bowl during the Glacier Woodturners' "Turn-a-Thon" Saturday afternoon at the Kalispell Center Mall. Beardsly has been woodturning for seven years. "It is what I do during the winter. It's a great hobby," says Beardsly. Saturday, Feb., 18, 2012 in Kalispell, Mont.

Capital slips past Flathead

For the second time this season, the Flathead boys played neck and neck with Helena Capital but came up short. The Braves frustrated Capital all night but couldn't make enough shots at the end, losing 48-42 at home on Friday.

Bulls rule opening night

The bulls were bucking and kicking at Friday night's opening of the Rocky Mountain Extreme Bull Riding Challenge 2012 at Majestic Valley Arena.

Wolfpack whips Helena High, 72-45

Challenge met.

Bull Riding

Beau Nordahl of Missoula is bucked off a bull during the first night of the Rocky Mountain Extreme Bull Riding Challenge 2012 at Majestic Valley Arena Friday night.

Land trust receives grant

 The Flathead Land Trust was one of seven nonprofit land trust organizations in Montana recently awarded a grant by Travelers for Open Land.

Williams in 800 meter finals at Simplot Games

POCATELLO, Idaho - Derrick Williams of Columbia Falls, a member of the Highlander Track Club, won his heat in the 800 with a time of 2:01.51 on Friday at the Simplot Games indoor track and field meet.

Cougars, Crusaders in MCAA state title basketball games

HELENA - Josiah Sheeran tallied 22 points and Josh Jarvis turned in a double-double with 17 points and 10 assists in Flathead Valley Homeschool's 72-61 semifinal victory over Heritage Christian School (Bozeman) on Friday at the Montana Christian Athletic Association state boys basketball tournament.

'Through with Chew Week' offers free screenings, kits

 Health officials encourage Montanans to quit smokeless tobacco during “Through with Chew 2012” week from Feb. 20 to 24.

Glacier, Flathead girls drop road games

HELENA - Second ranked Helena High held No. 5 Glacier to two points in the fourth quarter to post a 46-37 Western AA girls basketball victory on Friday night.

Third man pleads guilty to thefts from RV lot

The last of three men arrested for breaking into Gardner’s RV & Trailer Center pleaded guilty to a reduced charge, plus charges in two other cases, on Thursday in Flathead District Court.

Slick roads keep responders busy

A spurt of winter weather contributed to a string of accidents and near accidents throughout the valley.

19-year-old accused of punching deputy in face

Man faces more felony charges in other cases

A 19-year-old Kalispell man pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of assault on a peace officer Thursday in Flathead District Court.

Out for a stroll

Takoda, a border collie and Australian shepherd mix, chases along as Kait Gelinas, right, and Trevor Mack cross-country ski on the fairway of Hole 2 at Buffalo Hill Golf Course Friday afternoon.

Man pleads not guilty to sexual abuse

A 27-year-old Columbia Falls man pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of sexual abuse of children Thursday in Flathead District Court.

Cover photo sought for phone book

A contest to select a cover photo for CenturyLink’s Greater Flathead Valley phone book now is open.

Mark Winchel

Mark Winchel is raising Tilapia in an aquaponics operation in the greenhouse on his property near Whitefish. The roots of the plants share the same water as the fish.

Monday Profile

John Bemis, market development manager for CenturyLink in Kalispell, is an avid baseball coach.

Dental Presentation

Students in Kim Bennett's class crowd around a table to watch Dr. Cameron Clark demonstrate how to properly floss teeth.

Peck sparks Vals in win over Trotters

BIGFORK - Taylor Peck, a 5-foot-6 senior guard, energized Bigfork with her play on both ends of the court in the early going as the third-ranked Valkyries coasted to a 43-19 victory in the District 7B girls basketball tournament semifinals on Thursday.

District 7B boys: Vikes pound Hawks

BIGFORK - Playing with an extremely stingy defense and dominating the glass, No. 4 Bigfork easily beat Thompson Falls 49-33 on Thursday night to advance to the District 7B championship game.

C-Falls girls whip Loggers; Whitefish boys trip Frenchtown

COLUMBIA FALLS - Columbia Falls wrapped up regular-season play Thursday with a 53-21 Northwestern A girls basketball victory over Libby.

Crusaders, Cougars in MCAA state basketball semis

HELENA - Defending state champion Flathead Valley Homeschool opened the Montana Christian Athletic Association state boys basketball tournament on Thursday by beating Rimrock Christian School (Billings) 56-46 at Carroll College.

Campaign against sex trafficking launches

Working with a national advocacy group, Soroptimist International of Kalispell next week is kicking off what it hopes will be a statewide campaign against domestic minor sex trafficking in Montana.

Young artists portray Glacier beauty

Student-produced art will appear on postcards and Glacier National Park’s annual pass.

Wolf hunt is tricky business

The extended wolf season came to an end Wednesday with 166 wolves killed across Montana, well shy of the statewide quota of 220 animals, a telling result that needs to be acknowledged when setting future season regulations.

Armed women prompt cop call

A pair of armed women were reported to the

Bigfork Basketball

Bigfork's Jackson Boese (center) puts up a shot in the fourth quarter of Bigfork's victory over Thompson Falls in the Class 7B tournament at Bigfork High School Thursday night. Thursday, Feb., 16, 2012 in Bigfork, Mont.

Man pleads innocent to attempted murder

A 19-year-old Kalispell man charged with attempted murder for an alleged violent attack on a Fifth Avenue East resident pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court.

Brothers plead innocent to several charges

A pair of Kalispell brothers pleaded not guilty to a bevy of charges related to a series of thefts Feb. 9 in Flathead District Court.

Crew clears out Stillwater River logjam

Three logjams are being pulled out of the Stillwater River north of U.S. 2 in Evergreen to ease potential hazards.

Alta M. Jensen, 97

Alta M. Jensen, 97, died at Brendan House in Kalispell on Feb. 14, 2012, of natural causes. 

Richard Morton Nelson, 86

HONDURAS PRISON FIRE

Glacier award

Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake

Stillwater Log Jam

As an excavator removes debris and trees from a log jam on the Stillwater River, Flathead County Road and Bridge workers use chainsaws to cut the larger logs into smaller pieces Thursday morning. The log jam is being removed to help prevent flooding as well as make the river safer for recreational use.

Stillwater logjam

Lincoln Chute, Flathead County Fire Service Area manager, pauses as he cuts a tree into smaller sections Thursday morning. In the background an excavator removes logs and debris from a logjam on the Stillwater River. Some of the removed logs will be used to build up the bank to help prevent future flooding in the area.

MCAA state basketball tourney starts today

The Montana Christian Athletic Association state basketball tournament starts today at Carroll College in Helena, where Stillwater Christian and Flathead Valley Home School could each play deep into the tournament.

Police vexed by continuing graffiti problem in Kalispell

The hiss of spray paint leaving behind graffiti across the city of Kalispell is driving local police up the wall.

Council cautioned to disclose potential conflicts

The Kalispell City Council discussed ethics and public perception at Monday’s work session, after allegations were made against two council members for their votes to repeal transportation impact fees.

Glacier Chorale to sing in New York City

A group of Flathead Valley singers has been invited to perform in New York City.

Missing teen found safe

A 12-year-old Evergreen girl reported missing Tuesday morning was found safe just 12 hours later south of Las Vegas in the company of two men, one of whom she met on the Internet.

'It's just him taking advantage of a child'

A 12-year-old Evergreen girl and the 28-year-old California man who has been charged in her disappearance from home may have had a month-long online relationship and even considered getting married, according to court documents.

Two men charged with taking girl to California

Two California men face felony charges after apparently taking a 12-year-old Evergreen girl to their home state Tuesday.

Fire crews stop blaze in attic

The Whitefish Fire Department responded just in time to keep a residential fire at the home of Chad and Andrea Silliker from getting out of control Wednesday morning.

Lots of crime on tap - and on tape

A Kalispell man’s game camera captured a different type of prey Tuesday, he reported to the

Bigfork bank robbery suspect in federal court

The 55-year-old Bigfork man facing charges in the robbery of two banks in Flathead County had an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Missoula on Wednesday.

Ralph Douglas Eickhorst, 93

James F. King, 74

Two face charges in girl's disappearance

Two California men arrested when FBI agents located a missing Evergreen girl face custodial interference charges.

Special Spaces

Glacier High School textile design instructor Lori Gray, left, and Special Spaces director Paula Strickland discuss plans for Caleb Speed's room make over in the Industrial Arts pod at Glacier High School Tuesday afternoon.

Chimney Fire

Whitefish firefighter Cole Lackey exposes open flames in a chimney fire Wednesday morning at 210 JP Road in Whitefish.

Broncs hold off Polson boys

FRENCHTOWN - Cody Fischer scored 17 points and Zach Camel added 15, but it wasn't enough as the Frenchtown Broncs defeated Polson 66-59 in a Northwestern A boys basketball contest on Tuesday.

Broncs blow by Pirates

Top-ranked Frenchtown showed why it's the best in the state on Tuesday night in Polson, beating the Pirates 61-36.

Board, council to discuss Whitefish growth policy

The Whitefish City-County Planning Board will hold a joint work session with the Whitefish City Council on Thursday to discuss potential revisions to the city’s 2007 growth policy.

Health fair features free screenings

Kalispell Regional Medical Center holds its second Heart Health Fair from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday featuring free screenings for lipids and glucose, blood pressure, diabetes, peripheral artery disease, body composition and sleep disorders.

Fire in Kila

Members of the Smith Valley Fire Department on the scene of a fire in Kila on Tuesday night.

Former Journalism School dean Blumberg dies

Montana journalism legend Nathaniel Blumberg died early Tuesday at Kalispell Regional Medical Center after suffering a stroke last week at his Bigfork area home.

Plane lost power before crashing into home

A small plane lost power before it crash-landed into a neighborhood in south Kalispell, according to a federal report.

Widow seeking homes for horses

On Thanksgiving, Tom Carter of Ferndale developed a fierce headache. Just a few months later on Feb. 3, he died after a hard-fought battle against an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Woman pleads guilty to crime

A 25-year-old Kalispell woman pleaded guilty to a felony charge of accountability to criminal endangerment Thursday during Flathead District Court.

Sweet tooth strikes at ice-cream stand

A sweet tooth without a conscience was reported to the

Miri Smith

Miri Smith, daughter of Kammee Smith of Kalispell, was born Oct. 7 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

MacKenzie Ellis

MacKenzie Ellis, daughter of Shannon and Melissa Ellis of Kalispell, was born Oct. 7 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

McKinley Boukoon

McKinley Boukoon, daughter of Bret and Keri Boukoon of Kalispell, was born Oct. 6 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Noah Santisevan

Noah Santisevan, son of Jason Santisevan and Amy Axelberg of Kalispell, was born Oct. 6 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Hally Ruonavaara

Hally Ruonavaara, daughter of Robert and Ashley Ruonavaara, was born Oct. 26 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Ivan Waatti

Ivan Waatti, son of Mark and Tiffany Waatti of Kalispell, was born Oct. 5 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Kadence Leib

Kadence Leib, daughter of Wayne and Pamela Leib of Kalispell, was born Oct. 3 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Maggie Rae Williams

Maggie Rae Williams, daughter of Chad and Danielle Williams of Kalispell, was born Oct. 5 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

IzaBella Marie Serio

IzaBella Marie Serio, daughter of Jesse and Autumn Serio of Kalispell, was born Oct. 3 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Colt Harry Miller

Colt Harry Miller, son of Blair and Annie Miller of Kalispell, was born Oct. 1 at North Valley Hospital.

Beck William Archie

Beck William Archie, son of Paul and Diane Archie of Whitefish, was born Oct. 1 at North Valley Hospital.

Anastasia Rose Carriveau

Anastasia Rose Carriveau, daughter of Elizabeth Selders, was born Sept. 22 at North Valley Hospital.

Matthew Kerry Knutsen

Matthew Kerry Knutsen, son of Greg and Peace Knutsen of Eureka, was born Sept. 21 at North Valley Hospital.

Keagan Lynn Flanagan

Keagan Lynn Flanagan, daughter of Raymond and Kaylee Flanagan of Eureka, was born Sept. 19 at North Valley Hospital.

Harper Lilly Dauenhauer

Harper Lilly Dauenhauer, daughter of Joey Dauenhauer and Chelsea Faber of Kalispell, was born Sept. 23 at North Valley Hospital.

Garek Giulio Bacon

Garek Giulio Bacon, son of Kevin and Lea Bacon of Whitefish, was born Sept. 27 at North Valley Hospital.

Hudson Eugene Houser

Hudson Eugene Houser, son of Stephen and Heidi Houser of Columbia Falls, was born Sept. 27 at North Valley Hospital.

Hailey Walter

Hailey Walter, daughter of Jeff and Stefanie Walter of Kalispell, was born Sept. 19 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Peyton Alissa Cowden

Peyton Alissa Cowden, daughter of Mike and Lauren Cowden, was born Sept. 26 at North Valley Hospital.

Edgard Le

Marlene Ann Jacobsen, 79

Marlene Ann Jacobsen, 79, died Feb. 9, 2012, in Whitefish, with her husband by her side.

J. Elvern 'Al' Rommereim, 89

Virginia Carter

Several horses that are up for adotion watch as Virginia Carter closes a gate on her ranch in Ferndale Tuesday afternoon.

Missing Evergreen girl found safe near Las Vegas

A 12-year-old Evergreen girl reported missing Tuesday morning was found safe just 12 hours later south of Las Vegas in the company of two men, one of whom she met on the Internet.

Jasmine Walker

Daybook

Wolfpack names new soccer coach

Glacier High School activities director Mark Dennehy has announced that Brenden Byrd has been selected as the head coach for girls varsity soccer pending school board approval.

Six area wrestlers in Tournament of Champions

Glacier's Shane St. Onge, Lucas Mantel, and Mack Sutherland, Flathead's Larry Francis and Libby's Kyle Leir and Mitch Haugen have been selected to the 4th Annual Tournament of Champions all-star wrestling event in Great Falls on Saturday at Paris Gibson Education Center.

Auction fails to find buyer for old fire hall

An auction last Wednesday did not connect the Badrock Volunteer Fire Department with a buyer for its old fire hall at the corner of Kelly Road and Montana 206.

Columbia Heights pack business has international reach

Outfitters Supply still has the rustic storefront it started with in 1986 in a building off U.S. 2 in Columbia Heights.

Take a hint: Stay away

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office got a report Sunday regarding an unwanted man pounding on a bedroom window at a woman’s home on Eastman Drive in the Bigfork area. He was later located by a deputy and warned not to go near the woman.

Park ranger honored for wilderness work

Kyle Johnson, a Columbia Falls native and veteran wilderness specialist for Glacier National Park, recently was given the National Park Service's regional Wilderness Champion Award.

Ramp replacement requires group effort

Muriel Morse, 92, survived back-breaking farm labor and bombs in England during World War II, but a poorly constructed ramp caused this former Land Girl a huge amount of stress.

Ralph Stanley 'Stan' Bruner, 90

Ralph Stanley "Stan" Bruner, 90, passed away Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

Opal L. Maddux Swisher, 94

Opal L. Maddux Swisher, 94, passed away Feb. 10, 2012, at Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center in Whitefish.

Muriel and Barton Morse

Muriel Morse is steered in her wheelchair by her son, Barton, down the ramp paid for by a joint effort by the Agency on Aging, Plum Creek Timber Co., Wells Fargo, Glacier Bank and a local foundation.

Kyle Johnson

Kyle Johnson has been accorded the National Park Service's national Wilderness Champion Award.

Flowers by Hansen

Michelle Tutvedt adds a rose to a floral arrangement Monday afternoon at Flowers by Hansen. The Kalispell flower shop offers custom designed arrangements for delivery and pickup. Tutvedt has been working as a part time floral designer at Flowers by Hansen for 11 years.

GREECE DEBT CRISIS

This Week in Pictures February 6-12

Remembering singer Whitney Houston

Candidate withdraws from statewide race

Chuck Baldwin announced Monday that he has withdrawn as Montana Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Fanning's running mate because "it is more than obvious to me that this campaign has no chance of being successful in the primary elections."

Glacier's Boschee signs with North Dakota State University track

Lexy Boschee, a multi-sport letter winner and state champion at Glacier High School, has signed a national letter-of-intent to compete in track at North Dakota State University in Fargo, N.D.

The Galactic Samurai

Artist Nina Winters applies the patina to her sculpture, The Galactic Samurai, at Kalispell Art Casting.

Castle connection brought sculptor here

Foundry with international cast

Sculptor Nina Winters' introduction to Kalispell Art Casting took place at Belvoir Castle in England.

Monday Profile

Lynn Troy divides her time between the Montana Center for Wellness and Pain Management and Northwest Oncology and Hematology at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Naturopath sets example for patients

Northwest Healthcare's naturopathic physician Lynn Troy looks so much the part that she might have been found through a casting call.

Four-wheeler and driver bust through ice

A Kalispell fishermen pulled his fishing partner out of Bitterroot Lake after he fell through the ice while driving a four-wheeler early Sunday morning.

Library volume increases by 12 percent

The volume of materials checked out of the four branches of the Flathead County Library System increased by 12 percent in the first six months of the current fiscal year, compared to the first six months of last fiscal year.

Bungees, boarders reported at FHS

Sunday afternoon, a caller reported seeing five or six kids bungee jumping from the arrow and snowboarding at Flathead High School. A

AA wrestling: Wolfpack state champs

BILLINGS - It turned out to be everything the coaches, the wrestlers and the Glacier Wolfpack wrestling community dreamed about.

Flathead's Francis flips after title win

BILLINGS - Sealed with a back flip.

Class A wrestling: Libby has 2 state champs; C-Falls 1

BILLINGS - A little confidence can really do wonders for a person.

Teddy's footprint in the Flathead

Famous U.S. president had ties with local families

There’s no doubt that Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt spent time hunting and campaigning in Montana.

Basketball roundup: Big Sky girls bounce Wolfpack

The No. 5-ranked Glacier girls couldn't break through an aggressive Missoula Big Sky zone defense on Saturday, losing at home to the Eagles 44-36.

News team to talk at FVCC

 Father-and-daughter Flathead Valley radio veterans George Ostrom and Wendy Ostrom-Price will team up Feb. 21 to kick off the spring season of the Flathead Valley Community College President’s Lecture Series.

Video captured woman stealing

A thief who thought they pulled a fast one was reported to the

News team

George Ostrom and his daughter Wendy Ostrom-Price will kick off a lecture series Feb. 21 at Flathead Valley Community College.

Glacier High wins state wrestling title

Glacier High School capped off its best season ever on the mats by claiming the Class AA state wrestling championship Saturday evening in Billings.

GOP elephant finally hears from little old Whoville!

Last week, the Republican primary season took as its inspiration the Dr. Seuss classic “Horton Hears a Who” — only in this new version it was the big fat GOP elephant that needed to get the wax out of its ears.

School officials try to devise solutions to overcrowding

Kalispell school trustees wrestling with overcrowded elementary schools are considering both short-term and long-range solutions.

Barstool Races

A participant in the 34th Annual Barstool Ski Races makes his way into the crowd as he loses control of his sled at Cabin Fever Days in Martin City Saturday afternoon..

35th Annual Barstool Races

Glacier vs Missoula Big Sky

Glacier’s Cassidy Hashley (center) is surrounded by Missoula Big Sky defenders as she goes up for a shot during Saturday’s Western AA basketball game at Glacier High School.

Dale Whitehead, 85

Shirley Lois (Frazier) Brantner, 91

Shirley passed away peacefully on Feb. 8, 2012, in her home with her loving family around her. 

Lester 'Les' Wondrow, 58

Dorothy Nagy, 72

Dorothy Nagy, 72, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center due to complications related to a kidney transplant.

Basketball roundup: Braves roll by Big Sky, 75-46

The Flathead boys got back on track on Friday night, beating Missoula Big Sky 75-46 at home.

All Class State Wrestling Results

Friday At Billings

State B-C wrestling: Eureka's hopes riding with White, Durden

BILLINGS - Friday was a long day for the Eureka wrestlers at the All Class Wrestling tournament.

Polson's wrestlers sitting in 6th place

BILLINGS - Some big wins, some tough losses.

Banner day for Glacier at state wrestling

BILLINGS - Quite the comeback.

Man pleads innocent to endangerment charge

A 21-year-old Kalispell man pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges that came after a 2-year-old boy under his care was found sitting in the middle of a road.

Elusive driver crashes; woman goes to hospital

A driver attempting to flee a deputy with the

Laser Alternative High School graduates

Laser students who graduated Feb. 3 include, back row: Derek Graham, Bill Hansen, Patrick Holmquist, Matt Harris, Drew Lewis; middle row: Roman Solarez, Justes Chittenden; front row: Tori Mower, Stevi Barlow.

Paraprofessionals: Helping hands in crowded classrooms

Paraprofessionals such as Debbie O’Boyle and LuAnn Servo often are the “unsung heroes” in schools, according to kindergarten teacher Amy Grigoletti at Elrod School in Kalispell.

Economic recovery still 'disappointingly' slow

The tale of the tortoise and the hare might be an apropos analogy for economic recovery in Montana this year.

Flathead vs Missoula Big Sky

Drew Crosby of Flathead makes a jump stop during a drive against a Missoula Big Sky defender Friday night at Flathead High School.

Murderer gets 2 life sentences

Double-murderer Tyler Miller is going to spend the rest of his life in jail.

Judge OKs 'doughnut' injunction

District Judge David Ortley on Friday granted a preliminary injunction to stop county interim zoning in the two-mile planning “doughnut” around Whitefish.

Police say severed arm belonged to Montana man

Glacier sends 1 relay, 3 individuals to state swim finals

GREAT FALLS - Glacier qualified three individuals and one relay for today's finals at the 44th annual state swimming championships at Swarthout Fieldhouse pool.

Tyler Miller

Flathead Electric

Crews from Flathead Electric work to upgrade power lines along E. Evergreen Road from single phase to three phase on Tuesday afternoon in Evergreen.

Galactic Samuri at Kalispell Art Casting

Artist Nina Winters applies the patina to her sculpture Galactic Samuri on Monday, February 6, at Kalispell Art Casting.

Special Spaces

Amber Speed and her 6-year-old son, Caleb, sit in the room that is being remodeled for him by Glacier High School and Special Spaces.

Books and Babies at Flathead County Library

Brianna Smith of Kalispell plays with her 18-month-old daughter Lyla at the Books and Babies time at the Flathead County Library.

Outfitters Supply

Russ Barnett, owner of Outfitters Supply, shows off the TrailMax Original Saddlebag System at his store in Columbia Falls Friday morning.

Lynn Troy Profile

Northwest HealthcareÕs naturopathic physician Lynn Troy at the Montana Center for Wellness and Pain Management on Thursday, February 9, in Kalispell.

Helping hand for teachers

LuAnn Servo works with students as a paraprofessional on Tuesday at Elrod School in Kalispell.

Straight Blast Gym Expansion

Kisa and Travis Davison in the new yoga room on Friday morning, February 10. There are still some finishing touches that need to be made, but classes have already begun in the new space.

Basketball: Bulldogs drill Plains on Senior Night

WHITEFISH - The Whitefish boys made a splash on Senior Night, trouncing Plains 72-42 at home on Thursday.

Orr hits 37 points to carry Troy past Eureka

EUREKA - Cory Orr hits six 3s, five coming in the second half, en route to a 37-point effort in leading Troy past Eureka 68-44 in the District 7B regular-season final for both teams Thursday.

Rape suspect released after 3 months

A 20-year-old Whitefish woman charged with the rape of a 15-year-old baby sitter was released from jail following a hearing Thursday in Flathead District Court.

Whitefish vs Plains Basketball

Whitefish’s Jake Slaybaugh (11) avoids the block by Plains senior Robert Earhart (right) as he goes in for a layup during Thursday’s nonconference game at Whitefish High School.

Bright moon rising

A bright moon rising beyond the Swan Mountains reflects across the surface of Flathead Lake earlier this week.

Surgical tech program gets merit honor

Flathead Valley Community College has received the annual Merit Award from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

Jan. storms brighten snowpack picture

While there hasn’t been much snow in the valleys, there was a significant boost in mountain snowpack across Northwest Montana last month.

Eureka sends 7 to state B-C wrestling

For Eureka's wrestling team, it's just like last year in terms of state qualifiers.

C-Falls, Libby, Polson, Whitefish wrestlers tested, up for state

The hard work is done.

AA state wrestling preview: Wolfpack, Braves ready for season to end a higher note

Back together under one roof and glad for it.

Flathead, Glacier swim teams primed for state meet

Swimmers from Flathead and Glacier have most of the events covered when the state swim meet begins this morning at Great Falls High School.

Badlands Bowl lists 10 local players

Ten area football players have been named to the Montana roster of the 19th annual Badlands Bowl.

John P. Norrish, 73

Unusual caller asks for ambulance

A man ranting about aliens and heaven and being worshipped in a volcano told the

Mary Gestring Svennungsen, 84

David H. Sivright, Sr., 88

Hot Springs invites public to Symes tea

 Residents of Hot Springs invite the public to a benefit “Gold & Silver Tea” from  2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Historic Symes Hotel.

North Valley Senior Center Book and Puzzle Sale

Blanche Zenz, of Columbia Falls, lays out book for the annual North Valley Senior Center Book and Puzzle Sale on Thursday afternoon in Columbia Falls. The sale starts today and continues on Saturday. The sale will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

70-year-old man is sentenced for 4th DUI

A 70-year-old Kalispell man was sentenced to 13 months with the Department of Corrections and three years of probation after being convicted of his fourth offense of driving under the influence.

Man reports 9mm handgun was stolen

A Rose Crossing resident came home to find his house ransacked and reported it to the

Clemency for Smith? No way

Convicted double murderer Ronald Smith is requesting clemency, claiming he is repentant, but the way we see it he has had clemency for the last 30 years that he has spent on Montana’s death row.

Whitefish makes world 'Top 25' ski-town list

National Geographic Adventure has included Whitefish in its profile of the 25 Best Ski Towns in the World.

Suit filed over Jesus statue

The Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation has formally filed its promised lawsuit against the Flathead National Forest.

Champions again

Members of the Glacier High School Speech and Debate State Team cheer with their second straight Class AA championship trophy as they gather for a team photo on Wednesday afternoon. A contingent of Wolfpack speakers will compete this weekend in Butte at the district National Forensics League tournament.

Crosstown BBall

Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake during the crosstown basketball game at Flathead High School Thursday night. Thursday, Feb., 2, 2012 in Kalispell, Mont.

Crosstown Basketball

This Week in Pictures January 30 - February 5

Osweiler invited to NFL combine

Flathead High School grad Brock Osweiler was officially named as a participant in the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday.

Easy work for the Wolfpack

The No. 5 Glacier boys showed their muscle on Tuesday night, running away with a Western AA win over Missoula Sentinel at home, 70-50. The Wolfpack jumped out early and never looked back, holding off a few strong runs by the Spartans to win the game comfortably.

Three Loggers hit double figures in win

EUREKA - Jared Winslow scored 17 and Micah Germany and Elias Lapka added 10 apiece as the Libby Loggers outlasted Eureka 50-48 in a nonconference boys basketball game.

Sentinel rallies, survives Wolfpack

MISSOULA - The Glacier girls went in to Missoula on Tuesday night and nearly came away with an upset of No. 2 Missoula Sentinel, losing the game 47-42. The Wolfpack had won six of its last seven games since its first meeting with the Spartans this season, and led 11-7 after the first quarter. But, a poor second quarter doomed the rest of the night. The Wolfpack was outscored 18-9 in the second and trailed by five points at half, a lead it couldn't erase after halftime.

Local man pleads guilty to his fourth DUI

A 30-year-old Kalispell man pleaded guilty to his fourth offense of driving under the influence Thursday during Flathead District Court.

Glacier vs. Missoula Sentinel

Wolfpack sophomore Evan Epperly (left) tries to steal the ball from Missoula's Alec Bray during Glacier's home matchup against Missoula Sentinel on Tuesday night.

Fire dancer, keg jumpers share title

Three-way tie concludes beer barter judging

More than 1,000 spectators crowded around the Great Northern Brewery in Whitefish on Saturday as Black Star beer aficionados competed for a chance to win 52 cases of the golden lager.

Artists impart American Indian perspectives

Flathead High School art students are getting inspiration and advice this week from a pair of American Indian artists, David Dragonfly and Valentina LaPier.

Black Star Beer Barter

Troy Nooroa performs his island fire dance on stage during the Black Star Beer Barter competition in Whitefish on Saturday. The barter was part of the Whitefish Winter Carnival festivities. Nooroa was one of three winners who each received a year’s supply of Black Star beer.

Burglar helps himself to beer on porch

The

Council may push for airport answer

Elected city officials want to make a decision on what to do with Kalispell City Airport, preferably before a new city manager is hired

Council dumps road impact fees

The Kalispell City Council voted to kill the city’s transportation impact fees Monday night, and in coming weeks will refund $143,702 collected since the fees took effect in March 2009.

James A. Fish, 81

James A. Fish, 81, of Whitefish, passed away Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell. 

Jane Deloris Miller, 82

Jane Deloris Miller, 82, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center from a stroke.

High Wire Act

High Wire Act A squirrel makes his way along electric wires on Tuesday afternoon along East Evergreen Road.

Flathead Artist-In-Residence Program

Paintings by LaPier hang on the walls in preparation for a  reception at Flathead High School from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Thursday.

Whitefish bond issue

Turner Askew, left, and John Muhlfeld work together Tuesday to put up a sign supporting the Whitefish High School bond request. The sign was installed near the intersection of U.S. 93 and Montana 40. Muhlfeld defeated Askew last year in the election for Whitefish mayor. 

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Clyde Charles Harshbarger, 74

George F. Davenport, 98

George F. Davenport, 98, of Bigfork, passed away Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, at Expressions Assisted Living in Columbia Falls.

Andrew Senger, 89

Andrew Senger, 89, passed away Feb. 4, 2012, at Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center in Whitefish.

Daybook

Crash damage may hit $50,000

The wreckage of a small plane that crashed into a home in southwest Kalispell was hauled away by a recovery company on Sunday and taken to Bozeman, where it will be stored until National Transportation Safety Board investigators can examine it.

No horse racing this summer

There will be no horse races during this summer’s Northwest Montana Fair, Flathead County Fairgrounds Manager Mark Campbell said Monday.

Judge promises quick decision for Whitefish 'doughnut' injunction

By LYNNETTE HINTZE

Naked driver offers girls a ride

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office got a report Sunday afternoon from a woman who said a man with no clothes on pulled up to her two daughters on East Evergreen Drive in a dark blue passenger car, asked if they wanted a ride, and then drove off.

Transplant effort nets 49 bighorns

A total of 49 bighorn sheep were being transplanted from Wild Horse Island to the Tendoy mountains 40 miles south of Dillon by the end of Saturday.

Dance benefit steps up the fun for 2012

Lighthouse Christian Home’s eighth annual swing dance shines a light on hearts this year as a warm-up for Valentine’s Day.

Art class one of many opportunities at senior center

Barb Abbott, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program art teacher at the Kalispell Senior Center, has painted professionally and taught in many venues for financial gain, but she said she never received as much in return as she has here as a volunteer and through her membership.

Plane crash

Three people and two dogs survived this plane crash Saturday afternoon in south Kalispell.

Symbiotic Circus

Performers in the upcoming Symbiotic Circus show include, clockwise from far left, fire-eating Nita Maddux, Robin Rose, Blair Logan, Veronica deSoyza, Meredith Gibbs (with fire fans), Voxxi Moxi, Stella Pearl, Fancy DeVille, Adelaide Every and Chris Vogl.

Sandra Marker

Expert watercolorist Sandra Marker paints at the Kalispell Senior Center. Marker takes art classes twice a week at the center.

Eli Manning has now beaten Tom Brady in two Super Bowls, but who would you rather have on your team?

Ernest Weaver

Ernest L. Weaver, 87

Ernest L. Weaver, 87, of Columbia Falls died Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, at the Montana Veterans' Home in Columbia Falls.

Wounded Warriors

With ski instructor Andy Pollard close behind, Staff Sgt. Tom Rollason skis down Chipmunk run in a sit-ski at Whitefish Mountain Resort Friday morning as part of the Wounded Warrior Project. Veterans have been in Whitefish for nearly a week, participating in many winter carnival events.

Whitefish welcomes wounded warriors

From welcome ceremonies with the Montana Patriot Guard to adaptive skiing and dining in top restaurants, eight injured veterans and their guests have received the royal treatment in Whitefish.

Decision looms for Whitefish school funding

A proposal to give $2.5 million in tax increment revenue to the Whitefish High School reconstruction project is the focus of a public hearing tonight at the Whitefish City Council meeting.

Monday Profile

Halsey has overseen several other major projects, ranging from the expansion of Glacier Park International Airport to a major renovation of Mead High School in Spokane.

On the 'A-Team'

No job too big for Swank’s longtime superintendent

Jeff Halsey has one thing in common with the unflappable Hannibal Smith from the "The A-Team" 1980s action TV series: They both "love it when a plan comes together."

Wire-snipping burglars hit Kalispell

The phone lines and all of the other lines going into a store on Fourth Avenue West North were cut sometime Saturday night, a caller told the

Leslie M. Stringfellow

Leslie M. Stringfellow, 57

Leslie Martin Stringfellow, 57, passed away on Jan. 9, 2012, at his home in Turlock, Calif., after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born Feb. 14, 1954, in Whitefish. He was a 1972 graduate of Columbia Falls High School where he played first-chair trombone in the concert band and the Columbians. He attended the University of Idaho where he started as a trombone major and changed to vocal performance.

Polson wrestlers Northwestern A Divisional champions

COLUMBIA FALLS - When the smoke finally cleared on Saturday night at Columbia Falls High School, the Polson Pirates claimed their third straight Northwestern A Divisional wrestling title.

Larry Eugene Foster, 60

Larry Eugene Foster passed away with his wife and family by his side on Thursday morning, Feb. 2, 2012, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minn., at the age of 60.

Eureka 2nd in B-C divisional wrestling

PHILIPSBURG - Garret White (105), Zach Durden (112), Nikko Bakkila (119) and Jose Letcher (135) all won individual titles, helping Eureka finish second at the Western B-C divisional wrestling tournament on Saturday.

Bravettes bounce back, drill Hellgate in basketball

Flathead jumped out to a 14-2 advantage and never looked back in crushing Missoula Hellgate 51-34 in Western AA girls basketball action Saturday night at FHS.

Small steps to offset suffering

After nearly 11 years, W.R. Grace & Co. is emerging from the cocoon of bankruptcy court where it sought financial protection while Libby asbestos victims got sicker and many died through the years.

Three survive crash into home

Plane struck trees, lost wing before plowing into house

A small plane carrying three people crashed Saturday afternoon into a home in south Kalispell — and all the occupants survived.

Men throw punches in drive-through

A resident of Fourth Avenue East shared his discontent with the

Survivors share stories at Abbie photo exhibit, benefit

Volunteer photographer documents experiences of women, man who have escaped from abuse

Heidi Long, volunteer photographer for the Abbie Shelter, will never forget the quotes survivors of domestic violence gave her to pair with their photographs.

Glacier totals 5 mat champs; Flathead 1 at seeding tourney

Saturday was a good wrestling day for both the Glacier Wolfpack and the Flathead Braves.

Supporting new high school is right thing for Whitefish

I am a veteran educator who also has had over 20 years of officiating volleyball and wrestling in Wisconsin prior to moving out here permanently in 2006. So I have been in many schools and observed the varied relationships between communities and their high schools.

Man pleads guilty to role in casino robbery

One of two Kalispell men arrested following the Dec. 1, 2011, robbery of Lucky Lil’s Casino on West Idaho Street pleaded guilty to felony accountability to robbery Thursday in Flathead District Court.

Restoring Marina Cay

New owners breathe new life, money into Bigfork resort

With new owners and renovation plans already in the works, Marina Cay Resort is poised for a strong future in Bigfork.

GOP voters being led around by the nose?

Hey, Republicans, how does it feel to be taking your marching orders from Big Media, Big Government, and Big Money?

Wrestling

Flathead’s Suny Cheff (left) puts a move on Missoula Sentinel’s Joey Hiett in a 145-pound semifinal match at the Western AA Seeding Tournament Saturday morning at Flathead High School. Hiett won by decision, 3-2. Cheff finished third.

Whitefish Winter Carnival

Mitchell Johnson, 8, of Creston, reaches out to get a high five from Whitefish Police Department Chaplain Don Dukes on Saturday afternoon during the Winter Carnival Parade.

Plane crashes into house

A KALISPELL POLICE OFFICER walks by the scene of a crash where a single-engine plane slammed into a home on Golden Eye Court.

Plane crashes nto house

A KALISPELL FIREFIGHTER moves through the debris field at the scene of a plane crash on Golden Eye Court in Kalispell. One of the plane’s wings was sheared off and came to rest against this pickup truck.

Michael Brett Miller, 61

Michael Brett Miller, 61, of Aberdeen, Wash., passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012, with loved ones at his side. He died at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Wash., as a result of complications following aortic valve replacement surgery. 

Orville Ivar Nagelhus, 85

James 'Jim' Anthony Rehbein, 63

Plane crash

Emergency responders study the scene of a plane that crashed into a house in south Kalispell on Saturday.

Glacier qualifies 19 wrestlers for state; Flathead 15

Jackson Barber is going to the state wrestling tournament.

Board rejects union grievance

Whitefish teachers want OK for union work in prep periods

The Whitefish school board has denied a bid by the teachers union to use prep time to discuss union business.

Photos, play raise dollars, awareness

For the eighth year, The Abbie Shelter/Violence Free Crisis Line presents “The Vagina Monologues” with highlights including a photo exhibit and unveiling of its new specialty license plate.

Whitefish boys top Libby in OT

WHITEFISH - Six different players scored in overtime as Whitefish emerged with a hard-fought 49-45 Northwestern A boys basketball victory over Libby on Friday night.

Kalispell man pleads not guilty to burglary

A 47-year-old Kalispell man has pleaded innocent to charges connected to a Jan. 15 incident at a home in Evergreen, where he allegedly assaulted his ex-girlfriend.

Lakeside man contests fourth DUI

A 57-year-old Lakeside man pleaded not guilty to what would be his fourth offense of driving under the influence Thursday during Flathead District Court.

Sheep flights extended into third day

During the second day of effort in capturing bighorn sheep from Wild Horse Island, only eight more sheep were flown off the island Friday, bring the total to 29.

Northwestern A divisional wrestling crown up for grabs

  COLUMBIA FALLS - It's a four-horse race for the Northwestern A divisional wrestling crown today.

Fatal avalanche started at ridgetop cornice

Victim found under 5 feet of snow

Mark Albee and his brother Iain knew the avalanche risk was high and were attempting to avoid danger by staying high on the Swan Crest, but they unknowingly skied over a cornice, triggering an avalanche that killed Mark Albee on Wednesday.

Pair pleads innocent to assaulting toddler

A Columbia Falls couple has pleaded not guilty to felony assault on a minor after allegedly abusing the woman’s 16-month-old daughter.

Wendy's has a beef with franchisee

Wendy’s International has a beef with a franchisee that owns 11 fast-food restaurants in Montana, Oregon and Washington, including one closed restaurant in Whitefish.

Western AA Wrestling

Flathead’s Nick Iavicoli (top) rides teammate Brock Steller during a 160-pound match on Friday evening at Flathead High School. Iavicoli won with a pin.

Woman pleads innocent in shooting incident

A 53-year-old Whitefish woman pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of criminal endangerment Thursday in Flathead District Court.

Sunrise on Flathead Lake

View of Flathead Lake at sunrise on Friday, February 3, in Somers.

Straight Blast Gym Expansion

Brad Reisinger, one of the athletes at Straight Blast Gym works on the expansion project on Friday, February 3, in Kalispell. This is the gym's fifth expansion since opening.

Wounded Warriors

With ski instructor Andy Pollard, left, close behind, Staff Sergeant Tom Rollason skis down Chipmunk run in a sit-ski at Whitefish Mountain Resort Friday morning as part of the Wounded Warrior program. Rollason, who has served in both the Navy and Army, was injured by an IED in September of 2009.

Glacier boys hold on down the stretch to beat Flathead

The gauntlet was thrown down.

Glacier girls rally by fast-starting Bravettes

We all know Glacier's Cassidy Hashley, a standout 6-foot-1 forward/center, is a solid force inside.

Tough pups to top dogs

Glacier’s St. Onge, Barber and FHS’s Francis reap benefits of hard work

Nothing scares them now.

Wrestling

Flathead’s Larry Francis (left) gets ready for his 171-pound match with Glacier’s Riley Pisk during their crosstown wrestling dual at Flathead High School back on Jan. 3.

Crosstown BBall

Glacier's Evan Epperly (left) puts up a shot as Flathead's Garth West (54) defends during the crosstown basketball game at Flathead High School Thursday night.

Police take drunk man into custody

An inebriated man at a store on U.S. 2 West aroused suspicion in an employee who contacted the

Avalanche victim's body is recovered

A skier swept away by an avalanche in Jewel Basin on Wednesday afternoon was found dead nearly 24 hours later.

Man facing host of state, federal charges

A Kalispell man still facing state and federal charges will be going to jail after violating the terms of deferred sentences.

Columbia Falls principal honored again

For the second year in a row, Dave Wick has been honored as a top school administrator.

Michael Brett Miller, 61

Catherine Bonham, 87

Catherine Bonham, 87, of Kalispell, “passed into the arms of Jesus” on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2012, at 2:45 p.m. She was surrounded by her family as they sang the music that she loved. 

Africa presentation

Dressed in traditional African clothing, Suzie Vaughan shows students a gourd used for carrying liquids during a presentation about Africa on Wednesday afternoon in Kim Lister’s third-grade class at Peterson Elementary School. Lister’s class is raising money to buy a cow for a family in Kenya.

Sheep Haul

John Zaczkowski of Quicksilver Air secures a bighorn sheep that was transported from Wild Horse Island to Big Arm State Park Thursday afternoon. Fish, Wildlife and Parks plans to move 50 sheep off the island and transport them to Dillion.

Bighorn sheep begin their journey

A Quicksilver Air helicopter transports a bighorn sheep from Wild Horse Island to Big Arm State Park Thursday afternoon.

Marina Cay Resort

New owners plan to renovate Marina Cay Resort and restore it to year-round status. The piano lounge is pictured here.

Abbie Shelter benefit

Hilary Shaw is executive director for the Violence Free Crisis Line/Abbie Shelter.

Jeff Halsey Profile

Jeff Halsey foreman for Swank Construction, takes in the view from the crane at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center expansion on January 12.

Avalanche Search

Gary Presson, left, and Rob Brenneke of the Flathead County Mountain Rescue team  talk about map and compass readings Thursday morning during the search a missing skier in Jewel Basin. The skier's body later was found buried by an avalanche.

Flathead, Glacier battle for bragging rights

TODAY: Crosstown basketball -- Flathead vs. Glacier

Five to be inducted to Wall of Fame

The Flathead High School Trustees Legends Stadium selection committee has chosen five new inductees to the Legends Field Wall of Fame. The new class will be inducted at tonight's crosstown basketball game at FHS.

Man sentenced for growing marijuana

A 29-year-old Kalispell man was sentenced to one year and one day in prison with seven years of supervised release Wednesday during U.S. District Court proceedings in Missoula.

Third suspect arrested in burglary case

The third of four people allegedly involved in a Jan. 26 burglary on North Ashley Lake Road in Kalispell has been arrested.

Man sentenced for repeat DUI offense

A 52-year-old Kalispell man was sentenced to 13 months in prison and three years of probation after pleading guilty to driving under the influence.

Performers needed for Haiti benefit show

 Pat Freebury is looking for talent to perform at a show to benefit the Haiti Mercy Mission in Pignon, Haiti.

'Occupy' mission clear as mud

Three more file for judge positions

Three more candidates have filed for District Court judge openings in the upcoming election.

Chair-nap suspect didn't have a leg to stand on

A resident of Grand Drive in Bigfork reported to the

Rita Lin Buchanan, 52

Rita “left this world to be with her Lord and Savior” on Jan. 26, 2012, in Kalispell.

Carnival theme goes south of the border

Whitefish Winter Carnival-goers will be treated to an explosion of bright colors and probably a fair number of sombreros and maracas as the carnival celebrates “Fiesta Pescado Blanco” this weekend.

Carnival creativity at its finest

Chris Holt leads the Working Women of Whitefish during a Whitefish Winter Carnival Parade. The flamboyant group of about 18 women is celebrating its 20th year of crowd-pleasing choreography and zany costumes. The costume choice for Saturday’s parade is a closely guarded secret.

Search renewed for skier missing in avalanche

New snow and darkness have hampered efforts to reach the site of an avalanche in the Jewel Basin Hiking Area where a skier has been missing since Wednesday afternoon.

Irvin C. 'Jake' Jacobson, 94

Irvin C. “Jake” Jacobson, 94, passed away on Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.

Wanted: Homes for homeless cakes

A.J. Schnetter puts some touches on an eight-layer R2D2 cake that will be more than three tall when itÕs done. Schnetter has been working on the Star Wars cake for the last two weeks as part of Flathead Valley Community CollegeÕs culinary program. As part of this yearÕs curriculum, 13 students are making cakes that have nowhere to go. ÒWeÕll auction any of them off,Ó said Chef Hillary Ginepra, the program instructor. ÒThese are their first cakes. These are pretty impressive for people who have never done this before.Ó Anyone interested in the classÕs made-from-scratch cakes can call Chef Hillary at 756-3862.