Ellington

Preakness at Scotty's

Sandy Christensen of Spokane cheers as California Chrome crosses the finish line as she watches the Preakness on Saturday afternoon at Scotty's Bar in Kalispell. "We came over just for this," said Christensen. May 17, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Retiring Teachers

Paul and Alison Smaltchz are retiring after beginning their teaching careers 40 years ago. May 28, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Three Blind Refs

Flathead Soccer Club's Ethan Jimenez (right) fights off a defender from The Academy of Hayden, Idaho on Saturday afternoon during the Three Blind Refs tournament at Kidsports Complex in Kalispell. May 31, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Teacher suspended for history lesson about racism

MONROE, Mich. (AP) — A southeast Michigan public school teacher has been removed from the classroom while district officials look into whether a lesson plan on African-American history and racial segregation laws was inappropriate.

Siberian Cut

Sean Vann talks with a member of his logging crew on the site of “Siberian Cut.”

Do the only right thing: Vote Democratic

This letter defies my usual approach to political elections. I have always considered individuals, not parties. For me, it is different this time. Our nation is traveling down a very dangerous path. Here’s what I mean.

Keep signs up so we know who to blame for the mess

I have a new rule regarding political signs. Election losers MUST remove their signs immediately after the election. However, election winners MAY leave their signs up indefinitely.  

Republicans are frightening

Reading the Daily Inter Lake’s Opinion page lately is like reading the comics and yet very frightening.

Vote like your future depended on it

Finally, the time has come for voters to decide, if they haven’t already, their choices for many offices in the Flathead Valley and the rest of Montana.

Law roundup

An intoxicated woman was reported to Kalispell Police Department screaming and holding a pole as a weapon in the yard of a Tenth Avenue West apartment. She was taken to the hospital for a mental health evaluation.

Bringing 'Dark Money' hypocrisy into light of day

The rhetoric coming out of Washington, D.C., would have you believe Republicans and right-wingers are pouring cash into a well-oiled political machine, while ragtag liberals and Democrats are stuck mumbling around in disorganized poverty. But the real numbers in Montana tell a different story.

India rape case triggers outrage

LUCKNOW, India (AP) — Police arrested a third suspect Saturday in the gang rape and slaying of two teenage cousins found hanging from a tree in northern India, as a top state official said he was recommending a federal investigation into a case that has triggered national outrage.

Backpacking through Europe was rite of passage

I’m kicking off my summer reading with Bill Bryson’s “Neither Here Nor There,” an entertaining and irreverent account of his travels through Europe in the 1970s and again 20 years later as he retraces his earlier journeys.

Six climbers feared dead on Mt. Rainier

SEATTLE (AP) — Mount Rainier National Park officials say six climbers are presumed dead after helicopters detected pings from emergency beacons buried in the snow and a debris field that may indicate an avalanche.

Idaho town prepares to welcome soldier home

HAILEY, Idaho (AP) — The news Saturday of U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl’s release from captivity spread quickly in his hometown in southern Idaho, and residents immediately began making plans for a welcome-home celebration.

Helen Hoerner Weiand Brinkerhoff, 86

Helen Hoerner Weiand Brinkerhoff passed away May 29, 2014, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, with her daughter by her side. Her pain and suffering are now over, she can finally have the peace she deserves.

Aspiring young Bigfork musician says he likes to 'go with the flow'

Class of 2014: Multitaskers

With a casual air of confidence that only a high school senior on the cusp of graduation can possess, Bryce MacCallum juggles school, soccer, music and a social life.

Issues abound: Kalispell Comics opens on Main Street

Joe Knowles has issues.

U.S. trades to save soldier held for 5 years

Guantanamo exchange

WASHINGTON (AP) — The only American soldier held prisoner in Afghanistan has been freed by the Taliban in exchange for the release of five Afghan detainees from the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Obama administration officials said Saturday.

Libby Veterans Memorial is new source of pride

The evening of May 26 climaxed a special and memorable Memorial Day for many of the citizens of Libby, Montana. They converged on Libby’s Riverfront Park under threatening skies, a slight rain and a brisk wind to witness and to be a part of the dedication of the Lincoln County Veterans Memorial.

Glacier Park inspecting all boats for invasive species

 Glacier National Park has resumed its boat inspection and permit program this summer as part of an ongoing aquatic invasive species prevention program.

County races headline local election choices

Flathead County voters go to the polls on Tuesday to decide who will advance to the Nov. 4 general election in county, state and federal races.

Man charged in death of horse

A former equine surgeon is looking for justice after she claims her neighbor’s negligence led to the death of her favorite horse.

'Responsible Republicans' called blind to liberty

Talk to any Democratic politician about 10 different issues. Then count how many times they will propose a governmental solution to the problem, versus how many times they express the belief that people, left alone and free, will come up with better solutions than the “programs” devised by meddling politicians.

Kalispell logger takes a crew into the wilds of Russia on new Discovery Channel series

Sean Vann said he believes he was born 100 years too late, but working for 17 years in the Russian logging industry has given him the opportunity to feel as if he’s living in the past.

Set a butterfly free on Cancer Survivors Day

The Flathead Valley will celebrate National Cancer Survivors Day today with a butterfly release in two locations.

Vote to keep local control over our lives

I write this letter realizing that we all have different views and opinions of elected leaders and government. I encourage all residents to make informed decisions in the primary elections on June 3. Take this responsibility seriously and don’t just pull the lever for someone whose name you see on more signs.

Why vote? To keep republic!

As we approach a primary election, one hears and may think, “Why vote?”

Bryce MacCallum

Bryce MacCallum poses at his home in Bigfork May 23 with his soccer ball and pet bearded dragon.

Brown in HD13 is the real deal

As our primary elections are nearing, it is important for every voter to truly study and carefully weigh what they seek in a candidate running for an elected office. Kudos to Weylin Achatz, Katy Walton, Gerald Cuvillier and Bob Brown for tossing their names into Montana’s political arena to vie for the position of HD13 representative for western Sanders County and southwestern Flathead County.

Malmstrom airmen return to alert duty

GREAT FALLS (AP) — About two-thirds of the airmen involved in the cheating investigation at Malmstrom Air Force Base have been returned to alert duty or are in the training pipeline to be recertified, according to base officials.

Robbery suspect tries to befriend victim on Facebook

PORT ORCHARD, Wash. (AP) — Authorities say that a 28-year-old man suspected of robbing a woman at a Washington ferry terminal friended her on Facebook the next day.

Zinke needs to answer questions

Former Naval Commander Ryan Zinke of SEAL Team Six has captured my imagination. With Congress not getting the job done it is easy to gravitate to someone with Mr. Zinke’s credentials as a proven, tough and respected leader. Good start, but I still have questions.

Garner in HD7

It has been my privilege to have served with Frank Garner on the Kalispell Police Department for 21 years until his retirement. He is not only an excellent leader but has great people skills and good common sense.

A lesson in doing the right thing

About a year ago I was sitting in the bleachers watching my grandson play 10-year-old league baseball and overheard a woman talking to her son. Since I was sitting directly in front of her, I could hear the entire discussion, although she was speaking very quietly.

Daybook

Today, June 1

Benny, Ed and the death of treason

One of the many signs of the imminent collapse of the United States is that we can’t even agree on the meaning of treason any more.

Ingrid Marie Olson Bossler, 85

Ingrid Marie Olson Bossler died May 22, 2014, in Helena, with her children and grandchildren at her side.

flod book cover

Flood Book

William Arthur Prichard, 73

We celebrate the life and mourn the loss of William Arthur Prichard who passed away May 26, 2014, at his home in Columbia Falls.

Kalispell Kombat

Joaquin Calderon (right) blocks a leg kick by Duran Flaget Friday night during Kalispell Kombat mixed martial arts fights at Majestic Valley Arena.

Calderon Kombat champ

Kalispell’s Joaquin Calderon came out on top again in a rematch of former Flathead High wrestlers at the Kalispell Kombat mixed martial arts bouts on Friday night at Majestic Valley Arena.

MMA

Friday night during Kalispell Kombat mixed martial arts fights at Majestic Valley Arena. May 30, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Kalispell Kombat at Majestic Valley Arena

Javelin a Glacier specialty

It’s one of the simplest disciplines in track and field. But to do it well is extremely difficult.

State softball: England's no-hitter puts Libby in semis

POLSON — Libby’s Hannah England tossed a no-hitter and Devon Gallagher drove in two runs in the third inning of a 4-0 quarterfinal victory over Hamilton at the Class A state softball tournament on Friday.

Class B state track: Bigfork's Morley wins 1,600

BUTTE — Makena Morley of Bigfork won the 1,600-meter run on Friday at the Class B state track and field meet with a time of 4 minutes, 53.83 seconds.

State A track: Whitefish's Schulz repeats in 400

BUTTE — Marlow Schulz of Whitefish defended her title in the 400-meter run on Friday, posting a winning time of 55.06 seconds at the Class A state track and field meet.

Flathead's Quist, Glacier's Larson state champs in AA track

GREAT FALLS — Flathead and Glacier both had one individual event winner on Friday during the opening session of the Class AA state track and field meet at Memorial Stadium.

William Arthur Prichard, 73

Marijuana ballot issued cleared for signature effort

HELENA — A proposed ballot initiative to ban marijuana use and possession in Montana has cleared a legal review.

State asks court to reject hearing for rapist

Officer shoots self in leg during gun training session

Daybook

Today, May 31

Embattled VA leader resigns

Montana VA health director to resign

A first in 52 years: co-champs at U.S. Spelling Bee

OXON HILL, Md. (AP) — When the confetti flew, the two boys stood in the center of the stage and shook hands. They held up the trophy together. Both were champions, a Spelling Bee finish unseen in more than half a century.

Elk group donates $25,000 for wolf management

School sculpture a hands-on effort

Pieces of the Old Steel Bridge have become a work of art through the collaboration between Linderman Education Center art students and metal and glass artist Lee Proctor.

Teenager flees knife-wielding man

A teenage boy called the

Sun Road sheep

With a Glacier National Park snowplowing crew working in the background, a bighorn sheep walks along Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Man rescued from Yellowstone River

Chairman releases Kerry from Benghazi testimony

 WASHINGTON (AP) — The chairman of the House Oversight committee on Friday released Secretary of State John Kerry from his obligation to testify next month about the deadly Benghazi attack, allowing a newly formed select committee to move forward in questioning the top diplomat.

No charges in case of man who shot house guest

Elk killing trial ignites emotions in Colo. city

Superior deaths appear to be murder-suicide

Max Ernest Ganz Jr., 83

Max Ernest Ganz Jr., 83, passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2014, at Lakeview Care Center in Bigfork.

Elk killing

Boulder Police Officer Sam Carter poses Jan. 1, 2013, with an elk he shot in Boulder, Colo. Carter is on trial for charges stemming from the shooting of the elk.

Spelling Bee

Ansun Sujoe, 13, of Fort Worth, Texas, left, and Sriram Hathwar, 14, of Painted Post, N.Y., raise the championship trophy after being named co-champions of the National Spelling Bee on Thursday in Oxon Hill, Md.

Study: climate change has boosted fish cross-breeding

A recently published study asserts that climate warming accelerated hybrid breeding among native and non-native trout in the Flathead River Basin over the last 30 years, one of the first looks into how changing climatic conditions can have “evolutionary consequences.”

John 'Jack' Francis Barrett, 85

John “Jack” Francis Barrett passed peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, May 28, 2014, in Kalispell after a short illness related to a stroke.

Panel: Baker must make cakes for gay weddings

DENVER (AP) — Colorado’s Civil Rights Commission on Friday ordered a baker to make wedding cakes for same-sex couples, finding his religious objections to the practice did not trump the state’s anti-discrimination statutes.

Zebras make the longest treks in Africa, researchers conclude

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — At a time when mankind’s encroachment on habitats is increasingly leading species to extinction, scientists have discovered a mass migration of animals in Africa that reaches farther than any other documented on the continent.

Mobile in-story ad

Eric Shinseki

Full 5-28-14 Debate Video

Full video of the AFP Montana sponsored GOP Debate in Kalispell, MT, on May 28, 2014.

School sculpture

Proctor smooths the sand as Linderman students prepare to carefully press their hands into the sand to create casts for the new sculpture. Prior to making these casts students got to help Proctor blow the glass blubs which will sit atop the completed sculpture.

Donald Bill Holmquist, 69

Donald Bill Holmquist, born Oct. 14, 1944, son of the late Ted and Pat Holmquist of Kalispell, “went to be with his Savior” on May 9, 2014, after a long battle with cancer.

Final test for track trio

State meets: Odgen, Schulz go for 4 in a row; Morley on record pace

Libby 2-0; Polson 1-1 in A action

POLSON — It was a busy and emotional day for the local softball teams at Polson Softball Complex for opening day of the 2014 State Class A Softball Tournament on Thursday.

AA State Softball: Glacier out in 2 in AA play

GREAT FALLS — The Glacier Wolfpack stumbled twice and were eliminated from the 2014 State Class AA Softball Tournament on Thursday afternoon at Multi-Sports Complex.

Ronan loses to Glasgow in B-C softball opener

GREAT FALLS — The Ronan Maidens lost to Glasgow 8-6 in the opening round of the 2014 State Class B-C Softball Tournament on Thursday at the Multi-Sports Complex.

Kalispell Kombat tonight at Majestic Valley

Another round of mixed martial arts bouts is headed to the Flathead Valley tonight, with 11 fights featuring 11 local fighters on the card for Kalispell Kombat, scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. at Majestic Valley Arena.

Record field for Three Blind Refs tourney

It keeps getting bigger and bigger and bigger.

Coal swap approved by House panel

Plan involves Northern Cheyenne reservation

BILLINGS (AP) — A U.S. House committee approved a proposed coal swap involving Montana’s Northern Cheyenne Tribe on Thursday despite lingering concerns that the value of the exchange has not been fully quantified.

Last survivor of deadly Mann Gulch fire dies

SPOKANE — Robert Sallee, the last survivor of the Mann Gulch wildfire in Montana that killed 13 firefighters, has died.

Study says world on brink of 'sixth extinction'

WASHINGTON — Species of plants and animals are becoming extinct at least 1,000 times faster than they did before humans arrived on the scene, and the world is on the brink of a sixth great extinction, a new study says.

Musicians head to France for June 6 event

From left (front row) Paul Erickson, Deanne Lehner, Linda Sole, (back row) Paul Sebesta, Jim Lehner, Irv Milheim and Wendell Tharpe are members of the Flathead Community Band that will be traveling to Europe to play in a concert for the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

Kalispell Municipal Court

Transients, panhandlers cause trouble in two cities

Business owners in the downtown areas of Billings and Missoula are searching for solutions to the increasing trouble they’re having with transients and panhandlers.

Robert Sallee

Zinke will put his country first

I have never written an editorial before but read the editorial page daily, mostly for comic relief. I find the vastly differing opinions of people interesting, and some down right unbelievable.

Vote for Pierson

I am supporting Debbie Pierson for county clerk and recorder because of her expertise, professionalism and integrity. This is a critical position in county government requiring someone with extensive management experience, and Debbie is that person. 

Ex-governor's group files claim in mine dispute

Rainbow connection

A rainbow appears behind the Flathead County Courthouse in Kalispell on Wednesday evening.

Plows close to pass

The Daily Inter Lake

Commemorating the Flood of '64

1964... That year is etched forever in the minds of people living in the Flathead Valley at the time.

Man denies trying to ship pot

A Kalispell man has denied trying to ship marijuana.

Crowd vocal on green boxes

The bottom line of nearly two hours of public testimony Thursday about Flathead County’s garbage collection sites is that Bigfork and Lakeside residents want to keep their green boxes — period.

Daybook

Zinke's answers don't satisfy voter

 I attended the Lincoln-Reagan dinner in Kalspell. Here is what I witnessed. Mr. Zinke and the three competitors vying for the one congressional seat were asked to respond with yes or no answers to several questions. Mr. Zinke was the only one of the four who could not reply as required to some of the questions.

What is reason for name-calling?

Is Republican state Sen. Bruce Tutvedt’s declaration of war, “for the soul of the Republican Party in Montana” the reason he calls Republican Speaker of the House Mark Blasdel and Republican legislative candidates Ronalee Skees and Mike Hebert, “extremists and anarchists”? Real Republican’s want to know!

Medal thief receives five-year sentence

A Kalispell man is in prison after being convicted of four felonies and two misdemeanors.

Debate cemented vote for Rosendale

Former State Sen. and Lt.Commander Zinke could not contain himself as he was the recipient of the first question of the evening from an opposing candidate in Wednesday night’s congressional debate held in Kalispell. His comment, “well I guess they know who’s ahead in the polls,” received a warm chuckled response from his heavily biased local crowd, as did his putdown of Corey Stapleton’s service in the Navy, telling Stapleton he “outranked him.”

Kalispell high schools may change finals exemptions

This may be the last year Glacier and Flathead high school students can opt out of final exams based on attendance.

Not all calling for resignation of secretary

VETERANS AFFAIRS

Phone call inappropriate, not illegal

A mortified father called the

Numerous court filings in Missoula water supply case

Donald Bill Holmquist, 69

Eileen G. Maycumber, 89

Eileen G. Maycumber, 89, passed away peacefully “to be with our Lord,” on May 26, 2014, in Great Falls.

Garden Helper

Silas Young, 6, helps his mom by watering the garden on Thursday afternoon, May 29, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Colin Mark Reis, 48

Alice H. Carpenter, 86

Alice Hannah Ware-Carpenter, 86

Alice Hannah Ware-Carpenter, 86, of Libby, “went to dance with the angels” May 23, 2014, after a fierce battle with dementia. She passed peacefully at home, secure in her family's love and her incredible faith.

Jenna McGuire

Flathead High School senior Jenna McGuire is headed for Yale University this fall.

Montana Republican U.S. House Debate, May 28

Closing statements at the AFP Montana sponsored U.S. HouseDebate

Flathead Community Band

From left (front row) Paul Erickson, Deanne Lehner, Linda Sole, (back row) Paul Sebesta, Jim Lehner, Irv Milheim and Wendell Tharpe are members of the Flathead Community Band that will be traveling to Europe to play in a concert for the 70th anniversary of D-Day. May 28, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Whitefish Senior Spotlight

Whitefish senior Thomas Henson at City Beach in Whitefish on Wednesday, May 28. Henson will be attending the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland following graduation. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Marcus Roberts Trio

World-class pianist leads virtuoso trio

This Week in the Flathead: Boeing Boeing

David Blair as Bernard and fiance number two Gabrielle, played by Jenna Kubiak, at the dress rehearsal of "Boeing Boeing" at the O'Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish on Tuesday, May 27. (Brenda Ahearn/This Week in the Flathead)

Whitefish Theatre Company closes season with fun French farce

Whitefish Review launches newest edition with special event

Music school offers summer camps

Voice students present recital Sunday

Big weekend for state softball dreams

The high school softball season comes to an end this weekend, as three state champions will be crowned at their respective tournaments in a busy three days for MHSA softball.

On track for history

It’s a rare feat.

GOP House hopefuls debate in Kalispell

The five Republican candidates for Montana’s lone U.S. House seat squared off in Kalispell Tuesday night, expressing many similar views about an “out-of-control” federal government, but with differing thoughts on what to do about it.

U.S. House GOP Debate

Matt Rosendale answers questions during a debate between candidates for the GOP nomination for U.S. House on Wednesday evening at the Red Lion Hotel in Kalispell. May 28, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Tessa Aileen Neeb

Tessa Aileen Neeb, daughter of Sterling Neeb and Sarah Campbell of Whitefish, was born May 14 at North Valley Hospital.

Zavior Anthony Perez

Zavior Anthony Perez, son of Angel Perez and Samantha Sibley of Kalispell, was born May 17 at North Valley Hospital.

Annica Kay-Lynn Vincent

Annica Kay-Lynn Vincent, daughter of Arron and Maranda Vincent of Whitefish, was born May 10 at North Valley Hospital.

Suicidal squirrel, leaping lightning cause problems

Weather and wildlife woes wreaked minor havoc in Bigfork and Kalispell on Wednesday.

Micayah Noel Dobberstein

Micayah Noel Dobberstein, daughter of Micah Dobberstein and Amber Hughes of Kalispell, was born May 14 at North Valley Hospital.

Horning worries 'good old boys'

Life in this country now seems to be rooted in “control” — control of the herd. We have moved out of the subliminal message stage to simply inventing outrageous, but convenient, lies dressed up in adult clothes, and now masquerade them as the unquestionable truth.

Kashlynn Ella Khodel

Kashlynn Ella Khodel, daughter of Zak Khodel and Kassi Albertoni of Columbia Falls, was born April 30 at North Valley Hospital.

Joscelyn Mary Riotto

Joscelyn Mary Riotto, daughter of Bryon and Laura Riotto of Kalispell, was born May 15 at North Valley Hospital.

Kimber Lynn Nielsen

Kimber Lynn Nielsen, daughter of Tucker and Paula Nielsen of Kalispell, was born May 9 at North Valley Hospital.

Elected county leaders to receive pay raises

The Flathead County commissioners gave themselves and other county elected officials a 1.5 percent cost-of-living pay raise on Tuesday, effective when the new fiscal year begins July 1.

Sage Suzanne Wahl

Sage Suzanne Wahl, daughter of Robert and Courtney Wahl, was born May 1 at North Valley Hospital.

Conservative responds to plan for crossover vote

I see where spring is finally here. The grass is green, the robins are looking for nesting material, and the dogs and horses are shedding their winter apparel.  

Hayden Vivienne MacKenzie

Hayden Vivienne MacKenzie, daughter of Justin and Tami MacKenzie of Whitefish, was born May 17 at North Valley Hospital.

Ukraine sees Russia as source of insurgent threat

Four plead not guilty to growing pot

A Kalispell couple and two men from the Canyon area all have pleaded not guilty to felony drug charges after three marijuana grow houses were busted.

Man arrested for clowning around

A

Flathead County District Court

Phoenix VA hospital missed care for 1,700 vets

The hunter as conservationist

Hunters are the world leaders in conservation. I like that aspect of being a hunter. Hunters, through their hunting license dollars, pay for most conservation.

Whitefish Municipal Court

Judge Bradley Johnson

Obama seeks ground between intervention, isolation

Son says Sherman has fought through adversity

My name is Tony Cox and I grew up in Kalispell and graduated from Flathead High School in 2001. It seems like yesterday I left home. I miss the valley badly and most of my family still lives there so I visit often.

Daybook

Special session? Why not wait?

It certainly is Gov. Steve Bullock’s prerogative to call for a special legislative session to deal with what he regards as priority issues, but this year, he may not get what he wants and he may get more than he asks for.

Schweitzer group seeks money for mine access

Former Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer is one of the primary investors in a private company seeking roughly $10 million to allow a mining company access to copper and silver worth an estimated $8 billion.

Nathan Connell

Nathan Connell at Glacier High School on Wednesday, May 28. Connell will be attending Morehead State University in Kentucky this fall. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

CJ's Storage

National Burger Day

For National Burger Day Tien Windaur whips up one of his "Flathead Monsters" on Wednesday, May 28, at Tien's Place in Columbia Falls. The burger is not officially on the menu but Tien has been making it as a sort of private challenge for customers for 11 years. If someone can eat the whole thing, it's free. The "Flathead Monster" contains three patties, nine slices of cheese, sauteed mushrooms, lettuce, onion, tomato, and two grilled cheese sandwiches for the bun all held together with two chop sticks and served over french fries. According to Tien, in 11 years only four customers have been able to eat the whole thing. For something a little more manageable Windaur offers the "Chad" a burger named after the customer who initially request that Tien create the perfect burger. The "Chad" has two patties, cheese, mushrooms, lettuce, tomato and onion with bun for $8.95. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Thomas Cook Alexander, 53

Ingrid Marie Olson Bossler, 85

101 guide 2014

Adventure Guide 2016 Cover

Kalispell Comics

More than 4,000 comics on waiting to be added to the shelves at the new location of Kalispell Comics on Tuesday, May 27, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

This Week in the Flathead: Boeing Boeing

David Blair as Bernard and 

Former Logger rolls on

There was no phone call from any of the 32 NFL teams during the league’s annual draft earlier this month or any contact afterwards, for that matter, regarding any sort of free-agent deal.

GOP House debate tonight at Red Lion

The five candidates for the GOP nomination for U.S. House will meet for a final debate tonight in Kalispell.

High court blocks Secret Service case

 WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed protesters’ free-speech claims against two Secret Service agents who were guarding President George W. Bush during a 2004 campaign trip to Oregon.

Micah Walter Block

Micah Walter Block, son of Josh and Brooke Block, was born May 12 at North Valley Hospital.

Nicholas Benson Brown

Nicholas Benson Brown, son of Kristopher and Meggan Brown, was born May 13 at North Valley Hospital.

Olivia James Savas

Olivia James Savas, daughter of James and Beth Savas of Whitefish, was born May 3 at North Valley Hospital.

Rhiannon Layne Marso

Rhiannon Layne Marso, daughter of Virgil Marso and Stephanie Show of Kalispell, was born May 5 at North Valley Hospital.

Levi Morris Melnick

Levi Morris Melnick, son of Chris Melnick and Ashley Hyde of Whitefish, was born May 8 at North Valley Hospital.

Brandt Douglas Jensen

Brandt Douglas Jensen, son of Cody and Amber Jensen of Kalispell, was born May 11 at North Valley Hospital.

Canon Alexander Jarrod-Shane Stewart

Canon Alexander Jarrod-Shane Stewart, son of Justin and Jenessa Stewart of Kalispell, was born May 7 at North Valley Hospital.

Sasquatch music fest overwhelms rural hospital

QUINCY, Wash. (AP) — Officials at Quincy Valley Medical Center say they were overwhelmed this past weekend with people from the Sasquatch music festival who overindulged in alcohol and drugs.

Max Averill

Max Averill, son of Sean and Alex Averill, was born May 8 at North Valley Hospital.

Feds get blame as tribal health care woes mount

BILLINGS — Misdiagnosed illnesses, denied payments and a shortage of trained medical personnel in government-run clinics are wrecking the federal health care system for Native Americans, tribal leaders said Tuesday as they pressed officials to overhaul a system beset with problems.

NYPD officers will carry heroin overdose antidotes

California couple's buried treasure goes up for sale

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A treasure trove of rare gold coins discovered by a California couple out walking their dog is set to go on sale.  

Slide too dangerous to search

Stetson Obie Morris

Stetson Obie Morris, son of Cody and Elizabeth Morris of Whitefish, was born May 5 at North Valley Hospital.

With turnout low, Egypt extends presidential vote

 CAIRO (AP) — Egypt on Tuesday extended its presidential election for a third day after reports of low voter turnout threatened to deprive the all-but-certain winner, former army chief Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, of the overwhelming show of public support he seeks.

Maxl George Taylor

Maxl George Taylor, son of Travis and Jordan Taylor of Whitefish, was born May 15 at North Valley Hospital.

New site possible for Bigfork green boxes

A potential new site for the Bigfork green-box waste collection site has been found and an appraisal of the property is underway.

Obama says U.S. finishing Afghan job

WASHINGTON (AP) — Seeking to turn the page on more than a decade of war, President Barack Obama announced plans Tuesday for greatly reducing U.S. forces in Afghanistan by the end of the year and then ending the U.S. military commitment by the end of 2016.

CFAC owner hires firm to deal with plant

Glencore, the company that owns the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. plant below Teakettle Mountain, has hired a large planning and communications company from Canada to help deal with the closed plant.

Pipeline safety rules strengthened

WASHINGTON (AP) — Safety regulators have quietly placed two extra conditions on construction of TransCanada Corp.’s Keystone XL oil pipeline after learning of potentially dangerous construction defects involving the southern leg of the Canada-to-Texas project.

Glacier Park to replace Many Glacier bridge

Glacier National Park officials have completed an environmental analysis and public review process on replacing the Swiftcurrent Bridge at Many Glacier and the National Park Service regional director has signed off on a decision to proceed with the project.

Joshua John Palumbo II

Joshua John Palumbo II, son of Joshua Palumbo and Kayle Kirkland, was born May 10 at North Valley Hospital.

Impasse stalls rescue plan for kidnapped girls

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria’s military chiefs and the president are apparently split over how to free nearly 300 schoolgirls abducted by Islamic extremists, with the military saying use of force endangers the hostages and the president reportedly ruling out a prisoner-hostage swap.

Liam Anthony Carper,

Liam Anthony Carper, son of Kayle Carper and Sarah Fagan of Columbia Falls.

Quartet qualifies for national event

Four members of Flathead High School’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America have qualified for nationals after earning top scores at state.

Keira Stephanie Evans

Keira Stephanie Evans, daughter of Dan and Jeni Evans of Kalispell, was born May 7 at North Valley Hospital.

Caleb Allen Drent

Caleb Allen Drent, son of Ben Drent and Hailey Tetrault of Kalispell, was born May 9 at North Valley Hospital.

Laptop appears; good karma or wrong car?

Someone entered a car illegally Monday, but apparently there was no theft. Instead, in a reversal comparable to the fabled “man bites dog” story, the Whitefish Police Department was told by a woman that a laptop computer had actually been LEFT in her car as she was visiting a park on Baker Avenue. She turned the laptop in at the police station. No word on whether her karma is always that good.

Mesa County mudslide

The aftermath of the Mesa County Mudslide is photographed from a plane, Monday, May 26, 2014, near Collbran, Colo. Rescue teams are searching for three men missing after a half-mile stretch of a ridge saturated with rain collapsed.

Owen Jake Timm

Owen Jake Timm, son of Jacob Timm and Megan Copas of Kalispell, was born May 2 at North Valley Hospital.

Flathead Co. District Court

Family stones pregnant woman to death

 LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — A pregnant woman was stoned to death Tuesday by her own family outside a courthouse in the Pakistani city of Lahore for marrying the man she loved.

Area along reservoir opened for firewood cutting

 The Hungry Horse Ranger District has opened sections of the west-side Hungry Horse Reservoir Road No. 895 to firewood cutting.

Flathead Lake station meets $1 million funding goal

The University of Montana’s Flathead Lake Biological Station has exceeded its $1 million goal to match a lake-monitoring challenge grant.

Surfs up in Whitefish

Josh Lucas of Whitefish and his dog Tucker take a quick dip in Whitefish Lake on Monday. Cool weather and high winds prevented a long swim, but hitting the lake was something Lucas wanted to do to celebrate the holiday weekend.

Tornado hits N.D. workers' camp

120-mph tornado injures nine people

Eva Nita Rowe, 88

David M. Leach, 96

David Mason Leach passed away May 25, 2014, at the age of 96, at the Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

Vonna L. Hines, 75

Bigfork Senior Profile

Portrait of Bryce MacCallum at his home in Bigfork with his soccer ball and pet bearded dragon on Friday, May 23. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Health Link 5-27-14 cover

Health Link 52514

Sunset Stroll

Ben Kolter of Whitefish, and Layla Dropps of Kalispell take in the sunset colors over Whitefish Lake on Monday, May 26. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

39th Annual Bigfork Whitewater Festival

Photos from the expert slalom runs Saturday afternoon during the 39th Annual Bigfork Whitewater Festival on the Swan River. May 24, 2014 in Bigfork, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Week in Pictures: May 19-25

North Dakota Tornado

Debris is scattered Tuesday morning after a tornado in Watford City, N.D. Authorities say at least eight trailers were destroyed Monday evening when the twister tore through a camp where oil field workers stay. (AP Photo/Josh Wood)

Academy student named Presidential Scholar

Nicholas Spinale of Kalispell recently was named a 2014 U.S. Presidential Scholar.

Pairings set for state softball

Glacier, the fourth seed from the Western Division, will open Class AA state softball tournament play on Thursday versus Great Falls C.M. Russell, the top seed from the Eastern Division, at 11 a.m. in Great Falls at the Multi-Sports Complex.

Dive team goes in after sunken vehicle

The Somers-Lakeside Fire Department and eventually a dive team were dispatched to a Lower Valley Road boat launch after a vehicle was reported fully submerged approximately 30 feet from shore.

Experts share advice on fighting fraud

As America’s population continues to age, criminals and con men look more and more toward the senior citizen population for easy pickings.

World War II veterans get royal treatment

As the flight touched down in Billings, more than a thousand people were there to welcome home some of America’s heroes.

Nicholas Spinale

Montana Academy graduate Nicholas Spinale of Kalispell (left) and Academy Principal and teacher Philip Jones pose for a photo during graduation. Spinale was named a 2014 U.S. Presidential Scholar. Jones, who will be recognized as a Distinguished Teacher, was nominated by Spinale as his most influential teacher.

Phil Iverson

U.S. Navy veteran Phil Iverson, former superintendent of Glacier National Park, said he was thrilled by the experience of the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

Paul Cannaday

River levels drop after weekend peak

Water levels in snowmelt-swollen rivers in Northwest Montana are declining after peaking on Saturday.

Memorial Day wreath ceremony

Vice Commander Pat Philbin of American Legion Post 72 throws a memorial wreath into the Flathead River in Columbia Falls on Monday. The wreath honors service members lost at sea. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Memorial Day Ceremony in Columbia Falls

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 72 and members of the community march to the Flathead River for the Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26, in Columbia Falls. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Conrad Cemetery flag ceremony honors brothers

Two brothers who grew up in Somers and served in the military during World War II will have a flag flown in their honor throughout the next year at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.

Sentence deferred for driver in 2012 crash

A Somers man was given a six-year deferred sentence after pleading guilty to a felony following a 2012 crash. 

Libby hospital upgrades imaging department

As Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby continues to expand and modernize at its new location, the center’s departments are attempting to accommodate more patients. 

Oregon man convicted on drug charges

An Albany, Oregon, man has been convicted of a felony drug charge after getting caught transporting 10 pounds of marijuana to Kalispell from his home state.

Camera, action: Kalispell teacher thrives on excitement

Whatever terrain life brings to Noah Couser, the 29-year-old takes it on with passion — whether in front of the classroom teaching or behind a camera in deep powder photographing skiers at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Rudy

Rudy Bergstrom was a member of the first Civilian Pilot Training class in Kalispell.

Ray

Couser

Bigfork's Jordt, Martel place 3rd in B-C state doubles tennis

MISSOULA — Bigfork had two doubles teams place in consolation action at the Class B-C state tennis tournament on Saturday.

Morleys, Bigfork on top of Western B divisional track

MISSOULA — Makena Morley set two more records while Logan Morley, Tyler Iverson and Josh Sandry were single-event winners on the final day of the Western B divisional track and field meet on Saturday. They also led the Bigfork boys and girls to first- and second-place finishes, respectively, in the team competition.

Whitefish sweeps NWA divisional track

FRENCHTOWN — It was all Whitefish on the final day of the Northwestern A divisional track and field meet on Saturday.

Western AA divisional track: Braves, Wolfpack share title

In one of the closest competitions in state history, Flathead and Glacier’s boys tied for the team championship at the Western AA divisional track meet on Saturday at Legends Stadium. The top four boys teams were separated by just five points.

Police: Teen killed cabbie for rejecting his route

Legendary liberators of Italy: Woman goes to Italy for salute to Checkertail Clan

The legendary Checkertails were a sight for sore eyes when they arrived in Lesina, Italy, in March 1944.

Donor boosts rink's effort to get new wheels

The Boys and Girls Club Roller Rink is well on its way to buying 100 pairs of new roller blades thanks to a generous donation by one of its past club members.

Turiano wants to lead fight against immigration

Why should you vote for me for Congress?

Bombs in Thailand kill 2, wound 52

Check out Fisher's record; then vote for Blasdel in SD4

As we near an important primary vote, I am writing to encourage you to vote for Mark Blasdel. Mark has demonstrated his leadership ability as speaker of the House, chairman of House Taxation and by serving on multiple House committees including local government, education and judiciary.

3 killed, 1 injured at Brussels Jewish Museum

Chalet girl: New book shares outdoor adventures of woman who has spent much of her life in Glacier National Park

Beth Dunagan didn’t learn how to swim or drive a car until she was in her 20s, and there’s a very good reason for that.

Zinke is man of his word

Being part of a family that manufacturers firearms in Montana and has been selling them all over the world for the last 24 years, I have more than a cursory awareness of Second Amendment issues. I also have a good understanding of the proponents and opponents of gun rights in this state.

Vote for change in Lake County

In a few weeks it will be time to cast your vote for two very important elected positions in Lake County — sheriff and county attorney.

Students learn physics by building rockets, robots

A liberal in SEAL's clothing

What thought immediately comes to mind when you hear a political candidate is a Navy SEAL? All-American, integrity, courage, a stalwart defender of the U.S. Constitution, particularly the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.

Woman requests extra patrol for speeding bicyclists

A woman contacted the

Vote for Hebert

We will be voting to support and elect Mike Hebert for Montana House of Representatives, District 11, on June 3. We urge all voters in this district to do the same.

Making the case for 'responsible Republicans'

There is a war for the soul of the Republican Party in Montana. Responsible Republicans have shown leadership with conservative solutions and is the path I hope voters take on June 3. Option two is a Montana Republican Party fueled by dark money, emulating D.C. gridlock, the party of no, guns on campuses and shooting drones.

Pierson for clerk

As a citizen of Flathead County, I want to say that we all deserve to have the best individual serving us in the clerk and recorder office. Debbie Pierson is the perfect person for clerk and recorder.

Zinke's character has always shone bright

Ryan Zinke was a schoolmate of mine since kindergarten. He’s always been a natural leader. He helped tutor fellow students. If you were struggling with your P.E. laps, he would come back and run with you. He always encouraged us! Ryan ran for class president and won. He displayed the same passion in football when he led the team to a state championship!

Bicyclist gears up for long ride to raise money

Tim Hinderman is taking a cross-country bike trip to raise money for two skiing-related organizations — the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation Ski Team Training Center and the Ski Heritage Center Museum of Skiing.

Olszewski in HD11

I personally know and support Dr. Albert Olszewski for HD11. Al comes from deep roots as a third-generation Montanan born and raised in Great Falls.

Hebert in HD11

Vote for Mike Hebert for representative in House District 11. He’s the real thing.

Hotels rolling out the welcome mat

Renovations wrap up, new projects on tap as summer season begins

Buoyed by brisk business over the past four years, the Flathead Valley’s lodging industry is expecting another banner season as Memorial Day jump-starts the summer season.

Follow example of WWII heroes

(EDITOR’S NOTE: McKenzie Hemp of Columbia Falls, a senior at Stillwater Christian School, submitted the following essay as a letter to the editor. We thought it so poignant and so appropriate for this Memorial Day weekend that we decided to share it with our readers as a guest editorial.)

Daybook

Santa Barbara gunman also stabbed three to death in killing spree

Garner is true conservative

I’ve known Frank Garner for 20-plus years. We’ve attended church together, and I’ve worked with him in my role as a volunteer at KRMC. I’ve seen him in action in his position as head of security at the hospital, and I know the kind of man he is, and I know that he’s a true conservative with the best interests of the Flathead Valley and Montana always on his mind.

Anonymous tips? Don't believe it

Life in this country now seems to be rooted in “control” — control of the herd. We have moved out of the subliminal message stage to simply inventing outrageous, but convenient, lies dressed up in adult clothes, and now masquerade them as the unquestionable truth.

Party of Lincoln now the party of slavery?

As I read the letters of the opinion page, I know I made the right decision to leave the so-called Republican Party.  

Schnebel for commissioner

When the decision comes down to the people!

Don't blame the messenger

I read with interest the May 22 letter to the editor by Bill Beck, Bob Brown, et al. They suggest it is character assassination to point out someone’s voting record and testimony. Are people that bring these documented items to light the ones at fault or is it the fault ultimately of the one who voted or testified? Shouldn’t legislators be held accountable?

Officials: Bungled explosion kills 3 in Nigeria

Study: Yellowstone magma less of a menace

Whitewater fun

Spectators gather on both sides of the river to watch expert slalom runs Saturday afternoon during the 39th Annual Bigfork Whitewater Festival on the Swan River. The event continues Sunday morning with down river races starting at 10.

Director says son responsible for shooting rampage

Rep. Daines hears from veterans on health care

Dupont 'would have endorsed Phil Mitchell'

 As Jim Dupont’s widow, I can assure everyone that — contrary to Bill Baum’s recent letter — my husband would NOT have supported Commissioner Cal Scott.

AA state tennis: Glacier's Johnson, Jones place 4th in doubles

BOZEMAN — Spencer Johnson and Greg Jones finished fourth in doubles play for Glacier at the Class AA state tennis tournament on Saturday.

Let's uphold (and honor!) the Constitution

As we celebrate the ultimate sacrifices of hundreds of thousands of Americans who died in the defense of liberty, perhaps it is fitting that we pause for a moment of silence to contemplate the imminent loss of the Constitution which they had sworn to uphold.

Marines pitch in at memorial

Sean Reynolds and other members of the Flathead Marines work to clean up the veterans memorial on May 17 at Depot Park in Kalispell. The Flathead Marines have volunteered to take over the job of cleaning and caring for the memorial, saving the Flathead County Memorial Board approximately $3,500 per year. “It was amazing how many veterans came up to us as we were working and asked if they could help,” said Patrick Ward. “And we said, ‘Yes, of course.’ This is not about the Marines, this is a memorial for all of us.” (Brenda Ahearn photos/Daily Inter Lake)

Lloyd Earl Mathwig, 75

Lloyd Earl Mathwig, 75, passed away from heart problems on May 19, 2014, at his residence in Kalispell.

39th Annual Bigfork Whitewater Festival

A competitor apples duct tape to his paddles Saturday afternoon during the 39th Annual Bigfork Whitewater Festival on the Swan River. May 24, 2014 in Bigfork, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Western AA Divisional Track

Glacier’s Tessa Krueger lets the discus fly Saturday morning during the second day of Western AA divisional track meet at Legends Stadium. She finished second with a distance of 127 feet, 9 inches. 

Marian Kelly, 83

Marian Kelly, 83, passed away on May 21, 2014, at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell after a long and fulfilling life. “She went to join her husband Chuck, parents and siblings.”

Clayton 'Doc' Dahlquist, 70

Clayton “Doc” Dahlquist, 70, of Ferndale passed away peacefully of natural causes in his home on May 15, 2014.

Minnie Murphy Dunn, 97

Minnie Murphy Dunn, 97, passed away Oct. 30, 2013, at her home in Evergreen.

Alma Jean Kellenberger, 92

Alma Jean Kellenberger passed away May 14, 2014 in Fort Collins, Colo., after battling Alzheimer’s for many years.

AA Divisional Track: Big marks in field events

Glacier’s Ogden breaks meet record in javelin

Bigfork's doubles teams lose in state tennis semis

MISSOULA — Bigfork had a pair of doubles teams fall in semifinal action Friday at the Class B-C state tennis tournament.

Softball: Frenchtown slips past C-Falls

COLUMBIA FALLS — On the Wildkats’ senior day, hits were hard to come by for both the Frenchtown Broncs and Columbia Falls, as the Northwestern A contest featured just one earned run, resulting in a 4-2 road victory for the Broncs.

Softball: Polson hangs on to beat Libby, 7-5

LIBBY — Polson held off a late charge by Libby to claim a 7-5 Northwestern A softball victory on Friday in the regular-season finale for both teams.

Bigfork girls 2nd, boys 3rd at Western B divisional track

MISSOULA — Bigfork’s Logan Morley won the 800 (2:06.44) and 3,200 (10:30.03) on Friday to account for 20 of the Vikings’ 32 points at the Western B divisional boys track meet.

A State Tennis: Three Polson netters 3rd at state

BILLINGS — Polson’s Dylan McCrumb and Layne Zimmerman along with Brady Hislop had the best showing for Northwestern A athletes on the final day at the Class A state tennis tournament on Friday.

C-Falls girls, Whitefish boys 1st-day leaders at Northwestern A divisional track

FRENCHTOWN — Carla Nicosia won the 100 hurdles (15.66) and turned in the winning distance in the triple jump (35-4 3/4), Samantha Mundel took first place in the 1,600 (5:24.24) and Andrea Getts had the winning toss in the discus (115-10) as Columbia Falls dominated opening-day action at the Northwestern A divisional track meet on Friday.

AA State Tennis: Tough go for Glacier, Flathead

BOZEMAN — It was a rough start for Glacier and Flathead at the Class AA state tennis tournament on Friday.

Flathead River rises to flood stage

The clear blue water of the South Fork of the Flathead River meets  the runoff-muddied water of the main river near Hungry Horse in this aerial view Friday morning. The South Fork flows out of Hungry Horse Dam so it isn’t discolored by runoff. Fueled by melting snow, the mainstem Flathead River on Friday reached flood stage of 13 feet as measured at Columbia Falls. The river level is forecast to rise to nearly 14 feet this weekend. Water levels in the Middle Fork and North Fork of the Flathead River are expected to peak about a foot below flood stage today. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake; aerial support provided by LightHawk)

Thief faces possible sentence of 40 years

A Libby man has pleaded guilty to a trio of charges after committing several burglaries and fleeing from police.

Eighth-graders get the WeatherBug

Future Helena Flats and West Valley eighth-graders will have the tools to become novice meteorologists with the recent installation of WeatherBug Tracking Stations.

Daybook

Montana VA ranks near bottom for waiting times

John All

Western Kentucky University professor John All in Katmandu, Nepal, talks about his brush with death in a crevasse. The American climber said he fell into a crevasse on a Himalayan mountain but managed to crawl to his tent despite broken ribs and an arm before being rescued the next morning. (AP Photo)

Pair likely died of carbon monoxide

EPIC proposal from 26 countries, 4 years in the making

Decided I wanted to marry my girlfriend after first date. Traveled to 26 countries during 4 years of dating to make this proposal video from around the world.

Student teams design websites for businesses

With finals over, most students at Flathead Valley Community College have taken their knowledge home for the summer.

In switch, gay rights issue now favoring Democrats

Three area students join state advisory board

 Three area high school students have been added to Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau’s statewide Student Advisory Board.

Poll: Sign-ups rise but little love for health law

Marion burglary suspect apprehended

An Idaho Hill Road woman in Marion contacted the

House candidates make large campaign loans

Book marks flood's 50th anniversary

A momentous anniversary is approaching for Northwest Montana.

San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro

Drunk driver gets five-year sentence

A Kalispell man who injured several people in a crash while driving drunk has been sentenced to five years of incarceration followed by 10 years of probation.

Credit firms renew push for chip cards

Man survives fall in Nepal crevasse in Nepal

Obama taps mayor for Cabinet post

Man pleads guilty to burglary try

A Kalispell man has pleaded guilty to felony attempted burglary for trying to break into a gun store.

Blackfeet consultant guilty of kickbacks

Cocaine seller gets suspended 10-year sentence

A Kalispell man has been given a 10-year suspended sentence after pleading guilty to selling cocaine.

Missoula police create special victims' unit

Drunk-driving mom gets a deferred sentence

A Kalispell mother has been given a three-year deferred sentence after driving drunk with her 5-month-old and 10-year-old children in the vehicle.

Western AA Divisional Track

Glacier's Lonnie Sherman watches the bar as he clears 15' in the pole vault Friday afternoon during the first day of Western AA Divisional Track at Legends Stadium in Kalispell. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Alma Jean Kellenberger, 92

Grizzly bear dies on Sun Road

 A grizzly bear apparently died Thursday in a fall from a snowbank onto Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.

GuestHouse Inn and Suites and Outlaw Convention Center

The new sign for the GuestHouse Inn and Suites and Outlaw Convention Center is prepared for installation on Friday, May 23, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Pizza

Bloody Mary

Big A** Breakfast

101 2014 cover

101 2014

Western AA divisional track loaded with talent

For many, the Western AA divisional track meet today and tomorrow at Legends Stadium is one last chance for some of the brightest athletes in the state to extend their season.

C-Falls, Whitefish, Polson netters start 2-0 at state

BILLINGS — Northwestern A singles champion Emily Getts of Columbia Falls edged closer to her first state title on Thursday by winning first- and second-round matches at the Class A state tournament.

Libby slips by C-Falls in NWA softball play

COLUMBIA FALLS — The Columbia Falls Wildkats dropped a Northwestern A softball contest to Libby in extra innings on Thursday.

Bigfork girls tied for 5th in B-C state tennis

MISSOULA — The Bigfork girls are tied for fifth place after first-day action at the Class B-C State Tennis Tournament.

Wolfpack boys in mix for Class AA state tennis title

While not bringing the same firepower to the tournament as they did last season, the Glacier boys hope to still be in the mix for a state championship as the Class AA state tennis tournament begins today at Montana State University in Bozeman.

AA softball: Bravettes lose twice to Missoula Big Sky

MISSOULA — Flathead’s bid for a trip to the upcoming State Class AA Softball tournament fell short Thursday afternoon as the Bravettes dropped a doubleheader to Missoula Big Sky.

AA softball: Glacier earns trip to state

If the Glacier Wolfpack softball team had struggled at the plate this season, you couldn’t tell on Thursday afternoon.

FVCC students have a lock on jewelry design competition

As one of the very few schools in the country where a goldsmith can go from design stage to completed project in one location, Flathead Valley Community College has an advantage when it comes to creating jewelry.

State advances annual quota of 100 wolves

EBay asks users to change password after cyberattack

NEW YORK — E-commerce site eBay is asking users to change their passwords after a cyberattack compromised a company database containing customers’ names, encrypted passwords, email addresses, physical addresses, phone numbers and dates of birth.

Garner is qualified to be a good legislator

With the coming election, you, as a registered voter, will be sending someone to Helena to represent you and your family. First, let me offer this analogy for your consideration. Suppose you were sitting on a board of directors and had the responsibility of selecting a new chief operating officer, how would you go about the task? This new chief executive would be responsible for several thousand employees and a budget of just under $11 billion. I think, if you took your responsibility seriously, you and your fellow board members, would be very serious in your deliberations and the final selection.

Zinke is man of character, integrity

I have known Ryan Zinke for years. I’d like to step outside the political realm and give a picture of the real Ryan. I handle Ryan’s schedule. Needless to say, we’re extremely busy.

Candidate accused of misleading the public about his pro-life positions

Lie (noun): to make an untrue statement with intent to deceive.

Crazy day for animal control

Animal Control Officer Paul Charbonneau, with the

Jury convicts Butte man in infant daughter's death

Woman who fled to Spokane sentenced to 15 years in prison

A Columbia Falls woman is headed to prison after pleading guilty to a trio of charges.

Park open to holiday visitors

Glacier National Park visitors are welcome this holiday weekend, with many services and facilities available, but they are reminded that in some places of the park the transition from winter is slow.

Motorcyclist pleads not guilty to assault charge

A Kalispell woman has pleaded not guilty to felony negligent vehicular assault after allegedly crashing her motorcycle while drunk, seriously injuring her passenger.

Nigerians protest failure to free girls

Deadliest day yet for Ukraine troops as 16 killed

Memorial Day ceremonies honor the fallen

Ceremonies will be conducted throughout the Flathead Valley to commemorate Memorial Day.

House passes curbs on NSA surveillance

Bill ends bulk collection of phone records

Special session on table: Medicaid, funding for infrastructure to be considered

Montana legislature

Thai military seizes power in coup

Malmstrom forces failed missile launch drill

‘Critical deficiency’ previously unreported

Bakken oil threatened by safety missteps

Petroleum conference

Super PAC founded by Zinke spends $75,000

Perfect day for a flag raising

Terry Richmond of the Sunriser Lions, right, and Lone Pine State Park manager Amy Grout raise the flag on the new flagpole at Lone Pine State Park on Thursday. The Sunriser Lions donated and installed the flagpole.

Stacey Whitmire, goldsmith

Stacey Whitmire, an FVCC goldsmithing and jewelry arts student, won the 2014 Gemvision Design Contest student category.

Rosendale's best

Watching TV, I was drawn to the guy who had the guts to make a political ad that “showed” him doing the very thing many Montanans dream about — shoot down a surveillance drone spying on an American citizen!

Daybook

GOP candidate Zinke defends conservative credentials

I have been a Republican my entire life. But I am growing increasingly concerned about the future of our Grand Old Party.

Zinke is wrong for Montana, say three former GOP chairmen

Recently all three of us, all former state Republican chairmen, spoke out in opposition to Ryan Zinke’s bid to be Montana Republicans’ nominee for the lone U.S. Representative seat being vacated by Steve Daines. Congressman Daines is now running for the U.S. Senate.

Making air show fly takes volunteers

It takes a lot of people to make an air show happen. The volunteer corps needed for the Mountain Madness Air Show Aug. 30-31 featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds is 1,000 people willing to do what it takes to make the show flow.

Elect these people for good government

It’s important that everyone votes. I’m in full support of Matt Rosendale for Congress, Debbie Pierson for clerk & recorder, Phil Mitchell for county commissioner, Mark Blasdel for Senate District 4 and Doug Adams for District 5. they all have the experience, knowledge, are honest, hard working and love our freedoms. I’m sure they would take the responsibility of their office very seriously. we need good people in office that are concerned about how the tax dollars are spent. Let’s elect these canidates.

Attorney general wants to join water case

Tim Fox asking for dismissal of tribal lawsuit

Montana Attorney General Tim Fox is seeking to intervene in a lawsuit filed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes related to water rights on the Flathead Reservation.

Voting for Scott is not rational

Noted left-wing writer Bill Baum has endorsed Commissioner Cal Scott in the Republican primary.

Sage grouse hunt likely to be cut

Glacier softball play in

Glacier sophomore Ali Williams celebrates with teammates Thursday afternoon after Glacier swept two games from Helena High at Kidsports Complex. Williams had two home runs. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Memorial Care Takers

Howard Bluecloud sweeps the walkway leading to the Veteran's Memorial on Saturday, May 17, at Depot Park in Kalispell. By volunteering to care for the Memorial the Flathead Marines will be responsible for power washing the monument, sealing the granite and sprucing up the area before major events like Memorial Day, Flag Day, the Fourth of July and Veterans Day. All are welcome to help, for more information find the Flathead Marines on facebook. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Marines pitch in at memorial

Sean Reynolds and other members of the Flathead Marines work to clean up the veterans memorial on May 17 at Depot Park in Kalispell. The Flathead Marines have volunteered to take over the job of cleaning and caring for the memorial, saving the Flathead County Memorial Board approximately $3,500 per year. “It was amazing how many veterans came up to us as we were working and asked if they could help,” said Patrick Ward. “And we said, ‘Yes, of course.’ This is not about the Marines, this is a memorial for all of us.”

Active Senior: Mildred Nielsen

Active senior Mildred Nielsen in her room at Heritage Place in Kalispell. May 20, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

2014 Seniors: Columbia Falls

Columbia Falls senior Mason Gedlaman. May 19, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Senior Profile: McKenzie Hemp

McKenzie Hemp, a senior, at Stillwater Christian School, on Wednesday, May 21, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Checker Tails

Detail of a button with a photo of Jerry Edwards, one of the pilots honored at the 325th Fighter Group memorial in Lesina, Italy. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Checkertails

Patrice Manget of Kalispell is pictured at the 325th Fighter Group memorial in Lesina, Italy. 

Homestead Cafe

New Flag Pole at Lone Pine State Park

Park Manager Amy Grout, center, shares a celebratory laugh with members of the Kalispell Sunriser Lions after the installation of the new flagpole and raising of the flag on Thursday, May 22, at Lone Pine State Park. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Grass Harp

Glacier production full of 'Southern charm'

Screen Door Porch

Screen Door Porch

The Patti Fiasco

The Patti Fiasco

j shogren

Tour brings trio of Wyoming bands to Whitefish

Boeing Boeing

French farce 'Boeing Boeing' offers cabaret-style fun

Auditions set for 'Rose's Dilemma' with Stumptown Players

Head back to the '90s at Glacier concert

Blackfeet in Browning by Joseph Henry Sharp

"Blackfeet in Browning" by Joseph Henry Sharp

Extensive art collection highlighted at Hockaday

'Night of the Iguana' showing at Museum at Central School

Polson film festival now accepting submissions

James staying in Miami

There’s been a fantasy brewing in the NBA for a while now.

Golf: Mee falls on NAIA's Day 2

LINCOLN, Neb. — Carroll College junior Jackie Mee, a Libby grad, was in the hunt at the NAIA women’s golf national championship on Wednesday, until a disastrous back nine ended her round on a sour note at Wilderness Ridge Golf Club.

Tennis: Polson in state title hunt

The Polson boys tennis team looks to defend its state championship from last season as they enter tonight’s state tournament in Billings with a handful of top contenders.

Golf: Eureka's Bohne takes 11th

ANACONDA — Eureka freshman Chase Bohne finished with an 81 on the final day of competition to place 11th at the Class B state golf championships at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort on Wednesday.

Softball: Glacier, Flathead ready for postseason

The Class AA Softball State Playoffs begin today and both the Flathead Bravettes and Glacier Wolfpack are in the mix for a birth to the state tournament next week in Great Falls.

Obama vows fix to veterans' health care troubles

Local rivers expected to run high for weeks

The Flathead River is beginning to cause some minor flooding problems, but there is plenty of potential for the river to reach even higher flows in the weeks to come.

Helping veterans

Valeriya Voronina, center, and Jane Wright, right, sign up for the Veterans Affairs 2K Walk and Roll on Wednesday in Kalispell. Karen Blackbird of the Kalispell Veteran Affairs Clinic said one of the goals of the event is to raise awareness of homelessness within the veteran population.

Polson man denies trying to hire hit man

Daybook

Dennis Hobbs, 56

Woman charged in 2012 death of infant daughter

Kaarma in court

Marcus Kaarma is followed into Missoula District Court by his wife, Janelle Pflager, with their child on Wednesday. Kaarma pleaded not guilty to deliberate homicide for shooting a German exchange student in his garage. (AP photo)

Ducklings saved from storm drain

A

Mitchell is best for commissioner

Last week, Phil Mitchell, candidate for Flathead County commissioner, traveled to Helena to testify before the bi-partisan Joint Water Policy Committee in support of the required legal, fiscal and constitutional reviews customary for legislation which carries the potential for negative impact on private property rights such as those anticipated with the proposed Flathead tribal water compact.

GOP House debate to be held in Kalispell

The five candidates for the GOP nomination for U.S. House will meet for a final debate next week in Kalispell.

Green box meeting is set for May 29

For over a year, we have been trying to persuade Flathead County officials to keep green box waste collection sites open in rural areas. We argue that closing collection sites will constitute a tax increase, as the solid waste fee will remain the same but collection services will be removed.

Bodies of teen, mom found in house

Isidro Garcia, 41

Zinke is man of integrity, courage

As the smears against Ryan Zinke continue to arrive in our mail, we feel it’s time to put some perspective on the congressional race.

House Dems to participate in Benghazi probe

Young Montana scientists travel to White House

Wyoming lawmakers mull firing squad for executions

Work-comp court position opens

Tissues, counselors ease pain at 9/11 museum

It's time to run Swan River's 'Wild Mile'

River racing planned on Saturday, Sunday

Whitewater kayakers and rafters will compete for nearly $5,000 in cash at this weekend’s Bigfork Whitewater Festival.

Want change? Then vote for it

If you’re unhappy with the way your local government is run, voters have an opportunity this year to set the wheels in motion for potential changes in the way their city or county is governed.

Permit change postponed for north-shore bridge

Consideration of a lakeshore permit amendment for a controversial bridge on the north shore of Flathead Lake has been postponed due to an additional violation of the permit.

National Sept. 11 Memorial Museum

Lucile Corty of Paris watches a screen projection of the dedication ceremony for the National Sept. 11 Memorial Museum in New York on Thursday. Corty’s friend, Stacey Pool, died in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Warm-water species have plenty of fans

With fishing seasons now open and in full swing, many anglers are ready for another season on the water.  

Coroner: Death of infant was intentional

Hotel plan gets Whitefish council OK

Mall renovation money gets a chillier reaction

A new plan for a downtown Whitefish hotel could be moving forward with financial support from the city.

Blasdel for Senate

I have known Mark Blasdel since he was one of my very special students in fifth grade.

California woman found 10 years after kidnapping

Man pleads not guilty in shooting of youth

Melinda 'Linda' Kay Meacham Bartsch, 64

Melinda “Linda” Kay Meacham Bartsch, born on March 31, 1950, in Kalispell, died on May 20, 2014, in Whitefish.

Leslie 'Les' Judkins, 86

Old Steel Bridge Fishing Access Closed

The gate is down and access is closed to the Old Steel Bridge Fishing Access Site on the east side of the river on Wednesday, May 21, in Kalispell. Access to this site and one other has been suspended due to "flooding," according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Joseph Allen Buck, 44

Joseph Allen Buck, 44, “was taken by the Lord” on May 15, 2014. Joe, formerly of Kalispell, was residing in Austin, Texas, at the time of his death.

VA2K Walk and Roll

Allison Metzler, left, and Wendy Nissen, both of Kalispell wrap up the Veteran Affairs' 2K Walk and Roll on Wednesday, May 21, in Kalispell. Karen Blackbird of the Kalispell Veteran Affairs Clinic said one of the goals of the event is to raise awareness of homelessness within the veteran population. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Suit contests Montana law on marriage

Mee tied for 25th at NAIA nationals

LINCOLN, Neb. — Carroll College junior Jackie Mee shot a 5-over-par 77 to tie for 25th after the first day of the NAIA Women’s golf national championship on Tuesday at Wilderness Ridge Golf Club.

Eureka's Bohne in hunt at State B golf

ANACONDA — Eureka’s Chase Bohne is within shooting distance of an individual state championship, trailing the leaders at the Class B state golf tournament by five strokes after the first day of competition on Tuesday at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.

Polson powers past Whitefish

The Polson Lady Pirates used a ten-run fifth inning to earn a Northwest A road victory, beating the Whitefish Lady Bulldogs 22-0 on Tuesday night.

State tourism efforts focus on quality

Even though Montana brought in a record number of visitors last year who spent more money than ever, the state’s tourism focus is as much about quality as it is about quantity.

Forest agency expands firefighting tanker fleet

Abandoned building burns

The incineration of an abandoned North Hill Road farm house west of Kalispell Tuesday morning is being investigated because of the possibility that it may have been deliberately burned down, according to Smith Valley Fire Chief DC Haas. Haas said there were conflicting stories about the owner burning debris and embers igniting the house — and whether the owner had a permit to burn the structure. According to Haas, the owner apparently called the fire department and left a message about his planned general burning, but that message was not received before the fire. The fire attracted a response from not only Smith Valley but also West Valley, Kalispell and South Kalispell fire departments as well as West Flathead EMS. Haas said he was most concerned about the dangers posed to multiple emergency responders rushing to get to the fire.

Election matchup set for Kentucky

Industry: Bakken oil not riskier than others

Elected offices have few requirements

Election 2014

As Flathead County voters contemplate their choices for the next slate of county elected officials, they expect well-qualified candidates but may be surprised that state law requires very few qualifications for most elected positions.

U.S. hacking victims fell prey to mundane ruses

Judge overturns Pennsylvania gay marriage ban

Petco won't sell pet treats made in China

Thailand army chief declares martial law

Dogfight leads to $1,000 vet bill

A Meadows Road resident contacted the

Thailand politics

People stop to take a photograph of themselves at a military checkpoint in central Bangkok on Tuesday after Thailand’s army declared martial law. (AP photo)

Tsunami debris still washing ashore

Joshua Peterson

Council adopts wish list for Legislature

The Kalispell City Council set a legislative agenda Monday night that includes support for legislation that would allow voters to decide whether to adopt a local option sales tax to offset the costs of maintaining city infrastructure that is used by nonresidents.

Bridge extension goes before commissioners

The Flathead County commissioners on Thursday will consider an amendment to a lakeshore construction permit for a controversial private bridge on the north shore of Flathead Lake.

Daybook

Voters to decide whether to study their local governments

Should the number of county commissioners be increased from three to five?

Man gets 30 years for beating wife with bat

Betty Joan Holland Bishop, 91

Expanding Your Horizons 2014

Kathy Owen, left, a retired registered nurse, helps eighth grader Madison Neuman from Eureka Middle School as she wraps a cast at the Expanding Your Horizons 2014 event on Tuesday, May 20, at Flathead Valley Community College. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Charles Edward 'Chuck' Grant, 86

Charles Edward “Chuck” Grant, 86, “found his way ‘home’ by the light of the full moon” on May 14, 2014.

Milfred Arlie Maurseth, 87

Forest Service bans explosive targets

The U.S. Forest Service has banned explosive targets across the Northern Region, citing concerns about public safety and the potential to ignite wildfires.

Crosstown Craze needs volunteer helpers

The Crosstown Craze party is coming to Kalispell and volunteers are needed to make it a memorable night for high school seniors graduating from Kalispell high schools.

ImagineIF offers full summer of fun

The Flathead Valley’s ImagineIF libraries have a full slate of fun special events and activities planned this summer. Here’s a look at what’s happening:

Teacher's generosity lives on after her death

Katheryn Maerz wants people to remember her mother, Susan Smith of Columbia Falls, as a woman who was passionate about education and the outdoors.

Man is lost, stuck and rescued

New memory care facility puts emphasis on activity

Students win state honor scholarships

Students from seven Northwest Montana high schools have won Montana University System Honor Scholarships.

Air show organizers outline volunteer needs

Whitefish projects sizable budget increase

Amara Jai Thomas

Amara Jai Thomas, daughter of Alandus Thomas and Jacqueline Harker, was born April 24 at North Valley Hospital.

Aaron Allan Wunderlich

Aaron Allan Wunderlich, son of Jeremy Wunderlich and Sheila Uhde of Kalispell, was born April 26 at North Valley Hospital.

Callie Gaddis Smith

Callie Gaddis Smith, daughter of David Smith and Joy Gaddis of Columbia Falls, was born April 27 at North Valley Hospital.

IvyLynn Liberty Stipe

IvyLynn Liberty Stipe, daughter of Allan and Tetahnaw Stipe of Kalispell, was born April 27 at North Valley Hospital.

Braydon Kenneth David

Braydon Kenneth David, son of Adam Bigelow and Holly Wadsworth of Hungry Horse, was born April 21 at North Valley Hospital.

Animal control is ever-changing

Being an animal control officer is a busy job, but Paul Charbonneau wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

fbj may 19

Week in Pictures: May 12-18

Agreement with police association on the table

 At tonight’s meeting, the Kalispell City Council will consider a collective bargaining agreement that has been negotiated since January between the city and the Kalispell Police Association.

Legion baseball: Lakers split with Dukes

The Kalispell Lakers AA finished up Sunday action on a high note by defeating the Sherwood Park Dukes 14-3 in an afternoon Canadian Days Tournament contest at Griffin Field.

Businesses ask to tap Whitefish tax fund

Nearly $1 million in tax-increment revenue has been requested for two business projects in Whitefish.

Canyon zip-line attraction to open this summer

An elaborate zip-line attraction is taking shape off U.S. 2 near Columbia Heights and should be open by July.

Profile: Paul Charbonneau

Paul Charbonneau of the Flathead County Sheriff's Office at Woodland Park on Friday, May 16, at Woodland Park in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Glacier Zip Line Adventures

Construction is begun at the site of the new Glacier Zip Line Adventures on Tuesday, May 13, east of Columbia Falls. The attraction just north of the House of Mystery and Montana Vortex should be open by July. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

State lacrosse: Flathead to play for bronze

WHITEFISH — The Flathead lacrosse club high school boys team played its way into the bronze match at the Montana Lacrosse Association state tournament at Smith Fields on Saturday.

Bigfork girls second at divisional tennis

RONAN — Bigfork captured the girls Western B-C divisional tennis title on Saturday.

Whitefish boys 2nd at Polson ABC track

The Corvallis girls and Hamilton boys snapped up team titles on Saturday at the Polson ABC Invitational track and field meet.

Softball: Polson, Libby 4-0 at tourney

BUTTE — Polson wrapped up a successful weekend at the Butte Central Invitational softball tournament by blasting Billings Central 17-1 and Miles City 12-1 on Saturday.

Records fall at 7B track meet

BIGFORK — Bigfork junior Makena Morley hadn’t run a full slate of races all season in hopes to save her legs for the championship meets. The strategy seems to be working.

GOP candidate backs civil unions

A GOP hopeful in the upcoming primary election for the Montana House of Representatives is breaking from his party to support what he calls an unpopular position — civil unions for homosexual couples.

Kindness of strangers helps injured woman

A chance encounter with a couple of compassionate strangers gave a local woman a feeling of deep gratitude and a wish that she could thank them again and give them a message of hope.

Bison numbers must decline

Pierson will do great in county job

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to vote for one of the most qualified individuals to serve Flathead County.

School board remains with state coalition

After a long discussion Tuesday, the Kalispell school board voted to renew its membership in the Montana Quality Education Coalition at a cost of $4,000.

Rosendale wrong for this native Montanan

As a native Montanan and veteran, I find myself a little more than irritated by someone who is neither. Matt Rosendale is a Maryland transplant that never served his country. He just so happens to be running for Montana’s lone congressional seat.

Fisher is best SD4 candidate for Kalispell

All too often we remain silent during primary season. We stand back letting the political process run its course. Fear always seems to be the motivator as we do not want to anger a person or party. After all, why stick your neck out just to have it cut off by the very people you believe share your political values? 

Current mayor endorses Fisher

When I took the oath of office as mayor of Kalispell last January, I was in the envious position of inheriting a city in a great position to move into the future due to the dedicated efforts of outgoing Mayor Tammi Fisher.  

Suggestions for top candidates in GOP primary

With the June 3 primary soon upon us, I continue to receive calls asking for recommendations for whom to vote for. I am impressed with the slate of conservative candidates this year and offer the following suggestions in the Republican primary:

Vote for Rosendale

Cast your vote for Matt Rosendale for U.S. House. Matt has proven himself to be a steward of Montana values. He carries the support of over 50 fellow Montana legislators with whom he has served with integrity and foresight, as well as former Gov. Stan Stevens and former Congressman Ron Marlenee.

MacKenzie River - with a twist

New restaurant features grill and pub, recycled decor

At the new MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub in north Kalispell, the furnishings are as noteworthy as the menu.

Federal land transfers: How the West was won back?

It’s actually pretty easy to imagine that if given the opportunity, the state of Montana could better manage some national forest lands if they were transferred to become state trust lands. What’s harder to imagine is that actually happening.

Summit combats Boko Haram funds, arms, training

Sandra Jean (Huggins) Thomas, 71

Sandra Jean (Huggins) Thomas, 71, passed away Jan. 27, 2014, at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, from complications after surgery.  

Re-elect Barron

The choice for Lake County commissioner is clear: Bill Barron. He has a proven record of leadership and an astute knowledge of the issues facing Lake County. I have seen first hand Bill’s ability to be a team player and problem solver. Most importantly Bill understands county government and its function.

Fisher for state Senate

I have had the opportunity to work with Tammi Fisher since she opened her law practice in 2007 and during her term as mayor. Over the past seven years we have worked on a number of issues and in each instance Tammi’s dedication and hard work has been evident.  

Walk and roll event planned Wednesday

The Department of Veteran Affairs’ Montana Health Care System will host a VA2K Walk and Roll from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 21.

Daybook

Blasdel for state Senate

As speaker of the House in the last legislative session, Mark Blasdel has provided outstanding leadership and input into addressing critical  issues facing Montana as related to budget, water management, education and general legislative process. 

Whitefish open house planned for parks and rec director finalists

The city of Whitefish will host an open house on Wednesday for the public to meet the four finalists for the position of parks and recreation director.

Calmer winds help firefighters

Hunter Joseph Jolliff

Hunter Joseph Jolliff, son of Joe and Megan Jolliff of Fortine, was born April 15 at North Valley Hospital.

Kalispell brewery readies first batch of beer

After nearly two years of planning, permitting, construction and inspections, Cole Schneider and Maggie Doherty started production Thursday on their first batch of beer at Kalispell Brewing Co. on Main Street.

Rosendale rises to the top

Of all the elections of the primary campaign season, the race for the U.S. House of Representatives on the Republican side is one of the most important and critical contests for the state of Montana and our nation. Of the many candidates running for that office Matt Rosendale has risen to the top.

Man stops woman from stealing truck

A man’s roommate contacted the

Walton will hit the ground running

I am a member of Team Walton, a group of dedicated people who believe in Katy Walton and are working to help elect her as state representative in House District 13.

Sam Emery Bell

Sam Emery Bell, son of Jacob and Jaime Bell of Coram.

Pierson for clerk

Debbie Pierson is my choice for Flathead County clerk and recorder.

Whitefish projects win Planning Board support

An expansion of The Lodge at Whitefish Lake’s marina and a housing development on Second Street both won favorable recommendations Thursday from the Whitefish City-County Planning Board.

Scott: Why I should be re-elected

Why do I, my family and countless numbers of your fellow citizens firmly believe it is in the best interest of all our Flathead citizens that I be re-elected to protect your best interests through another term of leadership?

New NAACP leader: I'm Brown v. Board beneficiary

Olszewski: Will he vote the party line?

I don’t know Dr. Olszewski, never met the man, and do not live in his district. I am all for citizen legislators. But I do have a problem with him that Dr. Bucacek pointed out regarding his stance on Medicaid expansion.

Senator: Governor and commissioner attempting to oust me

What's going on with our country?

This is a wake-up call for anyone who loves this country and wants to enjoy the liberties we have enjoyed for over 200 years. Many of you are probably not old enough to remember Roosevelt, Truman and Kennedy; they were all good Democrats. Well I do, and I also remember spending the best years of my youth along with over 16 million others, the blood that was shed and the sacrifices of all Americans to keep this a free and sovereign nation.

Lao defense chief, 4 others killed in plane crash

With measles near, vaccine debate renewed

The last time a Montanan suffered from measles, the Soviet Union still existed: Six cases were confirmed in three counties in 1990.

Support Pierson for clerk and recorder

I don’t believe most voters understand the importance of this elected position nor do I believe most voters realize all of the duties and responsibilities of the office of Flathead County clerk and recorder. As someone who has been a banker for 40 years, I understand the importance of this office.

Coleman Lee Stephens

Coleman Lee Stephens, son of Trek and Rene Stephens of Whitefish, was born April 18 at North Valley Hospital.

Rocky Mountain College adds drone training classes

Blasdel is man of great integrity

Mark Blasdel is absolutely the most qualified choice in Senate District 4. His roots in the Flathead run generations deep, with ties to our traditional industries of agriculture and logging.

Thousands flee, 25 die in record Balkan floods

Rehabilitating raptors

Keith Kratzer of Montana Wild Wings Recovery Center holds a red-tailed hawk during an open house for the center Saturday afternoon at the Fish, Wildlife and Parks headquarters in Kalispell. The event had educational raptor presentations as well as a silent auction to help raise money for the volunteer-run organization. The birds shown by Montana Wild Wings were recovered with injuries too severe to survive in the wild after rehabilitation.

Obama and Congress move to address VA firestorm

Stranger danger: Parents share concerns

Our family recently had an experience that you think could never happen to you. Over the last few days we have felt very strongly the need to share our thoughts with other families, especially with summer closely approaching.

Kalispell Brewing Co.

Bigfork Track

Tyler Iverson competes in the shot put Saturday morning during a track meet at Bigfork High School. May 17, 2014 in Bigfork, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Flathead Lacrosse

Flathead lacrosse players celebrate a goal Saturday afternoon during their victory over 10 Sticks of Polson at Smith Fields in Whitefish. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Trick or truth! Can you even tell the difference?

What if everything you know is fake?

Carlyle 'Chic' Webb, 92

Carlyle “Chic” Webb, a longtime resident of Polson, “passed from this life on to unknown destinations” on May 8, 2014. 

Daniel Wayne 'Scott' Barber, 70

Daniel Wayne “Scott” Barber, 70, passed away at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane on May 15, 2014.

Leon L. Wild, 80

Leon L. Wild, 80, passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2014, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

Betty May Bullock Jeffries, 88

Betty May Bullock Jeffries, 88, “left her pain-wracked body” on May 12, 2014, “to join her many friends and relatives who went before her.”

Bigfork, Eureka netters in B-C semis

RONAN — Bigfork’s Lana Berg and Eureka’s Kathryn Stein both won first- and second-round matches in singles play on Friday at the Western B-C divisional girls tennis tournament.

Flathead dominates track dual with Libby

LIBBY — Flathead and Libby closed out the regular season in track with a non-scoring dual meet on Friday. The Flathead girls and boys placed first in all events.

Polson, Libby 2-0 at Butte Central softball tourney

BUTTE — Polson posted a pair of impressive victories, downing Havre 7-2 and Glendive 19-1 on Friday at the Butte Central Invitational softball tournament.

Black and Blue open state rugby tournament play with 35-5 win

CORVALLIS — Black and Blue rugby opened the Montana Youth Rugby Association state tournament on a high note, running away with a 35-5 victory over a tough Billings squad on the opening day of the tournament on Friday.

Legion baseball: Redbirds edge Kalispell Lakers

The pitching was the highlight of the night at Griffin Field for the final game on the first day at the Canadian Days American Legion Baseball Tournament.

Downey leaves Bigfork to coach Whitefish basketball

Bigfork boys head basketball coach/activities director Josh Downey has been named the head boys basketball coach at Whitefish High School.

Big net day for Polson at Northwestern A divisional

The final day of conference play didn’t come easy for Columbia Falls sophomore Emily Getts. The top-seeded girls singles player at the Northwestern A divisional tennis meet at The Summit and Flathead Valley Community College, she swept through regular season conference play without a sweat. Friday’s final two rounds, though, were much tougher.

Glacier boys take 1st; girls 2nd at Northern AA divisional tennis

GREAT FALLS — Glacier’s boys swept all the honors on the final day of play at the Northern AA divisional tennis tournament on Friday.

Diploma: 'Ticket to change the world'

More than 400 Flathead Valley Community College students walked across the stage at the Northwest Montana Fairgrounds Friday evening, picking up 431 degrees and certifications as the college’s 46th graduating class.

Students channel lives of famous people

Luminaries throughout history made an appearance Wednesday at Peterson Elementary School in Kalispell.

Flathead band wins national honor

 The Flathead High School band has been awarded the National Band Association’s Division of Excellence Blue Ribbon Award for High School Bands.

Arson studied in wildfire outbreak

University lands $45 million research award

GM fined $35 million for deadly defect

Chopper helps find missing child

Two Bear Air helped the

Musicians shine in solo, ensemble festival

 Area schools participated in the Western State Solo and Ensemble Festival in Helena May 2-3.

Former school administrator admits pawning electronics

Rural county, feds locked in dispute over water rights

Head of 'Three Cups of Tea' charity resigns

College offers Summer Experience

Over the summer, local high school students will have the opportunity to earn free college credits at Flathead Valley Community College through a new program.

Jobless rate dips sharply during April

Flathead County’s unemployment rate decreased in April to 6.6 percent.

Daybook

Boggess in 2013

Tribes finish first round of gill netting

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes completed an initial phase of gill netting on Flathead Lake during the last two weeks of April, catching 5,232 lake trout.

State senator arrested by Blackfeet officers

Trustees debate how to fund technology

What next?

Kalispell Brewing Company

Cole uses a hydrometer to check the original gravity of the liquid mash of grains, called the wort. Original and final gravity measures the density of the liquid before the yeast is added and after fermentation is complete and is used to determine the alcohol by volume of the final product. the May 15, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Kalispell Brewing

The two-story, 9,000-square-foot building underwent serious remodeling. The back 14 feet of the building was removed to create a loading dock area for the brewery. Concrete footing for a new back wall to the building was poured in late February of 2013. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Flathead Valley Community College Graduation

Rachel Wambeke plays the violin Friday evening during the 2014 Flathead Valley Community College commencement ceremony in the Trade Center at the Flathead Valley Fairgrounds. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Highway chase goes from Whitefish to Eureka

A Kila man led several law enforcement agencies on a chase that stretched from Whitefish to Eureka  on Friday.

Profile: Paul Charbonneau

Paul Charbonneau of the Flathead County Sheriff's Office at Woodland Park on Friday, May 16, at Woodland Park in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Northwester A Divisional Tennis

Katie Fyall of Whitefish competes at the Northwester A Divisional Tennis tournament on Friday, May 16, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Preparing for the Classic Car Show

Richard Ebert of Cutbank washes his 1958 Pontiac Bonneville on Thursday evening, May 15, in Whitefish. On Friday he drove to Sand Point, Idaho to take part in the Lost in the 50s car show. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Dan Holguin

Training for the Spartan Race

Dan

Before and After

Tammy S.

Rifle barrels

Finished barrels wait to be packed and shipped at Montana Rifleman in 2009. (Daily Inter Lake file photo)

Remington to close local firearms plant

Remington Outdoor Co. is closing its Montana Rifleman firearms manufacturing east of Kalispell and will move production to Alabama, a company spokesman confirmed Friday.

Vote for Skees for true conservative

Republican primary voters will have a clear choice on June 3. Some candidates, including self-identified Republicans, supported higher government spending in the last legislative session, when they grew state spending three times faster than the private economy.

Salomon in HD93

We support Dan Salomon for House District 93. Although we know and have respect for his opponent, we sincerely believe Dan will produce more positive results for our district.

Vote for Blasdel based on record

As residents of Senate District 4, we would like to encourage our fellow Republicans to vote for Mark Blasdel for the Montana Senate.  

Kudos to Glacier Symphony and Chorale

Anyone who did not attend this past weekend’s performance by The Glacier Symphony and Chorale of “A Sea Symphony” missed something quite extraordinary. It was world class and the entire community can be proud of and celebrate what Maestro John Zolteck, Jim Stanard, Alan Saterlee, all of the musicians and singers, board members, staff and volunteers have achieved right here in the Flathead Valley.  

Re-elect Salomon

Dan Salomon listens. As the owner of a successful real estate company, I have had the pleasure to work with Rep. Dan Salomon on local issues. He is the clear choice to represent his district.

Ad about values was misleading

I would like to respond to an ad I saw on TV supporting Ryan Zinke regarding Matt Rosendale’s values. The ad implies that since Matt is from Maryland, Matt has Maryland values, not Montana values.

Vote for Pierson

I am writing in support of the best candidate for Flathead County clerk and recorder. That candidate is Debbie Pierson.

Fisher will fight for you and your family

I personally know and have met with both Tammi Fisher and Mark Blasdel. I know in my heart who will be the most effective representative for the residents of Senate District 4.

Legion baseball: Lakers roll into Canadian Days Tournament

The Kalispell Lakers AA American Legion baseball team tuned-up for its annual Canadian Days Tournament by thumping the Libby Loggers on Wednesday 19-6 in Libby.

NWA tennis: Polson, Whitefish in charge after first day

Polson and Whitefish closed the first day of the Northwestern A divisonal tennis tournament with a chance for each its boys and girls teams to claim a divisional title as the top seeds in singles and doubles rolled into the semifinals at Flathead Valley Community College on Thursday.

Bravettes, Wolfpack split softball doubleheader

The future is bright for the Glacier Wolfpack and Flathead Bravettes softball teams all because of their underclassmen aces in the circle.

Softball: Loggers blanked by Broncs

FRENCHTOWN — In a matchup of Northwestern A softball powers, Frenchtown pulled out a 4-0 victory over the Libby Loggers on Thursday.

Strong start by Wolfpack netters at Northern AA divisional

GREAT FALLS — It was a very good day for the Glacier High School tennis program.

Glacier's Sherman clears school record 15-0 in vault

COLUMBIA FALLS — Lonnie Sherman, a senior at Glacier High School, continues to soar to new heights.

Dexter Lucas Otten

Dexter Lucas Otten, son of Jason Otten and Ashley Elder of Kalispell, was born March 30 at North Valley Hospital.

Wyatt Nicholas Ash Brown

Wyatt Nicholas Ash Brown, son of Scott Brown and Maddison Garth of Kalispell, was born April 14 at North Valley Hospital.

Ruth Frances Quiram

Ruth Frances Quiram, daughter of Taylor and Frannie Quiram of Columbia Falls, was born April 15 at North Valley Hospital.

Roommates buy used couch, find $40,000 in cash

Carlyle 'Chic' Webb, 92

Isabella Grace Shvets

Isabella Grace Shvets, daughter of Yaroslav and Natalya Shvets, was born March 31 at North Valley Hospital.

Artifacts large, small highlight museum dedicated to Sept. 11

Daniel Wayne 'Scott' Barber, 70

Alli-Mai Lynn Brossman

Alli-Mai Lynn Brossman, daughter of Brianne Brossman of Columbia Falls, was born April 1 at North Valley Hospital.

Shoot! It was just a misunderstanding

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Man arrested for home invasion; friend shot

Marion man charged for shooting incident

A Marion man is in jail and facing a felony charge for allegedly disarming and shooting at another man in the Murr Creek area last week.

Eden Louise Jensen

Eden Louise Jensen, daughter of Matt and Lauren Jensen of Kalispell, was born April 12 at North Valley Hospital.

Brooklyn Rose Ruta

Brooklyn Rose Ruta, daughter of Scott and Erica Ruta, was born March 27 at North Valley Hospital.

Turkey buries mine disaster victims

Betty May Bullock Jeffries, 88

Wildlife chief outlines griz delisting plan

Leon L. Wild, 80

Adeline Olivia-Rose McGregor

Adeline Olivia-Rose McGregor, daughter of Brenna McGregor of Whitefish, was born April 10 at North Valley Hospital.

Crews dig in for local bank expansion

An expansion project is underway at Three Rivers Bank on East Idaho Street in Kalispell.

Flood control may determine Flathead Lake filling date

Flathead Lake is projected to reach an elevation of 2,890 feet by the end of May, and there is potential for the lake to be held just below its full pool elevation of 2,893 by June 15, the target date for the lake to be at full pool.

Legal pioneer Diane Barz dies at age 70

Ariella Loralynn Freese

Ariella Loralynn Freese, daughter of Kevin and Trina Freese of Kalispell, was born April 7 at North Valley Hospital.

Vets deserve answers, quality care

It is ironic indeed that our nation’s veterans, many of whom have survived the rigors of combat, may well feel as if they are being sent “into harm’s way” once again when they enter the Veterans Affairs health system.

John Edwin Marshall

John Edwin Marshall, son of Justin and Lyndsey Marshall of Whitefish, was born April 14 at North Valley Hospital.

Daybook

Today, May 16

Watchdog: No proof treatment delays killed vets

Bianca Dawn Hennell

Bianca Dawn Hennell, daughter of Carl and Olivia Hennell of Kalispell, was born April 10 at North Valley Hospital.

Maverick Andrew Seymour

Maverick Andrew Seymour, son of Lucas and Rachelle Seymour of Kalispell, was born Feb. 26 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Sage McElwain

Sage McElwain, daughter of Pat McElwain and Teresa Litchfield of Columbia Falls, was born April 24 at North Valley Hospital.

Reid Patrick Bopp

Reid Patrick Bopp, son of David Bopp and Janet Summerscales of Columbia Falls, was born April 18 at North Valley Hospital.

Braxtyn Raymond Cuchine

Braxtyn Raymond Cuchine, son of Tyson Cuchine and Jessica Boyd of Kalispell, was born April 1 at North Valley Hospital.

Appeals court puts gay marriage on hold in Idaho

Sentence issued for 'mind boggling' fraud

September 11 Museum

President Barack Obama speaks Thursday at the dedication ceremony for the National Sept. 11 Memorial Museum in New York.

Cleanup finds more damage from arson fire

Cleanup and repair efforts are underway at the site of an arson fire at Glacier High School.

Antonio Benanzio Rodriguez, 29

Long chase ends in arrest

The front bumper was left behind after a Jeep tore through this fence at Ron Crone’s home on River Road in Evergreen. The Jeep was being pursued by law enforcement officers during a chase Thursday morning.

San Diego County fire roars to life

Brewer-Miller

Koch-Lodien

Construction at Three Rivers Bank

Construction is underway at Three Rivers Bank on Idaho Street in Kalispell. Crews are working on a new parking lot north of the Idaho Street bank; work on a building addition will begin June 1. The $2.8 million expansion is expected to be complete in January 2015.

West Valley Fire

West Valley and Whitefish Fire departments respond to a structure fire near West Valley Drive and Martin Creek Lane on Monday evening, south of Whitefish.

Kathryn Kay Nightingale, 67

Kathryn Kay Nightingale, 67, passed away May 1, 2014, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, due to COPD.

Expressions Open House

April Webster, Expressions Director, welcomes guest to the open house including Michele Glazier of Kalispell, on Wednesday, May 14, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Ronnie Ernest Taylor, 60

Ronnie Ernest Taylor, 60, of Whitefish, passed away on May 8, 2014.

Nancy Jane (Roper) Wagner, 50

Glacier Zip Line Adventures

Construction is begun at the site of the new Glacier Zip Line Adventures on Tuesday, May 13 east of Columbia Falls. The attraction just north of the House of Mystery and Montana Vortex should be open by July. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

New MacKenzie River Pizza opens in Kalispell

Assistant Manager Travis Horstman works in the kitchen on Thursday at the new MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub in north Kalispell.

Morning Pursuit

Montana Highway Patrol officers gather with a Flathead County sheriff's deputy at the conclusion of a pursuit that began in Creston on Thursday morning. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Flathead, Glacier netters to compete for state bids

Glacier and Flathead each brought full teams to Great Falls today in hopes of making an impact at the Northern AA divisional tennis tournament the next two days.

Crosstown softball season finale pivotal for postseason

The final regular season crosstown softball doubleheader takes place today at Kidsports Complex as the Flathead Bravettes and Glacier Wolfpack battle for bragging rights.

Tennis: Polson looks to defend Northwestern A divisional titles

Some of the best tennis programs in the state converge on Kalispell today and Friday for the Northwestern A divisional tennis tournament at Flathead Valley Community College.

Season doesn't go up in smoke

Glacier Twins vs Kootenai Valley

Glacier catcher Dakota Birdwell (right) tags out a Kootenai Valley runner at the plate Wednesday night during the Glacier Twins victory over Kootenai Valley at Memorial Field in Whitefish. May 14, 2014 in Whitefish, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

College to bestow pins on 20 nursing graduates

Flathead Valley Community College will honor its seventh class of practical nursing graduates during a traditional pinning ceremony at 4 p.m. Friday in the large community meeting room of the Arts and Technology Building.

Daybook

Today, May 15

U.S. judge refuses to stay Idaho same-sex marriages

Feds to spend $38 million on Idaho cleanup

Former manager: I didn't act alone on accomplishments

Please accept this brief response to a letter to the editor to clear up a misperception that I should be credited individually with accomplishments made in Kalispell.

New kitchen cranking out school meals

The Kalispell Public Schools central kitchen is the hub of student nutrition, serving more than 2,000 meals daily for kindergarten through fifth grade plus some baking for the high schools.

Driver who killed two gets 30 years in prison

A Kalispell man is headed to prison after hitting another motorist head-on, killing his passenger and the other driver.

Skees for HD5 - a woman of action

Ronalee Skees’ lifestyle is one of dedication to serving others as she adheres to a strong moral compass. She doesn’t just talk pro-life talk; she lives it. She has been a volunteer in crisis pregnancy ministry for 26 years, including in foreign countries, as guest speaker for fundraising, and Hope Pregnancy resource director in the Flathead Valley.

Tot survives 11-story fall

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A young boy who survived an 11-story fall from a Minneapolis high-rise has been dubbed “the miracle baby” and was recovering in a hospital Wednesday.

Man's sentence suspended for child endangerment

A Kalispell man has been given a 10-year, suspended sentence after pleading guilty to felony criminal child endangerment.

Man gets 25 years for fire deaths

Turkey mine disaster toll reaches 274

Lung cancer screening has $2 billion-a-year tab

Every person covered by Medicare would shell out an additional $3 a month if the government agreed to pay to screen certain current and former smokers for lung cancer, a new study estimates.

One voter's guide to the candidates

I would love to give my honest and well researched “picks” for those who are undecided and for those who just vote for a “D” or an “R” because of a party line choice. When you cast your vote, you are an active participant in one of the most treasured opportunities of a free nation, to have a real say in how your government will work or not work.

Missing plane

The wreckage of a single-engine plane rests on a rugged, snowy mountain outside of Yellowstone National Park. (AP Photo/Park County Sheriff’s Office)

California wildfires

A police officer turns traffic away as flames leap behind him Wednesday in Carlsbad, Calif.

Plane crash site may not be reached for months

Calif. fire burns homes

'I'll get even with you - or someone else'

A report of criminal mischief received by the

Ex-legislator endorses Blasdel

I served in the Montana House for three terms with Mark Blasdel. During that period of time, I came to know him as a very committed, loyal and dedicated person to the people and state of Montana.

Woman a 'do-it-yourself' hunter

Another Montana woman is in the hunt to become the next “Extreme Huntress” through an online voting competition.

Good news: Dads who are D.O.G.S.

People are always telling us they want to read more good news in the paper, but frankly we think we do a pretty good job already of highlighting success stories in the community.

Libby therapist pleads guilty to drug charge

Ashley Westphal

Westphal poses with an elk she took down with her bow. Westphal is in the running for the online “Extreme Huntress” contest.

Douglas Lynn Peters, 60

Douglas Lynn Peters, 60, passed away in Kalispell on May 12, 2014. 

Donna Maxine Darling, 80

Donna Maxine Darling, 80, “went home to be with the Lord” on Sunday, May 11, 2014, at Brendan House in Kalispell.

Leroy H. Grundmeier, 69

Leroy H. Grundmeier, 69, passed away May 11, 2014, at the Montana Veterans Home.

Keith Charles Burgess, 81

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dearly loved husband, dad, and grandpa. Keith Charles Burgess passed away at his beloved ranch Saturday, May 10th, 2014 at the age of 81.

School Kitchen

Members of the public tour the kitchen Tuesday evening during an open house for the recently completed school kitchen in Kalispell. May 13, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Students channel lives of famous people

Skyleigh Thompson strikes her pose as Coco Chanel at the annual fifth-grade wax museum at Peterson Elementary School on Wednesday in Kalispell. Students were instructed to stand in a pose appropriate for their characters until visitors push the button that brings them to life. At this point the students recited several paragraphs relating to the life, history, and accomplishments of the characters they portrayed.

Annual 5th Grade Wax Museum at Peterson

Seda Ramsay recites facts from the life of Amelia Earhart at the Annual 5th Grade Wax Museum at Peterson Elementary School on Wednesday, May 14, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Week in Pictures: May 5-11

Jury says automaker owes $240 million to families

POLSON — A Lake County jury has ordered Hyundai to pay $240 million in punitive damages after finding that a manufacturing defect in a Hyundai vehicle caused a crash that killed two Missoula cousins in July 2011.

Teens confess burglaries before Montana shooting

Golf: Bohne, Stodghill qualify for state

BIGFORK — A pair of local golfers played their way into the state tournament on Tuesday at the Class B Division 3 tournament at Eagle Bend Golf Club.

Jury rules against Hyundai in fatal crash

POLSON — A Lake County jury ruled Tuesday that a manufacturing defect in a Hyundai vehicle caused a fatal crash that killed two Missoula cousins in 2011.

Class B Divisional Golf

Bigfork's Ryder Trent hits out of a bunker on the second hole on the Osprey Nine course Tuesday during the Class B divisional golf tournament at Eagle Bend Golf Club in Bigfork. May 13, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Pierson has skills needed for the job

I have worked for many years with Debbie Pierson and have consistently found her to be professional, enviably organized and efficient. She is affable and a pleasure to work with, but also expects the highest level of performance from everyone on the team.  

Vote Horning for Lake County commissioner

A county commissioner’s seat is one of the most important positions of local government and should be representative of county residents on everything from fair taxation; open, responsive, and responsible government; to working effectively with federal, city, state, and tribal governments.

Apgar Visitor Center

Daines supports healthy forest management

In many forested counties across Montana, we fear wildfires that will bring total devastation to our communities, watersheds and wildlife. That is why I appreciate Steve Daines’ efforts during his first term in Congress to protect our state.

Motorcycle show runs Saturday at fairgrounds

The fourth annual Serious Motorcycle Enthusiasts Group Motorcycle Show will be from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 17, in the Expo Building at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell.

Three teens arrested for auto theft, other charges

A trio of teens were arrested Tuesday after allegedly stealing a vehicle and leading police on a chase through the southeast corner of Kalispell.

Daybook

Today, May 14

Bozeman leaders back gay-rights protections

Yard sale to help accident victim

“Stand Up for Starla,” a fundraising yard sale for Starla Hilliard Barnes, will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the Smith Valley Grange, 2856 U.S. 2 W. near Kalispell.

FVCC graduates Class of 2014 on Friday night

Flathead Valley Community College will award 431 associate degrees and certificates on Friday at the 46th graduation ceremony for the college.

Kids hurt when wind blows bounce house into air

County OKs new site for youth home

A revised site plan that relocates Intermountain’s planned therapeutic youth group home farther away from a waterfowl preserve near Somers got a favorable nod from the Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday.

Claims about Fisher inflated?

I am writing this in response to Kelly Gallipeau’s letter, “Vote for Fisher in SD4.” The accomplishments ascribed to Tammi Fisher by Ms. Gallipeau should more properly be accredited to Jane Howington, the former city manager.

Spokesman: Christie unaware of traffic scheme

Don't believe anti-Zinke smears

The other day I was watching a program that my friends and I find rather amusing. The topic of this particular episode was “going negative.” In the context of the show, it meant attempting to win a date with someone by pointing out all of their shortcomings. The theory was that they would feel so bad about themselves that they would agree to go out with you. The problem being, eventually they would realize you are not much of a catch yourself.

Slain German student may have been looking for alcohol

151 dead, many trapped in Turkish coal mine

Firefighters spend night at fire scene

Firefighters remained at the scene of a North Pines Road house fire into the afternoon Tuesday, putting out hot spots and ensuring the embers were completely extinguished from Monday night’s fire.

Delgado for HD 93

By far the best candidate for House District 93 is Mr. Frank Delgado.  He is a family man, a defender of private property rights, and a hard-working, compassionate businessman. I am proud to give him my vote.

Rep. Daines to speak to Lake County group

U.S. Rep. Steve Daines will be in Polson on Saturday, May 17, speaking at a brunch organized by the Lake County Republican Women at Polson’s VFW Post 2986, at 423 Main St.

Embezzler sentenced

A Whitefish woman has been given a deferred sentence after embezzling more than $2,500 from Safeway.

Democratic commissioner hopefuls square off

Two Democratic candidates for Flathead County commissioner tried to distinguish themselves during a debate Monday night, answering questions on budgets, possible tax increases, the Agency on Aging and zoning issues.

Mining association suggests that members punish outfitter

Vote for Mitchell

Please join me in supporting conservative Republican candidate Phil Mitchell for county commissioner.   

Ralph Vincent Panico, 75

Questions for candidate Zinke

Regarding Mr. Zinke’s politics, he claims to be a conservative candidate on the Republican ticket, but the easiest way for a fox to get into the hen house is to disguise himself as a chicken. I wonder if the true conservatives, whose support and contributions you solicit, know about your voting record.

8-year-old helps mom deliver baby brother at home

Youth home

This graphic shows the design of a 5,500-square-foot therapeutic youth group home planned near Somers.

Garner has history of tireless service

I have known Frank Garner for over 30 years and I wholeheartedly support his candidacy for Montana representative for House District 7.

Food bank under new director

The former director of Whitefish’s Housing Authority has been tapped to lead the North Valley Food Bank as it takes on a new chapter in its history.

Blasdel for Senate

Mark Blasdel is very special to us. We have watched Mark grow up. Anita was his first grade teacher. It has been wonderful to see Mark mature into a caring, congenial, sincere, and hard-working gentleman.

Disabled-home employee arrested

GREAT FALLS (AP) — Great Falls police say an employee at a home for disabled residents got drunk and passed out while on duty.

Firefighters raise money to fight pediatric cancer

The Bigfork Fire Department is holding a St. Baldrick’s fundraiser for pediatric cancer from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the Bigfork Fire Department, 810 Grand Dr. in Bigfork.

Marion man arrested twice amid threats

The

Hebert is right for House District 11

Mike Hebert, candidate for House representative, District 11, has been our insurance man and personal friend almost since the day we moved to Kalispell in 2012. He and his family have treated us like family, even inviting us to Thanksgiving dinner, having just met us!

School fire causes $50,000 in damage

Pole-vault mat torched

An early morning arson fire Tuesday at Glacier High School destroyed a pole-vaulting mat and damaged the track surface.

State, tribes to reopen water negotiations

HELENA — Gov. Steve Bullock plans to reopen limited negotiations for a water-rights compact with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

Dorthea E. Murray, 85

Dorthea E. Murray, 85, of Kalispell, passed away on April 28, 2014, in Eureka.

Roland Helmer Engdahl, 88

Roland Helmer Engdahl, 88, passed away May 9, 2014, at his home after a lengthy illness.

This Week in the Flathead: Bibler Gardens

The flowers at Bibler Gardens are nearing their peak bloom on Tuesday, May 13, west of Kalispell. This is the final weekend of the Spring Stroll at Bibler Home and Gardens. Tickets for the tours are still available for Saturday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and on Sunday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance and can be obtained by calling 756-3632. Tickets are $10 for adults, except for the Sunday at 3 tour which is $20 and includes a tour of the Persian antique tribal rug collection. The next set of tours, the Splendid Summer Evenings at Bibler Home and Gardens, will take place July 21-25 at 5:30 and 7 p.m. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Pole vault pit fire

Only charred remains were left Tuesday morning at the pole vault pit at Glacier High School in Kalispell.

Fire at Glacier High School track

Only charred remains are left at the pole vault pit at Glacier High School after the mat was set on fire early Tuesday morning. 

Former nurses remember busy days of wartime duty

To celebrate the 196th birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, several former nurses donned old uniforms and enjoyed each other’s stories Monday at Buffalo Hill Terrace.

Class B golf: Divisional play at Eagle Bend next action for Bigfork, Eureka

Bigfork and Eureka will be competing today in a Class B Division 3 golf tournament at Eagle Bend Golf Club.

Softball: Flathead falls to Hellgate

Flathead banged out nine hits, which included home runs by Kaylee Henderson and Cassidy Smith and a double by Abbie O’Brien, and committed just two errors, but it still wasn’t enough as Missoula Hellgate rolled to a 13-4 Western AA softball victory over the Bravettes on Monday at the Conrad Complex.

Softball: Glacier slips by C-Falls

Tacey Howe’s sacrifice fly to left field scored Anna Jenks in the bottom of the seventh inning, giving Glacier a 2-1 victory over Columbia Falls in a nonconference softball outing on Monday at Kidsports Complex.

Lowell Knopfle

Lowell Marvin Knopfle, 79

Robert Eugene Moon Sr., 89

Doris L. Masa, 84

Ray Miller

Raymond Lance 'Ray' Miller, 64

Man uses gunshots to scare off pit bulls

House fire

A burning home on Martin Creek Lane is reflected in the Stillwater River on Monday night. (Brian Crandell photo)

Fire destroys home northwest of Kalispell

Fire

Flames envelop a home along the Stillwater River northwest of Kalispell Monday night. (Brian Crandell photo)

Youth home on county agenda Tuesday

Several representatives from Intermountain will meet with the Flathead County commissioners Tuesday to provide updated information about an environmental assessment for a planned therapeutic youth group home near Somers.

House Fire in West Valley

Early response to West Valley fire

Smoke billows off West Valley house fire

Charges changed against Kalispell man

A Kalispell man alleged to have spent thousands of dollars on a stolen credit card has pleaded not guilty to felony deceptive practices.

Whitefish senior wins scholarship to study in Morocco

Senior Claire Watts will be the first student at Whitefish High School to receive a Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Abroad full, merit-based scholarship.

Blocked culvert floods Sun Road section

 Glacier National Park closed access to most of Going-to-the-Sun Road near Apgar on Saturday due to runoff and debris that blocked a culvert under the road.

Sun Road culvert

A blocked culvert caused debris and water to flow over a section of Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier Park on Saturday. (Tanya & Ted Van photo/Lone Pine Photography)

Claire Watts

Senior Claire Watts will be the first Whitefish High School student to study abroad in Morocco through the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study program. (Hilary Matheson/Daily Inter Lake)

Swiftwater

Whitewater waves crest on the Flathead River near the Pressentine Bar Fishing Access on Monday, May 12, north of Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Florence Nightingale's Birthday

Betty Powell laughs with friends as she places a nurse's hat on her head at the luncheon celebrating the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing, on Monday, May 12, at Buffalo Hill Terrace in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Final Concert of the Season

Amos Chon steps up for his first performance as the principle cellist for the Glacier Symphony and Chorale at the final concert of the season with on Sunday, May 11, in Kalispell. Chon sat next to Amy Zoltek during the concert, she had been his first music teacher when he was six years old. The "Ecstatic Sea!" concert featured Symphony No. 1 "A Sea Symphony" by Vaughan Williams with guest soloists Gina Lapka, soprano, and Stephen Kalm, baritone. The next performance for the Glacier Symphony will be the Summer Symphony Pops performance at Rebecca Farm on Saturday, June 28. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Good Weather for Ducks

A pair of mallards take off from their temporary pond in a parking lot in Evergreen on Saturday, May 10. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

New regional fisheries manager appreciates diversity

 Being a regional fisheries manager comes with the challenge of balancing often conflicting interests, but Mark Deleray is well-suited for the challenge.

Kalispell council mulls legislative proposals

The Kalispell City Council will discuss a series of legislative policy positions at a work session tonight. 

Adalynn Stock

Adalynn Stock, daughter of Robie and Rande Stock of Kalispell, was born Feb. 27 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Serenity and Hope Walters

Serenity and Hope Walters, daughters of Scott Walters and Ashley Haviland of Columbia Falls, was born Feb. 27 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Brycen David Burk

Brycen David Burk, son of Eric and Laci Burk of Kalispell, was born March 2 at North Valley Hospital.

Oaklee Griffin Luger

Oaklee Griffin Luger, son of Joe Luger and Shiloh Tkachyk of Whitefish, was born March 4 at North Valley Hospital.

Hadley Ann Campbell

Hadley Ann Campbell, daughter of Brett and Malissa Campbell of Columbia Falls, was born March 10 at North Valley Hospital.

Maverick Andrew Seymour

Maverick Andrew Seymour, son of Lucas and Rachelle Seymour of Kalispell, was born Feb. 26 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Olive Ariah Reynolds

Olive Ariah Reynolds, daughter of Ely Reynolds and Erin Doyle of Kalispell, was born March 20 at North Valley Hospital.

Jase and Jack Jessop

Jase and Jack Jessop, sons of Martina Jessop of Kalispell, were born Feb. 27 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Dean Gordon

Dean Gordon, son of Angelica Gordon-Curtiss of Kalispell, was born Feb. 28 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Devin Glenn Hargrave

Devin Glenn Hargrave, son of Daren Turner and Megan Hargrave of Kalispell, was born March 19 at North Valley Hospital.

Annie Yvonne Reddig

Annie Yvonne Reddig, daughter of Scott and Juanita Reddig, was born March 1 at North Valley Hospital.

Jaxon Shockley

Jaxon Shockley, son of Michael and Katie Shockley of Kalispell, was born Feb. 28 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Colter John Reeder

Colter John Reeder, son of Jamie and Leslie Reeder of Kalispell, was born March 20 at North Valley Hospital.

Harper McLaughlin

Harper McLaughlin, daughter of Kalani and Molly McLaughlin of Kalispell, was born Feb. 26 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Canine rehab center planned in C. Falls

A proposal to allow a rehabilitation and fitness center for dogs in downtown Columbia Falls tops a busy agenda for the Columbia Falls Planning Board on Wednesday.

Whitefish board finally full

 Recent appointments by both the city of Whitefish and Flathead County have filled all of the vacancies on the Whitefish City-County Planning Board.

E-cigarette regulation concerns local health officials

As more Americans put down their cigarettes in favor of their electronic counterparts, health officials and local governments are scrambling to adapt.

Sisterly surprise: Siblings reunited in Kalispell after 42 years

Donna Guthrie of Kalispell got the surprise of a lifetime when she opened her front door Wednesday evening. 

Profile: Mark Deleray

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Fisheries Manager Mark Deleray at Foys Lake on Thursday, May 8, west of Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Sisters reunion

Donna Guthrie, left, and Ora Becker laugh while discussing their childhood Thursday afternoon at Guthrie's home in Kalispell. May 8, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Schulz, Epperly leaders at Archie Roe Invitational track meet

The weather didn’t cooperate and either did the track’s electronic timing device, but there was no dip in quality at the Archie Roe Invitational track meet on Saturday at Legends Stadium.

Flathead's Wisher, Butts, Jensen place 2nd at Helena Invitational tennis

HELENA — Flathead’s Joey Wisher and Kody Butts finished second in No. 3 doubles play while Jenna Jensen was second in No. 3 singles at the Helena Invitational tennis tournament on Saturday.

Baseball: Lakers battle back, down Mariners

The Kalispell Lakers AA rallied back from a 2-0 deficit to beat the Mission Valley Mariners A 5-4 in a nonconference American Legion baseball matchup at Griffin Field on Saturday afternoon.

Softball: Polson spills C-Falls; Frenchtown tops Libby

POLSON — Leadoff hitter Jaylin Kenney had three hits and Kaelen Wall, Hannah Potter and Kyrie Bitterman two each to power Polson to a 7-3 Northwestern A softball victory over Columbia Falls on Saturday afternoon.

Merc turns 100, gets new owner

The Polebridge Mercantile will celebrate its centennial this year with a new owner.

Mothers Day inmates

Inmate Erica Carmona, 21, tosses a soccer ball back and forth with her son, Dominic, 3, during his visit to the Folsom Women’s Facility in Folsom Calif. Carmona is serving time for assault with a deadly weapon.

High court opens way for Jesus statue, Ten Commandments

The Supreme Court’s ruling on public invocations in the name of Jesus is a ruling of seismic proportions. It begins the process of ratcheting back the strangulation of religious liberty in America that began with the court’s egregious ruling in Everson in 1947, which led to the removal of Bible reading and prayer from our public schools by the early 1960s.

Cabins proposed near West Glacier

A proposed guest cabin development near West Glacier tops a heavy agenda for the Flathead County Planning Board when it meets May 14.

Benghazi: We know a lot, but not nearly enough

There is some irony behind Speaker of the House John Boehner’s move to appoint a select committee dedicated to the investigation of events in Benghazi, Libya, in September of 2012.

Vote for Mitchell as 'conservative to be proud of'

I enthusiastically endorse Republican Phil Mitchell for county commissioner.

2013 tourism: 11 million visited Montana

Gov. Steve Bullock’s office says more tourists visited and spent money in Montana last year than ever before.

Benghazi committee just latest aspect of GOP witch hunt

Speaking of “lies and obfuscation” (the editor’s words in his May 4 “two cents” column), when the editor states that “it’s about time,” I can’t help but wonder about time for what.

Thousands bring out their inner Spartan

A very Spartan Saturday

Hordes of Spartan Racers were released in waves of 200 participants every 15 minutes to face about 15 obstacles involving watery ditches, ropes, steep climbs, high walls, fire and barbed wire in the 2014 Montana Spartan Sprint.

Volunteer to assist courts in taking care of neglected kids

I am writing to reinforce and support the letter from Sarah Corbally, administrator of the Child and Family Services Division of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, which appeared in the April 13 edition of the Daily Inter Lake.

Responsible Republicans? You will have to decide

In a recent proclamation, Flathead County state Sen. Bruce Tutvedt boasts, “If you look at the heavy lifts from last session (2013), they were all done by responsible Republicans.”

Kids reunite with locked-up moms near Mother's Day

Ukraine's leader gains stature with honest image

In this March 19, 2014 file photo, Ukraine’s Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, left, speaks with a passenger as he travels in economy class aboard a commercial flight from Kiev to Vienna, en route to Brussels for a European People’s Party summit.

Ruling just puts non-Christians further on outside

Monday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision endorsing opening prayers at public meetings is the latest nail to be pried from the wall separating church and state.

Judge: Dispute of execution drug to go to trial

Legislative panel backs $900M dam sale

Don't play politics with North Fork

There’s something liberating about slipping a raft into a river in Western Montana. We are fortunate to have so many clean, free-flowing rivers nearby to enjoy with friends and family. And in my mind, few rivers can match the North Fork of the Flathead.

This week, remember heroes of law enforcement

What about the grain elevators?

There was an article recently about the east side industrial park plans to relocate the railroad tracks. There doesn’t seem to be any response from the public, but I would like to share my personal opinion.

Against vandalism of clinic, but also against abortion

After reading several articles in the Daily Inter Lake about the clinic in Kalispell, which was vandalized by what some people call a religious nut, I know what this young man is accused of was wrong and he will be punished for his actions if found guilty.

Where was Sheriff Curry at forum?

I attended the Flathead County Republican Women’s “Meet and Greet” on Feb. 27, an excellent and well-presented forum for getting to know and question most of the 2014 primary candidates. It was informative and very well attended.

Garner has right experience and commitment

We have known Frank Garner for almost 30 years in his role as a leader in Lions and his many other community service endeavors.

'Suicidal' woman, 'homicidal' man draw police response

The

Fisher did good job as mayor

Community service is defined as “voluntary work intended to help people in a particular area.”

Drug charges pile up against couple

A Kalispell couple already facing a series of drug charges after an investigation into marijuana-growing allegations now face new charges after the alleged operation was located.

Five Montana Republicans seek U.S. House nomination

HELENA — Five Republicans — all but one of them current or former state legislators — are vying for their party’s nomination for the U.S. House in the June 3 primary.

Think carefully before you vote

Soon we will be standing at the voting polls, selecting the candidates of our choice. The past few weeks, like Diogenes, we have been carrying our lanterns and searching for an honest man or woman to elect.

Man convicted of murder in Glendive stabbing death

Nigeria refused help to search for kidnapped girls

Mom's life work was service to other people

Every June when the peonies were in full bloom, my mother would cut a bouquet of flowers, load up me and my middle brother in the family car and drive a mile down the road to visit my dad’s elderly bedridden Aunt Sigrid and wish her a happy birthday. I suppose I was about 5 or 6 when this became part of our summer routine.

A front-row seat at the culture war

Is it just me, or has the culture war between right and left been escalating wildly over the past few months?

Archie Roe

Bigfork junior Makena Morley leads the way in the 800-meter race Saturday afternoon during the Archie Roe track meet at Legends Stadium. 

Weinberg-Rowe

Roger and Debra Weinberg of Kalispell announce the engagement of their daughter, Melissa Jean Weinberg, to Hankalan Rowe, son of Steven Rowe of Flippin, Ark.

Horsman-McKoy

Ron and Susan McKoy of Kalispell announce the engagement of their son, Kevin Patrick McKoy, to Stephanie Lynn Horsman, daughter of Mike and Sherri Horsman of Shepherd.

Child playing with lighter accidentally starts fire

A 4-year-old playing with a lighter is believed to have caused a house fire Saturday afternoon after accidentally setting a mattress ablaze, causing about $125,000 in damage.

Kalispell Lakers vs. Mission Valley Mariners

Kalispell Lakers AA third baseman Justin Rich (11) fields the ball during Saturday’s American Legion baseball game with the Mission Valley Mariners A at Griffin Field. Rich threw to first in time to get the out.

Landon-Inabnit

Cindy Landon and John D. Inabnit of Kalispell were married April 16 in Lihue on Kauai, Hawaii. The ceremony was performed by Justice of the Peace Laurel Loo.

Cara Lee (Thomas Maureen) Foley, 78

Sister Cara Lee (Thomas Maureen) Foley, of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, died April 28, 2014, at Brookdale Place at Harbor Glen in Spokane.

Thomas Neil Pelican, 57

Thomas Neil Pelican passed away April 25, 2014, at his home in Bigfork.

Daniel Lee Dowd, 65

On April 30, 2014, Daniel Lee Dowd passed away peacefully from complications after fighting his battle with cancer.

Montana Spartan Sprint Race 2014

Photos by Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake

Montana Spartan Sprint

The Elite Class Women start up the first hill at the Montana Spartan Sprint, a more than three-mile obstacle race, in Bigfork on Saturday.

Montana Spartan Sprint 2014

Nate McCarthy of Helena races in the Open Class at the Montana Spartan Sprint Race on Saturday, May 10, in Bigfork. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Vernon 'Red' Thaddeus Gallagher, 90

Vernon “Red” Thaddeus Gallagher passed away peacefully, with family by his side on May 1, 2014, at the age of 90, at the Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.  

Martha L. King, 79

Martha L. King, 79, “joined her loving family in heaven” on May 1, 2014, at her home in Columbia Falls with her family at her side.

Auto racing season begins at MRP

Gentlemen, start your engines!

Talented field returns for Archie Roe track meet

A pair of record setters are back to defend their titles at the Archie Roe Invitational track meet today at Legends Field.

Legion baseball: Pioneers rally to beat Libby

LIBBY — The Missoula Pioneers scored three runs with two outs in the top of the sixth inning and added another run in the seventh to top Libby (0-1) 4-1 in American Legion baseball play on Friday at the Loggertown Wood Bat Tournament.

Softball: Glacier downs Libby

LIBBY — Glacier tallied four runs in the seventh inning to pull away from Libby for an 8-3 nonconference softball victory on Friday.

Flathead, Glacier place netters in tourney semis

HELENA — Glacier’s Hunter Blalack has advanced to the semifinals of the Helena Invitational tennis tournament.

Potential for flooding rises

With snowpack 56 percent above normal,

The stage is set for Western Montana rivers to reach or exceed flood stage in coming weeks, largely because of a stubbornly high snowpack in the mountains.

Historic dress donated to UM

Emma's dress

Beverly Braig, right, claps Monday after unveiling the dress made by her grandmother, Emma Sansaver, during a ceremony at the Payne Family Native American Center on the University of Montana campus in Missoula. Braig donated the dress to the university. On the left is University of Montana President Royce Engstrom.

Great Falls lawmaker sued over residency

Daybook

Pastor forgives truck thief at sentencing

Putin hails the 'return' of Crimea to Russia

Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at a navy parade marking Victory Day in Sevastopol, Crimea, Friday, May 9, 2014. Crimea, which hosts a major Russian Black Sea Fleet base, is set to hold a massive navy parade in the port of Sevastopol. Putin extolled the return of Crimea to Russia before tens of thousands Friday during his first trip to the Black Sea peninsula since its annexation. The triumphant visit was quickly condemned by Ukraine and NATO. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev)

Dads Of Great Students: Watch D.O.G.S. serve as mentors, friends

From the classroom to the lunchroom to the playground, the men of Watch D.O.G.S (Dads of Great Students) are tutors, mentors and friends to students at Elrod Elementary School in Kalispell and Muldown Elementary School in Whitefish.

GOP committee changes debate rules for 2016

Court sides with U.S. in cell-tracking records case

New Benghazi investigation inspires partisan animosity

Young children could face bullying charges in Calif. city

Gas pumping a problem for pair

The clerk at a U.S. 2 East gas station contacted the

Beach attorneys dispute former governor's letter

State to tackle backlog of discharge permits

BOZEMAN (AP) — Montana environmental regulators have a little more than a year to comply with a new court settlement to eliminate its backlog of outdated discharge permits for refineries, power plants and other facilities that release wastewater into rivers.

Boston drivers urged to 'Use Yah Blinkah'

Glacier Park gates moved to Avalanche

Glacier National Park snowplows have advanced past Haystack Creek and soon will work toward the Big Bend area on Going-to-the-Sun Road.

QB makes pitch for financial literacy

About 60 business and finance students wearing Flathead High School football jerseys were ready to tackle a round of financial literacy with Braves alumnus and Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler.

Sisters reunion

Sisters Donna Guthrie, left, and Ora Becker hadn't seen each other for 42 years. May 8, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Financial Football

Montana's Commissioner of Securities Monica Lindeen high fives students during a game of Financial Football, a video game to promote financial literacy, Friday morning at Flathead High School. May 9, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Judge orders wildlife officials to act on lynx

Federal wildlife officials must come up with a schedule to complete a long-delayed recovery plan for imperiled Canada lynx within 30 days, under an order from a U.S. district judge in Montana.

Brock Osweiler

Denver Broncos quarterback and former Flathead High School student Brock Osweiler, right, celebrates with his team of students after they converted a first down in a game of “Financial Football,” a video game to promote financial literacy. The event was Friday morning at Flathead High School.

Profile: Mark Deleray

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Fisheries Manager Mark Deleray at Foys Lake on Thursday, May 8, west of Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

WeatherBug

Todd Enders of WeatherBug works to install the anemometer, or wind sensor, for the new weather station at Helena Flats School on Wednesday, May 7. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Whitefish man dies in crash

A 60-year-old Whitefish man died after his car slammed into trees off East Edgewood Drive near Whitefish Thursday night.

Polson powers past 'Pack

Polson’s Taylor Brackey was just a freshman the last time she hit a home run.

Bulldogs sweep Libby, Bigfork

WHITEFISH — Whitefish’s Holden Roberts won twice at No. 1 singles while Tommy Murphy and Bailey Jack both won singles and doubles matches in tennis dual victories over Libby, 6-1, and Bigfork, 7-0, on Thursday afternoon.

Frenchtown shuts down Wildkats

FRENCHTOWN — Frenchtown’s Krista Hebnes drove in five runs with a double and a home run to lead the Broncs to an 8-1 Northwestern A softball victory over Columbia Falls on Thursday.

Caleb Petersen

Caleb Petersen, son of Ryan and Megan Petersen of Bigfork, was born Feb. 21 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Colorado lawmakers approve plan for pot banking

Query doesn't escalate into 'Storage Wars'

A

Reese Nicole Bagnoli

Reese Nicole Bagnoli, daughter of Colton and Megan Bagnoli of Kalispell, was born Feb. 20 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Tips sought on Conrad Mansion vandals

Flathead Crimestoppers and staffers at the Conrad Mansion are looking for citizens’ help after unknown vandals pushed over three sections of the dry stone wall surrounding the historic house last month.

Al Olszewski

Owen Schmidt

Owen Schmidt, son of John and Catherine Schmidt of Kalispell, was born Feb. 25 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Student journalists win state awards

Glacier High School’s student newspaper has something to howl about.

Garner has 'servant's heart'

This June we will be voting for Frank Garner for House District 7.

Savannah DeZell

Savannah DeZell, daughter of Jason and April DeZell of Kalispell, was born Feb. 24 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Father commends Remington for recall of rifles

Trevor Sven Ek

Trevor Sven Ek, son of Edward and Mary Ek of Kalispell, was born Feb. 21 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Strong quake shakes Mexico's Pacific coast

Aubree Soderholm

Aubree Soderholm, daughter of Tyler and Nicole Soderholm of Kalispell, was born Feb. 19 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Land swap proposal meets hunter protests

Landon Evenson

Landon Evenson, son of Cody Evenson and Anestia Wildish of Kalispell, was born Feb. 25 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

David English, 40

Lance Abernathy

Lance Abernathy, son of Tyrel and Tamara Abernathy of Kalispell, was born Feb. 19 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Spartan Sprint

Brothers Jayce, left, and Brady Blomquist help construct the barbed-wire obstacle Monday for Saturday’s Montana Spartan Sprint.

State agency agrees not to issue elk-kill permits

Republican candidates take differing approaches

House District 11 election

Both Mike Hebert and Dr. Albert Olszewski believe in small business, bolstering the Second Amendment and unifying the Republicans in the Montana House of Representatives.

Woman, 75, convicted of murder 40 years ago

Vandalism at the Conrad Mansion

The stone wall around the historic Conrad Mansion on Kalispell’s East Side was hit by vandals last month.

Recount held for uncounted ballots

Clara Coffman

Clara Coffman, daughter of Ted and Danni Coffman of Kalispell, was born Feb. 25 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Vote for Olszewski

It isn’t often that someone of the integrity, dedication, capability and caliber of Dr. Albert Olszewski offers himself for political office, and when they do we should all take note. 

Clerk & recorder endorses Pierson

As the current Flathead County clerk & recorder/surveyor/auditor and election administrator, I’m well aware of the challenges in providing good governance to Flathead County taxpayers.

Man warned for chasing moose for wife's video

Railroad: Federal order won't affect oil shipments

A well-deserved Honor for our vets

Every day, more and more World War II veterans are lost to history, as time and age take their toll.

Plan for unidentified 9/11 remains draws opposition

Mike Hebert

Founder designs Spartan race course

‘It’s not easy torturing people’

Spartan Race founder Joe DeSena stood on top of a hill Monday overlooking a long barbed-wire crawl. He pointed out a few safety concerns to crews and volunteers building the obstacle course.

Judge to consider new report in bankruptcy case

Colton Ruth

Colton Ruth, son of Nathan and Laticia Ruth of Eureka, was born Feb. 21 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Alexis Jones

Alexis Jones, daughter of Kyrie Small of Kalispell, was born Feb. 25 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Perry James McGlenn

Perry James McGlenn, son of Harley McGlenn and Stephani Hartigan-McGlenn, was born Feb. 25 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Common Core is wrong for students and teachers, too

Teaching is not only a skill, it is a form of art. When I was asked as a little girl, what I wanted to be when I grew up I said, “I want to be a teacher.”

Therese Hanson

Therese Hanson, daughter of Kevin and Tereza Hanson of Kalispell, was born Feb. 25 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Wife's plea helps send arsonist to prison

A Flathead Valley arsonist was sentenced to prison Thursday after passionate testimony from his wife swayed a judge to impose a harsher penalty than a plea agreement recommended.

Midnight lights

Northern lights make an appearance Thursday at 2:30 a.m. over Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park.

Sperry Chalet

Beth Dunagan poses with her memoir about growing up at the Sperry Chalet. May 5, 2014 in Whitefish, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Glacier vs. Polson Softball

Polson first baseman Kaelen Wall (left) catches a throw to get the force out on Glacier's Ali Williams (18) Thursday afternoon during Glacier's loss to Polson at Kidsports Complex in Kalispell. May 8, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Motorcycle wreck on Foys Canyon Road

First responders from the Smith Valley Fire Department, West Flathead EMS, Flathead Sheriff's Office and the Montana Highway Patrol respond to the scene of a motorcycle wreck on Foys Canyon Road near Orchard Ridge Road. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Daybook

Horsman-McKoy

Landon-Inabnit

Grace Lucille Mullen, 91

Grace Lucille Mullen passed away Wednesday morning, May 7, 2014, in a Butte nursing home.

Van Gogh for Mother's Day

A group of first and second graders work on their own renditions of the famous painting "Starry Night" by Vincent Van Gogh on Wednesday, May 7, in Sharon Sinclair's art class at Elrod Elementary in Kalispell. Sinclair gets her students for two years and so they make these special mother's day gifts every other year. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Lorraine Lilas Wheeler, 87

Thomas Neil Pelican, 57

Daniel Lee Dowd, 65

Vernon 'Red' Thaddeus Gallagher, 90

Martha L. King, 79

Strolling Down Fourth Avenue East

The George Drew Residence at 345 Fourth Avenue East is a study in black and white. Historical Marker: Kalispell was only two years old when German immigrant Louise Sels and her son Ed had this cross-gabled Queen Anne style residence buit in 1892, a year that saw over a hundred homes built in the new town. Louise Sels soon sold the house to her son-in-law Arthur Burnes, but according to the 1900 census, she continued to live in the home with her extended family. The household included her three grown children, granddaughter, son-in-law, and his mother. Josephine Richards and Ella Bell owned the house between 1902 and 1905, renting out "nice large front rooms" to gentlemen. The distinctive horseshoe-shaped porch was added between 1903 and 1907. The home's longest occupant, Maude Drew, lived here between 1905 until her death in 1959 at age 89. A year after she and her husband George bought the house in 1905 they installed a brick sidewalk. The local newspaper lauded this improvement over the standard wood sidewalks and predicted, "other property owners will note the manner in which the walk wears with much interest." (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Spring scene

A squirrel forages for lunch as spring greens begin to pop up in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Aurora over Glacier

The Northern Lights make an appearance over Lake McDonald on Thursday morning, May 8, at 2:30 a.m. in Glacier National Park. (Photo courtesy of Rick Huntsman)

Draft running long

The NFL Draft hasn’t even started yet and I’m ready for it to be over.

Candidates take different paths in state primary

U.S. House election

Big donation for Food Bank

Flathead Food Bank executive director Lori Botkin, right, laughs while making introductions before accepting a donation from Walmart general manager Lance Lerud, left, Wednesday morning. The $62,500 donation was part of the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program, a quarterly grant given to nonprofit organizations. The Flathead Food Bank’s grant application was written by Catherine Webber, center. Botkin said the grant is enough to pay for milk for a year for the food bank.

Daines didn't do enough for North Fork legislation

It is unconscionable that when John Walsh tried to pass by unanimous consent in the U.S. Senate a bill protecting the North Fork of the Flathead River from mineral development, Steve Daines, when he was asked to help the bill by talking to the three Tea Party senators, Ted Cruz, Pat Toomey and Tom Coburn; Steve Daines asked why Senate Democratic leaders couldn’t have brought the bill to the floor for a regular vote, avoiding the need for a unanimous consent.

No gains for 12th-graders in math, reading

Government issues emergency order on crude oil trains

Fisher is friend of law enforcement

As the widow of Montana Highway Patrolman Michael Haynes, I want to take this opportunity to talk to the public directly.

Registration opens for Camp Invention

Budding scientists, mathematicians, engineers and technology-minded students have an opportunity this summer to let their imaginations soar at Camp Invention in Kalispell for the first time.

Naturalist/author Farley Mowat dies at 92

Candidates shooting at wrong targets

There are two newbies who have their face and names repeatedly on my TV channel. I am a registered voter. I call them hoo-rah (ridiculous) ads. One has named President Obama as Montana’s problem, and one shoots at (supposedly) a government drone.

Blasdel has the needed experience

At risk of violating my self-restraint of writing no more than one letter to the Inter Lake editor per year I now acquiesce to weakness and submit my second.

Trophy rainbow trout to be had this month

“Are you SURE that’s a rainbow?”

Daybook

A 'weird' collision of lifestyles in driveway

A Prairie View Road resident contacted the

Statue defense gains supporters

Montana Attorney General Tim Fox and the American Legion have filed legal briefs with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, joining others who have intervened to try to uphold a court ruling that found the Jesus statue on Big Mountain to be constitutional.

John Michael Myers

Landscaper, lawyer vie for legislative nomination

Both Doug Adams and John Myers cite the future of Montana’s children in their concerns as they seek election to the Montana House of Representatives, but each seeks that future through a different path.

Doug Adams

Caribou now listed as threatened species

Spartan race challenges thousands

The second incarnation of the Montana Spartan Sprint on Saturday near Bigfork promises to be even bigger than the inaugural race a year ago.

Some forest campgrounds open this weekend

 Flathead National Forest campgrounds start opening in early May and all campgrounds, weather permitting, are scheduled to be open by the Memorial Day Weekend.

Stanley 'Olai' Solberg, 58

A memorial service for Stanley “Olai” Solberg, 58, will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, at the First United Methodist Church, 322 E. 3rd St., Moscow, Idaho, with Pastor Sue Ostrom officiating. A potluck reception will follow the service at the church.

MSU lockdown ends after report of rifle

Glow of the evening

The warm light of sunset illuminates deer foraging in Whitefish on Monday.

Yellowstone lake trout

Brian Ertel, a fisheries biologist at Yellowstone National Park, holds a netted lake trout caught from Yellowstone Lake in 2013. Scientists say the voracious fish that entered Yellowstone Lake and decimated its native trout population appears to be in decline following efforts to kill off the invading fish.

Charles 'Chuck' Rhodes, 79

Sheriff Charles “Chuck” Rhodes (ret.), passed away peacefully on May 5, 2014, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls, at the age of 79. He was surrounded by family and cared for by the most wonderful staff imaginable. He had struggled for many years with Alzheimer's, yet, he always sensed when his family was near him. Chuck was known for his dazzling smile, his impish sense of humor, and for his drive to make sure everyone was taken care of and safe.

Peggy J. (Morigeau) Collicott, 85

Marian Stenger Rundquist, 77

Marian Stenger Rundquist, 77, passed away peacefully at her home in Eureka on May 6, 2014.

Cara Lee (Thomas Maureen) Foley, 78

Berl Elvin Buck, 77

Food Bank donation

Flathead Food Bank executive director Lori Botkin, right, accepts a donation from Walmart general manager Lance Lerud, left, Wednesday morning at the food bank in Kalispell. The $62,500 donation was part of the Walmart Foundation's State Giving Program, a quarterly grant given to non-profit organizations. The Flathead Food Bank's grant was written by Catherine Webber, center. May 7, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana.

Voters re-elect FVCC incumbents

Two Flathead Valley Community College trustees won re-election in Tuesday’s election.

Loggers roll Flathead

It’s tough to beat the Libby Loggers’ softball team when Hannah England is in the circle.

Frenchtown bites Bulldogs

WHITEFISH — Frenchtown’s Morgan Ray went 5 for 5 with nine RBIs in the Broncs’ 19-1 win over the Whitefish Bulldogs on Tuesday.

Polson sweeps Lake County meet

POLSON — The Polson boys and girls swept the Lake County track meet on Tuesday with dominant performances from their top athletes.

Records set in field in Lincoln County

The Daily Inter Lake

Glacier dominates crosstown mixed doubles

Glacier cruised past Flathead in the first-ever crosstown mixed doubles tennis dual on Tuesday at Flathead Valley Community College.

Bullock thanks centenarians for rich lives

Split decision on Kalispell tech levies; C-Falls OKs general fund levy

Kalispell passes elementary levy, rejects high school levy

Chuck Rhodes

Former Sheriff Chuck Rhodes dies

Former Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Rhodes, whose local law enforcement career spanned 27 years, died Monday at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. He was 79.

Tour planned for Kalispell schools' new central kitchen

A tour of the new Kalispell Public Schools central kitchen will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13.

Catie Henderson

Rosendale will be good for Montana

I met U.S. congressional candidate Matt Rosendale in Kalispell a month ago and I’m glad I did. I was impressed with his views on property rights and getting the feds out of our everyday life in Montana. I also respect Matt’s stance on the sanctity of life.

Zinke shares concerns of the average voter

The voters I’ve talked with are concerned about jobs, the economy, feeding their families, and scraping up money to buy gas to get to work. They want a congressman who will address these issues, not focus on his own private agenda. 

Kool-Aid, anyone?

Having not been aware of Obama while he was in Congress, I have to refer to clips of him and his votes and stated positions at that time, but I do remember his promises and views when campaigning.

LGBT attack on Mozilla chief is bad precedent

The co-founder of Mozilla and creator of the browser Firefox, Brendan Eich, resigned his position as CEO of Mozilla after only a week on the job due to contributing $1,000 six years ago to the supporters of Prop 8 in California which supported the traditional definition of marriage.

Blasdel has right experience

The next legislative session will have plenty of challenges for lawmakers and some of the biggest I have ever seen. There is no doubt that the Legislature will need experienced leaders like Mark Blasdel.

Mitchell will vote to protect property rights

Please join me in supporting Phil Mitchell, the conservative Republican candidate for county commissioner.

Mitchell for county commissioner

I have known Phil Mitchell for about 10 years and I have had the opportunity to work with Phil on several projects. When it came time to help with the North Valley, Phil was right there.

Ronalee Skees will keep those in Helena on toes

Those of you in House District 7, please read:

Blasdel has been reliable leader

I will be supporting Mark Blasdel for Montana Senate District 4.

Zinke not safe Republican vote

Max Baucus for way too many years sold Montana out when he authored and voted for Obamacare! Don’t vote Democrat.  

Schnebel for county commissioner

The ballots are in the mail and for the first time in years I have a positive choice for county commissioner. Someone I know, trust and respect is running and I couldn’t be more excited.  Stacey Schnebel filed as a Democratic candidate for county commissioner and when elected will be a gift to all Flathead County residents.

Pierson showed her strengths at recent debate

I attended the Republican debates at the packed Syke’s meeting room on May 1.

Kalispell man pleads not guilty to child endangerment

A Kalispell man has pleaded not guilty to felony criminal child endangerment following an April traffic stop.

Daybook

Here's why the progressives will prevail

Pro-gressive, re-gressive, or ag-gressive? Which is the real direction and tone of American politics today?

A cut above

 Vivian Gelormino had 11 inches of hair cut off Monday afternoon at Crevier’s School of Cosmetology in Kalispell. Gelormino raised $11,000 for her friend Sarah Lynch, who has a rare tumor-producing disorder. In a show of solidarity, she pledged to cut one inch of hair for every $1,000 dollars raised.

Increase knowledge; seek out the truth

People perish for lack of knowledge. People suffer for lack of knowledge. Thus, the history of man marches on with never-ending proofs of the pudding.

Police: Pot might be factor in Montana killing

Man goes on trial in Glendive stabbing death

Pierson is leader

Twenty-plus years ago, I met a teenage girl.

Alex Schaeffer

Charter Communications may seek ballot proposal to block tax

Two vie for Democratic nomination in Kalispell district

House District 7 election

Democrats Catherine Henderson and Alex Schaeffer are vying for the Montana House District 7 seat, and both candidates are focused on educational and environmental issues.

Unusual punishment draws attention

A disturbed passerby reported seeing a young boy approximately 6 years old standing in an East Idaho Street parking lot being made to hold a sign about kicking a classmate as punishment by his parents. The passerby said she didn’t think it was right and asked that he be checked on. A responding officer from the

Garner has been one of Kalispell's best leaders

On Election Day, my wife Bev and I will be voting for Frank Garner for Montana state representative for House District 7.

Liberal hypocrisy?

Gene Lyons’ March 27 column (“America’s oligarchs”) demonstrates the hypocrisy of this blatant liberal. Excoriating the conservative Koch brothers for supporting political causes, he dismisses the hundreds of millions of dollars they contribute to charity as “throwing money at their wives’ favorite ballet companies and museums.”  

Crosstown Tennis

Glacier's Hunter Blaylock (left) returns a volley during a mixed-doubles match with his partner Kali Matheson Tuesday afternoon during a crosstown tennis match at Flathead Valley Community College. May 6, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Flathead vs. Libby Softball

Flathead senior Cassidy Smith fields a ground ball Tuesday afternoon during Flathead's matchup against Libby at Conrad Complex in Kalispell. May 6, 2014 in Kalispell, Montana. (Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake)

Haircut for cancer

 Vivian Gelormino had 11 inches of hair cut off Monday afternoon at Crevier’s School of Cosmetology in Kalispell. Gelormino raised $11,000 for her friend Sarah Lynch, who has a rare tumor-producing disorder. In a show of solidarity, she pledged to cut one inch of hair for every $1,000 dollars raised.

Rodney Wellen, 77

Rodney Wellen, 77, formally of Columbia Falls, “finished up his work here” on April 29, 2014.

Ted Lee Crail, 85

Ted Lee Crail, 85, passed away April 16, 2014, in Kalispell.

Montana Centenarians

Centenarian Velma Bradley smiles as she receives her honorary plaque from Governor Steve Bullock at the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services luncheon honoring Montana Centenarians on Tuesday, May 6, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Vote for Fisher for Senate District 4

I’m writing this letter in support of Tammi Fisher for state senator for District 4. I have known Tammi since she came to Kalispell to work in the county attorney’s office, and have worked closely with her on numerous cases when she was a prosecutor and and in her private practice. 

Re-elect Barron in Lake County

The election for Lake County commissioner is coming up sooner than you might expect. Because the only candidates are both Republicans, whichever one wins the June 3 primary will be the only one on the ballot in November.

Liberals attack Zinke, Daines because they are afraid of them

Surprise! The liberal disciples of Obama and big government are attacking Steve Daines and Ryan Zinke! Who would have thought?

Zinke's record is not conservative

Republicans: vote for the candidate with the best R voting record.

Pierson has skills needed for clerk and recorder job

I am writing this letter in support of Debbie Pierson, Republican candidate for the Flathead County clerk and recorder position on the June primary ballot.

Jesse Thomas Lynch, 90

Jesse passed away on May 4, 2014, at his home in Hungry Horse, after his battle with lung cancer.

Berl Elvin Buck, 77

Berl Elvin Buck of Kalispell was born Sept. 5, 1936. He died May 1, 2014. The eldest child of Forrest and Freda (Fladmark) Buck “crossed over to the other side” at Immanuel Nursing Home in Kalispell, with family at his bedside.

Faith Ann Newman, 82

Crossing the Road

A deer crosses Haskill Basin road at dusk on Monday, May 5, in Whitefish. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Court hearing planned June 27 on slope dispute

 A court hearing on a county decision to terminate a grant for slope stabilization off Whitefish Stage Road has been rescheduled to June 27 in Flathead District Court.

Loyola dominates Seeley-Swan Invitational golf

MISSOULA — Missoula Loyola won two team titles and had the top two individuals for boys and girls at the Seeley-Swan Invitational on Monday at Canyon River Golf Course.

Kats' Trueblood hurls no-hitter, rips another HR

COLUMBIA FALLS — Ashley Trueblood threw a no-hitter and smacked a three-run home run to right center in the first inning as Columbia Falls stomped Shelby 16-0 in a nonconference softball matchup on Monday afternoon.

MSU students find success 84,000 feet above Earth

BOZEMAN — Montana State University students, including two from Kalispell, have found a way to gather more information from the edge of space, a historic feat they plan to share with students across the country, according to officials with the Montana Space Grant Consortium.

Absentee voting starts for June 3 primary

Absentee voting for the June 3 primary election began Monday in Flathead County.

Two vie for GOP nomination in Kalispell district

Frank Garner and Ronalee Skees both say they are genuinely committed to the welfare of Kalispell’s residents, and that’s why the two Republicans are vying to represent House District 7.

A pistol-packing, patience-lacking driver

Polls open until 8 p.m. today for school elections

Voters go to the polls today to decide funding requests in three Flathead Valley school districts.

Funnel cloud spotted north of Whitefish

The National Weather Service in Missoula on Monday posted on Twitter a photograph of a partial funnel cloud that appeared during a thunderstorm north of Whitefish.

MSU science balloon

MSU students prepare to launch a latex weather balloon at the Harlowton Airport to test innovations that would allow the balloon to gather more information from the edge of space. (Photo courtesy of Montana Space Grant Consortium)  

Jesse A. “Jess” LaDow

Jesse A. “Jess” LaDow, 95

Daines faces two opponents in GOP Senate primary

HELENA — U.S. Rep. Steve Daines, Montana’s only congressman, is trying to step up this year to the U.S. Senate — and the Republican primary election next month may be just a bump in the road on his path to the general election this fall.

Funnel cloud

Scott Miller snapped this photo of a funnel cloud north of Whitefish on Monday afternoon.

Ronalee Skees

Frank Garner

Week in Pictures: April 28 - May 4

Well-known politicians spar for Senate seat

The Flathead Valley’s Senate District 4 race may be one of the most interesting primary election matchups in the state, with Montana Speaker of the House Mark Blasdel facing former Kalispell Mayor Tammi Fisher.

Skier dies in backcountry avalanche

An Anaconda man died Saturday after being caught in a backcountry avalanche.

Debbie Pierson

Whitefish looks at road project priorities

The Whitefish City Council tonight will consider rearranging its priority list for resort-tax-funded road projects to move up the reconstruction of Somers Avenue.

Kalispell council looks at rail park, board appointments

Tonight, the Kalispell City Council will consider a preliminary plat request for the recently annexed industrial park east of Whitefish Stage Road, along with considering additional city board appointments.

Legion baseball: Lakers split doubleheader with Belgrade

The Kalispell Lakers AA salvaged an American Legion baseball doubleheader split with the Belgrade Bandits on Sunday afternoon at Griffin Field.

Online savvy: Whitefish native at helm of 'Find it' Web services

The first title on Maria Phelps’ business card is Web gal.

Coram civic leader promises fresh perspective

Stacey Schnebel said she’s unencumbered by political history or special interests and will bring a fresh perspective to county management.

Retired railroader calls for county transparency

Retired railroader calls for county transparency

Blasdel

Fisher

Profile: Maria Phelps

Maria Phelps, founder of Find it Marketing and Find it Montana at her home in Olney with her husband Kevin, son Jack, and daugther Abby on Wednesday, April 30. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Stacey Schnebel for County Commissioner

Stacey Schnebel at Woodland Park in Kalispell on Monday, April 28, in Kalispell. Schnebel is running as a democrat in the upcoming primary. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)