Thursday, July 31
State Legion Baseball: Twins fall to Dodgers in semis
LEWISTOWN — The Glacier Twins fell short of the championship game at the Montana/Alberta American Legion State A baseball tournament, dropping their semifinal contest 9-1 to the Laurel Dodgers.
Glacier All-Stars rout Calgary
COLUMBIA FALLS — The Glacier All-Stars took another step closer to capturing the Pacific Northwest Regional U14 Babe Ruth baseball tournament on Thursday with an emphatic 13-0 win over Calgary.
Acing a tribute
Bonnie Sanders once dreamed of hitting a hole-in-one on the 13th hole at Village Greens.
Babe Ruth Tournament
All-Stars pitcher Austin Green (10) checks if his foot is on the bag as he gets the force out against Longhorns runner Jackson Bagshaw (32) at first base Thursday evening during the Glacier All-Stars game in the Pacific Northwest Regional U14 Babe Ruth baseball tournament at Sapa-Johnsrud Field in Columbia Falls. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Suspect pleads not guilty to assault on baby
A Kalispell man accused of severely beating of his 5-month-old daughter has pleaded not guilty.
Friends of Glacier set aside a day
What a grand idea the One Day for Glacier benefit seems to be! This Saturday more than 150 businesses in communities around Glacier National Park will be raising money that will be dedicated to the park.
Gender pay gap smaller in state government
HELENA — A new state audit shows the gender pay gap among Montana government employees is nearly 20 percent smaller than it is statewide.
Pork chop assault nets 15 years
MISSOULA — A 24-year-old transient who was convicted of severely beating another man over the apparent theft of a pork chop has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Deal announced for 72-hour ceasefire
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel and Hamas have agreed to a 72-hour humanitarian cease-fire beginning Friday, during which time there will be negotiations on a more durable truce in the 24-day-old Gaza war, the United States and United Nations announced Thursday.
Billings attorney faces 10-month suspension
BILLINGS (AP) — A Billings attorney has been suspended from practicing law for 10 months for withholding information from a judge in an adoption case and hampering investigations into his conduct in two other cases, the Montana Supreme Court has ruled.
Man killed in crash near Niehart
GREAT FALLS — Montana Highway Patrol officials say a 68-year-old man died after his car crashed off U.S. Highway 89 near Neihart.
Congress races on bills before break
WASHINGTON (AP) — Rushing toward the exits, Congress on Thursday scrambled to wrap up legislation addressing the troubled Veterans Affairs Department and a looming shortfall in highway money. House Republicans unexpectedly put off a vote on a border security bill as tea partyers withdrew their support.
Voting office to open on Blackfeet reservation
HELENA — Montana Secretary of State Linda McCulloch says a satellite voting office will open on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation for late voter registration and in-person absentee voting.
Ebola outbreak tops 700 deaths
U.S. warns against travel to 3 infected countries
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (AP) — The death toll from the worst recorded Ebola outbreak in history surpassed 700 in West Africa as security forces went house-to-house in Sierra Leone’s capital Thursday looking for patients and others exposed to the disease.
Couple guilty in 115-pound pot bust
Daybook
Today, Aug. 1
Internal review finds that CIA spied on the Senate
State Department agrees with interrogation report
CIA practices after 9/11 judged to be too brutal
WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department has endorsed the broad conclusions of a harshly critical Senate report on the CIA’s interrogation and detention practices after the 9/11 attacks, a report that accuses the agency of brutally treating terror suspects and misleading Congress, according to a White House document.
Prairie reserve tops 300,000 acres
BILLINGS — A privately funded conservation reserve taking shape on north-central Montana’s open prairie now spans more than 300,000 acres — or almost 470 square miles — with the addition of a large parcel south of Malta that was disclosed Thursday.
Zinke energy plan big on resource extraction
Republican U.S. House hopeful Ryan Zinke was in Billings on Wednesday presenting an energy policy he says will put Montanans to work building infrastructure for resource extraction.
Manufacturing outlook 'positive'
Economic update seminar makes Kalispell stop
Montana manufacturers remain optimistic about their future, according to speakers Thursday at the Mid-Year Update to the Economic Outlook Series.
Standoff ends in arrest
A Columbia Falls man has been arrested following a four-hour standoff with law enforcement on Thursday afternoon.
Rough place to find a starter home
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — San Francisco Association of Realtors President Betty Taisch has two words of advice for those who want to live here and think $1 million will buy them their dream house: Think again.
Lightning triggers fires in Northwest Montana
Area firefighters continued to chase smoke reports Thursday as a series of lightning triggered fires emerged around Northwest Montana.
Shelter cat expansion approved
Flathead County commissioners last week approved expansion plans for the Flathead County Animal Shelter.
Close encounter of the grizzly kind
Woman attacks computer, oxygen
Kalispell Regional Medical Center Emergency Room
Mae Stubbs, director of emergency services, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center on Thursday, July 31. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
U.S. 2 construction
Traffic backs up as construction continues Wednesday afternoon on U.S. 2 west of Kalispell. July 30, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Patricia 'Trish' Petero, 65
Profile: Wai Mizutani
World-renowned violinist Wai Mizutani at Flathead Valley Community College on Thursday, July 31, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Construction continues on 4th Avenue East
Construction continues on 4th Avenue East on Thursday, July 31, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
As You Like It
Montana Shakespeare in the Parks
Theater group sets Shakespeare in historic Montana
Festival Amadeus
Festival Amadeus opens Sunday
The History Boys
Award-winning 'History Boys' at FVCC
Register early for American Indian flute workshop
Artists offer visions of the wilderness
Bigfork Festival of the Arts is Aug. 2-3
twif073114
Wednesday, July 30
Kalispell All-Stars start hot
The Kalispell All-Stars beat Wood River (Idaho) 3-1, and Riverton, Wyo., 11-0 on Wednesday in opening-day action at the Pacific Northwest Regional U14 Babe Ruth baseball tournament.
State Legion Baseball: Twins top Lewiston, reach semifinals
LEWISTOWN — The Glacier Twins moved a step closer to capturing the Montana/Alberta American Legion State A baseball championship Wednesday evening with a 6-1 tournament victory over Lewistown in quarterfinal play at Ryan Sparks Field.
Daybook
Today, July 31
Lake station holds open house Aug. 5
The University of Montana’s Flathead Lake Biological Station is sponsoring a free open house on Aug. 5 featuring live raptors, boat trips and educational displays.
Timber work planned near reservoir
The Forest Service has approved a timber fuels reduction project near private homes along the southwest shore of the Hungry Horse Reservoir.
Darby man arrested with Molotov cocktail
HAMILTON (AP) — A Darby man faces allegations that another man had to wrestle him to the ground to prevent him from lighting a Molotov cocktail he brought to a bar.
Business optimism increasing
A strong start to the tourism season and an increase in commercial construction have local business owners looking forward to the second half of 2014.
Solo spectator
A great blue heron perches atop a post Tuesday afternoon in a pond near Woods Bay.
Livestock board creates budget panel
BOZEMAN (AP) — The Montana Board of Livestock has created a panel to address its budgeting problems following a legislative hearing about an audit that found the state agency had used illicit practices to balance its books.
Community meetings planned
Two Bear Air spots plane wreckage
OROFINO, Idaho (AP) — A small, home-built airplane has crashed in the Clearwater National Forest near the Idaho-Montana border, killing the pilot.
Two from Kalispell nominated for judge
College wants more students to use health clinic
After the clinic’s inaugural year, Flathead Valley Community College is ready to push for more students to take advantage of the student health clinic.
Judge grants access for three oil pipelines
GREAT FALLS (AP) — A refining company will be able to continue operating three pipelines that transport crude oil from Canada after a judge granted access to the final land parcel whose easement had expired.
Bozeman woman gets jail for selling fake diamonds
BOZEMAN (AP) — A Bozeman woman has been sentenced to 90 days in jail and ordered to pay more than $111,000 in restitution for selling fake diamonds online.
Yellowstone considers bison quarantine
BILLINGS (AP) — Yellowstone National Park is seeking public comment on a proposal to capture and quarantine wild bison so disease-free animals can be relocated to create new herds outside the park, Yellowstone officials said Wednesday.
Pipeline should go to MT refineries
I think that we have heard enough about the hazards of transporting the Bakken crude by rail and by truck. In my opinion, the solution to the problem: The XL pipeline. Why would it have to go all the way to Texas as there are refineries in Billings, Laurel and Great Falls? It would be a lot shorter distance and provide a lot of employment in building it.
Father captures bat he found on crib
Last Best Place?
I am writing this because I am concerned about the trash that is accumulating on the valley floor. Don’t people in this valley have any pride in how our surroundings look?
Sen. Walsh: Same old song?
“Plagiarize, plagiarize, plagiarize, don’t let anyone’s work evade your eyes”: The old Kingston Trio song sounds like the mantra of Sen. Walsh.
Republicans just 'anti' this and that
In his June 22 letter Mark Agather got on quite a roll with his “anti” rant. It seems the Democrats are to blame for everything that is wrong in the world. It would be quite an indictment if it were anything but meaningless neo-con rhetoric. Long on hate and short on fact.
Experience is key: Vote for Daines
As I get ready to apply for jobs after college, I have been bolstering my resume. Currently it’s filled with my various paid and unpaid internships that have given me experience in the office environment. I also have activities listed, to show that I am involved in my community outside of the office environment. All this tweaking to my own resume got me thinking about the resumes of the current candidates for US Senate. Looking at their credentials is like night and day.
Council derby draws strong field
Israeli strikes hit U.N. school, Gaza shopping area
UCLA wades through flooding damage
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A ruptured 93-year-old water main left the UCLA campus awash in 8 million gallons of water in the middle of California’s worst drought in decades, stranding people in parking garages and flooding the school’s storied basketball court less than two years after a major renovation.
Babe Ruth
Kalispell All-star players cheer in the dugout after scoring a run Wednesday afternoon during the Pacific Northwest Regional 14U Babe Ruth tournament at Memorial Stadium in Whitefish. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Wild Bill Mountain fire
Helen Mary (Walsh) Vacura, 89
Helen Mary (Walsh) Vacura, 89, passed away Sunday, July 27, 2014, at Heritage Place health care community in Kalispell.
Amelia Attey Fors, 94
Kila man dies in two-vehicle accident
A Kila man was killed in a two-vehicle accident Tuesday evening.
Tuesday, July 29
Study finds 35 percent in U.S. facing debt collectors
WASHINGTON (AP) — More than 35 percent of Americans have debts and unpaid bills that have been reported to collection agencies, according to a study released Tuesday by the Urban Institute.
Critics chide forest over slide
Two environmental groups are taking the Flathead National Forest to task for a landslide that occurred below a forest road, shedding tons of debris into Sullivan Creek in the South Fork Flathead drainage.
Officials identify boy who drowned in Bitterroot
HAMILTON (AP) — Ravalli County authorities have identified a 3-year-old Stevensville boy who drowned last week in the Bitterroot River.
Keep an eye open for purse near road
Work hours change on U.S. 93 job
Construction crews this week began working longer hours on the Whitefish U.S. 93 West reconstruction project.
Clean-air rules: Too much or too little?
DENVER (AP) — Hundreds of people across the country lined up Tuesday to tell the Environmental Protection Agency that its new rules for power-plant pollution either go too far or not far enough.
Dragon boat fun returns Sept. 13-14
The third annual Montana Dragon Boat Festival is coming up Sept. 13-14 at Flathead Lake Lodge.
Teen masters canoe-building 'odyssey'
Five years ago, Rebecca Brown was getting ready to start the eighth grade when she tagged along with her dad to the Big Sky Antique and Classic Boat Show in Lakeside.
U.S. News ranks Kalispell fourth for Montana hospitals
The U.S. News and World Report’s annual hospital evaluation determined Kalispell Regional Medical Center is the fourth-best hospital in the state and ranked highly in two specialization categories.
Senate confirms new leader for Veterans Affairs
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Tuesday unanimously confirmed former Procter & Gamble CEO Robert McDonald as the new Veterans Affairs secretary, with a mission to overhaul an agency beleaguered by long veterans’ waits for health care and VA workers falsifying records to cover up delays.
Classic craft on display in Lakeside
More than 30 classic wooden boats will be on display Saturday and Sunday at the ninth annual Big Sky Antique and Classic Boat Show in Lakeside.
Defense Dept. to oversee plagiarism investigation
HELENA (AP) — The Department of Defense has taken the unusual step of overseeing a plagiarism investigation being conducted by the U.S. Army War College against Sen. John Walsh, D-Mont., the college’s provost said Tuesday.
Herd of cows kills hiker
VIENNA (AP) — Police say a herd of cows attacked and killed a German woman hiking through their fenced-in pasture after apparently being riled by the sight of her leashed dog.
Flathead cherry picking in full swing
Roadside stands opening up around Flathead Lake can only mean one thing: The cherry harvest has begun.
Big Sky Antique & Classic Boat Show
ALERT a frequent flier to Glacier
Glacier National Park officials and the ALERT helicopter were unusually busy with medical incidents Monday and Tuesday.
Jason Wayne Falcon, 34
Janice Toftoy (Aaberg) McCann, 69
Janice Toftoy (Aaberg) McCann, 69, of Lakeside passed away unexpectedly on July 16, 2014, at her daughter’s home in Missoula.
Marie Mae (Colby) Sterner, 94
Claire Lupino Riley, 82
Cherry harvest
Katrina St. Sauver counts boxes of cherries and marks a punch card Tuesday morning at Mitchell Orchard along Flathead Lake near Yellow Bay. July 29, 2014 in Yellow Bay, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Leona Mae Cunningham, 58
Jack Martin
Jack Martin, son of Christopher and Stephanie Martin of Whitefish, was born April 15 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Araiya Parsons
Araiya Parsons, daughter of Allen Parsons and Tyesha Allen, was born April 14 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Bryton Sizemore
Bryton Sizemore, son of Jacqueline Sizemore of Kalispell, was born April 13 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
David Woods
David Woods, son of Nathan Woods and Nicole Reuter of Kalispell, was born April 12 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Benjamin Scheer
Benjamin Scheer, son of Sam Scheer and Devenne Leiss of Libby, was born April 12 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Kimber Fayram
Kimber Fayram, daughter of Cameron Fayram and Christina Henley of Dutch Harbor, Alaska was born April 21 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Zoey Vezane
Zoey Vezane, daughter of John Vezane and Deserie Helland of Kalispell, was born April 11 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Lazenia Goulet
Lazenia Goulet, daughter of Joshua Goulet and Adria Green of Pablo, was born April 11 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Riley Johnson
Riley Johnson, son of Matt and Liz Johnson of Kalispell, was born April 10 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Hawken Stiffarm
Hawken Stiffarm, son of Leon and Cari Stiffarm of Columbia Falls, was born April 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Eli Pluid
Eli Pluid, son of John and Kim Pluid of Kalispell, was born April 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Ellie Bachofner
Ellie Bachofner, daughter of Eric and Sarah Bachofner of Kalispell, was born April 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Joey Dalimata
Joey Dalimata, son of Louis and Melissa Dalimata of West Glacier, was born April 7 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Zaylin Acevedo-Yatchak
Zaylin Acevedo-Yatchak, son of Alex Acevedo and Rosie Yatchak of Columbia Falls, was born April 7 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Diezel Cash Learn
Diezel Cash Learn, son of Kenny and Shana Learn of Columbia Falls, was born April 6 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
DIL 7-20-14 Cover
Monday, July 28
U14 Babe Ruth baseball: Kalispell All-Stars ready for Pacific Northwest Regional
The record speaks for itself regarding the Kalispell U14 All-Stars, who will be competing in the Pacific Northwest Babe Ruth Regional baseball tournament this week in Columbia Falls and Whitefish.
American Legion baseball: Twins, Mariners in Lewistown for State A play
Western A District American Legion baseball tournament champion Mission Valley and runner-up Glacier will play back-to-back games today at the State A Tournament in Lewistown at Ryan Sparks Field.
Celiac sufferer pens gluten-free guide
When Lizzie Selders was a student at Columbia Falls High School, she was sick constantly.
Insurance refunds average $286 per family
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced last week that more than 14,000 Montana consumers would receive $2.7 million in refunds from health insurance companies as part of the Affordable Care Act.
Jason Wayne Falcon, 34
Giving 'doing shots' a new meaning
Ashley Lake Green Box
A large pile of illegally-dumped tires sit in a section of the green-box site designated for metal appliances. Tires are supposed to be taken to the county landfill. The county has been having issues with people illegally dumping tires at the Ashley Lake West Corridor green box as well as items at other sites. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
County tired of illegal dumping at green-box sites
Businesses join One Day for Glacier campaign
Ohio man dies in bicycle crash
A 69-year-old Ohio man died after he was thrown Sunday from his bicycle on Big Mountain Road north of Whitefish.
Kalispell council field grows to 11
Park trail still closed after bear encounter
Best of 2014 Cover
Best of 2014
Lizzie Selders
Deer
Two whitetail bucks in a yard Monday afternoon off South Woodland Drive in Kalispell. July 28, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Journey of recovery
It was March 2010, and Master Sgt. Mark Vomund was on foot patrol with his military service dog, Herco.
Sunday, July 27
Work session to focus on budget issues
The Whitefish City Council will hold a work session on the 2015 budget at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at Whitefish City Hall.
Jail tales
Retired detective recalls childhood in historic jail
Pat Walsh spent most of his childhood at the Flathead County Jail, but he wasn’t behind bars.
Bear shot on trail to lookout
Two incidents this weekend in Glacier National Park left one hiker and one bear injured, with a trail closed down and under investigation.
Profile: Mark Vomund
Retired Green Beret Master Sergeant Mark Vomund speaks to the crowd gathered for his talk "From Soldier to Survivor" on Wednesday, July 23, in Whitefish. The event was sponsored by the Whitefish Veterans Support Team. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Jail Tour
Pat Walsh laughs as he recounts his time spent growing up in jail as the son of a sherif Wednesday afternoon during a tour of the old Flathead County Jail. July 23, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
DIL 7-27-14
Saturday, July 26
Whitefish All-Stars fall in semis of Ripken regional
Caldwell, Idaho, defeated the Whitefish All-Stars 8-3 in semifinal play at the Pacific Northwest Regional Cal Ripken 12U baseball tournament on Saturday at Kidsports Complex.
Clancy hangs on to claim Women's State Am golf title
BILLINGS — Kyla Clancy of Park City held off a final-day charge by Dorsey Addicks of Gallatin Gateway to win the Montana State Women’s Amateur golf tournament on Saturday at Yellowstone Country Club.
McIver repeats as Men's State Am golf winner
WHITEFISH — Defending champion Brandon McIver of Billings came through with an impressive wire-to-wire performance on Saturday at the 97th annual Montana State Men’s Amateur golf tournament at Whitefish Lake Golf Club.
Rumsey, Kalbfleisch, Fraleys win Boogie To The Bank 10k, 5k titles
COLUMBIA FALLS — Runners from Columbia Falls, Kalispell and Whitefish won individual titles on Saturday at the annual Boogie To The Bank 5k and 10k races.
Mission Valley Western Dist. A American Legion baseball champions
Mission Valley held off a late rally, beating Glacier 12-8 to win the Western A District American Legion baseball championship on Saturday at Griffin Field.
The Event at Rebecca Farm: Shake-up in the standings
A tremendous crowd was on hand to witness the CIC three-star cross-country portion of the equestrian triathlon at The Event at Rebecca Farm on a picturesque Saturday afternoon in the Flathead Valley.
Nevaeh Smith
Nevaeh Smith, daughter of Stacey Smith of Kalispell, was born April 1 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Trio of medical residents on the job in Kalispell
When it comes to graduate medical education resident slots, Montana ranks dead last.
Bozeman man pleads guilty to helping escaped suspect
BOZEMAN (AP) — A Bozeman man has pleaded guilty to his role in helping an attempted rape suspect after the man fled police custody.
Summit Mountain Lodge
Ted and Marabeth Chase renovated a Great Northern Train Station for the Summit Mountain Lodge and Steakhouse in East Glacier. The iconic station was built in 1906. (Photo courtesy Ted Chase)
Judge dismisses lawsuit over Amelia Earhart search
CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A federal judge on Friday dismissed a Wyoming man’s claims that an aircraft recovery group secretly found wreckage of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart’s missing airplane in the South Pacific but kept it quiet so it could continue raising funds for the search.
Remains of 7 veterans buried in Montana
Clara Lilly Gregorash
Clara Lilly Gregorash, daughter of Nathan and Stephanie Gregorash of Whitefish, was born July 4 at North Valley Hospital.
Ebola victim travels by plane to Nigeria
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigerian health authorities raced to stop the spread of Ebola on Saturday after a man sick with one of the world’s deadliest diseases brought it by plane to Lagos, Africa’s largest city with 21 million people.
Purple gold pours into Hungry Horse business
The bumper crop of huckleberries has brought in many local pickers wanting to sell their hand-picked purple gold, Huckleberry Patch Supervisor Shauna Clevidence said.
Ruby June Undem
Ruby June Undem, daughter of Kirklan Undem and Victoria Stork of Kalispell, was born April 2 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Botched executions becoming a sick way of life
Executions are frequently in the headlines. Following the recent Oklahoma travesty in which a prisoner remained alive about 43 minutes, writhing and shouting, only to die of a heart attack after the procedure had been terminated and “it had become so sickening they closed the blinds to viewers,” the court ordered a six-months hold on capital punishment.
Obama prods GOP on border issues
Silas Arthur Bradley
Silas Arthur Bradley, son of Clay and Lauren Bradley of Whitefish, was born July 3 at North Valley Hospital.
Plane hits truck on Nevada highway
Anthony Paul Prince Jr.
Anthony Paul Prince Jr., son of Paul Prince and Katie Nesbit of Columbia Falls, was born July 9 at North Valley Hospital.
Caleb Arthur Jeffcock
Caleb Arthur Jeffcock, son of Joshua and Jacqueline Jeffcock of Columbia Falls, was born July 5 at North Valley Hospital.
Lodge revived at Marias Pass
Governor touts forest management effort
BONNER — Looking over the bluff at Milltown State Park, Gov. Steve Bullock said a new state forestry management effort should improve more than just timberlands.
Mallory Bloom-Wriedt
Mallory Bloom-Wriedt, daughter of David Wriedt and Ashley Bloom of Kalispell, was born April 1 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Take that, Fox News!
How do I dislike thee, let me count the ways...
I try to give Fox News a chance. I listen to it on a daily basis, just to see what they espouse. They never disappoint me in their obvious bias and misinformation.
Mideast Israel Palestinians
War veterans invited to join Flathead Lake boat trip
In honor of Montana’s combat veterans, the Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo is working with the Soldiers Memorial Fund to offer veterans and their family members a free tour of Flathead Lake aboard the Far West on Aug. 5.
Georgia Baxter
Georgia Baxter, daughter of Israel and Kara Baxter of Kalispell, was born April 5 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Lily Marie Turner
Lily Marie Turner, daughter of Joshua and Jane Turner of Kalispell, was born April 3 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Cruz Sheldon Pitts
Cruz Sheldon Pitts, son of Zachary and Valissa Pitts of Kalispell, was born July 10 at North Valley Hospital.
Ella Jordan
Ella Jordan, daughter of Jan and Lindsey Jordan of Kalispell, was born April 2 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Bashing Fox News is first and last refuge of liberals
I would like to respond to Wes Higgins’ comical letter to the editor about Benghazi.
Ethan Maxwell Spencer
Ethan Maxwell Spencer, son of Curtis Spencer and Alicia Martin of Kalispell, was born July 11 at North Valley Hospital.
There's no valid excuse for Walsh's plagiarism
Thatcher Gallwas
Thatcher Gallwas, son of Matthew Gallwas and Courtney Mueller of Bigfork, was born April 6 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Fallyn Irwin
Fallyn Irwin, daughter of Luke and ShaMar Irwin of Kalispell, was born April 5 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Carjackers ram into family, killing three children
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Two carjackers who fled after ramming a stolen SUV into a family selling fruit for their church, killing three young siblings, were still on the run Saturday as the reward for their capture topped $100,000.
Mountain lion spotted in Kalispell
Gaza returnees find large-scale destruction
BEIT HANOUN, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas said it fired five rockets at Israel late Saturday after rejecting Israel’s offer to extend a 12-hour humanitarian cease-fire by four hours, casting new doubt on international efforts to broker an end to 19 days of fighting.
State timber harvest in Idaho hits record
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A massive timber salvage sale and logging companies opting to cash in on high prices resulted in a record 347 million board feet of timber harvested from state endowment lands during the last fiscal year, state officials say.
Ex-CIA officials denied access to torture report
ASPEN, Colo. — About a dozen former CIA officials named in a classified Senate report on decade-old agency interrogation practices were notified in recent days that they would be able to review parts of the document in a secure room in suburban Washington after signing a secrecy agreement.
It's huckleberry heaven
Picking ‘tremendous’ this year for those with purple passion
Some people are drawn to Montana for its untamed beauty — and some for the wild huckleberry, which defies attempts at domestication.
Crews dismantle plane pieces
Brynlee June Munroe
Brynlee June Munroe, daughter of Jared Munroe and Miranda Boyd, was born July 2 at North Valley Hospital.
Veterans have mixed response to PTSD remarks
HELENA (AP) — The talk in American Legion and Veterans of Foreign War halls and barrooms across Montana has been about Sen. John Walsh since the Democrat linked a cribbed research project he wrote in 2007 to post-traumatic stress disorder.
Embassy in Libya evacuated
WASHINGTON — With Libya its most violent since its 2011 uprising, the United States drove its embassy staff and military personnel Saturday to neighboring Tunisia with U.S. military escorts flying overhead.
Sophira Morgan
Sophira Morgan, daughter of Douglas and Laryssa Morgan of Kalispell, was born April 4 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Emmy Virginia Dennison
Emmy Virginia Dennison, daughter of Larrick and Mia Dennison of Somers, was born July 1 at North Valley Hospital.
Baird Decker
Baird Decker, son of David Decker and Krystl Bergstrom of Kalispell, was born April 2 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Vandalism is vandalism, but babies are babies
Destroying property certainly is not the proper way to show one’s abhorrence of abortion; however, Susan Cahill is not the victim she is portraying herself to be. The victims are the babies who are ripped apart in the womb.
Mission Valley vs. Glacier Twins
Mission Valley’s Trevor Paro holds up the championship plaque Saturday afternoon after the Mariners beat the Glacier Twins in the championship game of the Western A District American Legion baseball tournament at Griffin Field.
On the road to a bad day
Sponsor pitches in $75,000
Fairgrounds
Whitefish Credit Union has signed a three-year sponsorship agreement with the Flathead County Fairgrounds that will invest $75,000 in the 112-year-old fairgrounds.
Richardson anniversary
Gary and Penny (Miller) Richardson of Kalispell celebrated their 50th anniversary recently.
Vitt anniversary
Quentin and Donna Vitt of Kalispell will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on July 29. They are planning a special dinner and a trip in their motor home.
Marsh anniversary
Gerald F. and Nellie K. Marsh will celebrate their 50th anniversary at an open house for family and friends hosted by their daughters from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at the Vista Linda Restaurant in Somers.
Kaasa-Woody
Bill and Tammy Woody of Columbia Falls announce the engagement of their son, John Kelly Woody, to Tristen LeeAnn Kaasa, daughter of Dale Kaasa of Malta.
Robert 'Bob' Leslie, 72
Michael Richard Dugan, 55
Michael Richard Dugan, 55, of Kila passed away on July 19, 2014, from cancer.
The Event
Jil Walton of Kalispell rides Dee Dee Chaser through a water feature Saturday afternoon during the CIC3* cross-country event during The Event at Rebecca Farm.
Cal Ripken Baseball
Whitefish short stop Jackson Cripe fields a ground ball Saturday morning during a semi-final game in the Cal Ripken tournament at Lee Field at Kidsports Complex in Kalispell. July 26, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Jack Seaman Hiatt, 85
Jack Seaman Hiatt died July 22, 2014, in Kalispell.
James Dale Landon, 81
James Dale Landon, 81, passed away July 8, 2014.
Theodore 'Ted' Joseph Cardelli, 74
Theodore “Ted” Joseph Cardelli, 74, of Columbia Falls, a legend, husband, son, father and friend, left us Saturday, July 19, 2014, after a long, bravely fought battle with cancer.
Friday, July 25
McIver pads lead in Men's State Am golf
WHITEFISH — Brandon McIver boosted his chances of repeating as the Montana State Men’s Amateur Golf Tournament champion on Friday by carding a 4-under 69 for a 137 total after 36 holes and a 4-shot advantage on Tom Swanson of Missoula.
Legion baseball: Mariners edge closer to Western A title
Mission Valley asserted itself early, reaching five batters in each of the first two innings, on the way to a dominant 12-2 win over Glacier in the semifinals of the Western A District American Legion baseball tournament on Friday at Griffin Field. The win clinched a spot in today’s championship game at 4 p.m. and a bid to next week’s state tournament in Lewistown.
The Event at Rebecca Farm: Venue a treat for locals
For the world-class rider traveling across the continent to compete in The Event at Rebecca Farm, a perfectly manicured cross-country course is somewhat expected.
These condiments constitute vandalism
The
False registration nets 10 years for sex offender
Rapist gets 22 life sentences for rapes
BILLINGS (AP) — A serial rapist who did not leave any DNA at the crime scenes, but was undone by his need to photograph them, has been sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison.
Glacier Visitor Center reopens
Glacier National Park’s St. Mary Visitor Center was reopened Friday after being closed Thursday due to water damage from the center’s sprinkler system.
Crowd seeks council seat: Ten apply in Kalispell
There’s a crowded field of 10 applicants seeking to be appointed to fill the Kalispell City Council seat recently vacated by Randy Kenyon.
Patrol adds K-9 support
BILLINGS (AP) — The Montana Highway Patrol is turning to some four-legged, sensitive-nosed help in its effort to curb drug trafficking along interstates 90 and 94.
Camp trains future speakers, debaters
As Flathead High School enters its 100th year of speech and debate, 34 middle school hopefuls learned the fundamentals in a summer camp this week hosted by the school.
Cycle crash halts traffic on U.S. 2
A Jeep sport utility vehicle hauling a camper trailer rear-ended two motorcycles Friday at noon on U.S. 2 at the mouth of Bad Rock Canyon.
The Event at Rebecca Farms
Kalispell’s Braun Lowry and Annamation clear the final jump during the Senior Open Training cross-country event Friday afternoon at The Event at Rebecca Farm.
Mission Valley vs. Glacier Twins
Glacier Twins shortstop Jayce Fagerland dives for the ball Friday during Western A District American Legion baseball play at Griffin Field. Mission Valley beat the Twins 12-2.
Highway Patrol K-9
State Prison needs 65 additional guards
HELENA (AP) — Department of Corrections officials are searching for creative ways to cover guard shifts at the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge while trying to recruit candidates to fill 65 openings for correctional officers, agency director Mike Batista said.
Kayaker's body found in Flathead Lake
The body of Dr. Rob McDonald, the kayaker who disappeared a week ago on Flathead Lake, was found Friday afternoon by the Two Bears Helicopter from Flathead County.
Profile: Mark Vomund
Retired Green Beret Master Sergeant Mark Vormund speaks to the crowd gathered for his talk "From Soldier to Survivor" on Wednesday, July 23, in Whitefish. The event was sponsored by the Whitefish Veterans Support Team. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Wreck in Bad Rock Canyon
Speech and Debate Camp
Aspen Kennedy, who will be a freshman next year at Flathead, practices under watch by camp councilor Ethan Hall, a Flathead junior, on Wednesday, July 23, at the middle school speech and debate camp at Flathead High School. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Huckleberries
Lynn Taylor of Bigfork, holds out a handful of quickly gathered berries on Thursday, July 24, in Ferndale. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
National Dance Day
Marlene Rutherford, 82, a resident and volunteer dances with the crowd on Friday, July 25, at the National Dance Day event at Buffalo Hill Terrace in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Clancy leads State Women's Am golf tourney by 1 shot
BILLINGS — Kyla Clancy of Park City, a junior at the University of Montana, shot a 3-over 75 for a 1-shot lead on Dorsey Addicks of Gallatin Gateway and Katy Peterson of Glendive at the 97th annual Montana State Women’s Amatuer and Senior Women’s Amateur golf tournament Thursday at Yellowstone Country Club on Thursday.
Thursday, July 24
McIver leads State Men's Am golf by 1 shot
WHITEFISH — Brandon McIver of Billings shot a 3-under 69 on the North Course to top the leaderboard Thursday at the 97th annual Montana State Men’s Amateur Golf Tournament at Whitefish Lake Golf Club.
Western A District Tournament: Twins dump Red Sox, 9-2
The Glacier Twins hit four straight singles and scored four runs with two outs in the seventh inning to top the Bitterroot Red Sox 9-2 in second-round play at the Western A District American Legion baseball tournament on Thursday at Griffin Field. The victory put the Twins one game away from the championship and a spot in the state tournament next week in Lewistown.
The Event at Rebecca Farm: The journey begins
Boasting a competitive field of former and future Olympians gunning for a title in the CIC three-star class, the first day of competition at The Event at Rebecca Farm featured the novice, training, training three-day and CCI one-star classes — young horses working their way toward a bright and successful future.
'Don't call 911' sign prompts call to 911
Whitefish High School tour
Soggy Glacier Park visitor center closed
Sprinkler system soaks St. Mary Visitor Center on park’s east side
The St. Mary Visitor Center on the east side of Glacier National Park has been closed due to water damage early Thursday morning from the center’s sprinkler system.
Slow North Dakota city fire alert raises concern
WILLISTON, N.D. — A more efficient system must be established to alert residents of danger in North Dakota’s booming oil patch, an emergency manager and residents said, after authorities failed to alert the public for more than six hours when a facility storing toxic chemicals exploded.
Rail trip highlights 911 Foundation
Traveling east out of Whitefish along the route of the Great Northern Railway, train travelers view the rapids of the Middle Fork Flathead River and the rising peaks of Glacier Park.
Shop sponsors Wheels to Thrive car giveaway
Loren’s Auto Repair in Kalispell is now taking nominations for its Wheels To Thrive car giveaway event.
Valier man, 59, charged in child prostitution sting
GREAT FALLS — A 59-year-old Valier man is charged with attempting to solicit child prostitution after police say he responded to an online ad for sex with girls who were “barely legal.”
Senator minimizes plagiarism accusation
HELENA (AP) — Sen. John Walsh remained steadfast Thursday amid allegations he plagiarized a research project required for a master’s degree, winning fresh backing from fellow Democrats in Montana and the governor who appointed him to the Senate earlier this year.
Woods Bay assailant sought
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a man who assaulted another man near the Raven Bar in Woods Bay at about 2:15 a.m. Tuesday morning. The suspect is described as a Native American man in his early 20s, 5-foot-7, 150 pounds, with short unkempt black hair. Before law enforcement arrived on scene, the suspect took off southbound on Montana 35 toward Polson in a small white car with a loud exhaust. The suspect was accompanied by a white man and a Native American woman, both in their early 20s. The victim was taken by ambulance to Kalispell Regional Medical Center where he remains hospitalized with significant injuries. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at
U.S. Senate candidates risk 'oppo-research' revelations
Air Algerie jet crashes in Mali
OUAGADOUGO, Burkina Faso (AP) — An Air Algerie jetliner carrying 116 people crashed Thursday in a rainstorm over restive Mali, and its wreckage was found near the border of neighboring Burkina Faso — the third major international aviation disaster in a week.
Iraq elects new president as latest attacks kill dozens
BAGHDAD — Iraqi lawmakers elected a veteran Kurdish politician on Thursday to replace long-serving Jalal Talabani as the country’s new president in the latest step toward forming a new government. But a series of attacks killed dozens of people and Islamic militants destroyed a Muslim shrine traditionally said to be the burial place of the Prophet Jonah, underscoring the overwhelming challenges facing the divided nation.
Attack hits U.N. school, killing 15 killed
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — A U.N. school in Gaza crowded with hundreds of Palestinians seeking refuge from fierce fighting came under fire Thursday, killing at least 15 civilians and leaving a sad tableau of blood-spattered pillows, blankets and children’s clothing scattered in the courtyard. Palestinian officials blamed Israel for the shelling, which wounded dozens and came on the deadliest day so far of the current round of fighting. However, the Israeli military said the school “was not a target in any way” and raised the possibility the compound was hit by Hamas rockets. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon angrily denounced the attack, saying the killing must “stop now.” But the frantic diplomatic efforts spanning the region were running into a brick wall: Israel demands that Hamas stop firing rockets without conditions, while Gaza’s Islamic militant rulers insist the seven-year Israeli-Egyptian blockade of the territory must end first. “Many have been killed — including women and children, as well as U.N. staff,” Ban said in a statement, though he did not elaborate and a later U.N. communique made no mention of humanitarian workers being among the casualties. In the aftermath of the attack, a child’s sandal decorated with a yellow flower lay in a puddle of blood, while sheep and cattle belonging to those seeking shelter grazed in the grass nearby. A large scorch mark scarred the spot where one of the shells hit. Dozens of wounded, including many children, were wheeled into a nearby hospital as sirens wailed. The U.N. said it had been trying to achieve a humanitarian pause in the fighting to allow the evacuation of civilians from the area. Kamel al-Kafarne, who was in the school, said people were boarding buses when three tank shells hit. “We were about to get out of the school, then they hit the school. They kept on shelling it,” he said. It was the fourth time a U.N. facility has been hit in Gaza fighting since the Israeli operation began on July 8. UNRWA, the U.N’s Palestinian refugee agency, has said it discovered dozens of Hamas rockets hidden inside two vacant schools, but U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq said the school hit Thursday in the northern town of Beit Hanoun was not one of them. The U.N. has also expressed alarm that rockets found in the schools have gone missing after they were turned over to local authorities in Gaza. “Those responsible are turning schools into potential military targets, and endangering the lives of innocent children,” U.N. staff and anyone seeking shelter there, a U.N. statement said. Fighting was fierce across Gaza Thursday, and at least 119 Palestinians were killed, making it the bloodiest day of the 17-day war. That raised the overall Palestinian death toll to at least 803, Gaza health official Ashraf al-Kidra said. Israel has lost 32 soldiers, all since July 17, when it widened its air campaign into a full-scale ground war. Two Israeli civilians and a Thai worker in Israel have also been killed by rocket or mortar fire. Israel says the war is meant to halt the relentless rocket fire on its cities by Palestinian militants in Gaza and to destroy a sophisticated network of cross-border tunnels that Hamas is using to sneak into Israel to try to carry out attacks inside communities near the border. Israel insists it does its utmost to prevent civilian casualties but says Hamas puts Palestinians in danger by hiding arms and fighters in civilian areas. The Palestinian Red Crescent said Israeli shells hit the U.N. compound. But Israel’s chief military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Moti Almoz, said the military was investigating and it was too early to know if the deaths were caused by an errant Israeli shell or Hamas fire. “We are not ruling out the possibility that it was Hamas fire,” he said. Asked if Israel suspected the U.N. school was being used as a storage facility by Hamas for rockets and other weapons, another army spokesman, Lt. Peter Lerner, replied: “The school was not a target in any way.” The military had urged the U.N. and the Red Cross to evacuate the school for three days leading up to the shelling incident, Almoz said, adding that there had been an increase in Hamas attacks from the area in recent days. “Despite repeated calls from the military to the U.N. and international organizations to stop the shooting from there because it endangers our forces, we decided to respond. In parallel to our fire there was Hamas fire at the school,” Almoz said. The attack was likely to increase pressure on international diplomats shuttling around the region in an effort to broker a cease-fire. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry spent the day in Cairo feverishly calling on regional leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as well as the foreign ministers of Egypt, Turkey and Qatar to press for a solution. Like Israel, the U.S. considers Hamas a terrorist organization and will not directly engage with its leaders. “We still have more work to do. ... The tragic incident today and every day just underscores the work we are trying to do and what we are trying to achieve. So we’re going to keep at it,” Kerry said after meeting with the U.N. chief late Thursday. “It’s so imperative to try to find a way forward.” Ban also urged an end to the fighting. “I am telling ... both the Israelis and Hamas: ‘You must stop fighting and enter into dialogue,”’ he said. “Whatever grievances you may have, this is wrong. There are many other ways to resolve this issue without killing each other.” As in years past — most recently in 2012 — the U.S. wants the violence to stop before it tries to negotiate each side’s demands. For Hamas, that includes the release of Palestinian prisoners in addition to an end to the 7-year-old economic blockade imposed by Israel after the Islamic militant group violently seized control of Gaza from the Western-backed government of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Egypt tightened its own restrictions last year after the overthrow of a Hamas-friendly government in Cairo and has destroyed many of the cross-border tunnels that had sustained Gaza’s economy, while also being used by the militants to smuggle in arms. Netanyahu made no reference to the cease-fire efforts in underscoring his determination to neutralize the rocket and tunnel threats. “We started this operation to return peace and quiet to Israel... and we shall return it,” he said after meeting with British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond in Israel. More than 2,300 rockets have been fired at Israel from Gaza since July 8, and the Israeli military says it has uncovered 31 tunnels leading from Gaza to Israel, some of which have been used by Hamas to try to carry out attacks inside Israel. On Thursday, soldiers detained two militants as they emerged from such a tunnel, the army said. Ominously, meanwhile, violence spread to the West Bank, where thousands of Palestinians protesting the Gaza fighting clashed with Israeli soldiers late Thursday in Qalandia, near the West Bank city of Ramallah. At least one Palestinian was killed and dozens were injured, a Palestinian doctor said.
Diane Marie (Harris) Bebee, 64
Diane Marie (Harris) Bebee passed away at her home in Kalispell, after a brave battle with cancer, on Friday, July 18, 2014, at the age of 64.
Doctor fires back at gunman in hospital attack
DARBY, Pa. (AP) — A doctor who was grazed by gunfire from a patient in his office at a suburban hospital on Thursday helped stop him by apparently returning fire with his own weapon and severely injuring him, but not before a caseworker was killed, authorities said.
Two die when tornado slams Virginia campground
CAPE CHARLES, Va. (AP) — Albert Thorn awoke in his rental cottage Thursday to the sound of heavy rain and wind. Then, there was screaming. Within minutes, the sky turned dark, cellphones pinged with emergency messages and a tornado tore through a popular campground, ripping awnings from trailers and flipping RVs on their sides.
Panel clears way for Obama lawsuit vote
WASHINGTON (AP) — Over Democratic objections, Republicans cleared the way Thursday for a House vote on legislation authorizing an election-year lawsuit accusing President Barack Obama of failing to implement the 4-year-old health care law as it was written.
Judge argues for return of firing squad executions
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — An influential federal appeals court judge said Thursday that the nation’s third lethal injection execution to go awry in six months underscores his call to bring back firing squads.
Gasping killer: An eyewitness account
FLORENCE, Ariz. — Joseph Rudolph Wood looked around the death chamber and glanced at the people making preparation for his execution, locating the proper veins and inserting two lines into his arms.
Storms damage Spokane homes
SPOKANE (AP) — Severe thunderstorms that moved through the Spokane area knocked out power to more than 60,000 customers and damaged dozens of homes.
Man sues Boy Scouts, seeking $5.3 million
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A Portland man who says he was molested by his Scout leader in the 1970s seeks $5.3 million in a lawsuit filed against the Boy Scouts of America.
Man dies in rollover crash near Great Falls
GREAT FALLS — A 22-year-old Great Falls man was killed and another was injured in a one-vehicle rollover just south of Great Falls.
Two men killed in Rocky Boy crash
HELENA — Two men were killed in a single-vehicle crash near Rocky Boy on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation.
Man's body found in Clark Fork River in Missoula
MISSOULA — Police and the Missoula County sheriff’s office are investigating after a man’s body was found in the Clark Fork River in Missoula.
Prosecutors seek 23 life sentences for serial rapist
Fish habitat work underway on Coal Creek
A fish habitat enhancement project is underway in the South Fork Coal Creek drainage, a tributary to the North Fork Flathead River that was degraded by historical land management practices.
Sen. John Walsh
Rail trip for 911
Mission Valley vs. Missoula
Teammates congratual Bradley Pichler (5) and TJ Olson after scoring on a wild pitch Thursday during Mission Valley's 9-1 win over Missoula in the Western A District American Legion baseball Tournament at Griffin Field.
James Dale Landon, 81
Jack Seaman Hiatt, 85
Richardson anniversary
Marsh anniversary
Kaasa-Woody
Vitt anniversary
Jail Tour
A view of the old tunnel that connected the courthouse and jail Wednesday afternoon during a tour of the old Flathead County Jail. July 23, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Huckleberry Patch
Supervisor Shauna Clevidence holds out a large huckleberry Thursday morning at the Huckleberry Patch in Hungry Horse. July 24, 2014 in Hungry Horse, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Chester Dale Bailey, 80
WFHS Tour
Dow Powell, right, talks about the instrumental room in the new CAMAS wing, previously the D Wing, on Tuesday evening during a public tour of the new Whitefish High School. July 22, 2014 in Whitefish, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Services
Day One of The Event
From left, Taren Atkinson of San Diego, California and her groom Leah Breakey prepare Gustav, a Canadian Warm Blood for inspection on Thursday, July 24, at The Event in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Best Rates Insurance Inc.
Glacier's St. Mary Visitor Center closed
The St. Mary Visitor Center on the east side of Glacier National Park has been closed due to water damage early Thursday morning from the center’s sprinkler system.
DIL 7-13-14 Cover
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Wednesday, July 23
Crash kills teen pilot seeking world record
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — An Indiana teenager who was attempting to set a record for an around-the-world flight was killed when his plane crashed in the Pacific Ocean, and crews were searching Wednesday for his father, who was also on board.
Wolf Creek to decide on resort tax
Williston air quality OK after fire
WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) — Air quality tests at the site of an industrial fire in Williston showed levels “that would not raise concern,” North Dakota Department of Health Air Quality Division director Terry O’Clair said Wednesday.
Doughnut dispute is finally over
Nazi war suspect, 89, dies as extradition OK'd
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — An 89-year-old Nazi war crimes suspect died in custody hours before a U.S. ruling Wednesday that he should be extradited to Germany to face trial.
For first time since '72, no initiatives make ballot
HELENA — Secretary of State Linda McCulloch said Monday that no citizen initiatives obtained enough voter signatures to qualify for the November ballot.
Williston air quality
Yep, kayakers were up 'creek' without paddle
The
Glacier study to gauge Sun Road noise
Glacier National Park this month begin a vehicle noise education and outreach project along Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Court upholds firing of tourism director
HELENA (AP) — The Montana Supreme Court has upheld the 2010 dismissal of a state tourism director who was fired because the agency said she didn’t spend millions of dollars meant to promote tourism and filmmaking in the state.
Montanans not likely to lose health subsidies
HELENA (AP) — State officials said Tuesday that they don’t believe Montanans receiving tax credits to buy health insurance are in danger of losing them.
Jet victims' bodies arrive in Netherlands
EINDHOVEN, Netherlands (AP) — Victims of the Malaysian jetliner shot down over Ukraine returned at last Wednesday to Dutch soil in 40 wooden coffins, solemnly and gently carried to 40 identical hearses, flags at half-staff flapping in the wind.
The Event is at hand
People invited to join Superintendent Socials
New Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Mark Flatau is a proponent of open dialogue and transparency.
Hundreds comment on copper-mine plan
Flathead Lake search still fruitless
The search for a Polson doctor who disappeared while kayaking Saturday on Flathead Lake has continued the last two days with no developments.
Plagiarism and PTSD
Economy, though sluggish, may now be sturdier
WASHINGTON (AP) — Out of a seemingly hollow recovery from the Great Recession, a more durable if still slow-growing U.S. economy has emerged.
The Event
Ian Stark discusses the redesign of the course at Rebecca Farm on Wednesday, July 23. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
State resolves Medicaid contract problem
HELENA — State officials have resolved a contract issue with Xerox Corp. over developing a new computer program for Medicaid payments.
Stopping deadly oil train fires: New rules planned
WASHINGTON (AP) — Responding to a series of fiery train crashes, the government proposed rules Wednesday that would phase out tens of thousands of older tank cars that carry increasing quantities of crude oil and other highly flammable liquids through America’s towns and cities.
Mission Valley 11, Libby 0
Images from Mission Valley's 11-0 Victory against Libby in the American Legion Western A District Tournament in Kalispell Wednesday.
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Mission Valley second baseman Jacob Harrod throws to first after forcing out Libby's Will Reichel. The Mariners were unable to turn two on the play, but still shutout the Loggers 11-0. (Aaric Bryan/ Daily Inter Lake)
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Mission Valley pitcher Bradley Pichler fires in a pitch against Libby in the American Legion Tournament in Kalispell Wednesday. On his 19th birthday, Pichler struck out 14 and only allowed two hits in the Mariners' seven-inning 11-0 victory. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Mission Valley's Derek Peel is tagged out trying to steal third base by Libby's Luke Haggerty in the Mariners' 11-0 victory over the Loggers in their opening game at the American Legion Western A District Tournament Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Mission Valley's Trevor Paro is tagged out by Libby's Austin Marshall after he layed down a bunt to move to runners over in the Mariners' 11-0 victory at he American Legion Western A District Tournament Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Cal Ripken Regional
Former Miami Dolphins player Doug Betters addresses the crowd Wednesday afternoon during the opening ceremonies for the Cal Ripken Region 12U Regional Tournament on Miracle Field at Kidsports Complex. July 23, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
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WHY TRAIN AT MTI?
Michael Eayrs LMT NMT
William Robert 'Bill' Sizemore, 59
William Robert “Bill” Sizemore, 59, of Columbia Falls, passed away peacefully in his sleep from pneumonia on Dec. 26, 2013, in Sequim, Wash., where he was living at the time.
Alan 'Big Al' Fillman, 70
Alan “Big Al” Fillman, 70, passed away on Monday, July 21, 2014, at his residence in Big Arm.
Michael Eayrs, Director
Testimonials
Construction on 4th Avenue
Construction continues to shut down 4th Avenue near Smiths on Wednesday, July 23, in Kalispell (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Massage Training Institute Montana
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Tuesday, July 22
Lakers AA split pair in Bozeman
BOZEMAN — The Kalispell Lakers AA American Legion Baseball stole a win from the Bozeman Bucks (9-7) on Tuesday night before dropping Game 2 in a split of a road doubleheader.
Dance lessons
Dance instructor Leslie Yancey leads a group of students at the Share Your Voice Foundation in an african dance Tuesday afternoon at the Bohemian Grange south of Whitefish. The students will perform at the annual Night at the Landing event at Stillwater Landing on Saturday, July 26th. July 22, 2014 in , Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Habitat for Humanity groundbreaking
Three-year-old Marly Lindsay helps break ground Tuesday afternoon on the final two homes at the Habitat for Humanity site in Columbia Falls. The Lindsay family, right, and Amy Root, left, will be the owners of the new homes. July 22, 2014 in , Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Defense wants trial moved for suspect in student's death
MISSOULA (AP) — Attorneys for a Missoula man accused of shooting and killing a German exchange student want to seal some court documents and proceedings and move the trial out of the county, saying the case has drawn so much attention that it will be impossible for Markus Kaarma to get a fair trial.
Dueling rulings: Courts split on health-law clash
Tank repair limits water at Logan Pass
Visitors to Logan Pass in Glacier National Park are encouraged to bring their own water or refillable water bottles this week while temporary water tanks are being installed.
Black bear that stole family picnic euthanized
Glacier Park
A 5-year-old black bear that scared a family away from its picnic on the east side of Glacier National Park has been put down for that incident and other behavior that indicated it did not fear people.
Last landslide victim found deadly landslide
SEATTLE (AP) — Searchers on Tuesday pulled what they believe was the last missing body from debris left by a landslide in Washington state that researchers said was likely triggered by heavy rainfall.
Feds give Montana more time on ID law
HELENA (AP) — The Department of Homeland Security has granted Montana an extension to meet stringent driver’s license rules, but the governor’s office suggested Tuesday that the state was still unwilling to comply with the federal REAL ID Act.
Woman has long road ahead after rock attack
DANVILLE, Pa. (AP) — Doctors had a simple goal when they first saw how a football-size rock thrown from an interstate overpass in Pennsylvania had shattered Sharon Budd’s skull — to keep her alive.
Stargazers Night
Have you ever seen meteor craters on the moon up close? Have you ever tried to count the moons circling Jupiter or seen the rings of Saturn?
Habitat project enters its final phase
Shovels bit into the dirt Tuesday to launch construction of the final two Habitat for Humanity homes in Columbia Falls.
Billings judge censured over rape comments
HELENA (AP) — The Montana Supreme Court on Tuesday publicly reprimanded a judge who gave a lenient sentence to a rapist after suggesting the 14-year-old victim shared some of the responsibility for the crime.
City raises spark debate about merit pay
The Kalispell City Council approved a 3 percent pay raise for the city’s nonunion employees Monday, but only after a discussion about the possibility of integrating merit into the city’s pay system.
'As Good as It Gets,' Kalispell style
A man called the
Overall well-being of Montana kids declines
HELENA (AP) — The overall well-being of children in Montana has slipped compared to other states, according to a report released Tuesday.
Industrial fire in North Dakota
Massive fire burns for hours at Williston plant
WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) — A massive fire at an oil supply company was burning itself out Tuesday afternoon, 12 hours after it began in an industrial part of the western North Dakota oil patch town of Williston.
Grizzly on the prowl: Bruin wanders through Kalispell subdivision
A grizzly bear that wandered into the Silverbrook Estates subdivision on the north end of Kalispell Monday night got lots of attention, but it moved on without incident and is still being pursued by state wildlife officials.
Swank gets West Valley School job
Swank Enterprises has been selected as the contractor for the West Valley School addition and renovation project.
Grizzly on the prowl
A grizzly bear ambles across Church Drive into the Silverbrook subdivision on Monday evening.
Izabella Kate Woods
Izabella Kate Woods, daughter of Justin and Alexa Woods, was born July 7 at North Valley Hospital.
Rebecca Elaine Farrier
Rebecca Elaine Farrier, daughter of John and Christina Farrier, was born July 8 at North Valley Hospital.
Greyson Jay Thompson
Greyson Jay Thompson, son of Brandt and Kristin Thompson of Kalispell, was born July 6 at North Valley Hospital.
Addalynn Grace Meyer
Addalynn Grace Meyer, daughter of Marshall and Krista Meyer of Bigfork, was born June 23 at North Valley Hospital.
Bergen Breckinridge Montague
Bergen Breckinridge Montague, son of Robert and Jenny Montague of Somers, was born June 26 at North Valley Hospital.
Arturo Jayce Lopez
Arturo Jayce Lopez, son of Gerald and Alysha Lopez of Kalispell, was born June 25 at North Valley Hospital.
Emily Abigail Schuch
Emily Abigail Schuch, daughter of Tom and Allison Schuch of Whitefish, was born June 26 at North Valley Hospital.
Thomas David Creighton
Thomas David Creighton, son of Alex and Alecia Creighton, was born June 26 at North Valley Hospital.
Collin Boyce Floden
Collin Boyce Floden, son of Jacob Zakavec and Tiffany Floden of Columbia Falls, was born June 21 at North Valley Hospital.
Kooper Nathaniel Hallas
Kooper Nathaniel Hallas, son of Zach Hallas and Airiell Anton of Kalispell, was born June 11 at North Valley Hospital.
Chase Patrick Helzer
Chase Patrick Helzer, son of Kevin Helzer and Michelle Barlow of Kalispell, was born June 14 at North Valley Hospital.
Emilia Caledonia Rhea Avanzino
Emilia Caledonia Rhea Avanzino, daughter of Matthew and Kelli Avanzino of Eureka, was born June 14 at North Valley Hospital.
Kaleb Jeffrey Berger
Kaleb Jeffrey Berger, son of Rick Berger and Anna Bolter, was born June 25 at North Valley Hospital.
Lillyanna Kathy Hill
Lillyanna Kathy Hill, daughter of Jon and Lindsay Hill of Kalispell, was born June 29 at North Valley Hospital.
Roman Ursus Cetiner
Roman Ursus Cetiner, son of Adam Cetiner and Jene Morrison of Kalispell, was born June 30 at North Valley Hospital.
Phineas Parker Tunnell
Phineas Parker Tunnell, son of Adam and Randi Tunnell of Bigfork, was born July 2 at North Valley Hospital.
William Charles McKinley, 81
William Charles McKinley, 81, of Missoula, passed away Saturday, July 19, 2014, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. He was born Nov. 14, 1932, in Poplar to Ethel and Cecil McKinley.
Don Paul Rantio, 86
Don Paul Rantio, 86, passed away July 15, 2014, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.
Anne Nelner Brown, 88
Anne Nelner Brown, 88, passed away on July 19, 2014, of natural causes.
Helen Gustafson, 79
Helen Gustafson died peacefully in Whitefish on July 17, 2014, with her family by her side. She was one month shy of her 80th birthday and her 56th wedding anniversary.
Charles Royden Stubbs, 78
Charles Royden Stubbs, 78, died July 9, 2014, at home in Kalispell.
Shirley 'Joan' Kennedy, 85
Shirley “Joan” Kennedy, 85, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2014, at home in Kalispell, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.
Patricia A. Morris, 71
Patricia A. Morris, 71, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2014, amongst her loving family.
Appeals court panel delivers blow to Obamacare
North Dakota industrial fire
A fire burns at Red River Supply in an industrial part of Williston, N.D., early Tuesday morning. The site is near three oil companies and a rail line, just east of Williston's downtown. Explosions could be seen and heard at the scene. (AP Photo/Josh Wood)
Massive fire burns in Williston
WILLISTON, N.D. — A massive fire broke out early Tuesday at an oil supply company in an industrial part of the western North Dakota oil patch town of Williston.
Lightning kills 45 head of cattle near Darby
Home sales prices could go public
The state Revenue Department will ask the 2015 Legislature to change the law to allow the sales prices of real estate to be publicly disclosed, Director Mike Kadas told a legislative committee on Wednesday.
Monday, July 21
Water work affects Fourth Avenue
Water-system improvement work on Fourth Avenue East North in Kalispell that began July 7 is scheduled to last approximately 60 days.
Empty canoe spotted on Flathead River
Several
Shirley Ann Visser, 81
Shirley Ann Visser, 81, “passed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” on July 20, 2014, after a short illness.
Glacier No. 2 in national parks poll
A nationwide poll has pegged Glacier National Park as the No. 2 national park in the United States.
Shirley Ann Visser
Mulch movers
From left, Jessica Manly, a FoodCorps service member, Katelynn Dutton and Hannah Whipkey, the vice president and president of the environmental club at Flathead High School, shovel mulch Monday morning from the playground at Hedges School into the back of a truck to use at the Hedges garden (in background) and at the new garden at Flathead High School on Monday morning. The mulch at Hedges needed to be replaced and according to Manly the principal of the school gave them permission to repurpose the mulch for the gardens. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Polson doctor still missing on Flathead Lake
The search for a missing kayaker on Flathead Lake’s Polson Bay continued Monday with no sign of the missing man.
Dr. Robert W. McDonald
Best of the Flathead
Staff at Don K gathers for a group shot on Tuesday, July 15, in Whitefish. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Kmart Manager
Kmart Store Manager Steve Wilson on Monday, July 21, in Evergreen (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Powder Horn Trading Company
View of the Powder Horn Trading Company in Evergreen on Thursday, July 17. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
FBJ July 21 Cover
FBJ July 21
Council takes up $46 million spending plan
The Kalispell City Council will hold a hearing tonight on a preliminary city budget for the 2015 fiscal year that doesn’t have many striking differences from the 2014 spending plan.
Sunday, July 20
Evans takes checkers at Montana 200
The motto — Never Give Up — plastered on the lower back end of Garrett Evans’ No. 64 super late model Chevrolet is what keeps him going.
Glacier lands 3 players on West softball team
Three senior members of the 2014 Glacier High School softball team will represent the West squad at the Nicholas Bloem Memorial Softball Classic in Belgrade on Aug. 9.
Legion baseball: Mavs down Lakers; Libby rips Sandpoint
The Kalispell Lakers AA dropped their final home game of the American Legion baseball season on Sunday afternoon at Griffin Field.
Lakeside artist drawn to 'the magic of wild places'
As a child, Julie Wulf was sure that fairies were real.
Glacier's famous red buses to get new home
A new home for Glacier National Park’s red bus fleet has been found. Xanterra Parks & Recreation recently acquired a 10-acre site on Montana 206 next to Newton Supply, spokeswoman Amy Dempster said.
Locks don't deter determined partiers
A man called the
Kayaker missing on Flathead Lake
Authorities are still searching for a Polson man who disappeared while kayaking on Flathead Lake on Saturday.
Julie Wulf
Julie Wulf is surrounded by some of her silk paintings on July 2 in Lakeside. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Red bus tour
A red bus makes a sightseeing stop July 5 beneath Going-to-the-Sun Mountain on Glacier National Park's east side. (Scott Crandell photo)
DIL 7-20-14
Legion Baseball: Twins power past Lakers A
The Glacier Twins are hitting their stride at the perfect time of the season.
Trinastich earns MVP as West wins Shrine Game
LAUREL — The West team dominated through the air, scoring 34 unanswered points to win the 68th annual Montana East-West Shrine Game 34-10 on Saturday at Laurel High School.
Saturday, July 19
Montana 200
Cars collide during a restart on the tenth lap Saturday night during the Montana 200 at Montana Raceway Park in Kalispell. Six cars were involved in the wreck but no one was injured. July 19, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
New Glacier Coffee House doubles as a bar
The summer season is in full swing, and the new Glacier Coffee House in West Glacier is seeing visitors stream through its doors.
Charles and Shirley Marvin
Charles and Shirley Marvin of Kalispell celebrated their 60th anniversary at a family barbecue at their home on Airport Road. The event was hosted by their children.
Hold your nose & vote Republican?
I totally agree with Larry Lauteret’s letter about the importance of electing both Zinke and Daines in November, especially Daines.
Group gets $400,000 grant for Troy lake
The Vital Ground Foundation has received a $400,000 grant from the U.S. Forest Service to protect 142 acres of forested land in the northwest corner of Montana near Troy.
Can FWP do anything right?
I went to a Fish, Wildlife and Parks meeting earlier this year out at the Libby Rod and Gun Club’s facility. I can tell you that I and many others were greatly disappointed.
Chance event led to Eureka lunch tradition
A poster promoting an oncologist talk was the rocket that launched an annual fundraising event and raised more than $100,000 over 16 years for Wings Regional Cancer Support.
Longtime college staffer gets Eagle Award
Colleen Unterreiner has been presented the Eagle Award for 2013-14 by Flathead Valley Community College President Jane Karas.
Voter offended by Zinke comment
Here’s some info you might like to have if you’re thinking of voting for Ryan Zinke this November. He’s running against John Lewis for the U.S. House of Representatives, replacing Steve Daines. In 2012, he ran for lieutenant governor but got only 8.8 percent of the vote. I think I know why now. Read on.
What rights did Obama take away? Start here
I do not know Mr. Wes Higgins and doubt we could have a meaningful discussion, but in his last letter he challenged any one to name even one right Obama had taken away from us.
Arizona execution delayed
PHOENIX (AP) — A federal appeals court on Saturday granted an Arizona death row inmate’s request to postpone his pending execution, putting it on hold until prison officials reveal details on the two-drug combination that will be used to put him to death.
... In with the new: Arts and technology center will be state-of-the-art
WHITEFISH HIGH SCHOOL
Whitefish High School’s performing arts and technology wing has a new image to match its current transformation into a state-of-the-art facility.
Another take on the 'America' movie
A couple of Sundays ago, the Inter Lake devoted a large part of the Montana Perspectives section cover page to three letters effusively praising the new Dinesh D’Souza movie “America.”
Norman and Angeline Kruckenberg
Norman and Angeline Kruckenberg celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary July 2.
Pesky facts about five years with Obama
When one looks at objective data about the last five years since Barack Obama became our president, we see positive changes in our economy. Even though the prevailing media narrative too often emphasizes the negative, the data tell a different story.
Glacier Coffee House
Jane Ratzlaff, left, and her daughter Brittany Ratzlaff show off the new Glacier Coffee House inside the Crown of the Continent Discovery Center.
What's your choice: A gun in hand? Or 13 minutes for 911 response?
Check this out, America: In the state of Utah, the students are allowed to carry a loaded handgun to class. The average is three students per class carry a loaded handgun to college. There is no problem there.
John Walsh shoots himself in the foot
Daily Inter Lake editor Frank Miele must have been delighted to have published the John Walsh op-ed on July 13: “Obama misses the mark on coal’s future.” If John wants to ensure he loses to Steven Daines in the U.S. Senate race in November 2014, articles like this one will assure it.
Put cork on that cup: Craftsman's custom mug gets boost from Kickstarter
Robert Knox says he has been living on coffee for the past 40 days.
Restaurant on to sneaky drinker's tricks
Whitefish High School construction: Out with the old...
WHITEFISH HIGH SCHOOL
Demolition of the former A wing made considerable progress last week as construction continues at Whitefish High School.
Griffin-Torgerson
Coleene and Jim Torgerson of Bigfork announce the engagement of their son, Erik Ansel Torgerson, to Kayla Ann Griffin, daughter of John and Jan Griffin of Washougal, Wash., and Lorilee and Bob Marshall of Vancouver, Wash.
Glacier brings big chunk of $397 million spent in Montana near parks
U.S. 93 may lose famed Kalispell couplet
Rerouting U.S. 93 to the east side of the Flathead County Courthouse will be considered as the state Department of Transportation moves forward with design options for a future highway rebuild.
FWS official bravely fights the tide
Eagle award
Whitefish High School demolition
Daphne Nicole Sellers, 23
“God in His infinite wisdom and grace plucked our precious and beautiful daughter suddenly from this world of sorrows into His marvelous light and eternal rest for Jesus’ sake.” Daphne Nicole Sellers, 23, of Great Falls and formerly of Phoenix, “went to be with the Lord” on Saturday, July 12, 2014.
Protecting religious freedom is not just a hobby
The Constitution is under assault. So is our way of life.
A. William 'Bill' G. Rinck, 63
James Bailey Schnee Jr., 90
James Bailey “J.B.” Schnee Jr., passed away Tuesday night, July 8, 2014, in Whitefish.
Rally in the Rockies parade
Abbie Shelter executive director Hilary Shaw, left, gets an update on the parade delay from Kalispell Police Department officer Jason Parce Saturday morning before the Abbie Shelter's High Heel-a-Thon. The parade was delayed about 20 minutes due to a gas leak caused by a roofing truck that backed into a gas meter on the 700 block of First Avenue West. July 19, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Dan Granrud, 64
Dan was born on June 27, 1950, in Sidney to Edgar and Helen Granrud.
Lorence Wayne Frost, 85
Lorence Wayne Frost, 85, died on Thursday, July 17, 2014, at Mountain View Manor in Eureka.
Virginia Catherine Rohlinger, 98
Virginia Catherine Rohlinger, 98, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at Ridgewood Care Center in Racine, Wis.
Patricia 'Pat' K. Sauerbier, 63
Friday, July 18
World calls for cease-fire in Ukraine after plane crash
ROZSYPNE, Ukraine — World leaders called for an immediate cease-fire in eastern Ukraine on Friday and demanded speedy access for international investigators to the crash site of the Malaysia Airlines jetliner shot down over the country’s battlefields.
Tanzania school has Kalispell benefactor
Larry Passmore, 85, is hoping for good health to make his eighth visit to the MaaSAE Girls Lutheran Secondary School in Tanzania this winter.
Samuel 'Sam' King Carrico, 83
New minivan makes it easier to yell at kids
DETROIT (AP) — Toyota wants to help you scream at your unruly kids.
Lorence Wayne Frost, 85
Rodeo bull enjoys brief taste of freedom
A bull broke loose from the Blue Moon Rodeo on Thursday night near Columbia Falls.
Forsyth pair charged in house fire
BILLINGS (AP) — Two Forsyth residents face charges that they tried to kill five people by setting a house on fire.
Grizzly near Red Lodge moved after killing cow
BILLINGS (AP) — A grizzly bear that killed a young cow near Red Lodge in southern Montana has been captured and relocated to the Upper Gallatin area north of Yellowstone National Park.
Tiny baby but major heartbreak
Ayden James Downs made history at Kalispell Regional Medical Center when he was born Monday morning.
Madyson Rigg
Madyson Rigg will represent Montana in the 2014 Miss Teen USA pageant held Aug. 1-2.
Israel pushes into Gaza, expands ground offensive
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli troops pushed deeper into Gaza on Friday in a ground offensive that officials said could last up to two weeks as the prime minister ordered the military to prepare for a “significantly” wider campaign.
Glacier's Highline Trail opens
The Highline Trail, one of Glacier National Park’s most popular trails, is now open to hikers, but as with other high-elevation routes in the park, it still has snow hazards.
Man charged with Billings-area shootings
BILLINGS — A convicted felon who police said recently bought a handgun and was paranoid after having used methamphetamine is charged with two shooting incidents in the Billings area.
Teen prepares for pageant
Madyson Rigg will represent Montana in the upcoming Miss Teen USA competition.
Top Colorado court halts Denver gay marriages
DENVER (AP) — Colorado’s Supreme Court on Friday ordered the Denver County clerk to stop issuing marriage licenses to gay couples while the state’s ban against the unions remains in place.
Slain hostage's family seeks police records
STOCKTON, Calif. (AP) — An attorney representing the family of a bank robbery hostage who was slain during a gun battle with police said Friday that he is seeking documents, dispatch logs, video and other evidence authorities gathered during the chaotic incident.
Dan Granrud, 64
Larry Passmore
Ukraine plane
Ukrainian coal miners wade through a field of sunflowers as they search the site of a crashed Malaysia Airlines passenger plane near the village of Rozsypne, Ukraine, eastern Ukraine Friday. Rescue workers, policemen and even off-duty coal miners were combing a sprawling area in eastern Ukraine near the Russian border where the Malaysian plane ended up in burning pieces Thursday, killing all 298 aboard.
Atlanta man drowns in Montana river
COLUMBUS (AP) — An 81-year-old Atlanta man drowned after being thrown from a raft into the Stillwater River in south-central Montana.
Grizzly moved
CEO: $900 million dam plan is solid
HELENA (AP) — NorthWestern Energy Chief Executive Officer Bob Rowe told state regulators Thursday that the company’s $900 million plan to purchase 11 hydroelectric dams and charge the cost to its electricity customers is solid.
Virginia Catherine Rohlinger, 98
Stray goat came to visit, decides to stay
A stray goat appeared on a porch on Tanager Way and has decided to stay, according to the
Montana 200
Nicole Behar prepares to go out on the track Friday night during qualifying for the Montana 200 at Montana Raceway Park. July 18, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Smoke-filled skies
A smoky sky contributes to a brilliant sunset Thursday as seen from Whitefish Stage Road north of Kalispell. Smoke has been pouring into the Flathead Valley from wildfires to the west.
Funnel of fire destroys Washington homes
PATEROS, Wash. (AP) — A fire racing through rural north-central Washington destroyed about 100 homes, leaving behind smoldering rubble, solitary brick chimneys and burned-out automobiles as it blackened hundreds of square miles in the scenic Methow Valley.
Air quality and visibility decline as smoke pours in
Visibility and air quality in the Flathead Valley and elsewhere in Northwest Montana deteriorated Friday as massive fires burning in Washington state continued to pump smoke into Montana.
Arts in the Park
Spectators listen to the band Pocket Change perform music Friday afternoon at Arts in the Park at Depot Park in Kalispell. July 18, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Montana Life: Cork Coffee Mug
Robert Knox fly-fishes on the North Fork
Western Wildfires
Thursday, July 17
Legion baseball roundup: Glacier Twins upend Kalispell Lakers, 7-4
WHITEFISH — AJ Wetsch doubled and drove in a run and Austin Robins pitched the final five innings as the Glacier Twins A defeated the Kalispell Lakers A 7-4 in American Legion conference baseball action Thursday evening at Memorial Field.
Thornton 'ready' for 24th annual Montana 200
The annual Montana 200 at Montana Raceway Park has not had a local winner since Ken Kaltschmidt of Marion took the checkered flag back in 2003.
Zinke's personal wealth tops Lewis's
HELENA (AP) — Recent financial disclosure statements show Republican U.S. House candidate Ryan Zinke’s personal wealth is more than several times that of his Democratic opponent John Lewis.
Former Havre provost denies harassment
HELENA — A former provost at Montana State University-Northern has denied allegations that she sexually harassed a dean who filed a complaint with the Montana Human Rights Bureau.
Berry protection leads to gunfire
A disagreement over a huckleberry patch Thursday morning in the Blankenship area led to an angry man firing gunshots into the air.
Fast-growing Washington wildfire burns homes
Stop and go, but not in the road, please!
Manning to begin gender treatment
Fire destroys $80,000 in hay
SAND COULEE — A fire at the Big Stone Hutterite Colony near Sand Coulee destroyed nearly $80,000 worth of hay and the steel barn where it was stored.
Wet June doesn't deter Glacier visitors
June visitation numbers for Glacier National Park were down from last year — but not by much, considering Logan Pass was closed to motor vehicles all month and the weather was miserable for a solid two weeks.
Montana attorney general asks court to uphold gay marriage ban
HELENA — Montana’s attorney general asked a federal court Thursday to uphold the state’s constitutional same-sex marriage ban in response to a lawsuit that seeks to overturn it.
Health-care camp aims to inspire next generation
Many of the Montana high school students attending a health-care careers camp in Billings this week haven’t grown up around doctors.
Missoula man dies after crash into guardrail
MISSOULA — A 26-year-old Missoula man died after his vehicle hit the guardrail on a one-lane bridge and landed on its side in an irrigation ditch south of Frenchtown.
Daines wealthiest member of delegation
HELENA (AP) — Recently filed financial disclosure forms show Republican U.S. Senate candidate Steve Daines is the wealthiest Montanan in Congress with personal assets worth between $8.9 million and $32.7 million.
Welcome to the new Sportsman
KALISPELL STORE UNVEILS EXPANSION
Years of planning followed by a complicated construction project and a final push from employees combined to make a substantial expansion at the Sportsman & Ski Haus in Kalispell a reality.
Sportsman & Ski Haus opening
Plane shot down
Man pleads not guilty in Billings shooting
BILLINGS (AP) — A transient pleaded not guilty on Thursday to charges he shot at a Billings fast-food worker during a robbery attempt and at a police officer who responded to the shooting.
Sheriff: Gunman fired first in Idaho incident
SANDPOINT, Idaho (AP) — A gunman with a semi-automatic AK-47 rifle and another rifle fired first at police before officers shot back and took him into custody along an Idaho freeway, authorities said.
Shopko: A big deal for Whitefish
Make your voice heard on City Hall project in Whitefish
The city of Whitefish will hold a collaborative planning session on Tuesday to get public comments on the proposed design of a new City Hall and parking structure.
Bank customer among 3 dead in wild shootout
STOCKTON, Calif. (AP) — Misty Holt-Singh had just popped into the bank, leaving her 12-year-old daughter in the car, when the horror began. An hour later, the mother of two lay dead in the street after a bank robbery spun into a chaotic police chase and furious gunbattle in which two holdup men were also killed.
Kalispell fair entries due Aug. 1
People who plan to enter 4-H, FFA and Open Class livestock competitions and events at this year’s Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo must do so by 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 1 or as indicated by the department they are entering.
Western wildfires
Faraway fires foul skies over Flathead
The famous mountain vistas in Northwest Montana have been shrouded in smoke coming from faraway wildfires.
Passenger plane shot down; 295 killed
Smallest baby
Sportsman and Ski Haus Opening
Danielle Devera in the operations department scans bar codes and sets out prices on Thursday, July 17, at the Sportsman and Ski Haus in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Marion Louise Ornelles, 94
Marion Louise Ornelles died in Sun City, Ariz., on June 24, 2014. She was two days short of her 95th birthday.
Shannon A. Turner, 40
Shannon A. Turner, a resident of Lake County, passed away on June 30, 2014.
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Wednesday, July 16
McClure, Mariners rock Libby, 20-2
POLSON — It’s not a good time to play the Mission Valley Mariners this season, a team that can’t seem to loose.
Twins find a way past Lakers A
A perfect 4 for 4 at the plate, Vinny Smith led the Glacier Twins at the plate in the dramatic 14-13 come-from-behind victory over the Kalispell Lakers A in a nine inning game at Griffin Field on Wednesday.
Jailer charged for sex with inmates faces new charge
BUTTE (AP) — A former Jefferson County jailer who faces trial on charges he had sex with female inmates is now charged with selling alcohol to a minor who later died in a crash on Interstate 15, court records said.
Groups seek ban of old rail cars
SEATTLE (AP) — Environmental groups asked the U.S. Department of Transportation to immediately ban shipments of volatile crude oil in older railroad tank cars, citing oil train wrecks and explosions and the agency’s own findings that accidents pose an imminent hazard.
Democrats want Zinke Navy records
HELENA (AP) — Montana Democrats released a letter Wednesday asking for Republican U.S. House candidate Ryan Zinke’s military records under the Freedom of Information Act.
State senator joins dam-sale process
A Kalispell state senator has been granted permission to intervene in Federal Energy Regulatory Commission proceedings on the sale of Kerr Dam near Polson.
Governor backs drought project effort
HELENA (AP) — Gov. Steve Bullock announced a pilot project Wednesday that could have national implications for better managing the impacts of drought.
Economist says dam deal needs changes consumers
HELENA (AP) — If changes aren’t made to NorthWestern Energy’s $900 million plan to buy 11 hydroelectric dams from PPL Montana, customer prices could be higher for years while NorthWestern profits will be guaranteed, a state economist said Tuesday.
Funding fix could keep road jobs going
Montana likely won’t have to hit the brakes on its summer road construction after a last-minute federal budget patch passed Tuesday in the U.S. House.
Arizona man dies after motorhome crashes
HELENA (AP) — A 66-year-old Arizona man was killed and a 64-year-old woman was injured in a motorhome crash on U.S. 89 near Corwin Springs, north of Yellowstone National Park.
Israeli army agrees to 'humanitarian' pause in attacks on Gaza
Kalispell man dies in crash on interstate
KELLOGG, Idaho (AP) — A 61-year-old Kalispell man died in a motorcycle crash during a rainstorm on Interstate 90 in northern Idaho.
Resentencing date set in teacher rape case
County chip-sealing projects in full swing
The Flathead County Road and Bridge Department is chip-sealing roads throughout the county for the next two weeks, ending on Thursday, July 24.
Girl, 10, visits casino to find way to Canada
Court records
Merger means closure of local bank branches
Two local branches of Mountain West Bank are expected to be closed as a result of the corporation’s planned merger with First Interstate Bank.
Griffin-Torgerson
Charles and Shirley Marvin
Norman and Angeline Kruckenberg
Daphne Nicole Sellers, 23
CharleeRose Marie Blokker
Mia Grey Buchholz
Liliana Gallardi Rocha
Ryan Neal McCracken
Paisley Dawn Marie McReynolds
Tennyson LaChance
Colt Collier
Kayci Mae Whitehouse
Nicole Diannne Johnson
Dalton Thomas Tucker
Abigail Barbara Harrell
Scout Rose Dauenhauer
House OKs marijuana-related banking
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House voted Wednesday in support of making it easier for banks to do business with legal pot shops and providers of medical marijuana.
Dad's heartbreaking Web plea spurs reaction
TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — Just days after his infant daughter’s death, Nathen Steffel asked strangers on the Internet for only one thing: He and his wife wanted a photo of their daughter without the breathing tubes and tape that masked her little face.
Court puts hole in Whitefish doughnut argument
The Montana Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Flathead County in the long-running Whitefish “doughnut” jurisdiction battle.
Crash spills trailer full of logs on road
A loaded logging truck rolled on its side Wednesday morning on the West Side Reservoir Road, dumping logs into a roadside ditch.
'Righteous victory' for people
The Montana Supreme Court’s ruling in the Whitefish “doughnut” jurisdiction battle is a “righteous victory” for residents of the embattled two-mile area around Whitefish, plaintiff attorney Duncan Scott said Wednesday.
Daybook
Steaming Teakettle
Logging Truck Rollover
Jerril Ren of the Montana Highway Patrol examines the scene of a logging truck rollover on Wednesday morning, July 16, on the west shore of the Hungry Horse Reservoir. In the background are members of the Martin City Volunteer Fire Department. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Tuesday, July 15
Mariners rip Rangers
POLSON — Mission Valley’s Bradley Pichler seemed to be a one-man wrecking crew in a 14-4 victory over the Kootenai Valley Rangers on Tuesday.
House hopefuls top million-dollar mark
U.S. House election
Republican Ryan Zinke has raised the most money so far in the race for the U.S. House, but his Democratic opponent, John Lewis, has the most cash left in the bank, new Federal Election Commission reports released Monday show.
Parks combine efforts for science day July 29
The Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park will host the Waterton-Glacier Science and History Day from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. July 29 at the Falls Theatre in Waterton Lakes National Park of Alberta.
Rock dropped on car critically injures driver woman
Workshop aims for healthy communities
North Valley Hospital, the city of Whitefish and the Flathead City-County Health Department are sponsoring a Healthy Communities Workshop July 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Agency looks to add 19 acres of island habitat
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region One is seeking public comment on a plan to acquire 19.72 acres of island habitats along the Flathead River.
Salish Kootenai College gets $1 million grant from NASA
Salish Kootenai College in Pablo has received a $1 million grant from NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project.
Kalispell woman wins $100,000 prize
Vonda Foster of Kalispell has claimed a $100,000 Scratch top prize in “$100,000 Montana Silver” with a ticket purchased from Town Pump at 2605 U.S. 2 E.
Cherries OK after rainstorms
Flathead Valley’s ripening cherry crop was not damaged despite heavy rainfall at Yellow Bay and other areas around Flathead Lake.
Runner hit by lightning
DENVER (AP) — Adam Campbell heard a huge cracking sound, saw a flash of light and said he was knocked to the ground as he ran across one of Colorado’s tallest peaks during a 100-mile endurance race.
Former Utah officials charged with bribery
River rescue
North Valley Search and Rescue transports California family members back to their vehicle at Blankenship Bridge after they flipped their raft Tuesday afternoon on the North Fork of the Flathead River. The rafters were wet and cold but uninjured when they were rescued. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Wolf Point man charged in fatal beating
GREAT FALLS (AP) — A Wolf Point man faces federal charges for a series of fights in March that left one man dead, another severely beaten and a third with a broken nose.
Number of uninsured in Montana drops 15 percent
HELENA — About 30,000 more Montana residents are enrolled in a health insurance plan than were before the Affordable Care Act enrollment period took place, state officials said Tuesday.
Winds aid crews battling fire in southern Oregon
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Crews trying to save rural dwellings in southern Oregon got help from a natural force they usually dread when winds turned around a spreading wildfire.
Hint: Sheriff is not federal debt collector
A woman received a call from people with accents claiming to be representatives of the federal government. They said the woman owed $495 in back taxes. They said they would call the sheriff’s office on her if she didn’t pay up and that an officer would be at her home in about 45 minutes. Imagine their surprise when the woman instead called the
Five safe after two water incidents
North Fork rafters, boy rescued in Glacier Park
A family of rafters was wet but safe after a boating mishap Tuesday afternoon on the North Fork of the Flathead River.
Russia subway derailment
Rescue teams work inside a tunnel where several cars of a wrecked Moscow subway train are piled up.
Rush-hour Moscow subway derails: 21 dead, 136 hurt
MOSCOW (AP) — A subway train derailed Tuesday deep below Moscow’s streets, twisting and mangling crowded rail cars at the height of the morning rush hour. At least 21 people were killed, Russian officials said, and 136 were hospitalized, many with serious injuries.
Woman gives birth to baby boy on bus
Daybook
Today, July 16
Afghan bomber kills 89
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — A suicide bomber blew up a car packed with explosives near a busy market and a mosque in eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday, killing at least 89 people in the deadliest insurgent attack on civilians since the 2001 U.S.-led invasion.
Ex-inmate sues Yellowstone County over cancer
BILLINGS (AP) — A former Yellowstone County jail inmate is suing the county alleging his throat cancer went undiagnosed for nearly a year despite his numerous complaints about pain and a lump in his throat.
Prosecutor: Charge had to be dropped
Murder-for-hire case
Flathead County Attorney Ed Corrigan said Tuesday that a murder-for-hire charge against a Kalispell man was dismissed because of insurmountable “evidentiary issues.”
House approves highway bill as deadline looms
WASHINGTON (AP) — With an August deadline looming, the House voted Tuesday to temporarily patch over a multibillion-dollar pothole in federal highway and transit programs while ducking the issue of how to put them on a sound financial footing for the long term.
Onions for Autism, Veggies for vets sign
Farming for the Future Executive Director Sherry Lewis-Peterson points to raised beds at the "Onions for Autism, Veggies for Vets" community garden at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.
Onions for Autism, Veggies for Vets
James Wilhelm, 10 and his cousin Omni Wilhelm, 7, and Lynn Rose Pine build an outdoor pizza oven during a free summer came organized by the nonprofit Farming for the Future Academy.
Sophie Victoria McCoy, 82
Sophie Victoria McCoy, 82, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, July 12, 2014, in Lonepine.
Karol Elaine Knowles, 59
Karol Elaine Knowles, 59, of Browning, daughter of Thelma and Wilbur Gulbranson and loving mother of son Jeremy Erickson, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2014, at Providence St. Vincent's Hospital in Portland.
Robert Thomas 'Tom' Lough, 68
Dan Reichardt, 73
Dan Reichardt, 73, passed away at his home in rural Kalispell on July 13, 2014.
Margret May Rock Rupp, 77
Margret May Rock Rupp, 77, passed away on Friday, June 27, 2014, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish, with family by her side.
George Harold Brown Sr., 76
Moonset
The moon sets over a field of canola on Saturday morning at 6 a.m. in West Valley. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Rifle company will replace faulty triggers
The Remington Arms Co. has confirmed it will offer to replace trigger mechanisms on millions of Model 700 bolt-action hunting rifles as part of a class-action lawsuit settlement.
Monday, July 14
West Glacier deal worth $17 million
The Viad Corp., parent company of Glacier Park Inc., is paying $16 million for the Lundgren family holdings in West Glacier and Apgar.
Active Senior: Dan Dickman
Dan Dickman recently retired as a nurse from the Flathead City-County Health Department. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Popular nurse retiring from health department
Woman has to pay to get 'free' stuff
Derald Glen Smith, 75
Commission lifts angling limits on Koessler Lake
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission has removed fishing creel limits for Koessler Lake in the South Fork of the Flathead River Drainage.
Lakers vs Medicine Hat
Kalispell first baseman Andy Bemis fields the ball Monday evening during the Lakers game against at Medicine Hat Griffin Field in Kalispell. July 14, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Troy to honor elk foundation founders
The founders of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will be honored later this month by the city of Troy, where they started the conservation organization 30 years ago.
Glacier goats on the go
Glacier National Park visitors watch a pair of mountain goats parade past near Oberlin Bend along Going-to-the-Sun Road. (Scott Crandell/Daily Inter Lake)
Murder-for-hire charge dropped
A criminal charge was dismissed Monday morning against a 38-year-old Kalispell felon who had been accused of soliciting his cellmate to murder two people.
Woman drowns in Glacier's McDonald Creek
A Washington state woman drowned after falling into McDonald Creek in Glacier National Park on Saturday afternoon.
Retiring with no regrets
When Maura Fields arrived at North Valley Hospital in 1983, it was a perfectly serviceable community hospital that met most of the needs of Whitefish.
Work session focuses on golf property
The Kalispell City Council will hold a work session tonight on the capital protection program of the Buffalo Hills Golf Course.
Sunday, July 13
Dog doc features Kila couple
Confident, loyal, devoted, agile and intelligent are all words used to describe the hardy Rottweiler, one of the oldest — and most misunderstood — working dog breeds.
Profile: Maura Fields
Maura Fields stands outside her home surrounded by the greenery cultivated over 22 years, on Thursday, July 10, in Whitefish. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Rottweilers
John Peine gives his Rottweilers Smith, right, and Wesson kisses Thursday afternoon at his home near Kila. July 10, 2014 in Kila, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
DIL 7-13-14
Lakers collapse in seventh
Holding a 10-run lead entering the bottom of the seventh and final inning at the John R. Harp Tournament, the Kalispell Lakers A had their game against Vauxhall wrapped up. Or so it seemed.
Twins top Dinos
WHITEFISH — The Glacier Twins finished out pool-play on a strong note at the Sapa-Johnsrud Memorial Tournament on Saturday morning, taking down the Calgary Jr. Dinos 8-1 at Memorial Field.
Saturday, July 12
Rottweilers
John Peine gives his Rottweilers Smith, right, and Wesson kisses Thursday afternoon at his home near Kila. July 10, 2014 in Kila, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Daybook
Today, July 13
Harp Tournament
Kalispell second baseman (28) flips the ball to second base for an out Saturday evening during the Lakers game against Vauxhall in the John R. Harp tournament at Griffin Field in Kalispell. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Tone of Republican governors shifting on gay marriage
Ending the silence about incest
'Jerk' wanders in Whitefish
An incensed person on Central Avenue called
U.N. Security Council urges truce in Gaza
No sign of lull as bombings widen
Montana has country's most corruption prosecutions
Attorney’s office says program targeting fraud is working well
Three still hospitalized after bus crash in Grand Teton
Science conference on Yellowstone in October
Washington fire grows slightly
ENTIAT, Wash. (AP) — A wildfire burning grass, brush and scattered timber in central Washington has grown by about 2 square miles, but officials reported good progress in protecting homes in the area.
Improvements set for Wayfarers State Park
Montana State Parks is recommending moving forward with an improvement project at Wayfarers State Park in Bigfork
Leftists have just been making excuses for their own malfeasance
I am so sick and tired of reading the trash coming from the dedicated “leftists” who are so in the tank for those who lay allegiance to an ideology that is on target to destroy America and all they can do is make excuses for their own malfeasance.
Honors students still sought for FVCC program
A few spots remain open for fall admission into the Scholars Program at Flathead Valley Community College. The program provides motivated students opportunities to experience academically rigorous cross-disciplinary honors courses.
President has not been a problem
So, the pundits and pawns (those who would tell us how to live and think) continue with the same hate and fear buzzwords. Words like freedoms, rights, oppressive dictator, redistribution of wealth — geez, that’s enough to make you hate your mother.
Last original member of the Ramones dies
NEW YORK — The Ramones always seemed too fast. Their songs rushed by, often two minutes or less of pure adrenaline. Their influence outstripped their sales. And now, with the death of drummer Tommy, all four original members of the seminal punk rock band are gone.
100 Fold Studio
Name game a bit insane in Iceland
Here’s something you may have missed in the national news last week. It’s against the law in Iceland to name your baby girl Harriet.
Our society has a skewed view of racism and violence
Steve Utash, a 54-year-old tree trimmer, father and grandfather, was driving down a Detroit street when a 10-year-old child ran into the busy traffic and was struck by his pickup truck.
Boat ramp closed for repairs
McWenneger Slough
The boat ramp at McWenneger Slough Fishing Access Site will be closed for repairs starting Monday.
Designed to serve: Lakeside architecture firm has unique mission
Partnership is a word that comes up often in a conversation with John Hudson.
Juggling Act
Alpine Theatre Project in Whitefish stages three big musicals in three weeks this summer Alpine Theatre Project
When it was formed 10 years ago, the Whitefish-based Alpine Theatre Project had a good reason for its choice of name.
Glacier Chorale hires new director
The Glacier Symphony and Chorale announces that Micah Hunter of Kalispell will lead the 80-voice Glacier Chorale for its 2014-15 concert season. Hunter is only the third conductor for the 32-year-old symphony organization and he replaces James Stanard, who retired at the end of May. Stanard had been conducting the choir since 2006 when he took the reins from founding chorale director Shauneen Garner.
Designed to serve
Restore the 'America' of the new movie before it is too late
Once again the historic Independence Day Fourth of July celebration was inspiring. The evening before I had gone to see the newly launched very impressive movie, “AMERICA,” produced by Gerald Molen and Dinesh D’Souza in which they provided thought-provoking analysis of the present, past and future of our country.
Our republic: Lost cause or worth the fight?
Tommy Ramone
In this Jan. 8, 2005, file photo, Tommy Ramone, ex-drummer and manager of The Ramones, smiles as he is interviewed backstage at the Knitting Factory in New York. A business associate says Ramone, a co-founder of the seminal punk band The Ramones and the last surviving member of the original group, has died. Dave Frey, who works for Ramones Productions and Silent Partner Management, says Ramone's wife called to tell him he died on Friday, July 11, 2014. Ramone was 62.
New commander in National Guard
Micah Hunter
Moon
A near-full moon rises over the trees Friday evening near Kalispell. July 11, 2014 in Whitefish, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Miracle Field
Jennifer Johnson, right, pitches the ball Tuesday afternoon during a baseball game at Miracle Field at Kidsports Complex in Kalispell. July 8, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Talia Dianne Rushing, 22, and Layton Luke Hallmark, 2
Talia Dianne Rushing and Layton Luke Hallmark of Boise, Idaho passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2014.
Mirth Elizabeth (Lutnes) Stedje, 95
Joseph L. Malach, 86
Joseph L. “Little Joe” Malach passed “into the loving, waiting arms of his dear Elsie” on June 17, 2014.
Clarence Rae 'Bud' Clem, 89
Clarence Rae “Bud” Clem was born in LeRoy, Kansas to Dorthea and William Clem.
Charlotte Anne Spaugh Gilley, 71
Charlotte Anne Spaugh Gilley was born Sept. 8, 1942, in Coquille, Ore., to Lyle K. and Bonita (Fee) Spaugh.
Lethbridge slides past Twins
A tough first inning proved to be too much for the Glacier Twins as the Lethbridge Elks handed them a defeat during the nightcap of the second day at the Sapa-Johnsrud Tournament at Memorial Field.
Legion Baseball: Lakers A roll in opener
The Lakers A offense put on a show in the opener of the John R. Harp Tournament on Friday at Griffin Field, topping Northwest Premiere (Post Falls, Idaho) 12-3.
Friday, July 11
Sapa-Johnsrud Memorial Tournament
Glacier base runner Tyler Murphy (right) slides in safely to third base Friday night during the Twins loss to Lethbridge on the second day of the Sapa-Johnsrud Memorial Tournament at Memorial Park in Whitefish. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Ukrainians flee as army is hit hard
Comment period on Whitefish boating rules is extended
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission has extended the comment period until Aug. 8 for its proposal to amend boating rules on a section of the Whitefish River.
House chairman says $3.7 billion border request is 'too much'
WASHINGTON (AP) — A key Republican said Friday that President Barack Obama’s multibillion-dollar emergency request for the border is too big to get through the House, as a growing number of Democrats rejected policy changes Republicans are demanding as their price for approving any money.
Evergreen students qualify for free meals
The entire student body of Evergreen School District will able to access free breakfast and lunch for the 2014-15 school year under the federally funded Community Eligibility Provision.
A level playing field: Kalspell's Miracle League draws lots of cheers from players, fans
On Tuesdays and Wednesdays in June and July, the cheers are unending at Kidsports Miracle Field in Kalispell.
Little gain seen in border strategy
Israel: World pressure won't stop offensive
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s prime minister vowed Friday to press forward with a broad military offensive in the Gaza Strip, insisting international pressure will not halt what he said was a determined effort to halt rocket fire by Palestinian militants as the death toll from the 4-day-old conflict rose above 100.
Clarence Rae 'Bud' Clem, 89
Texas shooting suspect collapses twice in court
Kalispell senator allowed to participate as intervenor in Kerr Dam sale proceedings
Farm aid: New program a dose of fresh air for the elderly, people with disabilities
Evelyn Sutton rode on horseback to school as a girl growing up near the Sweet Grass Hills in Chester, Montana.
Daybook
Today, July 12
Leaders say Benghazi rescue slowed by lack of information
WASHINGTON (AP) — Two of the four U.S. deaths in Benghazi might have been prevented, military leaders say, if commanders had known more about the intensity of the sporadic gunfire directed at the CIA facility where Americans had taken refuge and had pressed to get a rescue team there faster.
Threatening note may have come from target
Man gets 15 years for hitting public defender
Legal foundation defends non-Indians sued by tribes
The Mountain States Legal Foundation announced recently that it will defend two families sued by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in Montana federal district court in February.
Farm aid
Hannah Brown, left, walks with Evelyn Sutton at Lighthouse Christian home last Tuesday. Brown is the recreation and wellness manager at Buffalo Hill Terrace. Sutton participates in weekly trips to the Christian home’s farm between Somers and Bigfork.
In court
Hang up phone or be arrested
A woman called
Hopes high with new council members
But fighting erupts soon after ceremony Blackfeet politics
Tyson Running Wolf
Joseph L. Malach, 86
Thursday, July 10
Legion Baseball: Twins drop pair at Sapa-Johnsrud
WHITEFISH — The Glacier Twins held late leads in each of their opening games at the Sapa-Johnsrud Memorial Tournament on Thursday, but defense and pitching fell apart in the last inning of each, leading to a pair of tough losses.
Closures of sage-grouse areas OK'd
HELENA — The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approved a plan Thursday to close all or parts of 32 counties to sage-grouse hunting and to shorten the hunting season from two months to one.
Is the money really for grandma?
Man charged with attacking women
MISSOULA — A 28-year-old man is charged with two recent attacks against Missoula women.
Woman killed in crash near Ronan
POLSON — A 77-year-old woman has died of injuries suffered when the pickup truck she was riding in went off U.S. Highway 93 south of Ronan and rolled end-over-end.
Fatal crash near Gallatin Gateway
GALLATIN GATEWAY — A 36-year-old woman was killed when the sport utility vehicle she was driving pulled in front of a mobile crane on U.S. Highway 191 near Gallatin Gateway, southwest of Bozeman.
Three-year-old girl dies in car fire
BILLINGS — A 3-year-old Billings girl died and four others suffered burns when the car they were traveling in caught fire on Interstate 90 between Big Timber and Livingston.
Yellowstone road melts
Farming academy a worthy cause
Daybook
Today, July 11
Woods workers: Montana Conservation Corps volunteers keep trails in shape
The trails and parks of Montana are one of the state’s greatest treasures. And the work that goes into maintaining them requires a Herculean effort from multiple agencies.
Desperate for teachers: Educator shortages at Indian schools a chronic problem
Desperate for new teachers, Hays/Lodge Pole School District Superintendent Margaret Campbell has pulled out all the stops: A three-bedroom home to live in for $230 a month, with utilities paid; a $1,000 signing bonus; and even a dollar-for-dollar match for up to $300 on monthly student loan payments.
Woods workers
Ryan Hardy of Frenchtown, center, and Jacob Malbourne-Baker of Helena, left, work on a connector trail on Tuesday, July 8, at Lone Pine State Park west of Kalispell.
Residents asked not to dispose of lawn debris in ditches
No 'stand down' order in Benghazi
WASHINGTON (AP) — The testimony of nine military officers undermines contentions by Republican lawmakers that a “stand-down order” held back military assets that could have saved the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans killed at a diplomatic outpost and CIA annex in Benghazi, Libya.
Federal land report to be released
HELENA (AP) — A legislative panel voted Thursday to release a revised draft report on federal land management problems in Montana after some lawmakers complained it had a “hidden agenda” to transfer public lands to the state.
Fishing
Drake Biondo, 12, of Kalispell fishes for northern pike from a bridge crossing Ashley Creek on Thursday afternoon near Kila. July 10, 2014 in Kila, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Profile: Maura Fields
Maura Fields stands outside her home surrounded by the greenery cultivated over 22 years, on Thursday, July 10, in Whitefish. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Robert E. Cornell Jr., 85
Elva G. (Whitehorn) Gessaman, 88
Elva G. (Whitehorn) Gessaman, 88, passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2014, at her home at Buffalo Hill Terrace in Kalispell.
Charles 'Royden' Stubbs, 78
Charles "Royden" Stubbs, 78, passed away July 9, 2014, at his home in Kalispell.
Kathrynn Mildred Moran, 92
Kathrynn Mildred Moran, born to Lee and Gladys Ridenour on Oct. 10, 1921, passed away at the age of 92, July 7, 2014, at 6:30 a.m. at the Brendan House in Kalispell.
Nathan Orin Lee, 82
Nathan Orin Lee, 82, passed away June 11, in Kalispell.
Montana Conservation Corps Youth Project Team
Brock Kloeckl of Columbia Falls and Team Leader Alex Gould working on a connector trail on Tuesday, July 8, at Lone Pine State Park west of Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
100 Fold Studio
Jessica Murray an intern architect at 100 Fold Studio on Monday, July 7, in Lakeside. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Montana Life: Alpine Theatre Project
From left, Kevin Vortmann, Aaron Vega and Luke Walrath in a tech rehearsal for Big River on Wednesday, July 9. Street clothes and microphones are the norm at a technical rehearsal where sound and lighting and staging are perfected before dress rehearsals begin. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Arts in the Park
A woman looks over post cards during the 2013 Arts in the Park in Kalispell at Depot Park. (Patrick Cote file photo/Daily Inter Lake)
Arts in the Park offers food, music, art and more
The week's highlights
Musician Tony Furtado brings virtuoso skill to Great Northern
Show off your photography in the great outdoors
Yaak Wilderness Festival features world-folk violinist
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TERRY: MLB All-Star game flawed, not broken
Over the last 20 years, Major League Baseball has sapped all the fun from the MLB All-Star game.
Sapa-Johnsrud tourney starts Thursday
The 2014 Sapa-Johnsrud Memorial Baseball Tournament kicks off today at Memorial Field in Whitefish with a five-team field.
Legion Baseball: Lakers split with Elks
The Kalispell Lakers AA came from behind and held off the Lethbridge Elks in Game 1 before being humbled in the night cap, as the teams split the American Legion doubleheader on Wednesday night at Griffin Field.
Wednesday, July 9
Like it or not, "we are all Murrieta"
Is the word crisis too strong?
Guns, drugs, delusions worth a warning
Officers in Spokane notified the
Ella Mae Stevens, 75
Ella Mae Stevens was born on Aug. 28, 1938, to Elmer and Goldie Rhodes in Kalispell.
Governor unveils 'Forests in Focus' initiative
Cherry harvest to get started
Average just might be good enough for this year’s Flathead Lake cherry crop.
Whitefish Christian Academy expanding
Big changes are coming to a growing Whitefish Christian Academy.
Polson proposes tripling water, sewer rates
POLSON (AP) — The Polson City Commission has proposed tripling the city’s water and sewer rates to pay for a $19 million wastewater and sewage treatment plant needed to meet federal discharge regulations that take effect in 2018.
State probes report of northern pike in Lake Mary Ronan
In the coming weeks, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will follow up on the recent northern pike discovery in Lake Mary Ronan.
Free meal program kicks off today
The free summer meals program is holding a midsummer kickoff event at Woodland Park today from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Meeting to explain U.S. 93 rebuild
An informational meeting for the second phase of the U.S. 93 West reconstruction project will be held at 6:30 p.m. today at Whitefish City Hall.
Lawmaker's attempt to toss complaint rejected
Complaint alleges Senate majority leader took illegal contributions
HELENA (AP) — A Helena judge has rejected the Montana Senate majority leader’s attempt to dismiss allegations that his campaign took illegal contributions and coordinated with a conservative group.
Civil Air Patrol seeking young cadets
For young people with a love of adventure and thoughts of civic duty, the Civil Air Patrol is worth considering, a local Civil Air Patrol leader said.
Learn how to detect invasive plants
Glacier National Park’s Citizen Science Program is offering two opportunities to help with early detection of invasive plants along park trails. Both opportunities are free of charge and open to the public.
Flathead provides a family-friendly Fourth of July
It is hard to beat a long Fourth of July week in the Flathead! Long, warm, sunny days, no rain and refreshingly cool nights made outdoor recreation a real pleasure. With endless beautiful mountains for hiking, streams for fishing and lakes for water sports, it’s easy to see why many geographers feel Western Montana is an ideal location for summer vacations.
Evergreen Fire levy OK'd
Residents of the Evergreen Fire District have approved the renewal of the district’s annual operational tax levy by a wide margin.
Missing Lake County woman found dead
Shannon Turner
The body of Shannon Turner of Lake County, who was reported missing last week, was found Tuesday evening in southern Flathead County.
Tuesday, July 8
Legion Baseball: Loggers sweep Missoula twin bill
LIBBY — After falling behind early in the first game of an American Legion doubleheader, the Libby Loggers managed a comeback en route to a two-game sweep of the Missoula Mavericks on Tuesday night.
Whitefish basketball hires new coach amid controversy
Downey resigns after two months, claims he was forced out
Worried about water safety
Not feeling any urgency to save lives from the pollution from the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co., two of the Flathead County commissioners, the governor of Montana, the Department of Environmental Quality, and Environmental Protection Agency, do not seem to be working with any kind of haste to acquire Superfund monies to clean up the mess.
Leave no man behind? Really?
Would someone tell me why this president would make so much praise and to-do over a soldier who went AWOL from his post and sits in our enemy’s camp for over four years? Top this, he’s even promoted twice while he learns a new language. The exchange made for his release was very high and will bite us in the butt.
Polson's water rate plan is unfair
The city of Polson has proposed a water and sewer service rate increase that would cost city residents $93 per month. The plan is inequitable and basically unfair in that it proposes to reduce cost for “Snowbirds” when they are not using city water and sewer facilities.
Questions for the commissioners
First, I really appreciate that we will still have a place to put our garbage in Bigfork. I appreciate all the people and the time spent resolving the issue.
If you refer to our history, get it right
Bob McClellan is a prolific letter writer in the Daily Inter Lake on the merits of Democrats and the failures of Republicans. His recent piece expounding the legacy of President Johnson and the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 begs for this reader to set the story on a different historical path — that of truth.
Don't make employees work on Fourth of July
A salute to those employers who closed their doors on the Fourth of July so employees could celebrate the birth of our great nation.
Dog days of summer: Don't forget your pet
Handling the heat
With temperatures expected to be hotter than normal in the coming days, the Kalispell Police Department reminds residents to be careful about leaving their furry friends alone in their vehicles.
Columbia Falls student on winning animal-science team
MSU News Service
Aquatic invasive species tops agenda
Flathead Lakers members and friends will gather to celebrate clean water and to learn about working across borders to prevent aquatic invasive species introductions at the Lakers' annual meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 15, at the Flathead Lake Biological Station at Yellow Bay.
Airlines urge passengers to arrive early
Glacier Park International Airport is urging its passengers to give themselves plenty of time when arriving for flights, especially during the busy summer season.
Afghan candidate rejects election results
KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghan presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah defiantly told thousands of supporters Tuesday that he will declare victory in the country’s election, claiming massive fraud was responsible for preliminary results that put his rival in the lead. The United States warned both camps against trying to seize power, saying international financial and security support was at stake.
Telecom giant to sell some assets
MEXICO CITY — The telecom company America Movil says it will divest some assets to reduce its market share in the face of Mexico’s telecommunications reform designed to break up monopolies.
South African train collision injures at least 52
JOHANNESBURG — Two trains collided in the South African city of Durban on Tuesday evening, injuring more than 50 passengers in an accident that officials said could have been much worse.
Ex-Guantanamo inmate granted transfer
EDMONTON, Alberta — Alberta’s top court has granted an application by former Guantanamo Bay detainee Omar Khadr to be transferred to a provincial jail from a federal medium-security prison in the western Canadian province.
North Korea again fires into water
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A South Korean military official says North Korea has launched two projectiles into its eastern waters in an apparent continuation of a recent series of missile and artillery test launches.
Israel launches large aerial assault on Gaza Strip
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel on Tuesday launched its largest offensive in the Gaza Strip in nearly two years, carrying out a blistering aerial assault on scores of targets and killing 25 people in what officials called an open-ended operation aimed at ending weeks of heavy rocket fire. As Gaza militants unleashed salvos on cities including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Israel mobilized forces along the border for a possible ground invasion.
Bad dream? Whatever floats your boat
A man called
Islamic State seizes chemical weapons site
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The Islamic State extremist group has taken control of a vast former chemical weapons facility northwest of Baghdad, where remnants of 2,500 degraded chemical rockets filled decades ago with the deadly nerve agent sarin are stored along with other chemical warfare agents, Iraq said in a letter circulated Tuesday at the United Nations.
Lincoln man faces kidnapping charge
HELENA (AP) — One of three men arrested after a Lincoln woman reported someone tried to kidnap her is charged with the crime.
Woman killed trying to stop rolling car
BILLINGS (AP) — Musselshell County officials are investigating the death of a woman who may have been struck by a vehicle rolling down a hill.
Second fuselage removed from derailment site
MISSOULA (AP) — Crews have removed the second of three commercial airplane bodies from a river embankment in western Montana following a train derailment.
Nigeria: 'Good news' soon on kidnapped girls
ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria’s National Council of State is promising to deliver “some good news” very soon about more than 200 schoolgirls held captive by Islamic extremists for nearly three months.
Montana regulators hold hearing on $900 million dam deal
HELENA — Montana utility regulators will determine whether electricity customers will have stable rates in the future or if they’ll be subject to the whims of a volatile power-supply market, an attorney for NorthWestern Energy said Tuesday.
Kenyon leaving Kalispell council after 14 years
Longtime Kalispell City Council member Randy Kenyon has resigned from his council position because he’s moving to the North Fork area.
Shopko signs deal for Whitefish store
A lot of things are going to change for the Whitefish Mountain Mall with the arrival of the Shopko Hometown department store.
Kalispell paraplegic wins statewide competition
A Kalispell woman who was left paralyzed in a hit-and-run accident five years ago has been named Ms. Wheelchair Montana.
Starla Hilliard Barnes
Starla Hilliard Barnes and her daughter, Elissiah, pose on a horse during a recent photo session. Barnes was named Ms. Wheelchair Montana and will represent the state during national competition this month in Ohio. Barnes was left paralyzed by a hit-and-run driver in 2009.
Hilde Maria Irriger, 98
Hilde Maria Irriger, 98, passed away at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula on June 27, 2014.
Ramona Jo Griffing, 84
Barbara Rae Spies, 77
Keith Alan Weasel Tail, 53
Keith Alan Weasel Tail ended his long and hard-fought battle with cancer on July 7, 2014, in the loving arms of his wife Jeanie.
fbj june 30 cover
FBJ June 30
Eugene Rodney Rod Lorang
Eugene Rodney Rod Lorang, 70
Eugene Rodney “Rod” Lorang, 70, passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2014, at his home in Whitefish.
Ronald Ralph Gipe
Ronald Ralph Gipe, 68
Ronald Ralph Gipe, 68, of Lakeside died on July 3, 2014, at the age of 68. Ron battled cancer for six years, but he lived each day simply doing the things he loved.
Dog found dead morning after fight
The
Forest Service roads focus of open house
The Flathead National Forest is hosting an open house from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the supervisor’s office, 650 Wolfpack Way, Kalispell, to seek public input on the process used in an analysis of the road system on the Flathead National Forest.
Plant fire showcased need for disaster protocols
If disaster strikes in the Flathead Valley, local emergency services are prepared for just about any scenario.
Museum at Central School names gallery after beloved teacher
Dorothy Schoknecht was one of the Flathead County teachers most students never forgot.
Opposition mounting to Flathead Lake bridge
A petition signed by 400 people who object to a 600-foot bridge being built on the north shore of Flathead Lake was presented to the Flathead County commissioners last week.
Bear attack still under investigation
A bear attack that sent one woman to the hospital on the morning of July 3 is still under investigation by Fish, Wildlife and Parks personnel.
Plum Creek plant ramping up to full production just weeks after fire
Plum Creek Timber Co.’s medium-density fiberboard plant in Columbia Falls is expected to be back to full production later this week following an explosion and fire on June 10.
Monday, July 7
Lovely day for a drive
A family makes their way on the road from Polebridge into Glacier National Park earlier this month.
Polebridge Poppies
Bright poppies bloom outside a cabin in Polebridge on Tuesday, July 1. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Sunrise Meadow
A misty dawn breaks over a meadow in Glacier National Park on Tuesday, July 1. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Taking Refuge
A young deer takes refuge at the base of a pine near Bowman Lake on Tuesday, July 1, in North Glacier National Park. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Deer at Dawn
A doe makes her way through a dew drenched field in Polebridge, on Tuesday morning, July 1. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Dorothy Schoknecht Gallery at the Museum at Central School
A photograph of Dorothy Schoknecht from the 1930son display with hats and other personal items that belonged to her and her mother, Julia Neils Schoknecht on June 19, at the Museum at Central School in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Picnic in the Park
Kyleigh Rogers, 11, wipes the hands of her cousin Nathalie Rogers, 3, after a picnic in the Woodland Park on Monday, July 3, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Week in Pictures: June 30 - July 6
Light district could be expanded
The Kalispell City Council will hold a public hearing tonight on a proposed expansion of the city’s Light Maintenance District.
Timber Ridge subdivision tops Whitefish agenda
A proposal for a 15-lot subdivision on Haugen Heights Road is among five public hearings on tonight’s Whitefish City Council agenda.
Sunday, July 6
Coffee conflict brews between businesses
A coffee stand has been shut down by a Burger King construction project on the south side of Kalispell, and a legal scuffle is brewing over whether the stand can stay where it is.
Legion baseball: Mariners A drop Reps in title game
POLSON — Zeke Webster-Yaqui held the Helena Reps to five singles and helped his cause by going 3 for 4 and driving in two runs as Mission Valley Mariners A won the championship game 8-3 at the 4th of July Firecracker American Legion Baseball Tournament Sunday night.
Bryn Morley 3rd in 1,500 at USA Track 7 Field Junior Championships
EUGENE, Ore. — Bryn Morley of Bigfork turned in a spectacular showing in the women’s 1,500-meter run final on Sunday at the USA Track & Field Junior Championships at Hayward Field.
Susan Bissey Keller, 85
Susan Bissey Keller of Libby passed away unexpectedly on July 1, 2014, just a few days before her 86th birthday.
Artist with a heart
Mary Sierra of Kalispell greets everyone with open arms.
Delbert Maltby, 89
Delbert 'Bud' Maltby, 89, passed away peacefully at his home on July 4th, 2014.
Black Anchor
Michelle Riska, owner of Black Anchor Espresso, stands in front of her business and the construction shutting it down.
Keller
Mary Sierra
Mary Sierra in her apartment Friday afternoon in Kalispell. June 27, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Maltby
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DIL 7-6-14
Up the North Fork
Saturday, July 5
Hickok, Lee chase down titles
Former champs come from behind to win 4th of July tourney
Legion Baseball: Barber's no-hitter leads Lakers A
SPOKANE — The Kalispell Lakers A shrugged off an 0-2 Friday at the Spokane Wood Bat Classic with an emphatic 14-0 victory over the East Valley Knights in their final game of the tournament.
Morley makes finals at Junior Championships
EUGENE, Ore. — Bryn Morley of Bigfork finished third in a preliminary heat of the 1,500-meter run at the USA Track & Field Junior Championships on Saturday, keeping pace with some of the best athletes under the age of 20 in the country. Morley, an incoming freshman for the Valkyries, was the youngest athlete in the field, outpacing five college runners.
Williams-Mason
Arthur and Barbara Williams of Columbia Falls announce the engagement of their daughter, Camille Jane Williams, to Tyler Clark Mason, son of Gregory and Valerie Mason of Whitefish.
Anderson-Senner
Outrage over Hobby Lobby ruling misplaced
War against Constitution? Losing your mind one freedom at a time...
Is there any difference between the “politically correct” totalitarian ideology of our government propaganda machine and the extremist goals of Boko Haram?
Airliner fuselages to be pulled from river
MISSOULA (AP) — Crews on Sunday will attempt to remove three Boeing 737 fuselages that tumbled down a steep bank and into the Clark Fork River in western Montana after a train derailed.
Another lake in Bob Marshall eyed for use of fish poison
Montana officials are considering adding Koessler Lake as part of an effort to remove non-native species and restore westslope cutthroat trout in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
Woman taking part in race avoids abduction
Three men arrested
Palestinian teen was burned to death
RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — An autopsy showed an Arab teenager who Palestinians say was killed in a revenge attack was burned to death, officials said Saturday, while Palestinian militants fired two rockets toward a major southern city deeper into Israel than any other attack in the current round of violence.
First lady vows to fight for unpopular school menu
Islamic State's leader calls for holy war in video
BAGHDAD (AP) — A man purporting to be the leader of the Sunni extremist group that has declared an Islamic state in territory it controls in Iraq and Syria has made what would be his first public appearance, delivering a sermon at a mosque in Iraq’s second-largest city, according to a video posted online Saturday.
Philadelphia fire kills four children
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Fire raced through a row of two-story homes in southwest Philadelphia early Saturday, killing 4-year-old twin girls, a 4-year-old boy and a baby and engulfing at least 10 houses, officials said. A mother and three of her children escaped through a second-floor window.
Four dead after three boats crash
MIAMI (AP) — Three boats collided near a Miami marina around the end of a fireworks display, killing four and injuring a dozen others in a chaotic scene that left bodies and survivors tossed overboard.
Shark bites man near Southern California beach
Daybook
Polebridge Mercantile marks a new century with new owner
Just before 7 a.m. on Tuesday, the sun is up and working hard to burn off fog that has settled over the Polebridge Mercantile.
America: Have we failed the founders?
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Why Medicaid makes sense...
Some thoughts about medical care and the public good. Having been well-insured, I have lingering guilt about the cost of the elective surgeries I have had. The conditions I had would likely have become disabling, but they were not life threatening.
Columbia Falls brewery
Couple to start brewery in Columbia Falls
Since the closure of Desert Mountain Brewing in 2013, Columbia Falls has found itself without a microbrewery to call its own.
Marcia Jane Aronow, 74
Marcia Aronow died on April 13, 2014, with family at her side, at home in Whitefish.
Fireworks call leads to more serious complaint: death threat
Map your forest route with mobile apps
Mobile access to Kootenai National Forest maps, such as district visitor maps, is available for people using Android and iOS devices.
Woman gets four years for assault on baby sitter
A Whitefish woman has been sentenced to four years in prison for her involvement in the rape of a 15-year-old baby sitter in 2011.
Incest: Families share the pain, fight to rebuild
It was a day of tears, justice and outrage in Flathead District Court on a Thursday in May when one man was arraigned just hours before his half brother was sent to prison for the same crime.
Town thrives on volunteers
Lakeside is one of those communities that captures the essence of small-town spirit.
Kalispell oncology center to double its size
Dr. Gordon Stillie remembers the first day of his residency as a radiation oncologist in 1978.
Democrats switch Senate candidates
After the recent withdrawal of Betsy Cummings as a candidate for Senate District 4, Flathead County Democrats nominated House District 9 candidate Diane Taylor to take her place on the general election ballot.
Forging the chains of liberty - and forgetting them
When I was growing up in Stony Point, N.Y., I was surrounded by reminders of the birth of our nation, and the sacrifices that were made to wrest our liberty from the yoke of a tyrant.
Cynthia 'Cindy' Dawn Viano, 60
Cynthia 'Cindy' Dawn Gwynn Viano, 60
Lorraine Clauson Nelson, 95
Lorraine Clauson Nelson passed away on July 1, 2014, at the Welcov Assisted Living Facility in Kalispell.
Fourth of July Golf Tournament
Lauren Hausaur of Bozeman tees off from number 7 in the Fourth of July Golf Tournament at the Whitefish Lake Golf Club on Saturday. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Patricia E. Kirchhoffer, 95
Patricia E. Kirchhoffer, 95, passed away Saturday, June 28, 2014, surrounded by her family.
Roger Dean Jacobson, 75
Roger Dean Jacobson, 75, a Kalispell native, passed away on June 25, 2014, at Brendan House.
Friday, July 4
Brother keeps memory of 'top gun' alive
Kenneth Gordon Manning, 83
Kenneth Gordon Manning, 83, passed away on July 1, 2014, at the Brendan House in Kalispell.
Doctor residency program launches at Kalispell Regional
Robert Needham, MIA for 70 years
Firework complaints start day early
Fourth of July Parade
A Navy Corsair and a Canadian Harvard, known as a T-6 when part of the U.S. military, buzz downtown in the Fourth of July Parade in downtown Kalispell on Friday, July 4. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Thursday, July 3
Birdies put Porch first at Fourth of July tourney
WHITEFISH — Kalispell’s Ryan Porch birdied his last four holes on the way to carding a 4-under-par 68 at the 78th annual Earl Hunt Memorial Fourth of July Golf Tournament at Whitefish Lake Golf Club Thursday. Porch, who just finished his freshman season on the University of Idaho golf team, hit nine birdies in his round to take a two-stroke lead after the opening round of the three-day tournament.
Legion baseball: Lakers A split opening games at Wood Bat tourney
SPOKANE, Wash. — The Kalispell Lakers A beat the Calgary Blues 8-4, but lost to Ferndale, Wash., 7-5 during opening-day action at the Spokane Wood Bat Classic American Legion baseball tournament on Thursday.
False alarm on pair of stolen bikes
Dozens of cats rescued
BUTTE (AP) — Authorities in hazardous materials suits worked Thursday to catch about 90 cats found living in squalor in a Butte apartment.
Man's Wild Card worth $652,000
HELENA — A Helena man has claimed the $652,000 Wild Card jackpot from the May 10 drawing.
Pablo man charged with rape, kidnap
POLSON — A 32-year-old Pablo man is denying four felony charges after what prosecutors say was a brutal, six-hour attack on a female acquaintance last month.
June jobs report shows recovery accelerating
WASHINGTON — A surprisingly robust job market is energizing the 5-year-old U.S. recovery and driving the economy closer to full health.
Israel rushes forces to border
Tensions high after killings of Israeli, Palestinian teens
Kenneth Gordon Manning, 83
Vacationers flee storm approaching Outer Banks
Red bus express: Woman gets wish to lead way over Logan Pass
After some 11th-hour organizing efforts, a woman with a terminal illness was allowed to ride a historic red bus Wednesday evening that led the way to Glacier National Park’s Logan Pass on Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Fireworks master: Lakeside display puts spotlight on its veteran pyrotechnician
When the first explosion of color dazzles the sky over Lakeside tonight, Mike Martin is the man behind the magic.
Fourth of July fun: A brief guide to local parades and fireworks
Watch out for these rising stars
Daybook
Fourth of July Golf Tournament
Shawn Tucker of Whitefish playing in the Fourth of July Golf Tournament at the Whitefish Lake Golf Club on Thursday, July 3. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Thousands found behind treasurer's desk in Hamilton
HAMILTON — When a Helena accounting firm finished its examination of the Ravalli County treasurer’s office earlier this year, it found over $951,000 in cash and checks that now-suspended treasurer Valerie Stamey hadn’t deposited into county accounts.
OSHA proposes fines after roofer death in Missoula
MISSOULA — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing a $14,000 fine for a Missoula roofing company for failing to use equipment that could have prevented an employee from falling to his death.
Man appeals sentence in youth-program fraud conviction
Patricia E. Kirchhoffer, 95
Whitefish Therapy & Sport Center
Whitefish Therapy & Sport Center Staff
Shari Lynn Allen, 48
Clayton 'Butch' Bradley, 67
Clayton “Butch” Bradley, 67, “went to heaven” quietly in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 29, 2014, surrounded by his family at his residence in Kalispell. For the past three years he had fought a valiant battle with colon cancer.
Irene C. St. Sauver, 91
Cardio Equipment
Deer at Dawn
A deer stands alert in the early morning hours of Tuesday, July 1, in Polebridge. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Camping in North Glacier
Rick Miller of DeMotte, Indiana, begins to take down his camp site on Tuesday, July 1, at Bowman Lake in North Glacier National Park. Miller has been camping for 10 days in a canvas campfire tent, at 35 pounds the tent is not for backpackers. Miller said he loved his time but he was ready for a shower and some food. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Going-to-the-Sun Opens
Helen Hatfield, 13, and her mother, Jane play in the snow as they make their way down from Logan Pass with Bryan Egli on Tuesday, July 2, in Glacier National Park. The family is visiting from Ventura, California. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Rhonda Hendricks
Different Drummers
Family connection brings 'Different Drummers' to Kalispell
Alpine Theatre Project offers rotating schedule
LIVE on Stage confirms series dates for 2014-15
Missoula dance band plays for brewfest
twifcover070314
twif070314
Wednesday, July 2
Waiting for an ace
It finally stopped snowing and with a week of vacation in the books, I finally got back on the golf course last week.
Whitefish Lake Golf Club ready for region's elite
WHITEFISH — A handful of former champions, including the defending men’s and women’s winners, will play in the 78th annual Fourth of July golf tournament beginning today at Whitefish Lake Golf Club. The tourney regularly brings in one of the top fields in the state and draws the top players from the Pacific Northwest and Southern Canada.
Judge: Libyan militant to remain in U.S. custody
Daybook
Spraying planned for midge outbreak
CHS Kalispell is working with Flathead Valley farmers to spray wheat fields in an ongoing effort to control the orange wheat blossom midge.
Man suspected of ramming pickup truck with Porsche
Former hoops player pleads in Havre drug case
Business Professionals of America
Man gets 60 years for fire deaths
BILLINGS (AP) — A Montana man who pleaded guilty to starting a trailer fire in April 2013 that killed four people has been sentenced to 60 years in prison.
Canadian man identified as I-15 crash victim
Panel endorses some NSA surveillance
Tropical storm heading for coast
Gas-main fix slows U.S. 2 traffic
A gas-main incident Wednesday morning restricted southbound traffic on U.S. 2 in Evergreen just north of Montana 35.
Fun for the Fourth: A complete guide
Unfurl your flags and get ready to celebrate America’s birthday. From parades to fireworks, Northwest Montana has plenty of fun planned Friday for the Fourth of July.
Union leaders say high court ruling won't have much impact in Montana
Montana union leaders said Tuesday they foresee no immediate impact in Montana from a U.S. Supreme Court decision that concluded certain government employees don’t have to pay fees to the unions representing them.
Pyrotechnics and independence
Often-split court agrees your privacy matters
WASHINGTON (AP) — Supreme Court justices found more common ground than usual this year, and nowhere was their unanimity more surprising than in a ruling that police must get a judge’s approval before searching the cellphones of people they’ve arrested.
Man charged with trying to run over officer
Purported review of climate change studies questionable
I found Mr. Tanner’s letter quite interesting.
Target asks customers to leave guns at home
NEW YORK — Target is “respectfully” asking its customers to not bring firearms into its stores, even where it is allowed by law.
Guatemalan boy left for better life, died alone in Texas desert
Gilberto Haroldo Ramos Juarez, 11, brother of Gilberto Francisco Ramos Juarez, a Guatemalan boy whose decomposed body was found in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, answers questions during an interview at his family's home in San Jose Las Flores in the northern Cuchumatanes mountains of Guatemala, Tuesday, July 1, 2014. Gilberto Francisco's parents confirmed to The Associated Press on Tuesday that he was 15, and the date was wrong on his birth certificate. In the remote mountains, they had taken several years to register his birth and forgot the date. So they listed the same date as his younger brother. (AP Photo/Luis Soto)
Magpie killers need conscience
I read a segment in recent police reports about a person who called to complain that a neighbor was shooting magpies. He had a box full of dead magpies on his porch. The report said that the caller was informed it is not illegal to shoot magpies. I spoke with the fish and game department, and it is a federal crime to kill magpies.
Groups want to see Montana judge's racist emails
BILLINGS — American Indian groups want a court to preserve and eventually release an investigative file containing inappropriate emails sent by a federal judge, including a racist message involving President Barack Obama.
Bozeman girl dies after being run over
BOZEMAN (AP) — A 10-year-old Bozeman girl has died of injuries suffered when she was accidentally run over by a trailer.
FVCC students excel in business competition
Several Flathead Valley Community College business students earned high honors in the Business Professionals of America competition in Indianapolis.
U.S. Army: Bergdahl venturing out in public
Teen charged with rape plus witness tampering
Skateboard angels keeping park clean
I am writing this letter to compliment and praise the young people using the Woodland Park Skateboard Park this year.
Man guilty of rape, stalking
A Polson man who was charged with trying to hire someone to kill his former girlfriend so she couldn’t testify against him in a rape trial has entered a plea agreement that calls for a 50-year prison sentence.
Woman dies after falling into river
BILLINGS — A 52-year-old Bridger woman has died after falling into the fast-moving water in the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River at a fishing access site south of Bridger.
Weed blitz planned July 15 in park
Glacier National Park’s Citizen Science Program has two opportunities to help with early detection of invasive plants along park trails: a Noxious Weed Blitz on July 15 and an online training course for the Invasive Plants Citizen Science program.
Bowman vista
Glacier's Logan Pass opens
Polebridge Mercantile celebrates 100 years
Detail of the old fashioned till at the Polebridge Mercantile. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
U.S. 2 traffic detour
Southbound traffic is diverted around a gas main incident on Wednesday morning in Evergreen on U.S. 2. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
U.S. 2 open to full traffic after gas-main problem
A gas-main incident Wednesday morning closed down southbound lanes of U.S. 2 in Evergreen just north of Montana 35.
Lundgren family sells West Glacier holdings
A big portion of Glacier National Park’s west gateway changed hands Tuesday as the Lundgren family sold its extensive land and business holdings in West Glacier and Apgar Village.
West Glacier
Tuesday, July 1
Mariners blow out Libby
LIBBY — The Mission Valley Mariners got off to a hot start and didn’t look back, posting five multi-run innings in a 16-2 victory over the Libby Loggers on Tuesday night.
DeLisa Dawn Willis, 50
DeLisa Dawn Willis, 50, devoted and loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2014, surrounded by her daughters and friends at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.
Service dog chows down on patrol car
BUTTE — A service dog is accused of chewing on the backseat of a Butte police car Monday morning, causing extensive damage.
Singer in the spotlight for 'Sober & Sorry'
Kayla Adams wants her first video to not only showcase her first country single — “Sober & Sorry” — but also be her introduction to the world.
Fans gather for World Cup soccer
With every twist and turn of Tuesday’s World Cup knockout game between the U.S. Men’s National Team and the Red Devils of Belgium, the crowd at Great Northern Brewing Co. in Whitefish yelled, cheered or groaned.
Daybook
Illegal pike found in Lake Mary Ronan
Northern pike were recently discovered in Lake Mary Ronan, raising concerns about impacts on the lake’s kokanee salmon and trout fishery.
Militant leader urges Muslims to build Islamic state
BAGHDAD (AP) — The leader of the extremist group that has overrun parts of Iraq and Syria has called on Muslims around the world to flock to territories under his control to fight and build an Islamic state.
Man charged in 2013 death
BILLINGS — Stillwater County authorities have made an arrest in the July 2013 death of an Absarokee man.
Ex-New Mexico governor named pot company CEO
No debris burning for three months
Firefighters with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation would like to remind folks around the Flathead Valley that the debris burning season ended June 30.
Man dies when SUV collides with truck
Rape suspect faces drug charge
Judge strikes down gay Kentucky marriage ban
Judge blocks Kootenai logging project
HELENA (AP) — A federal judge has blocked a logging project in the Kootenai National Forest over concerns that roads built for the project may harm a threatened population of grizzly bears.
Arizona pauses to remember fallen firefighters
Obama vows that he will act alone
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama defiantly dared congressional Republicans on Tuesday to try to block his efforts to act on his own and bypass a divided Congress that has thwarted his policy initiatives.
Biomass grant money available from state
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation is now accepting proposals for the 2014 Wood Product and Biomass Utilization Grant.
More torrential rainfall worsens Midwest flooding
Bear makes a ruckus at Olney home
A black bear was banging on windows and doors of a house off U.S. 93 near Olney, according to the
al-Baghdadi
Lila Emmy Veitch
Aubreyanna Velma Sue Toavs
Colt Daniel Rigler
Emma Kay Schmautz
Erik Michael Svendsbye
Jace Shields Sickler
Kaia Brook Kane
Highway crisis looms as soon as August
Nineteen Granite Mountain Hotshots
Mary Sierra
Mary Sierra in her apartment Friday afternoon in Kalispell. June 27, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Kayla Adams
World Cup
Lakeside fireworks prep
Various sizes of fiberglass tubes make up Mike Martin's firework array. June 30, 2014 in Lakeside, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
Canola
The Swan Mountain Range is seen behind a field of Canola on Monday afternoon near Kalispell. June 30, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)
