Thursday, January 31
Bigfork vs. Columbia Falls Basketball
A fan watches players run by Thursday night during Bigfork's non conference victory over Columbia Falls.. Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013 in Columbia Falls, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Bigfork Defeats Columbia Falls
Heart Health Fair planned Feb. 9
Kalispell Regional Healthcare will sponsor its third annual Heart Health Fair from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, in the Arts and Technology Building at Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell.
Antoan Simmons
Antoan Simmons, son of Antoan Simmons and Samantha Vaile of Minot, N.D., was born Dec. 8 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Ryder Mellem-Beach
Ryder Mellem-Beach, son of Roland Beach Jr., and Melissa Mellem of Marion, was born Nov. 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Baucus criticized for role in fiscal cliff deal
Ryder Marsh
Ryder Marsh, son of Daniel and Heather marsh of Kalispell, was born Dec. 11 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Drug suspect arrested after brief chase
A 40-year-old Kalispell man is in jail after he was arrested after a brief chase Thursday afternoon.
Gabriella Profitt
Gabriella Profitt, daughter of Melissa Profitt of Kalispell, was born Dec. 10 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Zoee Cano
Zoee Cano, daughter of Travis Cano and Kristen Turcotte of Marion, was born Dec. 10 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Noah Evenson and Knox Evenson
Noah Evenson and Knox Evenson, sons of Chris and Cammie Evenson of Polson, were born Dec. 6 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Paisley Witte
Paisley Witte, daughter of Andrew Witte and Chelsea Kraft of Kalispell, was born Dec. 10 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Dominating speech and debate
Kalispell ruled in Class AA and Columbia Falls claimed the top spot in Class A speech and debate competitions last week.
Christopher Ryker Wigner
Christopher Ryker Wigner, son of Jennifer Chandler of Kalispell, was born Dec. 8 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Claire Foley
Claire Foley, daughter of Brent and Alexx Foley of Kalispell, was born Dec. 11 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Lilly Morrison
Lilly Morrison, daughter of Garrett and Sarah Morrison of Lakeside, was born Nov. 27 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Bids go to local builders
Kalispell Public Schools trustees on Thursday awarded contracts to Hammerquist & Casalegno and Swank Enterprises to construct additions to Peterson and Edgerton elementary schools.
Sage Lundberg
Sage Lundberg, daughter of Willie and Megan Lundberg of Columbia Falls, was born Dec. 8 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Lilianne Maltese
Lilianne Maltese, daughter of David and Melanie Maltese of Columbia Falls, was born Dec. 7 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Payton Edwards
Payton Edwards, daughter of Michael and April Edwards of Kalispell, was born Dec. 11 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Cat hoarder violates probation, heads to prison
A man convicted with his wife of felony aggravated cruelty to animals in September 2011 following the rescue of 116 cats from their snowbound trailers is heading to prison.
Joslin Osterhoff
Joslin Osterhoff, daughter of Courtney Osterhoff of Kalispell, was born Nov. 26 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Homeless man buying acid
The
Hannah Goyer
Hannah Goyer, daughter of Timothy and Sandra Goyer of Columbia Falls, was born Dec. 3 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Same-day registration targeted
Legislators say practice can lead to voter fraud
Daybook
Retiring ranger recalls rescues
Glacier tales shared during speaker series
As a ranger on the Flathead Forest Reserve in 1906, before Glacier National Park was established, Frank Liebig came across an emergency on Grinnell Glacier — a woman had fallen into a crevasse.
Roberts, Zinke stay on top in mat poll
Northwestern A has a pair of wrestlers atop the poll entering divisional weekend in Montana.
Bob Ricketts
Bob Ricketts started Three Dog Down in 1990. His business also offers a T-shirt room, a slipper shop and a candy store.
Three Dog Down Expansion
A pillow with the Three Dog Down logo on display on Thursday, January 31, in Polson. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Three Dog Down
Bob Ricketts, owner of Three Dog Down, sits down to sing in his own two-seat theater on Thursday in Polson.
Taking Down Elms in Kalispell
A crew works on removing diseased Elm trees along 4th Avenue East in Kalispell on Wednesday, January 29. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Taking down elms
A crew removes diseased elm trees along Fourth Avenue East in Kalispell Jan. 29.
What does it take to survive?
Nick Merriman uses a cotton ball and a flint and steel to start a fire.
Gary Moses
Gary Moses is retiring after 28 years as a National Park Service ranger. He shared some of his stories recently during a winter speaker series in Kalispell.
Graffiti Clean Up
John Van Zant of Stat Restoration cleans one of 41 sections of graffiti on the sound wall along US 93 Alternate Route. Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
winter carnival
Keeping warm in the Head Start bus before boarding their float, Brandon Roy, left, and Logan Speed watch passersby Saturday afternoon in anticipation of the start of the Whitefish Winter Carnival Grand Parade. (Daily Inter Lake file photo)
Final fling for winter carnival
'Eggstraordinary' art needed for children's show
Book clubs meet for tales of travel and trail
Kalispell students showcase their art
Jazzy love songs set the mood for romance
Storyteller shares tales of great-grandfather
Gospel group in concert Feb. 5
Styles run the gamut for International Guitar Night
Best bets for this week
Auditions set for Oscar Wilde's 'Earnest'
So In Love
The Great Pretenders
Romance served up with elegant evening
'Move On' with Bigfork theater workshop
Bigfork Players kick off with hilarious melodrama
Catch the blues for Mardi Gras
Sign up for Hot Springs art workshop, photography show
Eli Kelso
Eli Kelso, son of Jacob Nicholson-Kelso and Danni Hanson of Whitefish, was born Nov. 30 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Wednesday, January 30
Prep basketball poll: Bigfork boys retain top spot
Glacier boys drop to No. 2
The Bigfork boys held on to their top spot in Class B in this week’s Associated Press prep basketball poll, garnering 6 of 13 first-place votes.
Gun rights and responsibilities
The Montana Newspaper Association recently took some heat for doing what it always does — defending the public’s right to know.
Tammi Fisher
FVCC chef training open for students
People interested in careers in the culinary field have an opportunity to train this fall by applying now to The Culinary Institute of Montana at Flathead Valley Community College.
Daybook
Park says 'jammers' are staying
Facing stiff criticism from one of its main allies, Glacier National Park has backtracked on a contractual proposal for maintaining the park’s historic red buses, now requiring that the park’s next concessions contractor maintain the entire 33-bus fleet.
FVCC chef training
Hillary Ginepra, lead instructor at The Culinary Institute of Montana at FVCC, works with students enrolled in the culinary training program. Applications for new culinary students are due May 3.
Patrols increase for big weekend
Local law enforcement agencies are stepping up patrols this weekend in anticipation of higher activity due to the Whitefish Winter Carnival and the Super Bowl.
Couple shares insight on Holy Land at upcoming lecture
Sam and Ruth Neff of Whitefish on Tuesday, Feb. 5, will present “Gaining Perspective in the Holy Land,” a discussion of their recent travels to Palestine and Israel, at Flathead Valley Community College.
Local economy climbing
Flathead County continues a slow climb out of recession and is seeing some upticks in the local economy that could brighten in 2013.
Young teen goes after brother with knife
Sheriff's academy offered this spring
The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for the spring session of its citizens academy.
Kalispell mayor says no second term
Kalispell Mayor Tammi Fisher will not run for a second term in a looming election season that could see some changes on the City Council. Five of nine seats on the council are up for grabs this fall.
Ex-Whitefish resident: Actor Jim Nabors, 82, marries his longtime male partner
Bullock calls for 'responsible budget'
Pirates taking over Whitefish for carnival
Capt. Jack Sparrow of “Pirates of the Caribbean” fame will be the grand marshal at the Whitefish Winter Carnival parade on Saturday, but spectators will have to see for themselves if the man behind the eye patch is movie star Johnny Depp or his stunt-double.
Majestic Anniversary
Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake during the 10th anniversary celebration at Majestic Valley Arena Thursday night. Thursday, May 3, 2012 in Kalispell, Montana.
Wounded Warrior Project
Wound Warrior Project volunteer Jan Richards, left, welcomes Caleb Perkins of the Army's 75th Ranger Regiment Wednesday afternoon as he arrives at Glacier Park International Airport. Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Michael Leonard Koskela, 50
Michael Leonard Koskela, 50, passed away in a car accident Jan. 27, 2013.
Crosstown Basketball
Glacier senior guard Charlie Obermiller (2) brings the ball up court Tuesday night during the crosstown matchup at Flathead High School. Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Hawk Sighting
A Rough-Legged Hawk flies over Lake Blaine on Tuesday, January 29, east of Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Glacier boys rally past Flathead
Like a spark igniting a powder keg, Glacier senior forward Logan Iverson’s fourth-quarter three-pointer triggered an explosion inside the Flathead High School gym on Tuesday.
Wolfpack girls trip Bravettes
Cassi Hashley scored 22 points and pulled in 23 rebounds to lead Glacier to a 55-43 Western AA girls basketball win over crosstown-rival Flathead on Tuesday night at Flathead High School.
Basketball roundup: Whitefish girls pick up 1st win
WHITEFISH — Simone Craft hit a 3 to break a 41-all tie and added a free throw with 30 seconds remaining to give Whitefish a come-from-behind 45-41 Northwestern A girls basketball victory Tuesday evening over Libby.
Tuesday, January 29
Crosstown Basketball
Glacier senior Logan Iverson (24) celebrates after Tuesday night's crosstown basketball victory over Flathead at Flathead High School.
Flathead County's investments still growing sluggishly
Flathead County’s investments are chugging along, albeit at continued historically low interest rates, County Treasurer Adele Krantz told the county commissioners on Monday.
Council favors hockey, beer festival in park
The Kalispell City Council is expected to bypass its ordinances to allow a hockey and beer festival the Flathead Valley Hockey Association wants to hold at its ice rink in Woodland Park.
Tireless promoter dies at age 72
Gary Elliott, a prominent Whitefish businessman for decades who operated some of the resort town’s most memorable eateries, died Sunday of cancer. He was 72.
Crash victim identified
The 50-year-old Columbia Falls man who died in a single-vehicle accident Sunday morning has been identified as Michael Koskela.
College health building on time, under budget
Flathead Valley Community College President Jane Karas told the board of trustees Monday that Swank Enterprises expects to complete the new nursing and health sciences building on schedule in March.
Snowcapped splendor
A line of clouds wreaths the middle elevations of the Swan Mountains as viewed from Yeoman Hall Road east of Kalispell on Tuesday.
Bigfork cattle owner shoots at wolves
A Ramsfield Road man in Bigfork told
Choppers airlift two accident victims
Broken legs led to two emergency airlifts in Lincoln County over the weekend.
Gary Elliott
Gary Elliott, 72
Gary Elliott may not have been an actor, athlete, astronaut or brain surgeon, but he was always a true hero for his family. He was a genuine role model who realized that some of the most important things in life were the little things like teaching his son to fly fish. He was the dad who went to all the countless games and ski races no matter the distance or weather. He was the husband who was a rock for his wife during all the ups and downs of life. He was a man of whom you could ask any question and know that you would always get an honest answer. Gary, without fail, would put his family, friends and community before himself. He was an inspiration to many and left this world a better place because he was in it.
Snow Scenes
A gate on Yoeman Hall Road makes a beautiful frame for the Swan Mountains east of Kalispell on Tuesday, January 29. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Mural
Whitefish 'Bachelor' show airs Monday
The episode of “The Bachelor” reality series that showcases Whitefish will air at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4.
Daybook
FVCC Mural
This mural, now hanging in the entrance of the Arts and Technology Building at Flathead Valley Community College, was painted by Kalispell artist Robert Huck and was recently moved from storage at the KM Building. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Iconic mural moves to college
Man captures memories in poetry
Pedestrian angry with traffic
Monday, January 28
Flathead's gym will be rockin' for first crosstown basketball game of season
The Flathead and Glacier boys and girls basketball teams will renew their crosstown rivalries today when the two Kalispell schools meet at Flathead High School.
Band teacher motivated by students, not awards
Allen Slater has received many awards during his 34 years as a high school band teacher, but that’s not what motivates him to help students make music.
Two stranded snowmobilers rescued
Two snowmobilers from Helena were rescued Monday after spending the night in the backcountry northwest of Seeley Lake.
Ford gives $25,000 for mammography coach
Winkley Women’s Center, a mobile mammography coach operated by Kalispell Regional Medical Center, recently received a $25,000 gift from the Ford Motor Co. Fund.
Whitefish's big 'Dog - heavyweight wrestler Wolf Zinke
Three years ago, the Whitefish High School wrestling program nearly disbanded.
Sunday, January 27
Whitefish, C. Falls enforcing cellphone bans
In the past two years, both Whitefish and Columbia Falls city officials have banned the use of cellphones by motorists, and police officers in those cities are enforcing the law.
C. Falls man dies in crash
A 50-year-old Columbia Falls man died on Sunday morning when his car slid off Blackmer Lane and struck several trees, the Montana Highway Patrol said.
Don't serve my son any more
On Saturday evening, a woman called
Aiming high
Laura Khor is pictured with officers of the Royal Malaysian Police Force who are members of Malaysia's elite counter-terrorism unit. They were dressed as terrorists as part of a community outreach program to Malaysians. "The underlying logic of Community Days is for people to approach them for pictures and/or information," Khor said. The officers then can explain what they do to keep Malaysia safe and which terror group they represent.
Terror-rehab scholar trains for Everest
Aiming high
After completing her doctoral thesis on terrorist rehabilitation programs in Malaysia and Singapore, Laura Khor decided she needs to do “one big thing” before settling into a career.
Woman sentenced for calling for assault
Leah Terrell, 29, of Hungry Horse was given a five-year suspended sentence Jan. 17 in Flathead District Court after pleading guilty to felony solicitation of assault with a weapon.
Columbia Falls reigns supreme in Class A speech
School has won eight straight titles
The Columbia Falls High School speech and debate team on Saturday secured the school’s eighth consecutive Class A state championship.
Glacier, Flathead finish 1-2 in Class AA speech finale
Wolfpack take third straight title
Kalispell schools topped the Class AA Speech and Debate State Tournament on Saturday with a one-two finish.
Saturday, January 26
Boys basketball: Capital stuns No. 1 Glacier
Shaking off a sluggish first half, the No. 1 Glacier boys made up 15 points in eight minutes, but couldn’t finish out the comeback, losing to Helena Capital 58-52 in boys basketball on Saturday at Glacier High School.
Boys basketball: Bounce-back win for Braves
Sitting in the team room underneath the Flathead High School gym on Friday, Flathead boys basketball coach Fred Febach reflected on his team’s three-point loss to Helena Capital.
Wrestling: Wolfpack beats Helena High, Helena Capital; FHS splits
HELENA — Flathead and Glacier tuned up for the Western AA seeding tournament on Saturday with double-dual action.
Mat Cats split duals with Broncs, Libby
COLUMBIA FALLS — Shonn Roberts (119), Seth McCall (125), Chase Ramberg (140) and Spencer Ross (heavyweight) all won twice by pin as Columbia Falls split Northwestern A dual wrestling matches on Saturday.
Dogs lose mat duals to Frenchtown, Libby
WHITEFISH — Whitefish’s wrestlers closed out the regular-season portion of their schedule on Saturday, dropping Northwestern A dual matches to Frenchtown, 72-9, and Libby, 63-22.
Basketball roundup: Andrews paces Bravettes with 27 points
HELENA — Emma Andrews ripped the nets for 27 points to power Flathead (6-4 overall, 2-2 league) to a 45-39 Western AA girls basketball victory Saturday afternoon over Helena High (2-9, 1-3).
Swimming: Glacier boys set 2 relay records
HELENA — Josh Loyda, Jordan Loyda, Jake Cirincione and Logan Streit set new Glacier High School swim records in the 200 and 400 freestyle relays on Saturday at the Bohn-Moerer Invitational.
Kalispell casino rules in spotlight
Brannigan’s Pub has brought new life to the corner of East Center Street and First Avenue East in downtown Kalispell.
From Jerusalem: No easy answers for what ails the Middle East
I plead guilty. I ran away from home, and since graduating Flathead High in 2006, have not been back. I now live in a country with scoliosis: Israel. A concrete wall twists like a bad spine through the center of the nation, protecting or segregating people from each other, depending on how you look at it. My morning walks are not under the storybook Swan Range any more. The Wailing Wall and Dome of the Rock are my new landmarks, echoing stories of a different kind.
Charlie Brown, meet the Republican Party
Remember in the Peanuts comic strips when, every fall, Lucy promised “wishy-washy” Charlie Brown that she wouldn’t lift the football away when he tried to kick it? And year-after-year the hapless “blockhead” gullibly falls for the girl’s prank.
Man headed to prison for knife assault
A 51-year-old Kalispell man was sentenced Thursday in Flathead District Court to five years in prison and 20 years of probation after pleading guilty to stabbing a woman in the neck.
Polebridge stirs to life to host college course
Through most of the long winter, the North Fork Flathead River drainage is a quiet snow-covered landscape of solitude for those who live there.
Daybook
'Mail lady' and her wolf are popular in North Fork
Among the colorful people University of Montana students got to meet during a visit to Polebridge last week was Karin Craver, who delivers mail in the North Fork, often with her domesticated wolf Matohota at her side.
Drop the $400 rebate; get serious
It is encouraging that Montana Gov. Steve Bullock has offered up a budget that will not raise taxes. Indeed there are tax cuts, and the proposal leave the states with a healthy planned surplus.
Unwarranted fear puts wolves in false light
I am conflicted over the very complex and controversial wolf issue in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming.
Keep your guns, and your freedom
“When you all go home and you’re talking to your buddies and you say, ah ‘He wants to take my gun away.’ You’ve heard it here, I’m on television so everybody knows it. I believe in the Second Amendment. I believe in people’s lawful right to bear arms. I will not take your shotgun away. I will not take your rifle away. I won’t take your handgun away.” —Barack Obama
School days: Merely a legend in my own mind?
Here’s what I realized after poring through five boxes of my old school papers last week in Minnesota: My perception of my childhood doesn’t jive with what those papers revealed.
Son uses father's ID for tickets
Inaugural auguring: Clues from 2009 speech
President Obama’s second inaugural address is now history, and unlike various posthaste pundits, I will reserve to history the right to judge it.
Hugh Dennis McManus, 89
Hugh Dennis McManus “passed from life” on Jan. 24, 2013, at the age of 89.
Gretchen Jean Browne, 51
Gretchen Jean Browne, 51, of Kalispell “was called home to heaven” on Jan. 23, 2013.
Mildred W. Boyer, 95
Mildred W. Boyer passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, at St. Patrick Hospital, after a week of sharing, from her hospital bed, her 95 years of love and wisdom to each of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and lovingly caressing the cheek of her new great-great-grandson.
Duward 'Dewey' Arthur Reber, 89
Duward “Dewey” Arthur Reber, 89, passed away peacefully at home from cancer while surrounded by his loving family, on Monday, Jan. 21, 2013.
Skijoring
Ryan Robinson, left, flies off a jump Saturday afternoon during the novice division of the World Skijoring Championships at the Whitefish Municipal Airport. Competition continues today starting at noon. Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013 in Whitefish, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Glacier Basketball
Glacier's Evan Epperly (left) steals the ball from Helena Capital's Hunter Beto at Glacier High School on Saturday afternoon.
Cleo Darlene Knauss, 95
Cleo Darlene Knauss passed away Jan. 15, 2013, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell, at the age of 95, where since 2006 she was so lovingly cared for by the staff. Though her eyesight and hearing diminished, she always retained her beautiful sense of humor and upbeat attitude.
Missing man found dead
Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry and the Two Bear flight crew take off from the Hungry Horse Fire Department on Saturday afternoon to search for a man reported missing since Friday. The missing man's body was later spotted from the air along the main fork of the Flathead River.
Norma Claire Lowndes, 66
Norma Claire Lowndes, born Sept. 25, 1946, passed away suddenly of cancer on the evening of Jan. 8, 2013. For the few days that she was in the hospital, her family and friends surrounded her. It is thought she must have had cancer for a while, but her strength for carrying burdens and being everyone’s rock continued until the week before her death.
Friday, January 25
Eureka's Blankers scores 33 points in loss to C-Falls
EUREKA — Tanner Blankers cashed in from the behind the arc with eight treys on his way to a career-best 33-point performance Friday night, but it wasn’t enough to lift Eureka (0-13) to a nonconference boys basketball win over Class A Columbia Falls (8-4).
Capital hangs on, beats Flathead
Flathead guard Chandler Escalante’s last-second three-point attempt bounced off the far side of the rim and Helena Capital handed the Braves their first conference loss, 62-59, at Flathead High School Friday.
Glacier boys hammer Helena High, 61-32
Leading by 11 points at halftime, the No. 1 Glacier boys wanted no part in keeping their game close with Helena High. The Wolfpack held the Bengals to three field goals in the second half, running away with a 61-32 basketball victory in a Western AA conference game Friday night at Glacier High School.
Girls basketball: Bruins hold off Bravettes
HELENA — Back-to-back 3s by Emma Andrews and Jessika Abbrescia in the final seconds still left Flathead short as unbeaten and second-ranked Helena Capital escaped with a 45-44 Western AA girls basketball victory Friday night.
Lumber Truck
Lumber is scattered across a yard near mile marker 6 on Montana 206 after a semi-truck crashed when the driver fell asleep Friday afternoon. The driver walked away with no injuries. Friday, Jan. 25, 2013 in , Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
BNSF Derailment
Burlington Northern Santa Fe crews rerail a locomotive that derailed early Friday morning. No fuel or product spilled from the cars during the derailment according to BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas. Friday, Jan. 25, 2013 in , Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Flathead Basketball
Flathead's Garth West (bottom) and Helena Capital’s Levi Dawes (24) collide Friday night during Flathead's home loss.
Taralady Up
Tara Nelson, known on the track as Taralady Up, shows her skills as a jammer while she was guest skating recently for the Great Falls Electric City Roller Girls. Nelson is an alternate for the Northwest All-Star Team.
Man, 29, contests rape charge involving girl, 14
A 29-year-old Kalispell man pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to a felony charge of rape involving a 14-year-old girl.
Duward 'Dewey' Arthur Reber, 89
Roller derby standouts honored
The women of the Flathead Valley Roller Derby League have made quite a name for themselves in just three years, and not only for their feisty, flamboyant style.
Derailment
Burlington Northern Santa Fe crews rerail a locomotive that derailed early Friday morning. No fuel or product spilled from the cars during the derailment according to BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas. Friday, Jan. 25, 2013 in , Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Sheriff says gun worries overblown
Flathead County’s sheriff is departing from public statements by several of his peers around the state regarding possible federal gun legislation.
Daybook
Kalispell explores events with beer
Kalispell offers temporary permits for events with beer or wine sales at some city properties such as Conrad Mansion, Hockaday Museum of Art and the Museum at Central School.
Angry landlord gets legal lesson
The
Glennacide
Glenna Bergland, whose roller derby persona is Glennacide, is pictured at the far right in a blue helmet as she blocks for the Electric City Roller Girls in a game against Helena. Bergland is on the roster for the Northwest All-Star Team.
Lady Viper
Leah Michael, also known as Lady Viper, left, works her magic as the Big Mountain Misfits battle Billings in a recent bout. Michael was named the 2012 Montana Roller Derby Most Valuable Player and was named to the starting lineup for the four-state Northwest All-Star Team. (Photos by Tim Mazzaferro)
Lost lumber
Lumber is scattered across a yard near mile marker 6 on Montana 206 after a semi-truck crashed when the driver fell asleep Friday afternoon. The driver walked away with no injuries.
Derailments halt train traffic
The main rail route across northern Montana was closed Friday after two freight trains derailed — one near West Glacier and one near Cut Bank.
Aiming high
Laura Khor at the Summit in Kalispell on Monday, January 21. Khor is preparing for a trek up to the base camp of Everest.
Canyon Ferry Bow.
My daughter and fishing buddy Julia pulling in one of her fish she caught.
Glacier seniors wrap up home wrestling duals with wins
It was a fantastic way to send off the seniors.
Basketball: Vikes down Dogs
WHITEFISH — A day after ascending to the top of the Class B Associated Press boys basketball poll, the Bigfork Vikings toppled Class A Whitefish 46-38 to avenge a loss from earlier this season.
Thursday, January 24
Roundup: Sentinel wrestlers pin Braves
MISSOULA — Missoula Sentinel used seven pins to push its way past Flathead 54-24 in a Western AA wrestling dual on Thursday.
Prep Hoops: Stevi pounds Polson
POLSON — Second-ranked Stevensville broke it open with a strong offensive burst in the second and third quarters to down Polson 59-35 in Class A nonconference boys basketball play Thursday evening.
Bigfork defendant denies sex abuse charge
A 48-year-old Bigfork man pleaded not guilty Jan. 17 in Flathead District Court to a felony charge of sexual abuse of children.
Impaired-driving bill needs work
Among the many items on the Montana Legislature’s crowded docket is a proposal to test people suspected of driving under the influence of marijuana.
Daybook
Woman reports son for taking car
A Montana 82 resident contacted the
Flathead High: Surveys hitting mailboxes of neighbors
From roads lined with parked cars of students and staff to problems with litter and traffic, complaints have been varied from people who live near Flathead High School.
Tree collection ends Saturday
Kalispell residents have one last weekend to drag their old Christmas trees out to the curb and have them picked up for disposal by volunteers with Easthaven Baptist Church.
Skyla Komeotis, 16
Three teenagers run afoul of the law - again
Three of the five youths who amassed a total of 60 charges for crimes committed in the Canyon are back in the court system.
'Jammers' in a jam?
Bus restoration an issue in new park contract
Champions of Glacier National Park’s historic red buses are concerned after plowing through the inch-thick prospectus package for the main concessions contract for the park.
Man denies string of charges
A 26-year-old Kalispell man apprehended by an Evergreen couple after fleeing from law officers pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to a string of charges.
Jammers
Red buses drive up Going-to-the-Sun Road in August 2012 as viewed from the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park. The prospectus for Glacier’s main concessions contract requires restoration of at least 15 of the park’s 33 distinctive buses.
Glacier Wrestling
The Glacier bench cheers on Ryder Day during the last match of Glacier's home win Thursday night against Missoula Big Sky.
Graffiti on the U.S. 93 bypass
The word "Tree" was spray painted over and over along a quarter-mile-long stretch of concrete wall on the U.S. 93 bypass.
Monday Profile
Maarten Fisher is teaching a multifunctional agriculture course at Flathead Valley Community College.
Mule Deer Foundation meets on Jan. 29
Elk have the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, but mule deer — a game species that can face sustainability challenges in Montana — haven’t had an advocacy organization in Northwest Montana until just recently.
Polebridge Mountains
A view of the Livingston Mountain Range from Polebridge on Monday afternoon, January 21. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
The North Fork
A view of the North Fork River from Glacier National Park on Monday, January 21, north of Polebridge. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Karin Craver and Matohota
Karin Craver of the U.S. Postal Service with her pet wolf Matohota are the mail connection for the North Fork.
Waking Up Polebridge
Students and staff from the University of Montana start off on a snowshoe expedition into Glacier National Park on Monday, January 21. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Wednesday, January 23
Basketball polls: Glacier, Bigfork boys on top
The Glacier and Bigfork boys basketball teams top their respective classes in the latest Associated Press poll released Wednesday.
Bequest helps task force
The Flathead Spay and Neuter Task Force got a generous financial boost recently when one of its faithful volunteers died unexpectedly and left the nonprofit group a home valued at upwards of $300,000.
Graffiti on the U.S. 93 bypass
The word “Tree” was spray-painted over and over along a quarter-mile-long stretch of concrete wall near Kalispell’s U.S. 93 bypass.
Cleo Darlene Knauss, 95
Search located out-of-bounds skier
A firefighter with the
David Sobba, 54
Sentence deferred for man involved in assault
A 27-year-old Kalispell man was given a six-year deferred sentence Jan. 17 in Flathead District Court after pleading guilty to a reduced charge of felony criminal endangerment.
Grant to help improve radio signals at school
A grant from Flathead Electric will buy new equipment to improve police radio communication at Glacier High School, the Kalispell Police Department said.
Feline advocates pursue cat addition at county shelter
Myni Ferguson, president of the Flathead County Animal Shelter Advisory Committee, has received the Health Board’s endorsement for an $88,000 project to add a 20-foot addition on the cat wing of the shelter.
Norma Claire Lowndes, 66
Toxic dumping at Lakeside detailed
The illegal dumping of a hazardous material recently at the Lakeside green-box refuse site illustrates the need for fenced and staffed sites, Flathead County Public Works Director Dave Prunty said.
Police chief, officer ordered to attend ethics training
Bigfork green-box decision delayed
Work group will look at alternatives
The Flathead County Solid Waste Board on Tuesday voted to delay a decision on closing the Bigfork green-box refuse site for six months to allow Bigfork residents time to come up with an alternative plan for garbage collection in the bayside community.
More government? Or less?
President Obama is to be commended for giving a good speech Monday after being sworn in for his second term, and it should be noted that he declared before the world that the oath he swore “was an oath to God and country, not party or faction.”
'Terrible mess' at bypass wall
Landscaping along Kalispell’s U.S. 93 bypass admittedly is rather bland.
C. Falls aims for eight straight
Speech team on the road for title defense
Today, 25 Columbia Falls High School speech and debate competitors travel to Havre in a quest for an eighth consecutive Class A state title.
Alfred Lorenzo Guerrero, 80
In loving memory of our father and grandfather, Alfred Lorenzo Guerrero, 80, who passed away Jan. 18, 2013, a kind and generous man devoted to his wife and family.
Kalispell signs off on $375,000 state loan
The Kalispell City Council on Tuesday authorized a loan for up to $375,000 from the Montana Board of Investments.
Gail Sheffield
Gail Sheffield helps out at a Flathead Spay and Neuter Task Force event.
Daybook
Paddles with a purpose
Song-and-dance duo on tap in Whitefish
Museum accepting Valentine's Day artwork
Classes for kids, adults at Stumptown
Stained glass, psanky classes at Hockaday
Museum hosts Mardi Gras in Montana
Ladies night - for a good cause
'The Vagina Monologues'
Canyon gears up for Cabin Fever Days
A Camp to Remember
John Rawlings created this paddle.
Melissa Giattino
Ron DeStefano
Mardi Gras: Lee Proctor
Lee Proctor created this cast glass mask for the Hockaday Museum of Art's Mardi Gras in Montana.
Mardi Gras: Edie Carhart
Edie Carhart created this mixed-media mask for the Hockaday Museum of Art's Mardi Gras in Montana event.
Festival Amadeus wins national grant
Symphony, travel agency offer Calgary opera trip
Columbia Falls Speech
Columbia Falls Speech and Debate coach Tara Norick leads a round-table discussion of current events Wednesday afternoon during a speech practice at Columbia Falls High School. Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013 in Columbia Falls, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
A-1 Vacuum
James Walker repairs a vacuum Wednesday afternoon at A-1 Vacuum in Kalispell. Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Columbia Falls speech and debate competitors
Columbia Falls senior Blake Ladenburg, left, and sophomore Cody Phillips test their knowledge of Middle East geography Wednesday afternoon during a speech practice at Columbia Falls High School.
Green-box site in Bigfork
A man stops to use the Bigfork green-box site on Montana 83 on Wednesday morning.
Green Boxes in Bigfork
The Bigfork Green Box site on Highway 83, on Wednesday morning, January 23. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Tuesday, January 22
Basketball roundup: 'Pack JV slips past Stillwater
Hamilton A. 'Hoot' Gibson, 71
Nora Elizabeth 'Betty' (Biegler) Wilson, 76
Nora Elizabeth “Betty” (Biegler) Wilson “left behind her earthly suffering and pain” on Jan. 17, 2013, surrounded by loving family, after a long struggle with lung disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
Polebridge Scenic
Snow-capped peaks of Glacier National Park rise above a barn in the Polebridge area of the North Fork.
Alfred Lorenzo Guerrero, 80
Daybook
Rex Edward Dramstad, 65
Troy center not just for schools
Homeless survey planned Thursday
Social service agencies throughout Northwest Montana are gearing up for Thursday’s annual Montana Housing Status Inventory Survey (previously the Montana Homeless Survey).
Library idea surfaces for closed Libby school
Facility closed since 2011
Kalispell snowshoer revved up for Special Olympics trip
Special Olympics athlete Kathy Rose of Kalispell gives an insider tip to winning a gold medal in snowshoeing:
Ethics code on table for council
Does the Kalispell City Council need a local code of ethics? Council members considered that question at a work session last week and plan to consider it again in weeks to come.
Food 'borrowed' by polite bandit
A Bigfork man contacted the
Bigfork triumphs in divisional speech
Bigfork High School brought home two divisional titles last weekend during the Montana Class B/C North Speech and Drama tournament Jan. 18 and 19.
Kalispell nabs big share of state grant money
Money aimed to help out special events
Kalispell is receiving $65,300 of the $200,000 in grants being awarded by Montana Office of Tourism’s Special Events Grant Program through the Montana Department of Commerce.
Marcile Louise Wilde Herron, 63
Marcile Louise Wilde Herron “gracefully bowed out” during her fourth bout in a 15-year battle with cancer. She died Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, at home, surrounded by her loving family.
High school bands combine efforts at Northwest Festival
Glacier JV vs Stillwater Basketball
Stillwater Christian's Josh Bray (right) brings the ball up court Tuesday night during Glacier JV's victory over Stillwater Christian at Glacier High School. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Kathy Rose
Kathy Rose will compete in snowshoeing in the Special Olympics World Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea.
Snowmobiling
Randy and Cindy Helk of Kalispell set off for a bit of snowmobiling in the Flathead National Forest along the North Fork on Monday afternoon, January 21, north of Columbia Falls. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
The North Fork
A view of the North Fork River from Glacier National Park on Monday, January 21, north of Polebridge. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Polebridge Mountains
A view of the Livingston Mountain Range from Polebridge on Monday afternoon, January 21. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
North Fork color
The setting sun turns clouds pink over the mountain peaks of Glacier National Park north of Polebridge.
Searchers look for injured skier
Monday evening, search and rescue personnel was called out to Big Mountain to help find an injured skier believed to be out of bounds.
Georgiana May Powers Ross
Janis Blair Wiswell
Janis Blair Wiswell, 81
Janis Blair Wiswell, 81, of Thompson Falls, died Jan. 7, 2013, at home, of lung cancer.
Monday, January 21
Knutson joins Hall of Fame at C-Falls
Wes Knutson, who spent 18 years leading the Columbia Falls High School wrestling program to local and state prominence, was inducted into the CFHS Hall of Fame on Saturday during ceremonies at the high school.
All-Class Wrestling Poll: Wildcats' Roberts top ranked at 112
Shonn Roberts of Columbia Falls is the top-ranked wrestler at 112 pounds in the All-Class High School Wrestling Poll.
Braves blow by Coeur d'Alene cagers
Chandler Escalante came off the bench to score a game-high 15 points and lead a balanced attack in Flathead’s 69-52 boys basketball victory over Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Monday evening at Flathead High School.
Local soldiers on duty in Afghanistan
Local Soldiers
Some 60 soldiers of the Kalispell-based 495th
Some Whitefish impact fees on chopping block
The Whitefish City Council will hold a public hearing Tuesday night to consider a committee recommendation to eliminate some of the city’s impact fees.
Public safety town hall planned in March
The Kalispell Police Department and the city’s police advisory council are sponsoring a town hall meeting in early March to address recent public safety concerns.
Changing of the guard
Gangsta Perch 6 - Wally World
Gangsta Perch 6... Wally World! So today was an amazing day for a few amateurs like us. Pat caught a 20 inch Walleye before I could even get the fish cam recording! I pulled in 26" Pike after trying three different jigs and having him come in no less then a half dozen times. Pat and I pulled in a dozen perch or so. What a great time!
QVR Skijoring
12-29-12
Skiing Whitefish, Montana Dec 19, 2012
Watch out for tree wells
Raymond Zebro
Raymond Zebro
John Vanderlaan
King ULLR XIV
King ULLR XIV Harry Brown
Tracking
Brian Baxter measures the distance between strides on a set of tracks in the snow.
Queen of the Snows
Firefly Children's Center
Oliva Walter, center, stretchs her arms up as Sara Walburg-Owens, right, leads yoga exercises for a group of 2- and 3-year-olds Wednesday morning at Firefly Children's Center and Healing Arts in Kalispell.
Sunday, January 20
Lila Edi Closson
Lila Edi Closson, daughter of Jason and Marylou Closson of Kelso, Wash., was born Dec. 3 at North Valley Hospital.
Lolo Grace Owen
Lolo Grace Owen, daughter of Matt and Melissa Owen of Kalispell, was born Dec. 17 at North Valley Hospital.
Cecilia Rae Owens
Cecilia Rae Owens, daughter of Joshua Owens and Alexi Loiacono of West Glacier, was born Dec. 18 at North Valley Hospital.
Aaron Lee
Aaron Lee, son of Jesse and Brooke Lee of Whitefish, was born Dec. 28 at North Valley Hospital.
Daymion Andrew King
Daymion Andrew King, son of Lawrence King and Jamie Dillon of Kalispell, was born Dec. 26 at North Valley Hospital.
Izzabella Desiree Erdmann
Izzabella Desiree Erdmann, daughter of Anthony and Desiree Erdmann of Columbia Falls, was born Dec. 27 at North Valley Hospital.
Aubrielle Raelynn Waller
Aubrielle Raelynn Waller, daughter of Melissa Waller, was born Dec. 24 at North Valley Hospital.
Jackson Thomas Ruiz
Jackson Thomas Ruiz, son of Andrew and Ashley Ruiz of Whitefish, was born Dec. 18 at North Valley Hospital.
Lucia Marie Motley
Lucia Marie Motley, daughter of Ryan and Sara Motley, was born Dec. 3 at North Valley Hospital.
Roy John Dettwiler and Troy John Dettwiler
Roy John Dettwiler and Troy John Dettwiler, sons of John and Claudia Dettwiler of Columbia Falls, were born Dec. 28 at North Valley Hospital.
Firefly Children's Center
Oliva Walter, center, stretchs her arms up as Sara Walburg-Owens, right, leads yoga exercises for a group of two and three year olds Wednesday morning at Firefly Children's Center and Healing Arts in Kalispell.
New center focuses on holistic intelligence
Creative learning
Kalispell counselor Julie Kiewatt is looking to nourish the emotional and creative intelligence of children in addition to their physical and academic needs.
Monday Profile
John Vander Laan is the volunteer director of this July's Kalispell air show, featuring the U.S. Air Force's elite Thunderbirds demonstration squadron.
Retiree to direct air show for third time
Air Show
It takes teamwork to host an air show in the Flathead Valley. With shows in 1999 and 2005 under his belt, volunteer air show director John Vander Laan knows all about that.
Man contests 4th DUI charge since 1989
A 53-year-old Columbia Falls man pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to what would be his fourth offense of driving under the influence.
Plate-throwing man draws crowd
Saturday night,
Raymond Albert Zebro
Raymond Albert Zebro, 76
Raymond Albert Zebro, 76, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013, at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell.
Profile: USMC Retired Col. Tom Sward
Retired Colonel Tom Sward of the United States Marine Corps in his home on Sunday, January 20, in Bigfork with a framed American flag that was presented to him on the day he took command of his battalion, First Marine Division. The flag is a cherished item in the Sward home because it flew over the U.S. Senate the day President Kennedy was assassinated. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Saturday, January 19
Another strong effort by Flathead, Glacier swimmers
MISSOULA — Glacier and Flathead each turned in a host of personal-best times at the Missoula Invitational on Saturday at Grizzly Pool on the campus of the University of Montana.
Wrestling: Dogs lose two duals
Mat Cats stick loss on No. 7 Polson
Basketball roundup: Whitefish boys rally by Polson in fourth quarter
POLSON — It was another tough night for the Polson boys basketball team Saturday.
Bison wrestlers win AA Duals; Glacier places 8th
GREAT FALLS — Great Falls, the top-ranked Class AA wrestling team in the state, defeated Bozeman 49-11 in the championship match at the State AA Duals on Saturday.
Got water? Think again
Have you ever experienced a time when you couldn’t get water? If so, you know how difficult life can be without water.
'It is not about the tracks, it's about the tracking.'
Baxter carries a tape measure with him so he can check stride.
Flathead in the hunt for another title
Flathead High School speech and debate competitors are hustling for a state title at Butte next weekend.
Quincy Lynn Johnston
Quincy Lynn Johnston, daughter of Jesse and Jessica Johnston of Columbia Falls, was born Dec. 13 at North Valley Hospital.
King Ullr LIV, Harry Brown
Marshall Schroeder Powell
Marshall Schroeder Powell, son of Russell and Nikole Powell of Kalispell, was born Dec. 12 at North Valley Hospital.
When words collide
Glacier High School senior Tanner Maroney performs his dramatic interpretation of “R.F.K.” Thursday afternoon during a speech and debate practice.
Cable Frederick Wiest
Cable Frederick Wiest, son of Andrew and Marianne Wiest of Kalispell, was born Dec. 12 at North Valley Hospital.
Bearing Dirk Tester
Bearing Dirk Tester, son of Michael and Hanna Tester, was born Dec. 16 at North Valley Hospital.
Three Years Later: The aftermath of Citizens United
At the top of our State Capitol building in Helena sits a beautiful copper dome. Nearly a century ago, that copper dome wasn’t just for decoration. It was a symbol of the copper barons and their ultimate power to decide who represented the people of Montana.
Bigfork ready to battle over green boxes
Determined to keep their green-box refuse site, Bigfork residents plan to ask the Flathead County Solid Waste Board for a three-year moratorium on further green-box closures to allow for a comprehensive study of how the county should collect trash.
Queen of the Snows, Nancy Brown
Daybook
Don't overburden election officials
The Montana Legislature is considering a bill that would eliminate election-day voter registration, moving the deadline for registering to the Friday before a Tuesday election.
Glacier speech aims for state threepeat
The Glacier Wolfpack Speech and Debate team is a heavyweight contender in next weekend’s Class AA state tournament on the strength of five varsity sweepstakes wins and one second-place finish this season.
Aiden Alan Gene Geldrich
Aiden Alan Gene Geldrich, son of Smoky and Dezerae Geldrich of Kalispell, was born Dec. 16 at North Valley Hospital.
Several projects planned at Kalispell sewer plant
A leaky roof over the control room. A digester tank losing its fight with corrosive methane gas. And a worn-out sludge press that’s been needing more work than it’s worth.
Browns to reign as king, queen
Harry and Nancy Brown were crowned Saturday night as king and queen of the 2013 Winter Carnival.
Samson Robert Oberholtzer
Samson Robert Oberholtzer, son of Alex and Heather Oberholtzer of Coram, was born Dec. 16 at North Valley Hospital.
There's zero logic in zero tolerance schools
Zero tolerance. More aptly titled “zero logic.”
Driver takes a quick detour through lawn
A man and woman contacted the
City pursues low-interest loan
The Kalispell City Council will be asked Tuesday to authorize up to $375,000 in borrowing from the Montana Board of Investments. The money would be used to finance several equipment purchases and help cash flows in at least two city departments.
Tracking offers fun for all ages and abilities
Awakening from slumber, hearty Northwest Montana souls were greeted by a steady, slow snowfall that brought a peaceful quiet inside and out. Woodland shrubs stooped over with cottonlike clumps, testing their strength and flexibility. This, the first real snowfall of the season, was accompanied by an ancient arousal, felt a bit more by some of us than others. Snow brings smiles to many Big Sky Country residents. Their eyes sparkle, inspired to get gear together, to get out there!
Glacier Park International puts focus on traveler needs with remodeling project
Travelers flying through Glacier Park International Airport this summer will find spaces increasingly suited to making their terminal time more pleasant.
Zanden Ensign
Zanden Ensign, son of Brittany Ensign, was born Dec. 12 at North Valley Hospital.
Eirelyn Valicity McClure
Eirelyn Valicity McClure, daughter of Ean and Maggie McClure of San Antonio, Texas, was born Oct. 6 at North Central Baptist Hospital in San Antonio.
Empire and resistance: Lessons from history
What do these all have in common: The Ottoman Empire, the Nazi Empire, the Soviet Empire and the New Islamic Caliphate?
Joyce Harris Lake, 92
Joyce Lake passed away Jan. 9, 2013, from natural causes, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home.
Wrestling: Whitefish vs. Polson
Whitefish sophomore Sklyer Bowerman wrestles Polson junior Alex Helgeson in the 119 weight class on Saturday afternoon. Bowerman won by decision. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Whitefish's Byrd named national coach of the year
Wolfpack downs stubborn Cougars
Friday, January 18
Basketball roundup: Flathead upends Polson
Daybook
William Richard Spicher, 91
Robert G. 'Bob' DeMarois
Peter V. Klinke Jr., 92
Singing the blues
New Brunswick singer-songwriter Matt Andersen performs for the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls Jan. 18. Andersen's blues concert was part of a Whitefish Theatre Company outreach program to underserved audiences. The concert was sponsored in part by the Montana Cultural Trust.
O'Brien Byrd captures 100th win
Whitefish soccer coach O'Brien Byrd at practice on Tuesday, October 2, in Whitefish. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake )
Pilot helps save Alaska snowmobiler
Stillwater Girls at Glacier
Glacier senior Kailea Vaudt, 14, scrambles for the ball under pressure from Stillwater defenders during their game on Friday at Glacier High School. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Teen who 'terrorized' Evergreen sent to Pine Hills
Rush is on for getting flu vaccine
Irrigation water deal faces vote
What good is a sign if it's ignored?
Profile: USMC Retired Col. Tom Sward
United States Marine Col. Tom Sward, retired, speaks at the Marine Corps Ball on Saturday, November 17, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Matt Andersen Plays for the Montana Veterans Home
Matt Andersen, of New Brunswick, Canada, performs for the Montana Veterans Home on Friday afternoon, January 18, in Columbia Falls. Andersen's concert was part of a Whitefish Theatre Company outreach program to underserved audiences. The concert was sponsored in part by the Montana Cultural Trust. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Mason Keltner
Mason Keltner is going to compete in the National Silver Glove Competition. Monday, Jan. 14, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Could we get miracle cure for IRS?
“Ignorantia juris non excusat” is a legal maxim dating back centuries, times when there was no such thing as the U.S. tax code.
Basketball roundup: Wolfpack boys thump Whitefish
WHITEFISH — The Glacier boys got on top early and kept rolling, beating Whitefish 91-60 in a nonconference clash on Thursday night.
Perrin is Gatorade XC runner of year
Flathead High School senior Zach Perrin was honored as the Gatorade Montana Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year Thursday.
Wrestling Polls: Eureka No. 10 in B-C poll
Great Falls High retained its spot atop the Class AA wrestling poll while Glacier and Flathead remain unranked in newest poll released Thursday.
Bravettes battle by Polson
Flathead girls come from 8 down to beat Pirates, 44-35
The Flathead Bravettes recovered from three shaky quarters to pull out a come-from-behind 44-35 victory over Polson in an inter-class basketball game Thursday at Flathead High School.
Thursday, January 17
Dolores Marie Luke, 91
Daybook
Maria Sinharinha Tome' da Silva Lawver, 86
Ex-pharmacist admits drug theft
A 36-year-old Columbia Falls woman admitted Thursday in Flathead District Court that she had stolen prescription drugs from the Walgreens store in Whitefish while employed as a pharmacist.
Polson burglary suspect arrested
A 30-year-old Polson man is in custody after tips from the public and further investigation connected him to two burglaries in Lake County.
Man facing multiple charges wants new attorney
A 47-year-old Kalispell man made a scene in Flathead District Court on Thursday after pleading not guilty to a trio of felony drug charges.
Man sentenced for assault charge
A 30-year-old Kalispell man was given a six-month suspended sentence Thursday in Flathead District Court after pleading guilty to a reduced charge of misdemeanor assault.
GHS Speech
Glacier Speech and Debate coach Greg Adkins gives a critique Thursday afternoon during practice at Glacier High School. Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Flathead Girls Basketball
Flathead's Emily Russell (15) battles Polson's Monika Frame (42) for a loose ball Thursday night during the Bravettes' home victory over Polson. Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Morning frost
Frost glistens on leaves and branches in Lawrence Park in Kalispell Jan. 17.
Options considered for fairgrounds
Commissioners favor grant for new building
Angry man prompts 2 cop calls
Esther Ovidia Kraus, 96
Kalispell Middle School: one bottle at a time
A student at Kalispell Middle School reaches for a new reusable bottle on Friday, January 11. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Robert Taylor
Preparing for Mardi Gras
Jennifer Li works on a mask she is creating for the Hockaday Museum's Mardi Gras in Montana which is a free event that will be held on Saturday, February 9, from 5-9 p.m. The event is a benefit for the museum which will feature a silent auction of masks made by several local artists, free masking making for children and adults, face painting, music, Southern and Creole from the North Bay Grille, and drinks by Whistling Andy's of Bigfork. Li said she drew her inspiration for the mask from the work of artist Edward Gorey whose drawing she describes as "cute but also creepy." (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Wednesday, January 16
Basketball: Glacier boys top AP poll for first time
A boy born to box
Boxing Boy
Whitefish man died of hypothermia
Final autopsy results for a 62-year-old Whitefish man who was found dead outside his home in December have listed his official cause of death as hypothermia.
Senator confers with Kalispell officials
After a meeting with the Montana Legislature on Monday, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester visited with Kalispell officials at the Museum at Central School on Wednesday.
Judges needed for major speech meet
Approximately 427 volunteer judges are needed for the National Forensic League District Qualifier speech and debate tournament next month in Kalispell.
Full Three Mile Drive interchange proposed for bypass
The planned northern half of the Kalispell U.S. 93 bypass should have a full diamond interchange at Three Mile Drive, the Montana Department of Transportation said this week.
Victim didn't report traffic incident
A hit-and-run accident was reported to the
Our nation's spending problem
If you think the United States has smooth sailing ahead because it passed the “fiscal cliff” without running ashore, think again.
Shirley Ann Knight, 61
Shirley Ann Knight, 61, of Hungry Horse, passed away Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013.
Ernest William Bill Scott Jr., 62
Ernest William “Bill” Scott Jr., passed away Jan. 15, 2013.
Symphony, dancers bring 'Peter and the Wolf' to life
Kids theater takes trip to 'Wax Museum'
Theater group explores circus tragedy
Film club kicks off year with Capra classic
Shirley Ann Knight
Blues society plans Mardi Gras ball
Music school offers February classes for kids, adults
Celebrate Martin Luther King at Jan. 22 event
Catch country couple in concert Feb. 9
Paddle auction fundraiser is Jan. 31
Winners named in Hockaday's new artists show
Library book club discusses novel Jan. 30
GSC 'Peter and the Wolf'
Lilly Sherman of Whitefish, right, plays Peter in Noble Dance's interpretation of "Peter and the Wolf," as performed by Glacier Symphony. Alice Green of Bigfork plays The Bird, left, and Elizabeth Sullivan of Kalispell plays The Cat, front.
WTC 'Elephant's Graveyard'
Whitefish Theatre Company Black Curtain Staged Reading of "Elephant's Graveyard" takes place Jan. 26 and 27 at the O'Shaughnessy Center.
'State of the Union'
Frank Capra's "State of the Union," starring Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn, will be screened Jan. 29 at the Museum at Central School.
Ashlee Hewitt
Catch Ashlee Hewitt and her husband, Jesse Keith Whitley, in concert Feb. 9 at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts.
Hockaday's Catch the Vision: Corwin
James Corwin's "Cannon Beach" took third place in the Hockaday Museum of Art's Catch the Vision: From Dreams to Discovery emerging artists competition.
Hockaday's Catch the Vision: McClellan
Patrick McClellan's "Sweetwater Loading Chute" took second place in the Hockaday Museum of Art's Catch the Vision: From Dreams to Discovery emerging artists competition.
Hockaday Catch the Vision: Tunkis
Paul Tunkis' "Paradise Valley — O'Hair's Spring Creek" took first place in the Hockaday Museum of Art's Catch the Vision: From Dreams to Discovery emerging artists competition.
Nan McKenzie, 'Bigfoot'
Nan McKenzie's "Bigfoot" was published in December. McKenzie will sign copies of her first novel at Station 8 in Columbia Falls from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 1.
Whitefish Library book club
The Whitefish Library Book Discussion Group will talk about Rachel Joyce's debut novel, "The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry," at its Jan. 30 meeting.
Senator Tester meets with local officials
Senator Jon Tester greets Kalispell Fire Chief Dave Dedman, left, and Kalispell Police Department Chief of Police Roger Nasset, on Wednesday morning, January 16, at the Museum at Central School in downtown Kalispell. In the background is Tester's Regional Director Virginia Sloan. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Bravettes bounce Wildkats
The Flathead girls locked down Columbia Falls on defense, running away in the second half with a 49-35 victory.
Braves drill C-Falls
Three days after a tough nonconference loss to Great Falls C.M. Russell, Class AA Flathead responded with a 68-53 win over Class A Columbia Falls in an inter-class boys basketball game Tuesday at Flathead High School.
Glacier girls beat Libby
Katie Wiley matched her season-scoring high with 13 points and Cassi Hashley also totaled 13 as Glacier whipped Libby 60-27 in nonconference girls basketball play Tuesday evening at Glacier High School.
Tuesday, January 15
Walmart case moved to federal court
A wrongful termination lawsuit filed against Walmart by a fired manager is being moved to U.S. District Court.
Woman knits dishcloths into dollars for Wings
Margaret Griffith, a volunteer for Wings, knows cancer from the spouse’s perspective after her husband was diagnosed with a potentially deadly form of the disease.
City, Kidsports discuss terms of partnership
Kidsports and the Kalispell City Council are still trying to iron out a formal agreement that would govern their partnership and the growing youth sports complex for years to come.
FHS Basketball
Flathead’s Garth West elevates on his way to the basket Tuesday night during the Braves’ victory over Columbia Falls at Flathead High School.
Man gets deferred sentence for assaulting cop
An 18-year-old Kalispell man was given a three-year deferred sentence Thursday in Flathead District Court after pleading guilty to assaulting a police officer.
Peter L. Fauske, 78
Peter L. Fauske lived in the Flathead Valley all of his life, born in Whitefish as the youngest of five siblings to Peter and Cecilia Fauske on Sept. 14 in 1934.
George Monford Peebles, 81
George Monford Peebles, 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013, at Buffalo Hills Retreat in Kalispell.
Donald Don William Phillips, 69
Donald “Don” William Phillips, 69, passed away Jan. 12, 2013, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Rodney Raymond Freeman, 75
Foot chase after car chase results in arrest
Deputies with the
Nancy Lee Claydon
Peter L. Fauske
Donald 'Don' William Phillips
Nancy Lee Claydon, 56
Nancy Lee Claydon, 56, passed away from unknown causes at her home in Columbia Falls on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013.
Rodney Raymond Freeman
George Monford Peebles
Margaret Griffith
On her lunch break, Margaret Griffith knits a dish cloth Tuesday afternoon in the lobby of Kalispell Regional Medical Center. Griffith knits dish cloths to help raise money for Wings Regional Cancer Support. Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Monday, January 14
Daybook
Long-lost dog reunited with Great Falls owners
Lost Dog
Structure Fire in Evergreen
Members of the Evergreen Fire Department respond to a structure fire at 2121 Highway 2 East in Evergreen on Monday evening, January 14. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Woman, corgi together again after harrowing search
Corgi
Willow Glen bumped from state road list
Man claims innocence in wife-beating case
Man denies burglary charge
Missing Milo
Milo the corgi was reunited Monday with his owner, Allyson Sempek, right, after he went missing over the weekend. The two are shown here with Allyson's mother, Nancy Sempak, Jan. 5 at Herron Park.
Girlfriend stealing from jailed man
Ireen Danz sketch
Ferndale artist Ireen Danz sketched this portrait during her spare time. Danz has been drawing for as long as she can remember, and at age 90, shows no signs of slowing down.
Ferndale artist still drawing at 90
Mountain Meadow Herbs
Owner David Amrein Thursday afternoon at Mountain Meadow Herbs near Somers. Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012 in Somers, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Skijoring Practice Run- Whitefish, MT - 1/13/2013
In case you wondered what it's like being pulled behind a horse on skis. Practice for Whitefish Winter Carnival.
Sunday, January 13
Rodeo: Circuit Finals titles for Hill
Beau Hill’s perfect weekend resulted in more titles and another big payday for the West Glacier bull rider at the 34th annual Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals at Four Seasons Arena in Great Falls.
Katie Baker
Katie Baker poses at a young age in the mid 1990s in front of Huckleberry Lookout in Glacier National Park. Her mother, Chris, manned lookouts in the park for 17 years, working at Huckleberry and Swiftcurrent.
New Agency on Aging director ready to tackle mission
Lisa Sheppard remembers how the job posting for director of Flathead County Agency on Aging stood out as she was exploring this area on her computer in Austin, Texas.
Lt. Gen. William Boykin
Military veteran keynote speaker
Stillwater Christian School Annual Banquet
Retired Lt. Gen. William “Jerry” Boykin is this year’s keynote speaker at the Stillwater Christian School fifth annual banquet fundraiser.
Francis Luther Uskoski
Francis Luther Uskoski, 90
Francis Luther Uskoski, 90, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013, at his home in Kalispell surrounded by his loving family.
Cross-country skier airlifted
A woman who suffered a medical emergency while cross-country skiing by herself at Herron Park was airlifted out of the woods and taken to Kalispell Regional Medical Center for treatment on Sunday.
Wolfpack boys pound Lake City
Glacier set the tone early against Lake City on Saturday, playing a fast, physical game against the tough team from Coeur d’Alene, picking up a 70-57 nonconference boys basketball win at Glacier High School.
Glacier girls run by Wolves
The Glacier girls took an advantage early and kept Lake City (Coeur d’Alene) at bay, beating the Wolves 52-42 in a nonconference basketball game Saturday at Glacier High School.
Boys basketball: No. 4 CMR nips No. 5 Flathead
A nonconference matchup between two of Class AA’s top boys basketball teams lived up to its billing as No. 4 Great Falls C.M. Russell escaped Flathead High School with a 57-55 win over No. 5 Flathead Saturday.
Saturday, January 12
Hockey: Nationals stop Blazers
WHITEFISH — A pair of second-period goals were enough to propel the Glacier Nationals to a 4-2 win over the Bellingham Blazers Saturday at Stumptown Ice Den.
Eureka 5th at Choteau Wrestling Classic
CHOTEAU — Eureka, led by individual champion Zack Durden (119), tied Fairfield for fifth place at the Choteau Wrestling Classic on Saturday.
Bison matmen win Jug Beck
Glacier winds up 12th, Flathead finishes 14th
MISSOULA — Top-ranked Great Falls High was a wire-to-wire winner at the Jug Beck Rocky Mountain Classic wrestling tournament.
CMR cagers defeat Bravettes
GREAT FALLS — Diondra Denton scored 23 points to lead Great Falls C.M. Russell to a 50-37 Class AA nonconference girls basketball victory on Saturday over the Flathead Bravettes.
Basketball roundup: Whitefish boys upset C-Falls
WHITEFISH — The Whitefish boys exploded out of the second half, outscoring No. 3 Columbia Falls 12-3 in the third quarter on the way to a 50-35 upset of their Northwestern A basketball rivals.
Five kids, 60 charges - Teens' spree ranges from car thefts to assaults
Canyon brothers’ past reveals troubled family life
With their crimes behind them and rulings doled out by the Flathead County court system, a pair of teenage brothers from Hungry Horse are trying to move on with their lives.
Gun control: Is it really going to be reasonable?
Gun control advocates say they are pushing for “common sense,” “responsible” and “reasonable” reforms, an approach that frames opponents as extremists.
First responders practice rescues on local waters
There’s something that often compels people to venture out on frozen lakes and rivers that may not hold their body weight: Their beloved pet is on thin ice.
Free services offered to taxpayers of all ages
Residents of all ages with low to moderate incomes have free tax preparation available from AARP’s TAX-AIDE and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) starting Feb. 4 and continuing through April 15.
New ranger takes the reins
New Ranger
After a 23-year multidisciplined career in the U.S. Forest Service that has taken him to multiple western states, Rob Davies is the new Hungry Horse-Glacier View District ranger.
Benghazi: A look at what's wrong with the story
Several months before the attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, the BBC reported that the International Red Cross withdrew from the country. The headline read, “Libya: Red Cross Pulls out of Benghazi Fearing Attack.”
Recalling a ride on the 'freedom' train of youth
One of the topics that came up more than once at the all-school reunion I attended in Minnesota last summer was how fortunate we were to have grown up in an era when kids, for the most part, were left to their own devices and imaginations to entertain themselves.
Arlee High teacher wins tolerance award
Kalispell road boss named
After an application and testing process, Kalispell Public Works employee Daryl Pliley has been promoted to be the city’s new road and fleet superintendent.
Woman gets deferred DUI sentence
A 52-year-old Kalispell woman was given a three-year deferred sentence Thursday in Flathead District Court after pleading guilty to reduced charges.
Girl aids mother during assault
Instructor encourages prospective pilots in the relatively affordable world of light sport aviation
In the winter, Joe Angle likes to grab a friend and put in a long day of ice fishing at one of Northwest Montana’s backcountry lakes.
Crime spree spawns Canyon neighborhood watch program
A long string of crimes committed in the Canyon communities has seen a veritable parade of youths through the county court system and has prompted Canyon neighbors to organize a neighborhood watch program.
Daybook
Why Republicans are all 'racists'
If you had the opportunity to question most of the people in this nation and ask which of the two parties, Democrat or Republican, displayed the most racism, I am surer the Republicans would be named the most.
Glacier Boys Basketball
Glacier's Logan Iverson eyes the basket during Glacier's nonconference game with Lake City on Saturday at Glacier High School.
Glacier Girls Basketball
Glacier's Cassi Hashley (right) blocks the shot of Lake City's Natalie Wheelock during Glacier's victory over Lake City on Saturday at Glacier High School.
Five Kids, 60 charges
The two Als and a national shame
If you needed more evidence that the United States is in full self-destruct mode, you got it last week when it was announced that former Vice President Al Gore had sold his failed cable talk network Current TV to Al Jazeera for $500 million.
Lucille Koser, 88
Lucille Koser, 88, of Whitefish passed away on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013.
Hazel Theresa (Halvorson) Peterson, 98
Harold Monroe Cantrell, 89
Nationals pull out win over Blazers
Bigfork wins tight game against Florence
Gatorade honors Bigfork's Morley, again
Bigfork sophomore running sensation Makena Morley has been named the 2012-13 Gatorade Montana Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year.
Friday, January 11
Glacier Nationals Hockey
Glacier's Daniel Roe (13) and Bellingham's Dawson Quint (18) battle for the puck Friday night during the Glacier Nationals' home matchup against Bellingham at the Stumptown Ice Den in Whitefish.
Agency on Aging: Hazards cited at building
The building where the Agency on Aging prepares and serves food for the Meals on Wheels program has numerous safety hazards, Flathead County Agency on Aging Director Lisa Sheppard told the Area IX Advisory Council on Aging at its Thursday meeting.
Sharing the load: Bigfork couple creates nonprofit to support foster system
In 2008, an issue of Outreach magazine was unexpectedly delivered to Steve and Mary Bryan’s Bigfork residence.
Daybook
Simulator takes officer training to new level
Police say their training opportunities in the Flathead Valley are about to enter a whole new era, with a use-of-force simulator and a 50-yard tactical shooting range in the works at Northwest Shooter.
Matinee added for Elvis tribute show in Bigfork
Miss your chance to get tickets to see Ryan Pelton in Bigfork? Don’t check in to Heartbreak Hotel just yet — the Elvis Presley impersonator has added a matinee to his Flathead Valley stay.
Threatening calls not a funny prank
A frightened Forest Drive woman contacted the
C. Falls couple pleads not guilty in pot-growing case
A Columbia Falls couple pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to felony charges stemming from the discovery of a marijuana growing operation.
Breaking trail
Ranger Kim Corette heads out before the visitor center opens to check the state of the trails at Lone Pine State Park west of Kalispell Friday morning. Corette made sure the trails were prepared for the visitors who will be making their way out there today, National Winter Trails Day. Lone Pine will offer free snowshoe rentals to visitors today, and Corette is leading a snowshoe hike at 1 p.m. There are also events to mark the day at Stillwater Mountain Lodge, the Whitefish Trail System, Glacier National Park and in the Swan Mountains.
Ruth (Shannon) Nace Steel, 89
Ruth (Shannon) Nace Steel, longtime Montana newspaper woman, in both editorial and advertising, died Monday, Dec. 31, 2012, of heart failure. She was 89.
Boys basketball: Wolfpack tops Wildcats
COLUMBIA FALLS — Forced to slow down the pace for most of the game, the Class AA No. 3 Glacier boys used their superior height and length to fend off Class A No. 3 Columbia Falls 67-42 in a nonconference basketball contest Thursday evening.
Girls basketball: Glacier clips Columbia Falls
COLUMBIA FALLS — The Glacier girls were in control throughout much of Thursday’s nonconference basketball game against Columbia Falls, but needed a big fourth quarter to overcome a lethargic third and seal a 57-35 victory.
Frenchtown grapplers down Libby, Whitefish
FRENCHTOWN — Sixth-ranked Frenchtown posted a pair of easy Northwestern A wrestling dual wins on Thursday.
Thursday, January 10
Basketball roundup: Nelson lifts Libby over Thompson Falls
LIBBY — Kraig Nelson scored 16 of his game-high 21 points in the fourth quarter as Libby (3-6) beat Thompson Falls (4-5) 54-41 on Thursday in boys nonconference basketball play.
Glacier at Columbia Falls Basketball
Glacier's Hannah Atlee (12) puts up a shot past Columbia Falls' Andrea Getts (21) Thursday night during the Wolfpack's victory at Columbia Falls High School.
Rush is on for concealed-weapon permits
Maybe it’s a personal stand for gun ownership or fears of federal anti-gun legislation. Whatever the reason, people are rushing to get concealed-weapon permits in Flathead County.
Open house showcases library upgrade
An extensive upgrade of the Flathead County Library in Kalispell has been completed, and the public is invited to an open house today to see the results.
Family regroups after fire - Couple with 12 children lost everything
Jim and Amanda Pohl are trying to get their lives back on track after they and nine of their 12 children were burned out of their home in Stryker on New Year’s Eve.
Man wants payment for good deed
A woman contacted the
Daybook
Friday
Woman pleads not guilty to 4th DUI
A 60-year-old Kalispell woman pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to what would be her fourth offense of driving under the influence.
Flathead snowpack is above average
Even though there has been relatively little snow in the Flathead Valley so far this winter, December delivered above-average mountain snowfall across the state, according to snow survey data recently released by the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Bozeman.
Agency seeks expansion of wolf hunting, trapping
Kalispell tackles water well woes
Kalispell officials said they may have to replace the pump and motor at the city’s Grandview water well, where components were last replaced five years ago.
Stay safe; get your flu vaccine
One state after another has reported high levels of flu this year, and it also appears that many of those cases are more intense than in recent years.
Coin and jewelry thief sentenced
Burglar exchanges drugs for valuables
A 25-year-old Kalispell man was sentenced Jan. 3 in Flathead District Court to five years in prison and five years of probation after pleading guilty to a string of thefts.
Sentence is deferred for felony stalker
A 25-year-old Kalispell man was given a three-year deferred sentence Jan. 3 in Flathead District Court after pleading guilty to a felony charge of stalking.
Library Open House
Paige Walters, 2, of Kalispell reads a book at the Books and Baby time at the Kalispell Public Library on Thursday morning, January 10. The library is having an open house event today beginning at 4 p.m. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
National Winter Trails Day
Sue Sherman of Whitefish takes to the Glacier Nordic Center trails on Thursday afternoon, January 10, at the Whitefish Lake Golf Club. Tomorrow is National Winter Trails Day with events taking place around the Flathead, including a celebration at the Stillwater Mountain Lodge from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., free cross country skiing and snowshoeing on the Whitefish Trail System, cross country skiing at Blacktail as well as events at Lone Pine State Park, Glacier National Park and in the Swan Mountains. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Joe Angle
Joe Angle stands next to his Challenger II, an experimental light sport plane, on Smith Lake earlier this month. Angle is a certified list sport pilot instructor. Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Lisa Sheppard
Lisa Sheppard, director of the Agency on Aging, faces a meeting with county commissioners today to determine whether she will keep her job.
Child SHARE Montana
The board of Child SHARE Montana meets on Wednesday, January 9, at the Saddle Horn in Bigfork. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Wednesday, January 9
Prep Basketball Poll: Columbia Falls girls on top
The Columbia Falls girls basketball team is on top of the first Associated Press basketball of the season.
Decision on park fees is delayed
Facing stiff opposition over proposed fee increases for city park use, the Whitefish City Council on Monday opted to postpone a vote until it can meet with the Park Board in February.
Somers man ordered to pay for portable toilets
A 22-year-old Somers man was given a six-month deferred sentence Jan. 3 in Flathead District Court to a reduced charge of criminal mischief after setting two portable toilets on fire three and a half years ago.
Polson 'wolves' just missing dogs?
Two skiers survive avalanche near Marias Pass
Two skiers survived an avalanche in Glacier National Park that partially buried one of the men Tuesday afternoon.
High-speed chase yields felony charges
Five counts include theft, assault, criminal mischief
The man apprehended by an Evergreen couple following a high-speed chase with police has been charged with five felonies and one misdemeanor.
Whitefish Winter Carnival - Skijoring big part of festivities
The 10th annual World Skijoring Championships will be staged in Whitefish the weekend of Jan. 25-27 as a signature event of the Winter Carnival.
What impact do the fees have?
Both Kalispell and Whitefish are re-examining the impact fees they currently assess, and that’s no surprise.
Drunk and disagreeable: Imagine that!
A drunk man who at first couldn’t even say where he lived was ultimately given a ride home by a
Daybook
Christmas tree pickup begins
Volunteers to make curbside collections on Kalispell streets
It’s about time for Kalispell residents to drag their Christmas trees out to the curb. Teams of volunteers make the first of three rounds to pick up the trees on Saturday, Jan. 12.
Kalispell schools step up security
Board talks about lockdown reviews, safety procedures
With the aftermath of the Dec. 14 elementary school massacre in Connecticut still fresh in their minds, trustees of the Kalispell School Board on Tuesday were briefed about added security measures at Kalispell schools.
Frances Louise 'Fran' Dyer, 90
Frances Louise "Fran" Dyer, 90, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013, at her Kalispell residence.
Ralph James Flammond, 70
Ralph James Flammond passed away Jan. 6, 2013, in Kalispell, from a brief, but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
An ice day
Chris Rost, left, belays as Lara Middlemas climbs Tuesday afternoon at an ice wall near U.S. 2 just outside of Hungry Horse.
Art show honors teacher's 40-year career
Montana Rep to perform in Whitefish
Bigfork actors hold meeting
C. Falls choir kicks off Sunday
Symphony, dance studio present symphonic fairy tale
Classes for crafters of all levels at yarn store
Polson hosts film festival
Book club meeting postponed
Montana Rep 'Biloxi Blues'
The Montana Repertory Theatre will stage "Biloxi Blues" in Whitefish Jan. 23.
Natalie Dungey
FLIC
Bad Rock Book Discussion Group
"The Book Thief," by Markus Zusak
Lisa Sheppard
Lisa Sheppard is the new director of Agency on Aging in Kalispell. Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
This Week in the Flathead: Students of Karen Leigh
An untitled piece by Betty Violette of Bigfork. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Tuesday, January 8
Daybook
Ambulance dispatched for avalanche victim
The Flathead County 911 Center dispatched an ambulance to the Middle Fork Flathead corridor Tuesday afternoon for a person who was injured by an avalanche. The victim was apparently able to walk to U.S. 2 on a trail at Glacier National Park’s Fielding Guard Station several miles west of Marias Pass. The report came in at about 4:40 p.m. with an initial request for ALERT helicopter, which could not fly because of weather conditions.
Montana House only shop open all winter in Apgar Village
Going-to-the-Sun Road is quiet these days and Glacier National Park is wreathed in drifts of snow.
Family frantic to find missing Lab mix
Charlie, an 8-year-old Labrador in Great Falls, really misses his pal Lucy, a female mixed Lab/ Weimaraner who turns 4 on Super Bowl Sunday.
Initial nod given to permitted land uses
A proposed ordinance to make government facilities such as public schools, jails, fairgrounds and police and fire stations permitted land uses in all zones passed the first of two readings with support from the Kalispell City Council on Monday.
Flathead schools' enrollment up slightly
Eight of 19 elementary districts gained in student numbers
Enrollment in Flathead County schools is up 1 percent from last year, with 14,941 students attending public and private schools as of Oct. 1, 2012
Lucy, the lost lab
Lucy, the Labrador/Weimaraner mix that was lost in the Flathead Valley in October, was reunited Sunday with her Great Falls family.
Main Street brewery pushes to open doors
Brewing good beer takes time. So does building a brewery. And right now, the Kalispell Brewing Company is still fermenting.
Montana House
Montana House, located in Apgar Village in Glacier National Park, is the only business in the park to stay open year round. Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013 in Apgar Village, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Ice Climbing
Chris Rost, left, and Lara Middlemas prepare for a climb Tuesday afternoon at an ice wall near US 2 just outside of Hungry Horse. Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013 in Hungry Horse, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Kalispell Brewing Company
Cole Schneider, the owner of the new Kalispell Brewing Company, says he wants to keep the building on Main Street as close to its original shape as possible.
Woodpecker
A pileated woodpecker perches on a fallen tree Tuesday afternoon outside of Hungry Horse. Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013 in Hungry Horse, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Snowy Owls
A snowy owl sits in a field near Polson.
Theresa Ann Mann-Herron, 70
Our beautiful mother, Theresa Ann Mann-Herron, 70, died on Jan. 3, 2013. Her rich, full life ended in the home of her loving daughter Lisa Katchur and son-in-law Mike Katchur in Lakeside.
Dave Segerstrom, 66
Dave Segerstrom, 66, of Missoula, passed away peacefully at home, on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013, after a valiant fight with cancer.
Lonnie Dale Lawson, 77
Irene 'Sissy' Rose Moore Gonder, 84
Monday, January 7
Daybook
Carole Francis Brummett, 86
Snow on the Range
A bison cow gets a light dusting of snow at Spring Brook Ranch Jan. 7 west of Kalispell. The ranch is hosting the Conrad Mansion's Buffalo Bash Sept. 12.
Pilot in Libby crash was 'noncertified'
Grant to state association benefits local health center
Kalispell hires community and economic development administrator
Whitefish Theatre Company hires new executive director
Former Flathead resident named commission chairman
Not exactly a friendly wave
Hockaday announces January tour and tea
Child porn charges against priest dropped
WTC new director
Alfreda Gayle (Smith) Stone, 55
Bison in Winter
A bison cow and calf take shelter near a tree at Spring Brook Ranch on Monday afternoon, January 7, west of Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Sunday, January 6
Hunting dog a contender
Tana Montana will represent breed at national Pheasant Fest
Most people have never heard of the Pudelpointer breed of dog, and neither had Todd Wirthlin until he bought one three years ago.
Audubon enthusiast earns lifetime award
An eye for birds
Bob Lopp was a teenager attending a weekend camp at Rogers Lake when camp leader Ernie Birnell introduced him to the world of birding. He’s been scouring the skies and forests for birds ever since.
Whitefish wants more money for park use
The cost of using Whitefish city parks for big events may be going up big-time.
Suspect in knife attack enters plea
A 50-year-old Kalispell man who allegedly stabbed another man multiple times pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to felony assault with a weapon.
Ex-friend is possible stalker
Saturday, a woman complained to
Dennis Morrell Olson
Dennis Morrell Olson, 87
Dennis Morrell Olson, 87, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by his children on Monday, Dec. 31, 2012, in Sparks, Nev.
Saturday, January 5
Best of times for swimmers
Flathead/Glacier swim coach Dave Lillard was more than satisfied.
Wolfpack cagers rip Sentinel
The Glacier boys held Missoula Sentinel to three field goals in the first half, rolling by the Spartans 56-32 to stay undefeated in conference basketball play Saturday at Glacier High School.
Braves start 2-0 in Western AA hoops
Despite missing two regulars due to illness and having two starters limited by foul trouble, the Flathead Braves still had the depth to rout Missoula Big Sky 59-36 in their home basketball opener at Flathead High School Saturday.
Polson boys fall to Loyola in basketball
POLSON — Riley Sampson had a monster game for Polson — 22 points and 19 rebounds — but it still wasn’t enough to help the Pirates pick up a nonconference boys basketball victory on Saturday, losing to Missoula Loyola 57-54.
Girls basketball roundup: Bravettes beat Big Sky
MISSOULA — Flathead used a balanced offensive attack to down Missoula Big Sky 58-44 in Western AA girls basketball action on Saturday.
Glacier grapplers finish 4th at Pacific Northwest Wrestling Classic
SPOKANE — Glacier’s Lucas Mantel (132), Jackson Barber (160) and Dawson Day (182) all won individual titles at the Pacific Northwest Wrestling Classic on Saturday.
Whitefish's Zinke claims mat crown at Booster Club
CUT BANK — Wolf Zinke of Whitefish won the heavyweight title at the Cut Bank Booster Club Wrestling Tournament on Saturday.
Frenchtown wrestlers win Western Montana Duals
RONAN — Frenchtown’s wrestlers won the Western Montana Duals on Saturday.
Whitefish reports busiest shoulder season ever
Resort tax collections for the autumn months of 2012 indicate Whitefish had its busiest shoulder season ever.
Josh Akey, Prime Minister
Michael Ray Spence, 73
Dr. Michael Ray Spence, 73, passed away at his home from a pulmonary embolism on Dec. 25, 2012, in Lakeside.
On other hand, maybe some guns are the problem
Upon returning home from a Christmas trip, I was scanning the unread Daily Inter Lakes and came across a letter to the editor written by Bob Brown on Dec. 27 titled “Don’t let the NRA set the agenda on gun control.” The letter was exceptionally well thought out and written.
Betty Ann Fields, 84
Betty Ann Fields, 84, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell with her family at her side.
'Discovery in Every Direction' - Kalispell visitor website creates new image for city
When the Kalispell Convention and Visitor Bureau set out a few years ago to market Kalispell as a tourist destination — rather than a drive-through on the way to Whitefish or Glacier National Park — task No. 1 was to launch a compelling website.
Give up rights only after deep consideration
In a recent guest opinion, Bob Brown calls for limiting the Second Amendment protection of our right to keep and bear arms. He states:
Alicia Blake, Duchess of Lark
Grizzly deaths remain at steady level
18 mortalities reported during 2012
With improved habitat security on federal lands and continued public education, the number of grizzly bear mortalities in the Northern Rockies was relatively low at 18 in 2012.
Woman takes a river walk
A possibly drunk, possibly high woman was reported to the
James 'Jim' Edward Wilson, Sr., 73
Bipartisan session or battle royale?
Steve Bullock has yet to be inaugurated as governor and the Montana Legislature has yet to convene, but the political ball is already rolling in Helena.
Daybook
Don't let the NRA set the agenda on gun control
I am sadly reserving judgment about whether to continue membership in the National Rifle Association. I own about 20 guns, and have taken elk, antelope, whitetail, mule deer, and many game birds. If all the gophers gunned down by me were placed end-to-end they would probably extend from Whitefish to somewhere east of Billings.
New prime minister, duchess crowned
Whitefish crowned its first round of Winter Carnival royalty on Saturday night, naming Josh Akey the new prime minister and Alicia Blake the Duchess of Lark.
Jonathan Eugene Munro, 54
Jonathan Eugene Munro, 54, passed away of a sudden heart attack at home on Dec. 22, 2012, in Kirkland, Wash.
The view from the air
This aerial view of Kalispell looks to the east beyond Flathead High School in the lower right corner of the photo.
Whitefish studies impact-fee fate
A committee tasked with reviewing Whitefish’s impact fees has recommended for a second time that the city should drop some of the fees.
Building firms feel big impact
Copper thieves are making their mark in the Flathead Valley and Montana, particularly hitting construction companies.
Making room for God in a changing world
Change is not always good. That should be obvious to anyone who has observed Congress for more than a minute, but unfortunately there seems to be a built-in human bias which assumes that we collectively get wiser as time passes.
Stuart Perry Milter, 62
Stuart Perry Milter passed away suddenly Nov. 29, 2012, from a tragic accident at his home.
Kalispell High School Meet 2013
Glacier’s Jake Cirincione swims the 200-yard individual medley Saturday at The Summit. Cirincione won the first heat with a time of 2:08.07.
Friday, January 4
Eureka spills Whitefish
WHITEFISH — After a high-scoring first quarter, the Eureka Lady Lions shut down Whitefish’s perimeter offense and allowed just five points in the second half of a 47-18 nonconference victory Friday.
Mat Cats go 4-0 at Western Montana Duals
RONAN — The Columbia Falls Mat Cats posted a 4-0 mark in dual action Friday at the Western Montana Duals.
Flathead flu cases spiking
Influenza took hold across Flathead County in the last week with flu cases doubling.
Whitefish rapist gets seven-year sentence
Man connected to 2007 crime through state DNA database
A 27-year-old Whitefish rapist was sentenced Thursday in Flathead District Court to seven years in prison and 13 years of probation.
'I'll blow your brains out' - Evergreen couple help capture fleeing car thief
The fevered flight of a Kalispell man being chased by Flathead County deputies ended at the point of a rifle Thursday night when a plucky Evergreen couple captured him outside their home.
Expansion the stuff of DREAMs
Cheri DuBeau has dreams for expanding recreational opportunities for people with disabilities.
Fred's Appliance to open store in valley, location TBA
Fred’s Appliance, the largest appliance dealer in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho, will open a new store in the Kalispell area, possibly by mid-March, general manager Troy Varness said Friday.
Driver hitting owl wasn't a hoot
A man contacted the
Jordan Elliott
DREAM Adaptive Recreation
Cheri DuBeau maneuvers a sit-ski containing volunteer Jeff Carlson on Dec. 22 at Whitefish Mountain Resort during a training session for DREAM Adaptive Recreation. DuBeau is the new executive director of the organization.
Daybook
Whitefish vs. Eureka Girls Basketball
Whitefish junior Simone Craft (20) dribbles the ball under pressure from Eureka senior Cassidy Morgan (22) during their game on Friday night in Whitefish.
LaRaine Cresto, 78
LaRaine Cresto was born Nov. 17, 1934, in Mackie, Idaho to Jim and Daisy Cresto.
Crash and arrest
Mike Stephens displays the wounds he received Thursday.
Mike and Amy Stephens
Mike and Amy Stephens, shown here outside their Evergreen home Friday afternoon, are being heralded as heroes by their neighbors and the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.
Evergreen couple help capture fleeing car thief
Mike and Amy Stephens, shown here outside their Evergreen home Friday afternoon, helped capture a man accused of stealing a car Thursday night.
Best of 2012 - Patrick Cote
Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake Spc. Jeremy O'Canna of the Kalispell National Guard walks past a display of flags Friday afternoon outside Whitefish High School following a Veterans Day ceremony at the school. Friday, Nov. 9, 2012 in Whitefish, Montana.
Rob Davies
Rob Davies is the Hungry Horse district ranger for the Flathead National Forest Service. Friday, Jan. 4, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Pudelpointer
Todd Wirthlin with his Pudelpointer Tana Montana at his ranch west of Kalispell.
Glacier beats Big Sky
The Glacier girls shook off two weeks of rust and two quarters of sluggish play to pick up their first conference win of the season, beating Missoula Big Sky 61-45 Thursday night at Glacier High School.
Bravettes fall to Sentinel
The Flathead Bravettes opened Western AA conference play with a 66-24 loss to defending state champion Missoula Sentinel at Flathead High School Thursday.
Columbia Falls boys slip past Bigfork in overtime
BIGFORK — A Luke Kazlauskas’ layup with two seconds remaining in overtime gave Columbia Falls a 61-59 boys nonconference basketball victory Thursday night over a stubborn and talented Bigfork squad.
Polson wrestlers defeat Libby
POLSON — Polson rode pins by Cody Hedeen (105), Triston Caye (112), Carlos Quinones (119), Craig Feistner (145) and Mike Corrigan (215) to a 54-37 Northwestern A wrestling dual victory over Libby on Thursday.
Thursday, January 3
Glacier Girls Basketball
Glacier's Katie Wiley (left) and Missoula Big Sky's Kendra Joyce go after a loose ball Thursday evening during Glacier's victory at home over Big Sky.
A touch of Grace in the Flathead
There are stories with happy endings, and there are stories with extraordinary outcomes. The birth of Grace Joy Ort on Dec. 18 fits nicely into that extraordinary category, thanks to a brilliant team effort by the staff at Kalispell Regional Healthcare and a few guardian angels along the way.
Wolf hunt reopens near Yellowstone
Daybook
ALERT picks up injured snowmobiler
An
Contract up for park concessioner
The long-term concessions contract held by Glacier Park Inc. expires at the end of this year, and Glacier National Park will accept proposals for businesses to provide lodging, food and beverage, retail and other visitor services into the future.
Spokane TV stations to leave lineup for airwaves
Viewers in Polson and Kalispell who rely on antennae to watch television are losing channels this month.
Community college offers new course in agribusiness
Flathead Valley Community College offers a new four-session course to help farmers and ranchers find new and innovative ways to generate farm income.
Kalispell dinged for credit card controls
The city of Kalispell is asking its employees to provide original receipts for any and all purchases made with the city’s credit cards after an auditor found that policy was not always being followed.
Fresh snow
Fresh snowflakes coat stalks of wild grass along Fairview Crossroad east of Kalispell Thursday morning. The Flathead Valley has a 20 percent chance of getting more snow today.
Proud parents
Thomas and Tonya Folkerson pose with their newborn Anna-Marie Thursday afternoon at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. Anna-Marie was born at 11:01 a.m. Wednesday morning, making her Kalispell Regional’s first baby of the new year. Anna-Marie weighed 9 pounds, 8 ounces and was 21.5 inches long. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
LaRaine Cresto, 78
Stuart Perry Milter, 62
Bruce Edward Lamkins, 60
Bruce Edward Lamkins, 60, of Boise, Idaho, “left this earth” Monday, Dec. 17, 2012.
Levina A. Jensen, 96
Levina A. Jensen, 96, “went home to be with her beloved husband, Peter, and was welcomed home by her Lord and Savior” on Dec. 30, 2012.
Marjorie 'Marge' Kristine Desch, 85
What social media outlet do you prefer?
Wednesday, January 2
Commissioners asked to oppose water pact
State Sen. Verdell Jackson, R-Kalispell, urged Flathead County commissioners Wednesday to take a stand against a proposed Flathead Reservation water rights compact.
Physical therapy assistant course opens up new career possibilities
If you have patience and a passion for wellness and working with people, Flathead Valley Community College’s new physical therapy assistant program may offer that dream job of your New Year’s resolution.
Impact fees still unresolved
Sewer, water charges haven’t been adjusted for five years
After two years and two studies, Kalispell starts 2013 still trying to wrap up needed reviews of its water and sanitary sewer impact fees.
Jonathan Eugene Munro, 54
Possible wolves spotted in Polson
Polson Police and Confederated Salish-Kootenai tribal wildlife officials recently responded to a report of wolves being spotted in a Polson residential area.
Holmquist to lead commissioners
The Flathead County commissioners used their first meeting of 2013 to reorganize and decided Pam Holmquist will chair the commission this year.
Stuart Perry Milter, 62
New Year's baby
The first baby of 2013 in the Flathead Valley was Colter Canfield, born at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish to Brooke Lemer and Casey Canfield of Eureka at 6:40 a.m. on New Year’s Day. He is the couple’s first child, weighed 6 pounds, 9 ounces and measured 19 inches long. Paternal grandparents are Donald and Linda Canfield of the Flathead. Maternal grandfather is Ron Lemer of Eureka. Casey is employed at the Eureka Pellet Mill. North Valley Hospital congratulated the family with a variety of gifts. (Photo courtesy of North Valley Hospital)
Raptor in the snow
A young female snowy owl is pictured recently in the Mission Valley. The distinctive raptors migrate south from the Arctic.
Fireworks keep cops hopping
Museum restores murals from Glacier Park lodges
Pirate-themed fundraiser scheduled for Jan. 11
Several Windows on Whitefish classes in January
Cultural and Art History Club to review 2012 artists
Kids' classes offered at Stumptown Art Studio
Bigfork painter leads artists' forum
Elvis tribute band plays concert at Bigfork center
Canadian blues singer in concert
Oregon college singers perform in Kalispell
Hockaday Glacier National Park murals
Joe Abbrescia uses pastels to restore a mural depicting Grinnell Lake Monday afternoon at Abbrescia Art Restoration in Kalispell.
Roberta 'Bobbie' Mae Shelley, 86
Roberta “Bobbie” Mae Shelley, 86, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012, at her home in Bigfork.
Thomas G. Lewis
Thomas G. Lewis, whose "Light on Mount Wilbur" is shown here, leads this month's Crits and Croissants artists' forum at the Hockaday Museum of Art Jan. 12.
Windows on Whitefish mosaic class
Deb Stika leads several mosaic fish classes in January, as part of Stumptown Art Studio's Windows on Whitefish.
Ryan Pelton
Elvis impersonator Ryan Pelton is launching his farewell tour in Montana. He performs Jan. 12 at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts.
Wayne James 'Jim' Kelch, 69
Wayne James “Jim” Kelch, formerly of Whitefish, passed away Dec. 14, 2012, in Topock, Ariz., due to cancer, at the age of 69.
Willamette Singers
The Willamette Singers performs with the Willamette University Chamber Choir, Flathead and Glacier high school choirs, and the Crown of the Continent Choir at Flathead High Jan. 10.
Willamette University Chamber Choir
The Willamette University Chamber Choir performs with the Willamette Singers, Flathead and Glacier high school choirs, and the Crown of the Continent Choir at Flathead High Jan. 10.
Sheron Joan (Mulligan) Petesch, 74
Sheron Joan (Mulligan) Petesch “proceeded through the pearly gates of Heaven” at 9 a.m. on Jan. 2, 2013. Sheron had a valiant four-year battle with various health issues.
Matt Andersen
New Brunswick singer-songwriter Matt Andersen is in concert Jan. 18 at the O'Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. The show is part of Whitefish Theatre Company's 2012-13 season.
Robert H. 'Bob' Crane, 87
Robert H. “Bob” Crane died Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Atlanta, Ga., following complications from a stroke he suffered on Friday, Dec. 28.
Elaine L. Lant, 92
Elaine L. Lant “entered into eternal rest” Dec. 29, 2012, surrounded by her family.
Smith Lake Fishing Derby
Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake Michael Antonich, left, and Bridger David weigh a Northern pike they caught Saturday morning during the 42nd annual Sunriser Lions Smith Lake Fish Derby. Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012 in Kila, Montana.
Smith Lake Fish Derby
In this file photo from December 2012, Jake Geldrich, who was 10 at the time, pulls a northern pike out of his fishing hole during the 42nd annual Sunriser Lions Smith Lake Fish Derby. Most local fishing derbies feature non-native species.
Week in Pictures: December 24-31
Polar Bear Plunge
A participant reacts to the cold waters of Flathead Lake Tuesday afternoon during the annual Polar Bear Plunge at The Raven in Woods Bay. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Congress OKs cliff deal
WASHINGTON — Congress’ excruciating, extraordinary New Year’s Day approval of a compromise averting a prolonged tumble off the fiscal cliff hands President Barack Obama most of the tax boosts on the rich that he campaigned on. It also prevents House Republicans from facing blame for blocking tax cuts for most American households, though most GOP lawmakers parted ways with Speaker John Boehner and opposed the measure.
Barbara Simon
joe van bemmel
Whitefish Democrat working on numerous bill drafts
Daybook
Fireworks complaints are plentiful
Barbara Elaine Simon, 62
GOP leaders make predictions for legislature
Joe W. VanBemmel, 75
Tuesday, January 1
Sunny May Baker
Sunny May Baker, daughter of Phillip Baker and Allie Hall, was born Dec. 11 at North Valley Hospital.
Hunter Quinn Creighton
Hunter Quinn Creighton, son of Daniel and Mystel Creighton, was born Dec. 11 at North Valley Hospital.
Lucas Charles Lee Rodgers
Lucas Charles Lee Rodgers, son of Jordan and Natashia Rodgers of Columbia Falls, was born Dec. 1 at North Valley Hospital.
Garrett Wade Anderson
Garrett Wade Anderson, son of Erik Anderson and Megan Rel of Kalispell, was born Dec. 9 at North Valley Hospital.
