Ellington

$150 Deal for $75 at Mi Casa Pottery!

MiCasa Pottery

Judge makes midnight visit for jailed prosecutor

Today marks the three-year anniversary of Flathead County Deputy Attorney Kenneth “Rusty” Park starting his job, but it also marks the third day of his administrative leave after he was arrested Friday night for partner or family member assault

Seniors turn out to support director

Senior citizens turned out in droves to speak their mind about Agency on Aging issues Tuesday morning during an extended public-comment period at the Flathead County commissioners’ chambers.

Agency director keeps her job

Flathead County Agency on Aging Director Lisa Sheppard will keep her job despite one county commissioner’s attempt to oust her.

Brian Elroy Thompson, 50

Brian Elroy Thompson passed away on April 25, 2013, in an automobile accident.

Barbra Winogene N. McIntyre, 91

Barbra Winogene N. McIntyre passed away peacefully under hospice care on April 27, 2013. Her husband of 69 and a half years and son were at her side.

Apparent non-burglary leads to gunfire

The

Dream realized with new nursing center

A large crowd was on hand Tuesday for official dedication ceremonies for the newest addition to Flathead Valley Community College. 

Three seek election in Kalispell as filing opens

Several candidates quickly announced plans to run for public office on Monday as the filing window opened for the 2013 municipal elections.

Crosstown Tennis

Flathead junior Glenn Strickler returns a serve Tuesday afternoon during the crosstown tennis match at Flathead Valley Community College. April 30, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Lisa Sheppard

The county commissioners held a meeting to discuss the fate of Lisa Sheppard's job.

Rebecca Chaney Broussard Center for Nursing and Health Science dedication

Broussard Center wall

Broussard Center

Whitefish High School students on the Whitefish Trail

Cooper Donahue, a freshman at Whitefish High School, and others listen to a introductory lecture on safety as they take off to the do some conservation work on the Whitefish Trail on Tuesday, April 30. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Week in Pictures: April 22-28

Amber alert widget

Alternate Amber Alert

Daybook

Softball: Glacier splits; Flathead drops 2

There was no Western AA softball sweep for Glacier this time.

$10 Deal for $5 at Cafe Max!

Commissioners extend time for public comments

The Flathead County commissioners have extended their public comment segment this morning to 45 minutes to handle an expected deluge of public input about a personnel matter later in the day with Agency on Aging Director Lisa Sheppard.

Archer Joseph Sanders

Archer Joseph Sanders, son of Ashton and Anna Sanders Polson, was born April 20 at North Valley Hospital.

Bradey Lee Carvey

Bradey Lee Carvey, son of Ted and Jamie Carvey of Eureka, was born April 11 at North Valley Hospital.

Mikinnley Kawaiola Kahe'e

Mikinnley Kawaiola Kahe’e, daughter of Jason Kahe’e and Marisa Kenfield of Kalispell, was born April 18 at North Valley Hospital.

College dedicates new Broussard Center today

The new Rebecca Chaney Broussard Center for Nursing and Health Science will be dedicated today at 4 p.m. at Flathead Valley Community College.

Riley Marlene Williamson

Riley Marlene Williamson, daughter of Bradley and Sarah Williamson of Whitefish, was born April 18 at North Valley Hospital.

Samuel Anthony Byers

Samuel Anthony Byers, son of Justin and Ashleigh Byers of Cut Bank, was born April 19 at North Valley Hospital.

Zoey Hazel Guzman-Hanson

Zoey Hazel Guzman-Hanson, daughter of Kenny Guzman and Joni Hanson of Kalispell, was born April 16 at North Valley Hospital.

Longtime Wings volunteer

Connie Wood, a co-founder of Wings, holds her dog Tucker as son Joe Wood, looks on.

Gavin Riley Thompson

Gavin Riley Thompson, son of Richard and Ashley Thompson of Kalispell, was born April 22 at North Valley Hospital.

Jesse James Pool

Jesse James Pool, son of Shaunn Pool and Naomi Swope of Coram, was born April 19 at North Valley Hospital.

Maddox James Robert McDonald

Maddox James Robert McDonald, son of Jed McDonald and Shae Weber of Columbia Falls, was born April 22 at North Valley Hospital.

Skylie Estelle Fischer

Skylie Estelle Fischer, daughter of Clay and Amy Fischer of Whitefish, was born April 18 at North Valley Hospital.

Gabriel Alexander Barnes

Gabriel Alexander Barnes, son of AJ and Christine Barnes of Columbia Falls, was born April 22 at North Valley Hospital.

High school neighbors meet Thursday

A second meeting has been scheduled for people who live near Flathead High School to try to work through parking issues and other problems identified through a neighborhood survey.

Local GOP tries to jazz up annual dinner

The Flathead Valley Republican Party is looking to put some zip in this week’s Lincoln-Reagan Dinner with a concerted effort at attracting new faces.

Wind gusts peak at 62 mph

Would-be car thieves become vandals

Downed tree

A downed tree lands on a power line on Montana 209 Monday after high winds blow through the area.

Amber Alert

Search and Rescue on Flathead Lake

Somers Volunteer Firefighters Kevin Dickerson, left, and Everest George wade out into the cold water of Flathead Lake to help the Search and Rescue boat launch a search on Monday afternoon, April 29, in Lakeside. On the boat are Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry, Search and Rescue Coordinator Brian Heino, Deputy Rich Schuster and Somers Volunteer Firefighter Jeff Bounds. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Storm clouds roll in over farm on Whitefish Stage Road

A red barn shines in a patch of sunlight as storm clouds pour into the valley on Monday morning, April 29, north of Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

N.M. boy found safe; Amber alert canceled

ROSWELL, N.M. — An Amber Alert was canceled Monday after a missing 6-year-old Roswell boy was found safe in Lubbock, Texas.

Kovi Joseph Burgess

Kovi Joseph Burgess, son of Joey Burgess and Tami Street of Eureka, was born April 7 at North Valley Hospital.

Linkon Jon Skybaugh

Linkon Jon Skybaugh, son of Jerod and Kaycee Skybaugh of Whitefish, was born April 18 at North Valley Hospital.

Legion baseball: Senators drop Lakers twice; Mission Valley splits with Belgrade

HELENA — A late-game rally left the Kalispell Lakers one-run short in the opener and just two hits led to no runs in the second game as Helena’s Senators won the AA American Legion baseball doubleheader on Sunday.

Choose from 3 Deals Starting at $315 from Laser Solutions!

Laser Solutions

Land donation adds 50 acres to Herron Park

Herron Park keeps growing as the Flathead County commissioners last week accepted a donation of 50 acres of land.

Man takes plea deal in case of felony assault

A Kalispell man was sentenced to 10 years in prison after taking a plea deal in a felony assault case.

Rusell School celebrates libraries

'It's the experience of putting their hands on a book'

Russell Elementary School recently wrapped up its celebration of National Library Week with a visit from Lori Heatherington and her four-legged friend Bernie.

Bunny sellers hop off with woman's money

Two people were selling bunnies out of a red Subaru in a parking lot on Hutton Ranch Road, a woman told the

New trees take root where old elms grew

Elrod students pitch in at senior apartments

The Elms senior apartments lost their namesake elms this winter — sentinel trees that shaded Third Avenue West for most of a century before falling prey to Dutch elm disease.

National Library Week

Humane Society of Northwest Montana Executive Director Lori Heatherington reads to students as part of National Library Week on Thursday.

Amber Alert canceled, missing boy found

A 1-year-old boy abducted from a home in the Creston area Saturday evening was found safe and sound early Sunday morning in Fife, Wash., according to authorities.

Brayden Blasius

Brayden Blasius

Bryndi Gibson

Bryndi Gibson

Beau Blasius

Beau Blasius

Wind fails to slow down ARM athletes

WHITEFISH — Despite blustery weather, there were five records broken at the ARM Invitational on Saturday at Whitefish High School. Winds gusted up to 20 mph directly down the front stretch, creating a strong head wind for athletes finishing their races.

Softball: Columbia Falls blanks Corvallis; Eureka falls to Deer Lodge

FRENCHTOWN — Columbia Falls’ Ashley Trueblood pitched four scoreless innings and batted 2 for 3 with a double in leading the Wildkats to a 10-0 win over Corvallis at the Frenchtown Invitational softball tournament Saturday.

AA softball: Glacier whips Capital, Helena; Flathead splits

HELENA — The Glacier softball team picked up a pair of Western AA wins Saturday to move two games ahead of second-place Missoula Big Sky in the conference standings.

'Buffoonery' cited in Agency on Aging building vote

There’s no good reason for Flathead County to stall the Agency on Aging building project, Commissioner Cal Scott said Friday.

Commissioners may opt to fire Agency on Aging director

The Flathead County commissioners are scheduled to meet at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday to consider whether or not to fire Agency on Aging Director Lisa Sheppard.

County Agency on Aging vote sparks online battle

The Flathead County commissioners’ 2-1 vote on Wednesday to halt the grant application to partially fund a new Agency on Aging facility drew both applause and sharp rebukes online from readers, most of whom comment anonymously.

Budget cuts shouldn't affect Agency on Aging

The Flathead County Agency on Aging shouldn’t have to reduce services despite sequestration cuts by the federal government, agency Director Lisa Sheppard said.

Situation unclear for ballot issue

When two of three Flathead County Commissioners voted last week to halt plans for a new Agency on Aging building, a few people grumbled about a ballot issue to try to override them. But where the situation goes from here is unknown.

Spotlighting senior services: Local agency serves thousands of people

A few vocal opponents of Flathead County’s quest to build a new Agency on Aging facility have tossed out the notion that AOA only serves a couple of hundred senior citizens.

Senior Center supports relocating Agency on Aging

Dear Commissioners:

Kalispell man denies three felony charges

A Kalispell man on Thursday denied allegations that he beat, held at gunpoint and eventually raped a woman in April.

Let the reader (of reader comments ) beware...

From time to time, I get a complaint from a reader who just read something outrageous in the online comments posted at www.dailyinterlake.com and wonders how we could possibly let people post such a stupid comment.

Good impressions: Laos Chamber visitor finds much to emulate in Kalispell model

The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce has worked hard to create smooth transitions among the services that promote business and tourism in the Flathead Valley.

Man identifies suspected firestarting RV

A U.S. 93 North resident contacted the

An apology to Commissioner Scott

I apologize to Commissioner Scott. Before he was elected I wrote letters in opposition of him to the media. At that time I did not believe he would make a good commissioner. However, after attending a commissioners’ meeting Wednesday, my opinion of Commissioner Scott has changed. My initial judgment of you was wrong, Commissioner Scott.

Agency on Aging

Congregate meals are served Friday afternoon at the Flathead County Agency on Aging facility on Kelly Road. The program served 1,352 people last year.

'Moderate majority' makes a difference

The 2013 Legislature concluded last week with general satisfaction among several Flathead Valley lawmakers, but also disappointments

Commissioner duo is failing to lead

Do not mistake Flathead County Commissioners Gary Krueger and Pam Holmquist’s decision to stall the Agency on Aging building project as an act of leadership.

Max to Montanans: 'Thank you. Now let's get to work'

Serving you is the greatest privilege of my life. Over the past 40 years, I’ve had one goal: make life better for the people of this state.

College cooks try vegetarian experiment at Chef's Table

For the first time since its inception in 2009, the Chef’s Table program at Flathead Valley Community College created a four-course vegetarian dinner.

Survey aims to gauge opinions on city

Are Kalispell residents very satisfied, satisfied, dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the job their city government is doing?

Timeline: How AOA fight got to this point

Kalispell schools to self-fund insurance plan

To mitigate rate increases, the Kalispell Public Schools Board of Trustees has approved a self-funded structure for district employee health insurance.

George Lee Wartnow Sr., 80

Robert 'Wayne' McFadden, 84

Paul Coughlin, 90

Track and Field at Whitefish

Whitefish junior Phoebe Guercio competing in the triple jump Saturday at the ARM Invitational in Whitefish.

High School Tennis Results

Friday

Softball: Polson nips Butte Central

FRENCHTOWN — Timely hitting in the top of the sixth inning led Polson out of a pitchers duel with Butte Central with a win, beating the Maroons 2-1 in a non-conference softball game on Friday at the Frenchtown Invitational.

Prep Track: Talent galore for Whitefish's ARM Invitational

More than 750 of the top athletes in the Northwest will be at Whitefish High School today for the 15th annual ARM Invitational.

Evergreen convict faces three new charges

An Evergreen man sentenced in late 2012 after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge has now pleaded not guilty to a spate of new charges.

Draft rule ends wolf protections

Ronan man walking to honor veterans

For Ronan resident Chuck Lewis, returning servicemen and women are just as much “fallen warriors” as those who didn’t make it home alive, and he has made it his mission to help the survivors.

New trailer to help flag retirement

A dedication ceremony for a flag retirement trailer will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday in the parking lot of the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

Daybook

Man denies knife threat

A Whitefish man accused of holding a knife to the throat of a woman earlier this year pleaded not guilty to a felony charge Thursday in Flathead District Court.

Victorious! - Special Olympics athletes

Nearly 200 Special Olympics athletes gathered for variety of sports in annual games on Friday afternoon during the Special Olympics Montana Area Games at The Wave in Whitefish.

Woman and purse tossed from truck

Passing RV sparks fires - Crews battle seven-fire complex

A 50-plus acre fire scene consisting of seven smaller fires sparked by a passing recreational vehicle drew a massive response involving seven fire departments Friday evening.

Helena Flats Fire

A firefighter watches flames flare up Friday afternoon at 2753 Helena Flathead Road. April 26, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Passing RV sparks fires

A fire truck sprays water on grass burning near the side of Helena Flats Road Friday evening. On the left is a fire truck from Glacier Park International Airport.

Kalispell man accused of punching store worker

A Kalispell man pleaded not guilty to a pair of felonies Thursday in Flathead District Court after assaulting a man following a theft.

Fourth DUI conviction violates man's sentence

A man convicted in 2011 of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl when he was 45 has now pleaded guilty to a drunken driving charge and violating his sentence in the assault case.

Flag retirement trailer

Eagle Scout Nathan Hartford of Boy Scout Troop 1901 designed this special trailer as a way to properly and respectfully retire worn U.S. flags in the community.

Step by step

Chuck Lewis addresses students during an assembly at Marion School Friday. Lewis is walking across the country from Washington state to Washington, D.C., to raise awareness of veterans’ issues.

Glacier Eye Clinic

Heavy equipment moves dirt at the future location of the Glacier Eye Clinic on Friday afternoon near Reserve Loop east of Glacier High School. The new clinic is planned to be 22,000 square feet. April 26, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Giles Thornton Racing

Giles Thornton during a practice session at Montana Raceway Park on April 24. 

Special Olympics

Donovan Leskovec catches his breath after competing in the 100-meter swim Friday afternoon during the Special Olympics Montana Area Games at The Wave in Whitefish.

Congregate meals program at Agency on Aging facility

Jane Seward grabs a glass of milk to go with her meal Friday afternoon during the congregate meals program at the Flathead County Agency on Aging facility on Kelly Road in Kalispell, Montana.

District Music Festival

The Libby Symphonic Band performs Friday afternoon during the District Music Festival at Flathead High School. April 19, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Oren O. Ford, 79

Oren O. Ford, 79, of Columbia Falls, passed away April 23, 2013, from a lengthy illness.

Tree planting at the Elms

Bert LaValley with the 150 cookies she baked for the students from Elrod on Friday, April 26, in Kalispell. In the background is her neighbor "Gramma" Pat Sackner. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Tree planting

Mason Sherrill and other third-graders from Elrod Elementary help plant maple trees outside The Elms apartments in Kalispell Friday.

Walking for the Fallen

Walking for the Fallen Chuck Lewis addresses a school assembly at Marion School on Friday, April 26. Lewis is walking across the country from Washington state to Washington DC to raise awareness of veterans issues. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Protesting Seniors

View of protesting seniors from the back of the County Commission meeting on Wednesday, April 24, in Kalispell. The meeting was filled with senior citizens holding signs that read "Let the Seniors be heard," and "We want AOA at Fairgrounds." (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Track: Flathead boys, girls win Sentinel quad

Softball: C-Falls roughs up Ronan

Softball roundup: Glacier splits on road trip

$10 Deal for $5 at Cafe Max!

Cafe Max Soup Co.

Baucus pushes bill to protect North Fork

Montana Sen. Max Baucus testified before a Senate committee Thursday in support of his bill aimed at protecting the North Fork Flathead watershed from new oil and gas development and mining.

Concert slate picked for fair this summer

This year’s fair concerts offer something for oldies fans and country music lovers.

Real deputies arrest fake cop

Mall has new owners

Woodbury Strategic Partners and Goodale & Barbieri Co. of Spokane announced Thursday that they have purchased Kalispell Center Mall from Red Lion Hotels Corp. for $11.6 million.

Daybook

Gun-wielding man gets suspended sentence

A man who admitted pointing a loaded and cocked handgun at three men during a fight outside the Bulldog Pub & Casino in Kalispell has been given a six-year deferred sentence.

Glacier Park plows have work cut out for them

If recent photos of snow smothering the historic Granite Park Chalet are any indication, Glacier National Park plow crews will have their work cut out for them in the weeks to come on Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Granite Park Chalet is still buried in snow

Glacier National Park’s avalanche specialists recently skied into the historic Granite Park Chalet, which is still buried in snow. Crews are encountering deep snow as they plow Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Farmers Market needs new home

There’s a gaping hole in Saturday-morning life in Kalispell these days: no farmers market.

No one hurt when chopper goes down

A helicopter carrying two Flathead County employees crashed on the slopes of Mount Aeneas east of Kalispell Thursday morning, but no one was injured.

A New Vegetarian Experiment at Chef's Table

Dessert for the evening was a flourless almond chocolate cakes and strawberry coulis at the first Chef's Table Vegetarian Night on Friday, April 19, at Flathead Valley Community College. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Rosalie Ann Keys, 65

Rosalie Ann Keys, 65, of Columbia Falls, “fell asleep in death” on April 21, 2013, “and is awaiting resurrection.”

Elizabeth Ann 'Betty Ann' Husebye, 82

Tom Paul Templeton, 31

Donald Albert Salo Miller, 51

Donald Albert Salo Miller, 51, died April 21, 2013.

Good impressions

Phouxay Thepphovong of the Laos National Chamber of Commerce and Industry went to the the Flathead County commissioners meeting with Glencore, the Swiss-based parent company of Columbia Falls Aluminum Co., on Wednesday. The meeting was included in his busy agenda while visiting the Flathead Valley as part of a U.S. State Department fellowship. In the background is Haley Beaudry, former external affairs manager for the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company.

STIHL Timbersports Demo and Beard Contest at Murdoch's

David Moses of Snoqualmie, Wash., competes with Brandon Sirguy of Port Angeles, Wash., at Murdoch's in Kalispell. The professional lumberjacks are part of the Stihl Timbersports Series.

Columbia Falls Aluminum Company

Phouxay Thepphavong of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the County Commissioner's on Wednesday, April 24, in Kalispell. In the background is Haley Beaudry, former external affairs manager for the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Big Catch

Rhyan Cavez, 4, of Kalispell with the 15.6 pound rainbow trout she caught at Pine Grove off Rose Crossing Road on Thursday, April 25. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Kalispell to host state track in 2015

The 2015 Class AA and B state track meets will be held at Legends Stadium.

Flood potential minimal this spring

The snowpack above the Flathead River Basin is at 116 percent of average, but the National Weather Service is downplaying flood potential this spring.

Mountain snowpack

Mountain snowpack in the Flathead River Basin is 116 percent of average. (Patrick Booth photo/Mystic Creek Studios)

Bus involved in accident

A bus that carried the Glacier High School boys track team to Butte on Saturday was involved in a minor accident.

Polson Judge McNeil to retire

Daybook

Spartan Race

Mike Perrin discusses the upcoming Spartan Race on Wednesday morning at Sportsmans Ski Haus. April 24, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Drunk man beats up on police car

Work could affect key junction for a month

Building the northernmost phase of the U.S. 93 Alternate Route will bring about a month of construction, congestion and traffic restrictions to one of north Kalispell’s busiest intersections — possibly as soon as this fall.

Fire department burglary suspect pleads not guilty to two charges

A Kalispell man accused of burglarizing the South Kalispell Fire Department has denied a pair of charges against him.

City pulls two roads from urban system

Kalispell Technical Advisory Committee members voted on Tuesday to remove Third Avenue East and Fourth Avenue East from the city’s urban area road system.

Carlyn Dorothy (Kennedy) VanDenburg, 63

Glencore still hopes to reopen CFAC

Acknowledging they “need to do a better job of communicating,” the owners of Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. gave the Flathead County commissioners a status report Wednesday about the prospects of restarting the mothballed plant.

Sen. Max Baucus: A secure legacy

Sen. Max Baucus jolted the political world with his announcement that he is retiring at the end of his sixth term in the Senate in 2014.

Spartan Race draws a crowd: 4,000 participants

With 2 1/2 weeks to go, approximately 4,000 participants are registered to participate in Montana’s first Spartan Race on May 11, and about 50 people a day are still joining the ranks.

Carpet of trees

The dense forest of young trees that grew following forest fires a decade ago gives way to lingering snow on Huckleberry Mountain in Glacier National Park. (Patrick Booth photo/Mystic Creek Studios)

'The Pilgrimage' tackles soldiers' plight in song

'Sleeping Beauty' on stage Mother's Day weekend

'Laramie' sequel part of Black Curtain series

Fundraiser for kids, theater

Project Whitefish

Agency on Aging building project shelved

Two of the three Flathead County commissioners voted Wednesday to pull the plug on a Community Development Block Grant application that, if approved, would have given the county $450,000 toward a new Agency on Aging facility.

Seniors at the commissioners' meeting

County Commissioner Gary Krueger, top left, steps out of the commissioners meeting room filled with senior citizens holding signs that read "Let the seniors be heard," and "We want AOA at Fairgrounds." Krueger and Commissioner Pam Holmquist later voted to stop a grant application to help fund a new Agency on Aging building.

Kids' theater tackles 'Les Miz'

Bigfork children's theater presents 'Schoolhouse Rock!'

Choir presents multi-faith concerts

Valley Voices in concert May 11

Symphony concert features last-minute lineup change

Studio unveils new mosaic panel

Windows on Whitefish

Whitefish Gallery Nights kicks off May 2

Art school hosts grand opening party

FVCC hosts Persian poetry reading

Learn to make 2 types of socks

Eureka Rendezvous Days this weekend

'The Pilgrimage'

'Sleeping Beauty'

'Laramie'

Human Blue Ribbon

The Nurturing Center hosted a human blue ribbon event Wednesday afternoon at Lawrence Park in Kalispell. The event was designed to raise awareness about the prevention of child abuse. April 24, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

AKTP 'Les Miz'

GSC Roger Wright

Valley Voices

Book clubs cover Communism, baseball

Writer signs book at Costco April 25

Libby author releases e-book

Kalispell illustrator's work in children's book

Whitefish Gallery Nights

WOW unveiling

Glacier Art Academy

'The Art of Fielding'

'The Master Butchers Singing Club'

'The Red Corner'

Zimmerman book

Ron Valiquette, 'Celia'

Cyrus Lee

Libby writer Cyrus Lee has released a new e-book, “Me & the ’53," as a Kindle e-book on Amazon.com.

Cuddle Bear

Emma Andrews at her home in Kalispell, on Tuesday afternoon, April 23. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Wood Trim Chair

Leather Purse

Tufted Leather Sofa

Trivet Individual

TK Scarves

Tan & Brown Scrolled Leather Purse

TK Metal

Table Amber

Ruffle Bowl Set

Red Leather Chair

Red Sugar & Creamer Bowl Set

Inlaid Slate Cocktail Table

Gray Bowls

Cowboy Boots

Copper Dining Table

Contemporary Bed

Buffet with Carving

Carved Wood Chair

Bees Knees Chair

Baseball: Lakers' arms combine for opening day 1-hitter

Four Kalispell pitchers combined for a 1-hitter as the Lakers beat the Kootenai Valley Rangers 17-1 in their season opener Tuesday at Griffin Field.

Fast track at crosstown

It didn’t seem that fast when he was running it, but by the time he crossed the finish line it was the fastest 3,200 meter time ever run in the state.

Track: Whitefish shines at Western Top 10

MISSOULA — The top athletes from the Valley held their own against the best in the West on Tuesday at the 15th annual Russ Pilcher Western Montana top 10 track meet in Missoula.

Tennis: Whitefish girls top Eureka

WHITEFISH — The Whitefish girls tennis team topped Eureka 5-2 Tuesday.

Softball: Flathead demolishes Whitefish

WHITEFISH — It took some time, but Flathead’s bats started rolling in the fourth inning and exploded in the sixth to push the Bravettes past Whitefish 17-4 in a nonconference game on Tuesday at Smith Fields.

City Council revisits its road dilemma

A road-funding challenge pitched a year ago stalled before it ever got off the starting line. But the Kalispell City Council is opting to give it another try.

Woman charged with partner assault

Taste of Bigfork a delicious way to support community

If you’re looking for a fun (and tasty) way to support your local community, look no further than the Taste of Bigfork on April 28 from 2 to 5 p.m. 

Felon gets 15 years

A Kalispell man facing charges in two other cases was sentenced to 15 years in prison last week after a previous sentence was revoked.

Lawmakers closer to budget bill

Pole encounter leads to man's fifth DUI

A Kalispell man who drove into a utility pole while drunk has admitted his fifth offense of driving under the influence.

Local reaction to retirement is mixed

The announcement by Sen. Max Baucus that he will retire when his term expires in 2014 prompted local reactions of surprise, praise and speculation about how the race to replace the veteran lawmaker will play out.

Oldest horse on Wild Horse Island dies

The oldest horse on Wild Horse Island State Park in Flathead Lake has died after spending more than 30 years on the island.

Daybook

Wednesday

Grants help Evergreen program

Evergreen School District has kept its post-secondary planning program afloat this year with two grants.

Roy 'Buster' Sauerbier , 67

Roy “Buster” Sauerbier “went home to be with his Lord” April 20, 2013, at his home.

Agency on Aging: Decision expected on plans for new facility

The Flathead County commissioners are expected to make a decision this morning about how they will proceed with plans for a new Agency on Aging building.

John 'Jack' R. Sturgis, 78

John "Jack" R. Sturgis, 78, passed away suddenly from a brain aneurysm April 16, 2013, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell, surrounded by his family.

Crosstown Track

Flathead senior Zach Perrin finishes the 3,200-meter race Tuesday afternoon during the crosstown track dual at Glacier High School. Perrin set the record for fastest time run in the state. April 23, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Lakers Baseball

Kalispell's (right) Justin Wallace is picked off by Rangers first baseman #6 Tuesday afternoon during the Lakers' home opener against Kootenai Valley at Griffin Field. April 23, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Sen. Baucus announces retirement

Montana Democrat rules out seventh term

Sen. Max Baucus

Stillwater Church gets a new roof.

Andres Marenco, left, and Duff Jorgenson of Jorgenson Construction work on giving the Stillwater Free Lutheran Church's 75 foot steeple a new roof on Tuesday, April 23, north of Kalispell. According to Jorgenson he expects the whole project to take about a month. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Baucus work day

Sen. Max Baucus works with crews under U.S. 93 north of Kalispell in April 2009. Baucus spent eight hours on the job doing tasks from shoveling dirt to operating an off-road truck.

Max Baucus

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont. questions Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on April 17, 2013. (AP Photo)

Bigfork netters defeat Ronan

BIGFORK — The Bigfork girls went 6-0 versus Ronan in a Class B tennis dual on Monday.

Crosstown time for track

The crosstown frenzy continues.

New chairlift, runs planned on Big Mountain

 Whitefish Mountain Resort is planning a $1.4 million expansion project that will add a new lift, runs and glading to the resort on Big Mountain in Whitefish.

Kalispell finalizes summer road projects

 With crews out patching potholes and crack-sealing city streets, Kalispell’s summer road work schedule is fleshed out for this year.

It's test day for all high school juniors

All Montana high school juniors are scheduled to take the ACT Plus Writing test today.

Longtime doctor remembers ALERT's early days

Pablo bear won't be harmed

Kerr Dam nearing tribal ownership

Elmo woman killed in crash near St. Ignatius

And the award for nastiest driver goes to ...

ALERT

Dr. Van Kirke Nelson, a charter member of the ALERT board, is stepping down this year after 37 years of service. ALERT — the Advanced Life-support Emergency Rescue Team — will hold its annual fundraising banquet Saturday.

Week in Pictures: April 15-21

Taking the reins

Pandina overcomes injury, psychological wounds to claim skijoring titles

With the psychological wounds from a nasty spill finally healed and a cast of experienced skiers in tow, 16-year-old Sydney Pandina took the skijoring circuit by storm this winter.

O'Rourke resigns as Glacier boys soccer coach

Ryan O’Rourke has resigned as Glacier High School’s head boys soccer coach.

Natural Grocers to open

'Kalispell is going to be a very cool area for us'

After overhauling the former Borders bookstore, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage opens the doors to its new Kalispell store on Tuesday with a grand opening that runs through Sunday.

Road taxes, water impact fees back on Kalispell agenda

Kalispell City Council

Following a long hiatus, controversial road-tax questions are back in front of the Kalispell City Council.

Wood-burning passion refueled after accident

Artistic salvation

When it came time to put her artistic ability down on paper, there was no question Dale Cordier-Homan would sketch the St. Ignatius Mission, the ornate Catholic church that was the backdrop of her childhood on the Flathead Indian Reservation.

Natural Grocers opening tomorrow

From right, Jacy Jones, the vitamin manager, Benjamin Lehman and Debby Breckon carefully stock and arrange items on shelves at the Natural Grocers store in Kalispell.

Monday Profile

Dale Cordier-Homan works on a new wood burning of a pheasant recently at her home in Kalispell.

Special Olympics holds games in Kalispell

Special Olympics Montana, a 42-year-old movement that enables children and adults with intellectual disabilities to train for life through sports, will conduct its Area Games in Kalispell on Friday, April 26.

Building at FVCC to be dedicated

New facility for nursing and health sciences

Flathead Valley Community College invites the community to attend the April 30 dedication of The Rebecca Chaney Broussard Center for Nursing and Health Science.

Man reports his dog was beaten

A man told

John 'Jack' William Hilleboe

John 'Jack' William Hilleboe, 73

John “Jack” William Hilleboe, M.D., passed away on April 10, 2013, after a long battle with prostate cancer. 

Everyone wins at this hoop tourney

At one point in the second half, Roger Nasset used his right forearm to wipe some of the sweat off his forehead.

Weather stalls tourney play

Wind, rain and darkness all wreacked havoc at the Kalispell Tennis Invitational Saturday, with several championship matches canceled as a result.

Softball roundup: Flathead takes doubleheader from Hellgate

MISSOULA — Flathead’s softball team pulled out a pair of tight Western AA road wins Saturday, edging Missoula Hellgate 6-5 and 3-2 in 10 innings.

Track roundup: Perrin, Tokarz double winners for FHS

BUTTE — Flathead seniors Zach Perrin and Matthew Tokarz each picked up a pair of victories at the Swede Dahlberg Invitational track meet, beating the top AA competition in the state on Saturday.

Daryl A. Webster, 43

Daryl A. Webster, 43, passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at his home in Crescent City, Calif.

Planners study cyclical growth to gauge next local upswing

In a county prone to construction boom-and-bust cycles, how does a planning director anticipate the next big upswing in subdivision activity?

Listen to the voice of reason, which is in the middle

I should describe myself, so no one reading this will be able to label me as something I am not. I am somewhere between libertarian and conservative on fiscal policies and a moderate on social issues.

Will we have to bypass the bypass?

No laughter when clown tries to cash in

A man who may have been preparing for a role in a remake of “Killer Klowns from Outer Space” was reported to the

Daybook

Daines' vote didn't really help women

The House did a tremendous disservice to women when it passed the Violence Against Women Act on Feb. 28. Rep. Steve Daines wrongly voted for this nice-sounding legislation that obscures real violence in order to promote the feminist agenda.

Schools plan energy-saving projects

Kalispell Public Schools is moving forward with $3.2 million in energy-saving projects. 

Series of events to mark Earth Week

Bullock talks Medicaid at Democrat dinner

In his first visit to the Flathead since being elected, Governor Steve Bullock spoke to an enthusiastic crowd Friday evening at a spring dinner for local Democrats.

Time for teens to start annual summer search

Last summer, the number of working teens in the country rose 29 percent over the previous year.

Construction going 'full tilt' in Whitefish

While construction activity may just be waking up in much of Flathead County, building is in full swing in Whitefish.

Impact-fee panel meets on Tuesday

Kalispell’s Impact Fee Committee on Tuesday will continue its review of proposed sewer impact fee increases.

Don't follow blindly, or you may go over a political cliff

I want to thank Linda Johnson for mentioning my name in her April 4 letter, accusing me of being a “Democratic follower” concerning my stance on Republican’s opposing Medicaid expansion. 

Child, teen mentor find common ground in autism

Six-year-old Charlie Jones gets super excited when Skyler Bexten, 18, comes over to take care of him and his 3-year-old brother, Max.

Immigration: Assimilation or devastation

On Friday, we were warned by Sen. Chuck Schumer not to “jump to conclusions” about “the events in Boston” or “to try to conflate those events” with the immigration reform bill hammered out by Schumer and the other seven senators who have appropriately identified themselves as gangsters.

Connor Christopher Hackworthy

Connor Christopher Hackworthy, son of Cody Hackworthy and Trista Buchholtz of Kalispell, was born April 13 at North Valley Hospital.

Olivia Nelson

Olivia Nelson, daughter of Chris and Christy Nelson, was born April 14 at North Valley Hospital.

Emerson Lee Prezeau

Emerson Lee Prezeau, daughter of Christopher and Leona Prezeau, was born April 12 at North Valley Hospital.

Elijah Jay McCollum

Elijah Jay McCollum, son of Seth and Tessa McCollam of Kalispell, was born April 10 at North Valley Hospital.

Norman Layne Guymon

Norman Layne Guymon, son of Chad and Becky Guymon of Whitefish, was born April 12 at North Valley Hospital.

Zoey Anastasia Jade Lopez

Zoey Anastasia Jade Lopez, daughter of Erick Lopez and Anja Jacobson, was born April 11 at North Valley Hospital.

Sawyer Benjamin Jerde

Sawyer Benjamin Jerde, son of Erik and Sally Jerde, was born April 9 at North Valley Hospital.

Amelia Raquea LeDuc

Amelia Raquea LeDuc, daughter of Jacob LeDuc and Kelsi Ronne of Martin City, was born March 31 at North Valley Hospital.

Stumpjumper Days

Flathead Valley Community College's Benjamin Burgess competes in the axe throw Saturday afternoon during Stumpjumper Days at FVCC Logger Sports Arena. April 20, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Kalispell Invitational

Glacier senior Kellen Bates returns the ball Saturday afternoon during the Kalispell Invitational at Flathead Valley Community College. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Gunner Roy Newberry

Gunner Roy Newberry, son of Taylor Newberry and Casey Roylston of Kalispell, was born April 10 at North Valley Hospital.

Ryle Emerson McReynolds

Ryle Emerson McReynolds, son of Cory and Missy McReynolds of Columbia Falls, was born April 8 at North Valley Hospital.

Zaiden Carter McConnell

Zaiden Carter McConnell, son of Crystal Marsh of Marion, was born April 5 at North Valley Hospital.

Ingrid Mette Aiken

Ingrid Mette Aiken, daughter of Jay and Kari Aiken of Bigfork, was born April 8 at North Valley Hospital.

Ava Joy Cook

Ava Joy Cook, daughter of Trenton and Erica Cook of Columbia Falls, was born April 7 at North Valley Hospital.

Kovi Jospeh Burgess

Kovi Jospeh Burgess, son of Joey Burgess and Tami Street of Eureka, was born April 7 at North Valley Hospital.

Xavier James Moll

Xavier James Moll, son of Kevin Moll and Kayla Hertz of Kalispell, was born April 5 at North Valley Hospital.

Anne Marie Joy

Anne Marie Joy, daughter of Dale and Kristen Joy of Kalispell, was born April 2 at North Valley Hospital.

Ezra Declan Schovaers

Ezra Declan Schovaers, son of Jessi and Randi Schovaers of Kalispell, was born April 1 at North Valley Hospital.

Violet Lynn Howard

Violet Lynn Howard, daughter of Billy Howard and Nichole Potter of Kalispell, was born April 1 at North Valley Hospital.

Uncommon bond

Gloria Marie (Schlegel) Jolliffe, 79

Daybook

Barry Lynn Kefauver, 65

Softball roundup: Glacier hammers Hellgate; Frenchtown whips Whitefish

MISSOULA — The Glacier softball team continued its offensive tear with a 14-1 Western AA win over Missoula Hellgate Friday.

Legion baseball: Experienced Lakers open season Sunday

With an experienced group of returning players both in the field and on the mound, expectations are high for the Kalispell Lakers as they look to improve on last season’s fourth-place finish in the Western AA conference.

Bomb suspects at marathon

This Monday, April 15, 2013, photo provided by Bob Leonard shows bombing suspects Tamerlan Tsarnaev and his brother Dzhokhar A. Tsarnaev (in white cap) at the Boston Marathon. This image was taken approximately 10 to 20 minutes before the blasts. (AP Photo/Bob Leonard)

Farmers market in limbo

Adolescent army AWOL Friday

Boston Marathon Explosions

Mimi de Quesada, of Watertown, Mass., reacts while standing by her home in the wake of the sound of shots fired Friday as a massive search continued for one of two suspects in the Boston Marathon bombings. De Quesada said she had just come out to enjoy the day when the shots rang out about two blocks form her home.

Boston bomb suspect captured, brother killed

WATERTOWN, Mass. — Lifting days of anxiety for a city and a nation on edge, police captured the surviving Boston Marathon bombing suspect, found bloodied in a backyard boat Friday night less than 24 hours after a wild car chase and gun battle that left his older brother dead and Boston and its suburbs sealed in an extraordinary dragnet.

Jacob Oyler Awarded Black Belt at Straight Blast Gym

Portrait of Jacob Oyler who obtained the rank of black belt on Friday, April 12, at Straight Blast Gym in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Construction in the Valley

A crew works on the water lines that will service the new Cabela's on Tuesday, April 16, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Calm before the storm?

District Music Festival

Columbia Falls junior Gabrielle Sablan, left, sings with the Tres Belles on Friday afternoon during the District Music Festival at Flathead High School. Forty bands, orechestras and choirs from Libby, Troy, Lincoln County, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Polson, Bigofrk Glacier and Flathead high schools participated in the festival at Flathead High School. April 19, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Natural Grocers Opening Tomorrow

From right, Jacy Jones, the vitamin manager, Benjamin Lehman and Debby Breckon carefully stock and arrange items on shelves on Thursday, April 18, at the Natural Grocers store in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Jobs

Job Fair at FVCC

People make their way in and out of the Arts and Technology building on Thursday, April 18, at the Flathead Valley Community College Job Fair. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

National Library Week

Athena Storey sorts though books at the school wide book swap which was part of National Library Week on Thursday, April 18, at Russell Elementary School in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Profile: Dale Cordier-Homan

Dale Cordier-Homan works on a new wood burning of a pheasant on Monday, April 15, at her home in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Grizzly attacks Pablo student

Running for cover

A barefooted woman runs for cover as police surround a home while searching for a suspect in the Boston Marathon bombings in Watertown, Mass., on Friday. Two suspects in the Boston Marathon bombing killed an MIT police officer, injured a transit officer in a firefight and threw explosive devices at police during a getaway attempt in a long night of violence that left one of them dead and another still at large Friday, authorities said as the manhunt intensified for a young man described as a dangerous terrorist. 

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev

This photo released Friday by the Federal Bureau of Investigation shows a suspect that officials identified as Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, being sought by police in the Boston Marathon bombings Monday. 

Police search in Boston

A police officer signals for people to get back as they conduct a search for a suspect in the Boston Marathon bombings on Friday in Watertown, Mass. Two suspects in the bombing killed an MIT police officer, injured a transit officer in a firefight and threw explosive devices at police during a getaway attempt in a long night of violence that left one of them dead and another still at large Friday. 

Fighting for a cause

Annual crosstown smoker raises money for local wrestling programs

It was a day of redemption for a lot of returning competitors at the fourth annual Crosstown Boxing Smoker. A pair of returning boxers recovered from last year’s losses to record wins and a few more shook off bad starts to leave the ring on top at the Trade Center at Flathead County Fairgrounds on Thursday.

$300 Deal for $150 at Jubilee Photography!

Wolfpack wallops Flathead in softball

Prior to Thursday’s doubleheader against crosstown-rival Glacier, Flathead coach Ashley Fusaro said her biggest concern was Glacier’s big bats.

Softball: Florence thumps Eureka; Polson blanks Hamilton

EUREKA — Defending Class B-C state champ Florence swept a Western Division softball doubleheader from Eureka on Thursday.

Tennis: Glacier, Flathead, Whitefish win duals

Tennis wasn’t the only thing Glacier singles player Danny Roe had on his mind Thursday afternoon in a dual with Columbia Falls.

Crosstown Softball

Glacier sophomore Kayla Russell slides safely into third past Flathead third baseman Mackenzie Twichel Thursday afternoon during the first game of softball doubleheader at Kidsports Complex. 

Smoker

Glacier's Juan Rodriguez (left) lands a punch on Flathead's Cole DeLaughder Thursday night during Fourth Annual Crosstown Boxing Smoker in the Trade Center at the Flathead County Fairgrounds. Rodrieguez won by a split decision.

October trial for accused kidnapper

Board split on new site for Agency on Aging facility

There’s still no consensus among Flathead County commissioners about where to build a new Agency on Agency facility, despite an architectural report that recommends a 2-acre site north of the fairgrounds.

Hospitals are economic bright spot

Daybook

Friday

Packed house: 50 firms, 900 job seekers

Parking spots were difficult to find on the Flathead Valley Community Campus on Thursday afternoon as more than 900 people attended the Flathead Valley Job Fair.

Here's your answer, Baha Men

One of the great questions of our time was answered Wednesday on State Park Road in Whitefish, where it was reported to the

America's most wanted

Flathead Valley Job Fair

County Justice Center back to normal after flooding

The Flathead County Justice Center is dry again and repairs have been made following a sprinkler mishap three weeks ago that soaked three floors of the county building.

House embraces main budget bill, but veto threat looms

Teen suffers burns in gas can explosion

America's most wanted: FBI releases photos, seeks public's help in finding 2 suspects

Julie Dawn Shumpert, 57

On Saturday, April 13, 2013, “The Great Spirit came to take his child, Julie Dawn Shumpert home with him.”

Bradley Newgard

Fertilizer Plant Explosion Near Waco, Texas

Terrifying footage of the explosion at fertilizer plant in West, Texas, on April 17 as family filming fire is shocked by the blast (at 29 seconds).

Polson man pleads guilty to threats

Most businesses pass alcohol compliance test

One business was found in violation of alcohol laws during a recent compliance check by the Alcohol Enforcement Team.

Montana senators split votes

Not all teens driving in the alley are burglars

A concerned Seventh Avenue East resident contacted the

Daybook

Kootenai River makes endangered list

The Kootenai River has been named one of the nation’s 10 Most Endangered Rivers, primarily because of pollution from coal mining in southeastern British Columbia.

Local businesses receive statewide recognition, honors

Northwest Montana businesses or business people were given the majority of the Small Business Week Awards from the Montana District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration for 2013. 

Crosstown softball: Glacier, Flathead tangle at Kidsports

The Flathead and Glacier softball teams each look improved heading into the first crosstown doubleheader of the season.

Whitefish beats Browning in softball

WHITEFISH — Andrea Lamaroux pitched a 1-hitter and Shannon Craft, MacKenzie Carl and Halle Reading all went 3-for-3 at the plate as Whitefish whipped Browning 23-2 on Tuesday in Class A nonconference softball play.

Track: Cats' Osborne dashes off with 3 firsts

Columbia Falls dashman Josiah Osborne swept the sprints on Tuesday, winning the 100 (11.33), 200 (23.99) and 400 (56.41) at the Columbia Falls quadrangular track meet.

Fight card set for smoker

Fifteen bouts are scheduled for tonight’s fourth annual Crosstown Boxing Smoker.

Baucus sees health law 'train wreck'

Lawmakers approve pair of election referendums

U.S. Senate blocks expanded gun sale background checks

Report favors fairgrounds for new Agency on Aging building

A 2-acre tract of county land north of the Flathead County Fairgrounds is the best option for construction of a new Agency on Aging facility, a preliminary architectural report has recommended.

Terrorism won't win this marathon

Committed to community

Film documents photographer's quest to capture melting ice on film

Museum shows Jimmy Stewart classic

High schools host District Music Festival

Guitarists perform benefit concert

Hand bell concert at Bethlehem Lutheran

Symphony wraps up season

Award-winning trio in concert

Polson troupe to perform 'Guys and Dolls'

Students take home awards at show

Columbia Falls Community Choir

Alto Sue Sande sings during an April 11 rehearsal for the Columbia Falls Community Choir at the United Methodist Church in Columbia Falls.

Jewelry-making classes start at trading post

Chasing Ice

Adam LeWinter goes ice climbing in Survey Canyon, Greenland.

'Harvey'

Vassily Primakov

Prima Trio

Garage Sales

Phyllis Tincher

Port Polson Players 'Guys and Dolls'

Peacock

Jayde Eason

Eleanor Landsberger , 91

Eleanor (Stramer, Shea) Landsberger passed away peacefully at the home of her son Bernie Shea in Polson, April 12, 2013.

John L. Beebe, 90

John L. Beebe, 90, a longtime Libby resident, died peacefully at home Monday, April 15, 2013.

Downtown Ambassador

Paul Faessel sweeps the street along First Avenue East on Wednesday morning in downtown Kalispell. Faessel is the Downtown Ambassador for the Kalispell Business Improvement District. For the last four years Faessel has made the rounds from Second East to Second West and from Fourth Street up to Idaho cleaning up the downtown area. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Nine athletes win 2 events at Glacier triangular

Five boys and four girls were double winners Tuesday afternoon at a triangular track meet at Glacier High School.

Crosstown Boxing Smoker on Thursday at fairgrounds

The fourth annual Crosstown Boxing Smoker will be held Thursday at the Flathead County Fairgrounds Trade Center.

Softball roundup: Big inning lifts Flathead over C-Falls

COLUMBIA FALLS — Flathead scored five runs in the third inning en route to a 6-4 nonconference softball victory Tuesday over Columbia Falls.

Martin Richard

School districts get graduation grant money

 Kalispell and Columbia Falls school districts recently received grants from the state Office of Public Instruction’s Graduation Matters initiative.

Salvage logging proposed

The Swan Lake Ranger District is proposing a salvage harvest of burned and beetle-infested trees in the area burned by last summer’s Condon Mountain Fire.

Eureka Rendezvous Days

BLACK-POWDER shoots are planned  all three days of Rendezvous Days April 26-28 in Eureka.

VW dealership plan gets initial council OK

A planned unit development for Glacier Volkswagen cleared the first of two readings on Monday. But questions about the document’s adequacy and a crossfire over latecomer’s fees left some members of the Kalispell City Council divided.

Montana Dragon Boat Festival: Register by May 1 for discount

The early registration deadline is approaching for the second Montana Dragon Boat Festival to be held Sept. 7-8 on Flathead Lake. 

Creston seems to be the place for grizzlies this spring

Creston apparently is a hot spot for grizzly bear activity this spring, with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials aware of at least four bears in the area.

County declines Whitefish study offer

Flathead County won’t participate in a study for the U.S. 93 South corridor that runs through the two-mile planning “doughnut” outside Whitefish, the county commissioners said Monday.

Daybook

Wednesday

Intoxicated man kept from driving

After getting a report about an intoxicated man who could barely walk going to a bar on Meridian Road Monday, a

Bombs hidden in bags

Many mourning bombing victims

Glacier Track Meet

Bigfork senior Austin Gordon (right) edges out Glacier freshman Aaron Robinson in the last leg of the 400-meter relay Tuesday afternoon during the track meet at Glacier High School.

Richard Daniel Altenburg, 88

Ivan E. Jones, 89

Ivan E. Jones died at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls on April 14, 2013.

Deanna Lee Hanks, 51

Deanna Lee Hanks, 51, passed away Monday, April 8, 2013, in Kalispell.

Week in Pictures: April 8-14

Smoke in the streets of Boston

Fleeing the blasts

Runners, spectators describe chaos

Naomi Berenice Proud celebrated her 100th birthday

Naomi Berenice Proud celebrated her 100th birthday April 11 with friends and family at Heritage Place in Kalispell. Proud attributes her long life and good health to never smoking, rarely drinking and staying active.

Rash of vehicle break-ins in Kalispell

Whitefish hospital expanding

North Valley Hospital in Whitefish broke ground Monday on a fourth operating suite needed to keep pace with a surgery volume that has increased 22 percent over the past four years.

Bombing in Boston

In this image from video provided by WBZ TV, spectators and runners run from what was described as twin explosions that shook the finish line of the Boston Marathon, Monday, April 15, 2013, in Boston. Two explosions shattered the euphoria of the Boston Marathon finish line on Monday, sending authorities out on the course to carry off the injured while the stragglers were rerouted away from the smoking site of the blasts. (AP Photo/WBZTV)

Bill Gates offers warning on test scores

A recent op-ed article in the Washington Post warned against overusing students’ standardized test scores in evaluating how well teachers are doing their jobs. There would be no surprise about that — if it had been penned by the leader of a teachers union. But it was written by Bill Gates, arguably the most influential voice over the last few years in pushing for the use of test scores to rate teachers.

Deanna Lee Hanks, 51

Board to meet on water-use agreement

The Flathead Joint Board of Control, an entity made up of three irrigation districts on the Flathead Reservation, will meet today to vote on a controversial water-use agreeement in St. Ignatius.

Blasts rock Boston Marathon

People react to a second explosion near the Boston Marathon finish line Monday.

Kalispell woman celebrates 100 years

Naomi Berenice Proud celebrated her 100th birthday Thursday with her favorite boiled cake, a trumpet rendition of “Happy Birthday” and the company of friends and a lot of fun memories.

Downy Newcomers

Two Kalispell runners not harmed at race

Two Kalispell runners had finished the Boston Marathon and were safely out of the area before bombs exploded Monday at the finish line of the famous race.

Rural carriers to switch post offices

Rural mail carriers operating out of Flathead Station in downtown Kalispell will move over to the main post office on Meridian Road, the U.S. Postal Service announced on Monday.

Boston bombs made from pressure cookers

3 killed, more than 130 hurt in blasts

Shannon Paige Hallas, 37

Charles 'Charlie' Thomas Berry II, 61

Squirrel in Woodland Park

A squirrel take is caught in the morning light near the pond at Woodland Park on Monday, April 15, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Goslings in Woodland Park

Goslings spotted in Woodland Park on Monday, April 15, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Let the bypass work begin

With funding in hand, first portion of north half begins this year

The northernmost segment of the U.S. 93 Alternate Route in Kalispell is fully funded and on track for construction to start this year, according to the Montana Department of Transportation.

Boston Marathon Explosions

Medical workers aid injured people at the 2013 Boston Marathon following explosions in Boston on Monday that shattered the euphoria of the finish line. (AP Photo/The Boston Globe, David L Ryan)

Creston turkey hunter charged by grizzlies

New Whitefish Theatre Company director brings numerous talents to job

Volkswagen dealership on agenda for Kalispell council

Kalispell's solid waste service growing

Beverly Managhan obit 2

Whitefish Theatre Company's New Executive Director

Kathryn McEnery, the Whitefish Theatre Company's new executive director, is photographed on the set of "The Importance of Being Earnest" this month in Whitefish.  

Parking options studied in Whitefish

Beverly Managhan obit 1

Daybook

Man not so generous with swing set

Tennis: 'Dog, 'Kat girls sweep Stevi

The Whitefish girls beat Hamilton 4-3 and Stevensville 6-1 in a tennis duals on Saturday, pushing their record to 4-0 this season.

Beverly Ann (Van Rinsum) Managhan, 77

Beverly Ann (Van Rinsum) Managhan, 77, passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2013, at the Brendan House in Kalispell, surrounded by loving family.

Softball: Loggers cut down Whitefish, 12-2

WHITEFISH — Kelsey Klin and Devon Gallagher both went 2-for-3 and Hannah England went the distance in the circle as Libby topped Whitefish 12-2 in Northwestern A softball play Saturday.

Hodge, Moen up for national coach honors

Coaching honors are nothing new for Flathead High School’s Dan Hodge and Gary Moen.

Polson wins 8 tennis duals at Cut Bank Invitational

CUT BANK — The Polson tennis teams swept through two days of competition at the Cut Bank Invitational on Friday and Saturday, winning all eight duals they played.

Prep sporting events snowed, rained out

Snow and rain washed out several high school sporting events in western Montana Saturday.

Flathead, Glacier teams finish top 5 at Missoula track

 Flathead’s Zach Perrin doubled up with victories on the track while Dylan Creek and Kwyn Johnson and Glacier’s Kyle Griffith all placed first in field events Saturday at the Missoula Invitational.

Man denies assaulting Glacier High student

A 20-year-old Kalispell man accused of violently assaulting an 18-year-old Glacier High School student has denied the charges against him.

Man's paranoia turns out to be legitimate

A seemingly paranoid man turned out to be on the right track when he reported to

Veto leaves Montanans at higher risk from illegals

Last November, Montana voters overwhelmingly approved LR-121 to deny some state-funded services and benefits to illegal immigrants. With nearly as many votes cast in its contest as in the most heavily fought statewide races among candidates, LR-121 triumphed by almost four to one.

Field of trees

Creston soil, cold conditioning help create hardy stock from thriving nursery on nearly 160 acres

In addition to the natural scenery of the Swan Range, people who drive Montana 35 east of Kalispell are treated to the beauty that results from the hard work of Bob Fink and his staff at Four Seasons Nursery.

Much progress being made in treating autism

April is Autism Awareness Month, in Montana and around the nation. For families affected by autism and the professionals who treat, care for and care about their children, it is a time to educate others about autism disorders and treatment.

In the courts: Communication crucial in quelling drug activity

Keeping drugs off the streets is one thing, but changing the behavior of the people who put them there is an entirely different thing.

Five file for FVCC trustee positions

Five candidates have filed to run for two seats representing the Flathead/Glacier school districts on Flathead Valley Community College Board of Trustees.

Determination pays off in local man's battle with IRS

Anyone who knows him can tell you that Pete Skibsrud is determined.

Daybook

Robert 'Bob' Murray, 53

Robert “Bob” Murray, 53, of Ronan passed away Thursday, April 11, 2013, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.   

Digging in: Girl Scouts get a workout at farm

Who knew digging up Jerusalem artichokes could be so much fun?

Former student comes to defense of local schools

I’m writing this letter in response to Mark Agather’s guest opinion which was published earlier this month.

MacKenzie-Jean Faith Noland

Saniyah Nicole Caudill

In public places: Discarded drug paraphernalia can be hazardous

Be it empty syringes or just a lingering skunky smell, drug users inevitably leave behind evidence of their activities.

Senate antics shamed whole state

Maybe Democratic senators were trying to look like champions of the people when they tried to shut down the Legislature on April 5, but we don’t think it came off that way to the average Montanan.

Measure elected to Flathead Electric Cooperative board

Challenger Bruce Measure has unseated Flathead Electric Cooperative trustee George Taylor, who has served the co-op’s District 7 since 2005. District 7 includes the Kalispell area south of U.S. 2.

Stock market savvy

Olivia Crick, left, and Jarrid Selway won second place in the simulated Stock Market Game.

Drugs across the Flathead

On the streets: Task force sees upswing in heroin, meth traffic

Drug enforcement is a never-ending, constantly evolving job tied to the cyclic patterns of dealers’ and users’ activity, but it’s a pursuit law enforcement officers in Flathead County know well.

Beverly Ann (Van Rinsum) Managhan, 77

Waiting for genocide: Islam and the West

 Before the rise to power of the Nazis in Germany — which was arguably Europe’s most civilized country — there were approximately 9.5 million Jews living in Europe. As a result of Hitler’s genocidal policies, two out of three Jews were killed over the next 20 years.

Harold F. Strey, 95

Harold F. Strey, 95, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. 

William 'Bill' LaPierre Engle, 74

William L. Engle, 74, of Kalispell, formerly of the Broadus-Belle Creek area, “went to be with his Lord” on Dec. 29, 2012, surrounded by family at the home of his daughter near Gillette, Wyo.

Man admits his sixth DUI

A 58-year-old man pleaded guilty April 4 in Flathead District Court to his sixth offense of drunken driving.

Softball: Plains thumps Eureka

Softball: Glacier slides by 'Kats

Man spared jail time in child abuse case

Bullock opens the door to Medicaid expansion tinkering

Senate scheduled to vote today on $9 billion budget bill

Man denies charge in C. Falls road-rage case

A Columbia Falls man alleged to have attacked another man who followed him home in a fit of road rage pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to felony assault with a weapon.

Daybook

Alleged burglar pleads not guilty to break-in

A Kalispell man arrested following an investigation into a rash of burglaries has denied allegations he was behind at least one of the crimes.

Remember, don't drink and dial

A very drunken man called with a question for a

Numbers down by 7 percent

Let my people go

Noah Myers, in green, as the Egyptian priest Hotep, and David Landis, in red, as the Egyptian priest Huy, rehearse the “Playing with the Big Boys” scene from “The Prince of Egypt” Thursday evening. Sixty-three local youths in the Homeschool Theater Club, under the direction of Suzie Wambeke, are performing the musical this weekend at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. The show opened Friday night, but there are still two opportunities to catch it today at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Performances are free, but donations are accepted. There will be a bake sale in the lobby during intermission.

School, scientists team up for garden

Landscape designer Anna van Lynden recently gave the organizers of the new Columbia Falls Wildcat Peace Garden some food for thought as she unrolled pieces of transparent paper marked with penciled layouts of the garden components.

Survey says - Flathead's neighbors tired of trash, parking issues

The heat was on at a community meeting sharing the results of a survey done in the neighborhood around Flathead High School.

Glacier Softball

Glacier's Hannah Atlee (26) slides safely into second base as Columbia Falls' Lauren Fields (right) makes a play on the ball Friday afternoon during Glacier's 5-3 win over Columbia Falls at Kidsports Complex. April 12, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

FHS Parking

A recent survey discussed the parking situation around Flathead High School. April 12, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

7th Annual Home School Play

Travis Hearn as Moses in the scene following seeing God in the burning bush during the dress rehearsal of the seventh annual home school play on Thursday, April 11, at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. This year 56 home school students will be performing the Prince of Egypt. The last two shows are today at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The shows are free with donations accepted. There will also be a bake sale in the lobby during intermission. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

A constantly-evolving problem

COCAINE, HEROIN, methamphetamine, marijuana, prescription pain medication and various pipes and needles seized by the Flathead County Sheriff’s Department are displayed on a table.

Manuel 'Manny' J. Arceo, 76

Wolfpack conquers wind, Flathead in tennis dual

Glacier’s boys and girls tennis teams each swept crosstown-rival Flathead 8-0 on the windy courts at Flathead Valley Community College Thursday, but the dual wasn’t without competitive matches.

Polson, C-Falls notch league softball wins

POLSON — Polson scored four runs in the third inning to end a Libby rally and put the Northwestern A conference softball game out of reach, the Pirates winning 11-1 in five innings.

Man calls in 1-900-number complaint

A Foothill Road man complained to the

Infrared camera in wild aimed at Charlo owl nest

Winter slowly losing its grip

High school bid package higher than expected

Site work on south side of school starts today

The second of three bid packages for the Whitefish High School redevelopment project was approved by the board despite coming in higher than estimated. 

Plowing underway on Going-to-the-Sun Road

Snowplowing got underway this week on Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Daybook

The bus doesn't stop here - Service from Kalispell to Missoula down

Though bus service is resuming to many parts of the state following a shutdown of Billings-based Rimrock Stages, the Kalispell to Missoula route most likely won’t be offered again unless Rimrock returns to operations.

Red-handed suspect pleads not guilty

A man allegedly caught literally red-handed has denied trying to burglarize a medical marijuana dispensary.

Bill would shorten property appraisal cycle

A bill that would convert the state’s property appraisal cycle from six years to every two years is advancing in the state Legislature, and Sen. Bruce Tutvedt, R-Kalispell, is confident it will pass largely because of recent court decisions pertaining to the appraisal system.

Spartans spring into action soon

Crosstown Tennis

Flathead's Glenn Strickler makes a return during his No. 1 singles match with defending state champion Kellen Bates of Glacier during the crosstown tennis dual on Thursday at Flathead Valley Community College.

Flathead Lake Monster

Ever heard of the tale of the "Flathead Lake Monster?"

Edna F. Minehan, 83

Four Seasons Nursery

Jesse Hofler, right, and Javier Lopez dig trees on Thursday at Four Seasons Nursery east of Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn photos/Daily Inter Lake)

Four Seasons

Rows of 2-3 year old White Spruce growing on the 155 acres that makes up Four Seasons Nursery on Thursday, April 11, east of Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

LAKE MARY RONAN SALMON FISHING - MONTANA OUTDOOR RADIO SHOW

THE CAPTAIN, DON BEARDSLEY AND SALMON STEVE HEADED TO LAKE MARY RONAN IN MONTANA FOR A DAY OF FISHING. THEY ENDED UP LIMITING OUT WITH 30 SALMON (10 A PEICE) WITHIN 2 HOURS OF ARRIVAL. A GOOD DAY, AND ALOT OF FUN. WWW.MONTANAOUTDOOR.COM

Turkey Hunting Montana Redneck style

Hunting The St. Sauver's Cherry orchard in Montana. This wasn't an easy task to bring these two gobblers in. Montana boys get er done!

Montana Turkey Hunt

Jonas and I call this tom into 25 yards. montana turkey hunt

Dang Turkeys - Spring turkey hunting Montana

Two days isn't a whole lot of time to hunt turkeys especially for us rookies. Take a look at the action we were able to capture during opening weekend. Day one we were in the turkeys right away, but with no decoys or experience we couldn't call them close enough for a shot. Day two brought snow, zero turkeys, and a quiet forest. The rest of the spring season we were focused on bears and didn't get a chance to go back after those Dang Turkeys, but we'll be giving it a more respectable effort next spring.

Montana Archery Spring Bear Hunt..Epic kill

Bears are everywhere in Montana. I set out to hunting bears solo and video it. Enjoy!

2012 Montana Bear Hunt - TRIAL & ERROR

Spot and stalk spring bear hunting in Montana.

Manuel 'Manny' J. Arceo, 76

Manuel “Manny” J. Arceo, 76, formerly of Lakeside, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 6, 2013, at home surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer.  

Tennis: Defending champs return for crosstown

Defending singles state champions Kellen Bates and Katya Kulikova of Glacier will make their season debuts today at the Wolfpack’s crosstown tennis dual with Flathead.

Bullock, state workers push pay raises

Panel asked to restore increases of 5 percent

Probation violation nets three-year sentence

Less than three months after being given a six-year deferred sentence on a reduced charge, a Kalispell man was sentenced to three years with the Department of Corrections after violating his probation.

No charges in fatal shooting

On Wednesday — more than two months after Katherine Lanegan shot and killed her boyfriend Ordean Engebretson in his Whitefish home — Flathead County Attorney Ed Corrigan announced Lanegan will not face charges.

Partner assault call needs to be sorted out

Canadians help boost Blacktail to record season

Blacktail Mountain Ski Area finished off its winter season with a new record for skier visits and revenue, which is partly being attributed increased Canadian visitation.

EPA explains aluminum-plant study

The Flathead Basin Commission got an update Wednesday on an Environmental Protection Agency assessment of the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. property.

Daybook

Thursday

Highway job includes new bridge

Work is beginning on an extensive reconstruction project on U.S. 93 between Lupfer and Karrow Avenue in Whitefish.

PSC and the utility of transparency

Last month, the Inter Lake ran a guest editorial from the Boulder Monitor complaining about an effort by the Public Service Commission to repeal a 2010 rule requiring utilities to disclose the salaries of their three highest-paid executives.

Lookout opens for rentals two weeks early

The Mission Lookout on the Swan Lake Ranger District of Flathead National Forest will be available for rental earlier in 2013 than in previous years. 

Habitat ReStore tripling its space

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Kalispell is moving to the former Jesco Marine & Power Sports building, with the opening planned for April 22.

Whitefish Theatre Company stages Wilde classic

In 'Earnest'

Kalispell guitarist releases new book

Choir in concert April 20-21

Local music students give recital Sunday

Movie night redux brings back documentaries

Military musical by local writer opens April 25

Home-school students stage 'The Prince of Egypt'

Repertory Dance Theatre on stage in Ronan

Student photography show opens in Whitefish

Artist offers classes for kids, teens

Les Schwab Shootout

Stillwater's Jordan Danz put up forty-two points in the three-point competition to secure the Cougar's win Wednesday afternoon during the Les Schwab Shootout at Bigfork High School. April 10, 2013 in Bigfork, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

The new Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Jack Stephens puts up shelving Tuesday afternoon at the new location of the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. The new store at 2610 U.S. 93 South is expected to open on April 22.

Eckels new book

Repertory Dance Theatre

Youth Image Project

Margaret Ann (Sereday) Nash, 89

Helene Alice (Banna) Deli, 40

Reuben C. 'Don' Kuntz, 89

Reesa R. Downs, 42

Reesa R. Downs, 42, passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2013, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

Les Schwab Shootout Dunks

A few dunks from the Les Schwab Shootout dunk competition at Bigfork High School on Wednesday April 10, 2013.

Sydney Corinne (Combs) Derrick, 80

Sydney Corinne (Combs) Derrick, 80, “entered into rest” on March 18, 2013, at the Bee Hive Home in Columbia Falls.  

Road work ahead

Work is starting on the reconstruction project on U.S. 93 between Lupfer and Karrow Avenue in Whitefish.

Genesis Kitchen

David Cohen pouring a small sample bottle of olive oil as he makes up a six part gift set on Wednesday, April 10, at Genesis Kitchen in Whitefish. The gift set contains six 60ml bottles for $30. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

This Week in the Flathead: The Importance of Being Earnest

From left, Becky Sterling Rygg as Gwendolen Fairfax and Alfred Coggins as John Worthing rehearse a scene from Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest," directed by Whitefish Theatre Company's Nancy Nei, April 9 at the O'Shaughnessy Center.

Flathead Lake Monster

Ever heard of the tale of the "Flathead Lake Monster?"

Accents

For your home and you. From our exclusive furnishing, home decor, jewelry, boots purses, baby gifts, tableware, our selection will excite you, sure to please.

Gifts

Find that perfect something. Not just a furniture store. We have gifts for every life event, birthdays, weddings, babies. Let us be your stop.

Services

Our passionate attention to detail and dedication to total customer satisfaction make you feel like family.

Products

We carry an eclectic mix of home furnishings, accents, women's accessories and all occasion gifts.

Track: Second meet, better show

Whitefish’s Sarah Latcham went into the 800-meter run on Tuesday at the Class A Invitational at Legends Stadium with a plan.

Flathead splits dual tennis action with Bigfork

Flathead impressed first-year head coach Sue Corrigan on Tuesday with its dual split with Bigfork at the Flathead Valley Community College tennis courts.

Glacier sweeps Bigfork in tennis

Glacier opened a busy week on the courts by sweeping Bigfork in dual tennis action on Tuesday at the Flathead Valley Community College courts.

Polson rallies past C-Falls in softball

POLSON — Martina Marquardt doubled to left with two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning to drive in two runs and push Polson past Columbia Falls 2-1 on Tuesday in Northwestern A softball play.

Softball: Wolfpack slug 8 HRs; rip Big Sky, Sentinel

The long ball powered the Glacier softball team to a pair of conference wins over Missoula Sentinel and Missoula Big Sky on a chilly Tuesday at Kidsports Complex.

Softball: Bravettes tip Big Sky, lose 7-3 to Sentinel

The Flathead softball team got off to a fast start in league play, splitting a pair of home games at Conrad Complex on Tuesday to start the Western AA season 1-1.

Vann's hopes to stay in the Flathead

Owners looking for site near Kalispell’s north retail area

Vann’s electronics and appliances will have to move out of its Evergreen store by June 30, but Chief Executive Officer Greg Regelbrugge hopes to reopen Vann’s at a new site in Kalispell.

Swan River watershed data being collected

The Swan Ecosystem Center continues its water-quality program from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18, at the U.S. Forest Service Condon Work Center.

Council looks toward park beer, wine events in parks

The Kalispell City Council is moving forward with draft legislation to permit special events with beer or wine in at least some city parks and other public properties.

Daybook

Wednesday

Woman admits stealing from her uncle's house

A woman who joined her boyfriend to steal from her uncle’s house in Kalispell pleaded guilty April 4 to felony burglary.

Baseball/dog park plan proposed

The Kalispell City Council doesn’t seem inclined to pay the Lakers baseball club back for $17,189 of work it paid to have done at its two fields.

Piano teacher earns national music award

One of the Flathead Valley’s best-known piano teachers in recent decades has earned national acclaim.

Skate park incident involves knife fight

A pair of men assaulting another man and the involvement of a knife drew

Ammo shortage hits home

Manufacturers trying to keep up with demand

A customer at the Snappy Sport Senter gun counter recently had some questions that normally would be answered positively — but not these days.

Class A Invitational

Flathead senior Briana Patyk clears 5 feet, 1 inch in the high jump Tuesday afternoon during the Class A Invitational at Legends Stadium.

Girl Scouts and Brownies at the Purple Frog Gardens

Maya Weller, 8, of Kalispell, on Saturday, April 6, at Purple Frog Organic Farm in Whitefish. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Bruce I. Stewart, 92

Bruce I. Stewart passed away on April 4, 2013, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home, of natural causes.

George R. Marsh, 72

George R. Marsh, 72, of Kalispell, passed away at home on Thursday, March 29, 2013.

Norman Vergill Fisher, 90

Charles 'Chick' Clayton Bartsch, 72

Chick Bartsch was born Jan. 13,1941, in Billings.

Beckman's Pics

Leonard M. 'Bud' Holcomb, 89

Leonard M. “Bud” Holcomb, 89, passed away on April 2, 2013, at the VA Hospital in Columbia Falls.

Neil Joseph Dodge, 81

John C. Stockwell, 80

Barry Patrick Hawbaker, 48

Barry Patrick Hawbaker, 48, “walked into the Lord’s loving arms” on Friday, April 5, 2013, while listening to one of his favorite radio stations at his home in Kalispell.

Phyllis Taylor Darling, 81

Rooster in the Grass

A rooster pheasant pops his head up from the grass on Tuesday afternoon, April 9, in Creston. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Skimming Swallow

A swallow skims across the water of a pond off Creston Road on Tuesday afternoon, April 9, in Creston. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Ammo shortage

Bill Archie, left, and Sean Albrite help a customer in the gun department at Snappy Sport Senter in Evergreen on Tuesday. Snappy and other local retailers are having trouble keeping ammunition shelves stocked because manufacturers are unable to keep up with consumer demand. 

Antler Plate

Antler Plate

Hand Blown Glass Wall Art

Hand Blown Glass Wall Art

Outdoor Fireplace

Cutting Board

New Cutting Boards...Just In!

Thymes

New Scent from Thymes...Mandarin Coriander! It's Delicious...stop in and smell it!

Cowboy Boot Wine Bucket

Cowboy Boot Wine Bucket

Opal Soap

Purse

Purse

Unique Jewelry

Unique Jewelry

Silver Bracelets

Silver Bracelets

Brass and Gold Bracelets

Brass and Gold Bracelets

Boots

Rubber Boots

Just In..from market! Rubber Boots for rainy, yucky days...like today! Stop in and try a pair on!

Red Sequin Cowboy Boots

Red Sequin Cowboy Boots

Daybook

Gerald 'Jerry' Wolfe, 81

$300 Deal for $150 at Ideal Whitefish!

Keian Joseph Hartman

Keian Joseph Hartman, son of Justin and Pamela Hartman of Fortine, was born March 16 at North Valley Hospital.

Meeting to consider Willows drainage repairs

Engineers working on a drainage fix for the Willows subdivision in south Kalispell are holding a meeting tonight to share details about the project and gather public comments on a preliminary engineering report.

Tad James Nichols

Tad James Nichols, son of J.C. Nichols and Megan Russelll of Kalispell, was born March 20 at North Valley Hospital.

Zoee Kay-Dee Jones

Zoee Kay-Dee Jones, daughter of Robert and Ashlee Jones of Kalispell, was born March 13 at North Valley Hospital.

Owen Anthony George

Owen Anthony George, son of Chris George and Johnnie Gilham of Columbia Falls, was born March 15 at North Valley Hospital.

Celina Marie McKessick

Celina Marie McKessick, daughter of Kylie McKessick, was born March 16 at North Valley Hospital.

Hana Rhys Williamson

Hana Rhys Williamson, daughter of Richard and Jami Williamson of Polson, was born March 20 at North Valley Hospital.

Summer Rose Hollingsworth

Summer Rose Hollingsworth, daughter of William and Suzanne Hollingsworth of Bigfork, was born March 15 at North Valley Hospital.

Mister Stiffler

Mister Stiffler, son of Kenny and Andrea Stiffler of Kalispell, was born March 15 at North Valley Hospital.

Landon Lux Closson

Landon Lux Closson, son of Nathan and Bryna Closson of Whitefish, was born March 21 at North Valley Hospital.

Charlie James Creighton

Charlie James Creighton, son of Alex and Alecia Creighton of Kalispell, was born March 12 at North Valley Hospital.

Matthew Sandlin

Matthew Sandlin, son of Timothy and Annalisa Sandlin of Hungry Horse, was born March 18 at North Valley Hospital.

Ralph Charles Dean Adams

Ralph Charles Dean Adams, son of Havehn and Terra Adams of Trego, was born March 15 at North Valley Hospital.

Chenoa Joy Holm

Chenoa Joy Holm, daughter of Jackson Holm and Jocelyn Begay of Columbia Falls, was born March 22 at North Valley Hospital.

Madeline Grace Burton

Madeline Grace Burton, daughter of Jeff Burton and Sharon Reap of Whitefish, was born March 20 at North Valley Hospital.

Magnolia Jules Meyer

Magnolia Jules Meyer, daughter of Brian and Rachel Meyer of Bigfork, was born March 20 at North Valley Hospital.

Subdivision request gets hearing tonight

The Kalispell City Planning Board tonight will consider a request from a developer who wants to subdivide one residential lot into three lots on the west end of Mile High Court, located off of Denver Avenue and Sunnyside Drive.

Basin panel faces full agenda

The Flathead Basin Commission will meet in Kalispell Wednesday to hear an update on a Columbia River Treaty with Canada, a report on the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. potentially becoming a Superfund site, and a discussion about aquatic invasive species.

Employers fill up local job fair

Ex-beauty queen convicted of fraud

Kira Lee Teich

Kira Lee Teich, daughter of Patrick and Jennifer Teich of Bigfork, was born March 11 at North Valley Hospital.

Spring art class decorates garden planters

Howard A. 'Howie' Berry

Theodore 'Ted' Arnold Vacura, 90

Man takes guns, beef, silver from 'wife'

Charity Flowers

Head on Collision

Kalispell firefighters extricate a man from his vehicle that was involved in a head-on collision Monday afternoon on US 93 Alternate south of Kalispell. April 8, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Vehicles collide head-on near Kalispell

Emergency crews responded Monday afternoon to a head-on crash on U.S. 93 Alternate Route west of Kalispell.

Bypass collision

Week in Pictures: April 1-7

Keys not legal tender for fines

Saturday evening, a man told

Spartan Race

Doug Averill, owner of Flathead Lake Lodge, stands on a site that will be part of the first Spartan Race in Montana, to be held May 11-12 on land that is owned by the lodge. He and the lodge staff have been busy all winter prepping the course for the event.

Countdown to Spartan

Course shaping up for Kalispell obstacle race event

More than 3,000 people have registered for the May 11-12 running of Montana’s first Spartan Race, an obstacle course event that could feature mud, fire, wall-climbing, spear-throwing, sandbag-carrying, a gladiator throwdown and other challenging surprises.

Drug case drags out for Creston woman

A woman facing jail time over a marijuana grow operation found after a 7-year-old Creston girl was violently attacked by four American bulldogs still has not made it past the arraignment phase more than 15 months later.

Monday Profile

Natalie Davis, center, poses with several Glacier High School students.

Mother gives years of service to Kalispell schools

One-woman booster club

Surrounded by a multitude of Glacier High School students for a photo shoot, parent Natalie Davis is in her glory.

Alcohol in parks back on Kalispell agenda

At a work session on Monday night, the Kalispell City Council considers changing a policy that bans special events with alcohol in city parks but allows them at other properties including Conrad Mansion, Museum at Central School and Hockaday Museum of Art.

Wolf council meets for first time in five years

Former members of Montana’s Wolf Management Advisory Council will meet once again in Helena on Friday, April 12, to review and discuss the wolf management plan they helped create.

Two individual track winners for Whitefish, Polson

Softball roundup: Polson KOs Belgrade, rips Havre

Eureka boys, girls track champs

Tennis split for Polson, Corvallis

Track: Fast start for Flathead

Boy on probation for peddling pain medication

A 15-year-old boy alleged to have distributed prescription pain pills at Glacier High School is now on probation.

Daybook

Sunday

Cases dropped against pair charged with sex crimes

A pair of cases filed against a woman alleged to have been prostituting a 13 year old girl to a man for drugs as well as the man himself are no longer being pursued.

Man pleads not guilty to copper welding cable theft in West Valley

A man who allegedly stole thousands of dollars worth of copper welding cable and hid it on a relative’s property pleaded not guilty to criminal charges Thursday in Flathead District Court.

FHS neighborhood survey results compiled

At a meeting on Thursday, the city of Kalispell will share the results of a survey done in the neighborhood around Flathead High School and ask if any residents want to form a neighborhood group.

Wolves and ye olde unintended consequences

Recently, the Montana Legislature, in its seemingly infinite lack of wisdom, passed HB 73, a measure to allow more people to kill more wolves more easily, cheaply, and in more places — even right up to the doorsteps of Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.

Sequester: A practical necessity?

Mary Louise 'Marylou' Benson, 86

 Mary Louise “Marylou” Benson, 86, a wife, mother and homemaker, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2013, from natural causes at the Marias Medical Center in Shelby.  

Kalispell's decorative streetlights get upgrade

Over the next few years, 85 decorative streetlights in downtown Kalispell will be taken out, restored and put back in with LED bulbs that promise to reduce the city’s maintenance and electricity costs.

8-year-old becomes triple offender after assault

An 8-year-old boy got his third talking to by the

Daniel Parmer Smith

Daniel Parmer Smith, 34.

Annual recycling event planned at fairgrounds

Kalispell wants people to help turn garbage into trees on Saturday with its Trees to Paper to Trees recycling drive.

Jennifer Ellen Johnson

Jennifer Ellen Johnson, 45

Art installation debuts on Montana State campus

Inside the small octagon of Montana State University’s recently opened camera obscura installation, as a curious group gazed up at the live image projecting onto a scrim above their heads, an inquisitive voice rose from the darkness.

Split opinion - Southern Poverty Law Center is a bully

Bullying is not a new phenomenon; it’s as old as man. But bullying has reached a point of near epidemic proportions, with one in four children experiencing bullying and up to 35 percent of the U.S. work force reporting being bullied at work. Bullying is wrong, and should have no defenders.

Missing senator returns, acrimony lingers

Whitefish resort skier visits climb 11 percent

Record-breaking season

Whitefish Mountain Resort has finished off a winter season with total skier visits up 11 percent compared to last year.

Equal Pay Day: Think before you parrot the empty rhetoric

Patricia Dawn Patton, 70

Sean Lee Evans, 24

James Henry Fulkerson, 84

James Henry Fulkerson, 84, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family at his side on April 3, 2013, after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

Flathead vs. CMR Track

Jerri Lee Hoyem Larson, 65

Jerri Lee Hoyem Larson peacefully “slipped into her next life” while being held in the arms of her loving husband on Friday, March 29, 2013, at the Brendan House in Kalispell, at the age of 65. She died of natural causes.  

Going out in style: Two roller derby stars geared up for final bout

For Becca Corah and Leah Michael, this will be their Swan Song.

Rugby taking hold in the Valley

As a team of kids darts up and down a field, pitching a rugby ball back and forth it looks like they’ve been playing the sport for most of their lives.

Lyrik Rene Trevino

Makayla Cichosz-King

Camera obscura

Bull Lake district moves ahead with new fire hall

Lawsuit challenges county’s authority

Split opinion

The Facebook page for the Southern Poverty Law Center features a picture of founder Morris Dees and a recent post in memory of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Jackson Joe Johnson

Whitefish school to replace faulty boilers

Whitefish Middle School’s two heating system boilers will be replaced after malfunctioning for at least eight years.

Standoff boils over in Senate

Daybook

Saturday

Rebecca Vance

Warning: Things 'going to get Western'

Ball field maintenance issues raise questions

Questions about who pays for what at Kalispell’s leased public lands have resurfaced with the Lakers baseball club asking the city to reimburse the club for $17,189 worth of work done at its two ball fields.

Short-story glory

Libby, Kalispell students place in national competition

A couple of America’s next best-selling writers might be right here in Northwest Montana.

Reaching new heights

Shae Heberling soars above the nearly pure white environment at Big Mountain on Friday, March 22, in Whitefish.

Creston Auction

James Henry Fulkerson, 84

Jerri Lee Hoyem Larson, 65

John Samuel Lansberry, 90

Norma M. Forthofer, 88

Sydney Pandina Profile

Sydney Pandina at her home in Columbia Heights on April 4. In the background is her horse, Beauty.

Moving In to theRebecca Chaney Broussard Center for Nursing and Health Science

Professor Sue Justic arranges items in the store room for her anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology classes in the Rebecca Chaney Broussard Center for Nursing and Health Science on Thursday, April 4, at Flathead Valley Community College. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

The Black and Blue

Connor Wilkinson passes a ball during Wednesday’s practice at Evergreen Junior High.

Wildcat Peace Garden

Shari Johnson lays out an architectural rendering of the future Wildcat Peace Garden on Friday, April 5, in Columbia Falls. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Big Mountain Wrap Up

Wyatt Coe making a jump up on Big Moutnain on Saturday, March 30, in Whitefish. (Kat Gebauer/Green Kat Photography)

Bigfork's Gettings tied for 4th in golf

MISSOULA — Lars Gettings of Bigfork shot a 77 on Thursday during the opening round of the Loyola Sacred Heart Invitational golf tournament at Larchmont Golf Course.

Softball roundup: Evertz, Polson edge Broncs

POLSON — The Polson softball team opened its conference schedule with a 7-6 extra-innings win over Frenchtown Thursday.

Track: Four Wolfpack athletes post state qualifying marks in season opener

Shorthanded because of spring break, Glacier wasn’t lacking talent in the field on Thursday in a track dual with Great Falls High.

Kalispell man pleads not guilty to pair of theft sprees

A man allegedly involved in two theft sprees in 2012 and this year pleaded not guilty to a pair of felony charges Thursday in Flathead District Court.

Columbia Falls man dies of apparent heart attack while fighting fire

The body of a 66-year-old Flathead Valley man was found near a 40-acre fire that started as a controlled burn near Columbia Falls.

Ex-Kalispell accountant pleads guilty to investment scam

Growing jobs

Biology instructor Ruth Wrightsman examines a culture in a petri dish with Flathead Valley Community College students Kyle Selhost, left, and Rob Mackin. She recently reported to the Board of Trustees on the college’s biotechnology program and the many job opportunities available to students who transfer to a bachelor’s degree program. Mackin, a Kalispell native, will graduate May 4 from Montana State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in cell biology and neuroscience.

Daybook

Friday

College receives Stillwater River trail grant

Montana State Parks announced Thursday that Flathead Valley Community College will receive $40,500 as one of 54 grants awarded from the federal Recreational Trails Program for 2013.

Judge's ruling favors lawyers

Despite written pleas from family members and those suffering the effects of asbestos exposure, attorneys representing victims will receive 25 percent of the money earmarked for those suffering from asbestos disease.

Stalled: Pair of water rights bills killed in GOP-controlled committees

Two bills aimed at ratifying a water rights compact for the Confederated Salish-Kootenai Tribes have been stalled in Republican-controlled legislative committees.

Auction plus rain: A Creston tradition

Sorry, but the forecast for this weekend is rain and a little more rain and then maybe some snow for good measure.

Betty Lee Garrison, 87

Betty Lee Garrison “went home to be with her Lord Jesus” on April 2, 2013, at the age 87. Her battle with pancreatic cancer ended “and her new life in Heaven began with perfect eyesight and perfect hearing and no more pain.  Thank you, Lord!”

Program taps into expanding science

Students at Flathead Valley Community College make bacteria glow in the dark not only to learn about recombinant DNA but also to develop skills that will one day land them a job in the growing field of biotechnology.

This is why it's good to be the tallest

A

Glacier Sunrise

A sunrise view of Lake McDonald on Thursday, April 4, in Glacier National Park. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Track and Field: Glacier vs. Great Falls

Glacier sophomore Brielle Bumgarner clears 4 feet, 5 inches during the Glacier/Great Falls track meet on Thursday, April 4, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Test link 2 (redesign)

Test link 2

Test links

Hockey: Big Sky Wildcats win 7-0 in pool play

SAN JOSE, Calif — Kalispell’s Stephanie Tartaglino scored and Whitefish’s Janessa Courtney tallied two assists as the Big Sky Wildcats blanked the Frederick (Md.) Fury 7-0 in pool play at the USA Hockey National Championships Wednesday.

Former accountant pleads guilty to fraud in RBM case

A former accountant pleaded guilty last week in U.S. District Court to a federal wire fraud charge, paving the way for up to 20 years in prison.

Donald Doane, 87

Partygoers experience group blackout

Daybook

Thursday

Downtown paint store closing

After 90 years in downtown Kalispell, Saverud Paint Shop is holding a “retirement sale” to liquidate its inventory and close its doors for good at the end of this month.

State pension system must be fixed

Teenagers sought to participate in Conservation Corps program

Adventurous teens between the ages of 15 and 17 are being sought to go on a four-week summer expedition.

Planning Board considers new flood maps

New flood insurance rate maps for about 1,000 Evergreen properties will be considered by the Flathead County Planning Board at a public hearing on April 10.

'Bath salts' bill signed by governor

Measure bans synthetic drugs

Montana has joined dozens of other states and the federal government in passing a ban on the designer drug known as “bath salts,” along with other synthetic drugs.

Mike Downes, 51

Mike Downes passed away unexpectedly Friday, March 29, 2013, in Kalispell, at the age of 51.

Clifford M. Anzjon, 92

Airport sues over tower closure

Glacier Park International facility scheduled to shut down May 5

The Flathead Municipal Airport Authority that owns and operates Glacier Park International Airport has asked a federal court to reverse the Federal Aviation Administration’s recent decision to close Glacier’s air-traffic control tower because of sequestration budget cuts.

EPA agrees to assess Superfund possibility

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will conduct an assessment at Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. in response to a recent request from Montana Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester.

Flathead Valley Community Band hits milestone

40 years

Store offers furniture-painting classes

Painter, sculptor leads forum

Classes for adults at Stumptown Art Studio

Flathead High stages Shakespeare comedy

Actors group offers theater workshop

Whitefish Theatre Company goes Wilde

Alpine Theatre updates operations

Paris 1920s dinner supports FVCC scholarships

'Grease' meets 'Happy Days' in fundraiser

Flathead Valley Community Band

Irv Milheim plays the tuba during Flathead Valley Community Band’s March 27 practice at Kalispell Middle School. The band, which features musicians from age 15 to age 90, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

Barbershop chorus in concert April 13

Flathead Valleyaires

Concerts group gets new name

Margaret Graziano

Margaret Graziano, shown here at the Hockaday Museum of Art's Local Color Studio Tour in 2011, is leading this month's Crits and Croissants forum at the museum April 13.

WTC 'Earnest'

ATP 2.0

FHS 'Love's Labour's Lost'

Death by Chocolate

The Conrad Mansion Museum's annual Death By Chocolate fundraiser takes place April 26 and 27.

FV LIVE on Stage

Flathead Valley Concerts Association is now Flathead Valley LIVE on Stage. Members say the change better reflects the group's commitment to bringing live entertainment to the valley at an affordable price.

Flathead Valleyaires

The Flathead Valleyaires are in concert April 13 at Glacier High School.

Whitefish Theatre Company's New Executive Director

Kathryn McEnery, the Whitefish Theatre Company's new executive director, photographed on the set of the upcoming production of The Importance of Being Earnest on Wednesday, April 3, in Whitefish. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Saverud Paint Shop

Painting of Madonna

Softball: Wolfpack claws back

Choose from 2 Deals Starting at $50 from Crown Photography!

Crown Photography

Daybook

Wednesday

Harriet Gladys (Heabel) Sklany, 75

Harriet Gladys (Heabel) Sklany, 75, passed away March 31, 2013, in Kalispell.

Arthur John Sturzen, 92

Arthur John Sturzen “went to be with his Father in heaven” on Sunday, March 31, 2013. He was 92 years old and resided at the Heritage Place in Kalispell. He was a loving and caring husband and father, and will be cherished in all of our hearts.

Man admits crimes in three separate cases

For crimes ranging from burglary to assault, a Kalispell man pleaded guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court.

Christian Earl Evenson, 21

Christian Earl Evenson, 21, passed away on March 28, 2013, in Columbia Falls, minutes after midnight.

Transfer terms for Gateway West set

In coming weeks, Kalispell will turn its stake in Gateway West Mall over to the Flathead County Economic Development Authority.

Restoration grant awarded

A “pilot project” for the expanded West Side Tax Increment Finance District saw broad support from the Kalispell City Council on Monday.

Whitefish Mountain ends season with a splash

Whitefish Mountain Resort brings its winter season to a close this weekend with a main attraction, the eighth annual pond skimming event.

Entering Evergreen

Glacier vs. Hellgate Softball

Glacier senior Jena Willis, 11, fields the ball during the game against Hellgate on Tuesday, April 2, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Evelyn Lillian Gillespie, 66

Evelyn Lillian Gillespie, 66, passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2013, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

Ronald L. Allen, 74

Pond skimming

Council OKs tax increment funding for Kelly Main-Street

A row of windows boarded up and until recently dry walled over are part of the rehabilitation that Paul Roybal is doing to the Kelly-Main Street building in downtown Kalispell. The building was damaged in a fire in 1976. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Annie Lea (Breckenridge) Mack, 93

Daybook

E. Boyd Hartman, 89

Choose from 2 Deals Starting at $18 from Northern Lights Nail Boutique!

Seven teens from one troop become Eagle Scouts

Scouts honor

Man Tased, arrested after pepper spray incident

Stolen antique truck turns up at Pacific Recycling

Architects draw up plans for remodel, expansion

West Valley School

Gourmet meal benefits scholarship fund

Tally Lake Ranger District plans spring burning

Agency won't use pesticide to remove fish

West Valley expansion proposal

This graphic shows a proposed first phase of expansion at West Valley School. The first phase would cost about $7 million and add 30,000 square feet of new construction to the existing building, which is about 60,000 square feet. This phase includes 13 classrooms — essentially a middle school wing for grades six through eight — two music rooms, a flexible area for eating and educational use, a teacher-preparation room, expanded library and administrative offices and a kitchen.

Bloody nose doesn't deter thief

Post mill burn kindles memory of bygone era

Periman Cedar Post Mill

Week in Pictures: March 25-21