Ellington

Another eventful year gone

Well, 2014 was an eventful year.

Commissioner says so long but not goodbye

As outgoing Flathead County Commissioner Cal Scott packed up boxes on Wednesday and began his move out of the Courthouse, he offered a promise of continued involvement in the county he loves.

'Hound dog' harassing injured horse

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office took a call from a Wintercrest Drive resident complaining about a “hound dog” chasing his injured horse around. He said he had problems in the past with the dog.

This Week in the Flathead Events Calendar | Jan. 1-7, 2015

David and Amber Young

David and Amber Young in Lawrence Park on Wednesday, December 31, in Kalispell. The couple was in town visiting family and celebrating the release of their new album, Going to the Sun. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Missoula officer shoots, kills suspect

Karon Emma Quist Burningham, 82

Karon Emma Quist Burningham, 82, peacefully passed away Dec. 29, 2014, in Kalispell, after a four-month battle with cancer. 

Business Visions 2015

Swearing In

Adele Krantz, the newly elected Flathead County Clerk and Recorder, looks up and smiles as she signs the paperwork following her swearing in on Wednesday, December 31, in Kalispell. On her right is Jack Eggensperger, superintendent of schools. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

New office holders sworn in

Wrestling: Eureka's White stays atop rankings

Eureka’s Garrett White held on to the top spot at 126 pounds in Class B/C as the division released its last wrestling rankings before the new year on Tuesday.

First numbers in for health-care sign-ups

In the first portion of the Affordable Care Act’s open enrollment period, 22,618 people in Montana selected plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace by Dec. 15.

Cold drops to minus 15 in Flathead Valley

2014 is departing on a chilly note in Northwest Montana.

Leslie Duane 'Bud' Slyter, 93

Big snow leads to record ski day

Northwest Montana ski areas boasted full hills over the weekend after fresh snow dumped on Whitefish Mountain Resort and Blacktail Mountain Ski Area. 

'Stuck' teens spirit away a keg

A call to the

Mom shot to death by toddler, 2

HAYDEN, Idaho — A 2-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed his mother after he reached into her purse at a northern Idaho Walmart and her concealed gun fired, authorities said Tuesday.

Derek Harvey Flesch, 25

On Dec. 26, 2014, Derek Harvey Flesch of Pablo “was called to heaven by his maker.”

Powder days

A skier drops into Hellroaring Basin on Christmas Day at Whitefish Mountain Resort, which had a record day on Sunday with more than 7,700 skiers and snowboarders. (David Reese/Bigfork Eagle)

New Years Ball Drops

In this Dec. 31, 2013 photo, the crowd cheers as a lighted cowboy boot drops to the roof of the Palace Saloon New Year's Eve on Whiskey Row in downtown Prescott, Ariz. Televised images every year of New York City’s glittery ball drop in Times Square have become inextricably linked with New Year’s Eve. But Times Square isn’t the only place to ring in the new year with an object dropping from the sky at midnight. (AP Photo/The Daily Courier, Les Stukenberg)

FOOD QUICKFIX MI

Turkey and black bean burritos are a quick, easy, Mexican-style dinner for this time of year. (Al Diaz/Miami Herald/TNS)

Food Deadline Quick Pickles

This Dec. 8, 2014 photo shows quick-pickled carrots and radishes in Concord, N.H. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)

FOOD LUTEFISK-MACANDCHEESE MS

Lutefisk mac-and-cheese. (Tom Horgen/Minneapolis Star Tribune/TNS)

APTOPIX Indonesia Plane

Relatives of passengers of the missing AirAsia Flight 8501 react upon seeing the news on television about the findings of bodies on the waters near the site where the jetliner disappeared, at the crisis center at Juanda International Airport in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014. Bodies and debris were seen floating in Indonesian waters Tuesday, painfully ended the mystery of AirAsia Flight 8501, which crashed into the Java Sea and was lost to searchers for more than two days.(AP Photo/Trisnadi)

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Helena Flats at Sunset

Helena Flats School and the Swan Mountains turn pink in the light on sunset on Monday, December 29. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Snow Scene

A farm along Whitefish Stage Road is lit up near sunset with the Swan Mountains as a scenic backdrop on Monday, December 29, north of Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Journalist reaches plea deal

Two of three charges stemming from the arrest of then-Lake County Leader Editor Vince Lovato were dismissed Monday, and a plea agreement was reached on the remaining charge. 

Snowplow gives tractor driver a scare

Kalispell Senior Citizens vote to relocate

The Kalispell Senior Citizens have voted overwhelmingly to relocate their center to Flathead County’s South Campus Building scheduled to be built next year.

Contract award delayed on South Campus Building

A construction contract award for Flathead County’s South Campus Building has been delayed until 10 a.m. Wednesday to allow county officials more time to finalize a contract.

Stormwater tax district approved for Bigfork

The Flathead County commissioners on Monday finalized their approval of a Rural Special Improvement District for the final round of Bigfork stormwater system improvements.

Verna Alma Smade, 101

Verna Alma Smade

Robber hits Kalispell bar, casino

 A masked robber who pulled a gun Sunday night on a bartender and demanded money at Kalispell’s Bulldog Pub and Casino remains at large. 

County Commissioners

Commissioner-elect Phil Mitchell takes notes at the County Commissioner meeting on Monday, December 29, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Snow Removal at Woodland Pond

The Kalispell Parks maintenance crew removes snow from Woodland Pond on Monday morning, December 29. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

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Kalispell man shot to death in Libby

LIBBY — A Libby woman told Lincoln County deputies that she shot her son-in-law to death after he threatened her on Friday night.

Night Lights

Callers report livestock on the loose

The

Sliter earns prestigious industry award

The Western Building Material Association has awarded Tom Sliter, owner of Sliters Lumber and Building Supply, the annual Distinguished Dealer Award.

'Doc Wild' back on stage this week

It’s been years since “Doc Wild” has come out to play and teach in the Flathead Valley, but Denny Olson is dusting off his furs for one more show on New Year’s Eve.

Denny Olson

Wilderness performer and zoologist Denny Olson says his one job in life is to make sure people experience the world around them. "I want to get everyone on this planet up off the couch and out their door," he said. "Someone else can take it from there, but I want to get them out there."

New snow creates hazards

The extreme weather pattern in Northwest Montana has left the Flathead Valley piled with snow, and has created backcountry avalanche hazards on peaks around the area.

Stations set up to check avalanche beacons

The Flathead Nordic Backcountry Patrol has installed four beacon check stations at popular backcountry sites to help strengthen its search-and-rescue program.

Hattel-Grilley

Whitefish Structure Fire

Whitefish Fire and Police Departments were joined at the scene of a reported structure fire at 824 2nd Street East on Saturday night, December 27, in Whitefish. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Young anglers flock to Smith Lake fishing derby

More than 400 anglers took to the ice Saturday on Smith Lake for the 44th annual Kalispell Sunriser Lions Family Ice Fishing Derby.

GOP appeals to self-interest and forgets greater good

Family of longtime newspaper carriers giving up Kalispell route

Over the last 18 years, the Oxford family has had some interesting encounters while delivering the Daily Inter Lake in the expansive Mission Village subdivision just north of Kalispell.

Funding options studied for county building

With total costs for Flathead County’s South Campus Building coming in over budget, county officials are looking at options to keep the project on track.

'Collaborative' op-ed seen as being trickery

Storm brings a string of accidents

Once-shaky U.S. economy finishes year on hot streak

WASHINGTON — The U.S. economy flexed its old muscles in 2014.

Obama's policies pose dire threat to Amercans' safety

Notice Snowboards

Notice Snowboards founder and owner Brittan Ellingson works on a custom snowboard in his Whitefish workshop. The boards are made entirely in Montana with as many local materials as possible.

Board appeal: Notice Snowboards expands through collaborative venture

When your product stands out among the competitors, people take notice.

Get county building project done

Finding better accommodations for the Area IX Agency on Aging has been a long, arduous and even contentious undertaking for Flathead County.

Facts twisted to fit conclusions in torture report

Two snowmobilers die in Seeley Lake

Two men died and a third has been hospitalized after their snowmobiles fell through the ice Friday night on Seeley Lake.

Dr. Art Otto was Marcus Welby of the pet world

When I arrived in Kalispell in 1984, I had a couple of suitcases, a couple dozen boxes of books and one gently used basset hound named Gwendolyn, age 11.

Cold to follow snow and wind

Snow, wind and below-zero temperatures are all in store for Northwest Montana.

Geneva Louise Manicke Webster, 73

Geneva Louise Manicke Webster, 73, died in Kalispell on Dec. 13, 2014, of natural causes, with her family at her side.

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Five-year-old Grant Lisowski brings his pike to the weighing booth during the 44th annual Kalispell Sunriser Lions Family Ice Fishing Derby. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Jacob Ost, 9, drills a hole in the ice with an auger during the fishing derby on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Maddy Smith shovels snow with a ice fishing ladle during the fishing derby on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Nash Lisowski, 5, fishes with grandfather Bob Lisowski during the 44th annual Kalispell Sunriser Lions Family Ice Fishing Derby at Smith Lake on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Bella, a beagle puppy, bays as she sits inside a sled at Smith Lake on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Michael Thompson decides that playing snow plow with a shovel is more entertaining than fishing during the fishing derby at Smith Lake on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

People slide down bedsheets to escape motel fire

LOS ANGELES — Some residents slid down knotted bedsheets or clambered down people standing on one another’s shoulders to flee a raging Christmas night fire that injured six people and badly damaged a residential motel near downtown Los Angeles, authorities said Friday.

'The Interview' collects $1 million on first day in theaters

LOS ANGELES — Sony Pictures’ controversial comedy “The Interview” began its atypical release with about $1 million in ticket sales from 331 theaters on Christmas Day, the studio estimated.

Bodies of woman, grandsons found in burned home

WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, Ohio — Three boys who spent the night with their grandmother so she wouldn’t be alone on Christmas died with her Friday morning as a fire engulfed her home, authorities said.

Mail-theft suspect arrested after fleeing police in kayak

SEATTLE — A suspected thief who was spotted riffling through mailboxes near Seattle on Wednesday was arrested after he tried to flee first by foot and then by kayak.

Chase ends in crash, arrest

A high-speed police chase early Friday morning ended near the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell.

Suspicious man was merely taking a nap before church opens

The

Molly B

A cow named Molly B makes a dash onto Eighth Avenue South in Great Falls while running from law enforcement officers on Jan. 5, 2006. Molly B jumped a 5 1/2-foot fence at a slaughterhouse and led authorities on a six-hour chase across the Missouri River and several neighborhoods. (AP file photo/Robin Loznak)

Skier eludes slide; more snow ahead

A skier was able to ski out of an avalanche Christmas Day in Glacier National Park.

Famous cow gets a new home

HELENA (AP) — Perhaps one of the most famous cows in Montana history has found a new home in the Helena Valley.

High School Photo Contest

Stillwater Christian School senior Lacey Hill of Kalispell won first place in the Montana High School Photo Contest for this photo of her cousin taken in Great Falls. (Photo by Lacey Hill)

Young photographers win state honors

Two local high school seniors captured stunning pictures and top awards in the inaugural Montana High School Photo Contest organized by Rocky Mountain School of Photography in Missoula

Tsunami memories

Refugee children try to catch relief goods tossed from an Australian military helicopter in a rice paddy on the outskirts of Banda Aceh, Indonesia, in January 2005. Aceh was hardest-hit by the Dec. 26, 2004, quake-spawned tsunami that killed more than 115,200 people in the northernmost province on Sumatra Island. Across Southeast Asia, nearly a quarter-million people were killed by the tsunami. (AP photo)

Tsunami anniversary

A woman releases a lantern while others light theirs — symbolizing the release of spirits — during a commemoration service Friday in Ban Nam Khem, Thailand, for victims of the Asian tsunami that struck 10 years ago on Dec. 26, 2014. (AP photo)

Ten years after: Anniversary stirs tsunami memories

 PERELIYA, Sri Lanka (AP) — A packed train in Sri Lanka that was swept off its tracks by waves as big as elephants. A boat patrolling off Thailand’s shore hurled more than a mile inland. Streets in Indonesia turned into roaring rivers that carried people to their deaths.

Scientists target mess from falling tree needles

NEW YORK — The presents are unwrapped. The children’s shrieks of delight are just a memory. Now it’s time for another Yuletide tradition: cleaning up the needles that are falling off your Christmas tree.

Buddy DeFranco

Jazz legend Buddy DeFranco

Jazz great DeFranco dies at 91

Clarinetist a longtime Whitefish resident

PANAMA CITY, Fla. — Renowned jazz clarinetist Buddy DeFranco — who collaborated with Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday and other top singers and musicians of his era — has died at the age of 91, his family said Friday.

Conrad Christmas

Snow adds a wintry touch to Christmas lights at the Conrad Mansion in Kalispell on Christmas night. Kalispell photographer Trevor Eagleton saw the lights last year but the conditions were not quite what he wanted. With fresh snow this week, Eagleton remembered the photo he wanted and made this image. (Photo courtesy of Trevor Eagleton Photography)

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Geneva Louise Manicke Webster, 73

Edith Marion Einarson, 86

Martha Zavadil, 85

After a long illness, Martha Zavadil passed away on Dec. 25, 2014, while being visited and comforted by family members at the Immanuel Care Facility in Kalispell.

Paul Burke, 43

Paul Burke, 43, passed away on Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, in Kalispell.

Five Glacier players in Shrine Game

Five members from Glacier’s Class AA state football championship team headline the West roster for the 69th annual Montana East-West Shrine Game to be held July 18 at Memorial Field in Great Falls.

Glacier's Bennett to coach in Badlands Bowl

The postseason honors continue to roll in for the Glacier High School football program.

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A banner night at two local schools

Christmas Luminarias

Caylie Williams, the daughter of Evergreen Fire Rescue Chief Craig Williams, places a LED light inside the luminary of her grandfather Ray Williams during the fire department's fourth annual Christmas Eve luminaria display. Volunteers placed 1,000 luminaries along a 1.5 mile strecth of Rose Crossing between U.S. 2 East and Whitefish Stage Road.

Kalispell Chamber releases survey results

Kalispell businesses appear to support a local-option tax, as well as cash and bond proceeds to improve state infrastructure.

Fiscal move to save $750,000

College refinancing bonds

The Flathead Valley Community College Board of Trustees voted Monday night to refinance two series of bonds worth more than $15 million at a lower interest rate, saving taxpayers more than $750,000 in interest.

Party avoidance cause for call

A man called the

Arthur Edward Otto, 69

Women craft hats for entire class of fifth-graders

Peterson Elementary fifth-graders received a warm surprise Dec. 17 from three local residents.

This Week in the Flathead Events Calendar | Dec. 25-31

'Girl with the Bear Earrings'

"Girl with the Bear Earrings" India ink wash by Darlene Morgan.

'Great Expectations'

"Great Expectations" watercolor by Linda Olsen.

'Flicker's View'

"Flicker's View" engraving on white clayboard by Ron Ukrainetz.

Hockaday announces 2014 People's Choice winners

For the love of art

The Hockaday Museum of Art announces that Ron Ukrainetz, Linda Olsen and Darlene Morgan have won People’s Choice Awards in the 2014 Members Salon. The public is invited to enjoy free admission to the Museum on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 26 and 27, to enjoy all of the art in the exhibit.

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Mother injured in vacuum cleaner cord mishap

The

Lynx owner saved by dog after rollover

Kevin Moore has more to celebrate today than having his pets around for another Christmas. He’s lucky to be alive.

City launches snow clearing campaign

This winter, the city of Kalispell has begun a campaign — “Let’s Go Clear the Snow” — to help residents remember that shoveling sidewalks is everyone’s responsibility and is an important civic duty that helps ensure walkable, vibrant neighborhoods.  

Researchers measure 2014 as strong year for Montana tourism

This year was another strong year for tourism in Montana, according to preliminary 2014 numbers gathered by the Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research at the University of Montana.

County still studying zoning regs for home businesses

Proposed changes to Flathead County’s performance standards for home-based businesses is the focus of a second public hearing Jan. 14 before the county Planning Board.

West Virginia troopers hand out $100 bills

PRINCETON, W.Va. — Several people got a surprise when they were pulled over by West Virginia State Police troopers: Instead of a ticket, they got a $100 bill.

School board chairman resigns

Kalispell Public Schools has an opening on its board of trustees to represent the elementary district.

Falling oil prices hurt Bakken, help consumers

Declining oil prices will hurt the Bakken, but most likely benefit Montana as gas prices fall, economists say.

Pet lynx survives for another Christmas

NINE LIVES AND COUNTING

Kevin Moore thought his beloved pet Canada lynx, Misha, wouldn’t be around for Christmas this year.

Spirit of Christmas, then and now

The wonderful thing about Christmas is that it has never changed. Let us hope it never will.

Deposit surge nearly overwhelms Bakken banks

It didn’t take long for the deposits of Bakken oil and gas royalties to begin piling up at Richland Federal Credit Union.

Turning 95 today, Robert Schrock is happy to celebrate a Christmas Birthday

Christmas means many things to Robert Schrock.

Hiker comes face-to-face with big cat

A mountain lion pauses to look at a hiker in Glacier National Park on Dec. 15. (Weston Harries photo)

Makena Morley to run for Team USA

INDIANAPOLIS — Bigfork senior Makena Morley received an early Christmas present on Monday when USA Track & Field named her to the six-member Team USA that will run in the 2015 Bupa Great Edinburgh Cross Country junior women’s race on Jan. 10 in Scotland.

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A memorial luminaria for Marilyn Aubertin sits atop a bridge on Rose Crossing. Evergreen Fire Rescue sold the luminarias as a fundraiser for an EMS scholarship for Evergreen Junior High School students enrolled in the paramedic or emergency management programs at Flathead Valley Community College. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Missoula man claims Montana Cash jackpot

 HELENA — A Missoula man has claimed the $300,000 Montana Cash jackpot from the Oct. 15 drawing — the largest jackpot in the history of the game.

Officer kills armed 18-year-old near Ferguson

 BERKELEY, Mo. (AP) — Violent protests broke out again in suburban St. Louis after another black 18-year-old was fatally shot by a white police officer.

Nine lives and counting

Kevin Moore was happy to pose with his two beloved pets again this year for his annual Christmas photo card. His 20-year-old lynx Misha survived cancer, and his dog Tucker helped rescue Moore from a Sunday morning rollover that injured both Moore and his dog. “I have the two best pets in the world,” he said Monday after being released from the hospital.

Misha

Misha left the Washington State University veterinary hospital with a bandana declaring, “I am a cancer survivor.”

S.N.O.W. Bus

Skiers and snowboarders load onto the Shuttle Network of Whitefish Bus on Wednesday morning, December 24, in downtown Whitefish. The SNOW Bus is created and run by the Big Mountain Commercial Association. It currently runs from the first week of December to the second week of April. The bus network got it start in 1998. Originally the bus was known as the WART Bus, the Whitefish Area Rural Transit Bus, however, the name was not very popular. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Avalanche danger reaches high

Heavy, wet snow has prompted an avalanche warning for the mountains of Northwest Montana.

Child's View Cover

Child's View

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'Statement of blight' sets stage for C. Falls to build tax-increment district

The Columbia Falls City Council has approved a “statement of blight” document that is part of the public process to establish a tax-increment finance district in the city. 

Browning man convicted in fatal stabbing

POLSON — A 32-year-old Browning man has been found guilty of stabbing a Polson man to death during a racially charged encounter outside a house party in Polson in March 2013.

Deadline near for Bigfork stormwater district

Property owners in a proposed Bigfork Rural Special Improvement District have a Christmas Eve deadline to protest the county’s plan for stormwater system improvements.

Like father, like son: 70 years of Santa

When Mike Stebbins attended elementary school at the Egan country school, Santa Claus would come to visit each year around Christmastime. 

Snow is in the forecast for Flathead

WHITE CHRISTMAS

Flathead Valley residents won’t have to dream about a white Christmas this year. They will be experiencing one.

Four firms seek county building contract

Three Great Falls-based construction companies and Swank Enterprises of Kalispell will vie for the chance to build Flathead County’s South Campus Building.

Wolfpack blows out Bulldogs

The Glacier boys played stifling defense, using their speed and length to disrupt the passing lanes, in routing Butte 60-30 in a Class AA nonconference basketball blowout on Tuesday at Glacier High School.

Glacier batters Butte

The Glacier Wolfpack girls basketball roster has six players listed 6-feet or taller.

Key Korean websites suffer short outages after shutdown

 SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Key North Korean websites suffered intermittent outages Tuesday after a nearly 10-hour shutdown that followed a U.S. vow to respond to a crippling cyberattack on Sony Pictures that Washington blames on Pyongyang.

Child reports being molested by another child

The

First showings of 'Interview' will be Christmas Day

 NEW YORK (AP) — “The Interview” has been re-gifted to moviegoers as a limited Christmas Day release, putting back into select theaters the comedy that prompted an international incident with North Korea and outrage over its canceled release. 

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Glacier's Nikki Krueger puts up a shot against Butte at Glacier High School on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake

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Glacier’s Jaxen Hashley is fouled by Butte’s Travis Williams (24) as Hashley goes up for a shot in the second quarter of Tuesday’s Class AA nonconference boys basketball game at Glacier High School. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Glacier’s Nikki Krueger puts up a shot against Butte’s Abby Dodge (31) during Tuesday’s Class AA nonconference girls basketball game at Glacier High School. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake

Let there be lights - Display stretches across three yards

Dan Hodge has more than 40 years of experience stringing up Christmas lights and setting up elaborate displays for the delight of people who drive by 7 Konley Drive west of Kalispell.

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Charlotte Frances 'Sherry' Trevino, 64

Charlotte Frances “Sherry” Trevino, 64, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014, at Deaconess  Medical Center in Spokane.

Joseph B. 'Joe' Fiala II, 94

Joseph B. “Joe” Fiala II, 94, “was called to heaven” on Dec. 19, 2014, after a short illness.

Edward 'Ed' Damm, 82

Betty Evelyn (Leisure) Rice, 92

Betty Evelyn (Leisure) Rice, 92, passed away Dec. 22, 2014, after a full life.

Astrid Eve Vang, 27

J. Edward Sprenger Jr., 89

Hand-knit hats for children

Peterson Elementary School fifth-graders bring Christmas donations for the Salvation Army and Humane Society to Kalispell Center Mall on Dec. 18, wearing new hats that were knitted as gifts to the students by local residents Jan Weller, Nancy Peiffer and Carol Senner.

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Flathead High School senior Saila Rogge of Lakeside won fourth place for this photo taken on Flathead Lake in the inagural Montana High School Photo Contest organized by Rocky Mountain School of Photography in Missoula. (Photo by Saila Rogge)

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Stillwater Christian School senior Lacey Hill of Kalispell won first place for this photo of her cousin taken in Great Falls for the inaugural Montana High School Photo Contest organized by Rocky Mountain School of Photography. (Photo by Lacey Hill)

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Photo by Kari Peiffer Peterson Elementary fifth graders bring Christmas donations for the Salvation Army and Humane Society at Kalispell Mall Dec. 18 wearing brand new hats that were knitted as gifts to the students by local residents Jan Weller, Nancy Peiffer and Carol Senner.

AmeriCorps positions open

Montana State Parks is now recruiting new AmeriCorps members for 2015, including a full-time 44-week, 1,700-hour position serving at Lone Pine State Park near Kalispell. 

Ugly sweaters

From jingling bells to obnoxious garlands, Karen Benson will add whatever it takes to make the ugliest sweater. Benson, who opened Mama Shark Productions this year, makes custom tacky sweaters for holiday parties.

Erratic driver was feeling ill

The

Older Grouse Mountain subdivision asks to join lawsuit

A lawsuit over the use of permanent gates in the Grouse Mountain Estates subdivision in Whitefish has a new legal wrinkle.

Christmas sweaters find new life as trendy attire

Ugly sweater weather

Outlandish tinsel. Giant bows. Obnoxious bells. Colorful puff balls.

Ugly sweater contest

Teri Bering, right, won second place at the Scoreboard Pub and Casino's annual Ugly Christmas Sweater contest. Hilary Matheson, center, took first place. Both women made their own sweaters.

H. Darlene LeDoux, 68

H. Darlene LeDoux of Eureka took her last breathe in this life surrounded by and wrapped in the love of her family, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014, just as she had wished for.

John F. Hossack, 87

John F. Hossack, born June 11, 1927, to William and Clarice Coulton Hossack in Sandpoint, Idaho, passed away Dec. 19, 2014, at the Good Samaritan Mountain View Manor in Eureka.

Homes December 2014 Cover

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FVCC art professor wins award

John Rawlings, a longtime art professor at Flathead Valley Community College, has been named the 2014 Association of Community College Trustees Faculty Member of the Year for the Western Region.

Trolley's light tour a holiday hit

Light up the season

As they ride around town, sipping hot chocolate and wiping steam from windows to see the lights, passengers will feel as though they’ve journeyed back in time.

Tami Ward

Creston School fifth- and sixth-grade teacher Tami Ward works with her students on Dec. 9.

Trolley tours

A passenger on the light tour peers out the window at a house with flashing lights timed to holiday music.

Dispute requires medical support

The

Elm removal continues in Kalispell

The city of Kalispell has issued a call to private contractors and certified arborists for bids for the next round of tree removal from boulevards in Kalispell.

School enrollment rises across county

Flathead County school enrollment is up 1 percent from last year with a total of 15,463 students attending public, private and home schools.

Creston teacher picked for prestigious fellows program

Tami Ward of Creston has reached a high point in her career.

Virginia Lee Riebe, 80

Virginia Lee Riebe, 80, passed away on Dec. 20, 2014, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Bonnie Louise 'Pepper' Amundson, 81

Bonnie Louise "Pepper" Amundson, 81, passed away of natural causes at her Kalispell home on Dec. 19, 2014.

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Homes December 2014

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Libby's Crace 3rd at Tri-State wrestling tourney

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — Zach Crace (152) of Libby finished third at the Tri-State wrestling tournament on Saturday.

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Braves, Bravettes drop home tests to CDA

Despite Matt Marshall’s career-high 23 points, the Flathead Braves dropped a nonconference boys basketball shootout with Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, 94-81 on Saturday night at Flathead High School.

Glacier boys, girls stop Dogs

Glacier learned quickly from its tough loss on Friday night, holding tight to its big lead this time down the stretch for a 65-51 victory over Whitefish in a nonconference boys basketball game on Saturday at Glacier.

Basketball roundup: C-Falls boys hold off Frenchtown

COLUMBIA FALLS — Ty Morgan hit 5 of 6 free throws down the stretch to kill a Frenchtown rally and give Columbia Falls (4-1 overall, 1-0 league) a 63-56 Northwestern A boys basketball victory over Frenchtown on Saturday.

Columbia Falls Chamber hands out Spirit Awards

Real-world doctors fact-check Dr. Oz

Police shoot dead knife-wielding assailant

How the Grinch stole Columbia Falls' Christmas

No charges in church disturbance death

Police charge woman in children's deaths

AP sources: Cops' killer angry over Garner death

'All things stitched, knitted or woven'

Camas Creek Yarn becomes Camas Creek Cottages

‘All things stitched, knitted or woven’

Flathead gains 1,574 jobs in 2014

CFAC opposes Superfund designation

Plenty of reaction for 71 percent hike in fees at Glacier Park

Whitefish woman dies in rollover

Toys for Tots: Shop students 'pony up' for kids

Sinopah House helps troubled teens get back on track

Evergreen overlay zone extended another year

Are lutefisk challenges the next big thing?

Flathead's Vasquez mat champ at CMR

GREAT FALLS — Flathead freshman Trae Vasquez won the 113-pound wrestling title on Saturday at the 37th annual C.M. Russell Holiday Classic.

Eureka wrestlers capture Lucey title

EUREKA — Eureka had four individual champions and also claimed the team trophy at the Buzz Lucey Invitational wrestling tournament on Saturday.

Gun owners need to be responsible

The real problems in black community

Reduction in county recycling services may pay off

Sometimes smaller is bigger

Wrath and hatred are not useful political tools

'Something for nothing': An America with no future

The wrong message?

Another nail in the coffin?

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Bob Thompson plays the harmonica while members of the Calamity Singers dance during a performance at the Prestige Assisted Living in Kalispell Thursday. Thompson collects stuffed animals throughout the year to give away during his musical performances during the holiday season. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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A stuffed animal that Bob Thompson gave away sits on the table while Thompson plays with the Calamity Singers. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Wolfpack guard Sam McCamley soars past Bulldogs AJ Wetsch (11) and Chaffin Ross (33) in Glacier Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Jamie Sears places wreaths on veterans' graves at Glacier Memorial Gardens on Saturday. The Flathead Composite Squadron 53 of the Civil Air Patrol placed nearly 800 wreaths on veterans' graves. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Breaking in Blacktail

Glacier's Dylan Ruggles

Glacier’s Dylan Ruggles (21) and Whitefish’s Cody Olson dive for a loose ball during the final minutes of a December 20, 2014 basketball game at Glacier High School. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Glacier Wolfpack guard Hailee Bennett drives past Whitefish defender Dani Douglas during the second quarter of Saturday’s nonconference basketball game at Glacier High School. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Virginia Meeks vanderEnde Broomfield, 81

Lindsay Leigh Johnstone, 32

Lindsay Leigh Johnstone, 32, of Seattle, passed away on Nov. 18, 2014, of natural causes at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

Bison rally by Wolfpack

Great Falls High rallied from down 11 points in the final four minutes to top the Glacier boys 66-62 in a Class AA nonconference basketball game on Friday night at Glacier.

Flathead girls drill Polson

With every pass the Polson Lady Pirates made there was a host of orange black suffocating the ball. The Flathead Bravettes turned up the defensive pressure on Friday night, pressing, trapping and forcing 10 steals in a 50-21 nonconference basketball home victory.

Wrestling: Two Mat Cats, two Braves in semifinals

GREAT FALLS — Two wrestlers from Columbia Falls and Flathead won their quarterfinal matches at the 37th annual C.M. Russell Holiday Wrestling Classic on Friday.

Basketball roundup: Libby girls upend Whitefish

WHITEFISH — Libby outscored Whitefish 26-1 in the first and periods to claim an easy 48-23 Northwestern A girls basketball victory on Friday night.

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Glacier's Taden Gilman splits Great Falls' Matthew Wyman (24) and Brendan Howard (32) as he puts up a shot during the first quarter. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Glacier's Dylan Ruggles drives past Great Falls High’s Kody Torgerson during the second quarter on Friday at Glacier High School. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Charter to hire 100 new workers in Billings area

Corvallis asphalt firm fined for death of worker

Snowmobiler rescued in Gallatin County

Commission rejects firm's wind power plan

State board OKs furloughs, job cuts

EPA sets first national standard for coal waste

Poll: Americans skeptical of commercial drones

Least productive Congress? Not this one, barely

Obama vows response to North Korea hacking

Skier digs head out after avalanche

Some gray wolves to be returned to endangered list

Witness watches highway crash

Columbia Falls does it again - City retains title in annual bell-ringing competition

Historic Hugh Hockaday holiday display revived at KM Building

Couldn't you wait until you got home?

Suspect's parents plead for his life

Surgical-tech students to work with Google Glass

Sheriff's Office on Facebook

Special night at Flathead marks decade of excellence

ACADEMIC WALL OF FAME

Gathering celebrates North Fork protection

Drone Poll

FILE - I this March 12, 2014 file photo, a drone flown by Brian Wilson, prepares to land after flying over the scene of an explosion that leveled two apartment buildings in the East Harlem neighborhood of New York. Americans are deeply skeptical that the benefits of the heralded drone revolution will outweigh the risks to privacy and safety, although a majority approve of using small, unmanned aircraft in dangerous jobs or remote areas, according to a new Associated Press-GfK opinion poll. By a 2-to-1 margin, those polled said they oppose allowing use drones for commercial purposes. Only 21 percent favor commercial use of drones, while 43 percent oppose it. Another 35 percent were in the middle. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

Sony Hack-US Response

FILE -- In this March 11, 2014 file photo, Rep. Ed Royce, R-Calif., chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, speaks to reporters after an all-member classified briefing on Ukraine, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Royce said he did not doubt North Korea was involved in the destructive hacking attack against Sony Pictures. He called for tougher U.S. sanctions to cut Pyongyang's access to hard currency, by excluding from the U.S. financial system banks in other countries that hold North Korean funds. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

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Creston fifth-grader Malia Fetveit adds up the prices of cereal as she shops with her group at Super 1 Foods in Kalispell on Friday. The Creston school raised $350 to purchase food to donate to the Samariatan House. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Creston fourth-grader Cecelia Wink, left, looks surprised as she adds up the cost of groceries as her classmate Geneva Simonson loads up the cart. About 30 Creston were at Super 1 Foods to purchase food for the Samaritan House. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Creston sixth-grader Mark Bartos adds up the cost of his group's groceries. (Aaric Bryan/Daily inter Lake)

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Crossroads third-grader Riley Moen crosses his fingers hoping that Ann Heinz lands on his property while playing Monopoly at the Buffalo Hill Terrace on Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Crossroads fifth grader Dale Ogdon shows Del Moore where his ships were after a game of Battleship at the Buffalo Hill Terrace on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Michelle, left, Jefferson and Sarah Oxford have been delivering the Daily Inter Lake for nearly 30 years. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Change afoot for special school

Helen Alene Cascaden, 87

Sue Brown receives her lifetime achievement award

Grizzlies name manager

WHITEFISH — The Glacier Grizzlies of the newly formed Mount Rainier Professional Baseball League put another piece of the puzzle into place as Grizzlies general manager Bob Lockman named Mike Goss field manager for the inaugural 2015 season on Thursday.

Mat Cats pin Greenchain

LIBBY — It was all Columbia Falls as the Mat Cats dominated Libby 51-18 in a Northwestern A wrestling dual on Thursday evening.

Local wrestlers back on the road this weekend

Another weekend and another tournament for area wrestlers.

Bigfork, Stillwater sweep on hardwood

EUREKA — Bigfork held on to pull out an 80-74 District 7B boys basketball victory over Eureka on Thursday evening.

Hockey: Wolverines edged by Colorado

LAS VEGAS — Colorado scored three times in the opening eight minutes, but was forced to hold off a determined Whitefish Wolverines squad in a 5-4 victory on Thursday afternoon in the Western States Shootout at the SoBe Ice Arena.

Harper May Ibach

Harper May Ibach, daughter of Chris Ibach and Haylee Price of Stryker, was born Aug. 4 at North Valley Hospital.

Hadley Alina Muhonen

Hadley Alina Muhonen, daughter of Adam and Megan Muhonen, was born Aug. 5 at North Valley Hospital.

Annika Faye Hopper

Annika Faye Hopper, daughter of Chase and Nicole Hopper of Kalispell, was born Aug. 14 at North Valley Hospital.

Sally-LaRae Kristyn Schrader

Sally-LaRae Kristyn Schrader, daughter of Eric and Chantel Schrader of Columbia Falls, was born Aug. 5 at North Valley Hospital.

Charlee Joseph Hossack

Charlee Joseph Hossack, son of Shawn and Mandy Hossack of Kalispell, was born Aug. 10 at North Valley Hospital.

Tenley Echo Farmer

Tenley Echo Farmer, daughter of Cory and Lacie Farmer of Libby, was born Aug. 8 at North Valley Hospital.

Olivia Jane Vannoy

Olivia Jane Vannoy, daughter of Nathan and Sally Vannoy of Bigfork, was born Aug. 12 at North Valley Hospital.

Gracie Green

Gracie Green, daughter of Brayden Green and Cheryl Arnold, was born Aug. 6 at North Valley Hospital.

Group challenges timber producer's 'green' label

GRANTS PASS, Ore. — A watchdog group is challenging the environmentally friendly “green lumber” certification for Plum Creek Timberlands, one of the nation’s biggest landowners and timber producers.

Two states challenge Colorado marijuana legalization

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska and Oklahoma on Thursday asked the U.S. Supreme Court to declare Colorado’s legalization of marijuana unconstitutional, saying the drug is being brought from Colorado into the neighboring states.

Brain control? Who ya gonna call?

A man called

Thief can't cut off Christmas spirit

It was a low-down Grinch who made off with the top 6 feet of a beautiful Colorado blue spruce tree on Roy Albertus’ property in Creston. Albertus, 90, was heartbroken to find one of his prized trees damaged.

Two positions open on Kila School Board

Kila School District has two trustee positions to fill.

Community support a big boost for local food banks during holidays

Volunteer Jackie Adams inspects vegetables for the Flathead Food Bank. Adams is the retired city editor of the Daily Inter Lake. (Brianna Loper/The Daily Inter Lake)

Warden seeks information on elk poaching

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking information on an elk poached early this week near Holland Lake.

Two vehicles roll at same spot, one driver hurt

A two-vehicle rollover north of Somers just before 8 a.m. Thursday morning seriously injured one woman.

Slain student's parents testify

MISSOULA — The parents of a German exchange student who was shot to death by a Montana man while trespassing in his garage told a judge Thursday their dreams are broken.

State house leaders OK simple dress code

HELENA (AP) — The Montana House of Representatives will have a simple dress code after a previous stricter code drew criticism as sexist and outdated.

Flathead County to consolidate recycling program

The Flathead County Solid Waste District is consolidating its recycling program and will phase out recycling bins at four green-box collection sites starting Jan. 1.

Daybook

Whitefish 'Doughnut' - Board picks options for zoning

After nearly four hours of discussion on Wednesday, the Flathead County Planning Board emerged with recommendations for Whitefish area zoning and lakeshore regulations.

Spirit of competition

The City "Bell Ringing" trophy was on display in Smiths Grocery on Thursday, December 18, in Columbia Falls. According to a press release last year the six contestants; City of Columbia Falls, Evergreen Chamber of Commerce, Bigfork Chamber of Commerce, City of Whitefish, City of Kalispell, and Lakeside Chamber of Commerce, raised nearly $7,000. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Michael Moschetti, 52

Second Annual City "Bell Ringing" Competition

Councilman Mike Shepherd serves as a volunteer for the City of Columbia Falls in the Second Annual City "Bell Ringing" Competition on Thursday, December 18, at Smiths Grocery in Columbia Falls. Two volunteers were scheduled to come in hourly during the competition. According to a press release last year the six contestants; City of Columbia Falls, Evergreen Chamber of Commerce, Bigfork Chamber of Commerce, City of Whitefish, City of Kalispell, and Lakeside Chamber of Commerce, raised nearly $7,000. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

A Christmas birthday

Robert Shrock smiles on Dec. 17 at Prestige Assisted Living in Kalispell. He will turn 95 today and is quick to joke that he and Jesus are going to be celebrating. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Mission Village newspaper route

Michelle Oxford grabs a Daily Inter Lake to roll as she starts the family delivery route at 4:30 a.m. on Dec. 18 north of Kalispell. The Oxford family has worked the route for 18 years. “All of the girls learned to drive delivering papers,” Oxford says. “We had a couple of broken mirrors over the years.” (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Christmas Lights Display

Dan Hodge with his Christmas lights in the early hours of Thursday, December 18, west of Kalispell. Hodge grew up in Butte and remembers going on Christmas light tours with his family. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

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North End Swing plans New Year's Eve celebration

Swinging in the new year

One group of Kalispell gentlemen hope you’ll save the last dance of the year for them. And the first one next year.

This Week in the Flathead Events Calendar | Dec. 18-24

North End Swing

Dwight Bergeron dancing with Lindsey Rosenberry at the fourth annual Swingout the Season on Dec. 13, at the Best Western Plus south of Kalispell. Their next event, Swing in the New Year (Gatsby-style), is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 31, at the Sassafras Ballroom in downtown Kalispell. The dance will begin at 7 p.m. with a lesson for beginners and will go until 1 a.m. The dance is open for free to First Night Flathead button wearers and is $10 for non-badge holders.

Don't fit over Stitt

The University of Montana hired Bob Stitt as its 36th head football coach on Tuesday. Stitt comes to Missoula after 15 seasons at Colorado School of Mines in NCAA Division II, having compiled a 108-62 record in his career.

Wilcox, Ferguson out at Flathead

Flathead athletics lost two coaches last week when Bravettes volleyball coach Leon Wilcox and Braves soccer coach Dan Ferguson announced they have stepped down from their respective coaching positions.

Wrestling: Eureka pair at top of rankings

Eureka’s Garrett White and Zach Durden each were listed in the first Class B-C wrestling rankings, released on Wednesday.

Thanks to Whitefish trail-blazers

Whitefish once again is the beneficiary of some very generous philanthropy, this time for the $2 million needed to secure a permanent conservation and recreation easement on 1,520 acres in the Beaver Lakes area.

Congress ends session: 'Thank God it's over'

WASHINGTON (AP) — The tempestuous 113th Congress has limped out of Washington for the last time, capping two years of modest and infrequent legislating that was overshadowed by partisan clashes, gridlock and investigations.

Court rules against immigration order

But judge’s authority questioned

PITTSBURGH — A federal judge in Pittsburgh ruled Tuesday that President Barack Obama overstepped his authority and violated the Constitution when he issued an executive order last month to delay deportation for millions of people living in the U.S. illegally.

Who's the Grinch that stole Santa?

U.S. charges 14 for roles in meningitis outbreak

State office takes steps to retain identity

STATE AUDITOR

Bullock taps Republican to carry infrastructure bill

Alpine Theatre Project

The Alpine Theatre Project is rehearsing for their upcoming Yuletide Affair 11. The show runs December 20th and 21st at 7 p.m. at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. The show stars: David Ackroyd, Scott Hamilton, Eric Michael Krop, Tiffany Mann, Betsi Morrison, Susan O'Dea, Katy Pfaffl, Dan Sharkey, Rebecca Spear, and Luke Walrath. And includes music from Rob Fahie, Toby Ferguson, Rob Mosher, Billy Thompson, and Erica Von Kleist.

Drill tests infectious-disease response

PRACTICE RUN

Shopping buddies

Kayden Bailey, 8, of Columbia Falls goes shopping at Target in Kalispell with Seth Stratton of the Columbia Falls Police Department during the annual Shop with a Cop event. Bailey started his shopping excursion with some of the essentials —  camouflage hat, gloves and pants — before moving to the toy section.

Tree victim receives public support

In spite of recent events, Roy Albertus still believes that the world is a good place. 

U.S., Cuba patch up torn relations

 WASHINGTON (AP) — After a half-century of Cold War acrimony, the United States and Cuba moved on Wednesday to restore diplomatic relations — a historic shift that could revitalize the flow of money and people across the narrow waters that separate the two nations.

Missoula gunman found guilty of murder

Flanked by his defense attorneys Brian Smith, left, and Paul Ryan, Markus Kaarma listens to testimony during his trial in Missoula for the shooting death of Diren Dede with a shotgun last spring after Kaarma caught Dede in his garage. Kaarma was convicted Wednesday of deliberate homicide (AP photo)

Fire razes home in Ferndale

A large home in Ferndale burned down Tuesday afternoon.

Alaska pilot dies in crash

An Alaska man died and a Lake County man is in critical condition after a plane crash Tuesday afternoon northwest of Ronan.

Man found guilty of murder

EXCHANGE-STUDENT SHOOTING

MISSOULA — A Missoula man who shot and killed a German exchange student caught trespassing in his garage was convicted of deliberate homicide Wednesday despite arguing that a state “castle doctrine” law allowed him to use deadly force to protect his home and family.

Daybook

Practice run

Crossroads

Mary Meehan, special services director, and Laurie Barron, Evergreen School District superintendent, in Barron's office on Tuesday, December 16, in Evergreen. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Pro baseball coming to Whitefish

WHITEFISH — A new professional baseball franchise will be established in Whitefish beginning this May as a founding member of the independent Mount Rainier Professional Baseball League (MRPBL).

Pirates pin Libby

POLSON — The Polson Pirates used four first-period pins and a major decision to defeat the Libby Loggers 46-24 in an early season Northwest A wrestling dual on Tuesday night.

Daybook

Horror over deadly Sydney siege turns to anger

Mystery man hands out $100 bills

Jeb Bush to explore run for president

Fugitive not found at West Side home

Pennsylvania shootings

Shooting suspect found dead

House leaders will modify dress code

Whitefish print shop may convert to health club

Habitat dedicates pair of Homes for the Holidays

Taliban fighters attack another school

Slaughter in school kills 132 children, injures 121

Missoula shooting case goes to jury

10:11 on 12/13/14

BABY NUMBERS

Singing for Christmas

Kalispell council votes to increase light tax

The Kalispell City Council unanimously passed an ordinance Monday night to expand the light maintenance district tax to include all properties within city limits.

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East Evergreen third-grader Lily Holloway sings "Jingle Bells," during the third-graders Christmas program "Jingle All the Way," at the school on Tuesday. The third graders have been practicing the program since Halloween. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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East Evergreen third-grader Paishance Haller, playing Santa Claus, plays sleigh bells accompanied by reindeers Caden Wambach, left, and Alex Greenfield as they sing "Here Comes Santa," during the third-grade Christmas program at the school on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Lindsay Leigh Johnstone, 32

Sue Lorentzen, 82

Archie Lorentzen, 83

Bob Stitt named new head football coach for Griz

Michael Moschetti, 52

Michael Moschetti was born on Dec. 29, 1961.

Christmas Program at Olney-Bissell School

Harry Trufant, a first grader at Olney-Bissell School shares a laugh with friends, Francesca Thomas, left, and Kain VanZandt, right, at the end of rehearsing a song for the Christmas Program on Tuesday, December 16, north of Kalispell. The children did a public performance that night at 6:30 p.m. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Cities, chambers compete in Salvation Army ringing contest

The city of Columbia Falls will defend its bell-ringing prowess on Thursday during the second annual battle of the bells to raise money for the Salvation Army.

County tweaks veteran burial policy

The Flathead County commissioners on Monday unanimously approved changes to the county’s policy for veteran burial stipends.

Crew experiences taste of what homeless teens endure

A night in the cold

It was still dark when the Rev. Joan Grant of Kalispell awoke early Saturday morning after spending the night sleeping in the back seat of her Honda Civic with her dog Lillie.

Blacktail to open Saturday

Blacktail Mountain Ski Area will open for the season on Saturday and will remain open every day through the Christmas holidays.

A night in the cold

Stacey Schultz warms herself by a fire before sleeping outside the Sparrows Nest building in Kalispell on Friday night. The sleep-out event raised money for the homeless shelter and also was designed to raise awareness about the problem of teen homelessness.

Man refuses to pay for gas

The

Trail group meets $2 million goal

An $85,000 donation from longtime Whitefish supporters Jim and Lisa Stack has enabled Whitefish Legacy Partners to meet its fundraising goal of $2 million to secure a permanent conservation and recreation easement on 1,520 acres in the Beaver Lakes area.

Sue Lorentzen, 82

Archie Lorentzen, 83

Sue Lorentzen, 82, and Archie Lorentzen, 83

Joined in love for more than 33 years, Sue and Archie Lorentzen departed these earthly bonds together at home, with Sue passing away Dec. 9, and Archie following only four days later, on Dec. 13, 2014. Both died of natural causes.

Steven Thomas Rademaker, 57

Ethan Johnson, 34

Power pole

Power lines hold up a Flathead Electric Cooperative power pole after the pole was snapped off by a flatbed truck Monday afternoon in Evergreen. (James Cashell photo)

Truck shears off power pole in Evergreen

A flatbed truck sheared off a power pole in Evergreen around 2:30 p.m. Monday, causing a minor power outage in Evergreen and Kalispell.

Hockaday figurines at the KM Building

Detail of mechanized figures created by Hugh Hockaday on display at the KM Building in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Historic Hugh Hockaday holiday display revived at KM Building

Wood Carving

Clyde Pederson shaves a block of wood against the grain to test its sharpness at his home on Thursday, December 11, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

This Week in the Flathead: North End Swing

Levi Hoch dancing with Natilee Radosevich, 13, at the 4th annual Swingout The Season on Saturday, December 13, at the Best Western Plus south of Kalispell. Their next event, Swing In The New Year (Gatsby Style), is scheduled for Wednesday, December 31, at the Sassafras Ballroom in downtown Kalispell. The dance will begin at 7 p.m. with a lesson for beginners and will go until 1 a.m. The dance is open to First Night Flathead badge holders and is $10 for non-badge holders. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Ruder Elementary Christmas Program

Karson Wyatt and other kindergarteners take part in a Christmas Program on Monday afternoon at Ruder Elementary in Columbia Falls. The fourth and fifth graders will perform today at 9:30 am at Ruder and the second and third graders perform at 2 p.m. today. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Donation for Veterans

Don Bumgarner, center, Lois Lauman, right and other unload a truckload of 300 pounds of food at the Kalispell Vet Center on Friday, December 12. The food was collected by the Mission View Home Owners Association. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Flathead Valleyaires

Steve Combes and member of the Flathead Valleyaires perform at the Kalispell Vet Center on Friday, December 12. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

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Bargoers report possible drugging

Several patrons of a Central Avenue bar in Whitefish called the

Big Arm group embodies community spirit

The Knit Witz

No one in the Big Arm Knit Witz knew how to knit very well before the community group organized two years ago.

Bernice Lucille McDonald, 86

Yoga instructor launches DVDs

Jane Adams found her calling when she was just 17 years old.

Jane Adams

Jane Adams of Kalispell pictured in her home yoga studio on Dec. 4.

The Knit Witz

Big Arm Knit Witz leader Darline Hoyt displays an afghan she is knitting during a weekly gathering of the women's group. The Knit Witz have been meeting for two years, and donate the various items they knit and handcraft to area charitable organizations.

Council to take questions on light district

Kalispell plans to expand its light maintenance district so more people are paying taxes to raise an additional $149,000 a year.

Baer-Martiny

Moore-Heinecke

Ralph & Joanne Johnson

Fullerton-Roberts

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Tip-off Hoop Classic: C-Falls cruises by Stevi

MISSOULA — Three players scored in double figures and Columbia Falls was at its offensive best in the middle two quarters on Saturday for a 75-52 boys basketball victory at the Northwest and Southwest Class A Tip-Off Classic  at the University of Montana.

Makena Morley 3rd, Hill 8th at Foot Locker

SAN DIEGO — Makena Morley had her best showing ever at the Foot Locker National Cross Country Championship on Saturday morning at Morley Field in Balboa Park.

Daybook

Boys basketball: Great Falls downs Flathead

GREAT FALLS — Great Falls exploded for 32 points in the third quarter to cruise by Flathead 87-60 on Saturday in Class AA boys nonconference basketball action.

Girls basketball: Bravettes fall to Bison

Just when the Flathead Bravettes had scrapped their way back into the game, the visiting Great Falls Bison went on a run to stay out of reach and win the Class AA girls nonconference basketball matchup 53-46 on Saturday.

Libby's Crace, Chapel take mat titles at Kinney Classic

SUPERIOR — Libby’s Zach Crace (152) and Garret Chapel (170) won individual wrestling titles on Saturday at the Bob Kinney Classic.

Hunters Against Hunger program stirs debate

Students swarm valley high schools

Liquor sales surge in December

Woman in need 'touched by an angel'

Lawmakers push back on expanded bomber zone

Leather craftsman embraces 'old school' technique

Libby cleanup effective; questions linger

Transferring federal lands to state is bad idea

Federal overreach is dire threat to the rule of law

'Fishing a mile of river in another man's hat'

Ex-L.A. cop describes challenge of policing black America

The real tragedy

It's time to stop the lying!

Deputy reacts to deal in Gentry case

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Glacier High's Josie Jolly presents a point as Kalispell's Sam Clarin as the presiding officer listens during the final round of the legislative debate category of the Kalispell Western Regional Invitational at Glacier High on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Butch McHenry talks with Jean Fredenberg, left, and Isabelle Mattson during the Christmas at Our House. McHenry said he has been going to the Christmas at Our House dinner since it started 25 years ago. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Five-month-old Kaleb Berger plays with the Christmas tree centerpiece while sitting with his mom Anna Berger at the Christmas at Our House. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Lacie Angel prepares to dish some food at the Christmas at Our House. Angel was one about 200 volunteers at the event. Joe Baker, a 1st Lt. in the 495th Combat Sustainment Support Batallion and a member of the volunteer committe, said the community service is his favorite part of the dinner. (Aaric Bryan/Daily inter Lake)

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Ambria Doughtrey stretches to place a piece of pie at the Christmas at Our House on Saturday. Doughtrey was there volunteering with her Girl Scouts Troop 3375 Evergreen Elementary. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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James Duram of the Civilian Air Patrol gives J.R. Isles, playing Santa, a hug during the National Guard's 25th annual Christmas at Our House at the National Guard Armory dining hall on Saturday. Janice McMichael, the volunteer committee chair, estimated that 4,000 people enjoyed the free dinner. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Stacey Schultz warms herself by a fire before sleeping outside in front of the Sparrow's Nest on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

State asks: Any oil left from spill?

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Flathead Bravette guard Kylee Meredith drives past Great Falls High’s Hannah May during the third quarter of Saturday’s Class AA nonconference girls basketball game at Flathead High School. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Whooping cough in some schools

Scandinavian Natural Outerwear

Celia 'Cee' Margaret Goodman, 53

Conrad Rauthe Young, 1 month

Leave that poor woman alone

Dorothy Alene Moos O'Flynn, 97

Rae Marie Anderson, 72

Marvin 'Mike' Harold Solberg, 90

Donald J. Tweto, 89

Carol Ann Judge, 73

Wolverines win in double OT

Aleksei Garin scored on a power play in the second overtime to give the Whitefish Wolverines a 4-3 Western States Hockey League victory over the Butte Cobras at the Stumptown Ice Den on Friday night.

Boys basketball: Balanced Bigfork thumps Frenchtown, 70-48

MISSOULA — Adam Jordt turned in a double-double with 13 points and 10 assists to help Bigfork dump Frenchtown 70-48 in boys Northwest and Southwest Class A Tip-Off Classic basketball action Friday afternoon at the University of Montana.

Glacier, CMR girls basketball postponed

The Glacier girls basketball season and home opener on Friday evening with Great Falls C.M. Russell was postponed because of pertussis.

Glacier boys lose hoop opener to CMR

GREAT FALLS — The Great Falls C.M. Russell Rustlers scored 11 of their 27 first-half points from the charity stripe to down the Glacier Wolfpack 53-36 in Class AA nonconference boys basketball action Friday night.

Libby wrestlers split duals with Frenchtown, Browning

FRENCHTOWN — Defending Class A state wrestling champion Garret Chapel of Libby won twice by pin at the Frenchtown Mixer on Friday night.

Girls basketball: Whitefish spills Stevensville

MISSOULA — Haley Nicholson broke loose for 14 points and Dani Douglas helped out with 12 as Whitefish dumped Stevensville 40-34 at the girls Northwest and Southwest Class A Tip-Off Classic basketball tournament Friday afternoon at the University of Montana.

Rae Marie Anderson, 72

Marvin 'Mike' Harold Solberg, 90

Major storm sweeps through Southern California

Whitefish Wolverines

Members of the Whitefish Wolverines celebrate the first goal against the Butte Cobras at the Stumptown Ice Den on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Rare clouds fill Grand Canyon

Ex-Obama aides urging Warren to run for president

Scalia: Constitution silent on torture

Last known Mali Ebola case has recovered

Obama urges Senate to pass $1.1 trillion spending measure

Lawmaker faces fine over spending report

Three shot outside Portland high school

Defense disputes Missoula officer

Detective said victim moved around garage

Cashier is victim of tobacco attack-o

Panthers attack record number of farm animals

Wealth gap between whites, minorities grows

Police probe advancing swiftly in chokehold case

Whitefish snack program gains in popularity

New direction for student leadership

West Valley Peers as Leaders

Aluminum site cleanup may not start for six years

North Fork protection measure passes Congress

Packed house hears land-transfer debate

Tree topping angers landowner

Man offering $2,000 reward A Christmas crime

Tree Top Theif

A tree with its top removed mars the symmetry of the row of 30 trees that line the property of Roy and Barbara Albertus on Friday, December 12, east of Kalispell. The first 24 of the 16 foot trees were planted 7 years ago, with the final six being planted the next year. To replace the damaged tree Albertus will have to pay $300. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

A Christmas crime

Hill climbs to sixth

LAS VEGAS — A night after eight bull riders posted scores during the seventh performance of the PRCA National Finals Rodeo — the most of any round — eight more earned prize money during Thursday’s performance in Las Vegas.

C-Falls sweeps Flathead

COLUMBIA FALLS — The Columbia Falls boys and girls both improved to 2-0 on the basketball season Thursday evening by defeating Flathead in nonconference action.

Girls basketball: Glacier, C-Falls loaded, again

Another basketball season has arrived and once again the Flathead Valley has a host of talented girls teams with potential title runs in their sights.

Glacier drops wrestling dual with Missoula Sentinel

MISSOULA — Ryder Day (126), Sam Barber (138), Quinn Barber (152) and Isaac Sanez (170) all won by pin while Justin Gibson (113) won by a technical fall to account for all of Glacier’s scoring in a Western AA wrestling dual with Sentinel.

Carol Ann Judge, 73

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Flathead's Kelsey Gillespie knocks the ball away from Columbia Falls' Miranda Livingston during the Wildkats 50-37 win in Columbia Falls on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Columbia Falls' Trevor Houston flies past Flathead's Matt Marshall for a layup during the Wildcats' 70-45 win in Columbia Falls on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Doctor's impact was felt across valley

Dr. Louise Swanberg was by all accounts a woman who lived life to the fullest and embraced each and every day.

Crash survivor reunites with friends

 GREAT FALLS  (AP) — An 11-year-old Great Falls girl has reunited with her classmates for the first time since she was injured in a September plane crash that killed her grandmother.

Torture report: Montana terrorist story was a lie

 MISSOULA (AP) — A Senate report on CIA torture quotes one terrorist as saying he fabricated a story about trying to recruit black Muslims in Montana because he was subjected to “enhanced measures.”

Youths walk home after vehicle prank goes awry

A man saw something quite disturbing Wednesday afternoon on Spruce Road. A young man was running around without a shirt screaming for help when four other men grabbed him, stuffed him in the trunk of a car and took off. Officers with the

Democrats, Obama part on spending bill

WASHINGTON (AP) — In unlikely alliance, the Obama White House and House Republicans joined forces Thursday in a furious attempt to pass a $1.1 trillion governmentwide spending bill over clamorous protests from Democrats who said it would roll back bank regulations imposed in the wake of the economic near-meltdown of 2008.

CIA chief challenges Senate report

WASHINGTON (AP) — CIA Director John Brennan threaded a rhetorical needle in an unprecedented televised news conference at CIA headquarters Thursday, acknowledging that agency officers did “abhorrent” things to detainees but defending the overall post-9/11 interrogation program for stopping attacks and saving lives.

'Pineapple Express' drenches California

 SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A powerful storm churned down the West Coast Thursday, bringing strong gales and much-needed rain and snow that caused widespread blackouts in Northern California and whiteouts in the Sierra Nevada.   

Father captured on bridge; four sons safe

SAN DIEGO (AP) — A three-day search for a man wanted for questioning in his wife’s disappearance and the abduction of their four young sons ended dramatically Thursday when police officers tackled him on a freeway bridge as he began climbing over a railing 150 feet above the ground. All four boys were safe.

Blue Cross to pay $1 million over complaints

BILLINGS (AP) — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana will pay $1 million under an agreement announced Thursday to avoid legal action from regulators who received hundreds of complaints over the company’s services.

Court sets hearing for Barry Beach case

BILLINGS — The Montana Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in February on a petition by convicted murderer Barry Beach to be resentenced in a 1979 killing he says he didn’t commit.

No one hurt when blast hits Whitefish construction site

A crew of construction workers were thanking their lucky stars Thursday morning after a large propane explosion shook Whitefish awake but left no injuries and minimal damage in its wake.

Tribes, state reach new deal on water

Montana officials have reached a new agreement on a water compact with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock and Attorney General Tim Fox announced Thursday.

Spending bill leaves out county money

Montana counties could lose $20 million — including $9.8 million in Northwest Montana — in federal funding for schools and roads under a spending bill moving through Congress.

County delays decision on 'doughnut' regulations

The Flathead County Planning Board on Wednesday delayed a recommendation on how to proceed with Whitefish area zoning and lakeshore regulations because the board hadn’t received all of the public comments and correspondence.

Students join Hour of Code effort

Flathead Valley students on Thursday participated in a worldwide Hour of Code in celebration of Computer Science Education Week.

Missoula gunman says he panicked

MISSOULA — A Missoula man on trial in the shooting death of a German exchange student said in a telephone call after the incident that he didn’t know if the person he shot inside his garage was armed and that he panicked.

Flathead High launches new Wall of Excellence

 On Dec. 18, Flathead High School will induct the first group of alumni into a new Academic Wall of Excellence, putting a spotlight on pioneers of the International Baccalaureate Programme.

Seven bucks slaughtered

This is the scene west of Trout Creek where seven whitetail bucks were killed. (Fish, Wildlife and Parks photo)

Wood pellets

Flathead High School Woods I student Avery Knoll runs the school's pelletizer while student Tucker Nadeau watches for quality control. Flathead woods and International Baccalaureate students are entering a new business and curriculum venture this year making, marketing and selling wood pellets using recycled materials.

Students in two programs join efforts to produce wood pellets

Flathead High School is trying a new business venture in wood pellets.

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Flathead's Lauren Clark drives the lane against Liz Lorentz during the Black and Orange Game at Flathead High School on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Tiana Johnson puts up a shot over Kenzie Harvey during the Orange and Black Game at Flathead High School on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

APTOPIX California Storms

People use kayaks and a canoe to make their way around a flooded parking lot at a shopping center Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014, in Healdsburg, Calif. A powerful storm churned through Northern California Thursday, knocking out power to tens of thousands and delaying commuters while soaking the region with much-needed rain. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

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Darlene Hoyt shows Karen Shelt the afghan she is knitting for the grand children Shelt is expecting in May during a Knit Wit knitting session at the Big Arm Fire Station on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Jan Phillips knits a scarf during a recent Knit Wit meeting. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Darlene Hoyt shares a laugh with her fellow Knit Wits during a knitting session at the Big Arm Fire Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014. (Aaric Bryan Daily Inter Lake)

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Hats, sweaters, teddy bears, gloves and other things the Knit Wits make sit on a table ready to be donated to a charity. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Nancy Foster, left, gets help from Mariam Retzer on a scarf she was having a problem with. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Muldown technology teacher Gary Carmichael helps third-grader Sevin Kawulok solve a code at the school's technolgy center on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Montana Life: Freeman Leather

Detail of a leather notebook holder Stan Freeman created at least 30 years ago. He said it is not one of his first pieces, but it is definitely among his early work. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Flathead Wood Shop helps Toys for Tots

Flathead junior Mark Heidegger rounds off the edges of stick horse heads on Thursday, December 11, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Louise Hubbard Alderson, 72

Louise Hubbard Alderson was born on Aug. 24, 1942, in Libby to Eurrcel and Clarke Hubbard.

John 'Mogo' Mogolis, 43

John "Mogo" Mogolis, 43, born Jan. 28, 1971, in Kalispell, passed away Nov. 23, 2014, in Palm Desert, California.

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This Week in the Flathead Events Calendar | Dec. 11-17

Whitefish Christmas Stroll

View of downtown Whitefish from the second story balcony at Casey's on Monday. Whitefish shops are decorating in preparation for the annual Whitefish Christmas Stroll on Friday.

Whitefish Christmas Stroll has something for everyone

Walking in a winter wonderland

Winter has arrived in Whitefish. The Whitefish Mountain Resort is open for skiing, the holiday decorations are up downtown, and all that’s left is to light the Christmas tree.

Boys basketball: New coaches, new 5s

Boys basketball in northwest Montana will look a lot different this winter.

Northern exposure: Former Flathead QB Reilly has Edmonton challenging for the Cup

All Kalispell’s Mike Reilly wanted was a chance to play football.

Wrestling season in full swing

Columbia Falls has a rich tradition on the mats, but standout Shonn Roberts is looking to become the first Wildcat to join an elite group of high school wrestlers.

Water compact supporters just running a bluff?

When do you know someone is bluffing? And when to call that bluff?  

Did Obamacare really cut Medicare?

I guess, if you repeat a lie over and over, you expect it to become true. This is not the case in Lester Still’s letter of Nov. 2, when he cites the supposed $716 billion cut from Medicare in the Affordable Care Act. I challenge Mr. Still, or anyone else to show where even one dollar has been cut from Medicare in the Affordable Care Act !

Is tolerance a one-way street?

In November the Washington National Cathedral, a major Episcopal church, allowed Muslims to hold a service in their cathedral. The Rev. Franklin Graham, son of the Rev. Billy Graham, disparaged the action since it allowed a prayer service to the Muslim god Allah rather than Jesus Christ in a Christian house of worship. Most praised the action as a sign of tolerance.

GOP shoots itself in the foot again

Why does the Montana Republican Party continue to do things that make our state the laughingstock of the nation? The recent move by Republican House leadership to issue a dress code has caused a firestorm on national networks, major papers and social media. What were the GOP leaders thinking when they issued a dress code right out of a high school handbook.

Vouchers offered for free flu shots

 FamilyWize Community Service Partnership and United Way are helping distribute 1,000 free flu shot vouchers provided by Walgreens.

Farewell party planned for county officials

Flathead County will host a farewell open house on Thursday, Dec. 18, to honor three elected officials who are leaving their positions at the end of the year.

Flying dough

Lorie Hafer, Kalispell Public Schools assistant food service director, throws her dough in the air as she learns how to prepare homemade bread and pizza crust from Kalispell Regional Medical Center Chef Seth Bostick at the Kalispell Central Kitchen on Wednesday. The training of Kalispell and Bigfork bakers was part of a commitment to use local food products and increase cooking from scratch.

Woman's death in fire still under investigation

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the death of a Lakeside woman who died in a house fire Nov. 13.

Malala's moment: Nobel winner speaks out

 OSLO, Norway (AP) — The Pakistani teenager stood on the stage of Oslo City Hall as the youngest Nobel Peace laureate, smiling as she listened to the thunderous ovation.

Audubon picks education leader

Patti Mason has been appointed the new contractor for the Flathead Audubon Conservation Education Program.

Parking plan closer to finality

The Kalispell Planning Board is closer to making a recommendation to the Kalispell City Council to resolve the parking issue around Flathead High and Elrod Elementary schools.

Dress rehearsal for legislative distractions

It’s supposed to be the legislative session, not the silly season, but sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference.

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Law agencies plan DUI crackdown

Local law enforcement will have a bigger presence this holiday season as Columbia Falls Police, Whitefish Police, Kalispell Police, the Montana Highway Patrol and the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office participate in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign to keep impaired drivers off the road.

Smith Valley School limits peanut exposure

Smith Valley School has been a virtually peanut-free campus since Sept. 26.

City needs state help to pay for public works

Infrastructure, and how to pay for it, is shaping up to be a key topic for the 2015 Montana legislative session.

State gets $10 million grant for preschools

HELENA (AP) — Montana was awarded a $10 million federal grant Wednesday to help develop preschool programs for 4-year-olds from low- and moderate-income families.

CIA fights back after Senate torture report

WASHINGTON — Top spies past and present campaigned Wednesday to discredit the Senate’s investigation into the CIA’s harrowing torture practices after 9/11, battling to define the historical record and deter potential legal action around the world.

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Alex Croymans drives the baseline during the Braves' scrimmage at Flathead High School on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Flathead's Blake Wilson goes up for a shot in a crowd of defenders during the Orange and Black Game at Flathead High School on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Taden Gilman (24) puts up a shot between Blayne Bailey (33) and Pat O'Connel during Glacier's scrimmage. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Her phone was on mute the hard way

It’s a problem everyone with a cellphone has encountered, but with a scary twist. A man called

Support for $1.1 trillion spending bill wavers

WASHINGTON (AP) — Exposed to the light of day, a year-end, $1.1 trillion spending bill drew vociferous objections from liberals and milder criticism from conservatives on Wednesday while lawmakers readied a brief, stopgap measure to prevent a government shutdown both parties vowed to avoid.

Health insurance sign-ups increase

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration says sign-ups picked up last week under the president’s health care law.

New HPV vaccine boosts protection against cancer

WASHINGTON (AP) — The drugmaker Merck & Co. Inc. has received approval for an updated version of its Gardasil vaccine that protects against an additional five strains of the virus that causes most cases of cervical cancer.

California braces for severe storm

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Crews in Northern California cleared storm drains and residents loaded up on sandbags Wednesday ahead of a powerful storm expected to pack hurricane-force winds capable of toppling trees and power lines and heavy rains causing streams and rivers to flood.

Humpbacks in New York City

A humpback whale surfaces near the Rockaway peninsula near New York City in June 2014. (AP Photo/Gotham Whale)

Humpback whales increasing in waters near NYC

NEW YORK (AP) — Maybe they want to sing on Broadway.

Malala Yousafzai

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai puts her hands to her face during the award ceremony in Oslo, Norway, on Wednesday. (AP Photo)

Patti Mason

Janitor injured at ski resort

A 26-year-old night janitor at Summit House at Whitefish Mountain Resort was seriously injured while loading the dumbwaiter Tuesday night.

Audobon Mason

James 'Jimmy' F. Burke Jr., 48

James F. Burke Jr. of Kalispell “went to be with his Lord” on December 7, 2014.

Dennis Eugene Strand, 72

Louise Hubbard Alderson, 72

Bennett, Olson land Coach of Year awards

Grady Bennett of Glacier High School and Tim Olson of Whitefish High School have been named Coach of the Year for their respective sports by the Montana Coaches Association.

Bulldogs split mat action with Libby, Polson

WHITEFISH — Matthew Sampson was a double winner for Whitefish as the Bulldogs split Northwestern A dual wrestling action with Libby and Polson on Tuesday evening.

Crowding, funding concerns at top of superintendent's agenda

The six months of Mark Flatau’s first year as Kalispell Public Schools superintendent have been replete with challenges and successes.

Health adviser apologizes for 'glib' remarks

Economist Jonathan Gruber testifies on Capitol Hill on Tuesday before the House Oversight Committee health-care hearing.

Britain's Prince William, Kate visit Sept. 11 Memorial

Britain’s Prince William, left, and Joe Daniels, president of the 9/11 Memorial, look on as Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, lays flowers at the edge of a memorial pool at the National Sept. 11 Memorial in New York on Tuesday. (AP photo)

Prosecution deferred for woman shot by deputy

A deferred prosecution agreement has been reached for Michelle Gentry, the Columbia Falls woman who was shot by a sheriff’s deputy in October 2013.

Mother, two young sons die in plane crash

GAITHERSBURG, Md. (AP) — Residents of a suburban community adjacent to a small, regional airport said they don’t give much thought to the jets that fly over their homes daily.

Snowboarders saved from mountain

Two snowboarders were rescued from the Hellroaring Basin after going out of bounds at Whitefish Mountain Resort on Monday evening.

New dress code for state House draws ridicule

HELENA — Some Democratic legislators are critical and social-media posters are having a field day ridiculing a strict new dress code for the floor of the 2015 Montana Legislature.

Speech event involves 600 students

Judges still needed for Kalispell meet

Flathead and Glacier high schools are gearing up to host the Kalispell Western Regional Invitational speech and debate tournament Friday and Saturday.

Health center receives grants totaling $42,645

Flathead County has received $42,645 in Health Center Quality Improvement Grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Post office will deliver holiday packages on two Sundays

To help with the hustle of the holiday season, the Kalispell Post Office will expand delivery of packages to include Sundays for the final two weeks before Christmas, Dec. 14 and 21.

Commissioners approve accessory dwellings

A zoning amendment to allow accessory dwellings in most Flathead County zoning districts won unanimous approval from the county commissioners on Tuesday.

CFAC breaks off talks with state

Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. has ended discussions with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality over the state’s pursuit of an environmental assessment of the defunct plant site.

Senate report: Harsh CIA tactics didn't work

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States brutalized scores of terror suspects with interrogation tactics that turned secret CIA prisons into chambers of suffering and did nothing to make America safer after the 9/11 attacks, Senate investigators concluded Tuesday.

German student thought crimes were a game

 MISSOULA (AP) — A teenager who was with a German exchange student the night he was fatally shot in a Montana garage testified at the homeowner’s murder trial Tuesday that his friend thought burglarizing garages was a game and didn’t know he could get shot.

Mark Flatau

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Jack E. Isaacs, 64

Jack E. Isaacs, 64, of Corvallis, passed away Monday, Dec. 8, 2014, at the Marcus Daly Hospice and Palliative Care Center in Hamilton.

Kenneth Lyle Ausk, 80

Kenneth Lyle Ausk, 80, passed away peacefully on Dec. 2, 2014, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center following a head injury.

Edith Gaertner, 93

PALS: Peers as Leaders

Gabrel Jess Johnston, 17

Gabrel Jess Johnston was born April 19, 1997, in Kalispell.

Jason Joseph McIntyre, 42

Brittney Rene Bennetts, 37

Brittney Rene Bennetts, 37, of Kalispell, passed away in Dallas on Dec. 3, 2013.

This Week in the Flathead: Whitefish Winter Stroll

A Santa figurine hangs over the intersection of Central Avenue and Second Street in downtown Whitefish on Monday, December 8. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

The Culinary Institute of Montana Commencement

Graduating senior Taylor Baer hugs Instructional Assistant Michelle Hicks before the commencement ceremony for The Culinary Institute of Montana on Monday evening, December 8, at Flathead Valley Community College. Hicks is a 2011 graduate of the program who was hired shortly after graduating. The ceremony included remarks by President Jane Karas, Foundation Director Colleen Unterreiner and Executive Chef Howard Karp. Other graduates inlcude: Kelsey Cofer, Zoe Gaiser, Alexander Hanson, Jon Hartig, Cody Hegstrum, Caille Moles, Joseph O'Hagan, Rebecca Tomas, and Terry Van Tine. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Meeting ahead on Whitefish road project

The reconstruction of West Seventh Street in Whitefish will be discussed at a meeting on Wednesday hosted by the city of Whitefish.

Libby cleanup

More than 2,060 properties have been cleaned of asbestos in the Libby area.  (Environmental Protection Agency photo)  

FFA teams shine at national convention

Two teams from Flathead FFA represented Montana at the 87th National FFA Convention and Expo in Louisville, Kentucky.

Callers attempt to foil drunken driving

Multiple callers contacted the

Report: Libby cleanup efforts have reduced health risks

Legislators to debate land transfers

State Rep. Ed Lieser, D-Whitefish, and State Sen. Jennifer Fielder, R-Thompson Falls, on Thursday will debate the effects and ramifications of transferring federal lands to the state of Montana.

Livestock team advances to Western Roundup

The Flathead FFA livestock evaluation team has had a milestone year, earning top honors in national competition and qualifying for the Western National Roundup in Fort Collins, Colorado.

College president takes part in summit

Flathead Valley Community College President Jane Karas was part of a prestigious group of educators and administrators Thursday as President Barack Obama hosted the Summit on College Opportunity in Washington, D.C.

Fog complicates flight plans at airports

Airline flights resumed Monday after thick fog delayed planes across Western Montana for the second day in a row.

Boyd Robert Rogers, infant

Boyd Robert Rogers, son of Kent and Brinn Rogers, formerly of Whitefish and Kalispell, was born on Nov. 26, 2014, in Leesburg, Va. 

Jessie (Shefferd) Bronson, 74

Jessie (Shefferd) Bronson, 74, died peacefully on Nov. 29, 2014.

Hanging Christmas Lights at the Historic Flathead County Courthouse

Don Mills and Randy McDowell of building maintenance hang Christmas lights on the 65 foot tall Blue Spruces in front of the historic Flathead County Courthouse on Monday, December 8, in Kalispell. The exact age of the trees is uncertain but they are guessed to be at least 75 years old. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Elva Jessie Bronson

Elva Jessie Bronson, 74

Elva Jessie Bronson, 74, died peacefully on Nov. 29, 2014. 

Michelle Drager and Bean

Executive Director at the North Valley Hospital Foundation Michelle Drager sits with "Bean" the therapy dog on Nov. 25, in Whitefish.

The Rev. Bradley Wirth

The Rev. Canon Bradley Wirth sits with his dog Little Bear at the All Saints' Episcopal Church on Wednesday. Bradley will read his "A Christmas Offertory," at the church on Monday. The story is a about a homeless man and a group of animals coming together on Christmas Eve.

National firm buys Torrent Technologies

National insurance company Marsh USA has purchased Torrent Technologies, a Kalispell-based flood insurance business.

Whitefish subdivision sues over city's no-gate rule

The Grouse Mountain Estates Homeowners Association has sued the city of Whitefish over a recent resolution passed by the City Council that stiffened the city’s prohibition of gated communities.

Snow plowing causes dispute

A Talbot Road resident called the

Priest's personal story reflected in Christmas tale

In the quiet of a small country church this evening, a Christmas story like no other will unfold.

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Basketball roundup: Flathead swept in Bozeman

BOZEMAN — Flathead hung with Bozeman for first eight minutes before the Hawks exploded for a 76-35 Class AA boys basketball victory on Saturday.

Wrestling: Mat Cats win 3 at Polson Invitational

POLSON — Three-time Class A defending state champion Shonn Roberts took the individual title at 138 pounds on Saturday at the Polson Invitational wrestling tournament.

Wrestling: Braves go 2-1 at Capital City Duals

HELENA — Flathead left the mats at the Capital City Duals on Saturday with a 2-1 mark with three wrestlers going 3-0 — Trae Vasquez (113), Anthony Wright (160) and Logan Wilson (182).

Basketball: C-Falls sweeps Corvallis

COLUMBIA FALLS — Nearly a month removed from the gridiron, Ty Morgan appears to be in midseason form on the hardwood.

Off in a splash: Local swimmers kick off season at Kalispell Invite

Sophomore Nate Burnham won the 200 freestyle and freshman Jessica Loyda turned in the fastest time in the 50 freestyle to lead the Glacier boys and girls at the Kalispell Invitational swim meet on Saturday at The Summit.

Makena Morley defends West regional XC crown

WALNUT, Calif. — Makena Morley, a senior at Bigfork High School, defended her Foot Locker West Regional cross country title on Saturday at Mt. San Antonio College while Glacier freshman Annie Hill finished fourth and Bigfork freshman Bryn Morley was sixth in an elite field of 143 runners.

Paranoid woman hops into cop car

Samaritan House meets basic needs for homeless in our community

HOMELESS SHELTER

Bigfork restaurant brings ingredients straight from the motherland

Asbestos crisis not in the past yet

Benghazi survivor visits Bigfork

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Snipstead-Van Allen

Teachers quietly help kids in need

Flathead County: Building project moving forward

Whitefish: New boutique hotel proposed

Jackson Hole woman recalls Pearl Harbor attack

El Rancho

El Rancho co-owner Jonathan Galvan-Talamantes, left, visits with customers during lunch at the restaurant. He said the employees try to remember regular customers, and customer service is important to all of the staff. "We know customers are our lifeblood," he said. "So we treat them like family." (Brianna Loper/The Daily Inter Lake)

New restaurant a family affair: El Rancho offers homemade Mexican food

Idaho mom seeks $1 million for injured tot

Climate change could mean end for glacier bug

Thousands take to the slopes

Is evolution to socialism reversible? or not?

Beat CO2: Plant a tree; put out coal fires

Legislator details changes sought in water compact

Water compact dilemma: A complex problem, but is there an easy solution?

Citizen Carl was tireless advocate

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A snowboarder finds some fresh powder in the trees on the back side of Whitefish Mountain Resort on Saturday. The Flower Point triple chair lift opened on Saturday to give riders and skiers access to more terrain on the north side of the resort. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Glacier's Kenna Bemis takes a breath during the 200-yard freestyle relay as she races Flathead's Madison Lovett during the Kalispell Invitational at the Summit on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Whitefish Mountain Resort

Louise Elaine Swanberg, 65

Flathead tops Whitefish in opener

WHITEFISH — With fresh legs late, Flathead pulled away from Whitefish to turn a tie game at halftime into a 73-54 blowout in the first boys basketball game of the season for the two schools Friday night.

Johnson guides Bravettes by Bulldogs, 49-35

WHITEFISH — The upstart Whitefish Lady Bulldogs went toe-to-toe with the Class AA Flathead Bravettes early in their nonconference basketball game on Friday night, but couldn’t overcome Tiana Johnson’s 15 points as Flathead went on to take the season opener 49-35.

Braves pin dual loss on Bulldogs

BUTTE — Flathead won a pinfest with the Butte Bulldogs on Friday in Class AA wrestling dual action.

Wolfpack drops mat dual to Butte

BUTTE — Justin Gibson (113), Ryder Day (126), Sam Barber (132) and Eli Horn (285) all posted pins in their first match of the Class AA wrestling season Friday afternoon for Glacier, but it wasn’t enough to get the Wolfpack a dual victory over Butte.

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Flathead's Kylee Meredith is fouled as she goes up between Whitefish's Haley Nicholson (left) and Katie Fyall (11) during the second quarter of Friday’s nonconference basketball game in Whitefish. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Flathead’s Blake Wilson is fouled by Whitefish’s Chaffin Ross as he drives to the basket during the second quarter of Friday’s nonconference basketball game in Whitefish. It was the season opener for both teams. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

911 call: German student bleeding from 'everywhere'

Wyoming, feds to appeal wolf ruling

Pentagon veteran picked for Defense job

Push-ups in the park? No problem

On the mend: Whitefish teens on the road to recovery after horrific crash

Crow chairman says federal climate plan would hurt tribe

New U.S. spacecraft flies high

Peeping Tom gets 10 years in prison

MSU student injured in dorm room blast

Flathead grad Ben Clanton: Finding success in children's books

Ben Clanton gives Whitefish sixth-grader Chaz Gillette a high five after Gillette came up with an idea to finish their story panel at Whitefish Middle School on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Louise Elaine Swanberg, 65

U.S. House leaders move to avoid immigration showdown

House OKs defense bill with public lands package

No parole for North Fork killer

Glacier's McChesney, Hill named all-state MVPs in AA football

Glacier seniors Brady McChesney and Josh Hill were named Class AA offensive and defensive most valuable players, leading 20 players from the state champions named to the all-state teams, released Friday.

North Fork killer J.R. Fletcher

North Fork killer J.R. Fletcher in 2006.

Man arrested in rape of toddler

West Valley youth dies in highway crash

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Cheryl Schwegel, left, is embraced by The Retreat at Buffalo Hill nurse Lauri Stevens as Skyler Schwegel prepares to leave the rehabilitative center on Wednesday, Nov., 26, 2014. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Skyler Schwegel is hugged by Claudette Sexton a nurse at The Retreat at Buffalo Hill as Schwegel prepares to be released from the center on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Chynna Graham hangs a blue ornament on the Christmas tree outside of the Flathead Justice Center on Thursday before the lighting ceremony. The blue ornaments and blue lights on the tree are in rememberance for law enforcement who died in the line of duty. Chynna's father, David Graham, was a Montana Highway Patrol Trooper killed in an automobile accident in 2007. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Andy Hergesheimer inspect an ornament on the Christmas Tree during the Blue Lighting Ceremony at the Flathead Justice Center on Thursday. Andy's father, Randolph Hergesheimer was an agent for the Montana Department of Justice and killed in an automobile accident in 1980. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Climate Plan-Indian Tribe

In this May 9, 2008, file photo, a dragline crane operates at the Westmoreland Coal mine northeast of Hardin, Montana. Up to two to two-thirds of the impoverished Crow tribe’s revenue comes from the 15,000-acre Westmoreland Resources mine that sends coal to power plants in the Midwest. The chairman of the coal-dependent Crow Nation wants a break from the Obama administration’s climate proposal and says the pending rule violates the government’s trust responsibility to the Montana tribe. (AP Photo/Billings Gazette, David Grubbs, File)

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Reverend Canon Bradley Wirth stands with his dog Little Bear outside the All Saints' Episcopal Church on Wednesday. Bradley will read his "A Christmas Offertory," at the church on Monday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

On the mend

Harold Olaf Moen, 97

Active Senior: Jane Adams

Jane Adams of Kalispell in her home yoga studio on Thursday afternoon, December 4. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

King and I

Mikey Winn and Amy Chisholm rehearse a scene from the Whitefish Theatre Company's production of the King and I. The show opens Friday, December 5, 2014.

Kalispell Invitational first outing for local swimmers

The high school swim season for Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Flathead, Glacier and Whitefish begins Saturday with the Kalispell Invitational at The Summit.

Don't celebrate killing of animals

Now we know who decides who gets to have an opinion...

Don't single out Agency on Aging

Water compact commission is classic overreach

Higher speed limit worth a look

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If the pants don't fit, please stay home

Store offers Thanksgiving supplies on honor system

Governor to join local wreath event

Matching challenge issued in funding campaign

NASA reschedules Orion launch due to weather

Study: Killing wolves means more attacks

Teens testify in student shooting trial

Ready for ski season: Resort prepares for opening day

Judith 'Judy' Adelaide Mullen Herman, 73

Donna L. Sutton, 82

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Whitefish Mountain Resort ski patrol member Kim Lindstrom puts a pole in the snow to mark the chairlift on Wednesday. The resort opens on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Whitefish Mountain Resort ski patrol member Kim Lindstrom puts a pole in the snow to mark the chairlift on Wednesday. The resort opens on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Ready for ski season

West Reserve Collision

From left, James Boyce, Jack Knuffke and Terri Shively of the Evergreen Fire Department assist in the transport of the driver of the white car at the scene of a collision on Thursday, December 4, on West Reserve Drive in Evergreen. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Moroldo's Fine Italian Restaurant

Detail of a plate of Bucatini alla Romana, made with pancetta, onions, fresh tomatoes and olives. The Bucatini noodles are from Rome. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

This Week in the Flathead Events Calendar | Dec. 4-10

The Whitefish Theatre Company presents a classic

'The King and I'

The Whitefish Theatre Company is bringing the splendor of Siam to town for the holidays with their production of “The King and I.” The musical will run for three weekends at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish, Dec. 5-7, 12-14, and 19-21. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday performances begin at 4 p.m. There will be a “sneak preview” night Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m.

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Bigfork bouncing back

Bigfork went undefeated on its run to the Class B state boys’ basketball championship last season, topping Columbus 71-62 in front of a packed house in Bozeman to bring the title back to the shores of Flathead Lake.

Chip seal for gravel roads in county?

I do not live anywhere near the KM road but I use it many times a year. Might I suggest a solution to the paving issue.

Opponents of same-sex marriage can't give up fight

In the Nov. 23 paper, there was a letter entitled “What about 70 percent?” that wanted to know why the 70 percent of Montanans who opposed same-sex marriage were being ignored.

'Hands up, don't shoot' is Big Lie

Adolf Hitler once remarked to his inner circle of Nazis, “If you tell a big lie and tell it often enough, people will start to believe it” and so the Jews were the ruination of Europe according to Adolf Hitler and his group of thugs and so they started down the road to the Second World War which cost the lives of over 60 million people.

Family member appreciates kind words for co-op emergency team

I just read a letter to the editor from Keith Armstrong of Columbia Falls. This was such a wonderful gesture, thanking the employees of Flathead Electric Cooperative for the long hours they worked in frigid temperatures to restore electricity to the valley and beyond.  

Wrong target?

On Nov. 24, I was hunting west of Kalispell in the Thompson River Road area. I was a little over a mile behind a closed road while glassing a ridge for elk.

Bullock vying to run national group

 HELENA (AP) — Gov. Steve Bullock is vying to chair the group dedicated to electing Democratic governors — a position that would give him a prominent platform as he heads into his own re-election bid.

'The ball has been given to Republicans'

When he takes office next month, Ryan Zinke will be the first Navy SEAL to serve in Congress.

Chocolate event attracts sellout crowd of 480

It was all about the chocolate as a sold-out crowd of 480 people gathered at the Hilton Garden Inn Wednesday for the Flathead Republican Women’s annual Chocolate Extravaganza.

Longtime Kalispell doctor Swanberg dies

Well-known Kalispell physician Louise Swanberg died unexpectedly Tuesday at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. She was 65.

Lake where three disappeared now frozen over

CUT BANK — Law enforcement officers in northern Montana have suspended the search for a Canadian man and a Japanese woman who went missing during a fishing trip because the lake has frozen over and recent heavy snow has made it difficult to even access the area.

Chocolate takes center stage

Linda Agather of Kalispell picks out chocolate treats at the Flathead County Republican Women’s 30th Annual Chocolate Extravaganza on Wednesday at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kalispell. The event had a sellout crowd of 480 people.

Public-lands package promising

In a welcome display of bipartisanship, Montana’s congressional delegation has stepped up with a plan to get the long-delayed North Fork Watershed Protection Act passed.

Tribal chairman says fraud charges are false

 GREAT FALLS (AP) — The on-again, off-again chairman of the Chippewa Cree Tribe has denied allegations that he defrauded the tribe with exaggerated claims by his construction company and by overcharging for equipment rental.

Warden rescues deer stranded on ice three days

A deer stranded on the ice at Bigfork Harbor for three days was rescued Wednesday by a warden with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Daybook

Today, Dec. 4

Muralist displays work at celebration

The works of LaJeanne Tanner loom large over the dozens of nativity scenes in Kalispell’s Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Longtime Kalispell doctor Louise Swanberg dies

Montana, other states file suit over immigration action

HOUSTON — Texas, Montana and 15 other states sued the federal government and immigration agencies in U.S. District Court on Wednesday to try to derail President Barack Obama’s executive action deferring deportation for up to 5 million people, arguing it’s unconstitutional and will worsen the humanitarian crisis on the U.S.-Mexico border.

N.Y. officer cleared in chokehold death

NEW YORK — A grand jury cleared a white New York City police officer Wednesday in the videotaped chokehold death of an unarmed black man stopped for selling loose, untaxed cigarettes — a case that sparked outrage and drew comparisons to the deadly police shooting in Ferguson, Missouri.

Justices weigh bias claim of pregnant UPS driver

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two of the three women on the Supreme Court vigorously questioned a UPS lawyer Wednesday over the company’s refusal to give lighter duty to a pregnant worker, a closely watched case with potentially broad impact for female workers and their employers.

Albino horse shot to death near Butte

Mistaken hunter suspected

BUTTE — Police suspect a confused hunter might have shot and killed an albino quarter horse near Butte.

Montana land bills merged into defense legislation

Members of Montana’s congressional delegation announced Wednesday they have come on an agreement for a major public-lands bill that rolls several pieces of key conservation legislation into a defense spending bill that Congress could pass in the next week.

Kenneth Edwin Brooks, 70

Joel Patrick Drager, 49

Ryan Zinke at 30th Annual Chocolate Extravaganza

U.S. Rep.-Elect Ryan Zinke serves treats at the Flathead County Republican Women’s Chocolate Extravaganza on Wednesday in Kalispell.

30th Annual Chocolate Extravaganza

Katie Flores won the third place ribbon in the Appearance Amateur Cakes and Tortes category at the Flathead County Republican Women's 30th Annual Chocolate Extravaganza on Wednesday, December 3, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

This week in the Flathead: The King and I

Madison Wambeke as Tuptim and Denton Mclean as Lun Tha rehearse a scene from the King and I on Tuesday, December 2, at the O'Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. The play opens tonight with a sneak preview night at 7:30 p.m. Performances continue on Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. and on Dec. 7, 14, and 21 at 4 p.m. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

'The King and I'

Amy Chisholm as Anna Leonowens rehearsing a scene from "The King and I" on Dec. 2, at the O'Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.The stage floor is made of pages with text from the original writings of Anna Leonowens.

North Fork

Coyote Killing Contest

In this January 2014 photo provided by Curtis Wright shows Wright holding up a coyote he shot during a prize hunt near California City, California. Curtis shot the large coyote, weighing 45 pounds, from a distance of 60 yards. Wright says he has participated and won many prize coyote hunts. The California Fish and Game Commission is considering a ban on awarding prizes for coyote hunting, which critics considered to be cruel and unsportsmanlike. (AP Photo/Terry Wright)

Supreme Court Pregnancy Discrimination

Vasu Reddy, left, and Harini Srinivasan, right, who are supporters of Peggy Young, a Virginia woman who lost her UPS job because she became pregnant, attend a rally outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014. The Supreme Court is weighing how much employers must do to accommodate pregnant workers under a federal law aimed at combating discrimination against them. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

May, Sandry lead local postseason honors

Luke May and Josh Sandry piled up accolades after taking the Whitefish Bulldogs and Bigfork Vikings to the semifinals in their respective classes as postseason football awards covered the Flathead Valley on Tuesday with the release of the Class A and B all-conference and all-state football teams.

Daybook

Today, Dec. 3

Local man an engineer for Orion spacecraft project

Flathead grad Dan Baca a key part of team for Thursday spacecraft launch TO MARS AND BEYOND

Growing up in Montana, Dan Baca had an amazing view of the stars, but he had no idea the stars were in his future.

Car reportedly pushed into a ditch

The

House may vote on immigration order

WASHINGTON  — The Republican-led House may vote this week to undo President Barack Obama’s executive actions on immigration, House Speaker John Boehner told lawmakers Tuesday as he sought to give outraged conservatives an outlet to vent over Obama’s move without shutting down the government.

Ashton Carter is Obama's likely Pentagon pick

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Pentagon official Ashton Carter is likely to be President Barack Obama’s nominee for defense secretary, according to administration officials, putting him in line to take over a sprawling department that has had an uneasy relationship with the White House.

Malmstrom nuclear officer charged in drug probe

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Air Force is court-martialing a nuclear missile launch officer on drug and obstruction-of-justice charges stemming from a criminal investigation that led to the disclosure last winter of a separate exam-cheating scandal that implicated nearly 100 nuclear officers.

State says Barry Beach has run out of court appeals

HELENA — Barry Beach, who is serving a 100-year prison sentence for a 1979 murder he says he didn’t commit, has been given unprecedented opportunity to argue his innocence and for a reduced sentence and deserves no more, the state said in a filing with the Montana Supreme Court.

More plea deals struck in tribal corruption case

 BILLINGS (AP) — Two more defendants in a sweeping corruption investigation into Montana’s Chippewa Cree tribe have agreed to plead guilty to federal charges, according to court documents filed Monday.

Man charged with cruelty to macaw

 GREAT FALLS (AP) — A Great Falls man is charged with animal cruelty for allegedly punching, choking and breaking the leg of a macaw on Thanksgiving.

Council OKs boat company's expansion plan

After considerable debate Monday night, the Kalispell City Council approved a planned-unit development for a boat and trailer sales and repair facility on U.S. 93 South.

Zinke selects state director

HELENA (AP) — Republican Montana Congressman-elect Ryan Zinke has hired Randy Vogel to oversee his state offices.

Tree permits available from Forest Service

Christmas tree permits from the Flathead National Forest are available for $5 at Forest Service offices in Kalispell, Hungry Horse, and Bigfork or from a variety of vendors across the valley.

Whitefish OKs nondiscrimination measure

The Whitefish City Council, trying to support diversity in the community while protecting First Amendment rights to free speech, unanimously approved a nondiscrimination resolution Monday night.

Compact a top issue for local legislators

The tribal water rights compact, tax reform and infrastructure needs statewide are shaping up to be priority issues as the Montana Legislature prepares to convene in January.

Bullock: Coal, wind needed in climate plan

BILLINGS (AP) — Montana Gov. Steve Bullock said the Obama administration needs to spend more money to improve coal plant technologies and clear the way for more wind power if it’s serious about countering climate change.

Local man an engineer for Orion

Baca is a senior systems engineer for the Orion project.

Bryce R. Floch, 41

Bryce Roger Floch of Kalispell, passed away Nov. 16, 2014, of natural causes, at the age of 41.

Bea Kay Clark, 41

Malvern 'Kasey' Alsbury III, 59

Alvin Krejci, 89

Hollister 'Holly' Earl Eastlund, 86

Hollister "Holly" Earl Eastlund, 86, died peacefully Nov. 26, 2014, of natural causes at Brendan House in Kalispell.

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Immigration

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014, before a House Homeland Security Committee hearing on the impact of President Barack Obama's executive action on immigration. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Climate Control Decades

FILE - In this Jan. 19, 2012 file photo, smoke rises in this time exposure image from the stacks of the La Cygne Generating Station coal-fired power plant in La Cygne, Kan. Carbon dioxide pollution has increased steadily, by 60 percent, from 1992 to 2013. In 1992, the world spewed 24.9 billion tons of carbon dioxide, now it is 39.8 billion, according to scientists at the Global Carbon Project international consortium. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

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Defense Secretary

FILE - In this Feb. 12, 2013 file photo, Ashton Carter testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington. Carter has emerged as President Barack Obama's top candidate to become the next defense secretary, according to administration officials, putting him in line to take over a sprawling department that has had an uneasy relationship with the White House. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Agnes Virginia (Lalonde) Jones, 95

Timber project totals 39 million board-feet

By Bob HenlineWestern News

New resource program addresses asbestos exposure

The stark reality of life in Libby is that the potential for further exposure to asbestos is an ongoing risk.

Two more quakes hit Marion

The Marion area was rattled by two more earthquakes Sunday night and Monday morning — making a total of four quakes in Northwest Montana in less than three weeks.

Judge promises ruling in Lake County case

The editor of the Lake County Leader will have to wait to find out if three misdemeanor charges against him will be dismissed.

Alert caller prevents drunken driving

Mark Peck

Lincoln County Commissioner-elect Mark Peck said one of his many goals as a commissioner will be to make sure people affected by asbestos are taken care of. "Asbestos has impacted so many people in the worst possible way," he said. "It's deep, personal and emotional."

Utility battles 43 power outages

Author pens second book on Fisher Peak

Canadian author Keith Powell gave a nod to his Kootenay country in 2010 by publishing “Living in the Shadow of Fisher Peak,” a book about Jack Fisher (a gold miner and Flathead-area pioneer) and the mountain named after him in British Columbia.

Incoming commissioner sees critical role

Newly elected Lincoln County Commissioner Mark Peck takes office in January, but the weight of his hometown’s asbestos issue already rests on his shoulders.

Fewer hunters take more deer this season

Although the number of hunters declined from last year, the deer harvest in Northwest Montana was an improvement over last year.

Wilma Arlene Wagner Search, 84

Wilma Arlene Wagner Search “went home to be with her Savior” on Nov. 26, 2014, after a short, but difficult battle with cancer.

Beryl Rose Lintz, 84

Beryl Rose Lintz passed away Nov. 25, 2014, at home with her loved ones by her side.

Ice Jams on the Flathead River

Ice Jams form around the Holt Stage Road bridge over the Flathead River on Monday afternoon, December 1, east of Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Asbestos Resource Program

Nick Raines, program manager of the Lincoln County Asbestos Resource Program, talks about the program's goal of reducing Libby area residents' exposure to asbestos. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Ronan to Kalispell by air

Pilot Russ Gerke of Kalispell posted this video of flying from Ronan to Kalispell. If you want to know exactly what the flight looks like from takeoff to landing, this provides the answers. Lots of great aerial scenery alongside Flathead Lake, and you can see for yourself what it's like to land at the Kalispell city airport.

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Kalispell kidney donor featured in Rose Parade

A Kalispell woman who donated her kidney to her father will be featured in the Rose Parade today to bring attention to the importance of organ donations.