Ellington

Baseball: Libby to open Class A tourney against Helena

After storming through the Western A District Tournament with a 4-0 record, the Libby Loggers are looking to keep that momentum going at the Montana-Alberta American Legion Class A State Tournament, which begins today in Helena.

Baseball: Lakers drop opener at state tourney

BILLINGS — The Kalispell Lakers lost 2-1 to the Bozeman Bucks in the first round of the Class AA American Legion baseball state tournament at Dehler Park Wednesday, despite a strong outing from pitcher Justin Wallace.

Ethan Garret Tanner

Ethan Garret Tanner, son of Jason and Carrie Tanner of Columbia Falls, was born July 1 at North Valley Hospital.

Weapons, reason and responsibility

It appears the Associated Press has gotten an unnecessary, self-inflicted black eye from its recent request for detailed information on all Montana concealed-weapons permit holders.

Terry James Dyer

Terry James Dyer, son of Matt and Jessica Dyer of Kalispell, was born July 7 at North Valley Hospital.

Payton Bryanne Nelson

Payton Bryanne Nelson, daughter of Kyser Nelson and Jessika Gorman, was born July 2 at North Valley Hospital.

Judge reverses jury in woman's fraud case

A day before she was to be sentenced, the former owner of the historic Somers mansion was acquitted by a judge of mail fraud and conspiracy.

Rylan Russell Jorgensen

Rylan Russell Jorgensen, son of Brittany Jorgensen of Eureka, was born July 4 at North Valley Hospital.

Lincoln Thomas Alan Eaton

Lincoln Thomas Alan Eaton, son of Matt and Amber Eaton of Columbia Falls, was born July 5 at North Valley Hospital.

Chet Kirby

Chet Kirby, son of Jake and Maria Kirby of Columbia Falls, was born July 3 at North Valley Hospital.

Danielle Neva Evert

Danielle Neva Evert, daughter of Daylon Evert and Amanda Ivankovich of Kalispell, was born July 1 at North Valley Hospital.

Andrew Wade Kohler

Andrew Wade Kohler, son of Anthony and Kayleen Kohler of Kalispell, was born July 5 at North Valley Hospital.

Sophia Monroe Jore

Sophia Monroe Jore, daughter of Ben and Mandi Jore of Kalispell, was born July 4 at North Valley Hospital.

Dad pleads not guilty in brutal death of son

Washington boy killed

Jeremy Cramer sits in District Court in Anaconda on Wednesday. He pleaded not guilty to the beating and stabbing death of his 3-year-old son.

Broderick Lee Snelson

Broderick Lee Snelson, son of Eric and Sharee Snelson of Fort Madison, Iowa, was born July 3 at Fort Madison Community Hospital.

Natalie Stephan

Natalie Stephan, daughter of Michael Stephan and Shyanne Borden of Columbia Falls, was born July 7 at North Valley Hospital.

Leilauni Nevaeh Schaeffer

Leilauni Nevaeh Schaeffer, daughter of Bill Schaeffer and Robyn Clark of Kalispell, was born July 3 at North Valley Hospital.

Driver sentenced to treatment

A Kalispell man will be incarcerated only during his treatment after pleading no contest to his fourth offense of driving under the influence.

Herron Park grows from 270 to 380 acres

Herron Park near Kalispell has grown from 270 to 380 acres, thanks to a major land purchase funded by both private and public sources.

Whitefish Sportsman store gets new look

Sportsman & Ski Haus in Whitefish recently began a complete exterior overhaul of its facility, the first major improvement at the store since Sportsman moved into the south end of the Whitefish Mountain Mall.

Lakeside Boat Show: New Boat Building Center featured at classic showcase

The beautifully restored “woodys” lined up for the Big Sky Antique and Classic Boat Society’s show in Lakeside are always a crowd-pleaser, but this year organizers are taking the event a step further by bringing spectators inside the new Boat Building Center for a close-up look at traditional boat building.

Who cooked up this $5,000 heist?

The

Daybook

Five-time drunk driver sentenced

A Kalispell man is heading to treatment after pleading guilty to his fifth offense of driving under the influence.

Seminar gauges impact from federal cutbacks

How much impact will Montana feel from federal funding cutbacks?

Top students now will be able to qualify for honors diplomas

Academic recognition is a motivator for student achievement.

Celtic tour to play in West Glacier

Yarn store hosts knitting classes

Bus Driver Tour back in Whitefish

Whitefish venues plan another gallery night

Polson Players explore noir with 'Tryst'

Portland-based band plays at Northern

Club to discuss Annie Leibovitz

Museum hosts Taste of Kalispell

Infamous Stringdusters coming to town

Festival Amadeus celebrates classical music

Alpine Theatre wraps up season with classics

Pitchfork Fundraiser planned in Bigfork

Flamenco dancer performs at Crush

Port Polson Players: Tryst

Kim Waldman

Infamous Stringdusters

Fruition

Savannah Fuentes

Robert Gale 'Bob' Drew, 89

Robert Gale “Bob” Drew of Kalispell, 89, passed away on July 26, 2013, at Immanuel Lutheran Care Center. 

Gilbert Francis Hoehn, 92

Wooden Boat Show

Bill Eisenlohr looks over the plans of the 1953 Thistle sailboat being restored Tuesday afternoon at the Montana Wooden Boat Foundation shop in Lakeside. People attending this weekend’s Big Sky Antique and Classic Boat Society show can take tours of the shop.

John Eisenlohr

The prototype mini-landsailer built by John Eisenlohr.

Somers Middle School's Mustang

Last winter, Somers Middle School Students built this 12-foot rowing skiff called the Mustang.

Clarence E. 'Ed' Low, 86

Clarence E. “Ed” Low, 86, “went home to be with the Lord” on July 29, 2013, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

Wreckage removed from chopper crash

The remains of a helicopter that crashed Saturday near Thompson Falls, killing the pilot and injuring two passengers, was removed Monday

Disputed boat launch reopens

A boat launch that has been mired in litigation over the last three years was reopened Tuesday after the Flathead County Planning Department provided the final court-ordered ingredient, a flood-plain permit.

Somers in 1909

Former residents of Somers remember the way things were at the town reunion held every other year in August. This photo from 1909 shows part of the original wall that encircled the town.

Somers reunion recalls town's heyday

Today, the town of Somers might not look like much to the casual observer. A collection of houses, a few shops and a couple of restaurants clustered off the highway and next to the lake, a slower speed limit. That's all most passersby see of the town.

Nursing school gets million-dollar grant

The nursing program at Salish Kootenai College received an unexpected windfall when the federal Health Resources and Service Administration gave it a million-dollar grant late last week.

Helicopter wreckage

The wreckage of this helicopter that crashed Saturday was removed Monday by Taylor Services of Thompson Falls.

County busts up logjam

Debris pile has created emergency situations

After snagging dozens of people this month, a logjam on the Flathead River just north of the Montana 35 bridge caused enough trouble for Flathead County officials to begin removing it Tuesday.

Boy does not have a happy birthday

A Bigfork boy’s parents had no problem punishing him on his 15th birthday, with his mother calling the

Caleb Krueger

Caleb Krueger, son of Ryan and Addie Krueger of Whitefish, was born July 1 at North Valley Hospital.

Azriella Alexandra Rose

Azriella Alexandra Rose, daughter of Lorenzo and Mariah Rose, was born June 23 at North Valley Hospital.

Aven Keith Anderson

Aven Keith Anderson, son of Aaron and Larissa Anderson of Kalispell, was born June 20 at North Valley Hospital.

Mava Anne Heward

Mava Anne Heward, daughter of Devin and Ashley Heward of Kalispell, was born June 17 at North Valley Hospital.

Grace Elizabeth Schuch

Grace Elizabeth Schuch, daughter of Tim and Jackie Schuch of Whitefish, was born June 16 at North Valley Hospital.

Flathead River logjam

Logs removed from a logjam in the Flathead River north of the Montana 35 bridge were placed on an island in the middle of the river.

Brush Valley in West Valley

Shawn Loughery a firefighter with West Valley battles a brush fire near West Valley Drive on Tuesday, July 30. Both West Valley and Smith Valley fire departments responded to the fire. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Patricia 'Trish' Mary Freeman Grotberg, 59

Patricia “Trish” Mary Freeman Grotberg of Hungry Horse “left this world” on July 27, 2013.

Daybook

Marjorie Emery Donovan, 87

Marge Donovan died of natural causes at her apartment at The Springs in Missoula on July 29, 2013.

Kenneth J. Ashby, 88

Michael Timothy 'Tim' Stracener, 60

Michael Timothy “Tim” Stracener, 60, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 26, 2013, in Southaven, Miss.

This Week in the Flathead: Festival Amadeus

Principal violist Jenanne Solberg playing in the Festival Amadeus concert on July 26, 2012. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Growth slows on fire near Arlee

Democrats boost efforts for legislative campaigns

HELENA — Montana Democrats, who haven’t captured a majority in both houses of the Legislature in more than two decades, have stepped up their legislative campaign efforts and started earlier to prepare for the 2014 elections.

Legion Class AA State: Lakers open with Bozeman

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1/2 Day Moped Rental for $40 at Go Go Mopeds!

Go Go Mopeds LLC

Railroad dedicates new landing on Whitefish River

BNSF Railway Co. is marking the completion of the Whitefish River cleanup project with a public ceremony and dedication of the Whitefish Landing, a new public river access and canoe/kayak landing.

Man dies trying to swim lake

Program helps keep seniors in their mobile homes

Man complains about destructive girlfriend

Mike Q. Newberry, 63

Whitefish Sportsman & Ski Haus remodel

A Bobcat tractor moves dirt Monday afternoon during exterior reconstruction at the Sportsman & Ski Haus store in Whitefish.

Join a walking tour of downtown Kalispell

With a four-lane highway for Main Street, heavy traffic volumes and only a couple of dedicated bike lanes used mostly by drivers as turn lanes, is downtown Kalispell a friendly place for travelers on foot or bike?

Week in Pictures: July 22-28

Four fires burn more than 36 square miles

Four wildfires are actively burning in Western Montana and have led to some evacuations and road and trail closures.

Firestone Flats Fire

A helicopter carries a water bucket toward the Firestone Flats Fire east of Arlee. 

Red Shale Fire progression

This map from the U.S. Forest Service shows the progression of the Red Shale Fire in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

Genetic counselor digs into family traits to help patients plan for the future

Medical Historian:

 Genetic counseling sounds like a futuristic job used for crafting superhumans out of the best genes available.

Libby beats Missoula 13-8 to win Western A baseball title

Basketball legend Cooper to hold camp in Pablo

Man pleads not guilty in run-in with skateboarders

A Kalispell man has pleaded not guilty to felony assault with a weapon after allegedly brandishing a handgun at a group of skateboarders.

Sewer takes up biggest chunk of city's budget

Almost $2 million in repairs at Kalispell’s wastewater treatment plant. A study exploring sewage flows and line capacities in some of the city’s fastest growing areas. An upgrade for a sewer line along First Alley East North that’s too small and prone to back up into service lines and homes.

Bruce Thompson, 76

Bruce Thompson of Lakeside died Friday, July 26, 2013, in the Whitefish Care Center.

Tessa Pitman

Genetic counselor Tessa Pitman. July 19, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Arlee blaze grows to 2,000 acres

A wildfire near Arlee had grown to nearly 2,000 acres by 5 p.m. Sunday evening, and is creeping north and east as it expands.

Helicopter goes down near Thompson Falls

MISSOULA — Authorities say a helicopter crash near Thompson Falls has left one person dead.

Parks sponsor science day Tuesday in W. Glacier

 Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park will host its 10th annual Science and History Day July 30 at the West Glacier Community Building.

Columbia Falls man faces trio of child-pornography charges

A Columbia Falls man has pleaded not guilty to three charges of felony sexual abuse of children after allegedly downloading child pornography.

Eventing: Groesbeck takes over at Rebecca Farm

Saturday’s performance by Katherine Groesbeck of Temecula, Calif., at The Event at Rebecca Farm has put her firmly in control of the CIC3* division.

Local runners grab Boogie to the Bank honors

COLUMBIA FALLS — Runners from Bigfork, Kalispell and Whitefish captured individual titles Saturday morning at the annual Boogie to the Bank run during Heritage Days.

Legion baseball: Lakers sweep Med Hat in regular-season finale

The Kalispell Lakers ended their regular season on a high note by sweeping an American Legion Class AA baseball doubleheader against the Medicine Hat (Alberta) Moose Monarchs on a breezy Saturday afternoon at Griffin Field.

Legion baseball: Libby to play for district championship

EUREKA — Libby is the lone undefeated team at the Western District Class A American Legion baseball tournament after three days of action.

Housing project makes sense

Whitefish Planning Board members hit the nail on the head when they called the proposed 2nd Street Residences subdivision a bit of a conundrum.

Lake trout: Keep the fight fair

Baucus tax reforms an opportunity for simplicity, fairness

Sen. Max Baucus has taken on the gargantuan task of reforming our nation’s tax code. If done right, it could turn out to be the most significant accomplishment of his career. But with well-established special interest groups standing in the way, it might be more likely that we just get more of the same, or worse yet, a bad deal for Montana.

Unstoppable Gladys Shay takes a break: Longtime journalist retires but keeps writing

Gladys Shay has officially closed out a storied career with the Hungry Horse News, ending a run that spanned 30 years of full-time reporter work — she was assistant editor when Publisher Mel Ruder won the Pulitzer Prize in 1965 — plus decades of column writing and occasional features about everyday life in Columbia Falls.

Drive-thru gets busy with drunks, flashers and a car jam

Whitefish wrapping up budget work

The Whitefish City Council will hold a work session on Monday to wrap up loose ends on the proposed budget for the coming fiscal year.

A midsummer dream - Camp opens summer water sports to people of all abilities

The water was cool and the sun was shining Tuesday, when 19-year-old McKaynee Powell crouched in a cannon ball position as her feet were secured in water ski bindings. She looked over the horizon with a big smile, ready to make the leap above the water’s surface.

Man pleads not guilty after vehicle rollover

A Kalispell man has pleaded not guilty to felony criminal endangerment after rolling his vehicle, then allegedly testing positive for methamphetamine in the emergency room.

DREAM Adaptive water sports camp

Sean Savage rides a sit ski Wednesday afternoon during the DREAM Adaptive summer water sports camp at Echo Lake.

Fire and water: Libby being subjected to risks?

I am writing to emphasize my grave concern about the entire Flower Creek Drainage... a concern which should prompt every citizen to prevail upon decision-makers to stop talking and take action.

Bruce Thompson, 76

Logjam waylays pair on inner tubes

A troublesome logjam on the Flathead River claimed a few more victims Saturday night when two people were temporarily caught on the floating menace.

Cabela's to build store in Missoula next year

 Cabela’s plans to add a second store in Western Montana next year.

Daybook

Arlee wildfire grows to nearly 1,400 acres

A wildfire that started early Saturday afternoon in the Firestone Flats area near Arlee exploded to nearly 1,400 acres by 8:30 p.m.

Bail jumping added to long list of charges against 2 men

A pair of men accused of trying to mail a package containing methamphetamine and oxycodone are the subjects of new warrants and felony bail jumping charges after each has effectively disappeared.

Local history comes alive in new book

It was two years ago this month when I wrote a lengthy column on the history of early Montana explorer Joseph Howse and the search for his connections to the Flathead Valley.

Heritage Days

Horses trot down U.S. 2 on Saturday afternoon during the Freedom Bank's Wild Horse Drive from Columbia Heights to the Blue Moon Arena during the Columbia Falls Heritage Days. July 27, 2013 in Columbia Falls, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

The Event: Day 3

Kristi Nunnink of Auburn, Calif., rides R-Star through the keyhole jump on the cross-country course Saturday afternoon during the The Event at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell. Action concludes today with show jumping.

Joel Ashley Bridger, 35

Joel Ashley Bridger was born Nov. 27, 1977, in Kalispell to James and Wilene Wallis Bridger. 

Levi Allyn Schneider, 18

Levi Allyn Schneider was found deceased on July 23, 2013, in Marion. He had been missing since July 7, 2013. 

Agnes Laura Gingery, 93

Agnes Laura Gingery of Kalispell passed away on July 25, 2013, a few days past her 93rd birthday and a birthday trip to her beloved Glacier National Park.  

best of 2013 cover

best of 2013

Queen, court crowned for 2013 pro rodeo

Audrey Tutvedt, 20, of Kalispell, has been crowned 2013 Northwest Montana Pro Rodeo Queen.

Dutton riding high after dressage at The Event at Rebecca Farm

Five-time Olympian Phillip Dutton staked himself a big lead in the three-star eventing competition Friday at The Event at Rebecca Farm.

The Event focus shifts to cross county

With the dressage competition completed, three-star eventing competitors will navigate through a four-mile cross-country course today at The Event at Rebecca Farm.

Legion baseball: Loggers slip past Mariners at Western District Class A Tournament

EUREKA — Micah Germany went the distance on the mound and scored the game-winning run on a single by Josh Foote in the top of the ninth inning as the fourth-seeded Libby Loggers edged the top-seeded Mission Valley Mariners 8-7 on Friday on Day 2 of the Western District Class A American Legion baseball tournament.

Headless dog reports prove false

The

Agency seeks comment on salvage rules

4-H group helps soften diabetes care

When the Rowdy Ropers 4-H Club was looking for a community service project, it found the answer within its own ranks.

Kalispell hiker, 89, takes his age in stride

Man will tackle Danny On today

At 89 and just months away from his birthday in November, Jim Bell takes his age in stride.

Harvest ahead of schedule

The Flathead Valley’s cherry harvest is in full swing, running a few days ahead of normal.

Gladys Shay

Gladys Shay, pictured at her home in Columbia Falls, has always wanted to know what was going on.

Jim Bell

Jim Bell, 89, plans to join the Climb Big Mountain hike today.

Columbia Falls youths get military inspiration

After graduating from Columbia Falls High School in 1992, Robert Stout entered boot camp.

Unmanned aircraft may be future of aviation

Chris Hetrick, an Air Force major who graduated from Flathead High School, says unmanned aircraft are the future of aviation but integrating them with piloted aircraft will be a challenge.

Daybook

Former Montana head coach Robin Pflugrad

Former Montana head coach Robin Pflugrad watches his team against Western Oregon in the first half of a college football game in Missoula in 2011. An NCAA investigation has found the University of Montana and former coach Pflugrad failed to monitor the football program, allowing boosters to provide benefits to players that included bail money and free legal representation for two athletes. (The Associated Press file photo

NCAA penalizes UM football over booster perks

The Event at Rebecca Farm

Cindy Marvin of Kalispell rides Renegade Storm in the cross-country event on Friday afternoon at The Event at Rebecca Farm.

Construction on Glacier Circle

Gabe Thomas, president of GT Builders Inc., works on a house under construction on Glacier Circle near Whitefish Stage Road on Friday, July26, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Robert Stout Visits the Columbia Falls Boys and Girls Club

Master Chief Petty Officer Robert Stout outside the Boys and Girls Club watching the children play on Wednesday afternoon in Columbia Falls. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Thursday Luncheon

Shellie Pitman of Kalispell, left, a former nurses aid, joins Marj Hensen and a group of retired nurses for lunch and dessert on Thursday afternoon, July 25. The nurses have been gathering every Thursday for years. Having the luncheon at her home, under a tent in the front yard has been one of Marj's bucket list items. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Lawnmower sparks 720-acre fire near Frenchtown

FRENCHTOWN — A wildfire apparently started by a lawnmower has burned more than 700 acres just northeast of Frenchtown and led to the evacuation of hundreds of residences.

Inside North Fork Road nearly open

All 28 miles of Glacier National Park’s Inside North Fork Road are expected to open this weekend after road crews complete temporary repairs to areas that have been prone to damage from spring runoff flooding.

Tutors, school district settle new three-year contract

The Kalispell Tutors Federation has a new contract after more than a year of negotiations with Kalispell Public Schools.

The Event starts with novice, training-level riders

While the advanced and three-star riders don’t get started until today, Rebecca Farm was still buzzing on day one of The Event Thursday.

New horse, Grandia off to a stellar start at The Event

The Event at Rebecca Farm kicked off for the 12th time with a record 560 competitors Thursday, topping its previous high of 480 and making it one of the largest equestrian triathlons in the country.

Olympian Dutton returns; competing for a 3rd time in The Event at Rebecca Farm

Five-time Olympian and two-time gold medalist Phillip Dutton returns to Rebecca Farm today after missing The Event last year to compete in the London Olympics.

Mariners, Loggers notch wins at district tournament

EUREKA — Back-to-back two-run innings helped the defending champion Mission Valley Mariners post a 5-2 victory over a very determined Kootenai Valley Rangers squad on Thursday at the Western A District American Legion Baseball Tournament.

Visitor counts soar during June in Glacier Park

Glacier National Park had a busy June, with visitation 12 percent higher than the same month last year, according to recently released National Park Service statistics.

Stranded boaters rescued

Three boaters were rescued Thursday morning from a small island on the North Fork Flathead River after the raft carrying them and two others overturned Wednesday evening.

Deputies can't help nameless man

A man refusing to identify himself other than as “a representative of the family” contacted the

Remembering those in harm's way

Our soldiers serving on the other side of the world got a VIP visit this week from Montana Gov. Steve Bullock.

2 ATV riders hurt in fall

Two women were seriously injured when their all-terrain vehicle went over a steep drop and crashed into trees and rocks west of Somers.

Daybook

Glacier hotel worker, 21, dies in fall at Grinnell Point

Fourth death in a month in Glacier Park

A 21-year-old California man died Thursday morning in a fall while climbing near Grinnell Point in the northeast area of Glacier Park.

Missing man's body discovered

In the second incident in just 11 days, another missing man has been found dead in Flathead County.

Hops trial tour

Above, Whitefish area farmer Tom Christianson examines one of the varieties in hops trials at Tom Britz’s ranch south of Whitefish Wednesday afternoon. Christianson has been helping with the trial project, which is in its first year. Among those who took part in a tour were representatives with the Montana Department of Agriculture and from Great Northern Brewing Co. in Whitefish and Tamarack Brewing Co. in Lakeside. Both breweries have helped sponsor the trials because they are interested in a locally grown ingredient.

Fatal shooting: Three men had 'hands on the gun'

The Event: Day 1

Carmen Holmes-Smith of Chase, British Columbia, rides her horse over a jump Thursday afternoon during junior open novice A cross country at The Event at Rebecca Farm.

John 'Jack' Robert Dittman, 89

John “Jack” Robert Dittman was born July 13, 1924, in Alhambra, Calif., to Cyril Red and Pauline Dittman. Shortly after birth his family moved to Bakersfield, Calif., where he spent most of his youth. When not in school, he was either working as a ranch hand or on a fire crew, or hiking the High Sierras with his brother, Bill, or lifelong friend, Charlie Owens. He loved the outdoors and all it had to offer. 

Rosetta R. Carpenter, 93

Glacier vistors

A hiker makes his way through a patch of beargrass along the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail July 7.

Glacier

A view of the stars over The Loop in Glacier National Park at 4 a.m. This long exposure is lit by the nearly full moon. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Hops Trials

Tom Britz talks about the challenges and all he is learning as he has participated in the Hops Trial at his ranch south of Whitefish. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

College still has openings in nurse assistant program

Flathead Valley Community College still has openings in its Certified Nursing Assistant program, an anomaly for the competitive program.

Bigfork schools to upgrade computer network

Bigfork School District can look forward to a faster, improved computer network for the upcoming school year.

Lakers split with Bucks

The Kalispell Lakers snapped a three-game losing streak with an 11-4 win over the Bozeman Bucks in the nightcap of an American Legion baseball doubleheader at Griffin Field Wednesday.

Glacier names new boys soccer coach

Glacier High School has named Cody Fierro as head coach of the boys soccer program. Fierro, a former star at Flathead, joins the program after spending three years as an assistant for the Braves and another few starting the program at Summit Preparatory School.

Final touches being put on 'The Event'

In just a few weeks, staff and crew at Rebecca Farm have transformed the 640-acre West Valley farm into a pop-up city — ready to host more than 600 horses and 560 competitors, a slew of vendors and thousands of visitors for the 12th annual The Event.

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

Northern Lights Nail Boutique

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John Norman Constenius, 90

Dr. John Norman Constenius passed away July 20, 2013, at Expressions in Columbia Falls.

Somers school leader gets 7.5 percent raise

Somers/Lakeside School District Trustees approved a 7.5 percent salary increase for Superintendent Paul Jenkins last week.

Lake group meets on Tuesday

Flathead Lakers to hear State of the Lake Report

Flathead Lakers members and friends will gather to reflect on conservation and the state of the lake at their annual meeting on Tuesday, July 30.

Higher federal power rates to be spread out in Flathead

The Bonneville Power Administration on Wednesday announced wholesale power and transmission rate increases that will take effect Oct. 1, but Flathead Electric Cooperative is spreading out the impact of higher power costs.

Bullock in Afghanistan

A sign at Ali Salem Air Base in Kuwait, less than 40 miles from  Iraq, depicts the distance to Kalispell.

Did anyone hear someone cry wolf?

A

Smooth sailing

The Nor’Easter, a 51-foot sailboat from Flathead Lake Lodge, sails across Flathead Lake on Monday evening. Built in 1928, the boat will hold eight guests. It sails twice daily at 1:30 and 7 p.m. every day except Sunday. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 837-4391.

Bullock visits troops in Afghanistan and Kuwait

Gov. Steve Bullock poses with two members of the Montana National Guard at the 1-189th General Support Aviation Battalion at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, also known as “The Rock.”  Bullock is on a three-day trip to Kuwait and Afghanistan to visit with Montana soldiers  deployed there.

A 'train wreck' by any name is still a disaster

The “train wreck” that Montana Sen. Max Baucus now famously predicted for implementation of the Affordable Care Act he helped author will apparently be a painful, slow-motion train wreck.

Impact fees for water head back to City Council

Proposed increases in water impact fees are going back to the Kalispell City Council for consideration after a second look by the city’s impact fee advisory committee.

Lakers Baseball

A wild throw sails past Lakers third baseman Sean O'Connell (left) allowing Bozeman's Jake Ekstrom (below) to score the Bucks' first run Wednesday evening during the Lakers matchup against Bozeman at Griffin Field. July 24, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

The Event Prep

Tommy Neneman weaves tree branches into a jump Wednesday afternoon at Rebecca Farm in preparation for The Event. July 24, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Ronan police chief's law credentials suspended

A state board has stripped longtime Ronan Police Chief Dan Wadsworth of his law enforcement certification for 15 years after determining he falsified an application for his son to attend the Montana Law Enforcement Academy at city expense.

Montana State hosts writing contest

Broadway dancers on tap in Whitefish

Hockaday event includes Bibler tour

Celebrate National Dance Day Friday

Montana, Mexican artwork on display in Bigfork

Art workshop teaches teens confidence through expression

Share your voice

Full slate of blues artists at Polson festival

Banned book sculpture going up at library

Whitefish gears up for arts festival

Band plays 40th anniversary concert

Book clubs plan August meetings

More summer art classes available for kids, adults

Classical music festival begins Aug. 4

Festival Amadeus: Simone Porter

'Population: 485,' by Michael Perry

Aryn Kyle's 'The God of Animals'

'Sacagawea's Son: The Life of Jean Baptiste Charbonneau'

Share Your Voice Foundation

Former attendee Vanessa Naive, right, films a mimed tug-of-war match July 23 during the Share Your Voice Foundation's Empowerment Through Performance Workshop at the Bohemian Grange south of Whitefish.

Ross Hartley Barefoot, 84

With many family members at his side, Ross Hartley Barefoot passed away in the comfort of his home on July 23, 2013, in Kalispell. Ross was born Sept. 1, 1928, in Johnstown, Pa. 

Kalispell American League 12U All Star Baseball team Goes to Washington

Members of the Kalispell American League 12U All Star baseball team gather around Roschelle Todd, wife of the head coach, as they meet at Norms News in Kalispell and prepare to take off seeking donations to help with the cost of their appearance at the 2013 Pacific Northwest Cal Ripken Major 60 Regional tournament in Centralia, Wash., beginning on July 29. Funds raised will go to the cost of gas, food, and 7 days lodging. Those interested in helping the team should contact Roschelle at 270-2486. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Superior fire was human-caused

SUPERIOR — A fire that has burned nearly 10 square miles north of Superior was human-caused.

Embattled boat ramp could open soon

A boat ramp built on Church Slough in spring 2010 — but closed by court order ever since — may be just a couple of weeks from being back in business.

Traffic delays ahead on West-Side Reservoir Road

Travelers on the west-side Hungry Horse Reservoir Road may encounter brief delays on Thursday, July 25, from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m.

Fire burning far away in wilderness area

Flathead Valley residents have recently been able to see smoke columns from a wildfire in the Bob Marshall Wilderness that is a lot farther away than it appears.

Bigfork High School adds wrestling, swimming

BIGFORK — Bigfork High School wrestling is back.

Daybook

Goguen donation caps food bank drive

Philanthropist Mike Goguen on Saturday presented a check for $500,000 to June Munski-Feenan to complete North Valley Food Bank’s $1.5 million fundraising campaign for a new Whitefish building and endowment fund. The building will be named in honor of Goguen. “This new building is such a gift to our community,” said  Munski-Feenan, who started the food bank in her garage in 1977. “I am so grateful to Mr. Goguen and the hundreds of individuals who have helped us complete this campaign in just over a year.” According to Goguen, “One of the many things that impresses me about Montana is the way neighbors extend a helping hand when times are tough. It’s a pleasure and a privilege for me to finish out the Food Bank’s building campaign so June Munski-Feenan and her many volunteers can do an even better job of putting food on the table of every family who needs it.”

Aggressive black bear put down in Glacier Park

Glacier National Park rangers captured and put down a black bear in the Fish Creek Campground near Apgar on Monday.

Driver who injured passenger has to pay restitution

A Kalispell man has been given a five-year suspended sentence after crashing into another vehicle in 2011.

Mike Goguen donation

Philanthropist Mike Goguen presents a check for $500,000 to June Munski-Feenan to complete North Valley Food Bank’s $1.5 million fundraising campaign for a new Whitefish building and endowment fund.

Rescue ranch takes in Little Bitty animals

The Little Bitty Ranch in Evergreen, a nonprofit petting zoo and educational center for children, closed earlier this month due to a family situation, but the ranch’s animals have all found good homes, according to Little Bitty operator Susie Thompson.

Lightning rescue: Teacher tells of resuscitation drama on trail

The lightning-strike victims lay inert on a Glacier National Park trail late last Wednesday afternoon.

Vintage plane air show over Flathead Lake

A Navy Corsair and an AT-6 Harvard fly over the Far West during Monday evening's vintage air show near Lakeside.

Squatter arrested for second time

Lodema Haley, 91

Lodema Haley passed away July 20, 2013, in Kalispell.

Michael Alton Pearce, 76

2012 June trip to Glacier Park

Week in Pictures: July 15-21

Gaylen Leon Hocking, 43

Ethel Ileen (Buck) Wagner, 94

Ethel Ileen (Buck) Wagner, 94, passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2013, at Grace House Assisted Living Center in Estacada, Ore. 

Terry Sakariason, 58

Terry Sakariason died at his home near Kalispell on Friday, July 19, 2013, from natural causes. 

Steven Terry Fredenberg, 59

Steven Terry Fredenberg, 59, of Medford, Ore., lost his battle with cancer on Sunday, July 21, 2013. 

Mysterious company buys Libby mine claims

Program helps seniors stay at home, independent

Vintage Plane Air Show

Passengers aboard the Far West watch the Vintage Plane Air Show on Monday evening, July 22 on Flathead Lake. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Best of the Flathead

Courtesy photos provided by Casey's, winners of the Best Place to Mingle if You're Single category.

Choose from 2 Deals Starting at $4.29 from Taco John's!

Taco John's

Legion baseball: Lakers fall to Mavericks

MISSOULA — Missoula broke a 1-all tie in the bottom of the second inning with a four-run rally, then pushed another run across the plate in the third and capped it off with six runs in the fourth to drop the Kalispell Lakers 12-2 in Class AA American Legion baseball play Monday evening.

Best of the Flathead

Cathi Spence and Janelle Buchanan of Think Local, winners of the Best Gift Shop category. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Olympians, top riders return for The Event at Rebecca Farm

Olympians Phillip Dutton, of West Grove, Pa., and Jil Walton of Kalispell along with the top three finishers in the highly competitive CIC*** division from last year — Kristi Nunnink and her Holsteiner “R-Star,” Katherine Groesbeck and “Oz the Tin Man” and Jolie Wentworth and “GoodKnight” — are scheduled to compete this week at The Event at Rebecca Farm.

High school neighbors discuss parking district

Meeting at Kalispell City Hall on Wednesday, city and Flathead High School officials and a group of high school neighbors will talk about forming a residential parking district around the parking-challenged school.

Out for a hike

A big horn sheep makes its way over a rock outcropping near the Visitor's Center at Logan Pass in Glacier National Park July 20.

Threat diminished from West Mullan Fire

By Keith CousinsMineral Independent

Accused squatter arrested in Evergreen

Henry 'Hank' William Anderson, 81

All Mosta Ranch

One of the most recent arrivals at the Marion ranch is this little goat from Itty Bitty Ranch.

Flathead Soccer Camp

Tyler Petek, 10, of Kalispell continues to defend the goal after the wrap up of the morning session of the Flathead Soccer Camp on Monday, July 22. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

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

JD Morrell's Bistro

Two-hour standoff ends peacefully

After a standoff with law enforcement that lasted more than two hours, a Kalispell man was arrested at a home on Airport Road Sunday night.

Big Horn Sheep at Logan Pass

A big horn sheep wanders away from the Logan Pass parking lot as the first rays of dawn reach Mount Reynolds on Saturday, July 20, in Glacier National Park. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Glacier Falls

Water rushes down a waterfall along Going to the Sun Road near Logan Pass on Saturday morning, July 20, in Glacier National Park. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

It's a boy! UK's Kate gives birth to royal heir

Chef returns home for fishing, food

Malcolm Orser’s career path as a chef has led him across the nation and eventually back home to Kalispell.

Man on the run loses court appeal

The Montana Supreme Court has denied the appeal of a Libby man who has since absconded from probation just seven months into his suspended sentence.

$25 Deal for $20 at Big Sky Waterpark!

Legion baseball: Loggers, Mariners finish on high notes

LIBBY — Oliver Grupenhoff singled in the third and went back-to-back with doubles in the fourth and six to power Libby to a 10-3 Class A American Legion baseball victory over the Glacier Twins on Sunday in the first game of a doubleheader.

Auto racing: Gomez holds off Lessor to win 23rd annual Montana 200

With the 23rd annual Montana 200 winding down late Saturday night under a full moon at Montana Raceway Park, leader Jonathon Gomez of Twins Falls, Idaho, in car No. 22, was preparing for a restart with nine laps remaining and the pressure was clearly on.

Kalispell committee still wrestling with impact fees

Conversation about what to do with Kalispell’s water and sanitary sewer impact fees continues Tuesday among impact fee advisory committee members who have wrestled with the question for months.

Another suspended sentence for 4th DUI

A Eureka man charged with his fourth offense of drunk driving has received a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to a reduced misdemeanor count of the charge.

Kayakers get themselves free of log jam

The

Kalispell man wins trucking title heads to nationals

‘The Super Bowl of truck driving’

Mitchel Johnson has been driving trucks since he was a youngster growing up on the family farm along Montana’s Hi-Line. He’s hoping a lifetime of experience will give him an edge as he competes in the National Truck Driving Championships next month in Salt Lake City.

Walter Stark

Walter Stark, 80

Walter Stark, 80, beloved husband, father, and friend, died of a massive heart attack Thursday, July 18, 2013, while cycling through the beautiful roads of Montana. He is survived by his love, Corrine, to whom he was married for 20 years.

Legion baseball: Mariners drop two to Bitterroot Bucs

FLORENCE — The Bitterroot Bucs swept a Western A District American Legion baseball doubleheader against the Mission Valley Mariners Saturday, winning by scores of 8-2 and 8-7.

Taekwondo: Montana second at AAU Nationals

Big Sky Martial Arts is taking it to the next level.

East-West Shrine Game: Jeffries, Griffith lead West to win

BUTTE — The West team scored 31 unanswered points, capped by a touchdown catch from Glacier’s Devin Jeffries, to complete a furious comeback and beat the East 31-28 at the 67th annual Montana East-West Shrine high school football all-star game on Saturday at Naranche Stadium.

Billings' McIver wins State Am by 8 shots

HELENA — The eventual winner ran away from the field, but the local golfers held their own on a tough final day Saturday at the Montana State Amateur golf tournament at Green Meadows Country Club.

Missing Boy Scout found

A Boy Scout was reunited with his troop after making a wrong turn on Mt. Aeneas Thursday night.

Stacy Ann Dagner, 46

Stacy Ann Dagner, 46, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 28, 2013, in Kalispell, at the home of her best friend, Tiena Harris. 

Woman guilty of felony theft

A Marion woman has pleaded guilty to felony theft after illegally collecting unemployment benefits.

Supreme Court flouts 'eternal law'

In its final decisions of the term the U.S. Supreme Court turned the natural law and the eternal law upside down with two rulings, one declaring as unconstitutional Proposition 8 in California, and one which essentially allowed gay marriage and allowed gays to be given full federal benefits.

Man admits rape charge involving 13-year-old

An 18-year-old Columbia falls man has admitted having sex with a 13-year-old girl.

Hostel territory: Valley entrepreneurs offer new affordable lodging for travelers

Hostels are generally appealing to budget-minded, adventurous travelers and often have the reputation as being a bit on the rustic side.

Doubling down on the doughnut

Another round of legal wrangling has erupted in the years-long battle over planning control of the two-mile “doughnut” around Whitefish, and frankly we’re not surprised.

Family Friendly Flathead: New nonprofit group grows from quest to help families

The recession was hard on the Blair family.

Hilton Suites nears finish line

It’s difficult to turn a corner inside Kalispell’s new Homewood Suites by Hilton without running into one of the dozens of men and women working on all aspects of construction in preparation for an Aug. 15 opening.

Husband suspects wife of taking gun

A Diane Road couple were counseled and advised to keep it down for the night by a Columbia Falls Police Department officer after the husband called to complain that his wife took his gun and hid it, sharing his belief that she planted the weapon somewhere with the intention of harming him with it.

Cody Johnson

Obama's America: Six steps toward an unhealthy addiction

Missing from the new film adaptation of “The Great Gatsby” is a line I quote often. In the eyes of a besotted Gatsby, Daisy floats “safe and proud above the hot struggles of the poor.” Change “poor” to “populace” and you have the perch from which Obama still rallies his besotted minions, who, even now, will keep their idol aloft. Experts say it takes 12 steps to cure an addiction. The Hard Left, on the other hand, has induced an addiction in just six steps.

GOP should debate early and often

When I campaigned for chair of the Montana Republican Party I often said that good days are ahead and it is time to put a Republican in the U.S. Senate in 2014. That is true. Since then, Max Baucus announced his retirement and most of the state political news has been about drafting former Gov. Brian Schweitzer for the Senate, with Republicans being left out.

Conservation easements versus HOA covenants

Over the years I have read several opinions that have vilified conservation easements. I have a conservation easement on my property and consider it an asset, not a detriment. I can’t speak for other conservation easements, but the Montana Land Reliance in Bigfork has been terrific, offering me free, practical advice on how to manage and improve my land.

Whitefish project gets board OK

The Whitefish Planning Board on Thursday recommended approval of the redesigned 2nd Street Residences subdivision on the east edge of the city, despite a huge outpouring of opposition from neighbors who say the high-density plan is too intrusive for that area.

Glacier starscape

The Milky Way lights up the sky around 3 a.m. July 18 over Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park.

Columbia Falls man charged in horse-cruelty incidents

A Columbia Falls man has pleaded not guilty for the second time to a pair of felony charges for cruelty to animals.

Daybook

Sunday

Killer salt and other 'scientific' disasters

Climate change is going to kill your grandkids? You might want to take that “science” with a grain of salt — literally.

Michael J. Catena, 59

Cody Johnson, 25

Cody Johnson, 25, was found deceased in Glacier National Park on July 12, 2013, after being missing for a number of days.

Gladys Shay

Gladys Shay shows off some of the first editions of the Hungry Horse News at her home in Columbia Falls. July 20, 2013 in Columbia Falls, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Glacier Rally in the Rockies

Hot rods line Center Street in Kalispell during the Glacier Rally in the Rockies parade. July 20, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Jobless rate holds steady at 7 percent

Flathead County’s unemployment rate held steady at 7 percent in June, a continuance of a marked improvement in the local economy.

Mentors sought for grad project

When students lack encouragement or guidance from adults in their academic endeavors, graduation may not be a priority.

Local trio plays at Junior World Golf Tournament

Baseball: Coeur d'Alene hits by Lakers

State Am: Platke, Iverson eagle in third round

Blasdel

Reckless teen drivers prompt extra patrols

The

Fisher

Death was due to fall

Autopsy results reveal that Cody Johnson, 25, a Kalispell man missing for five days before his body was found in Glacier National Park, died in a fall.

Literary journal inspires students

Copies of the first edition of “Glacier Footprints,” a literary journal produced by creative writing students at Glacier High School, have gone fast.

Whitefish Hostel

Kirtlye, left, and Lynon Lohof opened the Whitefish Hostel on June 30. They wanted to create the kind of welcoming atmosphere they have appreciated during their own hostel stays throughout the world.

Sonju

Montana 200

Giles Thornton races in a trophy race Friday night during the Montana 200 at Montana Raceway Park. July 19, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Lakers Baseball

Lakers pitcher Luke LaFontaine (3) hangs his head as Coeur d'Alene's Gibson Green (left) rounds the bases after a two-run homer to put the Lumbermen up 11-8 over the Lakers Friday evening during Kalispell's loss to Coeur d'Alene at Griffin Field. July 19, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Arts in the Park

Brad Emmert of Bigfork listens Barnyard Riot on Friday afternoon at Arts in the Park in Kalispell at Depot Park. July 19, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

West Mullan Fire

Flames from the West Mullan Fire flare on the hillside above downtown Superior Thursday.

Daybook

Saturday

Local grain crop pummeled by Wednesday's storm

The hailstorm that swept through the Flathead Valley on Wednesday heavily damaged many wheat and barley fields in the Creston and Lower Valley areas.

Seven square miles burn

Threat to homes diminishes, but fire burns on

Four-time drunk driver gets one year suspended

A Columbia Falls man convicted of his fourth offense of drunk driving has been given a one-year suspended sentence.

Sonju backs Blasdel as his successor

State Sen. Jon Sonju, R-Kalispell, says he won’t seek re-election to the Legislature — but he does intend to run for Congress if Montana Rep. Steve Daines decides to run for U.S. Senate.

Carl Otis Fleming Jr., 82

Wayne J. Graff, 83

Wayne passed away July 13, 2013, at the family home in Kalispell. 

Helen Elizabeth Yeats Andersen, 87

Helen Elizabeth Yeats Andersen passed away July 7, 2013, at the home of her son in Mesa, Ariz.  

Connie (Compson) Einarson, 62

Max Eugene Pugh, 87

Bigfork school board OKs 2 percent raises

Bigfork School District’s two unions and administrators will get a 2 percent pay increase next school year after the board of trustees approved salaries Wednesday.

Fire near Superior now covers 4,550 acres

SUPERIOR — Crews battling the West Mullan Fire have made good progress in keeping it from burning into Superior, but some structures still remain threatened on the northwestern part of the blaze.

West Mullan Fire perimeter

This map shows the perimeter of the West Mullan Fire as of Thursday, July 18.

Golf: Porch, Platke move up at State Am

HELENA — A pair of local golfers made big moves on Thursday in the second round of the Montana State Men’s Amateur golf tournament at Green Meadow Country Club.

Baseball: Bucs sweep Loggers

FLORENCE — Libby dropped an American Legion Class A baseball doubleheader to the Bitterroot Bucs on Thursday.

Morton hopes luck turns

Veteran super late model driver Bodie Morton of Kalispell says he feels a little snakebit this season.

Lightning victims have no memory of trail incident

Three people struck by lightning Wednesday in Glacier National Park are recovering at Kalispell Regional Medical Center from their injuries, but they have no memory of what happened to them, the father of one of the victims said Thursday.

Muriel Callaghan, 88

Muriel Callaghan passed away peacefully with her family by her side on July 16, 2013.  

$500,000 gift: Benefactor caps funding for food bank

Whitefish philanthropist Mike Goguen has put the finishing touch on a fundraising campaign for a new North Valley Food Bank in Whitefish.

Robert 'Duane' Bracken, 72

Robert "Duane" Bracken, 72, of Somers, passed away peacefully at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls on Friday, March 22, 2013. 

Flyboard of Montana

Wish the best for Casey Malmquist

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Malmquist family as Casey Malmquist continues to recover from extensive burns he sustained in a house explosion July 8 near Williston, N.D.

Daybook

Storm damage: Cherry crop not harmed

The Flathead Valley’s cherry crop was spared from damage Wednesday afternoon as a fast-moving storm pummeled the Kalispell area.

Carol Jeanne Peiffer, 74

Montana Life: Family Fun Flathead

Barbara Walton of Dayton plays with her son Izaak, 14 months, at Family Fun Flathead on Thursday, July 18, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Family Friendly Flathead

Dana Blair, center, leads parents and kids in a game of parachute July 18 at The Gym, the Evergreen building that Family Friendly Flathead calls home. The nonprofit organization hosts a free Toddler Tyme every Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to noon at The Gym; the weekly event is a big draw for neighborhood children ages 1 to 6.

Storm damage

Jeannie Baldwin, 87, picks up a Duchess apple damaged in Wednesday's storm.

Belton Sunrise

Clouds catch the first rays of sunrise over Belton Stage Park on Thursday, July 18, just east of Glacier National Park.

Bannack flooding

This photo provided by Montana State Parks shows flood water running down the main street of Bannack on Wednesday. The flooding destroyed one building from the 1800s, washed out the town's boardwalk and caused flooding damage to dozens of other properties. The annual celebration Bannack Days scheduled for this weekend has been canceled and officials say the park has been closed until further notice. (AP Photo/Montana State Parks Department)

West Mullan Fire smoke

The West Mullan Fire west of Superior has expanded to 3,600 acres. More than 20,000 gallons of retardant and 700,000 gallons of water were dumped on the eastern and northeastern flanks of the fire.

Evacuation zone widens near Superior fire

The Mineral County Sheriff’s Office issued more evacuation orders Thursday afternoon as temperatures rose and the humidity decreased on the West Mullan Fire burning north of Superior.

Flash floods damage historic state park

A surge of floodwater carrying rocks, tree limbs and mud swept through the main street of Bannack, washing away one historic building, damaging others and causing the abrupt evacuation of one of southwestern Montana’s top tourist attractions.

Lakers stick out sweep

Three days after a pair of home losses to Missoula, the Kalispell Lakers looked to their ace to right the ship and Dillon Eaves delivered.

Squirrels cause two power outages

Squirrels were to blame for two separate power outages in the Evergreen area Wednesday morning. In each incident, a squirrel got tangled in a transformer, causing the outage,

Committee appointments a matter of dispute

A local attorney whose offer to volunteer on Kalispell’s impact fee committee was turned down is criticizing Mayor Tammi Fisher and other city leaders for instead leaving seats on the advisory board empty.

Schweitzer serves up excitement

Former Gov. Brian Schweitzer was expected to stir things up by jumping into the Democratic primary race to replace Sen. Max Baucus. 

The gathering storm

Daybook

Thursday

Neighbors sue county over water-ski subdivision

The Rose Crossing Neighborhood Coalition is suing the Flathead County commissioners over their recent approval of the Rosewater water-skiing subdivision.

Vintage plane show planned on Monday

If everything had gone as planned, U.S. Air Force F-16s would have been streaking across the sky over the Flathead Valley this weekend. 

Culinary students learn the delicate art of wedding cakes

Flathead Valley Community College was the site of a colorful, tasty event on Friday, when baker and confectioner Penelope Jane Orsini showed off the wedding cakes of her culinary arts students.

Lakers Baseball

Lakers second baseman Charlie Obermiller fields the ball Wednesday night during the Lakers doubleheader against Great Falls at Griffin Field. July 17, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Bystanders' CPR helped save Glacier lightning victims

Patients in stable condition in hospital

Two adults and a child were struck by lightning Wednesday afternoon while hiking on the St. Mary Falls Trail on the east side of Glacier National Park.

Photographers invited to join unique exhibit

Fun for all ages at Arts in the Park

Bigfork plans art festival

Alpine Theatre puts on Disney favorites

Folk trio to play in Whitefish

Native American Playwriting Festival in Arlee

Author will sign book set in Bigfork, Whitefish

Rockers play late night show at Casey's

Underhill Rose

Tommy Castro & The Painkillers

Marilyn Jax

Storm Clouds over Kalispell

Storm clouds gather over the Noice Studio and Gallery in downtown Kalispell on Wednesday, July 17. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Sandra Faye 'Bunnie' Case, 69

Sandra Faye "Bunnie" Case, 69, died July 11, 2013, in Kalispell, after a six-year battle with cancer. 

Picnic in the Park

Students from the Woodland Montessori School sit with their teacher's aid Miriam Talus, right, at the Picnic in the Park on Tuesday, July 17, in Kalispell's Depot Park. The students are Hesshan Mayturn, 7, clockwise from left, Cale Hanson, 7, Antonia Foley, 6, Grace Coen 8, Caden Palmer 8, and Dylan Palmer 6. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

West Mullan water drop

A helicopter drops water on the West Mullan Fire near Superior. The fire that started Sunday has covered 1,800 acres northwest of the town. (Keith Cousins photo/Mineral Independent)

Erratic winds hit Superior fire

SUPERIOR — Firefighters battling the West Mullan Fire near Superior used bulldozers and other equipment Wednesday to cut a fire line to prevent the fire from advancing on a Bonneville Power Administration line along the northern edge of the fire.

Suspect jailed in Kalispell stabbing incident

A Kalispell man is in jail after reporting himself for assaulting another man with a knife when he apparently came home to find the man with his ex-girlfriend early Wednesday morning.

Dragon Boat Poster

Creston-based artist Nancy Cawdrey holds the poster she painted for the 2013 Montana Dragon Boat Festival. The posters are $20 each and the money goes to Save a Sister, a local breast cancer support group. July 16, 2013 in Creston, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Big Sky Martial Arts

Big Sky Martial Arts National Team. July 15, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Truck Driving Championships

Mitch Johnson is going to compete in the National Truck Driving Championships. July 16, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Family Friendly Flathead

James Blair, left, and his wife, Dana, founded Family Friendly Flathead in April 2012.

Best of the Flathead: Imagination Station

Owners Mary Witbrod and Denise Magstadt pose for a picture at the Whitefish location of Imagination Station. July 16, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Polson Cherry Festival opens season for local orchards

When cherry stands pop up on roadsides in Northwest Montana, they mean summer is in full swing.

County library foundation gets new executive director

Dori Muehlhof will be executive director of the Flathead County Library Foundation beginning Aug. 1.

Going out swinging

Maryanna W. Kurtz, 78

Maryanna W. Kurtz, 78, beloved wife, mother and friend to many, passed away July 9, 2013, in Kalispell.

Edward S. Kelley, 86

Edward S. Kelley, 86, passed away July 15, 2013, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

Daybook

Three face charges of assault

A trio of men have been charged for an alleged brutal assault of another man at the Ferndale Market on the Fourth of July.

Cherry tour

Long inspects one of the trees grown for the four-year trial study in Flathead County. Pictured in the red shirt is Matthew Whiting, an associate professor and Extension specialist at Washington State University who has been a consultant for the Flathead cherry trials that wrapped up this summer.

Nosy man also acts threatening

A suspicious man threatened a security guard at a U.S. 2 East property, driving up to her and her coworker and saying “You’re dead (expletive)s and you’re going to be at the bottom of the river.” The same man was reported to the

Iva Marjorie Kephart, 91

Iva Marjorie Kephart, 91, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 11, 2013, in Helena. 

Panhandling limits OK'd by council

Beggars, take note: Run afoul of new panhandling restrictions in Kalispell and you might be asking people for spare change just to pay off your fines.

Cherry pruning

Internationally renowned cherry scientist Lynn Long demonstrates how to prune trees to create a pedestrian orchard where trees can be easily picked from the ground. Long is an Extension horticulturist with Oregon State University.

Michael 'Big O' Owens, 41

Michael “Big O” Owens, 41, passed away after a two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer on July 10, 2013, in Kalispell at the home of his brother Abram. He wasn't alone; a family member was holding his hand. He wasn't afraid as his faith was solid and unwavering. His last day was filled with listening to all the beautiful messages left for him by those whose lives he touched and those who supported him during these last two years.

Tour caps end of 4-year cherry trial

By LYNNETTE HINTZEThe Daily Inter Lake

Libby motorcyclist dies in crash near Kila

The man who died in a motorcycle crash on U.S. 2 near Kila on Sunday has been identified as Jeffrey Clark, 49, of Libby.

Polson Cherry Festival

This year the Polson Cherry Festival will feature fruit from several local growers thanks to an early harvest. According to event organizers, this is a rare occurrence. (Photo courtesy of www.visitmt.com)

Spectacular sunset

The sun sets over the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

Harvest season: Cherries might be fewer, but bigger

The cherry harvest at a couple of the southernmost orchards in the Finley Point area on Flathead Lake gets underway today, kicking off what’s expected to be a very good season for local cherry growers.

Firefighting helicopter

A Sikorsky Sky Crane draws water from Clark Fork River Tuesday afternoon near Superior. The river is closed to recreational use to allow for firefighting operations. (Keith Cousins photo/Mineral Independent)

Charles 'Pete' Crow, 52

Kalispell Cabela's store plans to hire 125 workers

Cabela’s plans to hire approximately 125 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees to staff its Kalispell Outpost Store that’s scheduled to open this fall.

Helicopter firefighting

Firefighters work to protect homes near Superior

A firefighting force of 177 people has been working on the West Mullan Fire west of Superior.

$70 Deal for 60 Minute Massage for $40 at Massage Works!!

Kalispell woman honored for chickens, conservation

Daybook

Whitefish housing project revisions detailed

Developers of the proposed 2nd Street Residences subdivision in Whitefish have reconfigured the project with fewer apartments and less density in an effort to address neighborhood concerns.

Logjam snags more floaters

Four agencies investigating man's death

Motorcyclist dies in U.S. 2 accident

Mary C. Lucke, 94

Cleo Adelaide McWhorter Stroisch, 95

Thomas James Paap, 48

'Giant storm of bees' in Whitefish

Helen Gryde, 71, and Wayne Gryde, 74

Log Jam

Multiple floaters have gotten stuck in the past two week on this logjam in the Flathead River near the Montana 35 bridge. It contains a kayak and at least two rafts, according to Evergreen Fire Chief Craig Williams.

Week in Pictures: July 8-14

Last term for council member

After three terms in office, Kalispell City Council member Bob Hafferman is calling it quits in January. Now in his 80s, Hafferman said his failing ears are the reason why.

Bear mauls hiker near Duck Lake

Federal wildlife officials say a bear mauled a woman who was hiking north of Duck Lake late last week on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.

Malcolm Orser

Executive chef Malcom Orser. July 11, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Fire near Superior grows to 700 acres

A wildfire that started near Interstate 90 about two miles northwest of Superior had grown to an estimated 700 acres by Monday afternoon.

West Mullan Fire

Cleo Adelaide McWhorter Stroisch, 95

   Cleo Adelaide McWhorter Stroisch, age 95, passed away on July 13, 2013. She was born on May 12, 1918, in Gillespie, Ill., to Andrew and Fern Teresa McWhorter. She married George Stroisch on September 24, 1935 in Decatur, Illinois and the newlyweds lived in the Springfield Illinois area.

Glacier All-Stars state Babe Ruth champions

HAVRE — The Glacier League All-Star Team captured the Montana State 13-year-old Babe Ruth Baseball Tournament title Sunday afternoon by beating rival Kalispell 7-4.

Legion baseball: Mavs whip Lakers; Mariners Harp champs

The Missoula Mavericks rolled by the Kalispell Lakers (24-21 overall, 7-7 league) 17-6 in the first game of a Class AA American Legion baseball doubleheader at Griffin Field Sunday evening.

A stitch divine

Ferndale church completes needlepoint kneelers

The altar at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Ferndale is adorned with wildflowers these days, and it’s a collection of blooms that will never die.

Improvements to playground on the agenda

A Whitefish Park Board recommendation to spend $57,600 for new playground equipment at Soroptimist Park will be voted on tonight by the Whitefish City Council.

Panhandling law up for final vote tonight

An ordinance to regulate panhandlers in the name of public safety comes up for a second and final reading at tonight’s Kalispell City Council meeting.

Hafferman

Stroisch

Needlepoint Kneelers

Photographs of wildflowers were used as reference for the needlepoint patterns. Monday afternoon at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church in Ferndale. July 1, 2013 in Ferndale, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Major stormwater projects planned

Kalispell has some major stormwater projects planned for the next fiscal year.

Man pleads guilty to sex abuse

A pair of felony sexual abuse of children charges against a 55-year-old Polebridge man have been dismissed after he pleaded no contest to a single count of the crime.

Slam dunk for firefighters 3-on-3 tourney

More than 230 players showed up for the first Kalispell Firefighters Association 3-on-3 basketball tournament, held Saturday in downtown Kalispell.

Legion baseball: Lakers 2-1, M's 3-0 at John R. Harp

Fort McLeod cooled off the Kalispell Lakers, claiming a 7-4 victory Saturday night in the final game on the second day of the John R. Harp

Warrant issued for Alaska woman

A Wasilla, Alaska, woman who received a deferred prosecution agreement after being charged with felony aggravated promotion of prostitution is now the subject of a bench warrant.

Man falls in Glacier National Park

Valley manufacturer's first product gives new life to older Semitool technology

If you’re looking to build retrofittable control systems for older Semitool equipment, there could be no better place to start than with the people who helped create the equipment in the first place.

Zimmerman acquitted of murder

Man gets probation for pornography

A Kalispell man has been sentenced to five years of probation after pleading guilty to a federal charge of receipt of obscenity.

Pair face burglary, drug-lab charges

A man and a woman living temporarily in Columbia Falls have pleaded not guilty to a series of charges, including one stemming from their alleged operation of a methamphetamine lab.

Hitting the (Chinese) Wall

Massive limestone enscarpment a highlight of Bob Marshall Wilderness

Bears, taxes and the decline of the local economy

I read with delight the two headlines on page 10 of the July 10 Daily Inter Lake. Particularly since they are so closely related.

Council tones down 911 stance

The Kalispell City Council’s initial bluster about voting down a small budget increase for the consolidated 911 center seems to be subsiding.

Book details Glacier's ghostly encounters

Whether the historic buildings in Glacier National Park are as haunted as the legends claim was an intriguing prospect for Billings author Karen Stevens.

Daybook

The many shades of racism, some of which don't count!

I am confused about the liberals’ and their drive-by media supporters’ definition of racist and racism as reflected in recent events. Having attended a predominantly black inner-city high school, and having been beaten up and had possessions stolen from me during those years, I think I know a tad more about race relations than many Montana liberals.

Recycling is worth the extra cost

Flathead County is at a crossroad with its recycling program.

Suspect denies Kalispell ATV theft

A Kalispell man accused of stealing an all-terrain vehicle and leading police on a short pursuit has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

The Wall

Mountain buttercups carpet the ground and glow in morning sun at the base of the Chinese Wall in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. July is early spring at 7,500 feet in the wilderness. The small yellow flower heads seem to perk right up with the first light of day. (Tom Lotshaw photo/Daily Inter Lake)

Abortion by the numbers: 3,767 deaths a day?

I’m not sure if anyone has ever looked at the subject of abortion in this manner. However, it strikes me as an excellent process in order to put the issue into perspective. Since the 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade, there have been 55 million little souls murdered in the United States before they could take their first breath. Do the math: 55 million human beings divided by 40 years is 1,375,000 murders per year, or 3,767 per day for every day (365) of each of the 40 years. That’s staggering!

Readers get the last word (and one gets the first prize)

It’s been an exciting time at the Daily Inter Lake, as we rolled out our “Your Life Covered” marketing campaign, and there’s plenty of evidence that we’ve actually got Northwest Montana Covered.

Our readers write: Tales from longtime subscribers of the Daily Inter Lake

Carol Kathleen Burch Pinson, 72

Carol Kathleen Burch Pinson, 72, passed away July 2, 2013, at her home in Eureka, attended by her sisters Beatrice and Patricia.

James 'Jim' Samuelson, 88

A memorial for longtime Columbia Falls cabinet maker James “Jim” Samuelson, 88, will be at 10 a.m. July 20 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls. 

Jane Ellen (Erickson) Roeske, 53

Jane Ellen (Erickson) Roeske passed away on June 21, 2013. 

Diana Twet, 68

Diana Twet passed away on April 14, 2013, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Janet Arlys Szymanowski Baden, 76

Janet Arlys Szymanowski Baden, 76, of Malta, passed away on July 4, 2013, after her battle with cancer.

School districts combine for insurance

The switch to a self-funded health insurance structure is now a cooperative effort between Kalispell Public Schools and the Whitefish School District.

Mariners whip Edmonton in John R. Harp Tournament

Jeremiah Crawford homered and doubled twice in three plate appearances to lead the Mission Valley Mariners to an 18-5 victory over the Edmonton Cardinals Friday night in the John R. Harp American Legion baseball tournament at Griffin Field.

Legion baseball: Glacier falls, Libby rolls in tourney play

WHITEFISH — The Great Falls Chargers handed the Glacier Twins their first loss in the Sapa-Johnson Memorial American Legion baseball tournament late Friday evening at Memorial Field.

Legion baseball: Glacier Twins fall, Libby Loggers roll in tourney play

WHITEFISH — The Great Falls Chargers handed the Glacier Twins their first loss in the Sapa-Johnson Memorial American Legion baseball tournament late Friday evening.

Janet Arlys Szymanowski Baden, 76

Wall Creek cliffs

The Wall Creek cliffs burst into view along the trail descending from Larch Hill Pass. Deep in the million-acre wilderness, the nearest person is most likely miles away. (Tom Lotshaw photo/Daily Inter Lake)

Mountain goat and kids

A mountain goat and its kids make their way across a snow field and down the Chinese Wall to a terrace with better grazing. (Melissa Walther photo/Daily Inter Lake)

Beargrass below the Wall Creek Cliffs

Beargrass blooms on steep shoulders below the Wall Creek cliffs.

Welcome to "The Bob"

A sign welcomes hikers into “The Bob.” (Tom Lotshaw photo/Daily Inter Lake)

Whitefish ski museum launched

A museum and hall of fame that will showcase the history of skiing in the Flathead Valley is off the drawing board and on its way to becoming a reality.

Harp Tournament

Kalispell Lakers Chandler Eaves pitches during Friday evening’s late game with Medicine Hat at Griffin Field in the John R. Harp American Legion baseball tournament. No score was available by press time.

Drunken teenagers reported in Martin City

Repeat DUI offender fails to show in court

After he failed to appear at his sentencing July 3, a Kalispell man faces a bench warrant for his fourth DUI conviction and a fifth drunk-driving charge.

Crash closes highway

Daybook

Whitefish maneuvers to retain control

‘Doughnut’ issue takes a new twist

The legal wrangling over planning control of the two-mile “doughnut” area around Whitefish took another twist on Thursday when the city of Whitefish asked the court to take action that would allow Whitefish to retain control of the doughnut.

Cody Johnson

Jane Ellen (Erickson) Roeske, 53

James 'Jim' Samuelson, 88

Carol Kathleen Burch Pinson, 72

Missing man found dead in Glacier National Park

The search for Cody Lee Johnson, a Kalispell man missing since Sunday, came to a grim conclusion Friday when his body was found in Glacier National Park.

Tim Hinderman and Bill Kahle decked out in 1930s ski attire

Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation Vice President Tim Hinderman, left, and President Bill Kahle are decked out in 1930s ski attire. Some of Hinderman’s gear is from the Lyle Rutherford family, while the sweater Kahle is sporting is from the family of Russ Street.

Hell-Roaring Ski Club 1930s

Skiers pose in front of the Hell-Roaring Ski Club cabin on Big Mountain in the late 1930s. Pictured in front is Karl Hinderman, founder of the first ski school at Big Mountain Resort. In back of him is Bud Dalen and to the right of Bud is Ole Dalen. The young skier to the far left in front is Bill Adams. The other skiers’ names are unknown.

Wayne Gryde, 74, and Helen Gryde, 71

Wayne Gryde, 74, and Helen Gryde, 71, passed away July 9, 2013, as a result of a motor vehicle accident.   

ClassOne Equipment

Research and development technician Alan Murry installs a new control board into a Semitool spray solvent tool Friday afternoon at ClassOne Equipment in Kalispell. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Charles 'Charlie' Harber, 81

Head On Collision on Highway 93 South of Whitefish

Members of the Whitefish and Kalispell Fire Departments work on the second person extracted from one of the vehicles involved in a head on collision on Highway 93 south of Whitefish, on July 12. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Mary Lee Kramer-Brooks, 72

County raises include 911 Center

The 3.5 percent pay raises Flathead County commissioners approved recently for county employees will also apply to the consolidated 911 Center —  a move that raised some concerns among cities that help pay for the center and had already settled upon a budget for it with less generous raises.

Whitefish High School project still over budget

The final bid package containing the majority of construction at Whitefish High School didn’t bring in anticipated savings for the project, which remains over budget.

Man who took girl to California is sentenced

An Escondido, Calif., man who took an Evergreen girl back to his home state has been sentenced in U.S. District Court to 10 years in prison.

Car swerved into traffic twice before fatal crash

A Montana Highway Patrol investigation has revealed that the vehicle carrying two Columbia Falls teenagers June 7 on U.S. 2 had swerved into oncoming traffic twice before swerving a third time and striking a van head-on, killing both youths.

Driver intercepts Jamaica-bound check

A Florida FedEx employee looking out for the company’s customers contacted the

Daybook

Friday

Cool savings

T.J. Archer, left, and crew foreman Johnny Sims of Carson Brothers prepare to install a new heating, venting and air conditioning system at Flathead High School Thursday morning. More than $2.5 million in energy-saving projects are being completed at the school, $1.2 million of which is paid for by a Quality Schools grant. Kalispell Public Schools also recently received $2.2 million in zero-interest Qualified Zone Academy Bond loans, which will be repaid over a 15-year period using energy savings.

Slow down on courthouse couplet

Courthouse couplet or U.S. 93 bypass?

Warning: Vicious otter on the loose on the Madison River

Veteran thief admits fly-rod crime

A Whitefish man who already had pleaded guilty to felony charges of robbery and burglary in two prior cases has pleaded guilty to felony theft in a new case.

Edgard “Eddie” Le

Timber leader decries 'endless litigation'

Stoltze manager testifies before U.S. House committee

Chuck Roady, the vice president and general manager of F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Co. near Columbia Falls, testified before a congressional committee in Washington, D.C., Thursday about the need for litigation reforms to clear the way for more active management on national forest lands.

C. Falls man admits half his charges

A Columbia Falls man has pleaded guilty to half of his charges after leading police on a high-speed chase in Somers four months ago.

A. Wayne Laisy, 97

Laurene W. 'Larry' Murphy, 77

Laurene W. “Larry” Murphy, 77, passed away on Monday, June 3, 2013, at her home in Bigfork.

Flathead Valley Baseball Camp

Ryan Wardinsky, Major League Baseball scout for the Miami Marlins, shows a group of players from the Whitefish All-Stars how to field the ball Thursday afternoon during the Flathead Valley Baseball Camp at Griffin Field. July 11, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Dorothy Helen Senner, 90

Cook identified as victim of cliff fall

The climber who fell to his death in Glacier National Park Tuesday has been identified as 21-year-old Cesar Flores Jr. from Davie, Fla.

Delta offers Christmas flights to Los Angeles

Delta Airlines will offer seasonal direct flights between Glacier Park International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport starting Dec. 21 and terminating on Jan. 5, 2014.

New Heating, Venting and Air Conditioning at Flathead

Crew Foreman Johnny Sims, left, looks on as the new heating, venting and air conditioning equipment is unloaded on Thursday morning, July 11, at Flathead High School. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Dramatic Sunrise

An early morning storm made for a dramatic sunrise over Whitefish on Thursday, July 11. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

City studies adjustments in sprinkling rates

Higher property taxes for urban forestry, street and light maintenance operations aren’t the only possible cost increases on the horizon for Kalispell residents this budget season.

Legion baseball: Lakers whip Elks

Daybook

Frank Garner

Silas Joseph Massey

Silas Joseph Massey, son of Abe Massey and Erin Grieco of Whitefish, was born June 20 at North Valley Hospital.

Monroe James Smiley

Monroe James Smiley, son of John Norwood and Jessica Lee Smiley, was born June 25 at North Valley Hospital.

Know Obstacles: Special training course built on fitness facility grounds

Anyone who wants to prepare for next year’s Spartan Race in Bigfork or any other obstacle-racing challenge now will have a training ground in Kalispell.

Sunken vehicle yanked from river

Emergency responders were able to breathe a sigh of relief after no remains were found in or near a sport utility vehicle located in the Flathead River near East Reserve Drive on Wednesday afternoon.

Cody Johnson

Woman's beating leads to arrests

Aria Nichole Hungerford

Aria Nichole Hungerford, daughter of Mickey and Stephanie Hungerford, was born June 22 at North Valley Hospital.

Marlee Brooke Berry,

Marlee Brooke Berry, daughter of Steve Barry and Crystal Moeller, was born June 27 at North Valley Hospital.

Liam Timothy Ball

Liam Timothy Ball, son of Cody and Ashley Ball of Kalispell, was born June 17 at North Valley Hospital.

Parker Willis Keibler

Parker Willis Keibler, son of Jason and Brooklynn Keibler of Columbia Falls, was born June 27 at North Valley Hospital.

Leila June Norberg

Leila June Norberg, daughter of Justin and Ebony Norberg, was born June 28 at North Valley Hospital.

Josephina Dove Hackman

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

Logan James Reddig

Logan James Reddig, son of Elden and Sarah Reddig of Kalispell, was born June 25 at North Valley Hospital.

Hodge: A hero for his community

Flathead Valley track fans are familiar with Dan Hodge, who has led the Flathead High School boys track team for 38 years.

Boxed kittens dumped on animal shelter's doorstep

Kittens left in a cardboard box on the doorstep of the Northwest Montana Humane Society shelter on U.S. 93 over the Fourth of July holiday clawed their way out and were on the run when shelter officials caught them.

Lakers Baseball

Kalispell's Adam Frandsen (12) runs to third base as the Lethbridge shortstop fields the ball Wednesday night during the Lakers' win over Lethbridge at Griffin Field. July 10, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Kwyn Johnson

Kwyn Johnson Thursday night during a crosstown volleyball matchup at Flathead High School. Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Woman admits stealing $155,000

A Kalispell woman has pleaded guilty to a felony charge of theft after embezzling from her then-employer.

Musician hosts special build day

Musician Luke Dowler will host Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley’s first “celebrity build day” today as he helps the organization build new affordable homes in Columbia Falls.

Theodore A. Groenke, 92

Theater group's season opens

Flathead grad publishes first book

Idaho writer gives memoir presentation

Folk duo play at church

Cajun Street Dance planned in Somers

Jazz singer, vocalist plans 2 local shows

Lineesa Rose Abernathy, 18

Lineesa Rose Abernathy, 18, passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2013, in a car accident in Washington state.

'History of the Flathead Valley' exhibit opens

Telling our story

Friends, family search for missing man

The Kalispell Police Department is investigating the disappearance of a local man over the weekend.

Guitar trio on tap in C. Falls

Montana native home for Whitefish show

Fortine woman featured in new book

Stumptown Players stage 'The Kitchen Witches'

Dena DeRose

Montana Midnight Guitar Trio

Crosstown Volleyball

Kwyn Johnson Thursday night during a crosstown volleyball matchup at Flathead High School. Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Field Trip

Adler and Hearne

Stumptown Players 'The Kitchen Witches'

Former Chief Garner running for state Legislature

Former Kalispell Police Chief Frank Garner announced Wednesday he is running as a Republican for House District 7 in the 2014 election.  

Submerged Vehicle

Sheriff Chuck Curry, right, and a member of the Evergreen Fire Department watch from the water as a submerged vehicle is retrieved on Wednesday afternoon, July 10, near the east end of Reserve Drive in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Sunken vehicle

Brian Heino and Rich Schuster of the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office help retrieve a submerged vehicle on Wednesday afternoon at the east end of East Reserve Drive. The Sheriff’s Office was joined by the Montana Highway Patrol and members of Evergreen Fire Rescue.

Know Obstacles

Construction is wrapping up on the new obstacle course at the Kalispell Athletic Club on West Reserve Drive.

Casey Malmquist

Casey Malmquist, pictured in his Whitefish office in December 2011, was severely burned Monday when a house exploded in Williston, N.D.

This Week in the Flathead: Museum at Central School

Photographs and a piece of the Old Steel Bridge make up part of the "History of the Flathead Valley" exhibition at the Museum at Central School. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Whitefish builder severely burned in home explosion

Longtime Whitefish builder Casey Malmquist is in stable condition at a St. Paul, Minn., hospital after suffering extensive burns when a house exploded Monday evening in Williston, N.D.

Should Flathead County pay the increased cost of $188,000 to provide blue-box recycling throughout the county, or scale back the number of recycling bins to keep costs at their current level?

Polson couple killed in head-on crash near Big Arm

POLSON — A pickup truck and a passenger car collided head-on Tuesday on U.S. 93 between Elmo and Big Arm, killing both people in the car.

Four from Whitefish injured in Conrad collision

Two women and two young boys from Whitefish were injured in a crash near Conrad in Pondera County on Tuesday morning that left one man dead and another child in critical condition.

Climber dies in 1,000-foot fall on Glacier Park peak

A Florida man working at Many Glacier Hotel fell 1,000 feet to his death Tuesday on Apikuni Mountain in Glacier National Park.

$950 Deal for $475 at Ted's Beds & Furniture Warehouse!

Ted's Beds & Furniture Warehouse

Five people safe after boat overturns on North Fork

A group of unlucky boaters got a little help Saturday after overturning on the North Fork of the Flathead River.

West Glacier man denies fourth DUI

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

Company to expand manufacturing plant

 Accurate Casework Industries is expanding its manufacturing facility in the Evergreen area.

History repeats itself at Two Rivers Rendezvous

The smoke from cook fires rose gently through the tree canopy as trappers and traders prepared for a day of showing off their shooting skills at the Two Rivers Rendezvous in Libby.

Bozeman woman charged with smothering infant

Woman reports rape near Olney bar

A woman reported to the

Kalispell ready to boost special tax assessments

A five-year string of property tax increases might be on the way for Kalispell residents and business owners as the city looks to shore up the finances of its street and light maintenance and urban forestry programs.

Deshazer

Robber hits Evergreen food pantry

A Bigfork woman is in jail after allegedly trying to rob the Northwest Montana Veterans Food Pantry in Evergreen on Monday.

Food-habituated Bigfork bear killed

All valley residents asked to help in bear-safety efforts

A young black bear recently was killed by state officials in the Bigfork area because of its proximity to people and its history of getting into bird feeders, garbage cans and pet foods.

Daybook

Man charged with slaying of son, 3

Swiftcurrent at dawn

Swiftcurrent Creek flows through the Swiftcurrent Valley in this time-exposure photograph taken near dawn Sunday morning in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park.

Judge: County gets control of 'doughnut'

A Flathead District Court ruling has returned planning control of Whitefish’s embattled two-mile “doughnut” area to Flathead County, declaring a referendum passed by Whitefish voters is invalid.

Week in Pictures:

Abandoned kittens

Sweet Pea and Petunia, a pair of abandoned kittens, will be ready for adoption in about three weeks. They are very close and it is hoped they will be adopted together.

Charles P. 'Chuck' Moad, 69

Charles P. "Chuck" Moad, 69, passed away July 8, 2013, in Kalispell. 

Conradi/Anderson

John Anderson and Diane Conradi at their office in downtown Whitefish, on Monday, July 8. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Big Sky. Big Lake. Bigfork! billboard

The new Big Sky. Big Lake. Bigfork! billboard on Tuesday, July 9 off the side of Highway 93 South heading into Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Vicki Jean (Orndorff) Lamoreaux, 61

Eliene Mary Gridley, 96

Eliene Mary Gridley, 96, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, July 2, 2013, of natural causes at Timber Creek Village, where she had resided for the past year.

View of Swiftcurret Valley

A view of the Swiftcurrent Creek on Sunday morning, July 7, at just before dawn in the Many Glacier area. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

2011 Ford Explorer

2003 Ford F350 Super Duty Crew Cab

1955 Ford Thunderbird

Western Automotive Associate, Inc.

Engineer turned pastor spends life spreading the gospel

Daybook

Couple charged for allegedly snatching boy

A Hungry Horse couple have pleaded not guilty to charges filed against them for allegedly taking their 1-year-old son from his grandparents after losing custody of the child.

Montana the first state to pass spy law

Montana made history this spring after passing the first state law to prevent the government from spying on anyone in the state by tracking personal information stored in their electronic devices.

Charges pending in golf-club assault

Economic leaders share concerns at roundtable

Paul J. McCann, 92

Bennie L. Foss, 71

Mary Lucille King, 90

Pulled plugs sink pair of watercraft

Active Seniors: Jean Robocker

Flathead Valley Audubon recently honored Kalispell resident Jean Robocker, 90, with a lifetime conservation award. Robocker placed a conservation easement on her Egan Slough property. She is also known for her prize-winning Dutch bantam chickens.

Active Senior: John Olson

John Olson at Buffalo Hill Terrace July 5 in Kalispell. 

Main Street Montana comes to Kalispell

Gov. Steve Bullock addresses the gathered crowd at the Main Street Montana discussion Monday at Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell.

Lights over Lakeside

Lights over Lakeside The Northern Lights appeared over Flathead Lake on Saturday, July 7 at 3 a.m. as seen from the docks near Lakeside Boulevard. This was the second week in a row the Aurora Borealis has been visible in the early hours of a Saturday morning. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Saturday light shows a hit for night owls

For star-gazers willing to watch the skies throughout the night, the past two Saturdays have provided big payoffs in displays of northern lights. The aurora borealis was visible  Saturday at 3 a.m. from the Lakeside area. This was the second Saturday in a row the northern lights have been visible from the Flathead Valley.  

Bail bondsman a voice for clients

The bail bonds industry is one rife with stereotypes, many continued courtesy of a certain television personality, but at least one man is trying to change that perception.

Eva E. Ellis, 93

Eva E. Ellis, 93, of Harlem, passed away from natural causes on Thursday, July 4, 2013, at Northern Montana Care Center. 

One teen dies, one hurt in Washington crash

LIND, Wash. — An 18-year-old Kalispell woman died and a young Kalispell man was injured in a crash in Washington state on Sunday.

Front page ad 1

Rendezvous to raise money for grizzly work

The Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Foundation is holding its Grizzly Bear Rendezvous 2013 along the shores of Flathead Lake at the home of Jack and Suzi Hanna in Bigfork again this year. 

$10 Deal for $5 at The Naked Noodle!

The Naked Noodle

Legion baseball: Libby sweeps Glacier; Mission Valley wins Firecracker Tournament

WHITEFISH — Libby swept an American Legion Class A baseball doubleheader from the Glacier Twins at Memorial Field on Sunday afternoon.

Roy Warren Nordwall, 83

Roy Warren Nordwall passed away June 5, 2013, in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

Facility prides itself on speed

Tucked away from the public, past where sunlight streams into the lobby of Kalispell Regional Medical Center’s new surgical center, several very smart men spend their days working with some rather nasty stuff.

Ellis

Nordwall

Bail Bonds

Charles Pesola owns and operates Moonlighting Bail Bonds and Moonlighting Detective and Security Services in downtown Kalispell. June 26, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Molecular Lab at Kalispell Regional Medical Center

Clinical Lab Scientist Scott Lawhead on Wednesday, June 12, at the Molecular Lab at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Trail Creek Road to be closed to fix slump

The Daily Inter Lake

Inter Lake rolls out campaign on 'Your Life Covered'

Day in and day out, 365 days a year, the Daily Inter Lake documents the news and happenings in the Flathead Valley.

Collegians clash in playoff at 4th of July golf tournament

WHITEFISH — A pair of collegians who were runners-up here a year ago came through in dramatic fashion this time.

Baseball roundup: Mariners stay perfect at Firecracker

POLSON — The Mission Valley Mariners improved to 4-0 at their Firecracker Tournament with wins against Cranbrook and the Glacier Twins’ B team Saturday on the third day of the four-day event.

Phyllis Owen Mollberg-Sienknecht

Alternate reality explored in some letters to editor?

Reading Bob McClellan’s letters to the editor dated March 8 and April 18 reinforces my belief in an alternate universe. To claim the Republicans got their heads handed to them in the last election is quite a bold statement unsupported by the facts. The makeup of the 2011-2013 Congress included 51 Democratic senators, 47 Republican senators and two Independents. There were 193 Democratic congressman and 242 Republicans.

New project helps disabled in Libby

Call it the ultimate Montana keepsake.

Proudly covering your life daily

“Your Life Covered.”

Water project planned on Fourth Avenue East

Enterprise funds make up about $18 million of the $46.8 million spending plan that the city of Kalispell is proposing for the next fiscal year.

Joel E. Jobst, 77

Going buggy over ticks

I was so smug when I arrived in Minnesota a few weeks ago and discovered I’d arrived before mosquito season, at least for the most part.

Campaign-finance reform has to be equitable to be fair

Shortly after the 2013 presidential inaugural, Organizing for America, the Obama campaign fundraising organization formed by the Democratic National Committee morphed into Organizing for Action, an organization with a stated goal of promoting Obama’s second-term agenda.

County in a bind over recycling

Soaring costs force officials to ponder future of program

Should Flathead County continue to subsidize its recycling program at a loss of about $50,000 a year or scrap the program all together?

Challenging Denali: Kalispell native summits North America's tallest peak

After years of climbing in Glacier National Park, Flathead Valley native David Steele recently reached the summit of North America’s highest peak, Alaska’s Denali.

Man's hot tub chase leads to hotel ban

A man was banned from a U.S. 93 South hotel after chasing a housekeeper and trying to follow her into her room, not long after having tried to get front desk staff to get in the hot tub with him.

Daybook

Sunday

Joel Rogers

Joel Rogers of Northwest Montana Tree Co. places a white pine seedling inside a tube for shipping on June 28.

Start-up aims to help families on vacation

With three children ages 9, 6 and 3, Jenni Cheff has spent many years either hauling awkward child paraphernalia on vacation or making frantic phone calls to pull together everything her children needed to be safe and happy away from home.

Phillis L. Moore, 82

Phillis L. Moore, born Dec. 8, 1930, passed away Monday, July 1, 2013, at home, surrounded by family.

Pamela Joyce Nadvornick, 62

Pamela Joyce Nadvornick, 62, passed away on Thursday, July 4, 2013, at her home in Kalispell.

Fourth of July Golf Tournament

Jackie Mee tracks her shot during the 4th of July golf tournament at Whitefish Lake Golf Club on Saturday. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Glacier Challenge

Kalispell’s Seth Schmautz, a member of Nomad Corporate, completes the kayak stage of the Glacier Challenge on Saturday in Whitefish.

Lukas Gilbert Leigh, 18

Charles Alvin 'Pete' Crow, 52

Pete passed away due to health issues on July 2, 2013. He was born in Kalispell on Sept. 14, 1960, the fifth child of Jim and Shirley Crow.

Judge voids county's greenbelt zoning

A Flathead District Court judge has thrown out Flathead County’s greenbelt zoning classification, saying it constituted spot zoning and was an “abuse of discretion.”

New leaders in 4th of July golf tournament

WHITEFISH — New names top the leaderboard after second-day action at the annual 4th of July golf tournament at Whitefish Lake Golf Club.

Legion baseball roundup: Lakers 2-2 at Woodbat Classic

SPOKANE, Wash. — The Kalispell Lakers AA squad is 2-2 after two days of play at the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene American Legion Woodbat Classic ’13 baseball tournament.

Former school secretary charged with theft

A Lakeside Elementary School secretary who resigned over alleged embezzling has been charged with felony theft in Flathead District Court.

Daybook

Saturday

Glacier leader named AA principal of year

Glacier High School Principal Callie Langohr recently was named Class AA Principal of the Year, adding to a number of distinguished honors for the Kalispell school.

Fireworks calls keep officers hopping

Along with responding to their normal slate of calls, law enforcement agencies throughout the county were kept running over the evening of Independence Day and into the following morning by a deluge of fireworks complaints.

Court denies appeal by cat hoarders

The Montana Supreme Court has unanimously denied an appeal filed by a couple convicted of aggravated cruelty to animals.

Mary Louise Shroder, 88

Lance Joseph Deglow, 49

On June 30, 2013, Lance Joseph Deglow “went to be with the Lord.” 

Charles Alvin 'Pete' Crow, 52

Unfinished home burns

Smoke billows from a burning house north of Kalispell on Friday.

Fireworks show ends with a bang

No one hurt when barge catches fire

A barge loaded with fireworks burst into flames on Whitefish Lake Thursday night just as the grand finale of the annual Fourth of July fireworks show was underway.

Denali main photo

David Steele of Kalispell skis down the slopes of Denali. He and his climbing partner Grant Domer skied down after summiting the peak. "We are skiers first," Steele said.

Denali summit

David Steele, left and Grant Domer pose atop the summit of Denali in Alaska.

Denali base camp

The Denali base camp still had plenty of light at 1 a.m.

Denali Autobahn

Part of the path to the summit of Denali was along this route called The Autobahn.

Denali ropes

David Steele and Grant Domer climbed the mountain roped together and did many of their descents to lower camps on skis.

Denali ski jump

David Steele's expedition on Denali lasted 16 days, which he attributed to favorable weather and skis. Most climbers plan for the trip to last 28 days.

Northwest Tree Company

Joel Rogers of Northwest Tree co. places a white pine seedling inside a tube for shipping on June 28.

Denali from the air

Denali is North America's highest peak at 20,320 feet.

Glacier Baby Outfitters

Jenni Cheff, owner of Glacier Baby Outfitters, poses Wednesday afternoon at her home in Columbia Falls.

Charles Pesola profile

Charles Pesola owns and operates Moonlighting Bail Bonds and Moonlighting Detective and Security Services in downtown Kalispell. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Mary Louise Schroder, 88

Mary Louise Schroder, 88, of Cut Bank, formerly of Kalispell, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2013, at the Glacier Care Center in Cut Bank, due to natural causes.

Fireworks barge

While fireworks explode in the sky over Whitefish Lake, smoke pours from the burning barge that was the platform for the Fourth of July pyrotechnics.

It was a great day for parades

From Polson to Polebridge, parades took center stage on Thursday.

Bigfork parade

The Flathead Monster was part of Thursday's Fourth of July Parade in Bigfork.

Fireworks blast

Smoke billows from the pyrotechnics barge on Whitefish Lake after it caught fire near the finale of the Fourth of July fireworks display. 

Whitefish independent library 'doing well'

Cataract surgery the most common eye operation

Baseball: Mariners win opener at Firecracker tourney

POLSON — The Mission Valley Mariners beat Dillon 11-6 on the opening day of their Firecracker American Legion baseball tournament.

Runners make tracks in Bigfork

BIGFORK — Matthew Adams, 25, of Seward, Alaska, and Karin Bartels, 33, of Missoula turned in the best men’s and women’s times at the Grateful Nation Montana’s Freedom 5k Thursday.

Platke leads golf tourney at Whitefish Lake

WHITEFISH — Whitefish’s Reed Platke shot a 65 to top the leaderboard on the opening day of the Whitefish Lake Golf Course 4th of July Tournament Thursday.

Messy vandalism reported in Columbia Falls

Local speech standouts get national experience

Independence on parade in Polebridge

Needlepoint Kneelers

Patty Saville holds up one of 12 needlepoint kneelers Monday afternoon at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church in Ferndale. A group of stitchers have been working on the kneeling pads for two and a half years. July 1, 2013 in Ferndale, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Polebridge 4th of July Parade

With a view of Rainbow Peak in the background, Rich Marriott prepares his mules to ride in the parade Thursday afternoon before the Fourth of July parade in Polebridge.

Music school offers rock 'n' roll camp

Authors conference scheduled for September

Huge honor for Flathead's Hodge

Boys track and field coach named National Coach of the Year

Flathead High School boys track and field coach Dan Hodge was awarded the National High School Athletic Coaches Association’s National Coach of the Year award for boys track and field June 26 at the NHSACA’s convention in Des Moines, Iowa.

Brannon Lawrence Larsen

Brannon Lawrence Larsen, son of Jake Larsen and Jessica McCallum of Kalispell, was born June 21 at North Valley Hospital.

Don't take independence lightly

There are a lot of different ways one can regard Independence Day, or very importantly, the word “independence” from an American perspective.

Dorothy M. Johnson

Family frantic over 'missing' kids

A 3-year-old’s unfounded report led to a frantic response at a River Estates Drive home in Columbia Falls. The homeowner, who was out of town, contacted the

Major hotel project halted

A developer has terminated his plans to construct a downtown hotel in Whitefish, citing difficulty securing financing.

Taylor Grace Horton

Taylor Grace Horton, daughter of Kelly and Vanessa Horton of Kalispell, was born May 31 at North Valley Hospital.

Piper Lane Broom

Piper Lane Broom, daughter of Patrick and Lindy Broom of Fortine, was born June 21 at North Valley Hospital.

Daniel Thomas Gilpin

Daniel Thomas Gilpin, son of Jason and Sarina Gilpin of Helena, was born June 20 at the Family Birth Center in Great Falls.

Burton John 'BJ' Peterman, 86

Festival preview features winery chef

Flathead Valley Community College is offering community members a preview of its sixth annual Festival of Flavors by featuring a Napa Valley winery chef on Tuesday.

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Today

Aurora Jaylynn Rohletter

Aurora Jaylynn Rohletter, daughter of Tyson and Shelby Rohletter of Kalispell, was born June 20 at North Valley Hospital.

Carson Joseph Ray Nagel

Carson Joseph Ray Nagel, son of Chris and AuBonny Nagel of Columbia Falls, was born June 21 at North Valley Hospital.

Alex Christian Bauer

Alex Christian Bauer, son of Brandon and Erin Bauer of Kalispell, was born May 30 at North Valley Hospital.

Louis John Maeder

Louis John Maeder, son of Anthony and Ariel Squires of Columbia Falls, was born June 6 at North Valley Hospital.

Opal F. Frost, 84

Opal F. Frost, 84, a longtime Eureka resident, died Monday, July 1, 2013, at HealthCenter Northwest.

Jordana Bonita Hubble

Jordana Bonita Hubble, daughter of Cody and Veronica Hubble, was born June 5 at North Valley Hospital.

Tara Luella Davison

Tara Luella Davison, daughter of Conor and Heather Davison, was born June 22 at North Valley Hospital.

Finnaghan Thomas McCauley

Finnaghan Thomas McCauley, son of Richard McCauley and Stephanie Roszko of Columbia Falls, was born June 13 at North Valley Hospital.

Vincent Antone Metallo

Vincent Antone Metallo, son of Jeff and Tasha Metallo of Columbia Falls, was born June 13 at North Valley Hospital.

Lillian Fern Thornton

Lillian Fern Thornton, daughter of James Thornton and Rebecca Armstrong of Martin City, was born June 6 at North Valley Hospital.

Cadence Caprice Ackerschott

Cadence Caprice Ackerschott, daughter of Nick Ackerschott and Tori Marcial of Whitefish, was born June 18 at North Valley Hospital.

Grant will boost college program

A recent grant to Flathead Valley Community College through the city of Kalispell will be a boon to the heavy equipment operator program at the school.

Today's parades and fireworks shows in Northwest Montana

Maximus Garcia

Maximus Garcia, son of Ron Garcia and Kimberly Newman of Columbia Falls, was born June 24 at North Valley Hospital.

Famed Whitefish writer joins Cowboy Hall of Fame

The late Dorothy M. Johnson, a Whitefish author known for her wit and grit, is among this year’s inductees into the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center.

Harper Stanton

Harper Stanton, daughter of Brandon Stanton and Abby Francis, was born June 1 at North Valley Hospital.

Garrett Thomas Andersen

Garrett Thomas Andersen, son of Dustin and Jennifer Andersen of Kalispell, was born June 7 at North Valley Hospital.

Jacob Morrell

Jacob Morrell, son of Kevin and Heather Morrell of Whitefish, was born June 24 at North Valley Hospital.

Injured pastor saves 'dead' terrier

Randy Passons and Kyra Wilkerson are shown with her dog Dozer on Wednesday near Hidden Harbor in Woods Bay. Passons resuscitated and saved the life of Dozer on Monday after the dog nearly drowned in Flathead Lake. Passons accomplished the life-saving effort despite being hobbled by an Achilles tendon injury.

Kelly Hendrix

Flathead High School student Kelly Hendrix recently embarked on a trip to Cambodia where she will learn about environmental issues and be immersed in the local culture.

Museum to open new exhibit

Yarn store offers classes for kids, adults

Classes for adults at Hockaday

Fourth of July events across NW Montana

Author holds Independence Day signing

'Organic' art show at Bigfork museum

Dick Idol Signature Gallery combines family's unique talents

Dog Rescuer

Kyra Wilkerson, 16, with her happy looking dog Dozer. Dozer was saved from drowning by Randy Passons. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Sheriff identifies fall victim

The 18-year-old Kalispell man who died after falling from an 80-foot cliff near Lakeside has been identified as Lukas G. Leigh.

Cindy “Cid” L. Cory, 54

Cindy Cory passed away Friday, June 28, 2013, in Missoula. 

Lorne Dean Krieg, 23

Lorne Dean Krieg, 23, passed away on Monday, July 1, 2013, in Kalispell.

Whitefish Library

Ken Brossard of Burlington, Wash., takes a break to catch up on the news from the Daily Inter Lake at the Whitefish Library July 2. Brossard is visiting on vacation.

Horseback Riding in Herron

Horseback Riding in Herron Jeannie Penner of Kalispell takes a lesson from Lorrye Hellem as she works with her Tennessee Walker Jehovah Jireh on Wednesday morning at Herron Park. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

This Week in the Flathead: Dick Idol Gallery

Needlepoint Kneelers

Patty Saville holds up one of 12 needlepoint kneelers Monday afternoon at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church in Ferndale. A group of stitchers have been working on the kneeling pads for two and a half years. July 1, 2013 in Ferndale, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Week in Pictures: June 24 - 30

Week in Pictures: June 17-23

This Week in the Flathead: Dick Idol Signature Gallery

Ricochet, a bronze by Greg Woodard on display on Tuesday, July 1, at the Dick Idol Signature Gallery in Whitefish. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Bound for England

When Nicole Heavirland’s father informed her she was going to be playing rugby several years ago, her response was quick.

Baseball: Twins improve to 13-1 in league

WHITEFISH — The Glacier Twins topped the Kalispell Lakers’ A team 5-2 in a four-inning game that was cut short after both Lakers coaches were ejected Tuesday.

Bigfork's parade always a holiday hit

A holiday tradition that attracts thousands of people — Bigfork’s Fourth of July Parade — is ready to roll on Thursday.

Fireworks

Tribal officials say native fish need more help

Confederated Salish-Kootenai Tribal officials say things have changed to a point where more needs to done, including netting of non-native lake trout, to save native bull and cutthroat trout in the Flathead Lake.

William Rolla 'Sweet William' Farrington, 74

William Rolla “Sweet William” Farrington, 74, “went to the loving arms of his wife, Beverly,” on June 24, 2013, at home in Kalispell, from natural causes.

Fourth of July fireworks

Thursday’s fireworks shows and parades in Northwest Montana:

Party den draws constant complaints

A drug den on Dorothy Street was repeatedly reported to the

Heat sets records

July opened with record high temperatures across Northwest Montana.

Good yields, prices buoy hay harvest

True to the old adage, Flathead Valley farmers are “making hay while the sun shines,” and this year’s first cutting is looking good.

Program certifies weed-free hay

As Flathead County Extension Agent Pat McGlynn combed through Ken Smith’s hayfield last week, she was on the lookout for the usual suspects — ox-eye daisies, hound’s tongue, knapweed and other noxious weeds.

Crop of color

A field of canola lights up in the first rays of dawn on Tuesday along North Somers Road. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Panhandling ordinance toned down

After much debate and several pleas from the public, the Kalispell City Council passed the first reading of its panhandling ordinance during Monday night’s meeting.

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Kalispell teenager dies in fall from cliff

Drinking party had been held night before in Lakeside area

An 18-year-old Kalispell man was found dead Tuesday after falling from a cliff in the Lakeside area.

Blue boxes

Regine Hoag throws a metal can into the blue recycling bin Tuesday afternoon in the parking lot of the Albertsons store on Idaho Street and Meridian Road in Kalispell.

Weed-free hay

Extension Agent Pat McGlynn checks for noxious weeds Friday afternoon in a hayfield near Creston.

Nicole Heavirland

Nicole Heavirland in Whitefish, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Dean Duane Carlson, 52

Burton John 'BJ' Peterman, 86

Burton John “BJ” Peterman passed away on May 23, 2013, under care of Hospice Family Care in Gilbert, Ariz. He was able to stay in his own home up until a week before his death.

Striking Shade of Yellow

Striking Shade of Yellow A field of canola lights up in the first rays of dawn on Tuesday, July 3, along North Somers Road. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Exercise helps keep seniors spry

Baseball: Mission Valley lights up Mavericks for 17 hits

Daybook

Woman admits prostitution, forgery charges

A Kalispell woman facing nine charges including seven counts of prostitution has pleaded guilty to five of the charges while admitting she violated her probation in a prior case.

Pet safety important during fireworks season

 While enjoying brews, barbecue and warm weather this Fourth of July, it’s important to remember that not all members of the family like the loud noises and bright lights of fireworks.

Week opens with record high temperatures

July opened with record high temperatures across Northwest Montana.

Man charged with ATV theft

A Kalispell man is facing a trio of charges after allegedly stealing an all-terrain vehicle and leading police on a short pursuit June 24.

Join the fun for the Fourth of July

Parades, pyrotechnics and a powwow are ahead Thursday as Northwest Montana marks the Fourth of July with a host of holiday events.

New main library tops $44.4 million spending plan

Sheriff's office investigates man's death on Foy's Lake

Don't leave your keys in your car

Robert John 'Bob' Trottier, 66

Jack D. Peters, 90

How to keep cool in the heat

One way to beat the heat down in the valleys is to head up high in Glacier National Park where there still is snow. Here, Sydney Roop snowboards at Logan Pass last week. Roop works at Lake McDonald for Glacier Park Inc. Daytime highs are expected to be in the 90s all this week in the Flathead Valley.  

Senior aerobics

Seniors take an aerobics class at the Kalispell Senior Center every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The workout helps heep the group active.

Snowboarding in summer

Sydney Roop snowboards at Logan Pass last week. Roop works at Lake McDonald for Glacier Park Inc.

Whitefish Lake fireworks

Marlene M. Morris, 78

Marlene M. Morris, 78, passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2013, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. 

Lyle Eugene Olson, 69

Lyle Eugene Olson, 69, of Albany, Ore., and formerly of Kalispell, died May 27, 2013, at Samaritan Evergreen Hospice House in Albany.

Patricia Newcomb

Patricia Carol (Kinder) Thornton Newcomb, 71

Patricia Carol (Kinder) Thornton Newcomb, 71, “entered into eternal life” on April 27, 2013, in Carson City, Nev. “She is with her parents and sister, at peace, and no longer in pain.”

Northern Lights

The Northern Lights appear over McWenneger Slough on Saturday morning, June 29, just east of Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Firefighters Killed

In this 2012 photo provided by the Cronkite News, the Granite Mountain Hotshot crew clears a fire line. On Sunday, 19 members of the Prescott, Ariz.-based crew were killed in the deadliest wildfire involving firefighters in the U.S. for at least 30 years. The firefighters were forced to deploy their emergency fire shelters when they were overrun by fire near the central Arizona town of Yarnell, (AP Photo/Cronkite News, Connor Radnovich)

Portable shelters couldn't save 19 firefighters

Panhandlers often turn down offers to help

Asked about Kalispell’s panhandlers, Samaritan House Director Chris Krager recalls an unexpected conversation his two children had 10 years ago. The family was leaving Walmart and driving past a man with a cardboard sign.