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'A nightmare' - Wife picks up pieces after husband sets home on fire

After resisting arrest and setting his home on fire, Daniel English is in jail, but left behind him is a trail of burned belongings and burned bridges.

Possible benefits of the Oregon tuition plan

An idea that originated in Oregon concerning the payment of student tuition in the public institutions of higher learning is now being widely considered throughout the USA.

Gill netting plan is too full of potential holes

No one wants to be accused of not caring about the future of bull trout in the Flathead Basin, but that’s how critics of a controversial proposal for using gill nets to remove competing lake trout from Flathead Lake are being painted.

911 Center board considering changes

Trying to work through self-described “growing pains,” the consolidated 911 Center board is pondering a few changes in response to concerns raised by the Kalispell City Council.

Billings judge ought to resign

The much publicized rape case in Billings is getting press across Montana and now across the country. I spoke with my brother in New Hampshire and he was outraged as well. CNBC has picked up the story and the truth is out. Once again, Montana gets in the spotlight for yet another event that defines us in a rather pathetic way. We are better than this and this judge’s decision and statements should not define all of us.

Egypt, U.S. and the choice

New owners bring manufacturing, business expertise to Kettle Care organic skin-care line

If choosing someone to purchase a company involved traditional job interviews, it seems likely that Klaus and Annegret Pfeifer would be the perfect hires to run Kettle Care Organics, a Whitefish-area company producing a line of therapeutic organic skin-care products.

Daybook

Resident receives mysterious letter

Zyren Wendt

Zyren Wendt, son of Ryan and Meged Wendt of Kalispell, was born May 22 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Ruby May Finlayson

Ruby May Finlayson, daughter of Clint and Alissa Finlayson of Polson, was born May 20 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Evie Carolena Phillips

Evie Carolena Phillips, daughter of Jeremy and Michelle Phillips of Kalispell, was born May 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Aria Jones

Aria Jones, daughter of Tyrell Jones and Kayla Yarbour of Kalispell, was born May 16 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Josephina Hackman

Josephina Hackman, daughter of Steve Hackman Jr. and Hope Brash, was born May 15 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Thomas McMahon

Thomas McMahon, son of Naoise McMahon and Cassandra Seelye of Kalispell, was born May 15 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Isaiah Santistevan

Isaiah Santistevan, son of Jason Santistevan and Amy Axelberg of Kalispell, was born May 16 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Johsiah Saechang LaBrie

Johsiah Saechang LaBrie, son of Mercedes Gruendemann-LaBrie, was born May 17 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Bryson Hubbard

Bryson Hubbard, son of Ashley Hubbard of Kalispell, was born May 17 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Virgil Wayne Foy, 88

Virgil Wayne Foy, 88, passed away Aug. 22, 2013, at Brendan House in Kalispell, after a short, three-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Bigfork band needs instrument help

About 30 band instruments that are more than 40 years old need replacement in the Bigfork School District.

Craziness over fair food runs rampant

I’m in Plains this weekend for the Sanders County Fair, soaking up the last of the fair season as I help my husband and his business partner peddle bratwurst and barbecue to the masses.

String sessions: Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival

The annual Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival featured not only a week of sold-out

Dragon-boat festival has international flair

When this year’s dragon boats slide across the Flathead Lake race course Sept. 7 and 8, there will be 93 teams paddling in the Montana Dragon Boat Festival.

Al Jazeera and the soft underbelly of America

Can you imagine Adolf Hitler owning a TV news network that spewed his hateful rhetoric across the United States either before or during World War II?

Labor Day Tournament

Logan Lindholm of Kalispell takes part in the Labor Day Tournament on Saturday at Buffalo Hill Golf Club in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Whitefish vs. Havre

Whitefish senior wide receiver Sean Foley (3) is finally brought down by a Havre defender during their game on Saturday, August 31, in Whitefish. Whitefish won the match up 45 to 27. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Daniel Lee 'Dan' Herman, 45

Visitor service hours about to change in Glacier Park

Operating hours for many visitor services in Glacier National Park will begin to change after Labor Day weekend.

Septic system oversight studied for Whitefish

A newly drafted wastewater management plan for Whitefish could chart the course for how strictly the city will deal with failing septic systems within its jurisdiction.

AA football: Wolfpack whips West

If there was any worry about how good Glacier can be, the Wolfpack tried to wipe it away on Friday, thumping Billings West 43-7 in its Class AA season football opener at Legends Stadium.

AA football: Braves beat Bison

GREAT FALLS — The Flathead Braves scored two touchdowns in the final 5 seconds to beat Great Falls High 20-7 in their season-opening Class AA football game Friday.

Class B football: Perez powers Eureka to easy victory over SI

EUREKA — Austin Perez ran for one touchdown and passed for three more as Eureka rolled over St. Ignatius in a Zero Week contest for Class B football teams.

Glacier Football

Kevin Malloy (88) celebrates with Noah James (4) after James ran in for a touchdown Friday night during Glacier’s 43-7 victory over Billings West in the Class AA season football opener for both schools at Legends Stadium.

Third man sentenced in Missoula robbery

Landmark gets new owners: Couple aims to upgrade tepee at Woods Bay

Everyone who has driven through Woods Bay likely has seen the iconic tepee building on Flathead Lake’s east shore.

Weather events cause fish die-off in Koocanusa

A strong and fast-moving storm front Sunday night appears to have triggered a kokanee salmon die-off in Lake Koocanusa over the following two days.

Man faces three charges including felony arson

The Kalispell man who was arrested after setting a trailer on fire when deputies showed up to arrest him on outstanding warrants is facing three charges in Flathead District Court.

Daybook

Whitefish housing project stalled

Developers vow to redesign 2nd Street Residences proposal

Facing an uphill battle over density and traffic issues, the developers of the proposed 2nd Street Residences subdivision in Whitefish have withdrawn their application and will redesign the project for a second time.

Afternoon crashes back up traffic

 A pair of back-to-back accidents at the intersection of Whitefish Stage Road and West Reserve Drive Friday afternoon drew responders from West Valley Fire Department and Evergreen Fire Rescue and tied up busy afternoon traffic.

Rest of schools opening on Tuesday

 Several Flathead Valley schools are waiting until after Labor Day to begin school for the 2013-14 school year.

Riding Scooter

Jessica Lehman, 26, of Kalispell gives Scooter, a 14-year-old Polish Arabian, his daily ride on Friday, August 30, at Canter Creek in Columbia Falls. Lehman has had Scooter since Mother’s Day. Her grandfather rescued Scooter and another horse from an owner who could no longer care for them. Lehman says she and Scooter have already formed a close bond.

Profile: Glenn Young

Glenn Young at Kalispell Middle School on Friday, August 30, in Kalispell. Young is entering his 15th year as a substitute teacher. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Jane H. Herbkersman, 93

Jane H. Herbkersman, 93, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2013, at the Brendan House in Kalispell.

Profile: Linda Fredenberg

Dietitian Linda Fredenberg helped 7-month-old Reuben transition from a feeding tube to regular baby food. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Parade Games

$10 for $20 towards Purchase of Athletic and Health Socks

Woods Bay teepee

Jean Peretto is pictured with her daughters, Maya and Olivia, at the Woods Bay tepee that Peretto and her husband, Shawn, purchased last year.

Montana Life: Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival

Aaron Green, right, a guitar maker/dealer from Groton, Mass., listens as Robben Ford plays in the main lodge at Flathead Lake Lodge on Wednesday afternoon. Ford and Green both took part in the Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival — Green as a sponsor and Ford as one of the headliners. Ford taught blues at the festival and played to a sold-out crowd on Tuesday.

Energy efficiency work pays off for Plum Creek

 Plum Creek Timber Co. received a check for $386,635 from Flathead Electric Cooperative on Wednesday for recent energy efficiency investments at the Columbia Falls sawmill.

Bison range shifts to fall schedule

The National Bison Range’s new fall hours start after Labor Day, on Tuesday, Sept. 3.

Labor Day golf tourney at Buffalo Hill

Players from eight states and two Canadian provinces will tee it up Saturday for the 76th Labor Day Tournament at Buffalo Hill Golf Course.

Football preview: Glacier will rely on junior class; has high expectations once again

Glacier football has been in this spot before.

Football preview: Flathead players prefer to look ahead, not back

The Flathead Braves are eager to put last season behind them.

Glacier Conservancy head on the job

The chief executive officer of the newly merged Glacier National Park Conservancy is on the job, and there is optimism within the organization for fundraising success and developing long-term strategic relationships to improve visitor experiences in Glacier.

Trial sought in victim's hometown

Plum Creek

From left, Greg Grace of Plum Creek, Ken Sugden and Mark Johson of Flathead Electric, Ken Benson and Tom Ray of Plum Creek and Earl Messick of the Flathead Electric Board of Trustees were on hand as the co-op presented a check to the timber company for energy efficiency work at Plum Creek’s Columbia Falls sawmill.

Billings rape case

Auliea Hanlon receives a hug from a supporter during a Thursday rally in which protesters called for the resignation of a judge who presided over the trial of a former teacher who raped Hanlon’s daughter. (Associated Press)

County trudges ahead with recycling plan

Flathead County hopes to negotiate a one-year extension of its lapsed recycling contract with Valley Recycling to buy enough time to come up with a clear plan for the future of the blue recycling bins.

Texts on nail polish unwanted

A frightened woman contacted the

Mark Preiss

Divers find body of Flathead Lake boater

The body of a Huson man whose boat was found abandoned on Flathead Lake has been found by divers.

Billings rape case: Mother rejects judge's apology

Bigfork group identifies options for green-box site

A study group has developed two alternative plans for keeping the Bigfork green-box refuse site, handing the ball off to county officials to decide the next step.

Storm wreaks havoc in valley

A brief but powerful storm with winds up to 55 mph roared across the valley Thursday evening, which blew in first as a dust storm before taking down trees and power lines, knocking out power for roughly 2,500.

FEC's 'Roundup' is safety success

From year to year, it may have been easy to overlook, but after 15 years of funding 835 community safety projects, Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Roundup for Safety Program has made an irrefutable difference and its contributing members should be proud.

Protesters call for jail time: Crowd gathers to fight possible suspended sentence in sex abuse case

From time to time, a cause comes along that unites people to action, and some Flathead County residents have found such a cause in the case of Ted Ramon.

Child abuse protest outside courthouse in Kalispell

Jesse Way of Bigfork and other protestors gathered outside the Flathead County Justice Center in Kalispell on Thursday.

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G. Elaine 'Sunny' (Knox) Waller, 82

Dragon Boat Practice

Dragonboat Practice

Doug Coats, behind in red, demonstrates proper paddling technique Wednesday evening during a Dragonboat practice for teams Flathead DragonFlies and Major Threat in Somers Bay on Flathead Lake. Aug. 28, 2013 in Somers, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Festival just a day away

Paddlers on the Major Threat team steady their boat Aug. 28 during a dragon boat practice in Somers Bay on Flathead Lake. The Montana Dragon Boat Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday at Flathead Lake Lodge.

Flathead Football

Robert McCarvel makes a catch Tuesday morning during Flathead's football practice at Legends Field. Aug. 20, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

The Flathead DragonFlies

Team Flathead DragonFlies paddles back to the dock Wednesday evening after a dragon-boat practice in Somers Bay on Flathead Lake. The Flathead DragonFlies is a new team formed from members of last year’s Kalispell Lions team. The team recently competed in its first international race in Lethbridge, Alberta, and placed third.

Best of Football Contest

Yellowstone counts 4,600 bison in park

Yellowstone National Park has an estimated 4,600 bison roaming within its boundaries.

Fair attendance down this year

Attendance at the Northwest Montana Fair was down a little over 5 percent from last year, due in part to the sudden cancellation of the Chris Young concert on Wednesday night of the five-day fair that ended Aug. 18.

Best of Football Contest Btn

Officers busy with drug-related calls

The

Judge apologizes for rape comments

Daybook

U.S. attorney appeals ruling in fraud case

An assistant U.S. attorney in Missoula is appealing a federal judge’s decision overturning a jury’s guilty verdict against a former beauty queen and her co-defendant on a pair of federal mail fraud charges.

School year opens with full classes

The first day of school was finally here Wednesday for Edgerton School’s “Super Second” class team-taught by teachers Shelly Kennedy and Suzanne Elliott.

A dreamer's legacy, and our challenge

It was heartening to watch a black president mark the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech.

Judge criticized in rape case to retire

District Judge G. Todd Baugh has announced he will retire at the end of the year.

'I'll burn the place down!' - Dog rescued after house set on fire

An attempt to serve a warrant Tuesday night turned into a full fire response and an arrest after a man tried to burn down a Trumble Creek Road home.

Youths invited to try out for 'Wizard of Oz'

Program teaches the art of business

Book clubs to journey around the world

Meet ledger artist at Aug. 30 reception

Workshop combines love of art, horses

Choir's fall term beings Sept. 9

Full slate of youth classes at art studio

A peek at Whitefish Theater's 2013 season

Kalispell author to publish new novel

Book signings each week in Glacier Park

Bigfork theater still short a few actors

Audition for FVCC's 'Blithe Spirit'

Actor, writer holds book signing in Kalispell

Alpine Kids! to stage 'Beauty and the Beast'

WTC: 'Within the Silence'

WTC: 'Talk of the Town'

WTC: 'Shakespeare'

WTC: 'Other Desert Cities'

WTC: 'Noises Off'

WTC: 'Naria'

The all-kids production of “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe” is scheduled for Feb. 27 and 28, March 1 and 2, and March 7 and 9.

WTC: Khambatta Dance

WTC: 'Boeing Boeing'

WTC: Oliver

"Oliver!" is one of several productions Whitefish Theatre Company will stage this season.

Kingsolver: 'Flight Behavior'

Cather: 'My Antonia'

Sherwood 'Going to the Sun'

Angela Townsend: Angus MacBain

Bob Dix

Panhandler

A panhandler holds a sign Wednesday afternoon on the corner of Reserve Loop and an entrance to Costco in Kalispell. Aug. 28, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Wild Horse Island

Flathead Lake is seen in the background as a turkey vulture perches atop a tree Saturday afternoon on Wild Horse Island. Aug. 24, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Bypass Construction

Bob Dix book

Alaina Buffalo Spirit

Diane Hausmann

Clayton Leonard Long, 59

Clayton Leonard Long of Kalispell died Sunday, Aug. 25, 2013, after a long battle with liver disease. 

Pauline Carol (Smith) Dyer, 80

Marilyn Jannusch Howard, 68

Mary Nelson Turk, 88

Back to school at Edgerton

Reagan Brisendine sharpens pencils before an art project on Wednesday in Shelly Kennedy and Suzanne Elliott’s second-grade class at Edgerton School.

Kettle Care Expands

Annegret Pfeifer works on giving a new coat of paint to the future home of Kettle Care located on Highway 93 north of Kalispell on Saturday, August 17. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Kettle Care

Klaus and Annegret Pfeifer outside the current home of Kettle Care Organics in February in Whitefish.

Dog rescued after house set on fire

Flathead County sheriff’s deputies gather near fire trucks on Trumble Creek Road Tuesday night after a man was arrested for allegedly starting a home on fire.

Ready for students

Bethany Knudsen, a fourth-grade teacher at Kila School, organizes her classroom on Tuesday. “There is the big picture, that I worked on over the summer, but there are also the smaller details. When the kids come back, they know if you haven’t got the details taken care of,” Knudsen said as she put individual name tags on personalized mail slots. Knudsen is looking forward to the start of school on Sept. 3. “The first days are all about atmosphere and setting expectations for the whole year,” said Knudsen.

County ready to adopt $81.2 million budget

Taxes would go up about 2 percent

Flathead County’s final budget for the coming year adds three employees to the payroll — boosting the county’s work force to 525 workers — and gives most workers a 3.5 percent cost-of-living raise.

Panhandling restrictions now in effect

Kalispell’s panhandling ordinance quietly went into effect two weeks ago.

Golf: Polson girls sweep Hamilton Invitational

Golf: Glacier JV boys, girls win C-Falls Invitational

Golf: Glacier boys finish 3rd at GF Invite

Daybook

More resources needed to search for missing boaters

Ex-teacher gets 30 days in rape case

Explosion report proves accurate

Officer faces new investigations

A Polson police officer is on administrative leave and facing both an internal and criminal investigation after a weekend incident at Swanee’s Bar & Grill.

Polson Fly-in

The Polson Fly-In attracts pilots from all over the Northwest and averages between 60 and 70 planes each year, giving spectators a wide variety to enjoy.

Guitar masters

The Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival started out strongly Monday night with a performance featuring the Grammy Award-winning Los Angeles Guitar Quartet. From left are Scott Tennant, Matthew Greif, John Dearman and William Kanengiser. The festival continues through Saturday. Tickets and passes for the remaining evening concerts have already sold out. For more information visit: http://cocguitarfoundation.org.

Funding found for Three Mile Drive job

The Montana Department of Transportation is trying to rebuild Three Mile Drive next spring in a push to complete yet another phase of the Kalispell bypass.

Airport: Widely differing views

It’s the best of projects, it’s the worst of projects.

Polson Fly-in aims to spur interest in aviation

For the last 15 years, members of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Chapter 1122 have been encouraging people of all ages to discover the joys of flight at the annual Polson Fly-In.

Wild Horse Island

Flathead Lake is seen in the background as a turkey vulture perches atop a tree Saturday afternoon on Wild Horse Island. Aug. 24, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Airport Forum

Jim Lynch, left, and Chad Graham discuss the future of the Kalispell City Airport on Tuesday afternoon during the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce's monthly luncheon at the Red Lion Hotel. Aug. 27, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Jim Lynch

Jim Lynch and Chad Graham discuss the future of the Kalispell City Airport on Tuesday afternoon during the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce's monthly luncheon at the Red Lion Hotel.

Chad Graham

Jim Lynch and Chad Graham discuss the future of the Kalispell City Airport on Tuesday afternoon during the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce's monthly luncheon at the Red Lion Hotel.

Mary Nelson Turk, 88

Mary Nelson Turk, 88, passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 23, 2013, at her home in Dayton, where she wanted to be.

Stella Mae Moon, 88

Stella Mae Moon, 88, passed away on Friday, Aug. 23, 2013, at her home in Kalispell. 

Thomas 'Tom' Thompson, 53

Celebrating 60

Steve Pleasants takes his final strokes on his swim from the north shore to City Beach on Monday, August 26, at City Beach in Whitefish. Pleasants swam the nearly 7 miles in 2 hours and 55 minutes on his 60th birthday. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Beverly J. Schwarz, 79

Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival Returns

Detail of Scott Tennant and members of the Los Angles Guitar Quartet. In the background is the bands newest member Matthew Greif. Photos courtesy of: the Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival/Brenda Ahearn

National wildfires

Daybook

Golf: Doorn among leaders in Great Falls

GREAT FALLS — Whitefish’s Art Doorn is part of a three-way tie atop a crowded leaderboard after the first round of the Great Falls Invitational golf tournament at Anaconda Hills on Monday.

Whitefish plan calls for three parking structures

A proposed update of the Whitefish Downtown Master Plan takes an aggressive approach to the city’s parking problem, recommending sites for three parking structures in the coming years.

Seniors welcome to join New Horizons Band

Robbery try thwarted by workers, customer

After all, hygiene is important

George Wentworth Tripp, 87

James Henry Bukoskey, 53

Week in Pictures: August 19-25

Lyle Ruterbories at Kintla Lake

Storm Damage

Sunday night's storms caused a large pine tree to fall on several vehicles at a house on Fifth Avenue West in Kalispell. 

Two men missing in area lakes

Lake County authorities are searching for a Huson man whose boat and two dogs were found on Flathead Lake.

Blustery storm topples trees

Around 5,000 Flathead Electric Cooperative customers lost power Sunday night after high winds and lightning swept through the Flathead Valley.

Willow Creek subdivision changes to be examined

 During a work session tonight, the Kalispell City Council will examine some proposed changes to a planned unit development overlay in place for the Willow Creek subdivision.

Tristan Long

Tristan Long, son of Jason and Kristin Long of Kalispell, was born May 10 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Johan Bester

Johan Bester, son of Johan and Jennifer Bester of Lakeside, was born May 12 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Joy Zellers

Joy Zellers, daughter of Jesse Zellers and Erika Douglas of Eureka, was born May 13 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Zayven Parazoo

Zayven Parazoo, son of Kevin and Charlotte Parazoo of Kalispell, was born May 10 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Piper Stickney

Piper Stickney, daughter of Jay and Megan Stickney of Kalispell, was born May 8 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Abram Lindberg

Abram Lindberg, son of Tony and Triss Lindberg of Kalispell, was born May 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Hailey Theard

Hailey Theard, daughter of Chris and Kim Theard of Kalispell, was born May 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Roundup program passes $3 million mark

The spare change adds up a little at a time, month after month. And it has snowballed to do some pretty big things.

Downed Power lines in Evergreen

Evergreen Fire Rescue and Flathead Electric responded to a downed power lines on U.S. 2 in Evergreen Sunday night. Traffic was temporarily blocked on all lanes. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

'The value of diversity': Special Friends director advocates for those with disabilities

If you’ve seen the Special Friends Advocacy Program folks selling fry bread at the Tuesday night Picnic in the Park gatherings in Kalispell or at any number of other summertime festivals, chances are you’ve seen Gay Moddrell somewhere in the midst.

Profile: Gay Moddrell

Gay Moddrell, longtime director of Special Friends Advocacy, sits on the back of the truck where she and others will be making fry bread for the Music in the Park on Tuesday, August 13, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Kalispell City Airport: Chamber forum offers varying perspectives

Two guest speakers will share their views about the Kalispell City Airport — the subject of a voter referendum this November — at the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon on Tuesday.

Residential treatment program recommended for woman after fourth DUI

A Kalispell woman is likely to face treatment both while incarcerated and while on probation after pleading guilty to her fourth offense of drunk driving.

Road rage heats up during tourist season

A case of road rage was reported to

The Moving Wall

Vietnam War memorial draws crowds searching for fallen friends.

Daybook

Economics guru returns to FVCC

Gregg Davis back after four years as researcher in Missoula

Gregg Davis isn’t new to Kalispell. He’s just been honing his skills down in Missoula for four years.

Bigfork school could toss letter grades

It might not be easy, but Matt Jensen believes it’s worth it.

Stolen bike replaced for local athlete

A dark day saw a bright ending for a Kalispell man and Special Olympics medalist who woke up Thursday morning to find someone stole his beloved bicycle.

bike

Obamacare - three years later

If only Congress could write legislation with as much needed pithiness, clarity and forethought as our founders did in writing the Constitution. It is the oldest and shortest written constitution of any major country in the world, contains only 4,400 words, and only took 100 days to write. All the framers read and understood it, too.

Reflections on the job ahead for schools

Ready or not, here they come!

Holding it together: Volunteer EMTs, firefighters are vital part of emergency response

I’ve been a volunteer EMT/firefighter for going on three years now. I volunteer alongside an awesome crew of 13. Together we serve a smaller population of people, although we have one of the largest response areas in Flathead County. We all have day/night jobs, families and house chores to tend to daily. But when the tones go off on our pagers, we drop whatever we are doing, no matter how important that task is to us, because someone else is in need.

Appraisal system still needs solution

There’s little to object to in the Montana Supreme Court’s recent decision upholding the state’s six-year property reappraisal cycle, but it still might make sense to change to a more frequent cycle.

Charlie Rickard's new bike

Charlie Rickard climbs onto his new mountain bike Thursday afternoon outside of Target in Kalispell. The Kalispell Police Association and Target purchased a new bike for the Special Olympics athlete after his was stolen from his garage.

It's OK to not like Barack Obama's policies

I just finished reading Bill Baum’s Aug. 18 opinion piece (“GOP: Lots of obstructionism and disrespect”) for the third time. I’ve been trying to figure out if I am one of the “uneducated” persons who he thinks know nothing about the facts. I will try to get all the way through this without doing the name calling and hurling of insults, but, I must admit it will not be easy.

Bike race to span 24 hours

Montana’s first USA Cycling-sanctioned 24-hour mountain bike race — 24 Hours of Flathead — will be held at Herron Park near Kalispell on Aug. 31.

Beating the odds: Teen overcomes homelessness

Finding a room to rent in recent weeks has meant a world of difference to Zack Summers of Kalispell.

Zack Summers

Zack Summers at Colter Coffee on Tuesday, July 30, in Kalipsell.

'Big Brother': When reality TV intersects with 'The Twilight Zone'

Reality is, of course, a rather harsh environment to start with, but when you are talking about reality TV, it can be downright ugly!

Judith Louise Bury Grady, 77

Gerald Leon 'Jerry' Wartick, 69

Gerald Leon "Jerry" Wartick was born in Wausaukee, Wis., on Jan. 15, 1944.

Back to school: Many students start school Wednesday

School starts this week for several school districts.

Golf: Doorn, Tabish win starter tourney

WHITEFISH — Whitefish’s Art Doorn and Erin Tabish took first place at the Northwestern A Starter golf tournament at Whitefish Lake Golf Club Wednesday.

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Atheist group appeals District Court ruling

The Freedom From Religion Foundation is appealing a U.S. District Court ruling that allowed a statue of Jesus to remain on national forest land on Big Mountain.

Remembering asbestos victims

When Marilyn Tavenner met with Montana Sen. Max Baucus earlier this year to solicit his support for her confirmation hearing in the U.S. Senate, Baucus gave her a photograph of a well-known man from Libby who died of asbestos-related cancer several years ago.

Deputies busy with drug-related calls

The

Board recommends netting on Flathead Lake

Bigfork sax player to march in Macy's Parade

Bigfork student Carson Cantrell will have to hold off on eating turkey this Thanksgiving to march in one of America’s cherished traditions — the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Supreme Court ruling favors Lakeside plan

The Montana Supreme Court has upheld a Flathead District Court ruling last November that threw out a lawsuit challenging the planning process for the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan.

Morning break away

A pair of deer race across a field Wednesday morning north of Whitefish.

The Moving Wall Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Overview of the opening ceremony of The Healing Wall on Thursday, August 22, in Whitefish. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Glacier Park visitor count increases during July

Glacier National Park had a slightly busier July compared to last year, and the park is still on pace for a busier year in total recreation visitors.

Access site to be closed in September

The northernmost boat ramp at the Sportsman’s Bridge Fishing Access Site will be closed from Sept. 4, through Sept. 15, according to the Montana Department of Transportation.

Golf: Mann, Larson lead Glacier in Missoula

MISSOULA — The Glacier boys took three of the top four spots and claimed the team title at the season-opening Missoula Invitational on Thursday at The Ranch Club.

Todd to throw javelin at Sacramento St.

Former Glacier multi-sport standout Shelton Todd will attend Sacramento State University to throw the javelin for the Hornets in 2013-14. Todd was originally committed to play football at Montana Tech, but changed course late in the year.

Woman gets five years for forgery, prostitution

A Kalispell woman will spend five years incarcerated with the Montana Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to one felony and four misdemeanors.

Man says he 'shot her repeatedly'

A Kalispell man has been charged with attempted deliberate homicide for alleged shooting his wife several times Monday night.

Northwest Montana Fair results

The following individuals won awards for their exhibits or performances in the 2013 Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo that concluded on Sunday at the Flathead County Fairgrounds:

Vietnam wall a moving experience

The half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on display in Whitefish is a moving tribute to those who perished in the Vietnam War.

For sale: 119-year-old bridge span

Pete Skibsrud, the Kalispell man who bought a large section of the Old Steel Bridge several years ago, now is advertising it for sale.

Man chases down rolling pickup truck

Project planned at crash-prone junction

The Montana Department of Transportation is asking for public comment on a project that would try to improve safety at the intersection of U.S. Highway 2 and Dern and West Springcreek roads west of Kalispell.

Crews ready for rising threat

Onlookers reflect at Vietnam memorial replica

Pat Curran strode briskly across the grass, still clad in his leather motorcycle gear as he approached the Moving Wall. In his hand he clutched the names of three high school buddies from Anaconda who died while serving in the Vietnam War.

Daybook

Geraldine 'Geri' Bielenberg, 81

Ann (Jung) Baer, 91

William B. 'Shakey' Williams, 79

William B. "Shakey" Williams, 79, passed away from cancer at his daughter’s home in Kalispell on Aug. 6, 2013. 

Opening Ceremony of The Healing Wall

Overview of the opening ceremony of The Healing Wall on Thursday, August 22, in Whitefish. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Opening ceremony of the Moving Wall

Bill Nicholls of Butte stands before the Moving Wall prior to the start of the opening ceremony Thursday at Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish. Nicholls, a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, accompanied the wall from Idaho to Whitefish. Visibly affected by the wall and the more than 55,000 names written on it, Nicholls said: “We all have a lot of friends on that wall.” The Moving Wall will be open to visitors 24 hours a day until Sunday afternoon. The closing ceremony is set for 4 p.m. Sunday.

Flathead smoke coming from Idaho

The Flathead Valley was socked in with smoke Thursday for the first time this summer, and according to the National Weather Service most of it was drifting in from wildfires in Idaho.

Back to school: Classes begin on Aug. 28 for Kalispell students

 In less than a week school bells will ring in the new school year for Kalispell Public Schools.

Northwestern A tees off season

Golf: Glacier boys lead Missoula Invitational

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Youths on prowl with soda bombs

The

Concession firm still has plenty of accommodations

After losing its Glacier National Park contract, Glacier Park Inc. has asked the National Park Service for a post-bid review.

County still mulling future of recycling program

A workshop about how to move forward with Flathead County’s recycling program yielded good discussion Tuesday but no clear consensus yet about what level of service to continue.

Year-round fun in the Flathead

In case you haven’t noticed, there’s a lot more to do here in the Flathead Valley during the “shoulder” months between our traditionally busy winter ski season and incredibly busy summers.

Pair narrowly escape flaming home

Firefighters from Columbia Falls gather around a house that burned early Wednesday morning. The Columbia Falls firefighters were joined by the Whitefish, Evergreen and Badrock fire departments in battling the fire.

Wildfire situation dire across state, West

National Guard to help with Lolo fires

Northwest Class A Starter Tournament

Columbia Falls sophomore Grant Wallace tees off during the Northwestern Class A Starter Tournament on Wednesday, August 21, at the Whitefish Lake Golf Club. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Mansion hosts 'Buffalo Bash' fundraiser

Local actor comes home to screen feature film

Guitar trio to release debut album at festival

Woolen Collectibles offers knitting classes

Museum to show Fab Four in classic film

Jazz stars come to the valley

Top musicians in town this week

John Pizzarelli

'Copperhead'

'A Hard Day's Night'

Kenneth E. Johnson, 88

LeeAnn Naomi Ott, 62

LeeAnn Naomi Ott, 62, of Kalispell, passed away peacefully on Aug. 19, 2013, at home, surrounded by family. 

Cindy Sherlock Martin, 65

Active Senior: Lois Katz

Lois Katz, 69, on Wednesday, August 21, in Kalispell. Katz is a RSVP volunteer. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Beaver Lake Sunrise

Dawn breaks over Beaver Lake north of Whitefish on Wednesday, August 21. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

The Lolo Creek Complex of fires

The Lolo Creek Complex of fires sends up a huge smoke plume Tuesday as the fire makes what one fire official called “a rather spectacular run” that forced more evacuations near Lolo.

Lolo fire toll raised to five homes burned

LOLO — A fifth house has been confirmed destroyed by a wildfire burning west of Missoula that has grown to 8,000 acres after a run late Tuesday afternoon.

Spartan Race: Event brings more than $1 million to the Flathead

The first Montana Spartan Race, held in Bigfork on May 11, created $1,148,000 in economic activity in the Flathead Valley, according to data recently compiled by the Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research at The University of Montana.

Lincoln County Fair offers old-fashioned fun

The Northwest Montana Fair in Kalispell may be over for another year, but that doesn’t mean your fun has to end. For a good, old-fashioned fair experience, head over to the Lincoln County Fair in Eureka from today through Sunday, Aug. 25.

Back on the gridiron

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Raymond Lee Sanford Jr., 74

Funeral services for Raymond Lee "Pepper" Sanford Jr., 74, of Sulphur Springs, Texas, will be conducted at noon Thursday, Aug. 22, at First United Methodist Church in Sulphur Springs with the Revs. Pete Adrian and Debbie Riggsby officiating. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Aug. 21, at West Oaks Funeral Home in Sulphur Springs. 

Whitefish City Council: Different opinions on spot zoning aired

Two schools of legal thought about spot zoning collided at Monday’s Whitefish City Council hearing for 2nd Street Residences, a housing project planned on one of the city’s remaining areas of open space within city limits.

Man accused of shooting his wife

A Kalispell man is facing a charge of attempted deliberate homicide after allegedly shooting his wife multiple times late Monday night.

Council divided over assessment increases

The Kalispell City Council handily passed a $46.8 million budget and property tax levies totaling 185.1 mills for fiscal year 2014 on Monday.

Power out for an hour in Bigfork area

Roughly 4,500 residents of southeast Flathead County lost power for an hour Tuesday when Flathead Electric Cooperative suffered a pair of simultaneous problems.

Bear worries campground host

A host at the Tally Lake Campground had someone contact the

Whitefish postpones vote on housing project

Just past midnight at Monday’s meeting, Whitefish City Council members decided they still had too many unanswered questions about the controversial 2nd Street Residences housing development, so they opted to table a decision until Sept. 3.

Four homes razed by Lolo fires

Fires have burned four homes so far in Western Montana, with high temperatures and increasing winds making the fires likely to keep spreading, a state fire official said Tuesday.

Tribal leader wants DUI charges dropped

 GREAT FALLS (AP) — A Blackfeet tribal leader and state senator accused of fleeing an officer during a drunken-driving stop has asked a judge to dismiss misdemeanor charges filed by federal prosecutors.

The Healing Wall passes through Polson

The Healing Wall, a traveling version of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall stopped briefly in Polson on its way to Whitefish on Tuesday, August 20. Dave Swayne of Polson, a two tour Vietnam veteran with the U.S. Navy, was there to see the procession with his family. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Vietnam Wall Memorial

Approximately 60 motorcycle honor guards escort The Healing Wall, a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, through downtown Kalispell on Tuesday afternoon. The wall will be set up at Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish from Thursday through Sunday and open for public viewing 24 hours a day. Aug. 20, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Flathead Football

Lineman perform blocking drills Tuesday morning during Flathead's football practice at Legends Field. Aug. 20, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Glacier Football Practice

Sophomore Kaden Schoenthal dives for a catch Tuesday afternoon during Glacier's football practice at Glacier High School. Aug. 20, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

The Healing Wall

Approximately 60 motorcycle honor guards escorted The Healing Wall, a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, through downtown Kalispell on Tuesday afternoon. The wall will be set up at Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish from Thursday through Sunday and be open for public viewing 24 hours a day. Thursday through Saturday, there will be a shuttle service from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with overflow parking at First Baptist Church on U.S. 93 south of Whitefish. On Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., overflow parking will be at the old Wendy’s parking lot on U.S. 93.

Gregg Davis

Economics professor Gregg Davis will be returning to Flathead Valley Community College this fall. Davis left in 2008.

Carmen Kreidel Karlberg, 89

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Eugene 'Duge' Koon, 83

Eugene “Duge” Koon, 83, of Polson, surrounded by his loving family, died on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2013, at St. Joseph Medical Center, of natural causes.

Donna Ann Larson, 81

Donna Ann Larson, 81, of Lewistown, passed away after a long illness on Aug. 18, 2013, at the Central Montana Skilled Nursing Center.

Eugene 'Gene' Thompson, 81

Eugene “Gene” Thompson, 81, went peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013, at his home near Lake Blaine, of natural causes.

Tilda 'Tillie' Lydia (Ost) Green, 83

Tillie passed away on June 30, 2013, at home, at the age of 83. 

Gov. Bullock declares fire emergency

West Fork Fire

The West Fork Fire near Lolo exploded on Monday, burning structures and forcing evacuations along U.S. 12.

Kalispell woman critical after shooting

A Kalispell woman was critically wounded by gunshots Monday night and her husband has been charged with attempted deliberate homicide.

County officials confer on recycling situation

The Flathead County commissioners and the landfill board will meet today to talk about whether or not the county will continue to subsidize its blue bin recycling program.

West Valley wants $6.8 million school addition

West Valley School District is asking voters to approve a $6.8 million bond request through a mail-ballot election in October.

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Ethan Cheney

Ethan Cheney, son of Robert and Stacey Cheney of Kalispell, was born May 7 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Kayden Konecky

Kayden Konecky, son of Seth and Jennifer Konecky of Kalispell, was born May 4 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Armand Sieler

Armand Sieler, son of Samuel and Angela Sieler of Kalispell, was born May 8 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Ayla Windom

Ayla Windom, daughter of Juston and Jessica Windom of Kalispell, was born May 2 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Rezerah Lundin

Rezerah Lundin, daughter of Morgan Lundin of Kalispell, was born April 23 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Luna Burton

Luna Burton, daughter of Bradley Burton and Jessie Harrell of Kalispell, was born May 5 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Zoey Hanson

Zoey Hanson, daughter of Seth Hanson and Marianne Weatherston of Kalispell, was born March 12 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Albert Guinn

Albert Guinn, son of Adam Guinn and Samantha Galiste of Kalispell, was born May 6 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Lola Beckman

Lola Beckman, daughter of Eddie and Ann Beckman of Kalispell, was born April 4 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Zebediah Ellis

Zebediah Ellis, son of Melissa Ellis of Kalispell, was born May 7 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Senya Johnson

Senya Johnson, daughter of Aaron and Jessica Johnson of Bigfork, was born May 4 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Liam Palmer

Liam Palmer, son of Kirstin Palmer of Kalispell, was born May 8 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Shemuel Arends

Shemuel Arends, son of John and Unisha Arends of Kalispell, was born April 28 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Golf: Polson girls dominate at Anaconda Invite

Senator brings Medicare chief to Libby

U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., is bringing the top official in charge of Medicare to Libby on Wednesday. 

Speaker Boehner visiting Bigfork on Tuesday

Speaker of the U.S. House John Boehner is visiting Bigfork today to attend a fundraiser on behalf of Montana’s lone U.S. representative, Steve Daines, a fellow Republican.

Man with bomb-making chemicals detained in Kalispell

MISSOULA — Residents in a three-block area of northern Missoula were evacuated Monday after a landlord found bomb-making chemicals in a tenant’s apartment.

Suspected thief confesses via text

County jobless rate hits five-year low

Traveling Vietnam memorial comes to Whitefish

Nils Lawrence 'Larry' Simonson, 91

Eugene 'Gene' Thompson, 81

Stoner Creek Fire

The Stoner Creek Fire is pictured Sunday around 9 p.m. from U.S. 93 on Political Hill.

Lakeside Fire helicopter

A helicopter scoops up water Monday morning from Flathead Lake near Lakeside to battle the Stoner Creek Fire west of Lakeside. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Get the Flathead Valley's Attention – In Print or Online

Make your message heard in the Daily Inter Lake and DailyInterLake.com, the Flathead Valley’s leading and most-relied-upon information source.

Damnation Fire map

This map from Flathead National Forest shows the progression of the Damnation Fire in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

Water drops keep Lakeside fire in check

The first significant wildland fire of the season in the Flathead Valley area has grown to an estimated 100 acres just west of Lakeside.

Comments sought for local road projects

The Montana Department of Transportation is asking for public comments on four road resurfacing projects planned for the Kalispell area.

Council to vote on $47 million budget

 Tonight is budget approval time for the Kalispell City Council, which votes on a nearly $47 million spending plan proposed for fiscal year 2014.

2nd Street project tops heavy Whitefish agenda

With five public hearings on tonight’s agenda — including approval of next year’s budget and the hot-button 2nd Street Residences project — it’s going to be a long night for the Whitefish City Council.

Photo phenom: Little exhibitor wins big at the fair

Matthew VanSwearingen is only 4, but he knows what he likes when it comes to taking pictures.

Whitefish Summer Games make a comeback

Lakers' Eaves to play baseball for NMSU

Wheat field fire a smoky sight

At approximately 3:10 p.m. yesterday, Creston Fire units responded to a burning wheat field near the juncture of Steel Bridge Road and Egan Road.

Former fire marshal dies at 81

Eugene “Gene” Thompson, who served as the Kalispell fire marshal during a string of downtown fires during the 1970s that caused millions of dollars in damage and was a recent state president of the Montana Landlords Association, died Sunday at age 81.

30 Acre fire in near Steel Bridge Road

Firefighters from the Creston Fire Department and the DNRC wrap up a 30 acre fire on Sunday afternoon, August 18, near the intersection of Egan Road and Muddy Lane. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Fair: Photography Grand Champion

One of Matthew Van Swearingen's award-winning pictures is displayed in the Expo Center on Friday afternoon at the Northwest Montana Fair at the Flathead County Fairgrounds. Aug. 16, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Panel puts brakes on road job

Kalispell’s plan to build Four Mile Drive with its yearly allocations of federal urban highway money hit a roadblock in July when the Montana Transportation Commission refused to sign off on the project.

Bypass construction work ramping up

Construction of the north end of the Kalispell U.S. 93 bypass moves into the night hours starting Monday as the $6.7 million project ramps up.

Breding best in bulls at Fair PRCA Rodeo

Second place isn’t good enough for Parker Breding anymore.

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Golf: Kalispell's Lindholm wins state Mid-Am championship

Kalispell’s Logan Lindholm became the first northwest Montana golfer to win the Montana State Mid-Amateur championship on Saturday, shooting a round of 74 to secure an eight-stroke victory at Buffalo Hill Golf Club.

Northwest Montana Fair Rodeo

Parker Breding of Edgar won the bull riding competition with a score of 91 on Saturday night during the final session of the Northwest Montana Fair PRCA Rodeo at the Flathead County Fairgrounds. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

State Mid-Am Golf

Logan Lindholm smiles after a tee shot Saturday afternoon on the final day of the State Mid-Am Tournament at Buffalo Hill Golf Club. Aug. 17, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Skin color doesn't define Hispanic

In his July 14 guest opinion titled “The many shades of racism, some of which don’t count!,” Columbia Falls letter writer P. David Myerowitz made more than a few statements which, by any standard of measurement, “don’t count.”

Campers of all ages explore the outdoors with Ravenwood

Under the bright morning sun, campers of all ages, from babies to grandparents, gather around a small campfire. Each camper walks up to the fire and tosses in what looks like a sprig of evergreen and shares what they hope to learn that day.

Luxury real estate auctions increase as vehicle for selling local properties

New York City-based Concierge Auctions will take local auctions to a new level on Tuesday when Endless Sky Estate in Whitefish sells to the highest bidder in an event that promises to be as sophisticated and luxurious as the home itself.

Horse event to be richest ever in U.S.

Majestic Valley Arena hosts championship showdown in October

The World Class Bucking Horse Association finals held last fall at Majestic Valley Arena this year will be called the Cinch Bucking Horse Championships and claim the status of being the richest bucking horse event ever held in the United States.

The girl who kicked the yellow jacket/wasp/hornet's nest

Dear readers, I stand corrected. Apparently the winged warriors I wrote about two weeks ago are not bees; they’re yellow jackets. At least that’s what several people have told me, based on the fact that the swarm of stinging insects are holed up in what appears to be an underground soil cavity in my raspberry patch.

Stock sale hits nearly $294,000

The annual market stock sale grossed nearly $294,000 Saturday as local 4-H and FFA members bid farewell to their steers, hogs, and lambs.  

Time to send in the clowns?

As America retreats from the Middle East, like it or not, Egypt is now the new front line in the global war against Islamic jihad, or “the war on terror” as we once called it. Now we don’t call it much of anything anymore. Or at least we are not supposed to. We just apologize for America and appease the radicals who want to kill us.

Winter fun: pond hockey

The Kalispell Convention and Visitor Bureau also is focusing on another new event, the inaugural Montana Pond Hockey Classic on Foy’s Lake, set for Feb. 21-23, 2014.

Right wing wants to return to feudalism

The new conservatives’ rallying cry is that government is the enemy. They mistake our government for the former Soviet Union, or confuse Ayn Rand’s fictional greed and selfishness as good moral values.

Endless Sky Estate

Endless Sky Estate on 20 acres on Lion Mountain near Whitefish will be auctioned by Concierge Auctions of New York City on Tuesday. The home has been for sale for $11.3 million since it was built in 2005.

These days, it's 'We the governed'

Has anyone experienced disappointment in any of the ever-growing government agencies? Have any of them broken your trust? How are the “War on Poverty” and the “War on Drugs” working out? Do you vote for an elected official to do a good job for you and then imagine that your work is done, as if your trash collector relieves you the responsibility of picking up after yourselves?

Agriculture alive and well in valley

One might think that local agriculture has faded after years of farmlands being converted to subdivisions and the fact that fewer than 1 percent of Americans are farmers, but this week’s fair and the development of a new agriculture program at Flathead Valley Community College are evidence to the contrary.

Wilderness fire grows to 1,375 acres

A lightning-caused fire in the Bob Marshall Wilderness grew to 1,375 acres on Saturday.

Bear encounters a yearly ordeal for pair daughter

Grizzly run-ins a common theme for dad, daughter

Call it a daddy-daughter bonding experience extraordinaire.

Bear encounters

Bob and Rebecca Zurek are pictured on the trail in Glacier National Park earlier this month. On Aug. 2 during a hike on the Loop Trail, they were temporarily stopped by a grizzly bear that blocked a bridge on the trail. The grizzly encounter for the Zureks came almost a year to the day after a bear confrontation on a different Glacier National Park trail.

Parades, history and a look at our common heritage

Everybody loves a parade!

Northwest Montana Fair Stock Sale

Glen and Megan Paulson prepare their steer for the Northwest Montana Fair Market Stock Sale Saturday morning at the Flathead County Fairgrounds. Aug. 17, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Talli Carmalt

At last summer’s Northwest Montana Fair Market Stock Sale, Carmalt shows her grand champion steer

Gordon H. Iverson, 94

Gordon Iverson passed away on Aug. 6, 2013, in Spokane, at the age of 94.

Devra S. Kostelecky, 55

Our mother, Devra S. Kostelecky, passed away at the age of 55, on July 24, 2013.

Jeanette Mary (Christensen) Mortensen, 93

Passed away peacefully at her home in Whitefish on Aug. 11, 2013. 

Governor Bullock visits state's first injection oil wells

Rodeo: Lait upstages Mote, Davis

Matt Lait, a 26-year-old cowboy from Stavely, Alberta, was competing in a crowded and highly-decorated bareback lineup Friday night during the second performance of the Northwest Montana Fair PRCA Rodeo at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.

Golf: Lindholm in charge at Mid-Am

Familiarity seems to be paying off.

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Devra S. Kostelecky, 55

Northwest Montana Fair results

 The following individuals received honors for their agriculture and horticulture, crafts, dairy cattle, and beef exhibits at the 2013 Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo:

Jeanette Mary (Christensen) Mortensen, 93

Bear attacks hurt 4 in, near Yellowstone

Columbia River: Groups weigh in on treaty

Environmentalists are weighing in on the Columbia River Treaty, calling on the United States to prioritize salmon and river health as preparations are made to re-negotiate the treaty with Canada.

Northwest Montana Fair Rodeo

Competitors race in the Indian Relay Races as the sun sets Thursday night during the second night of the Northwest Montana Fair Rodeo at the Flathead County Fairgrounds. Aug. 16, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Awesome armbender

Man brings arm wrestling back to Northwest Montana Fair

After a long absence, arm wrestling returns to the Northwest Montana Fair Sunday afternoon.

The 2013 Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo Parade

The 2013 Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo Parade made its way up Kalispell’s Main Street Friday morning to the thrill of a crowd that lined both sides of the street for several blocks.  

Neighbor doesn't appreciate a good stake

The

Rabbit showmanship

Melissa Johnson of Coram keeps her cool as her English Spot rabbit "Frenchie" decides to climb up her shirt as she waits her turn in rabbit judging contest on Friday, August 16, at the Northwest Montana Fair in Kalispell.

Northwest Montana Fair parade

A member of the Legion of Honor of the Algeria Shrine out of Helena maneuvers his unique bicycle down Main Street.

Fair parade

The Flathead County Republican Women put on a patriotic display at the Northwest Montana Fair Parade on Friday morning in downtown Kalispell.

State Mid-Am Golf Tournament

Logan Lindholm chips onto the 14th green Friday afternoon during the State Mid-Am Golf Tournament at Buffalo Hill Golf Club. Aug. 16, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Lakeside: Popular lakefront park could be expanded

Just three years after dedicating the popular Volunteer Park on the shore of Flathead Lake in Lakeside, Flathead County has an opportunity to expand the park with financial help from the same philanthropic couple who created it.

Taxes stay steady in $56 million school budget

Kalispell Public Schools is in good financial shape going into the 2013-14 school year.

Fair PRCA rodeo: Halko handles Turbo Tax

Bozeman’s Shaun Halko was the only one of four bull riders to record a score in the first go of the Northwest Montana Fair PRCA Rodeo at Flathead County Fairgrounds Thursday evening.

State Mid Am Golf Tourney

Doni Walter of Kalispell watches his shot off the 14th tee box Thursday afternoon at Buffalo Hill Golf Club during the opening round of the State Mid-Am Golf Tournament. Aug. 15, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo

Seth Fenner of Browning rides in the saddle bronc Thursday night during the first night of the Northwest Montana Fair PRCA Rodeo at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.

Lindholm leads Men's Mid-Am golf

Kalispell’s Logan Lindholm roared out to a commanding lead during the first day of the 27th annual Montana State Men’s Mid-Amateur golf championship on Thursday at Buffalo Hill Golf Club.

Court upholds 6-year property reappraisals

Don't wolves harm living things?

Did anyone else see the irony in this week’s news about Earth First! putting out a manual on how to disrupt wolf hunts and sabotage wolf traps?

Chief Mountain: Blackfeet cancel oil, gas leases

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Fire restrictions now in place at local state parks

Montana State Parks announced Thursday that parks in Northwest Montana are now under Stage One fire restrictions, which allow for campfires only in designated steel fire grates.

European students going door-to-door selling books

Door-to-door sales may be rare these days, but Meelis Mikiver and Raido Raad are doing just that in the Flathead Valley this summer.

Loud car leads to neighbor dispute

The

Fair results

Exhibitors of all ages are raking in trophies and ribbons at the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo as Open Class and 4-H/FFA competitions continue.

Kids embrace the fair's new carnival operators

For the first time in a long time, Inland Empire Shows and Royal West Amusements were not the ones providing the thrill rides for fun-seekers at the Northwest Montana Fair.

Single Vehicle Roll-Over

First responders from West Valley and Whitefish Fire Departments work to extract a person from a single vehicle roll-over accident on Whitefish Stage Road on Thursday evening, August 15, south of Whitefish. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Northwest Montana Fair Carnival

A carnival worker waits for customers Wednesday night at the Northwest Montana Fair at the Flathead County Fairgrounds. Aug. 14, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Gus Stein

Gus Stein is a new pediatric and comprehensive ophthalmologist at Glacier Eye Clinic.

Carnival

Carnival attendees enjoy rides such as the YoYo, left, and the Zipper, right, Wednesday night at the Northwest Montana Fair at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.

Lana Jean Reisinger, 65

Lana Jean Reisinger passed away at home on Aug. 10, 2013, with her loving husband Skip and precious family by her side. She had fought valiantly against multiple illnesses with unfailing humor and uncompromising strength.

Profile: Gay Moddrell

Gay Moddrell, longtime director of Special Friends Advocacy, sits on the back of the truck where she and others will be making fry bread for the Music in the Park on Tuesday, August 13, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Flathead Business Journal: ZAF Energy Systems

Ron Brost of ZAF Energy Systems displays one of the jelly roll 32650 cells and the materials that are rolled up inside it on Monday, August 12, in Columbia Falls. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Northwest Montana Fair: Draft Horses

John Hanson of Hanson's Carriage Company in Marion, dusts off Jethro, a three-month old Clydesdale on Thursday, August 15, at the Northwest Montana Fair in Kalispell. In the background is Lacy, Jethro's mother. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Northwest Montana Fair: Matt Phillips

Arm Wrestling Referee Matt Phillips, center, demonstrates an arm wrestling match between Chuck Hurt, left, and Stan Watkins on Thursday, August 15, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Northwest Montana Fair: Glacier Woodturners

Richard Galloway of the Glacier Woodturners prepares the booth for the Northwest Montana Fair on Thursday, August 15, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Awesome armbender

Matt Phillips, the Montana State Director of the American Armsport Association, is bringing the sport back to the Northwest Montana Fair.

Jethro

Jethro, a 3-month-old Clydesdale, rests in a pile of wood shavings at the Draft Horse Barn at the Northwest Montana Fair on Thursday in Kalispell.

Bright View gets nod from board

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s plan to subdivide 32 acres of Section 36 school trust land for Bright View Professional cleared the advisory Kalispell Planning Board with unanimous support Tuesday.

Rodeo: Hill hopes to defend title

West Glacier’s Beau Hill electrified his home crowd with a winning ride at last year’s Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo, and he’ll be the main attraction when this year’s PRCA event kicks off tonight at 7:30 p.m at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.

State Mid-Am tees off today at Buffalo Hill

The Montana State Men’s Mid-Amateur golf tournament begins today at Buffalo Hill Golf Club, the first time the area has hosted the tournament since 2008.

Concert canceled due to singer's illness

Wednesday night’s Chris Young concert at the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo was canceled just a few hours before the scheduled show.

Homer Alexander Bruce, 64

Homer Alexander “Al” Bruce passed away Aug. 13, 2013, in Hungry Horse. 

Woman reports threat via sticker

A woman with a sticker-laden car complained to

New director to take helm of 911 center

A new director of Flathead County’s consolidated 911 center will start work on Monday.

Daybook

Thursday

Sole vocal rooster wins it all

It was a classic underdog story. A cocky youngster wins an upstart victory over a larger bruiser — a ringer brought in just for the sake of winning a competition known for fowl play.

Flathead is home to innovators

A badly injured man can walk again and football players are better able to protect their heads, thanks to the efforts of some Kalispell creative thinkers.

Nominations sought for Great Chief, other Chamber awards

During its annual awards banquet on Nov. 14, the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce plans to give its highest honor to a community member who has demonstrated the best in civic and volunteer spirit over a lifetime, providing a lasting legacy for the community.

Dance lessons available in Kalispell

Tickets still available to guitar festival

Seniors invited to join band

2 new exhibits open at Hockaday

Bigfork troupe's season wraps up

Shakespeare in the Parks comes to NW Montana

Country star gives benefit concert

Adult classes planned at art museum

Artist to unveil painting at open house

Preparing for the Macy's Day Parade

Carson Cantrell, a soon to be junior, plays the sax on Wednesday afternoon, August 14, at the Bigfork High School. Cantrell will be taking part in this year's Macy's Day Parade. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Estonian entrepreneurs

Meelis Mikiver, left, and Raido Raad, both 24 and from Estonia, are in the Flathead Valley selling books to raise money for their fall university terms.

Crowning glory at the fair

A Dutch bantam rooster belonging to Sarah Johnson was the hands-down winner at the Rooster Crowing contest on Wednesday afternoon at the Northwest Montana Fair in Kalispell.

Bigfork sax player to march in Macy's Parade

Carson Cantrell, a soon-to-be junior at Bigfork High School, will be taking part in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

As the Rooster Crows

As the Rooster Crows Stacie Marinaccio laughs helplessly to herself as she watches the time count down for the second place run at the Rooster Crowing contest on Wednesday afternoon, August 14, at the Northwest Montana State Fair. As soon as Marianaccio announced the competition the rooster became nearly silent. Sarah Johnson's Dutch Bantam took first place with four crows. It was the only rooster to sound off in round one of the competition. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Howard Richard Glazier, 84

Gus Stein

Gus Stein. Aug. 14, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Carl Luckow, 85

Carl passed away Aug. 3, 2013, in the hospital at Salmon Arm, B.C.

Ravenwood Camp

Talon Holmquist, left, looks down the piece of wood he is carving into a bow Friday morning at the Ravenwood Camp north of Columbia Falls. Aug. 9, 2013 in Columbia Falls, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Shakespeare in the Parks

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks performs a scene from "Henry V."

Neal McCoy

Back to School at Target

Sandy Fullerton of Kalispell, a Salvation Army volunteer, helps Nevaeh Myers, who will be a 4th grader at Bigfork, with her back to school shopping on Wednesday, August 14, at Target, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Lip-balm firm seeks special permit

Owners of the Hurraw! vegan lip-balm business are building a new manufacturing facility in Baker Commons in Whitefish and want to temporarily expand their home-based operation until the new facility is finished in January.

$25 Deal for $20 at Big Sky Waterpark!

Big Sky Waterpark

How (not) to catch a wolf

Advocates post how-to manual for saboteurs

Lt. Gen. James M. Kowalski

Man held at gunpoint pleads guilty

A Kalispell man facing a slew of criminal charges pleaded guilty last Thursday to felony theft and assault with a weapon charges and guilty by way of Alford plea to fleeing from or eluding a peace officer, a misdemeanor.

Fire danger returns to high level

Despite some recent moisture in parts of the Flathead Valley, fire danger has moved back to high, according to a news release Tuesday from Flathead National Forest.

Engines ready to rev at 'Ignite the Nites' show

For three days, the normally quiet streets of Libby will come alive with the roar of engines and squeal of tires. Smoke and fire will fill the evenings, and the sun will shine off lovingly polished chrome and perfect paint from more than 400 hot rods and special interest vehicles.

Malmstrom fails missile security test

Man reports son for car theft

Monday evening, the

Entrance is free to Glacier Park on Sunday

Entrance fees to Glacier National Park will be waived on Sunday, Aug. 25 to celebrate the 97th birthday of the National Park Service.

Daybook

Grandfather's accident can't keep kids from annual event

When the Morris family brought livestock to the Northwest Montana Fair on Monday morning, it was under a cloud of worry — not that they let it stop them.

Temperatures rising in Flathead Lake

Flathead Lake is remarkably clean this year but could possibly get warmer than ever this summer, Yellow Bay Biological Station Director Jack Stanford said during his State of the Lake address at the recent annual Flathead Lakers meeting.

Xanterra to replace Glacier Park Inc. as park concessioner

Glacier National Park’s longtime concessioner will be replaced starting next year.

Vernice 'Vicky' Kramer, 85

Gerald S. 'Jerry' Park, 76

Gerald S. "Jerry" Park, 76, passed away peacefully at his Kalispell home on Aug. 12, 2013.

Kaare Martin Hitland, 88

Bigfork man celebrates 100th birthday

Daybook

U.S. 93 corridor plan focus of open house

An open house to take public comments on a corridor plan in the works for U.S. 93 West in Whitefish will be Tuesday, Aug. 20, at Whitefish City Hall.

Woman pleads not guilty to felony drug charge

One of two people charged after allegedly being caught with a quarter pound of methamphetamine hidden in the bumper of a car has pleaded not guilty to a felony drug charge.

Advocate pushes for goats to be part of auction

Woman requests help with cat-astrophe

Coupon program helps seniors get fresh, local food

Hungry Horse woman sentenced for Medicaid fraud

MISSOULA — A 48-year-old Hungry Horse woman who pleaded guilty to illegally receiving Medicaid and Social Security disability benefits by hiding assets has been sentenced to eight months in prison and ordered to pay $82,000 in restitution.

Devoted fair family

Casey Morris and her daughters Alexis, 6, left, and Isabell, 10, are pictured at the Flathead County Fairgrounds on Monday in Kalispell.

Glacier Band Camp

David Barr leads students in day one of band camp on Monday, August 12, at Glacier High School. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Vincent Charles Kubas, 79

John A. Parodi, 94

Engagements

Hands-on knowledge

Longtime employee knows fair inside and out

Nuggett Carmalt’s first job at the Northwest Montana Fair wasn’t a glamorous one, but it involved horses, and she loved it.

Huckleberry Days

Ashley Davison, 6, of Kalispell, enjoying Huckleberry Days at Depot Park in Whitefish on Sunday, August 11. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Fill the Boot in Whitefish

Firefighter/paramedic Scott Alexander of the Whitefish Fire Department and others collect donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association on Saturday, August 10, in downtown Whitefish. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

31st Annual Big Mountain Run

Andrew Matulionis, left, and Bill Summers running the 31st Annual Big Mountain Run on the Danny On trail on Saturday morning, August 10, in Whitefish. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Child dies, four people hurt in U.S. 93 crash

A 6-year-old Canadian girl died Sunday in a head-on collision near Olney that injured four other people, including the girl’s mother and two brothers, and left U.S. 93 closed for more than three hours.

Work session focus is extension of services plan

Kalispell’s extension of services plan is the focus of an informal work session the Kalispell City Council holds tonight.

Man pleads no contest after impersonating lawman

A Kalispell man has pleaded no contest to a reduced charge after impersonating an officer.

Dandy decorators

Local 4-H club spiffs up floriculture building

For months leading up to this year’s Northwest Montana Fair, the Dandy Dudes & Dolls 4-H club have been preparing for the crowds.

Profile of Nuggett Carmalt

Longtime office manager Nuggett Carmalt at the fairgrounds on Monday, August 5, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Fair Preview: Woodworking

Maggie McKeon, Alyssa Ruranch, Jenna Skonar, Cole Gunderson, Wyatt Dull, Logan Gunderson and Trevor Weyers sit outside the Florticulture building Wednesday afternoon at the Flathead County Fairgrounds. Aug. 7, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Kalispell man makes plea deal in wife-beating case

A Kalispell man has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge after beating his wife unconscious.

Libby asbestos: EPA promises assessment of risk by late next year

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has outlined a new timetable of late 2014 to produce results from three studies that will be pivotal in determining nearly every decision a remedial team in Libby will make during the remaining years of the asbestos cleanup.

Daybook

Sunday

Fair enough

Touching the prized produce on display was a no-no in bygone days, as this sign suggests.

Foes angry over new oil leases

North shore preservation planned

BPA would pay $1.6 million for land near lake

The metal blades of an old windmill clanged over the fields of golden wheat last week on the north shore of Flathead Lake. An old red barn, left over from the Wittlake family farm, still stands, while rusted old farm implements lie in the tall grass.

Ken Hartle

Ken Hartle during his days with the U.S. Navy.

Consensus or junk science?

I suppose those of us who support the minority of scientists who believe that man-made global warming is a theory (and not a very good one at that), not proven science, should not be allowed to exercise OUR free speech, as opposed to Bob Muth Sr. (“Global warming is not just an opinion — it’s a consensus,” Aug. 2) and Jerry Elwood “Editor’s denial of climate change is ‘paranoid’,” Aug. 4) who have taken Managing Editor Frank Miele to the woodshed for voicing an opposing opinion.

Shoplifter has bad hair day

A woman eager for luxurious locks was trespassed from a S. Main Street business for attempting to steal a couple hundred dollars worth of hair products.

Senators get it right on Keystone

Cheers to Montana Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester for pushing for legislation that would call on President Barack Obama to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline as soon as possible, for the sake of jobs.

Fair enough: Annual event has solidified the Flathead for 111 years

Not many local events have had the staying power of the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo.

A man of valor: WWII salvage diver, 100, recalls 'Seabee' days

On a grassy hilltop off McMannamy Draw, Ken Hartle spent his 100th birthday Thursday just as he had seen it in his dreams several years ago, surrounded by family with his great-grandchildren holding a festive poster declaring well wishes for “Papa.”

Glacier fundraiser features Sprunger's work

Three Rivers Bank is spearheading a fundraiser for the Glacier National Park Conservancy with a memorial tribute to well-known Bigfork artist Elmer Sprunger.

What are the facts about Obamacare?

Obamacare.

So what can we do about our DUI mess in Montana?

DUI in Montana: Who is to blame and who can fix it?

Frances Marie (Thomas) Willis, 86

On Aug. 7, 2013, Frances Marie (Thomas) Willis died peacefully at Immanuel Lutheran Communities, at the age of 86. 

Gary Vaughn Wilson, 51

Common sense is OK, but it sure can't make pigs fly!

On the subject of immigration, some people try to frame the debate as if you have to be either pro-immigration or anti-immigration.

Gary Vaughn Wilson Jr., 51

Gary Vaughn Wilson Jr., 51, passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2013, at his home in Missoula of natural causes.

31st Annual Big Mountain Run

Thomas Henson, front, and Jack Steele, both of Whitefish lead the runners at the start of the 31st Annual Big Mountain Run on the Danny On trail on Saturday morning, August 10, in Whitefish. Henson won the race with a time of 38 minutes and 40 seconds. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Epic Shore to Shore Race

Chris Cochran of Missoula smiles as he crosses the finish line of the five mile race, part of the Epic Shore to Shore Race on Flathead Lake on Saturday, August 10, at the North Flathead Yacht Club in Somers. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Vickie Ann Johnson, 56

Howard Richard Glazier, 84

Howard Richard Glazier, 84, passed away Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013, at his home in Kalispell.

Lloyd Rueben Stevens, 94

Black bear breaks into Idaho kitchen

Two Kalispell mothers plead not guilty to drunken driving

A pair of Kalispell mothers have pleaded not guilty to felony charges after allegedly driving drunk with children in their vehicles just two days apart.

4-Hers learn about diseases

Natalee Wheeler, left, gets help from Montana State University immunology and infectious diseases assistant professor Jovanka Voyich-Kane during an infectious disease lab, part of BioScience Montana.

4-Hers learn about diseases through state program

Claudia Hewston didn’t think she’d love learning about infectious diseases until she attended BioScience Montana.

City explores privatizing airport management

Want to try your hand at managing Kalispell’s politically charged general aviation airport, preferably for less than the $48,000 a year the city currently is spending? City officials plan to advertise a request for proposals for the job later this month.

Berniece DeLaire (Reynolds) Bishop, 87

Berniece DeLaire (Reynolds) Bishop, 87, of Stevensville, passed away at Hillside Manor in Missoula on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013.

Daybook

Saturday

Grizzly bears on the move

Male moved to Cabinet Mountains

Another young male grizzly bear has been moved to the Cabinet Mountains from the Whitefish Range, and a female bear that was relocated two years ago has developed some remarkable traveling habits.

Dog owner possessive about poo

Scams bear down on Flathead residents

It has been said that the only things you can depend on are death and taxes, but scams may rank a close third, and a few new scams have now joined myriad others targeting Flathead Valley residents.

Michael Dee Patton, 64

Michael Dee Patton, 64, passed away peacefully after a brief illness, on Aug. 7, 2013, at the Atlanta Northside Hospital in Georgia.

Huckleberry Days in Whitefish

Lisa and Chase Anderson of Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., and their son Chase, 13, look through the work of Dwight and Regina Masak of Pocatello, Idaho — a sample of whose work is shown below at right — Friday at the Huckleberry Days Arts Festival at Depot Park in Whitefish. The festival continues from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Week in Pictures: July 29 - August 4

Fair Preview: Woodworking

Woodworking. Aug. 7, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

North Fork

A view of the North Fork road Thursday afternoon from the Glacier View Mountain Trail. Aug. 8, 2013 in North Fork, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Fair Preview: Goats

From left, Jaclyn Faulk, Kirra Turner, Tyler Faulk, Alexis Faulk, Riley Loff and Ally Turner pose for a picture with their goats at a ranch west of Kalispell.

Park paving begins Monday

Paving will begin Monday on Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road between Avalanche and Logan creeks.

Legion baseball: Eaves, Winslow, Crawfords named all-state

BOZEMAN — Dillon Eaves of the Kalispell Lakers, Jared Winslow of the Libby Loggers and Jeremiah Crawford and Nick Crawford, both of the Mission Valley Mariners, have been named to the Class AA and Class A 2013 Universal Athletic American Legion Baseball All-State teams.

Charles Henry 'Charlie' Smart, 59

Charles Henry “Charlie” Smart passed away Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013, at his home.

Kila driver denies 4th DUI charge

A Kila man has pleaded not guilty to what would be his fourth offense of driving under the influence.

Deputies arrest violent woman

City Council OKs new bike path along U.S. 93

With the Kalispell City Council’s approval, work should start soon on a new stretch of bike path along U.S. 93.

Third man pleads not guilty to assault

The last of three men charged in the assault of a man at the Ferndale Market has pleaded not guilty to felony aggravated assault.

6 charged in Montana tribal program for kids

Man pleads not guilty in stabbing incident

A Kalispell man who turned himself in after allegedly stabbing a man who was visiting with his ex-girlfriend has pleaded not guilty to a pair of assault charges.

Utilities blast Columbia River Treaty

Utilities across the Pacific Northwest, including Flathead Electric Cooperative, are sounding off against draft recommendations for the future of the Columbia River Treaty, saying they haven’t been adequately represented in a process that could result in economic impacts for rate payers and the region.

Daybook

North Fork work day

U.S. Sen. Max Baucus swings a pulaski Thursday morning while working on the Glacier View Mountain Trail on the Flathead National Forest near the North Fork of the Flathead River. Baucus has spent nearly 40 years working to protect the North Fork, most recently with his North Fork Watershed Protection Act. This was Baucus’ 96th “work day” in Montana.

Countdown: Fair time nearly here

If visions of cotton candy and funnel cakes are dancing in your head, there’s a reason for that. It’s nearly fair week!

North Fork

U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, left, works alongside Montana Conservation Corps crews Thursday afternoon to reinforce a berm in a switch back of the Glacier View Mountain Trail 381 in the Flathead National Forest near the North Fork of the Flathead River. Aug. 8, 2013 in North Fork, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

U.S. Sen. Max Baucus

U.S. Sen. Max Baucus smiles during his 96th “work day” in Montana up the North Fork last summer. President Barack Obama has nominated Baucus as ambassador to China.

WWII Salvage Diver

Ken Hartle surrounded by his family prior to his 100th birthday, on Thursday, August 7, west of Kalispell. Row 1, left to right, Annie Hartle, 3, Laurell Hartle, his granddaughter, Oliver Hartle, 6, Ken Hartle, Karen Dahl, his daughter. Row 2, Debbie Hartle, his daughter-in-law, Robbie Mayotte, his grandson, David Mayotte, son-in-law, Bryan Dahl, grandson, and Kathy Mayott, daughter. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

World War II salvage diver

Ken Hartle sits outside his son’s house on McMannamy Draw west of Kalispell on Aug. 7, which was the day before his 100th birthday.

Profile of Nuggett Carmalt

Longtime office manager Nuggett Carmalt at the fairgrounds on Monday, August 5, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Festival Amadeus

Nadia Nargi of Whitefish, right, Nick Rowe of Great Falls and instructor Michael Certalic of Bozeman work with the blue grass ensemble on Thursday morning, August 8, in Whitefish. Certalic has been teaching at Festival Amadeus for all six years the camp has taken place. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Kalispell school additions nearly completed

Except for a few minor items to be completed, the Peterson Elementary School addition is ready, weeks ahead of schedule.

Statue of white-tailed deer to be unveiled

A bronze statue of two heroic-sized white-tailed deer is being installed this week at the northwest corner of U.S. 93 and U.S. 2 in Kalispell.

Caution justified on Obamacare changes

The Legislature’s decision to delay implementing a state-based health-care exchange was a wise move in helping Montana “look before it leaps” into full-fledged participation in Obamacare. There are just too many unknowns lurking within the new health-care law.

Defense in Sherry Arnold case seeks police files

Pair pleading not guilty to murder of Sidney teacher

Mother in bad frame of mind

Stan Lynde

Stan Lynde reflects on his journey as a well-known cartoonist in November 2012 at the Montana Historical Society in Helena.

Daybook

Thursday

Kalispell vo-ag teacher earns national recognition

Kalispell Public Schools vocational agriculture teacher Justin Heupel recently was recognized for his leadership and success in the classroom and the community.

Thomas Leland Aggson, 81

State issues megaload permit

Game changer: Football teams embracing Kalispell man's helmet latch

Jim Wegener was changing a lightbulb in his ex-wife’s house in Seattle when the light came on — literally and figuratively.

Western cartoonist dies at age 81 - Stan Lynde lived in the Flathead Valley for many years

Western cartoonist and author Stan Lynde, creator of the nationally syndicated “Rick O’Shay” comic strip, died of cancer Tuesday in Helena. He was 81.

Football Helmets

The new latch design features a sliding lock to prevent the helmet from coming off in the middle of a play. Aug. 6, 2013 in Creston, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Game changer

Jim Wegener shows off his new design for football helmet chinstraps Tuesday afternoon at his home near Creston.

Mountain Standard Time brings 'FreeGrass' to Whitefish

Former Kalispell resident comes home for book signing

Libby hosts Riverfront Blues Festival

Beer book author on tap locally

Bigfork Players hold auditions Aug. 19-20

Drum Brothers plan Kila retreat

'Alpine Artisans' exhibit planned in Bigfork

BMAH 'Alpine Artisans'

Ryan Newhouse

Ryan Newhouse, author of “Montana Beer: A Guide to Breweries in Big Sky Country,” will be at Great Northern Brewing Co., 2 Central Ave., Whitefish, from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, and at Brix Bottleshop, 101 E. Center St., Suite 102, Kalispell, from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10.

Willow Feller

Drum Brothers

Mountain Standard Time

Mountain Standard Time plays its "Rocky Mountain FreeGrass" sound at the Great Northern Bar Aug. 13.

Fair concerts offer music for all ages

Chris Young

Chris Young

Elmer Sprunger prints

Reproductions of two painting by Elmer Sprunger on display at Three Rivers Bank on East Idaho on Wednesday, August 7, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

More This Week in the Flathead articles

Obit Stan Lynde

Stan Lynde reflects on his journey as a well-known cartoonist at the Montana Historical Society in Helena Nov. 9, 2012. Lynde, creator of the “Rick O’Shay” comic strip, died of cancer Tuesday in Helena. He was 81.

Kalispell man pleads not guilty to charge of his fourth DUI

 A Kalispell man has pleaded not guilty to what would be his fourth offense of driving under the influence.

Former bookkeeper admits embezzling, has to repay $11,000

A Columbia Falls woman has admitted embezzling nearly $11,500 from her employer.

Man sentenced after pleading guilty to his fourth DUI

A Kalispell man has received the maximum possible penalty after pleading guilty to his fourth offense of driving under the influence.

Bohlinger considers running as Democrat

Stanley Lyman Bruce, 79

Canoe captains know their place

The

Daybook

Wednesday

Local businesses help heroes find homes

Even though the real estate market has been challenged in recent years and home prices have fallen, buying or selling a home can still be an expensive proposition. Commissions, closing costs and all the other extra fees tacked on to that base price can quickly add up to make that home remain a dream.

Man accused of vehicular mayhem

A Lakeside man has denied pushing another vehicle through a garage door with his pickup truck just three months after being given a 10-year suspended sentence for felony criminal endangerment.

Man describes being hurt, trapped after crash

Urban training for local disasters

Kalispell fire captain learns more about coping with chaos of an earthquake

An urban search and rescue training course that Kalispell Fire Department captain Rob Cherot took this summer should help firefighters be a little more prepared to respond to a building collapse in the event of a strong earthquake.

We'll be loyal Scouts

Eagle Scout Danny Quinones, 17, of Helena, leads a maps and compass course for a group of Webelos as part of session three of the Webelos Residence Camp on Aug. 5 at Grizzly Base Camp near Bigfork. In the three sessions nearly 150 kids and more than 75 adults have taken part in activities that include swimming, shooting BB guns, learning archery, studying nature and more. The activities offer Scouts the opportunity to advance by earning belt loops and pins.

Heavy rainfall causes damage

Last Friday’s heavy rainfall in Whitefish led to numerous mudslides around Whitefish Lake and caused a massive breach in a private pond off Big Mountain Road that sent a wall of water toward Les Mason State Park.

Bill Lynch, 76

Bill Lynch, born July 2, 1937, in Kalispell, and raised in Swan Lake, Condon and Kalispell passed away on Aug. 4, 2013, at his home in Kalispell.

Photo Contest

Webelos at Grizzly Base Camp

Webelos hold up their compasses showing they are ready for the maps and compass course at Webelos Residence Camp on Monday, August 5, near Bigfork. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Blue Lake

A duck makes its way across Blue Lake in the early hours of Sunday, July 4, near Stryker. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

All-night bike ride frightens wife

Greg Weimer obit

Active bears force closure of campground

Somers man accused of sexual abuse

Ronald 'Ron' Jerry Krantz, 70

Construction starts on Kalispell bypass

Ronald Krantz obit

More on mold: Do your homework

Harry 'Doc' Julius Schneider, 72,

Greg Weimer, 51

Photo Contest Instory

Musical homecoming

Former Kalispell woman happy to be singing for old friends at one of Northwest Montana Fair concerts

The Northwest Montana Fair brings scattered Flathead County residents home every year. But one former Kalispell woman is coming home for an unusual purpose: to sing at the Aug. 13 concert.

Construction begins at West Reserve and Highway 93

A Caterpillar Bulldozer begins moving earth out near the intersection of West Reserve and Highway 93 on Monday, August 5, in north Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Bigfork woman denies two robbery charges

A Bigfork woman has pleaded not guilty to a pair of felony robbery charges after allegedly trying to rob a pair of local businesses.

Opening Concert of Festival Amadeus

A crowd gathers in Depot Park for the opening concert of Festival Amadeus on Sunday evening, August 4, in Whitefish. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Tax hikes may be considered for maintenance

The Kalispell City Council tonight is asking for opinions on tax increases being considered to shore up the city’s street and light maintenance and urban forestry operations. 

Xavier Ray Watson

Xavier Ray Watson, son of Drew Watson and Indica Larragoite of Whitefish, was born July 14 at North Valley Hospital.

Carrigg Romig Kaul Yates

Carrigg Romig Kaul Yates, son of Hugh Yates and Meghan Casqueira of Kalispell, was born July 25 at North Valley Hospital.

Dagny Keenan Dauenhauer

Dagny Keenan Dauenhauer, daughter of Sam and Marissa Dauenhauer of Whitefish, was born July 24 at North Valley Hospital.

Lyla Hazel Rain Ryerson

Lyla Hazel Rain Ryerson, daughter of Tim and Lindsay Ryerson of Olney, was born July 29 at North Valley Hospital.

Ryder Dane Daniels

Ryder Dane Daniels, son of Scott and Taylor Daniels of Columbia Falls, was born July 30 at North Valley Hospital.

Alyxzandar Richard Whitfield

Alyxzandar Richard Whitfield, son of John Whitfield and Aleigha Russell of Kalispell, was born July 20 at North Valley Hospital.

Kitrina Raylee Dedrick

Kitrina Raylee Dedrick, daughter of Jeremy Dedrick and C. Afina Cala of Kalispell, was born July 15 at North Valley Hospital.

Cruz Douglas Billmayer

Cruz Douglas Billmayer, son of JD and Rachael Billmayer of Bigfork, was born July 26 at North Valley Hospital.

Hunter Mason Keller

Hunter Mason Keller, son of Rick and Taelon Keller of Kalispell, was born July 29 at North Valley Hospital.

McKinley Marie Sue Donnelly

McKinley Marie Sue Donnelly, daughter of Corky Donnelly III and Addie Price of Columbia Falls, was born July 15 at North Valley Hospital.

Wyatt David Dormann

Wyatt David Dormann, son of Richard Dorman and Stephanie Johnson of  Columbia Falls, was born Aug. 3 at North Valley Hospital.

Jaxson Thomas Stewart

Jaxson Thomas Stewart, son of Breanna and Ashby Stewart of Kalispell, was born July 21 at North Valley Hospital.

Charlotte Rae Kolb

Charlotte Rae Kolb, daughter of Kyle and Susanne Kolb of Columbia Falls, was born Aug. 2 at North Valley Hospital.

Haslyn Kae Pitts

Haslyn Kae Pitts, daughter of Joe and Shauna Pitts, was born July 20 at North Valley Hospital.

Keaton Mark Ladenburg

Keaton Mark Ladenburg, son of Jace and Juliana Ladenburg of Columbia Falls, was born Aug. 1 at North Valley Hospital.

Elyona Grace Lynn Vasquez

Elyona Grace Lynn Vasquez, daughter of Barrett and Kerri Vasquez, was born July 31 at North Valley Hospital.

Grady Lydon Talbot

Grady Lydon Talbot, son of  Mike and Stacey Talbot of Whitefish, was born Aug. 2 at North Valley Hospital.

Leah Marie Faith McIntyre

Leah Marie Faith McIntyre, daughter of Jeremy McIntyre and Ashley Sizemore of Coram, was born July 23 at North Valley Hospital.

Greyson Ray Dyck

Greyson Ray Dyck, son of Justin and Sammi Dyck, was born Aug. 2 at North Valley Hospital.

William James Pruce

William James Pruce, son of Michael and Melissa Pruce, was born July 25 at North Valley Hospital.

Cooper Ryan Heller

Cooper Ryan Heller, son of Matthew Heller and Krista Hall of Kalispell, was born July 16 at North Valley Hospital.

Ronald Vern Simons

Ronald Vern Simons, son of Andrew Simons and Desiree Mathis of Trego, was born July 18 at North Valley Hospital.

Jude William Brooks

Jude William Brooks, son of Derrek and Ann Brooks of Kalispell, was born July 25 at North Valley Hospital.

Landon James McAleavey

Landon James McAleavey, son of Danny McAleavey and Michelle DiGaetano, was born July 22 at North Valley Hospital.

Xander Levi Jeschke

Xander Levi Jeschke, son of Kyle and Jenny Jeschke of Columbia Falls, was born July 20 at North Valley Hospital.

Silas Wayne McClelland

Silas Wayne McClelland, son of Derek McClelland of Columbia Falls, was born July 30 at North Valley Hospital.

Choose from 3 Deals Starting at $10 from Glacier Symphony!

Fred B. Erickson Jr., 80

Fred B. Erickson, Jr., 80, of Polson, passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2013, at St. Luke's Hospital in Ronan after a courageous battle with cancer.  

New brace gives man mobility

Accident had almost forced amputation

 When Jonathan McCubbins regained consciousness, he was standing next to his truck.

Baseball: Loggers finish 4th at State A tourney

HELENA — The Libby Loggers’ season came to an abrupt end with back-to-back losses to Laurel and Belgrade at the double-elimination Class A American Legion State Baseball Tournament Sunday.

Coram man denies child-porn charge

A Coram man has denied allegations that he was found with child pornography.

Aftermath

Jon McCubbins is helped along in his recovery by his faithful dog Moose and his wife Nastasia.

Dynamic Bracing Solutions

John McCubbins, left, visits with Doug Jack of Northern Care Prosthetics and Orthotics to make adjustments and talk about possible upgrades to his Dynamic Bracing Solutions brace on Friday, July 2, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Ex-school secretary pleads innocent to theft

A woman accused of embezzling thousands of dollars from Lakeside Elementary School while employed as its secretary has pleaded not guilty to felony theft.

Columbia Falls man challenges child-porn charges

A Columbia Falls man has pleaded not guilty to a pair of felony sexual abuse of children charges after child pornography allegedly was found on his thumb drive.

Beer fears lead to charges against men

A man and his beer, apparently, are not easily separated.

Give us your best shot! - Photo contest starts today

The Daily Inter Lake is pleased to announce a photo contest for our readers — “Flathead Valley Through My Eyes” — that features more than $2,500 in prizes.

Your Life Covered Photo Contest

Baseball: Loggers advance to unbeaten semifinal

HELENA — The streaking Libby Loggers advanced to the undefeated semifinal of the Class A American Legion State Baseball Tournament with a 5-2 win over the Glasgow Reds at Kindrick Legion Field Saturday.

Sexual predator will head back to prison

A Hamilton man is heading back to prison after violating his sentence for felony sexual assault.

Evergreen, W. Valley schools OK raises

Evergreen and West Valley school district employees will receive pay increases under new, two-year contracts.

'Death by drunk' is not acceptable

Thank you, Jeanne Southwood, for your excellent letter published in the July 28 Daily Inter Lake.

Bill Lynch, 76

Why Bigfork waste-collection facility is needed

I attended the July 23 meeting of the Flathead County Solid Waste Board. I was pleased about its decision to extend the timeline for Bigfork’s effort to preserve and improve its solid-waste collection site.

Flathead native will not be part of fair show

Cheryl Huggins will not be performing at the Northwest Montana Fair.

Fountain of youth: Effects of cancer treatments lead Kalispell entrepreneur to create a new line of natural, anti-aging skin-care products

When the market didn’t provide Susan Nickell with what she needs, she responded in true entrepreneurial fashion — she made the products herself.

Editor's denial of climate change is 'paranoid'

In two of his recent “2 Cents” columns, the Inter Lake’s editor displays the symptoms of paranoid denial about climate change. He asserts that progressives are using it as a “steppingstone to complete social transformation” and a lever to “muscle us toward more and bigger government.” What paranoid nonsense!

Piling on? NCAA's punishment of UM

The punishment handed out by the NCAA to the University of Montana football team last week was far more severe than the actual infractions, setting a remarkably low bar for what’s considered inappropriate.

Braxton James Narducci

Braxton James Narducci, son of Brad Narducci and Courtney Gilham of Columbia Falls, was born June 28 at North Valley Hospital.

Angry bees: A new game in the garden

 Sting me once, shame on me. Sting me twice and it’s all-out war.

Agricultural integration : FVCC offers first classes in farm education during fall semester

Heather Estrada and Julian Cunningham come from far-flung but surprisingly similar backgrounds. They ended up working hand-in-hand at FVCC’s brand new agriculture program, set to teach its first classes this fall.

Thomas Andre Kolosor

Thomas Andre Kolosor, son of Andrey and Anastasiya Kolosov of Columbia Falls, was born July 8 at North Valley Hospital.

The illusion of freedom...

As every schoolchild will tell you, the Civil War was fought more than 150 years ago to free the slaves from the tyranny of the slave masters. Just as the slave himself was the property of the slave owner, so was everything the slave earned and possessed.

Maason Anthony Mather

Maason Anthony Mather, son of Aaron Mather and Maranda Crandall of Polson, was born July 12 at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan.

Setting sail

North Flathead Yacht Club hosts weekly races.

The bat crew

The project has involved setting up nets to capture bats at 44 locations in Glacier and Waterton national parks, including a boat trip to Goat Haunt on Waterton Lake. Project leader Lisa Bate, center, is accompanied by Courtney Raukar, Cori Lausen and Graham Neale.

Baucus to hold work day in the North Fork drainage

Montana Sen. Max Baucus will return to the Flathead Valley this week to carry out one of his signature “work days,” this time doing trail work in the North Fork Flathead drainage.

Going batty in Glacier: Netting project reveals three new species in park

Just a couple of years ago, very little was known about the bats that inhabit Glacier National Park, but an ongoing inventory project has shed new light on the mysterious nocturnal creatures.

Shoppers get more than a discount

The

Deputy, woman in stable condition after head-on crash

A man and woman are in the hospital after a head-on collision on U.S. 93 early Saturday morning.

Long-eared bat of the Many Glacier area

A long-eared bat is handled after being captured in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park as part of a bat inventory and monitoring project that has been underway for the last two years.

One good reason to be glad Congress gets nothing done

I read Friday that Congress has just begun a luxurious five-week summer vacation as if all its important work were done!

Darrell R. White, 57

Norman Lee White, 81

Norman Lee White, 81, passed away July 29, 2013, at the Columbia Falls Veterans Home. 

Lowell 'Eck' Carter Eckelberry, 67

Lowell “Eck” Carter Eckelberry, 67, of Columbia Falls passed peacefully at the Montana Veterans Home on July 16, 2013, after a courageous battle with cancer.  

E. Virginia 'Virgie' Ramsfield, 88

Dynamic Bracing Solutions

John McCubbins displays one of his early braces, an Arizona, which was not able to help with the pain McCubbins experienced with every step. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Big Sky ACBS Annual Antique & Classic Boat Show

Neal Ganzer of Bozeman touches up his 28 foot Stuart Knockabout before the start of the Big Sky ACBS Annual Antique & Classic Boat Show on Saturday, July 3, in Lakeside. The boat is a 1932/2006, meaning it was designed in 1932 by Herreshoff, but constructed in 2006. This is Ganzer's third year of participating in the boat show. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Hungry Horse woman admits snatching child

A Hungry Horse woman has admitted helping her boyfriend snatch their child from his parents’ home and driving to Washington state.                             

Revamped campgrounds reopen to the public

A capital improvement project to increase safety and upgrade facilities at the Riverside Boat Launch and the Murray Bay Campground on the east side of the Hungry Horse Reservoir is complete, and the sites were opened Friday.

Baseball: Big inning lifts Libby past Helena

HELENA — An 11-run seventh inning helped the Libby Loggers to a 14-8 win over the Helena Reps in the first round of the Class A American Legion baseball state tournament at Kindrick Legion Field Friday.

$10 Deal for $5 at JD Morrell's Bistro!

Man dies in crash on Hwy 40

A 51-year-old man has died in a one-vehicle crash west of Columbia Falls.

Educator follows her dream to Evergreen

Getting the superintendent position of Evergreen School District was serendipitous for Laurie Barron.

Jumping for Joel

Joel Atkinson is pictured in 2006 leading a tandem jump at Skydive Lost Prarie. Atkinson and four other people died in 2007 when their plane crashed. A memorial fund and scholarship keep Atkinson’s memory alive.

Woman reports a possible stalker

The

Evergreen on a roll

A rod run Friday evening kicked off a couple of days of vehicular fun for Evergreen.

Confused kayaker rescued from river

A Canadian kayaker needed a little help getting back to her husband after losing track of where she was Thursday evening.

Daybook

Jumping for Joel: Memorial event generates skydiving scholarships

As the adrenaline rushes and parachutes open at the Lost Prairie Boogie over the next nine days, thoughts will turn to Joel Atkinson. Those who knew him will smile and remember how passionate the 25-year-old Whitefish man was about skydiving.

Storms cause damage across wide swath

Sweet Wheels & Rod Run

Jeff Howlett of Kalispell, with his 1984 Mustang, takes part in the Sweet Wheels & Rod Run at Rudy's Autosound. The event was hosted by the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce.

Downey hired as A.D., boys basketball coach at Bigfork

Josh Downey, a 1999 graduate of Bigfork High School, will return to his hometown as athletics director and boys basketball coach, Bigfork High School principal Matt Porrovecchio announced Friday.

Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA

An out-the-window video of traveling up the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA. Runs from the Apgar Visitor Center to the St. Mary Visitor Center. The glaciers are melting due to climate change.

Grizzly Bear Encounter in Glacier National Park, MT

Coming down Swiftcurrent Pass Trail in Glacier National Park, MT, a 400 lb. grizzly bear walked out from around a tree...five feet in front of us. Yikes! We did what you are not supposed to do and ran the other way. Instead of grabbing for my bear spray, I reached for my camera. Priorities;-)

glacier national park montana

glacier national park montana map

Economists say growth is tentative

Energy and agriculture continue to be two of the brightest areas in the Montana economy, University of Montana economists Patrick Barkey and Paul Polzin told a group gathered at the Red Lion Hotel Kalispell on Thursday.

Daybook

Baseball: Rain halts play at Class A tourney

HELENA — Rain washed out three of four games, including Libby’s opener against Helena, on day one of the Class A American Legion baseball state tournament Thursday.

Baseball: Lakers finish 0-2 at state tournament

BILLINGS — A close play at the plate was the difference between extra innings and the end of the season for the Kalispell Lakers, who fell 4-3 to the top-seeded Billings Scarlets at the Class AA American Legion baseball state tournament at Dehler Park Thursday.

Fire in Polson

Two young men plead not guilty to assault

Two of three Kalispell men charged with assaulting another man at the Ferndale Market have pleaded not guilty.

Cyclist survives deer encounter

A motorcyclist had to be airlifted to the hospital after running into a deer on Lakeview Drive at U.S. 93 Wednesday night.

Polson fire

A fast-moving wildfire torched 5.5 acres of a residential Polson neighborhood Wednesday night. The fire was ignited around 7:30 p.m. near the Mission Valley Aquatic Center and the Ridgewater subdivision on Polson Hill. Fanned by wind, the fire spread quickly through dry grass and engulfed a number of trees. Fire personnel from Polson, Ronan, Finley Point and the Tribal Division of Fire responded. Many high-end homes are in the neighborhood on Polson’s east side, but all structures were spared damage, although the fire came practically to the doorstep of some houses on Long Lake Drive, according to Polson chief fire investigator John Fairchild. Crews remained at the scene until 2 a.m. and hot spots were still being monitored Thursday morning. Fairchild indicated the fire was started by people “playing with something they shouldn’t have.” The fire came just hours before the Flathead Reservation was set to enter into Stage I fire restrictions. “It’s dry. No open flame burning,” Fairchild reminded people on Thursday.

Foot tour gauges downtown needs

A couple dozen people took a quick stroll around downtown Kalispell on Wednesday, looking for ways to make it a friendlier place for bicyclists and pedestrians. 

New river access dedicated in Whitefish

A site along the Whitefish River scarred from intense use during river cleanup work has been rehabilitated into a public park and nonmotorized boat launch.

Two men deny drug charges

The owner of a Bigfork bar has denied allegations that he was selling cocaine out of the establishment — for which he faces four felony drug distribution charges.

Stabbed man allegedly walked into knife

A Winter Lane woman contacted the

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Evergeen's new superintendent

Laurie Barron is the new superintendent of Evergreen schools. The Georgia native arrived in June and is looking forward to the start of the school year.

Sevique Natural Skin Care Products

Detail shot of Susan Nickell displaying some of the Sevique products at her home on Wednesday, July 31, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Whitefish Landing Dedication Ceremony

Brian Bushnell of Whitefish and his dog Bella arrived at the Whitefish Landing dedication ceremony via canoe on Thursday morning, August 1, in Whitefish. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

North Flathead Yacht Club Sailing

Thistle class sail boats race side by side Tuesday evening during a North Flathead Yacht Club Del's Tuesday night series sailing race. July 30, 2013 in Somers, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Walking Tour

Jennifer Young, lower right, leads a tour of downtown Kalispell on Wednesday afternoon to assess the walkability of the streets. July 31, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Walking tour of downtown Kalispell

Jennifer Young leads a tour of downtown Kalispell on Wednesday afternoon to assess the walkability of the streets. 

Man's prison sentence upped to four years

A Columbia Falls man is going to prison after admitting he drove drunk and violated a prior sentence for sexual assault.

Local businesses more confident on economy climate

A confident mindset is a crucial driver in any business community, and Kalispell’s attitude seems to be overwhelmingly positive heading into the second half of 2013.

Defibrillators to be installed at city park

A $2,000 Roundup for Safety grant from Flathead Electric Cooperative is helping the city of Kalispell buy two automated external defibrillators for heavily used Woodland Park.