Sunday, March 31
$10 Deal for $5 at The Naked Noodle!
The Naked Noodle
Sewer costs a vexing problem for Kalispell
Impact fees
Setting development fees gets tricky when growth grinds to a halt with a $22 million sewage treatment plant expansion to pay for. It’s a trick Kalispell so far has been unable to work out.
Thief makes off with Easter ham
An Eighth Avenue West woman told
Monday Profile
Cindy Mullaney talks about fire prediction maps Friday morning at the Flathead County Dispatch and Emergency Operation Center.
Emergency services coordinator thrives on job
Cool under pressure
After 18 years coordinating emergency services, Cindy Mullaney can’t imagine doing anything else, even though her resume is full of different lines of work.
Whitefish studies fee reductions for small projects
Whitefish City Council
Reduced impact fees for small construction projects may be in the cards for Whitefish.
Climate alliance hosts forum on coal proposals
The Flathead Climate Alliance will host a forum in Whitefish on Tuesday night on opposition to development of the state’s Otter Creek coal tracts and a railroad to support coal extraction in southeast Montana.
Sadie Ravan Miller
Sadie Ravan Miller, 89
Sadie Ravan Miller, 89, passed away on Friday, March 29, 2013, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. She was born on June 8, 1923, in Braggs, Okla., to M.C. and Alpha (Smithson) Smith. She was raised in Fort Gibson, Okla.
Fresh Life Easter
Hands in the crowd shoot up as Phil Wickham performs at the Fresh Life Easter service on Sunday, March 31, at the Majestic Valley Arena. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Tennis: Glacier, Flathead boys start hot
Saturday, March 30
Pysanky Eggs
Decorating Pysanky Eggs
Accused heroin supplier denies felony charges
An alleged heroin supplier pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court.
Zoey Ember Du Lac
Zoey Ember Du Lac, daughter of Andre and Jessica Du Lac of Kalispell, was born Feb. 28 at North Valley Hospital.
Water compact board is 'separate but unequal'
There is a fundamental constitutional issue involved with the CSKT Water Compact that appears to be overlooked. It pertains to what is an integral part of the current Compact: the Unitary Management Ordinance (UMO) and the “Flathead Reservation Water Management Board” which is created under the UMO concept.
Kilee Reid
Kilee Reid, daughter of Robert and Amy Reid of Columbia Falls, was born Feb. 19 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Lila Talalotu
Lila Talalotu, daughter of Tony Talalotu and Teresa Schillereff of Kalispell, was born Feb. 16 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Jason Horstman
Jason Horstman, son of Justin Horstman and Amber Veyna of Somers, was born Feb. 24 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Special painting of Virgin Mary bonds sister, brother
On a hilltop in France, Richie Carter found divine inspiration and the perfect gift for his beloved sister.
Jesse Mason
Jesse Mason, son of Joshua Lee and Sara Crabill of Kalispell, was born Feb. 19 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Bad Rock Bed & Breakfast takes care of small details to offer ultimate Montana experience
Bad Rock Bed & Breakfast, set in a quiet spot west of Montana 206, offers a grand first impression with its landscaped grounds, log-and-river-rock main house, cabins and guest house.
Leyton Elizabeth Clark
Leyton Elizabeth Clark, daughter of Josh and Jessica Clark of Kalispell, was born Feb. 26 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Weston Barry Pakkala
Weston Barry Pakkala, son of Shane and Holly Pakkala of Kalispell, was born Feb. 22 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Heroes back home - Veteran: 'Our mission of serving this country is not over'
On March 26, 2003, I joined 953 other soldiers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade on a night-time combat parachute jump into Bashur Airfield in northern Iraq. The plan was to do exactly as we trained to do dozens of times before: jump out of the bird, hit the ground, and form a perimeter around the airfield. What we didn’t fully understand was that the drop zone we were jumping into was a huge mud pit.
Samantha Rucker
Samantha Rucker, daughter of James and Shannon Rucker of Whitefish, was born Feb. 16 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Calvin Zoll
Calvin Zoll, son of Matt and Liz Zoll of Kalispell, was born Feb. 21 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Jack Wiser
Jack Wiser, son of John and Kari Wiser of Kalispell, was born Feb. 26 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
John Mack Boggs
John Mack Boggs, son of Dustin Boggs and Mandrea Stebbins of Kalispell, was born Feb. 22 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Clifton Walker
Clifton Walker, son of Levi and Bethany Walker of Kalispell, was born Feb. 22 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Maverick Cameron Murphy
Maverick Cameron Murphy, son of Michelle Murphy, was born Feb. 26 at North Valley Hospital.
Samantha Sturm
Samantha Sturm, daughter of Jeremy and Megan Sturm of Kalispell, was born Feb. 26 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Bigfork schools improve security
The Bigfork School District is beefing up school security.
Madison Ann Fisher
Madison Ann Fisher, daughter of Kelly and Kassie Fisher of Kalispell, was born Feb. 25 at North Valley Hospital.
Daybook
Elodie Frances Howard
Elodie Frances Howard, daughter of Trevor and Kacy Howard of Whitefish, was born Feb. 26 at North Valley Hospital.
Suzanne 'Sue' (Mestyanek) Healy, 74
Suzanne “Sue” (Mestyanek) Healy passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2013.
Medicare expansion, plus reform!
Republicans are looking a bit schizophrenic lately when it comes to a potential Medicaid expansion in Montana.
Person reports Arabs' Kodak moment
A Kalispell resident complained about a little white helicopter flying very slow and low over houses. The resident refused to call the FAA, stating that it was a noise problem, and thus a problem for the
Bo Piedalue
Bo Piedalue, son of Ryan Piedalue and Danielle Griffith of Kalispell, was born Feb. 22 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Doctor's advice: Fall properly to help avoid skiing injuries
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kim Stimpson offered some simple advice for skiers and snowboarders to avoid meeting him or his colleagues in a professional setting.
Ava Milutinovic
Ava Milutinovic, daughter of Michael Milutinovic and Shelley Adams of Kalispell, was born Feb. 26 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Reese Sherwood
Reese Sherwood, daughter of Adam Sherwood and Cheyne Ursich of Kalispell, was born Feb. 28 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Stay united to save Constitution
It is about time we look at the problem facing us. Our United States Constitution is being spit on, trampled on and crushed.
Natalie Grace Blythe
Natalie Grace Blythe, daughter of David and Anne Blythe of Columbia Falls, was born March 1 at North Valley Hospital.
Whitefish wastewater survey now under way
The Whitefish Community Wastewater Committee is surveying Whitefish city residents and those who live in the two-mile “doughnut” around the city about septic systems and water quality issues.
Violence a natural result of nation without God
As a nation we continue to grieve over the tragedies at Newtown, Conn., and elsewhere.
Restoring the Constitution - with a little help from my friends
Last week, I somewhat audaciously proposed a
James R. Hellen, 77
James R. Hellen, 77, of Somers, a retired salesman, died of pneumonia Sunday, March 24, 2013, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, surrounded by family.
Friday, March 29
Track & Field: Seven set qualifying marks at C-Falls Invite
Softball: Glacier goes 3-1 at Great Falls Jamboree
KATS' Popp earns national ranking for her age group
KATS swimmer AJ Popp finished off her fantastic season with three more state records, and a trio of regional titles at the 2013 Northwest Region Short Course Age Group Championships in Federal Way, Wash., last weekend.
Woman accused of theft of car parts
A Kalispell woman serving a suspended sentence for burglary and theft pleaded not guilty last week in Flathead District Court to a new felony charge of theft.
Daines aims to protect North Fork
U.S. Rep. Steve Daines, R-Mont., announced Friday that he will pursue a bill to protect the North Fork Flathead watershed, a move that will match legislation backed by Montana’s two Democratic senators.
Fire torches eastside home in Kalispell
A two-alarm house fire in Kalispell drew firefighters from six fire departments and filled the 100 block of Sixth Street East with smoke Friday afternoon.
Suspect denies drug, resisting-arrest charges
A man who is alleged to have led police on a high-speed chase in Somers — before apparently snorting drugs in plain sight of law officers — pleaded not guilty to charges against him Thursday.
Trinity leader earns 'light of Christ' award
In more ways than one, Trinity Lutheran School Principal David Topp has been a ray of Christ’s light to several staff and community members.
Pair plead not guilty to heroin-related charges
A man and woman pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to charges related to the woman’s alleged drug sales.
Kalispell man challenges three felony drug charges
A suspect nabbed in a Northwest Drug Task Force operation pleaded not guilty to several charges Thursday in Flathead District Court.
Deadline extended for walleye comments
The deadline has been extended for people to comment on a proposal to suppress walleye in Noxon Rapids Reservoir.
Daybook
Holding cell still closed after flooding
A holding cell in the Flathead County Detention Center will stay closed through the weekend after sustaining water damage when a sprinkler problem caused flooding Wednesday night in the Flathead County Justice Center.
Local jobless rate down to 9.8 percent
The local job situation has shown some improvement, with the Flathead County unemployment rate dropping from 10.6 percent in January to 9.8 percent during February.
Man gone for four years denies bail jumping
A 25-year-old man who allegedly fled from charges in Kalispell was back in Flathead District Court last week when he pleaded not guilty to a new felony charge of bail jumping.
Pay, pension bills advance in the House
Boy's disturbing comment reported
A Woodland Avenue resident reported a boy with a perversion problem to the
James Hellen, 77
Dennis Patrick 'Pat' Greene, 92
Dennis Patrick “Pat” Greene, 92, passed away Thursday, March 28, 2013, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.
Kalispell House Fire
Kalispell, South Kalispell, Evergreen, Smith Valley, Whitefish and West Valley fire departments all responded to a structure fire at 130 6th Avenue East on Friday afternoon, March 29, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Up in smoke
Kalispell, South Kalispell, Evergreen, Smith Valley, Whitefish and West Valley fire departments all responded to a structure fire at 130 Sixth Street East on Friday afternoon, March 29, in Kalispell.
911 Center
Cindy Mullaney Friday morning at the Flathead County Dispatch and Emergency Operation Center Friday, March 29, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Roller Derby
Viola Blood, right, and Lady Viper are retiring from the sport of roller derby after tonight’s bout with Helena at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.
Cristy Ghekiere
Richie Carter
Richie Carter made a painting of the Virgin Mary for his sister Cristy.
Madonne Painting
At her home in Kalispell, Cristy Ghekiere pauses for a moment Monday afternoon while discussing the painting her brother made. Monday, March 25, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Badrock Bed and Breakfast
Exterior of the Badrock Bed and Breakfast on Friday, March 29. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Bad Rock Bed and Breakfast
Mark and Serena Jackson purchased Bad Rock Bed & Breakfast in 2004. Mark, who had a long career in the science and health-care fields, does all the breakfast cooking and maintenance for the inn.
David Topp
Trinity Lutheran Principal David Topp has been awarded the Lux Christi Award from Concordia University in Portland, Ore.
Pysanky Eggs
Detail of a the list of dyes and their correct order for decorating eggs in the
Polson rips Corvallis in season softball opener
CORVALLIS — Heidi Rausch tripled and homered en route to a six RBI afternoon, powering Polson to a 19-2 nonconference Class A softball victory over Corvallis.
Softball: Columbia Falls rolls by Whitefish
WHITEFISH — The Columbia Falls softball team answered coach Dave Kehr’s questions about its offense with a 12-1 win over Whitefish on a wet Thursday at Smith Fields.
Morleys, Robertson, Hickman win events at track invitational
RONAN — Bigfork’s Makena Morley posted easy victories in the distance races and Tessa Robertson and Logan Morley also had first-place finishes Thursday at the Ronan Invitational track meet.
Thursday, March 28
Columbia Falls Track
Whitefish junior Koler Kanistanaux throws the javelin Thursday afternoon during the Columbia Falls Invitational held at Columbia Falls Middle School. Thursday, March 28, 2013 in Columbia Falls, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Eagle Scouts
(back row, left to right) Bradley Jones, Nic Cramer, Kyle Direito, Sean Hartford, (front row, left to right) Hayden Jeschke, Mitch Byrnes and Brandon Meadors were presented Eagle awards Thursday evening at Edgerton Elementary School.. Thursday, March 28, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Monday Profile
Natalie Davis, center, poses with several Glacier High School students. Friday, March 22, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Engineering costs rise for school projects
The Kalispell Public Schools elementary-school expansion project remains on budget although architect and engineer fees have been increased by $61,250.
House Speaker: Water compact not likely to pass
Just before the Legislature started a four-day Easter recess Thursday, House Speaker Mark Blasdel shared some observations on the biggest topics of the week in Helena: Medicaid expansion and a water compact for the Confederated Salish-Kootenai Tribes.
Daybook
Suspect skips out on court hearings
Although an Evergreen couple was able to overpower him and keep him in one place until law officers arrived, an attorney was unable to produce Jordan Elliott for a pair of court hearings.
Decline in wolves? Not bloody likely
One probably shouldn’t read too much into a state report indicating that Montana’s wolf population declined slightly last year for the first in almost a decade.
Mark W. Fields, 59
Mark W. Fields, 59, passed away peacefully March 27, 2013, at his home.
Margaret Elizabeth Jacobson, 88
Margaret Elizabeth Jacobson, 88, passed away Wednesday morning, March 27, 2013, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. She was born April 10, 1924, in Minneapolis, the daughter of August Henry Miller and Ethel Elizabeth (Jackson) Miller.
C. F. man pleads not guilty to theft
A Columbia Falls man pleaded not guilty last week in Flathead District Court to felony charges of theft and criminal mischief.
Scores turn out for Flathead water rights hearing
Man, 21, killed in crash
A 21-year-old Columbia Falls man is dead following a single-vehicle accident shortly after midnight Thursday morning.
Judge orders ranch for adopted kids to be licensed
City transferring its share of Gateway property
With all of its debts paid and a call center employer in place, Kalispell is handing its stake in the former Gateway West Mall off to the Flathead County Economic Development Authority.
Pet owners fight like cats and dogs
The
Journey to the Cross at Crossroads Christian Fellowship
Detail of Station 9 of the Journey to the Cross prayer walk at Crossroads Christian Fellowship on Thursday, March 28, in Bigfork. At this station participants were invited to privately write notes of confession to God, fold them, and nail them to the 8 by 6 foot, 175 pound wooden cross. The notes remain private and are not read. On Sunday the notes will be gathered and burned in an outdoor fire pit as part of the Easter Sunday sunrise service. Journey to the Cross is a biennial event which began in 2011. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Sprinkler accident floods Justice Center
A mishap during a fire sprinkler system upgrade caused extensive flooding on three floors of the Flathead County Justice Center Wednesday night.
Wednesday, March 27
Board gives nod to car dealership proposal
Kalispell Planning Board members on Tuesday said they support a plan for DePratu Ford and Volkswagen to build a new dealership in south Kalispell.
Hey, the (expletive) cops can hear you!
An open phone connection to 911 brought a response from the
Trustees adopt four new college programs
Flathead Valley Community College’s board of trustees adopted several new certificates Monday related to the $3 million in grants the college received to develop short-term training for jobs in demand.
Lake monster
Water compact needs more time
It’s pretty telling when a Republican state representative who sat on the Montana Reserved Water Rights Compact Commission says he doesn’t think a tribal compact will pass the Republican-controlled Legislature, and then goes on to talk about “Plan B” for getting the compact passed in the future.
Daybook
College unveils draft master plan
Flathead Valley Community College President Jane Karas calls the college’s draft master plan an opportunity to do some “forward thinking” and planning for future growth of the campus.
Flathead Lake monster
Tim Shattuck normally leads fishing charters on Flathead Lake, but he will be featured Sunday night in a segment on the Flathead Lake monster on a Destination America show, “Monsters and Mysteries in America.”
Suspect in tribal leader's death sentenced
TV show looks at local myth
A local charter boat captain and the Flathead Lake monster myth will be featured this weekend on a television show called “Monsters and Mysteries in America.”
Sawmill revs up again
Evergreen restart involves 30 workers
The whine of saws and the thrumming of machinery returned Wednesday to the Plum Creek Timber Co. sawmill in Evergreen.
Longtime favorites at home in unconventional venue
Pirates battle curse in Libby production
Go 'West' with Bigfork Community Players
Actors wanted for movie in Whitefish
Live music part of church events at arena
Whitewater, subs, more in April books
Artist offers portrait workshops
Sculptor up for discussion at club meeting
Youth art classes start again April 8
Rocky Mountain Rhythm Kings
John Goodrich plays the soprano saxophone during Rocky Mountain Rhythm Kings' Feb. 26 performance at Snappy Sport Senter in Kalispell.
Pitiful Pirates
The Pitiful Players perform "The Curse of the Pitiful Pirates" in Libby April 12 and 13.
Phil Wickham
Phil Wickham performs at Fresh Life Easter at Majestic Valley Arena March 31.
Thousand Foot Krutch
Thousand Foot Krutch performs at Skull Church Majestic on Good Friday.
'Grand Ambition'
'Red Star Rogue'
'Looking Back'
'Mutiny'
'The Samurai's Garden'
'The Thinker'
The sculptor who created this famous "thinker" will be up for discussion at April's Cultural and Art History Club meeting.
Robert A. 'Lonnie' Hern, 88
Plum Creek Reopens
Views of the Plum Creek Sawmill on Wednesday, March 27, in Evergreen.
Erosion Blanket
Neil Creighton of Agro Tech unrolls an erosion-control blanket Tuesday afternoon on a hill along Hutton Ranch Road behind Hutton Ranch Plaza. The blankets, made of a mixture of straw and shredded coconut, are helping prevent the erosion of a berm directing runoff water to the proper retention pond. Tuesday, March 26, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Plum Creek sawmill reopens
Plum Creek Vice President Tom Ray says the reopened Evergreen sawmill will mean a $1.4 million annual payroll.
Plum Creek sawmill in Evergreen
The Plum Creek Timber Co. sawmill in Evergreen was humming with lumber production on Wednesday, the first day of operations since a shutdown in June 2009.
Tuesday, March 26
Dankers to head Glacier wrestling
Tennis: Pirates sweep Libby, Hamilton
George Boharski, 79
Brewery battles
Bill crafted by state's tavern owners gets hearing at the Capitol
Kelly-Main project in line for city funding
For the first time in a decade, the Kelly-Main Street store is open for business.
Carol Janice Barnett, 83
Carol Janice Barnett, 83, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at Heritage Place in Kalispell.
Sequestration plans for Glacier
Sun Road plowing will not be affected by federal cuts
Glacier National Park officials say automatic spending cuts required by Congress will result in a variety of reductions in park operations, but Going-to-the-Sun Road snow plowing efforts will not be affected.
Daybook
Christopher James Hall, 41
Chris “returned to his Heavenly Father” on March 19, 2013.
Road rage leads to armed conflict
Students build dragon boat trailer
Flathead Valley Community College students studying welding and electrical technology have helped slay a dragon-boat-sized problem that popped up during the Flathead Valley’s inaugural dragon boat races last fall.
Cody William Moore, 32
Cody William Moore passed away in his home on Friday, March 22, 2013, at the age of 32. He was a lifelong resident of Kalispell, proud of his Montana roots and Montana’s history.
Farm-to-table movement keeps growing
The farm-to-table movement is growing in the Flathead Valley, but there are challenges both local producers and consumers face in sustaining community-supported agriculture.
Filmmaker working on new documentary movie
After backing the second-most-profitable U.S. political documentary film, Gerald “Jerry” Molen of Bigfork is producing a new film about America.
Tester discusses murky CFAC future
Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., speaks with Columbia Falls officials and members of the public on Tuesday at City Hall.
Columbia Falls Tennis
Columbia Falls senior Micinze Christopherson returns a serve Tuesday afternoon during Columbia Falls' match against Ronan. Tuesday, March 26, 2013 in Columbia Falls, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Week in Pictures: March 18-24
Monday, March 25
Daybook
$20 Deal for $10 at H&R Block!
College focuses on manufacturing
Flathead Valley Community College’s $3 million advanced manufacturing grant was celebrated during the school’s fourth annual spring luncheon Monday.
Publisher wins college alumni award
Daily Inter Lake publisher Rick Weaver was honored Monday afternoon as the fourth recipient of Flathead Valley Community College’s Distinguished Alumni Award.
Medical residency program fills first 10 slots
The Family Medicine Residency of Western Montana has filled all 10 of its positions.
Bypass segment a top backup project
Water-skiing subdivision wins partial OK
B.C. mines causing toxic pollution
Best Places to Work begins in Flathead
Missing teenage snowboarder found
Firefighters quell house fire
Fourth Annual Spring Luncheon
Rick Weaver accepts the Distinguished Alumni Award on Monday afternoon during the Fourth Annual Spring Luncheon at Flathead Valley Community College. Monday, March 25, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Competitive manufacturing
Rick Weaver
Biologists ponder future of Mack Days, Flathead trout management
Biologists analyzing whether derby will continue as management tool for Flathead Lake
Sunday, March 24
Solo shares soccer skills at keeper clinic
Columbia Falls High School senior Kira Kamrud says she will pay for it tomorrow.
Joel Voytoski
Joel Voytoski is retiring after 16 years as superintendent at Evergreen School District.
On the brink of retirement
Evergreen superintendent closing out career
Working at Evergreen School District has been a highlight of Superintendent Joel Voytoski’s career in education.
County to consider developer proposal
Water-skiing subdivision hearing
A public hearing for the proposed Rosewater water-skiing subdivision will be held Monday at the Flathead County Courthouse.
Monday Profile
Susan Munsinger, left, and Mark Pirrie and his wife Beth, together run Norm's News and Western Outdoor in downtown Kalispell. Munsinger is Mark's older sister and they grew up in the stores as their father, Gordon Pirrie, bought Western Outdoor in 1970 and Norm's in 1989.
Three generations run downtown businesses
Family connections
Running Norm’s News and Western Outdoor is getting to be a real tradition for one Kalispell family. And after years on the job there’s no place they’d rather be.
Kalispell aims to track water, sewer systems
An asset management program to track infrastructure repairs and maintenance promises to give Kalispell officials better knowledge about the condition of the city’s extensive water and sewer systems.
Alarming stack of pizza boxes
Hope Solo
United States women's national soccer team goalkeeper Hope Solo, center, watches Sarah Schroeder, left, and Jordan Griffith run drills Sunday afternoon during a goalkeeper clinic put on by the Flathead Rapids Soccer Club.
Rookie Portenier wins bull riding in night's final run
It sure looks like that tall skinny kid with the straw hat has a promising rodeo career ahead of him.
Six Kalispell grapplers heading to nationals
Kalispell eighth-grader Trae Vasquez will have company at this year’s AAU Middle School National Wrestling Tournament.
Saturday, March 23
Man charged with brutally beating teen
A 20-year-old Kalispell man is in jail and facing charges after a teenager was brutally attacked Tuesday evening.
Bullets and rumors
Is it time to ask: What’s Homeland Security up to?
Remember when President Obama said, “We cannot continue to rely on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives we’ve set. We’ve got to have a civilian national security force that’s just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded.”
Price of power heading upward
Electricity bills will increase on June 1
A June 1 rate increase for Flathead Electric Cooperative members will bump up most area residential electricity bills by about $4.75 per month.
Options studied for crowded school
Public open house planned Thursday
West Valley School is at capacity with 520 students — not including the staff of about 60 — in a building meant for 470 people.
New test reveals how smart your dog is
Here’s something from the “what will they think of next?” department.
Flathead Area Young Professionals: Career builders
No one should feel too old to join the Flathead Area Young Professionals, says the head of the group’s professional development committee.
Driver goes off-roading on sidewalk
George Boharski, 79
George Boharski died peacefully surrounded by his family on March 21, 2013.
Trio facing charges after heroin busts
A pair of people alleged to have been selling heroin to high school students and other supposed clients pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court.
10 years after: Did we learn from Iraq?
March 19 was the 10th anniversary of the start of the Iraq War.
Herpes diagnosed in horse in Flathead County
A horse in Flathead County has been diagnosed with the neurological form of the equine herpes virus after showing signs of the disease, the Montana Department of Livestock said Thursday.
Kalispell schools focused on 'student achievement'
I am writing in response to a March 17 guest column entitled, “Have schools been co-opted by liberal agenda?”
Glacier High School coach honored
Ivanna Fritz, an assistant speech and debate coach at Glacier High school, recently was named Class AA Assistant Coach of the Year.
Oh no! Please! Not an invasion of Canadians!
Slippery slope of assisted suicide
Montanans have a libertarian leaning towards a live-and-let-live philosophy, but what about live-and-let-die?
Daybook
Rancher left historic rifles, humorous stories
Austin Monk, a crusty Pleasant Valley rancher, didn’t win for dying with the most guns, he took top honors for leaving some of the most important rifles and engaging stories.
Crafting exquisite eggs - Local artist's intricate display a show-stopper
Irene Frank’s extraordinary egg art started as an inspiration in her early 20s in 1951, but quickly turned into an obsession lasting decades until her eyesight failed.
Little Guys Wrestling
Trae Vasquez, right, takes down Kaden Safranski during the 100-pound quarterfinal match Saturday afternoon during the Little Guy wrestling state tournament at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell. Saturday, March 23, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
The Restoration Amendment: Putting the genie of big government back in the bottle
A recent letter to the editor got me thinking about the origins of our great country, and how far astray we have gone from the principles enshrined in both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America.
Erdwin Henry 'Bud' Pfuhl Jr., 85
Erdwin Henry “Bud” Pfuhl Jr., of Kalispell, passed away March 14, 2013, due to brain cancer.
Top marks for Rocky Mountain Classic Rodeo
Things got off to an interesting start at Friday night’s Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Rocky Mountain Classic Rodeo at the Majestic Valley Arena. Buck Lunak of Cut Bank hung on for an eight-second bareback ride, kicking off the evening with a bang.
Friday, March 22
$10 Deal for $5 at Cafe Max!
Donation helps Whitefish music program
New instruments, sheet music and choir robes soon will be available for Whitefish music students thanks to a $30,000 donation.
Daybook
Anna 'Ann' Rosalie Benda, 92
Anna “Ann” Rosalie Benda, 92, passed away Friday, March 22, 2013, at her Whitefish residence.
Debt refinancing expected to lower tax bills
Kalispell Public Schools is refinancing $10 million in high school bonds, which may result in savings for taxpayers in the school district.
WF housing project stalled
A proposed 173-unit housing project in Whitefish has been stalled to allow the developers time to revamp the project and address concerns about neighborhood impact.
W. Brent Camp Sr., 71
W. Brent Camp Sr., born on Dec. 13, 1941, passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2013, after a courageous battle with cardiovascular disease.
Glacier High School coach honored
Ivanna Fritz, center, talks with fellow speech coaches Greg Adkins, left, and Ryan Motley during a tournament earlier this year. Fritz was recently recognized as Assistant Coach of the Year for Class AA.
Ivanna Fritz honored
Ivanna Fritz, center, talks with fellow speech coaches Greg Adkins, left, and Ryan Motley during a tournament earlier this year. Fritz was recently recognized as Assistant Coach of the Year for Class AA.
Erdwin Henry 'Bud' Pfuhl Jr., 85
Stinger files for bankruptcy
High-speed chase ends in arrest
The
Flathead Area Young Professionals golf tournament
A Flathead Area Young Professionals Annual Golf Tournament held in August 2012 at Village Greens raised money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County. Those pictured represent the range of professional involvement in the young professionals organization. From left are: Dave Creamer, Intermountain (community services for children); John Mark Creamer, Ron Incoronato & Co. (construction); Seth Campbell, FedEx; Matt Porrovecchio, Bigfork High School; and Chris Ostrem, Applied Materials.
Charlotte R. Managhan, 92
Holy Hoops - Spirited games wrap up annual St. Matthew's event
There was an air of lighthearted and saintly competitiveness during St. Matthew’s School’s third annual Holy Hoops intramural basketball tournament.
Honor Band Festival in Whitefish
Guest conductor John Combs of Missoula leads students from area middle school bands in rehearsal Friday afternoon at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. Combs is the supervisor of fine arts for Missoula County Public Schools.
FAA to close 149 air traffic towers under cuts
Kalispell tower on closure list
Seniors anxious to get new facility
There was no consensus at a public forum on Thursday about where to build a new Flathead County Agency on Aging facility, but there was agreement about moving ahead with the project as soon as possible.
Little Guy Wrestling
Spectators, coaches and athletes fill the Trade Center Friday afternoon during the Little Guy wrestling state tournament at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell. Friday, March 22, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Honor Band Festival
Bailey Johnson of Bigfork and members of area middle school bands rehearse for the Honor Band Festival on Friday afternoon, March 22, at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Janet Monk's Sharps rifles
Janet Monk has more than 100 guns that were left to her by her father,
Gun-loving legacy
Pleasant Valley rancher Austin Monk left behind more than 100 guns when he died in 2005, including 21 historic Sharps rifles such as this one. Monk’s daughter, Janet, has written about his gun collection in a new book, “Sharps Rifles of Montana: The Austin Monk Collection,” which she will debut Thursday at the gun show at the Flathead County Fairgrounds. Monk’s Sharps rifles will also be on display at the show.
Irene Frank's amazing decorated eggs
Decorated eggs by Irene Frank on display at her home at Buffalo Hill Terrace on Thursday.
Norms News
From left, Susan Munsinger, Mark and Beth Pirrie, the family that runs Norms News on Thursday, March 21, in downtown Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Thursday, March 21
$15 Deal for $7 at Mama Q's!
Man gets 10 years suspended for crime
A 34-year-old Columbia Falls man was given a 10-year suspended sentence Thursday after pleading guilty to negligent homicide.
James LaRoy Holcomb, 64
James LaRoy Holcomb, 64, passed away Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at his Kalispell residence, of natural causes.
Chihuahuas accused of chasing boy
A Kalispell resident reported several small problems to the
Kalispell man pleads guilty to bail jumping, sentence violations
A 33-year-old Kalispell man, Joshua Pilsch, pleaded guilty to a series of charges March 14 in Flathead District Court.
Columbia Falls Aluminum Co.: Senators ask if site poses risk to city, businesses
Montana’s two U.S. senators have asked the Environmental Protection Agency to study whether contamination at a closed Columbia Falls aluminum plant poses a risk to the community or to businesses that might want to move to the site.
Hospital in top 10 for low readmission
A recent Medicare report has named Kalispell Regional Medical Center as one of only 10 hospitals with better-than-average low readmission rates for three key health concerns.
Dr. Betty Kuffel
Betty 'Dolly' Zingleman, 76
Doctor sets lifelong example of giving
Dr. Betty Kuffel of Whitefish was named the Whitefish Soroptimist Ruby Award winner for 2013 for living her life as an example for other women and girls.
Fertile mind spurs growth in local ag
With four separate research trials under way, it’s an exciting time for agriculture in the Flathead Valley.
Daybook
James 'Jim' Rocco Durado, 80
James “Jim” Rocco Durado, 80, passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at the HealthCenter Northwest in Kalispell.
County proposes dog licensing consolidation
A proposal to enable Flathead County to administer dog licensing for the cities of Kalispell and Whitefish is in the formative stage and will need approval from both cities and the county commissioners to move forward.
625: Wolf numbers drop slightly for the first time in a decade
Draining 'Lake McDonald'
Vehicles make their way through high water on U.S. 2 in Evergreen in September. Some residents are calling the chronic body of water Lake McDonald due to its location directly in front of McDonald’s. The Department of Transportation has proposed a project to correct the drainage problem slated for 2014. Comments can be made at www.mdt.mt.gov/mdt/comment_form.shtml.
Holy Hoops
Gene Boyle competes in the free throw contest Friday night during the Holy Hoops tournament at St. Matthew School. Friday, March 15, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Wednesday, March 20
Growing a program
There wasn’t much to Evergreen Wrestling Club when Dave Caron watched his first practice 17 years ago.
Burglary, theft suspects arrested
Kalispell police have arrested a local man following an investigation into a rash of burglaries.
Roadkill salvage bill goes to governor
Firm to halt oil work near park
A Colorado exploration company will stop drilling next to Glacier National Park, with company officials saying they haven’t located enough oil and gas to continue after 14 wells and more than a decade of work.
Panel kills tax bills to help lower-income people
School filing deadline: March 28
There are 42 school board trustee positions open in school districts around the Flathead Valley.
A rare truce in the state Capitol
The Montana House of Representatives this week pulled off a remarkable vote, with all 100 representatives supporting a $9 billion budget with no amendments and little debate.
Her offense? Driving while sober
Massive housing project proposed for Whitefish
Plan calls for 164 apartments
The first major housing development to surface in Whitefish since the economic downturn began several years ago is on the Whitefish Planning Board agenda tonight.
Online petition links contract to drilling work
A petition drive has begun urging the National Park Service to deny Xanterra Parks and Resorts Inc. the main concessions contract for Glacier National Park.
Vehicle crash yields suspended sentence
A 25-year-old Columbia Falls man was given a 10-year suspended sentence Thursday after driving into a tree in Hungry Horse, injuring himself and his passengers.
Daybook
Anthony Shull
Explore jungle, family bonds in 'Tarzan'
Zoltek and friends perform jazz show
Irish folk group plays Ronan show
Music department stages showcase concert
Flathead High School
Actors wanted for last show of the season
Whitefish Theatre Company
Hockaday awarded $500 grant
Upcoming opportunities for local artists
High school artists sought for contest
Event will raise money for local group
Mustache March
Tarzan
Director Ivanna Fritz, right, stabilizes a platform for senior Taylor Hulslander during a rehearsal for "Tarzan" at Glacier High School.
Makem and Spain Brothers
GSS Zoltek
WTC 'Becky's New Car'
Whitefish Theatre Company will hold auditions for "Becky's New Car" April 7 and 8.
GNP park pass
Glacier High School senior Brian Smith drew last year's winning entry in Glacier National Park's park pass competition.
Mary Barbara St. John, 81
Mary Barbara St. John, 81, lovingly known as Grandma B, formerly of Kalispell, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013, at her residence in Virginia Beach, Va.
Betty Osorio, 88
Betty Osorio, 88, of Kalispell, passed away in Missoula, on Sunday, March 17, 2013.
Benjamin A. Rogers, 87
Montana Rifleman
The Montana Rifleman's American Vantage Rifle was recently recognized by Field and Stream at the annual SHOT Show firearms convention. Wednesday, March 20, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Montana Firearms Group
Montana Firearms Group general manager David Wisher, left, and Jeff Sipe, director of sales and marketing, discuss some of the features of the new 10,000-square-foot building being built off Montana 35 east of Kalispell.
First Day of Spring
The first day of Spring saw ice beginning to melt around the edges of Foys Lake on Wednesday morning, March 20. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Columbia Falls athletes lead Class A all-state basketball teams
Columbia Falls placed two basketball players on both the boys and girls Class A all-state teams.
Top shelf pair
Flathead Valley duo leads Montana team to national tourney
Stephanie Tartaglino wasn’t even sure she’d scored until she saw the look on teammate Janessa Courtney’s face.
Tuesday, March 19
$20 Deal for $10 at Casa Mexico!
Casa Mexico
Sewer plant renovation OK'd
The Kalispell City Council on Monday agreed to proceed with a renovation of the primary digester tank at the wastewater treatment plant, finalizing an $863,188 contract with Swank Enterprises.
Daybook
Agency to target fish in five creeks
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will continue efforts to suppress rainbow trout and hybrid trout populations in the upper Flathead River system.
Forum to gather comments on senior facility
By LYNNETTE HINTZEThe Daily Inter Lake
Man admits federal crime
During U.S. District Court proceedings in Missoula on Monday, a 33-year-old Kalispell man pleaded guilty receipt of obscenity.
Glacier visitor drowned
The death of a 28-year-old Kalispell woman in Glacier National Park last week has been determined to be accidental.
Chase of suspect ends in arrest
Jean Annie Jones, 79
Man sentenced for endangering kids
A 30-year-old Lakeside man was given a six-year deferred sentence March 7 after pleading guilty to a charge of felony criminal endangerment.
Quick fix for failing bridge
Shady Lane span targeted for repairs
A 30-year-old bridge on Shady Lane in Evergreen is being targeted for fast-track repairs this year because of its failing deck, according to the Montana Department of Transportation.
William 'Bill' Roger Hatton, 85
William “Bill” Roger Hatton, 85, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 15, 2013, in Kalispell, surrounded by his family.
Bridge on Shady Lane
Vehicles cross the bridge on Shady Lane on Tuesday morning, May 19, in Evergreen. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Bridge
Vehicles cross the bridge on Shady Lane on Tuesday morning.
Montana Conservation Corps at Kalipsell Library
From left, Helen Birk of Rockland, Maine, Christopher Pegnato of Darnestown, Md., and Evan Stewart of Seattle, Wash., and other members of the Montana Conservation Corps work on the landscaping outside the Kalispell Public Library on Tuesday morning, March 19. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Week in Pictures: March 11-17
County ready to begin buying property for landfill expansion
County jobless rate up 1.5 percent
Smash-and-grab outside store
Longtime Kalispell criminal in trouble again
Monday, March 18
Betty Osorio, 88
Melody Schmeusser
Melody Schmeusser, daughter of Eric and Jessica Schmeusser of Kalispell, was born Jan. 13 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Evalyn Murray
Evalyn Murray, daughter of Mike and Julie Murray of Lakeside, was born Feb. 12 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Rowdy Watkins
Rowdy Watkins, son of Ry and Carling Watkins of Whitefish, was born Feb. 4 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Jaxson Kelso
Jaxson Kelso, son of Anthony Kelso and Victoria Billi of Kalispell, was born Feb. 13 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Sawyer Knudsen
Sawyer Knudsen, son of Corey Knudsen and Tiffany Pattee of Marion, was born Feb. 15 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Jeffrey James Stephan III
Jeffrey James Stephan III, son of Jeffrey and Megan Stephan of Kalispell, was born Feb. 11 at North Valley Hospital.
Dean Smith
Dean Smith, son of Craig and Brianna Smith of Kalispell, was born Feb. 7 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Cameron Cordell Guymon
Cameron Cordell Guymon, son of Tanner and Brittany Guymon of Columbia Falls, was born Feb. 15 at North Valley Hospital.
Ava Lynn Rohletter
Ava Lynn Rohletter, daughter of Andy and Sally Rohletter of Kalispell, was born Feb. 25 at North Valley Hospital.
Aubrie Lorraine Keller
Aubrie Lorraine Keller, daughter of Kionna Keller of Columbia Falls, was born Feb. 21 at North Valley Hospital.
Cielo Marysol Mancilla
Cielo Marysol Mancilla, daughter of Celina Torres of Kalispell, was born Feb. 5 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Kevin Conor Davis
Kevin Conor Davis, son of Jeremy Davis and Michelle Reid of Kalispell, was born Feb. 2 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Aeva Marie How
Aeva Marie How, daughter of Charles and Jessica How of Whitefish, was born Jan. 29 at North Valley Hospital.
Jean Annie Jones, 79
Ezra Alyce Dasen
Ezra Alyce Dasen, daughter of Isaiah and Kaitlin Dasen of Kalispell, was born Feb. 18 at North Valley Hospital.
Verda May Prangley, 77
Verda May Prangley, 77, passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, at her home with her family at her side.
Jace Roberts
Jace Roberts, son of Andy Roberts and Deena Heydon of Whitefish, was born Jan. 29 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Aria Evert
Aria Evert, daughter of Cody and Nicole Evert of Kalispell, was born Feb. 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Elizabeth Kay Wilke
Elizabeth Kay Wilke, daughter of Joseph and Megan Wilke of Kalispell, was born Feb. 14 at North Valley Hospital.
Harper Pendalton Tucker
Harper Pendalton Tucker, son of Shawn and Jessica Tucker of Whitefish, was born Feb. 15 at North Valley Hospital.
Rachel Messenger
Rachel Messenger, daughter of Raymond and Charissa Messenger, was born Feb. 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Dominic Turner
Dominic Turner, son of David Turner and Haley Wedener of Kalispell, was born Feb. 11 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Hana Anne Fassnacht
Hana Anne Fassnacht, daughter of Ben and Gail Fassnacht of Whitefish, was born Feb. 5 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center
Smash-and-grab reported at store
Lexi Leah Hunt
Lexi Leah Hunt, daughter of Albert and Brandi Hunt of Kalispell, was born Feb. 21 at North Valley Hospital.
Verda May Prangley
Sunset near Lake Blaine
Tall grasses wave in the wind near sunset on Sunday, March 17, at Lake Blaine. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Navigating New Traffic Patterns
Cars and buses navigate the new traffic pattern at the intersection of East 7th Street and Ash Avenue in Whitefish on Monday morning, March 18. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Sunday, March 17
Bold vision
Brian Dykhuizen displays one of his quilts at his home in Kalispell.
Kalispell man's art quilts accepted for elite show
Art quilter Brian Dykhuizen thought he might have good news when he found two large envelopes in his mailbox from the American Quilter’s Society international quilting competition in Paducah, Ky.
Men checking out hotel scene
Early Sunday morning, the manager of a hotel on East Idaho Street told
Monday Profile
Don Nelson is shown in Tibet near Mt. Kailas in July 2012.
Whitefish man offers tours of Himalayan region
Exploration expert
Don Nelson has learned that yaks are not particularly nice animals, but they certainly make trekking through one of the world’s most intimidating mountain ranges a more comfortable experience.
Saturday, March 16
Aquatic invasion: It's not sci-fi
It can’t be easy taking on a problem that doesn’t yet exist, but those who have been sounding the alarm over aquatic invasive species have admirably done exactly that.
Physician says Medicaid expansion not the answer
Recently I have been contacted by the Montana Medical Association and several of my colleagues trying to organize physician support for Medicaid expansion (House Bill 28). I cannot help but notice that the Montana Hospital Association supports the legislation that would expand Medicaid in 2014, and this coincides with cutbacks in federal reimbursement to hospitals for uninsured care scheduled to take effect under the Affordable Care Act in 2014 as well.
Man sentenced for child abuse
A 20-year-old Columbia Falls man who injured a 14-month-old girl was given a five-year suspended sentence March 7 after pleading guilty to felony assault on a minor.
Summit Prep celebrates 10 years of helping youths
The potential that adolescents have to turn to their lives around is why Rick and Jan Johnson sought to open Summit Preparatory School.
Woman busts some moves for recycling
The
Daybook
Pearl Theresa 'Peggy' Coverdell, 90
Sporting goods store sees exponential growth
Rick Walker said there are certain aspects to Replay Sports that are “counterintuitive” to the established retail model, such as keeping a warehouse full of out-of-season merchandise or displaying one piece of “oddball” consignment gear.
Have schools been co-opted by liberal agenda?
The issue of school choice runs much deeper than it would at first appear. It is in response to the political monopoly of our educational system created by our government and funded mostly by forced taxation of our citizens.
Rescue group changing FEAR to GEAR
FEAR as we know it is disappearing.
Amy Marie Reddig, 28
College offers boiler engineer license class
Flathead Valley Community College has received approval from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry to offer a non-credit First-class Boiler Engineer licensing preparation course beginning April 9.
Joan Karen Devine, 88
Our dear Mother, Grandmother and friend went peacefully and quietly “to be with the Lord” Thursday, March 14, 2013, at home, surrounded by her family.
Editor's view of our past is too narrow
Editor Frank Miele in a recent “2 Cents” column regrets that today’s America is not the one he grew up in that inspired Martin Luther King, John Kennedy and the one that honored George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.
Agency recommends partial funding for carpet-store project
After several weeks of discussion among Urban Renewal Agency members, a request for tax increment money to help reopen the Kelly-Main Street building goes before the Kalispell City Council on April 1.
Cherry growers mull new varieties
This is a pivotal year for local cherry growers.
Field trial the newest ag research in Flathead
A field trial to evaluate the feasibility of commercial hops production in Western Montana will get under way this summer at a Whitefish area ranch, once again putting the Flathead Valley in the spotlight for progressive agricultural research.
Grape, apple studies also under way
Montana State University Extension Agent Pat McGlynn had economic development in mind when she decided to find out if there are varieties of cold-hardy grapes that could sustain a number of wineries in the Flathead Valley.
FDR, Obama and the need for opposition
Some time ago, a reader presented me with a yellowed newspaper clipping from 1936, which seems to grow more relevant every day.
Edna Faye Goeddertz, 96
Edna Faye Goeddertz, 96, passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2013, in St. George, Utah.
Janet Marjorie (Nelson) Donovan, 96
Kathryn (Thomsen) Schroeder, 70
Kay (Thomsen) Schroeder, 70, of Whitefish, passed on Nov. 27, 2012, “to travel on to her next journey” after a courageous fight with cancer.
Michael Lee Wilke, 16
Joan Iva Shields, 69
Betty JoAnne 'Boop' Bowman, 58
Betty JoAnne “Boop” Bowman, 58, passed away peacefully with her family by her side at Kalispell Regional Medical Center on the morning of March 14, 2013, after a very brief illness.
Friday, March 15
Glacier National Park tragedy: No cause known yet for death
Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry said Friday the cause of death of a woman found in Glacier National Park on Thursday is still under investigation, but “there certainly was no evidence of foul play found.”
Bridge, Laser schools to merge
Bridge Academy and Laser Alternative High School in Kalispell will become one entity this fall.
Airport tower closures could affect safety
A history of service
Members of the Shannon family and friends are reflected Friday in the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall where 1st Lt. Kenneth Arthur Shannon’s name is engraved. A color guard presented the flag and U.S. Rep. Steve Daines, R-Mont., read a letter written by Laron “D” Shannon on the 49th anniversary of Lt. Shannon’s death. The day also marked the beginning of Marine Corps boot camp training for Lt. Shannon’s son, Colin.
Woman jailed after alleged stabbing
A woman is in jail after allegedly stabbing her husband in the arm at their Libby home Thursday.
Daybook
Accident shuts down part of U.S. 2
One person was injured in a two-vehicle accident on U.S. 2 in Evergreen that shut down half the highway Friday afternoon.
Envisioning a world without bosses
Kalispell native shares insight on self-management strategies
Imagine a workplace without a boss — or any managers, for that matter — a place where every employee is on equal footing.
Animals run amok Thursday
The
Laron D. Shannon, Jr.
Laron D. Shannon Jr. served in World War II with the Flying Tigers supporting Merrill’s Marauders. After his son, 1st Lt. Kenneth Arthur Shannon, was killed in Vietnam, he helped raise his grandson, Laron “D” Shannon.
Whitefish school job starts Monday
Traffic, parking to change around high school area
Traffic will be rerouted Monday as construction work begins on Whitefish High School.
Letter to a late father
Dear Dad,
Police investigate rash of burglaries
A rash of burglaries has Kalispell police on alert and looking to the community for help.
Kenneth Colin Shannon and his brother, Ian
Kenneth Colin Shannon and his brother Ian pose at the Special Olympics Montana Winter Games in Whitefish a week before Colin shipped out for boot camp.
St. Patrick's Day bagpiper
Doyle Carr, pipe sergeant of The Montana Highlanders Association Bagpipe Band.
Four generations of military service recognized
Friday was a special day for the Shannon family, whose military service has spanned many generations.
Kathryn (Thomsen) Schroeder, 70
Evergreen rollover accident
Evergreen Fire Chief Craig Williams, left, was the incident commander at the scene of a rollover accident Friday afternoon in Evergreen, south of the intersection of U.S. 2 and Cottonwood Drive. The Evergreen Fire Department was joined by members of the Flathead County Sheriff’s Department and the Montana Highway Patrol.
Joel Voytoski
Joel Voytoski is retiring after 16 years as superintendent at Evergreen School District. Friday, March 15, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Replay Sports
Replay Sports owner Rick Walker has overseen five remodels of the store in Evergreen. It has expanded from its initial 1,600 square feet to 16,000 square feet.
Cherries being tested
Pat McGlynn leads a group on a tour of cherry orchards in Yellow Bay in June 2012. The Santina — a large, tasty, fast-growing early cherry — is one of the varieties of cherries being tested to better compete with Washington cherries.
Agricultural Trials
A jar of hops at Rod Douglas' home on Thursday, March 14, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Cherry test orchards
Dan Getman closely examines cherry tree leaves while on a tour of cherry test orchards in Yellow Bay in June 2012.
Hope for hops
The commercial hops field trial at the Britz Ranch near Whitefish will use a trellis system with 18-foot poles similar to this one shown at a hops field in Austria. The local research aims to determine if commercial varieties of hops favored by craft beer brewers can be successfully grown in Western Montana. (©iStockphoto.com/tepic)
Thursday, March 14
$10 Deal for $5 at Los Caporales!
Board tables car dealership plan
Anticipated to be welcomed with open arms, a plan to build a Volkswagen dealership in south Kalispell instead got caught up Tuesday in a crossfire over utility latecomer fees and was tabled for two weeks by Kalispell Planning Board members.
William Earl Roy, 86
Alice Daniels, 99
Alice Daniels passed away on March 10, 2013, at Lake View Care Center in Bigfork, just a few weeks short of her 100th birthday.
Senators want to block money to Singapore firm
In the search for truth about why a young American engineer with ties to Northwest Montana was found dead last year in Singapore, Montana Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester are hoping money — or the lack of it — talks.
A healthy addition to community
Flathead Valley residents can tour Kalispell Regional Medical Center’s new surgical center this weekend and see firsthand what $42 million buys these days in the way of new surgical space and equipment.
Man barricades himself in bathroom with dog
The
Daybook
Cause undetermined in woman's death in Glacier
The body of a Kalispell woman was found in Glacier National Park Thursday afternoon.
Summit Preparatory School Celelbrates 10 Years
Summit Preparatory School Celebrates 10 Years
Photos courtesy of Summit Preparatory School
Governor Steve Bullock Visits Kalispell
Governor Steve Bullock, center, talks with Kalispell Mayor Tammi Fisher, right, before presenting his case for the Access Health Montana bill on Thursday morning, March 14, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Governor visits Kalispell
Gov. Steve Bullock talks about the Access Health Montana bill during a roundtable discussion Thursday at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
AP NCAA Top 25 Poll
AP NCAA Latest News
Zip Trip Crash
Employees look out the window after a hearse crashed Thursday morning into the Zip Trip on Idaho Street and Third Avenue east. The owner of the car reported his brakes went out as he was pulling into the parking spot. Thursday, March 14, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Wednesday, March 13
Flathead coach headed to Hall of Fame
Flathead wrestling coach Scot Davis will be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame by the hall’s Minnesota chapter on April 20.
$10 Deal for $5 at Charlie Wong Saigon Garden!
Charlie Wong Saigon Garden
Panel picks Four Mile Drive for road project
Aiming to complete a major road project in a few years instead of a few decades, Kalispell will leverage some of its federal road money with cash raised by the nonprofit group Kidsports to build the last half-mile of Four Mile Drive.
Corridor study eyed for Whitefish highway strip
Property owners along the U.S. 93 strip that slices through the two-mile planning “doughnut” south of Whitefish want more zoning flexibility and have hired a consultant to shepherd a corridor study for the area.
Kiya Levesque
Kiya Levesque, daughter of Devin Hall and Ashley Levesque, was born Jan. 27 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Opponents of Medicaid expansion launch counterattack
HELENA — Conservative opponents of expanding Medicaid coverage for poor Montanans have launched a public-relations counterattack, including mailers criticizing the expansion as a plan to put more people on “government-controlled health plans.”
Ex-governor backs Medicaid expansion
Former Gov. Brian Schweitzer used to be outspoken in his reservations about Medicaid expansion, saying the cost burdens could eventually bankrupt the state.
Ezra Eckerson
Ezra Eckerson, son of Jacob Eckerson and Tavia Buck of Kalispell, was born Jan. 20 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Thomas Lybeck
Thomas Lybeck, son of Andrew and Kaylyn Lybeck of Kalispell, was born Jan. 29 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Harlan McAnally
Harlan McAnally, son of Les and Tanya McAnally of Columbia Falls, was born Jan. 28 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Alyssa Ikeda
Alyssa Ikeda, daughter of Eldon and Myra Ikeda of Kalispell, was born Jan. 21 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Freyja Hardy
Freyja Hardy, daughter of Mike and Soojean Hardy of Kalispell, was born Jan. 25 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Arena Underhill
Arena Underhill, daughter of Eric and Tara Underhill of Bigfork, was born Feb. 2 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Huntley James Mishell
Huntley James Mishell, son of Jim and Tracy Mishell of Whitefish, was born Feb. 9 at North Valley Hospital.
Radley Danger Congdon
Radley Danger Congdon, daughter of C.J. Congdon and Cassie Guy of Kalispell, was born Jan. 24 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Izzabella Brush
Izzabella Brush, daughter of Tim and Dana Brush of Kalispell, was born Jan. 29 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Willow Wyatt
Willow Wyatt, daughter of Nathan and Jaime Wyatt of Columbia Falls, was born Jan. 22 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Kenadi Sydnor
Kenadi Sydnor, daughter of Brian Sydnor and Cassandra Bermel of Kalispell, was born Jan. 27 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Zander Culbertson
Zander Culbertson, son of Jason Culbertson and Kaitlyn Gehres of Kalispell, was born Jan. 30 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Penelope Barrett
Penelope Barrett, daughter of Zack and Brandi Barrett of Eureka, was born Jan. 25 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Kathryn Jameson Minnich
Kathryn Jameson Minnich, daughter of Jack and Bailey Minnich of Whitefish, was born Feb. 8 at North Valley Hospital.
John David Altenburg
John David Altenburg, son of Brock and Heather Altenburg of Kalispell, was born Feb. 11 at North Valley Hospital.
Weston Kiser
Weston Kiser, son of Tyler and Taylor Kiser of Whitefish, was born Jan. 21 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Izaac Scott Dixon
Izaac Scott Dixon, son of Nathan Dixon and Tonya Arnold of Whitefish, was born Feb. 3 at North Valley Hospital.
Scarlett Reese Hamilton
Scarlett Reese Hamilton, daughter of Joseph Hamilton and Rebecca Lego of Kalispell, was born Jan. 22 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Nattalie Goldston
Nattalie Goldston, daughter of Cody Goldston and Brittanie Vanmeter of Libby, was born Jan. 25 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Mason Kathryn Baewikowski
Mason Kathryn Baewikowski, daughter of Rob Baewikowski and Kat Tuell, was born Feb. 9 at North Valley Hospital.
Fynnley Loveless
Fynnley Loveless, son of Jake and Andi Loveless of Kalispell, was born Jan. 24 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Kymber Mantel
Kymber Mantel, daughter of Steven and Emily Mantel of Kalispell, was born Jan. 31 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Anisha Bell
Anisha Bell, daughter of Ted Bell and Autymn Taylor of Hungry Horse, was born Jan. Jan. 27 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Maddox Cannon Johnson
Maddox Cannon Johnson, son of Tyrel and Sammi Johnson of Columbia Falls, was born Feb. 5 at North Valley Hospital.
Luke Patrick Lorona
Luke Patrick Lorona, son of Erik and Aubrie Lorona of Coram, was born Feb. 9 at North Valley Hospital.
Endowment aims to enhance opportunities at C. Falls High
The Columbia Falls High School Academic and Alumni Endowment is holding its second annual ball Friday to reconnect alumni, current students and community members in School District 6.
Papal choice followed closely by students
Students at St. Matthew’s School in Kalispell were cheering along with the crowds standing in St. Peter’s Square in Rome as Jorge Mario Bergoglio was named as the new pope.
St. Patrick's Day shenanigans last all weekend
Art sale at community college
Museum kicks off community mosaic project
Artist offers classes for kids
Gladstone honored with C.M. Russell award
Gospel music festival in Kalispell March 17
Music school faculty plan concert
Jazz quartet to play at Bigfork Inn
Audition for 'The Laramie Project'
Glacier High stages 'Tarzan'
Catch a young John Wayne in 'Stagecoach'
Yarn store offers April classes
Writer releases book trailer
Bill Goodman Hockaday mosaic project
Flathead High talent show March 15
Bill Anschell
Bill Anschell
'Tarzan'
'The Laramie Project'
'Stagecoach'
Felting class
Camas Creek Yarn class
Four Mile Drive
Velma McPherson-Smith, 90
Wayne Charles Bengtson, 42
Preparing for prom
Columbia Falls High School senior Lexi Brunz and junior Mark Hader work on advanced swing dance moves on Thursday, March 7. The students were learning dances as part of a series of pre-prom classes by physical education teacher Betsy Funk, which included foxtrot, waltz and swing. Proms at four area high schools are Saturday. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Fired employees suspected of theft, vandalism
Wayne Bengtson obit
Tuesday, March 12
Basketball: Four Kalispell players make Class AA all-state team
Glacier’s Ryan Edwards, Evan Epperly and Cassi Hashley and Flathead’s Emma Andrews all were named to the Class AA basketball All-State team on Tuesday.
Science comes alive at annual fair
From plastic created using milk and vinegar to electricity generated through exercise to methane bioproduction, young minds were abuzz with science Tuesday at West Valley School.
City of Kalispell faces higher health insurance rates
With preliminary budgeting for fiscal year 2013-14 under way, the city of Kalispell is bracing to see 6 to 9 percent growth in its health insurance rates.
Glacier Institute adds new programs
The Glacier Institute is celebrating its 30th year of teaching and bringing the wonders of nature to students of all ages.
Driver sentenced for crash that killed two people
THOMPSON FALLS — Lance Pavlik was sentenced to 10 years in jail on Tuesday for a drunk-driving crash that killed two people and injured two children in September 2012.
Flathead County Science Fair
West Valley sixth-grader Sarina Smith, right, shows off her experiment to judges Tuesday afternoon during the Flathead County Science Fair at West Valley School. Smith won a blue ribbon with her experiment testing the effectiveness of producing electricity through exercise. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Preparing for Prom at Columbia Falls High School
This Week in the Flathead: Irish Jam
Week in Pictures: March 4-10
Monday, March 11
Daybook
Vickie A. Normile, 55
Arvid Johnson, 92
Bigfork's Trent, Jordt, Evans and Eureka's Morgan named All-State in Class B basketball
Three players from Bigfork and one from Eureka have been named All-State in Class B boys and girls basketball from District 7B.
Tournament honors for three Glacier basketball players
Glacier’s Cassidy Hashley, a 6-foot-1 junior forward/center, was named to the Class AA girls all-tournament basketball team on Monday.
Surgical tower opens for tours
Senators want pollution study of CFAC site
Nurse anesthetist couple win national award
Family businesses sought for TV show
Surgical Tower Tour
Surgical technician Dan Nielsen organizes supplies March 11 in one of eight operating rooms at the new surgical services center at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. This operating room, used primarily for heart surgery, features multiple monitors that can display a variety of feeds such as a video feed of the heart and a patient's vital signs.
Kalispell man involved in three court cases
Battered bird gets dumped
C.F. man pleads not guilty to fourth DUI
Tafford Oltz
LaRayne 'Lori' Oltz
Peter Fedor Stanley, 76
$20 Deal for $10 at Los Caporales!
Sunday, March 10
Choose from 2 Deals Starting at $50 from Crown Photography!
Man in alley could be a stalker
A woman on Fifth Street West reported a “weird guy” in the alley laughing and staring at her Saturday night. She told
Larry Janoff
Larry Janoff takes a look at his handmade sculpture of Wimley the Worm, modeled after the hero of his first children's book in his art studio near Woods Bay.
Grandfather's tribute
"Jessie would just love her books"
Bigfork artist Larry Janoff’s 7-year-old granddaughter died unexpectedly 10 years ago and the book he wrote and illustrated for her spent the last decade sitting on his shelf.
Retired Lt. Gen. Boykin
Retired Lt. Gen. William "Jerry" Boykin speaks at a Stillwater Christian School banquet on Thursday.
General rallies troops at Stillwater banquet
There is hope for America to reverse a culture war, according to retired Lt. Gen. William “Jerry” Boykin.
Monday Profile
Brad Roy is executive director of The Summit Medical Fitness Center. Roy is a devoted runner but also tries to incorporate activity into every part of his day.
Director models The Summit's wellness mission
Practicing what he preaches
Brad Roy, executive director of The Summit Medical Fitness Center, exudes the good health and energy that have been his life’s passion to give others.
Kalispell group to look at neighborhood issues
After surveying 288 homeowners near Flathead High School about their neighborhood’s strengths and challenges, the city of Kalispell will hold a meeting later this month on the responses.
County has June 18 deadline to adopt revisions
Flood insurance rate maps
New flood insurance rate maps affecting about 1,000 Evergreen properties become effective June 18.
Joshua James Perry
Joshua James Perry, 24
Joshua James Perry, 24, “passed on to perfect peace with his heavenly Father” on March 6, 2013.
Wildcats celebrate
Columbia Falls High School players celebrate their win over Laurel in the Class A consolation championship game in Billings on Saturday, March 9, 2013. (AP Photo/The Billings Gazette, Bob Zellar)
Saturday, March 9
State B Basketball: Florence stops Bigfork, again
BUTTE — Florence-Carlton captured third place at the Class B state boys basketball tournament Saturday afternoon with a 61-49 victory over Western division rival Bigfork at the Butte Civic Center.
AA State Boys Basketball: Billings Skyview beats Glacier in 3rd-place game
GREAT FALLS — Glacier couldn’t overcome a career night by Billings Skyview senior Daine Muller, losing 62-52 to the Eagles in the consolation final at the Class AA state basketball tournament on Saturday at Four Seasons Arena.
C-Falls finishes third in Class A state boys basketball
BILLINGS — Columbia Falls held off Laurel 48-46 Saturday evening to claim the third-place trophy at the Class A state boys basketball tournament.
Are local legislators a couple of smart ALECs?
Two state representatives from the Flathead are trying to change the face of Montana!
Motor sports' popularity keeps Penco on the move
Keeping a back room of Penco Power Products stocked with hundreds of helmets and an extensive inventory of tires is just one way Vaughn Penrod is fighting to keep people from spending their money outside the Flathead Valley.
Drug arrests decline in Kalispell schools
Despite the sometimes alarming proclivity of some local students regarding drugs and alcohol, the number of drug arrests in Kalispell schools has been on the decline for two years.
Small-town life detailed in N.D. columns
Every year state press associations throughout the country dole out their annual newspaper awards for the best feature stories, breaking news, business coverage — you name it, there’s a category for it.
Joint planning meeting ahead
The Flathead County commissioners and Planning Board will talk about the Planning Office’s work plan for the coming year when the two groups meet Wednesday for a joint workshop.
Ethics: With or without a manual
The new “policies and procedures manual” approved by the Kalispell City Council seems to be a good start.
Drunk bicyclist runs into police cruiser
A
Ferndale man denies charge for fifth DUI
A 40-year-old Ferndale man pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to what would be his fifth offense of drunk driving.
Four Mile Drive may be added to road list
Kalispell’s Technical Advisory Committee on Tuesday will try to pick the city’s next major road project for slowly accumulating federal urban highway money.
Daybook
Venezuela after Chavez
Will rhetoric now give way to reality?
While Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez finally lost his battle with cancer, he leaves behind a tormented nation of 28-million on virtual life support. The cost of living is soaring, as is the crime rate. Unemployment is high and political divisions are deep. What course this oil rich South American nation will take following the death of its charismatic leader remains highly unpredictable.
Major pension bills face votes this week
Warning: Montana Medicaid expansion may be hazardous for your health
“If a [insurance] mandate was the solution, we could try that to solve homelessness by mandating everybody buy a house.” Sen. Barack Obama, 2007.
Media bias plays along with Obama agenda
I am wondering if Americans are going to wake up to the blatant media bias and censorship that we are now witnessing.
An education in drug culture
A pair of Kalispell police officers offered a peek into the drug culture in the city’s schools during a recent presentation to parents and the public.
Park extends bidding on concessions pact
Glacier National Park officials have again extended a deadline for submitting bids on a long-term concessions contract in the park.
Dozens protest violence against women
More than 30 women and men gathered on the sidewalk along Grandview Drive holding signs and banners for an end of violence against women and girls Friday.
For the love of beer: Experimentation the name of the game for home brewers
When it comes to brewing beer at home, there are as many stories as there are varieties of stouts, ales and porters.
Friends, family respond to murder of TV personality
The Sportsman Channel says it’s deeply saddened by the shooting death in northwestern Montana of one of its TV hosts who traveled the world in search of big game and shared his adventures on his program “A Rifleman’s Journal.”
Power vs. liberty: A lovers' quarrel
The much talked-about schism in the Republican Party is better defined as a schism between the lovers of liberty and the lovers of power.
Class AA State Tournament
Great Falls High School students taunt a Glacier player during a free throw attempt Saturday morning during Glacier's matchup against Great Falls High on the third day of the Class AA state basketball tournament at C.M. Russell High School in Great Falls. Saturday, March 9, 2013 in Great Falls, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
State AA: GHS vs Skyview boys
Edna B. Johnson, 93
Diane M. Butts, 80
Diane M. Butts, 80, “was called home to her Savior’s loving arms” on Feb. 26, 2013, at the Mountain View Manor/Good Samaritan Center in Eureka where she resided since May 2012.
Jill Louise Marsh, 56
Jill Marsh, 56, passed peacefully, with her daughters and mother by her side on March 2, 2013, shortly after sunrise at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
State AA: GHS vs GFHS boys
Friday, March 8
Cascade Cup Playoffs: West Sound penalty shot spills Nationals
WHITEFISH — With a deke and a flick of his wrists, West Sound’s Peter Mingus converted a penalty shot to give the Warriors a 4-3 win that ended the Glacier Nationals’ Cascade Cup hopes Friday at Stumptown Ice Den.
AA Boys State Basketball: Wolfpack slips in semis to Missoula Hellgate
GREAT FALLS – The third time wasn’t a charm for the Glacier boys against Missoula Hellgate.
Billings Senior girls KO Flathead at AA state basketball tournament
GREAT FALLS — The Flathead girls came out with a purpose, but couldn’t quite get it going against Billings Senior, losing 53-37 to fall out of the Class AA state basketball tournament on Friday at Four Seasons Arena.
Glacier girls lose to Billings West in AA state basketball
GREAT FALLS — The Glacier girls played Billings West close all game, but couldn’t overcome a late run of sloppy play, falling 43-47 in a loser-out game in the Class AA state basketball tournament on Friday at Four Seasons Arena.
State B Basketball: Malta mauls Bigfork in semifinal play
BUTTE — Bigfork never recovered from a slow start, falling to Malta 47-35 in semifinal play Friday at the Class B boys state basketball tournament at the Butte Civic Center.
State A Basketball: C-Falls boys beat Browning
BILLINGS — Columbia Falls started strong and finished well to top Browning 72-56 on Friday in loser-out action at the Class A state boys basketball tournament.
Greg Rodriguez
Rodriguez poses with a kudu he shot during a safari in Botswana in a photo shared on Facebook. Whitefish police say West Glacier resident Wayne Bengtson shot and killed Rodriguez before killing himself Thursday night.
Learning center now signing up for camps
Registration for Ravenwood Outdoor Learning Center summer camps is now open and spots are filling up fast.
Daybook
Kila kids get up early to get fit
At 7:30 a.m. on a Wednesday, third- through sixth-graders at Kila School clock 30 minutes of exercise before school begins.
Mary Vangeline Goodrich Wilson, 91
Whitefish woman reports tax fraud
A Fir Avenue woman contacted the
Volunteers needed for Creston Auction
Volunteers are needed for the 47th annual Creston Auction and Country Fair and auto, marine, RV and equipment sale.
Tallying the fraud
Two million Americans reported falling victim to financial fraud last year, according to the latest data released Tuesday by the Federal Trade Commission.
John Thomas Paine, 29
William L. 'Bill' Gress, 72
Scam victims losing thousands of dollars
Kalispell attorney Amy Eddy makes her living battling consumer fraud.
Youths qualify for Scholars program
Three Glacier High School students have qualified for the 2013 Presidential Scholars Program.
Phony sweepstakes take a toll on senior citizens across the country
During two decades of fighting elder abuse, Paul Greenwood has personally prosecuted more than 500 fraud cases.
Murder-suicide in Whitefish
West Glacier man killed hunting expert, himself
A West Glacier man killed a well-known Texas hunting expert Thursday night in Whitefish in an apparent crime of passion before assaulting his wife and later killing himself, according to the Whitefish Police Department.
Dykhuizen quilts selected for select show
Biran Dykhuizen displays one of his larger quilts on Thursday, March 7, at his home in Kalsipell. Dykhuizen has been quilting for years but got really interested in it in 2005. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Doug Kirkpatrick
Doug Kirkpatrick of Redshift3 talks to students at Flathead High School on March 8.
International Women's Day
People gather Friday at the intersection of U.S. 93 and Grandview Drive in Kalispell to observe International Women’s Day and to add their voices to the call to end violence against women and girls.
State AA: GHS vs Hellgate boys
An education in drug culture
Glacier High School freshman Jason Hayes, left, talks with Jason Parce, the Kalispell Police Department School Resource Officer at Glacier, on Friday.
Drugs in Schools
Officer Jason Parce, the School Resource Officer at Glacier High School, on Friday, March 8, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Crush Wine Bar
Megan Grunow and Murphy Taterskins, her English Bulldog, at Crush Wine Bar on Wednesday, March 6, in Whitefish. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
State AA: FHS vs Billings Senior girls
Class AA State Tournament
Glacier senior guard Kyle Griffith (4) drives along the baseline Friday afternoon during Glacier's semifinal game with Missoula Hellgate at the Class AA state basketball tournament at Four Seasons Arena in Great Falls.
State AA: GHS vs Billings West Girls
Glacier's Kris Salonen
Coach Kris Salonen draws up a play during a timeout during Glacier's matchup against Billings West on the second day of the Class AA state basketball tournament at Four Seasons Arena on Friday, March 8, 2013 in Great Falls, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Gregory Rodriguez
Wayne Bengtson
Bigfork opening round
Glacier blows by Butte in AA state boys basketball
GREAT FALLS — The Glacier boys showed why they were a top seed, blasting Butte 75-39 in the first round of the Class AA state basketball tournament on Thursday at Four Seasons Arena.
AA State Girls Basketball: Missed chances for Wolfpack
GREAT FALLS — The Glacier girls kept it close but couldn’t buy a bucket late, losing to Butte 47-40 in the first round of the Class AA state basketball tournament on Thursday at Four Seasons Arena.
Rough outing for Bravettes at AA state basketball tournament
GREAT FALLS — The Flathead girls couldn’t keep up with top-seeded Great Falls, losing 58-36 in the first round of the Class AA state basketball tournament at the Four Seasons Arena on Thursday night.
Thursday, March 7
State A Basketball: Laurel holds on to beat Columbia Falls
BILLINGS — Columbia Falls couldn’t quite finish off a wild, explosive fourth quarter on Thursday, falling 59-50 to Laurel in the opening game at the Class A state boys basketball tournament.
State B Basketball: Bigfork boys move on to semis
BUTTE — Bigfork used a strong finish to knock off Choteau 61-53 on Thursday in first-round action at the Class B state boys basketball tournament at the Butte Civic Center.
$10 Deal for $5 at JD Morrell's Bistro!
State AA: FHS vs GFHS
Montana budget
Republican Rep. Roy Hollandsworth, right, looks over budget numbers on Tuesday in Helena as House Appropriations Committee chairman Duane Ankney introduces the state’s main spending bill. The committee’s initial votes on House Bill 2 will wait until Monday. (AP Photo)
Columbia Falls man jailed after chase
A physical disturbance, a suspicious activity call, a high-speed chase and an alleged face full of drugs later, a Columbia Falls man is back in jail.
Kalispell looks to fill openings on boards
The city of Kalispell is trying to fill vacancies on several of its boards. Vacancies include:
Daybook
Furniture store to reopen
The Ashley Furniture Home Store in Evergreen will be reopened by two entrepreneurs from Missoula.
Singapore mystery hits close to home
The mysterious death of a Marion couple’s oldest son in Singapore last June finally is getting national and international attention that could spur some answers for these grieving parents.
David Markwardt
See the stars next week at Smith Valley School
Planetarium to be set up for three days
A portable planetarium is coming to Smith Valley School next week.
United Way caps campaign
The United Way has concluded its 2012 fundraising campaign after raising $744,108 or 93 percent of its goal.
Deputies hunt for threatening man
Kalispell woman is still missing
Celebrity photographer accused of beating Bigfork gallery director
Panel wrangles over budget
Snowpack is close to average
Snowpack readings at the end of February slightly declined for the second straight month across Montana, bringing the statewide average to 93 percent of normal.
State AA: GHS vs Butte Girls
Glacier's Kris Salonen
Glacier head coach Kris Salonen gestures during the first half of Glacier's matchup against Butte in the first game of the Class AA State Championship on Thursday, March 7, 2013 in Great Falls, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Class AA State Tournament
Flathead junior Tana Fountain (20) looks to pass the ball Thursday night during Flathead's matchup against Great Falls High in the first round of the Class AA State Championship in Great Falls. Thursday, March 7, 2013 in Great Falls, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
State AA: GHS vs Butte Boys
Home Brewing
Rod Douglas bottles two cases of an oatmeal stout he prepared in late February on Thursday, March 7, at his home in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Penco
Vaughn Penrod, co-owner of Penco Power Products, is pictured in his Kalispell store’s showroom. (Brenda Ahearn photos/Daily Inter Lake)
Jill Louise Marsh, 56
Wednesday, March 6
Class B boys preview: Bigfork 'excited' to return to court
Twelve days after a disappointing loss to Florence in the Western B divisional championship game, the Bigfork boys will finally get a chance to rinse that bad taste out of their mouths when they open the Class B state basketball tournament against Choteau today in Butte.
Class AA boys preview: Glacier hopes to rise to expectations
With expectations high as ever, the Glacier boys are focused entering this weekend’s Class AA state basketball tournament in Great Falls.
Class AA girls preview: Glacier, Flathead have high hopes
In a year as tight as any in Class AA girls basketball, Glacier and Flathead each will look to make waves in Great Falls, albeit from opposite sides of the bracket.
Class A boys preview: Tough road for experienced C-Falls
As a reward for winning the Northwestern A divisional boys basketball title, Columbia Falls gets to play a Laurel team ranked No. 1 most of the year in the opening round of the Class A state tournament, which begins today in Billings.
Choose from 2 Tanning Packages Starting at $28 from Club Bed!
Stolen car eludes its owner
A man contacted the
Randy Ward Shero, 52
Randy Ward Shero, 52, passed away Monday, March 4, 2013, at home, surrounded by his loving family.
Hockey, beer festival a breakaway success
A two-day hockey tournament sandwiched around a beer festival brought lots of people and activity to the ice rink at Kalispell’s Woodland Park on Friday and Saturday.
Doris Hazel (Cool) Gaylord, 90
Doris Hazel Gaylord passed away peacefully Jan. 31, 2013, in Flagstaff, Ariz., with her daughter and grandson by her side. She was 90.
Singapore mystery: Couple finds a national audience for son's story
A Marion couple seeking the truth about their son’s mysterious death last June in Singapore are making the rounds in the national media circuit in an effort to draw attention to the international case — and action from the U.S. government.
Hungry Horse man guilty in shooting case
A 40-year-old Hungry Horse man pleaded guilty Feb. 28 in Flathead District Court to a felony count of assault with a weapon.
Donald Atwood Stratton, 89
Donald Atwood Stratton, 89, of The Dalles, Ore., “went to be with The Lord” on March 4, 2013.
Whitefish council, judge positions up for election this year
The terms of Whitefish City Council members Chris Hyatt, Bill Kahle and Phil Mitchell expire at the end of the year.
Schools becoming construction zones
Construction is under way at Peterson Elementary School in Kalispell as workers excavate for footings and the foundation for four new classrooms, a small kitchen and a multipurpose room.
Daybook
Tax relief & school funding, oh my!
With Montana Republican legislators taking a shotgun approach to all kinds of tax relief, it’s difficult to say how it all will turn out, but it is laudable that taxpayers are being put on a priority pedestal.
Aquatic species revamp planned
A revamped and more aggressive approach to prevent aquatic invasive species from proliferating in Montana has quietly been taking shape in Helena, but it soon will get a higher profile in the Legislature.
Cornered cat
When confronted by neighborhood dogs, this young cougar and two other mountain lions ended up climbing a tree recently at the north end of West Valley Drive. (Leah Cook photo)
Symphony, chorale stage 'Pirates of Penzance'
Texaco Country Showdown auditions slated
Whitefish Theatre Company hosts drumming quartet
Nite of Jazz is March 11
Flathead, Idaho choirs team up for show
C. Falls High hosts Endowment Ball
Choir concert celebrates colors
Ski patrol holds fundraiser party
Mark Norley leads Crits & Croissants
Actors still needed for play
Diane Schuur
Jazz singer Diane Schuur performs March 23 at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center.
GSC 'Pirates of Penzance'
WTC: On Ensemble
Kayla Adams
Kayla Adams
Big Mountain Ski Patrol
Big Mountain Ski Patrol's annual fundraiser party is slated for March 11 at the Bierstube.
Mark Norley
"Up, Up and Away," by Mark Norley
Judith Netza, 79
E-edition Links
Snow Feature
A man walks under the cover an umbrella to deflect falling snow Wednesday morning near the Ashley Park subdivision in south Kalispell. Wednesday, March 6, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Brad Roy
Brad Roy. Wednesday, March 6, 2013 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Nationals lose playoff opener
BREMERTON, Wash. — The Glacier Nationals scored first, but West Sound countered with five unanswered goals as the Warriors won 5-1 in the Cascade Cup playoff opener for both teams.
Hope Solo coming to Flathead Valley
United States women’s national soccer team goalkeeper Hope Solo will be in the Flathead Valley March 23-24 for a fundraiser benefiting the Flathead Rapids Soccer Club.
Glacier wrestling coach resigns
Glacier wrestling coach Mark Fischer has resigned his position as head coach of the Wolfpack wrestling team.
Randy Ward Shero, 52
Doris Hazel (Cool) Gaylord, 90
Tuesday, March 5
County imposes truck load limits
Spring load limits for trucks have been set by the Flathead County commissioners and became effective on Tuesday.
Birdsong Tree Farm gives gift of conservation to future generations
When Kila resident Valerie Beebe bought her house in 2003 she wasn't thinking much about benefiting future generations.
Whitefish man to appeal fourth DUI
A 34-year-old Whitefish man was sentenced Feb. 28 in Flathead District Court to 13 months in jail followed by three years of probation for his fourth DUI.
College to get help for grant
The Kalispell City Council on Monday agreed to apply for a $350,000 grant that would help Flathead Valley Community College expand its heavy equipment operator licensing program.
Council approves new policy manual
With a couple of minor tweaks to the document on Monday, the Kalispell City Council adopted a policies and procedures manual all of its members seemed happy to support.
Kalispell OKs pub's casino requests
A permit for Brannigan’s Pub to open an upstairs dining area with small gaming machine and card table rooms sailed through the Kalispell City Council on Monday.
Church members keep after flood relief work
A Whitefish church is planning two trips to Minot, N.D., this year to help with disaster relief.
Hockey players pitch in on Habitat project
Glacier Nationals Junior Hockey teammates framed the first wall of a Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley townhouse last week.
Man asking for money causes concern at school
A school on U.S. 2 went into informal lockdown Monday after reporting a suspicious man to the
Class AA Basketball Preview
Daybook
Lolita 'Lita' (Bratton) Plenger, 66
Lolita “Lita” (Bratton) Plenger, 66, a native Montanan, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013, at her home in Bigfork, after a long illness.
Kay Dele Putnam Cooper, 71
Kay Dele Putnam Cooper, 71, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on March 2, 2013, in Kalispell.
Shye River James White, 14 months
Opal A. Connelly, 91
Week in Pictures: Feb. 25 - March 3
TWIF Sidebar
TWIF
Near normal
An afternoon view of the Swan Mountain Range from Swan River Road Monday near Ferndale. Snowpack readings at the end of February slightly declined for the second straight month across Montana, bringing the statewide average to 93 percent of normal.
Sixth Annual College for a Day
Six hundred and seventy high school juniors from Flathead, Glacier, Laser, Bridge, Bigfork, Whitefish, and Lincoln High were at Flathead Valley Community College yesterday for the Sixth Annual College for a Day. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
College for a Day
Kaitlin Bradley, left, from Flathead High School and Janeese Brisbo from Glacier High School take part in a physical therapist assistant class Tuesday at Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell. They were among nearly 700 area high school juniors who visited the college for the Sixth Annual College for a Day. Students had the opportunity to experience classes related to their chosen career paths.
Glacier Nationals in hockey playoff semifinals
The Glacier Nationals open Northern Pacific Hockey League Cascade Cup playoff action tonight versus the West Sound Warriors in Bremerton, Wash.
Monday, March 4
Daybook
Harvey Naslund, 98
$10 Deal for $5 at The Skillet Ski Breakfast!
Skillet Ski Breakfast
Noah Grace Abney
Noah Grace Abney, daughter of Chris Abney and Jessica Brown of Kalispell, was born Jan. 17 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Gabriel Hanchett
Gabriel Hanchett, son of Chris and Lindsey Hanchett of Kalispell, was born Jan. 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Cutler Iverson
Cutler Iverson, son of Bryce and Amy Iverson of Kila, was born Jan. 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Brynn Beyer
Brynn Beyer, daughter of Jeff and Jessica Beyer of Kalispell, was born Jan. 11 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Sean Wehrmann
Sean Wehrmann, son of Scott and Tiffany Wehrmann of Columbia Falls, was born Jan. 12 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Kelton McConkey
Kelton McConkey, son of Trevor and Sara McConkey of Bigfork, was born Jan. 10 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Turner Reynolds
Turner Reynolds, son of Levi and Kathryn Reynolds of Kalispell, was born Jan. 11 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Wyatt Miller
Wyatt Miller, son of James Miller and Tessa Burns of Columbia Falls, was born Jan. 14 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Gunner Peters
Gunner Peters, son of Mark Peters and Jade Dragon of Lakeside, was born Jan. 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Athena Christensen
Athena Christensen, daughter of James and Courtney Christensen of Kalispell, was born Jan. 10 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Kimberly Hauck
Kimberly Hauck, daughter of Donald Hauck and Kayla Hattem of Whitefish, was born Jan. 10 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Dakota Leigh
Dakota Leigh, daughter of Gil Leigh and Cayli Reichardt of Kalispell, was born Jan. 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Sophia Blake
Sophia Blake, daughter of Rory and Katie Blake of Kalispell, was born Jan. 10 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Shade Brown
Shade Brown, son of Dusty Brown of Coram, was born Jan. 16 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
FVCC teacher's contribution saluted
Ivan Lorentzen, psychology instructor at Flathead Valley Community College, was surprised recently to receive a letter from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Land trust receives conservation honor
The Flathead Land Trust recently received the Montana Chapter of the Wildlife Society’s 2013 Wildlife Conservation Award.
Club's financial challenges cancel horse racing
Man needed help home from bar
Mary Theresa Gorton, 92
Ivan Lorentzen
Molly Schmidt
Kalispell man identified as crash victim
The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man who died in a single-vehicle crash Saturday night as John Thomas Paine, 29, of Kalispell.
Cooke City, MT sledding 2/15/13 video 3
Riding in over the hood Powder all day in Cooke City.
One Saturday in Montana... 03.02.13
On our way to go icefishing we were fortunate to see dozens of Bull Elk and a few Cow Moose. We didn't catch many fish but the day was well worth it!
Skiing at Whitefish (Montana) - February 2013
Handheld footage from the slopes of Big Mountain (Whitefish), Montana, filmed between 5th - 7th February 2013.
Sunday, March 3
$50 Gel Nails Full Set for $25 at Northern Lights Nail Boutique!
Northern Lights Nail Boutique
State pairings set for basketball
Western division regular-season champion Glacier (17-3) faces Butte (5-16) on Thursday in a first-round game at 10:30 a.m. at the Class AA state boys basketball tournament at Four Seasons Arena in Great Falls.
Dancing with Celia
Ron Valiquette reads excerpts from his book "Dancing with Celia - Surviving a Pacific Coast Hurricane" at his home in Polson.
Fifty-five hours of fear
Hurricane survivor writes of harrowing ordeal
It’s been more than three decades since Ron Valiquette and his two-man crew survived 55 hours of punishing hurricane-force winds and waves in a yacht off the Oregon coast.
Kalispell air show postponed
Budget cuts ground military performers
Federal budget cuts are grounding the Air Force’s Thunderbirds and that has prompted the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce to indefinitely postpone the Mountain Madness Air Show scheduled for July.
Paint-chip chewer out to beat breath test
Monday Profile
House Speaker Mark Blasdel is in his fourth term as a state representative from Somers, and in the middle of his first year as head of the legislative body.
Somers representative respected by both sides
High marks for new speaker
Whether he’s running the state House with precise parliamentary patter, talking business on the floor with Democrats and fellow Republican representatives, holding court with media or strategizing with GOP leadership, House Speaker Mark Blasdel seems at ease with his new role in Helena.
Whitefish studies changes for short-term rentals
Whitefish City Council
The Whitefish City Council tonight will decide whether to set additional enforcement standards for short-term rental properties.
Grant and casino requests, policy manual, on Kalispell agenda
Kalispell City Council
The Kalispell City Council tackles a busy agenda tonight, starting with requests to sponsor two grant applications — one for Flathead Valley Community College and another for Flathead County Agency on Aging.
Kalispell man dies in wreck
A 29-year-old Kalispell man died in a single vehicle accident on U.S. 2 shortly before midnight on Saturday.
New Location for the Apple Barrel
Montana Olive Oil Company bottles on display at the Apple Barrel's new location on Center Street in Kalispell on Thursday, February 28, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Saturday, March 2
Glacier Nationals fall in finale to Missoula Maulers
WHITEFISH — The Missoula Maulers handed the Glacier Nationals a 6-1 loss in their regular season finale at Stumptown Ice Den Saturday, leaving Glacier’s playoff hopes in the hands of the West Sound Warriors.
Glacier's Fraley to run for Gonzaga
Troy Fraley has made a verbal commitment to run cross country at Gonzaga University.
Montana Life: Rosemaling
Glacier Nationals vs. Missoula Maulers Hockey
The Glacier Nationals Chris Cutshall (8) pushes past Dylan Chase (5) of the Missoula Maulers during their game on Saturday in Whitefish.
Clara Smith
Clara Smith, daughter of Luke and Dana Smith of Columbia Falls, was born Jan. 7 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Taya Morgan
Taya Morgan, daughter of Tim and Shantel Morgan of Kalispell, was born. Jan. 3 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Thunderbirds grounded by sequester
The Air Force announced Friday it planned to ground the Thunderbirds if a federal budget deal wasn’t reached. The team will cease air support to public events April 1 unless something happens to get the budget back on track.
Council to vote Monday on ethics, policy manual
The Kalispell City Council last week took one last look at a “policies and procedures” manual intended to serve its members as an orientation guide and ethics policy.
Daybook
Apple Barrel adds Kalispell location
When shoppers purchased 1,700 bottles of specialty olive oils and balsamic vinegars from a holiday-season kiosk at Kalispell Center Mall, Apple Barrel Fruit Stand owners Dave and Dana Cordell realized that the Flathead Valley has developed a taste for healthy, high-end kitchen ingredients.
Zendaya Fredenberg
Zendaya Fredenberg, daughter of Tara Fredenberg, was born Jan. 8 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Bigfork artist brushes up on Norwegian heritage
Alice Brosten spends hours experiencing Norwegian artistic heritage firsthand as she brushes colorful rosemaling along a huge beam in her home in Bigfork.
Andre Jeremiah Futrell
Andre Jeremiah Futrell, son of Terry Wyman and Misty Futrell of Whitefish, was born Jan. 4 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Norm's News gets makeover
Project gives fresh look to vintage eatery
After a four-day makeover in mid-February and a sigh of relief it’s over, Norm’s News is back to business as usual.
Agency on Aging needs new home
Ten years is a long time to spend in a building that was meant to be a temporary home for the Flathead County Agency on Aging programs.
Uneasy questions for post-sequestration America
Sequestration frustration? Do you have a fiscal cliff hangover? Take comfort, America: You are not alone.
Sidni Sorensen
Sidni Sorensen, daughter of Shaun and Codi Sorensen of Columbia Falls, was Jan. 7 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Woman pleads not guilty to crash charges
A 49-year-old Kalispell woman pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to several charges following an Oct. 14 crash.
Naleigh Rhoades
Naleigh Rhoades, daughter of Sid and Stacy Rhoades of Watford City, N.D., was born Jan. 3 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Maverick Landis
Maverick Landis, son of Jacob and Tatyana Landis of Columbia Falls, was born Jan. 5 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
First grader found with non-prescribed medication
Walter Edgar Wagner, 79
Walter Edgar Wagner passed away very unexpectedly the morning of Feb. 26, 2013, in his home in Bozeman.
Lorraine Pearison Nichols, 73
On Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, Lorraine Pearison Nichols “received her formal invitation to a grand ball in heaven thrown in her honor to welcome her home. And yes, Momma, I knew Jesus saved every dance for you.”
Eliah Miller
Eliah Miller, son of Patrick Miller and Justine Burtosky of Kalispell, was born Jan. 4 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
A smarter stove
Kalispell man adds his own twists to a traditional source of wood heat
Jim McCollam didn’t only set out to reinvent himself after the local construction economy took a dive four years ago.
Eek! A fiscal crisis! Quick, lay off the firefighters!
‘The old politician’s trick’
For some time I have speculated on how long it would be before the Obama administration would resort to strategies that are more nefarious in their attempt to scare the public into blaming the Republicans for any negative results of the sequester.
Isabella Shirk Bevan
Isabella Shirk Bevan, daughter of Scott Shirk Bevan and Kallie Bevan of Kalispell, was born Jan. 8 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Norm's News
Norm’s News in downtown Kalispell now features new flooring, tables and chairs following a four-day makeover in mid-February.
Ethan Burns
Ethan Burns, son of Jonathan and Nichole Burns of Kalispell, was born Jan. 4 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Helen Hedwig Winters, 97
Fiona Richards
Fiona Richards, daughter of Garrett Richards and Elizabeth Lowe of Kalispell, was born Jan. 3 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
It's the revenue, stupid! No really, look it up!
So here I sit, at the computer listening to the Sunday morning talk shows. The Republican chorus of “we have a spending problem” is echoing across the airwaves from station to station to station. The verbiage is nearly exact from spokesperson after spokesperson.
Hops and hockey
Allison McCarthy of the Flathead Flames Women’s League serves up a glass of beer to Henry Roberts of Whitefish on Saturday afternoon at the Brewers Cup Hockey Challenge and Brewfest at Woodland Park in Kalispell. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Flathead Valley Hockey Association.
Firm, utility cooperate on battery test
Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Kalispell campus will be the first test site for the Zinc Air Inc. battery storage technology, it was announced Friday.
Allan Gayle Graham, 78
Erskine-Bowles framework shows way out of mess
With the federal debt rapidly rising and elected officials repeatedly locked in partisan budget battles, Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson have once again presented the country with a more responsible path.
The Hostess Shuffle: Feds put the 'dough' in this doughnut
“The devil,” wrote Shakespeare, “hath power to assume a pleasing shape.”
Brewers Cup Hockey Challenge and Brewfest
From left, Colin Patterson, formerly of the Calgary Flames, talks with Geoff Cox of Lethbridge, Alberta, on Saturday afternoon, March 2, at the Brewers Cup Hockey Challenge and Brewfest at Woodland Park in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Friday, March 1
AA basketball: Bravettes roar to state
The Flathead Bravettes are heading to state for the first time since 2008, storming back from a double-digit hole late in the third quarter to beat Missoula Big Sky 50-44 in a playoff basketball game Friday night at FHS.
Girls A basketball: Wildkats bow out at state
BUTTE — Aleesha LaBreche’s layup with eight seconds remaining gave Butte Central a 39-37 loser-out victory over top-ranked Columbia Falls Friday afternoon at the Class A state girls basketball tournament.
Man challenges sixth DUI charge
A 58-year-old Kalispell man pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to what would be his sixth offense of drunk driving.
Deputy sets neighsayer straight
The manager of a Montana 209 property in Bigfork was advised by a
Daybook
Kalispell man denies rape charges
A 37-year-old Kalispell man pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to felony charges of sexual assault and rape.
Derby tradition returns to town
For all current and former Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby racers, it’s time again to whittle a new car or restore old ones to their former glory — the district competition is coming back to Kalispell on March 16.
Junior board members
Whitefish Credit Union Junior Board of Directors members are, back row, from left, Tommy Murphy, Nathan Boone, Sloan Ellis, Caroline Carbo; front row, from left, Kelsey McFeely, Perrey Sobba, Rachelle Brown.
Marley Taleece Watts-Gorey
Marley Taleece Watts-Gorey, daughter of Pedro Cruz and Chelsie Watts-Gorey of Kalispell, was born Jan. 23 at North Valley Hospital.
Landfill board mulls expansion options
The Flathead County Solid Waste Board on Tuesday toured two potential sites for future landfill expansion, but some board members later were miffed to learn the county commissioners already have a consensus on which site they prefer.
Craig Hudson Dalen
Craig Hudson Dalen, son of Jeff and Jenny Dalen of Kalispell, was born Jan. 22 at North Valley Hospital.
Kalispell woman pleads not guilty to driving drunk
A 49-year-old Kalispell woman pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to a pair of charges after allegedly driving drunk with her 8-year-old granddaughter in the vehicle.
High court to review water case
The Montana Supreme Court intends to review a recent Lake County District Court ruling that has potential to affect the viability of a water rights compact for the Confederated Salish-Kootenai Tribes.
Young board members get taste of business
Seven Whitefish High School students are getting a head start in finance and discovering the inner workings of a credit union this year.
Kalispell man challenges federal charges
A 60-year-old Kalispell man pleaded not guilty Tuesday in U.S. District Court to child pornography charges.
Flathead Girls Basketball
Flathead senior Dani Davis (11) looks to pass the ball under heavy defensive pressure by two Missoula Big Sky players.
Ex-UM quarterback acquitted of rape
Kila Fit Kids Club
Kila sixth-grader Blake Counts, left, lines up a shot behind the cover of classmate Clay McAlister during a game of medic dodgeball during the Kila Fit Kids Club at Kila School. After being hit by balls, students had to do a series of jumping jacks, sit-ups or pushups to get back into the game. The Kila Fit Kids Club is a fitness and nutrition program put on by Kila School, a pilot member of the Big Sky Fit Kids.
Special Olympics Awards Ceremony
Nathaniel Mycroft celebrates his medals as he climbs the podium at the Kalispell Middle School Special Olympics Award Ceremony on Friday morning, March 1. Students filled the old gym to cheer for the six athletes. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
