Ellington

Boat sales, repair facility proposed on US 93 South

The Kalispell City Council tonight will consider a request for a planned-unit development to accommodate a boat and trailer sales and repair facility on U.S. 93 South.

Doc's work could lead to better treatment

Libby: 15 years of asbestos aftermath

A new hypothesis from Dr. Brad Black, the longtime medical director of the Center for Asbestos Related Disease, or CARD Clinic in Libby, could be good news for patients suffering from asbestos disease linked to exposure from the W.R. Grace & Co. vermiculite mine.

Center for Asbestos Related Disease

Dr. Brad Black checks Jeff Robertson's breathing during a checkup at the Center for Asbestos Related Disease in Libby. Black, the longtime medical director of the clinic, has been involved in collaborative research on Libby's unique amphibole asbestos.

Illnesses create struggles, anger

Libby: 15 years of asbestos aftermath

Jeff Robertson is sick of being asked by reporters if he is angry.

Kris Erickson

Respiratory therapist Ashley Day monitors Kris Erickson's breathing with a pulmonary function test machine at the Center for Asbestos Related Disease in Libby.

Tanis Hernandez

Tanis Hernandez, administrative director of the Libby Center Asbestos Related Disease, wears many hats at the clinic to assist patients with asbestos-related disease. She began work at the clinic 12 years ago as a social worker.

Social worker an integral part of clinic

Libby: 15 years of asbestos aftermath

For 12 years, Tanis Hernandez has been the go-to employee at the Center for Asbestos Related Disease Clinic in Libby.

Growing up on the wrong side of the tracks

Libby: 15 years of asbestos aftermath

Kris Erickson grew up on the wrong side of the tracks in Libby.

No peace on Peaceful Drive

A woman on Peaceful Drive in Bigfork called the Flathead County Sheriff’s Department because a friend of her daughter’s was being kept “in a bad situation,” and then was subsequently threatened by the young man’s father.

Ken Preston

Ken Preston waits to see Dr. Brad Black at the Center for Asbestos Related Disease in Libby on Nov. 19.

Jeff Robertson

Jeff Robertson, a Libby native, has only 60 percent of normal lung capacity due to asbestos-related disease.

'I'm able to breathe. Not everyone can say that.'

Libby: 15 years of asbestos aftermath

Ken Preston has dodged a huge bullet, in his estimation.

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Hockey: Wolverines sweep Cobras in Butte

BUTTE — Aleksei Garin scored a little more than a minute into the second overtime period to lift Whitefish to a 2-1 win over Butte on Saturday in Western States Hockey League play. The win completed a weekend sweep for the Wolverines after a 5-2 comeback win on Friday.

Daybook

Monday, Dec. 1

There's no valid justification for bucket biology

Warren Illi wrote a

Inclusive love must also be tolerant

On Monday, the Whitefish City Council will take up the request of a group named Love Lives Here to craft a “no hate” ordinance for the city.

Property rights law: You can look it up

In the Nov. 25 edition of the Inter Lake, Mr. Wes James asserts, “Private property rights apply to the land which is at an elevation above the mean high water line while the state owns the land which is below the mean high water line.” 

Stevens-Parsons

Mary Kathrine Stevens and Drew Ronald Parsons were married Sept. 13 in Kalispell.

Is it love, or hate, that lives here?

I recently read the Whitefish Pilot’s story, “Whitefish rallies for ‘no hate’ ordinance.” According to the story, 100 people, led by a group known as “Love Lives Here,” packed into Whitefish’s small town city council chambers demanding our local government pass an ordinance prohibiting Richard Spencer and the National Policy Institute he represents from doing business or having offices in Whitefish.

Young bull moose poached near Great Falls

GREAT FALLS (AP) — Wildlife officials are asking for the public’s help in finding the person who poached a young bull moose in the Little Belt Mountains south of Great Falls.

Tutvedt represents needed integrity

As a Montanan currently living in the east, I follow Montana politics.  It is refreshing to read about Sen. Bruce Tutvedt, R-Kalispell, who illustrates the integrity needed by officials in public office.  

Snowstorm shuts down Glacier National Park

WEST GLACIER (AP) — A wintry blast of strong wind and heavy snow caused numerous trees to fall on buildings in Glacier National Park.

Billings woman charged with beating nuns

BILLINGS (AP) — Police have charged a Billings woman for allegedly taking part in a robbery in which two elderly nuns were badly beaten at their residence.

Efforts of three school departments combine for Whitefish student store

Whitefish High School Bulldogs fans soon will have a new place to shop to show off their school pride.

Roots celebrate 50 years

Is Tutvedt really putting needs of constituents first?

 Sen. Bruce Tutvedt objects to being censured by the Flathead County Republican Central Committee. He believes his actions with respect to the Salish and Kootenai Reserved Water Rights Compact “best represent the majority of my constituents’ needs.” And he says he’s got “skin in the game” because he’s the “largest irrigator in Flathead Valley.”

Three groups put kids first

Across the country, folks gathered around tables on Thanksgiving in gratitude for the gracious gifts of good food, family and friends.

Strellnauer-Hyer

Speech, love and hate

Donovan Emerson’s letter published in the Nov. 23 opinion page raises an important question. When does human rights advocacy itself conflict with the respectful tolerance of others?

Whitefish council is 'clueless'

As administrator of the Flathead Area Secular Humanist Association, it was with great interest that I read recent stories about the Whitefish City Council’s hearing a proposal about writing an ordinance that would make Whitefish a “no-hate” community — by creating “a caring, open, accepting and diverse community free from discrimination and dedicated to the equal treatment of all citizens,” as one proponent was quoted as saying.

Long-awaited toxicity report nearly ready

Excavation of yards is a common sight around Libby, where asbestos cleanup has been underway for nearly 15 years. While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is overseeing the cleanup, the Army Corps of Engineers is managing the contracts for soil removal. (Photo courtesy of EPA)

What about good & evil?

Disconnect.That is the feeling any sane person must have when watching the rioting in Ferguson, or when listening to the self-proclaimed wise men justify the rioting.How can anyone blame the policeman who killed Michael Brown for defending himself and the rest of us from violence? How can anyone turn Michael Brown, who first attacked a store owner and stole from him, and then beat a policeman, into a hero?

$400 million and counting: Superfund cleanup still going in Libby area

Mike Cirian keeps track of a lot of numbers.

A city with Superfund fatigue

LIBBY: 15 years of asbestos aftermath

Superfund fatigue.

Canyon bike path coming together

Provided Congress passes a federal highway bill in the coming months, a dedicated bike path has been approved that will run from the U.S. 2 bridge over the Flathead River to the fishing access site west of Bad Rock Canyon.

Institute gets grant for three new cabins

The Glacier Institute was recently awarded $36,000 through the 2014 Tourism Infrastructure Investment Program grant program.

Superfund cleanup

Mike Cirian, remedial project manager in Libby for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, talks about the amount of asbestos contamination that triggers cleanup of Libby-area sites.

City of Eagles

IT CALLS ITSELF the City of Eagles, but Libby for the past 15 years also has been known for the widespread death and disease caused by asbestos contamination from the defunct W.R. Grace & Co. vermiculite mine that operated for decades near Libby.  (Aaric Bryan photos/Daily Inter Lake)

Bill McKiernan, 83

William 'Bill' McKiernan, 83

Bill McKiernan, 83, passed away on Nov. 28, 2014, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center after a long battle with emphysema and complications of cancer. He was surrounded by family who knew his suffering was ended, and “he would be at peace and pain free with the Lord and his family who went on before him.”

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Ruth McDonald, of Alberta Canada, checks out a pair of boots at Western Outdoor during Small Business Saturday. Western Outdoors was one of more than 60 stores in Kalispell participating in the event. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Western Outdoors' Sharon Lane hands Donna Barclay a pair of boots she bought for her daughter at the Kalispell store on Small Business Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Laura Jane (Combs) Clayton, 75

Laura Jane (Combs) Clayton “went home to be with Jesus” on Nov. 22, 2014.  

Agnes Virginia (Lalonde) Jones, 95

Glenn Woodrow Ross, 85

Dorothy Ruth Saholt, 87

Dorothy Ruth Saholt, 87, of Whitefish passed away peacefully on Nov. 8, 2014.  

Kenneth Lloyd Vance, 83

Kenneth Lloyd Vance, 83, passed away Nov. 25, 2014, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell, after a long battle with COPD.

Daybook

Today, Nov. 29

Students win top music honors

Eleven outstanding area student musicians have been selected to perform with in one of the 2015 National Association for Music Education All-Northwest performing groups.

Safari event to benefit orphanage

Amore Salon and Spa will host its first Safari Christmas Open House on Wednesday, Dec. 3, as a fundraiser for an orphanage in South Africa.  

Across U.S., Black Friday less frenzied

NEW YORK (AP) — Black Friday seemed a little less crazy this year.

Petition questions killing of popular bear

MOOSE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming wildlife managers decided to euthanize a popular grizzly bear in the Jackson Hole area after Grand Teton National Park officials asked them to capture and relocate the animal, the officials said.

1.2 million holiday lights set Guinness record

CANBERRA, Australia   — An Australian lawyer has set a world record by stringing up almost 1.2 million Christmas lights in the center of the national capital.

Shopping spree now lasts two days

It seems that Black Friday may no longer be an appropriate title.

McDonald's in a church? McMass wants to build one

Would you be more inclined to go to church if services came with a Big Mac and a side of fries? That’s the idea behind McMass, a group whose goal is to put a McDonald’s franchise in a church.

Stuck duck waddles off OK

A mallard duck flew into a fence on Columbia Avenue, according to a call to the

New lawmaker posts comment comparing Dems to slaveholders

State Sen.-elect Nels Swandal, R-Wilsall, recently shared on his Facebook page a post from someone else showing a drawing of slaves working in a field and with a caption comparing the Democratic Party to slaveholders.

Owner of expansive island home wants taxes reduced

In perhaps the most expensive residential tax-appeal case in Montana history, a California real estate mogul is asking a state board to reduce the assessed value of his Flathead Lake island home by $32 million.

Big money spent on high court race spent on Wheat-VanDyke Supreme Court race

At least $1.6 million was spent on the Montana Supreme Court race between Justice Mike Wheat and challenger Lawrence VanDyke this year, records show, likely making it the most expensive judicial race in state history.

Austin gunman fires 100-plus rounds downtown

AUSTIN, Texas — A gunman fired more than 100 rounds at downtown buildings in Austin and tried to set the Mexican Consulate ablaze early Friday before he died during a confrontation with police, authorities said.

Board suspends EMT license of accused jailer

HELENA — The state Board of Medical Examiners has suspended the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician license of a former jailer charged with exchanging cigarettes for sex with three female inmates at the Jefferson County jail.

Bernice 'Bea' Barry, 100

Bernice “Bea” Barry was born April 19, 1914, in Fairview, Mont., to George and Emma Downes.

Local weather takes turn to cold, snow

Driving might be treacherous this morning as a winter storm envelops Northwest Montana.

Australia Christmas Lights

Lights twinkle in a mall in Canberra, Australia where David Richards has set a Guinness World Record by stringing up almost 1.2 million Christmas lights in the center of the national capital, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014. Guinness World Records on Friday confirmed that the 120 kilometers (75 miles) of multicolored wire strung in the shape of three interconnected giant, wrapped Christmas gifts was the world’s largest image made of Light Emitting Diode, or LED, lights. (AP Photo/AAP Image, Alan Porritt) AUSTRALIA OUT, NEW ZEALAND OUT, PAPUA NEW GUINEA OUT, SOUTH PACIFIC OUT, NO SALES

Passenger critical after U.S. 2 crash accident

A Troy woman is in stable condition and her passenger in critical condition after a vehicle accident Thursday night west of Kalispell.

APTOPIX Austin Shooting

Police tape marks off the scene after authorities shot and killed a man who they say opened fire on the Mexican Consulate, police headquarters and other downtown buildings early Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Austin, Texas. In the distance, police cars surround the suspect's vehicle parked near the Interstate 35 overpass. (AP Photo/Jim Vertuno)

Black Friday plus

As security patrols the long line of customers waiting to get into Target on Thanksgiving night, Tina Lockheart watches her granddaughter, Anna, who is almost one year old.

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Store associate Christina Linderman manages the checkout line at Target during pre-Black Friday shopping on Thanksgiving evening. The checkout line zig zagged through isles throughout the front of the store. (Brianna Loper/The Daily Inter Lake)

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The line to get into Target stretched several hundered yards past Ross to Natural Grocers on Thanksgiving evening, before opening their doors at 6 p.m. (Brianna Loper/The Daily Inter Lake)

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Assets Protection Agent Chris Abney watches the line outside Target before the store opened on Thanksgiving evening. "It's been calm and collected so far," Abney said. "People are just out here to have fun." (Brianna Loper/The Daily Inter Lake)

Mary Jane (Hagen) Schlegel

Muriel Joan Williams, 78

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Thanksgiving Celebration

Ken Ripple pauses from his turkey-carving duties to play the fiddle at the start of the first seating at the community Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, Nov. 27, at the Pocketstone Cafe in Bigfork. The Pocketstone has been holding their Thanksgiving community dinner for five years. Cafe owner Dave Vale said the dinner is free because he wanted everyone to have some place to go for Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving

Christopher Robinson bastes a turkey before returning it to the ovens at the community Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, Nov. 27, at the Pocketstone Cafe in Bigfork. Robinson is a member of the staff at the Pocketstone. About 40 volunteers total come together to pull off the annual event.

A perfectly wonderful Wolfpack

Perfect.

Whitefish bargoer gets into trouble

A woman was arrested just after 1 a.m. Thursday when she tried to force an ashtray through the window of a downtown bar, according to

Small Business Saturday asks shoppers to keep it local

With large retail chain stretching their store hours into Thanksgiving evening, and creating a competitive “door busters” shopping environment on Black Friday, the Small Business Saturday promotion is a voice to remember the little guys in the retail arena.

Columbia Falls teachers to receive pay increase

Columbia Falls School District’s certified employees will receive a pay increase this year and for the 2015-16 school year.

Locals get together to celebrate Thanksgiving

Thankful for community

After Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, four couples stood outside of the Pocketstone Cafe in Bigfork Village, laughing and telling jokes. The group of neighbors from nearby Harbor Village had nothing but praise for the homemade turkey dinner with all of the fixings they’d just been served by about 45 community volunteers.

County finalizes Ebola disease protocols

Nearly two months after the first case of Ebola was reported in the United States, local health officials have a final plan should the disease — or one similarly virulent — come to the Flathead Valley.

This Week in the Flathead Events Calendar | Nov. 27 - Dec. 3

Profile: Michelle Drager

Executive Director at the North Valley Hospital Foundation Michelle Drager with "Bean" her therapy dog on Tuesday, November 25, in Whitefish. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Celebrating Thanksgiving Together

Dave Vale, owner, left, waits for a turkey to be added to a plate as Glen Vogt, right, hands a filled plate to a server at the community Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 27, at the Pocketstone Cafe in Bigfork. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

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Party and Paint

Lonnie Collinsworth instructs participants on how to create waves at the Party and Paint at Crush in Whitefish on Nov. 19.

Nationwide paint-party trend comes to the Flathead Valley

Mixing color and cocktails

The lobby of the Grand Hotel in Kalispell slowly fills up as people file in one-by-one or in small groups. Some clutch bottles of wine, and two men in the back of the room pull out a six-pack of beer. They slide into seats, filling up the back of the room first, and glance uneasily at the pristine white canvases in front of them.

Canvas and Cocktails

One of Stumptown Art Studio's Canvas and Cocktails classes based a painting on the style of Vincent van Gogh.

Tipsy Brush

Chris Hanson adds a tree to a sunset painting during the Tipsy Brush painting class at the Kalispell Grand Hotel in Kalispell.

Burglars busy rifling through cars Wednesday

 Several reports of vehicles being rifled through or broken into were received by the

Transient denies homicide charge

MISSOULA (AP) — A transient charged with beating, cutting and shooting another transient and throwing his body into the Clark Fork River in Missoula has pleaded not guilty to deliberate homicide.

Body found in Mission Lake; 2 still missing

CUT BANK (AP) — Authorities say the body of a Canadian man has been found in a northern Montana lake days after he and two other foreign visitors failed to return from a weekend fishing trip.

Spy balloons offer new view of Jerusalem

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli police are watching from above in their attempts to keep control in Jerusalem in the face of the city’s worst wave of violence in nearly a decade.

Official: Worst of Ebola could be over

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (AP) — The Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone, which has been surging in recent days, may have reached its peak and be on the verge of slowing down, Sierra Leone’s information minister said Wednesday.

DNA study tallies Glacier's wolverines

Results from a multiyear DNA study of Glacier National Park’s wolverines show a relatively high density compared to other places where the rare carnivores are known to exist.

Daybook

Today, Nov. 27

Protesters force lockdown of St. Louis City Hall

FERGUSON, Mo. (AP) — Several people protesting the Ferguson grand jury decision stormed into City Hall in St. Louis on Wednesday, leading police to lock down the building and to call in more than a hundred additional officers.

Giving thanks for our blessings

What is thanksgiving? Turkey dinners and the multi-colored panorama of an enthusiastic crowd at a football stadium?

Canada police arrest ex-radio show host

TORONTO (AP) — Prominent former Canadian Broadcasting Corp. radio host Jian Ghomeshi was arrested Wednesday on sexual assault charges and ordered to live with his mother while the case that has rocked Canada’s vaunted public broadcaster is heard.

Facility for disabled botched rape report

HELENA (AP) — Staff members at a Montana facility for developmentally disabled people didn’t follow agency protocol or state law and allowed possible evidence to be destroyed after a resident reported being raped, an advocacy group claimed.

Laura Jane (Combs) Clayton, 75

Laura Jane (Combs) Clayton “went home to be with Jesus” on Nov. 22, 2014.  

Thankfulness and a 4-by-4 buck deer

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope your day is as enjoyable as mine, enjoying a scrumptious turkey dinner with all the trimmings and some quality family time.

Thousands of gun sales beat checks

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — More gun sales than ever are slipping through the federal background check system — 186,000 last year, a rate of 512 gun sales a day, as states fail to consistently provide thorough, real-time updates on criminal and mental histories to the FBI.

A Glacier Park wolverine

Travelers slowed by snow, rain

MINEOLA, N.Y. (AP) — A sloppy mix of rain and snow rolled into the Northeast on Wednesday just as millions of Americans began the big Thanksgiving getaway, grounding hundreds of flights and turning highways hazardous along the congested Washington-to-Boston corridor.

Liam Stephens

Liam Stephens, son of Chadlee and Elisa Stephens of Kalispell, was born July 13 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Alexandria Neva Rose Otto

Alexandria Neva Rose Otto, daughter of Steve and Tina Otto of Fortine, was born July 8 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Korbin Koch

Korbin Koch, son of William and Cynthia Koch of Kalispell, was born July 18 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Devin Ricciardi

Devin Ricciardi, son of Nathan and Dandee Ricciardi of Polson, was born July 19 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Axel Gideon Arndt

Axel Gideon Arndt, son of David and Erin Arndt of Kila, was born July 19 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Skylar Hall

Skylar Hall, daughter of Travis Hall and Shawn Workman of Kalispell, was born July 31 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

One of the 'Chosin Few': Veteran recalls battle that began on Thanksgiving

On this day 64 years ago, the Chinese Ninth Army Group set out to annihilate the United States 1st Marine Division at the Chosin Reservoir in Korea.

Connor Long

Connor Long, son of Ethan and Jennifer Long of Kalispell, was born July 19 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Desmond Deese

Desmond Deese, son of Charles and Amanda Deese of Whitefish, was born July 31 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Lillyana Franklin

Lillyana Franklin, daughter of Jason and Carrie Franklin of Lakeside, was born July 17 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Bryten Unruh

Bryten Unruh, son of Ty and Maegan Unruh of Whitefish, was born July 14 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Chloe Damm

Chloe Damm, daughter of Justin and Jamie Damm of Kalispell, was born July 31 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Naliah Black

Naliah Black, daughter of Marcus Black and Carly Halcro of Columbia Falls, was born July 21 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. She weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long.

Trevon Erickson

Trevon Erickson, son of Nick and Rita Erickson of Kalispell, was born July 24 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Kensley Tobiason

Kensley Tobiason, daughter of Nicholas and Tina Tobiason of Kalispell, was born July 24 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Hannah Souther

Hannah Souther, daughter of Levi and Jennifer Souther of Kalispell, was born July 24 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Kaleb Bogdan Delbert Flores

Kaleb Bogdan Delbert Flores, son of Johnnie and Anastasia Flores of Kila, was born Aug. 5 at North Valley Hospital.

William Stephens

William Stephens, son of William Stephens and Raedeen Trent of Kalispell, was born July 24 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Andra Rhoades

Andra Rhoades, daughter of Sid and Stacy Rhoades of Kalispell, was born July 22 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Keyarah Ashleigh Ersland

Keyarah Ashleigh Ersland, daughter of Ashley and Shaleigh Ersland of Kalispell, was born July 20 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Bentley Kallowat

Bentley Kallowat, son of Jonel Kallowat and Kabrina Cordier of Polson, was born July 22 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Piper Louden

Piper Louden, daughter of Josh and Carrie Louden of Kalispell, was born July 28 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Pastor explains his concern for others

An open letter to atheists, agnostics and followers of other religious systems:

Congratulations to the Wolfpack

Congratulations to Grady Bennett, his staff and the Glacier High Wolfpack football team for their Class AA Football Championship season. As a member of the 1970 team, it is with pride after 44 years this group brought a football championship back to Kalispell.

Libby driver dies in U.S. 2 crash

A Libby man was killed in a two-vehicle accident on U.S. 2 west of Kalispell on Wednesday morning.

Recycle like your planet depended on it

“Everybody has a trash can,” is the opening sentence in a book by Amy Korst called “The Zero Waste Lifestyle.” Yes, everybody has a trash can but more importantly how many have a recycle bin?

Plains reclassifies at MHSA meetings

HELENA — Plains will reclassify from Class B to Class C in all sports beginning in 2015-16 after approval from the Montana High School Association executive board on Sunday. At the same meeting, the board approved Class A to realign from four divisions to two.

Football pride back in Kalispell

As Glacier won the Class AA football championship Friday at Legends Stadium in front of a standing-room only crowd bigger than the field had seen in nearly a decade, there was plenty of cheers and fireworks as the hometown team romped to a 56-19 victory.

Whitefish High School Student Store

Whitefish senior Willow Riley folds clothes and prepares stock for the new Student Store on Tuesday, November 25. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Winter weather wreck on U.S. 2

Traffic was tied up for hours following a two-vehicle motor accident on U.S. 2 west of Kila. First responders included the Smith Valley Fire Department, West Valley Fire Department, Flathead County Sheriff's Office and Montana Highway Patrol.

Remembering Chosin

Retired Captain Wayne Bolton in his dress blues outside his home in Happy Valley on Monday, November 24. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

One of the 'Chosin Few'

Ret. Capt. Wayne Bolton in his dress blues outside his home in Happy Valley on Nov. 24.

Volleyball: Glacier has five named all-state

The Glacier Wolfpack and Flathead Bravettes were strongly represented on the Class AA All-State volleyball team released on Monday.

Plow driver gets unwanted passenger

A snowplow driver called the

Fire at CityServiceValcon

Firefighters from the Kalispell Fire Department wrap up work at the scene of a propane tanker truck fire on Tuesday night at CityServiceValcon in Kalispell. The fire caused a brief evacuation of the surrounding area. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake) 

Two female bombers kill 30 in Nigerian city

 BAUCHI, Nigeria — Two teenage female suicide bombers blew themselves up Tuesday in a crowded market in Nigeria’s northeastern city of Maiduguri, killing at least 30 people, according to witnesses and a security official.

Protesters flood U.S. streets

People protesting the Ferguson, Missouri, grand jury decision took to the streets in some U.S. cities for a second day Tuesday, even as others were still cleaning up vandalism from the night before.

Thanksgiving trumps Black Friday for deals

NEW YORK — Thanksgiving could be the best day to shop all year.

Family pleads guilty to embezzling from town

 HELENA (AP) — Four members of a family have pleaded guilty to charges related to the embezzlement of more than $132,500 from the town of Brockton on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.

Residency issue in Libby finally settled

After years of squabbling, one mayoral election decided by a handful of votes and the expenditure of tens of thousands of dollars on legal fees, Libby City Council member Allen Olsen’s residency is settled.

Cayuse Prairie goes green

School opens greenhouse that will be used year-round

Standing outside on the snowy ground Tuesday in front of the Cayuse Prairie School student body, special education paraprofessional Debbie Kauffman cut the ribbon to the $35,000 greenhouse that was made possible through grants and numerous donations by community members and businesses.

Marriage licenses issued to four same-sex couples

Since Montana’s ban on same-sex marriage was overturned a week ago, Flathead County District Court issued four marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

Board considers parole bid by North Fork killer

Following a hearing Tuesday, the three-member Board of Pardons and Parole has 21 days to decide whether to grant parole for a man who brutally murdered a North Fork man in 1979.

Ferguson selfie

Darius Crenshaw, left, and his sister Keona, both of Ferguson, Missouri, take a selfie in front of a burned-down beauty salon from Monday night’s riots. (AP photo)

Amid violence, Brown family blasts prosecutor handling of case

Ferguson fallout

FERGUSON, Mo. (AP) — Attorneys for Michael Brown’s family vowed Tuesday to push for federal charges against the police officer who killed the unarmed 18-year-old, while the officer insisted in his first public statements that he could not have done anything differently in the confrontation.

Polson editor wants charges dismissed

An attorney has filed a motion to dismiss all charges stemming from the arrest of the Lake County Leader editor on Oct. 1 while he was taking photographs of an accident on Montana 35.

Three missing after fishing trip to Mission Lake

Law enforcement officers in northern Montana are searching a lake for three people who were reported missing when they failed to return from a weekend fishing trip.

Local road work wrapping up in Kalispell area

Construction work on a mile-long stretch of U.S. 2 west of Kalispell in on track to wrap up in early December, although bad weather could thwart the final tasks.

Daybook

Today, Nov. 26

Dorothy Ruth Saholt, 87

Ferguson

A member of the Missouri Highway Patrol walk past a building burned to the ground Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014, in Dellwood, Mo. The building and several others in and around Ferguson were burned during protests after a grand jury decided not to indict a Ferguson police officer in the shooting death of Michael Brown. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

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Students check out the new greenhouse at the the ribbon cutting ceremony at Cayuse Prairie School on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

New greenhouse

Debbie Kauffman. a paraprofessional for Cayuse Prairie School, cuts the ribbon to open the school’s new greenhouse on Tuesday. Kauffman said it was incredible to have the greenhouse. “To me a greenhouse is a place of wonder,” she said. (Aaric Bryan photos/Daily Inter Lake)

Gabriel Alan Timothy Richardson, 13 months

Gabriel Alan Timothy Richardson “ascended to heaven” on Nov. 24, 2014, after a brief battle with a brain tumor. He was 13 months old.

APTOPIX Ferguson

People watch as stores burn Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014, in Ferguson, Mo. A grand jury has decided not to indict Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson in the death of Michael Brown, the unarmed, black 18-year-old whose fatal shooting sparked sometimes violent protests. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Google Tremor Spoon

In this photo taken Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014, Shirin Vala, 65, who is an essential tremor patient, uses a Liftware Spoon to eat without spilling at her home in Oakland, Calif. Just in time for the holidays, Google is throwing it’s money, brain power and technology at the humble spoon. Not surprisingly, the company that has brought the driverless car and Internet glasses is bringing a unique improvement to the utensils. Built with hundreds of algorithms, these specially designed spoons make it much easier for people with tremors and Parkinson’s Disease to eat without spilling. The spoons sense a shaking hand and make instant adjustments to stay balanced. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

APTOPIX Hong Kong Democracy Protest

A demonstrator gets sprayed with pepper spray by the police as demonstrators refused to leave after workers began clearing away barricades at an occupied area in Mong Kok district of Hong Kong Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014. Hong Kong authorities began clearing a 2-month-old pro-democracy protest site in Mong Kok district Tuesday, risking confrontation with demonstrators in the neighborhood, a flashpoint for previous violent clashes with police and angry mobs. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

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The Lost Kerouac Letter

This image provided by the Profiles in History auction house shows the cover of an auction catalog, featuring several pages of what has become known as "The Joan Anderson Letter," some 16,000 Benzedrine-fueled, stream-of-consciousness words written by Neal Cassady to his friend Jack Kerouac in 1950. The letter, Kerouac said shortly before his death, would have transformed his counterculture muse Cassady into a towering literary figure, if only it hadn't been lost. As it turns out, the letter wasn't lost, just misplaced, and it's scheduled to go on sale Dec. 17, 2014. (AP Photo/Profiles in History)

Coal Tax Lawsuit

FILE - In this April 4, 2013 file photo, a mechanized shovel loads coal onto a haul truck at the Cloud Peak Energy's Spring Creek mine near Decker, Mont. Montana tax authorities argue Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014, before the state Supreme Court that a Wyoming mining company owes $3.4 million for selling coal to an affiliate at less than market value. At issue is whether coal should be valued for tax purposes at the time the fuel is mined and shipped or when a sale is negotiated. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown, File)

Thanksgiving Sales

FILE - In this Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, file photo, watches are on display at Kmart in New York. The Friday after Thanksgiving has long been the day to grab the best bargains of the holiday shopping season. But new data from various companies that track the specials now say Thanksgiving is taking that crown, at least online. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

Ferguson burning

People gather around burning stores Tuesday in Ferguson, Missouri. A grand jury decided not to indict Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson in the death of Michael Brown, the unarmed, black 18-year-old whose fatal shooting sparked sometimes violent protests. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Ferguson: Burned buildings, 61 arrests

FERGUSON, Mo. — At least a dozen buildings were burned and 61 people arrested during a night of violence and chaos in Ferguson, Missouri, that followed a grand jury’s decision not to indict a white police officer in the killing of an unarmed black man, police said early Tuesday.

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Artist's 'happy trolls' brighten holidays

Trolls and Norway are linked the same way as Brothers Grimm and Germany or Anansi the Spider and West Africa. 

New chief ranger picked for Glacier Park

Paul Austin has been selected as chief ranger for Glacier National Park.

Voices in Autumn

Hunters enter final week of season

Entering the last week of the general hunting season, the deer harvest in Northwest Montana is slightly ahead of last year at the same point in the season.

'Stuff the Bus' toy drive planned Dec. 6

The Flathead Composite Squadron of the U.S. Civil Air Patrol wants the community to “Stuff the Bus” with toys Dec. 6.

Three schools lead Whitefish speech meet

Columbia Falls topped Class A schools, Flathead won Class AA competition and Eureka won Class B drama sweepstakes on Saturday at the Whitefish Invitational speech, debate and drama meet.

Appeals court overrules insurance-fraud acquittal

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday reinstated the insurance fraud conviction of a former beauty queen who once owned and lived in the historic Somers mansion.

Grand jury won't indict Ferguson cop in shooting; violence erupts

FERGUSON, Mo. (AP) — A grand jury declined Monday to indict white police officer Darren Wilson in the death of Michael Brown, the unarmed, black 18-year-old whose fatal shooting sparked weeks of sometimes-violent protests and inflamed deep racial tensions between many African-Americans and police.

Michael Kenneth Somers, 67

Michael Kenneth Somers passed away on Nov. 22, 2014, at the age of 67.

Lori Luce, 75

Lori Luce, 75, passed away on Friday, Nov. 21, 2014 at her home north of Columbia Falls, after battling congestive heart failure, COPD and diabetes for many years. She will be dearly missed by her family, relatives and many friends.

Raymond C. Keibler, 82

Myron Kenneth 'MK,' 'Mike' Felt, 86

Patricia Lynn Johnson Faustini, 64

Patricia Lynn Johnson Faustini was born April 4, 1950, to Richard and Irene Johnson and raised in Columbus, Ohio, along with her favorite brother, Rick.

Voices in Autumn: Glacier Chorale and Chamber Singers

Conductor Micah Hunter leads the Glacier Chorale in their Voices in Autumn performance on Saturday, November 22, at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. Their next concert will be the annual performance of Handel's Messiah which will take place on Friday, December 12, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Bigfork, on Saturday December 13, at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center and on Sunday afternoon December 14, at the Flathead High School Performance Hall. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Winter Weather Feature

Roy Kidder clears snow off his driveway on Monday, November 24, in Happy Valley. Kidder said Monday was just a test run, he wanted to make sure the blower was in good working order for when the "real" snow comes. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Active Senior: Arvid Kristoffersen

Portrait of Arvid "Kris" Kristoffersen in his home on Monday, November 24, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

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Micah Groschupf

Micah Groschupf, resident production technician at the Whitefish School District, is now helping run the stage where he grew up. On Friday, Nov. 23, the stage was set for a performance by percussion students from Whitefish High School. Groschupf is no stranger to helping behind the scenes at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center, but in August he was made a member of the staff and given a position that allows him to continue on the stage he loves.

Thanksgiving dinners planned around region

Kalispell continues work on pawn-shop law, growth policy

Columbia Falls company earns top honors

Whitefish native takes theater tech to the next level

The art of technology

Micah Groschupf has made an art of theater technology. Now he’s making it a career as well.

Clerk's complaints unfounded

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Montana vs. Montana State: Grizzlies playoff ready

MISSOULA — Both Montana and Montana State entered Saturday’s Big Sky Conference football game playing for a spot in the playoffs.

Butte homeless shelter considers buying hotel

BUTTE (AP) — A rescue mission in Butte is seeking to buy a hotel in town.

Longtime Griz scorekeeper retiring

MISSOULA (AP) — He’s climbed these steps many times over the past 28 years, a stretch dating back to 1986 when Washington-Grizzly Stadium opened on the University of Montana campus.

Kalispell's historic district reinvigorated

Downtown Kalispell is slowly coming back to life.

Earthquake collapses homes, causes injuries

TOKYO (AP) — A strong earthquake late Saturday struck a mountainous area of central Japan that hosted the 1998 winter Olympics, knocking down at least 10 homes in a ski resort town and injuring several people, officials said.

Some clerks won't issue marriage licenses

BILLINGS (AP) — Some employees in the Yellowstone County clerk’s office have objected to processing same-sex wedding licenses and as a result aren’t being asked to do so for the time being.

Man killed by bear likely ran into feeding time

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — A panel of wildlife experts has concluded that a Utah man mauled to death in a remote area of northwest Wyoming in September likely happened upon a bear feeding on a deer.

No grand jury decision expected until Monday

Ferguson, MO

FERGUSON, Mo. (AP) — Crews erected barricades Saturday around the building where a grand jury has been considering whether to indict the Ferguson police officer who shot and killed Michael Brown, even as a grand jury decision seemed unlikely this weekend.

Four dead in South Dakota murder-suicide

Four people were killed and one person remained in critical condition after a murder-suicide at a South Dakota Native American reservation, law enforcement officials said Saturday.

Official: Man who killed deputy made threats

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A man who had made previous threats against police set his house on fire Saturday and ambushed the first sheriff’s deputy who responded, fatally shooting the deputy and wounding another before he was killed by a police officer who lives nearby, a law enforcement official said. 

Brawl of the Wild

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Fireworks go off as the Montana Grizzlies hoist the Great Divide Trophy after defeating the Bobcats 34-7 at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Montana linemen Ben Weyer (70) and Max Kelly (79) hoist the Great Divide Trophy after beating the Bobcats 34-7. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Images from the Brawl of the Wild in Missoula Nov. 22, 2014. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Images from the Brawl of the Wild in Missoula Nov. 22, 2014. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Images from the Brawl of the Wild in Missoula Nov. 22, 2014. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Images from the Brawl of the Wild in Missoula Nov. 22, 2014. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Images from the Brawl of the Wild in Missoula Nov. 22, 2014. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Images from the Brawl of the Wild in Missoula Nov. 22, 2014. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Images from the Brawl of the Wild in Missoula Nov. 22, 2014. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Images from the Brawl of the Wild in Missoula Nov. 22, 2014. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Images from the Brawl of the Wild in Missoula Nov. 22, 2014. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Images from the Brawl of the Wild in Missoula Nov. 22, 2014. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Images from the Brawl of the Wild in Missoula Nov. 22, 2014. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Images from the Brawl of the Wild in Missoula Nov. 22, 2014. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Images from the Brawl of the Wild in Missoula Nov. 22, 2014. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Images from the Brawl of the Wild in Missoula Nov. 22, 2014. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Images from the Brawl of the Wild in Missoula Nov. 22, 2014. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Images from the Brawl of the Wild in Missoula Nov. 22, 2014. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Grizz running back Travon Van attempts to break the tackle of the Bobcat's Bryson Keeton after a catch during the second quarter in Missoula. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Montana quarterback Jordan Johnson runs away from a crowd of Montana State defenders during a long run in the first quarter of the Brawl of the Wild. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Playing fast and loose with facts?

Democrats seem to have the perception that if you say something often enough and with enough zeal it will become fact. This is the tactic that President Obama has successfully employed throughout his administration. Remember “if you like your doctor and insurance plan, you can keep them”?

If 'Love Lives Here,' then what is love?

I will preface my defense of Mr. Richard Spencer of Whitefish by stating that I am a member of the Landless Littleshell Tribe of Montana and a Metis (may-tee). This is a French word meaning “mixed blood,” generally referring to those whose ancestry is a combination of French, Scottish, or Irish fur trappers and traders and American Indians. 

Woman scared of satanic organizations

A Kalispell woman called the

A Party with a Purpose

Editor's column didn't take account of rich Republicans

Well, we got those Democrats down, so now let’s kick them!  

Daybook

Sentence deferred for Bigfork burglar

A Kalispell man convicted in a string of Bigfork burglaries received a deferred sentence Nov. 13 in Flathead County District Court. 

Filmmaker looks to complete Glacier work

Suspended documentary project revived

After a three-year hiatus, a filmmaker is hoping to finish a documentary on Glacier National Park history and Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Local jobless rate at 5.2 percent

Flathead County’s unemployment rate increased slightly in October, reflecting the transition from summer to the quieter shoulder season in terms of job growth.

Severin Gislason, 18

TV reruns a blast from the past

We subscribe to one of the popular satellite TV services and have hundreds of channels at our disposal. How is it, then, that we can never find much to watch on TV?

A party with purpose: Girls with hair-loss disorder getting new locks

Kiersten Koelzer and Lilia Sterkel bubbled with delight as they twirled in tutus and tried on wigs amid a party atmosphere at Picture Me Makeover Studios in Kalispell last week.

President has no choice but to enforce existing laws

I read with interest the spirited Carlson-Benko-Mott exchange on the Montana Perspective page of the Inter Lake about how to respond to a president who has failed to honor his constitutional duty to “take care that the Laws be faithfully executed.”

Climate deal merits skeptical view

Of earthquakes, Facebook & news

Hildegarde Marie Davis, 91

Hildegarde Marie Davis, 91, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014, at Heritage Place in Kalispell.

Robert 'Bob' B. Cotner, 84

Dr. Robert “Bob” B. Cotner, a resident of Kalispell, passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on Nov. 19, 2014. He was 84 years old.

Marie Landsberger, 92

Marie Landsberger, 92, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away Nov. 15, 2014, after a long battle with cancer.  

Leo Arnold Schmauch, 95

Leo Arnold Schmauch, 95, a longtime Libby resident, peacefully passed away on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014, at the Libby Care Center.

Rebecca 'Becky' Joan Aikin, 54

Rebecca “Becky” Joan Aikin, 54, passed away on Oct. 7, 2014, at home in Kalispell, with her daughter and dear friend by her side.

State Champs

The Glacier Wolfpack celebrate their 56-19 victory against the CMR Rustlers in the AA State Championship in Kalispell on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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The Glacier Wolfpack celebrate their 56-19 victory against the CMR Rustlers in the AA State Championship in Kalispell on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Perfect season for Glacier

Fireworks and celebrations rung around Legends Stadium deep into Friday night. And that was before the game even finished.

What a rush by Trefney, Pack

Coming into the state championship game at Legends Stadium Friday night, questions surrounded both Glacier and C.M. Russell’s running attack. Who would rise to the occasion and bring their team a state title — Class AA’s leading rusher Andrew Grinde of CMR or the state’s touchdown leader Thomas Trefney of Glacier?

A season of surprises for Jeffries at Montana State

Ex-Glacier star returns a kickoff, gets first sack

State AA Championship

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Glacier running back Thomas Trefney cuts through the CMR defense for a 72-yard touchdown in the second quarter. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Truman Pisk (59) and Andrew Harris hold up the trophy during the celebration. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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The 2014 AA State Champions pose with the trophy. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Devin Cochran (5) and Jacob Janke (87) embrace during the fourth quarter of the Wolfpack's 56-19 victory in the AA State Championship. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Glacier's Sam McCamley is pushed out of bounds by CMR's Evan O'Neill after a catch in the first quarter. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Glacier's Devin Cochran catches a 55-yard touchdown in the third quarter. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Glacier's Thomas Trefney breaks a tackle during the first quarter. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Glacier LB Tadan Gilman

Glacier's Jaxen Hashley (40) wraps up CMR's Andrew Grinde as Tadan Gilman (3) hits him in this 2014 file photo. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Glacier's Sam McCamley jumps on Jacob Janke's back after Janke scored a touchdown in the second quarter. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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The 2014 AA State Champions pose with the trophy. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Wolfpack rolls to state championship

The Glacier Wolfpack had a parade to Legends Stadium on Friday, and they probably will have an even bigger parade next week after winning the state championship in Class AA football for the first time in the school history.

Glacier vs C.M. Russell: State Championships

From right, senior Jessica Cherry, sophomore McKenna Hulslande and juniors Bailey Rigg and Hailey Ruggles cheer during the Class AA State Championship game between Glacier and C.M. Russell on Friday, November 21, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Glacier vs C.M. Russell: State Championship

Glacier quarterback Brady McChesney hands the ball off to running back Thomas Trefney (4) at the top of the second quarter of the game against C.M. Russell Friday night at Legends Stadium. Trefney exploded for four touchdowns and 201 yards on 22 carries as the Wolfpack overwhelmed CMR 56-19 to win the Class AA State Championship. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Bozeman woman sentenced for smothering baby while drunk

BILLINGS (AP) — A 36-year-old Bozeman woman has been sentenced to 20 years under the supervision of the Department of Corrections with 15 suspended for falling asleep drunk in a Billings hotel and smothering her infant son to death.

Media groups file motion over GOP caucus meeting

 HELENA — More than 20 media groups, including The Associated Press, have asked a Montana court to hold the state House Republican Caucus in contempt for holding an unpublicized meeting in apparent violation of state open-meetings law.

State's arguments in gay marriage case due Feb. 27

BILLINGS (AP) — Opening arguments from Montana’s attorney general are due Feb. 27 in his appeal of a federal court order that struck down the state’s gay marriage ban.

Grouse need 3-mile buffer from drilling

BILLINGS (AP) — A government report with significant implications for the U.S. energy industry says the breeding grounds of a struggling bird species need a 3-mile or larger buffer from oil and gas drilling, wind farms and solar projects.

Phone woes: tub drop and 'FBI lock'

With snow still piled high, Buffalo faces flooding risks

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Residents of western New York may soon have to worry about the water in their basements as well as the snow on their roofs.

Union: Charges unlikely for Ferguson law officer

 JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — The suburban St. Louis police officer who fatally shot Michael Brown seems confident that he will not face criminal charges from a grand jury that has been investigating the case for several months, a police union official said Thursday.

Narco culture surrounded slain Miss Honduras

In this April 26, 2014 photo, Maria Jose Alvarado is crowned the new Miss Honduras in San Pedro, Sula, Honduras. Alvarado, and her sister Sofia disappeared after attending a birthday party in Western Honduras on Thursday Nov. 13, but authorities were not notified until the weekend. The 19-year-old beauty queen was expected to attend the Miss World pageant in Britain this December. (AP Photo)

Students craft prosthetic hands

Specialized three-dimensional printers can make almost anything one can imagine — food, clothes, instruments, car parts and human tissue. Even basic 3-D printers can make more than just plastic trinkets.

North Fork killer up for parole on Tuesday

An Oklahoma man who brutally murdered a North Fork man in 1979 will have a parole hearing on Tuesday.

House intelligence committee debunks Benghazi theories

 WASHINGTON (AP) — A two-year investigation by the Republican-controlled House Intelligence Committee has found that the CIA and the military acted properly in responding to the 2012 attack on a U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, and asserted no wrongdoing by Obama administration appointees.

10 votes: 911 bid still loses

Flathead County’s emergency services ballot measure came up 10 votes short of a win in a recount on Friday.

Leo Arnold Schmauch, 95

Election Recount

Flathead County Finance Director Sandy Carlson and others recount more than 30,000 ballots on Friday in Kalspell. The recount confirmed that voters narrowly defeated a request to form an emergency dispatch district. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Richard 'Dick' Arthur Hawk, 83

Montana would love a head start for senator and congressman

Serving on interim legislative committees is a lot of work but also solves many problems during the off year, saving time during the regular session. I served on the State Administration and Veterans’ Affairs Committee when I was a state representative. 

Robohand

Donaldson displays a prosthetic hand created by a 3-D printer at Whitefish High School.

BRAWL: Determination helps Thiebes land starting job at UM

Football: Trefney scoring big in leading role for Glacier

Glacier junior running back Thomas Trefney, the leading scorer in Class AA, crossed the goal line just once last season for a mere two-point conversion. It wasn’t because of a lack of talent, but a lack of opportunity.

AA championship: Final exam for CMR, Pack

Even in the moment, the Week 2 football game between Glacier and Great Falls C.M. Russell had the feel of something big.

Tribes work to create sex-offender registries

Bigfork launches a month of holiday fun

Second doctor dies of Ebola in Mali

Ronald C. Holden, 63

Five grants will help variety of school projects

A Thanksgiving emergency?

Man charged with killing wife

Actor Mike Nichols dies at 83

Massive snowfall causes damages in Buffalo

Israeli mayor's ban of Arab workers ignites uproar

Lodge offers Kindles to top readers

Kerry to join Iran nuclear talks in Vienna

Meeting to give update on CFAC plant

Game day: Glacier vs. CMR

21 Indian reservations join land buyback program

Daybook

Three people shot at Florida State University

Researcher who found cause of Lyme disease dies

Glacier Park will still be bargain

A dream comes true as local couple gets married

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Michael Hayes, the president of the Kalispell Rotary Club, inspects a turkey at the Evergreen Super One on Thursday. The club started a turkey drive today and had members raise enough money to donate 116 turkeys to the Flathead Food Bank. The food bank plans to provide holiday meals for 1,100 families. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Glacier's running back Thomas Trefney scans the field during a run against Big Sky last week. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Montana Life: Wig Specialist

Ed Nez outfits Lilia Sterkel, a 5 year old girl who lost her hair because of an autoimmune disorder called alopecia areata, on Friday afternoon, November 14, at Picture Me Makeover Studios in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

A Party with a Purpose

Kathleen Francis of Fancy Face Design gives Lilia Sterkel a princess makeover on Friday afternoon, November 14, at Picture Me Makeover Studios in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Richard 'Dick' Ring, 69

Karen (Tourigny) Brandt, 63

Joel Horn - Montana State Bobcats center

Joel Horn, 70, waits to snap the ball during Montana State's 29-18 homecoming victory over North Dakota on Sept. 27, 2014. A graduate of Glacier High School, Horn is in his first season as the Bobcats' starting center. (Photo courtesy of Brant Horn)

Glacier prepares for the State Championship

Gay Marriage Legal in Montana

Detail of a note given to Shawn Sharp and John Blanchard as they entered the courthouse on Thursday, November 20. The face of the note is a rainbow-colored heart and the back reads: "Love is love. Congratulations on your day and this historic day." (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

A dream comes true

Shawn Sharp, right, and John Blanchard of Kalispell sit down for an interview after becoming the first same-sex couple to get a marriage license at the Flathead County Courthouse on Thursday morning. 

This Week in the Flathead | Events Calendar, Nov. 20-26

Conrad Mansion Museum

A Christmas tree lights up the Great Hall in the Conrad Mansion Museum as a tour group walks down the stairs.

Conrad Mansion Museum prepares for holiday season

Christmas history

It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas at the Conrad Mansion Museum in Kalispell.

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Football eyes on Kalispell

The biggest, most important game in the state Friday night is being played right here in Kalispell.

Center of attention: Glacier alumnus Joel Horn settles in as signal caller for Bobcats' offensive line

Joel Horn has touched the football more than any other player on Montana State this season, though you may not have noticed.

Hill's heroics lead dominating defense

There’s a lot of key pieces to a Glacier run defense that has been among the best in the state the last three seasons. The Wolfpack has had talent at every level, with Division I players on the line and in the defensive backfield.

Postseason volleyball awards frequent Flathead Valley

All-state volleyball teams were announced for Class A and B while Class AA released it’s all-conference squads this week.

Daybook

Today, Nov. 20

Crashes happen within 2 minutes along U.S. 2

Let's get behind the Wolfpack!

If you haven’t watched the powerhouse that is the 2014 Glacier Wolfpack football team, Friday is your last chance.

Safety agency pushing for national air bag recall

DETROIT (AP) — The federal government is demanding that the auto industry recall millions of additional cars equipped with faulty air bags that can injure — and even kill — a driver.

Assaulted on bus? Just by the noise

A worried Kalispell area woman called the

Buffalo snow is six feet deep: No bull!

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Homeowners opened their front doors to find themselves sealed in by sheer walls of white. Shovelers turned walkways into head-high canyons. A woman gave birth in a firehouse after the snow prevented her from reaching the hospital.

Reaction to judge's gay marriage ruling

A ruling by U.S. District Judge Brian Morris overturning Montana’s ban on same-sex marriage made the state the 34th in the country to permit gay marriage.

Judge rules against state marriage law

HELENA — A federal judge on Wednesday overturned the state gay marriage ban in Montana, one of the last states to continue defending its ban despite rulings in favor of same-sex marriage from appeals courts that oversee them.

Good news: Ice season has started

“Ice Ice Baby!”

Longtime legislator censured

The Flathead County Republican Central Committee has unanimously censured veteran state Sen. Bruce Tutvedt, R-Kalispell, for misconduct and undermining the credibility of local Republicans.

In Bob Marshall's footsteps

This view from a high camp in the Mission Mountains Wilderness was photographed during Chris Peterson’s 200-mile, 20-day journey retracing part of Bob Marshall’s epic hike in Northwest Montana 86 years ago.

A Walk on the Wild Side

View from a high camp in the Mission Mountain Wilderness.

Retracing Bob Marshall's footsteps

For the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, I got this bright idea to “retrace” Bob Marshall’s original hike in Northwest Montana from 86 years ago.

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Glacier linebacker Josh Hill runs to the end zone after picking up a fumble during the second quarter of the Wolfpack's rout of Big Sky at Legends Stadium. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Glacier linebacker Josh Hill celebrates with Arik Lybeck during the Wolfpack's semifinal win against Big Sky last week. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Woodland Ice Skating

Benjamin Pilskalns, 11, and his brother Josiah, 17, in back, ice skating at Woodland Park on Wednesday, November 19, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Robert Bruce 'Bob' Walker, 89

Robert Bruce “Bob” Walker, 89, passed away on Oct. 28, 2014, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

BRAWL: Smarter than your average Griz

Leader says his Policy Institute is pro-European 'It

But man at center of controversy says he’s not racist

Richard Spencer doesn’t see himself as a hatemonger.

Footprints, coins in snow lead police to suspected robber

GREAT FALLS (AP) — Police in Great Falls say a trail of quarters, coin machine parts and footprints led them to the arrest of a man suspected of breaking into a laundromat and stealing money from the change machine.

Tip may have been a turkey, too

A woman called the

Microdistillery, tasting room proposed in Whitefish

A microdistillery and tasting room planned in Whitefish are the focus of a public hearing on Thursday before the Whitefish Planning Board.

Missoula inmate committed suicide

MISSOULA — An investigation by Missoula police determined the recent death of a Missoula County jail inmate was a suicide.

Firm completes purchase of dams Montana dams complete

 BUTTE (AP) — NorthWestern Corp. announced its $900 million purchase of 11 hydroelectric facilities in Montana from PPL Montana was completed on Tuesday.

Gov. Bullock pushes state spending plan as opposition emerges

 BILLINGS (AP) — Gov. Steve Bullock on Tuesday sought to enlist the business community to help him promote to skeptical lawmakers a $300 million plan to upgrade state buildings, sewers, roads and other infrastructure across Montana.

No on pipeline - but GOP vows a replay

 WASHINGTON (AP) — In a combustible blend of oil and politics, the Democratic-controlled Senate rejected legislation Tuesday night aimed at forcing completion of the Keystone XL Pipeline. Republicans vowed to resurrect the controversial issue swiftly after taking two-house control of Congress in January.

Charles Manson plans wedding in Calif. prison

CORCORAN, Calif. (AP) — Mass murderer Charles Manson plans to marry a 26-year-old woman who left her Midwestern home and spent the past nine years trying to help exonerate him.

City to hold hearing on higher light fees

The Kalispell City Council will hold a public hearing Dec. 15 on a plan to extend a street-light tax to all parcels of land in the city. 

House Dems again choose Nancy Pelosi as leader

 WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Nancy Pelosi overcame gripes about Democrats’ losing campaign messages and breezed to re-election Tuesday as House minority leader.

Bail at $150,000 in Missoula assault

MISSOULA — A man suspected of assaulting a former Wall Street Journal and Inter Lake reporter, costing him the sight in his left eye, is charged with aggravated assault.

Backing the Pack: Fans encouraged to fill the stands for historic title game

As the Glacier Wolfpack football team gears up to host Kalispell’s first state championship game in 34 years on Friday, some boosters are concerned about the poor attendance at last week’s semifinal game.

State facilities get low grades

BILLINGS (AP) — A group of professional engineers issued a report Tuesday that says Montana schools, wastewater treatment facilities and other infrastructure have slid into disrepair and are in need of investment.

Israel vows harsh response to attack attack

 JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel vowed harsh retaliation Tuesday for a Palestinian attack that killed five people and left blood-smeared prayer books and shawls on the floor of a synagogue in Jerusalem — an assault that sharply escalated already-high tensions after weeks of religious violence.

Underwear suspect arrested

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Alaska State Troopers say they have detained a man suspected of stealing women’s underwear during burglaries in Kodiak.

Crowd wants 'no hate' law

Whitefish City Council

More than 100 people — most of them carrying “Love Lives Here” signs — filled the Whitefish City Council chambers Monday to protest against prominent white nationalist Richard Spencer and his organization’s presence in Whitefish.

Montana 35 collision

Two drivers survive head-on crash

Montana 35 collision

One woman was seriously injured and a man suffered minor injuries after a two-vehicle head-on collision on Montana 35 south of Woody’s on Tuesday morning. 

Marcus Donald Gomer, 63

June Helen Barnes, 87

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Cross country skis line a wall in the loft of the Conrad Mansion. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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A sleigh centerpiece adorns the table in the dining room of the Conrad Mansion. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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The nutcrackers collected by former director Lynn Redfield decorate a table in the library of the Conrad Mansion. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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A wooden sled is on display in the loft of the Conrad Mansion. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Tisch Haas fixes a strand of Christmas lights in the Conrad Mansion. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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A Christmas tree lights up the Conrad Mansion as a tour group walks down the stairs. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Mideast Israel Palestinians

Paramedics wipe the blood from pavement outside a synagogue after a shooting attack in Jerusalem, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014. Two Palestinian cousins stormed a Jerusalem synagogue on Tuesday, attacking worshippers with meat cleavers and a gun during morning prayers and killing four people in the city’s bloodiest attack in years. The attackers were killed in a shootout with police. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Charles Manson-Marriage

This Oct. 8, 2014 photo provided by the California Department of Corrections shows 80-year-old serial killer Charles Manson. A marriage license has been issued for Manson to wed 26-year-old Afton Elaine Burton, who left her Midwestern home nine years ago and moved to Corcoran, California to be near him. Burton, who goes by the name "Star," told the AP that she and Manson will be married next month. (AP Photos/California Department of Corrections)

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Pelosi New Congress

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of Calif. speaks to reporters, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Lauren Victoria Burke)

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Emergency responders work to extricate a person from a vehicle involved in a two-vehicle accident on Montana 35 south of Woody's on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

County delays decision on accessory dwellings

A county proposal to allow accessory dwelling units in most zoning districts was tabled Monday by the Flathead County commissioners after several people testified the zoning amendment needs further study.

Forum speaker focuses on assisted suicide

Dr. David Stevens is the next guest of the Glacial Forum, a Kalispell-based speaker series.

Moving Music

Nadia Nargi, a freshman, and Rachel Robins, a sophomore, carry boxes to the new Center for Applied Media Arts and Sciences at Whitefish High School on Monday. According to Jenanne Solberg, Orchestra Director at Whitefish High School, the students and staff were feeling a bit overwhelmed as they entered their new space.

Roadkill salvage law a success in its first year

During its first year, a program to legalize collection of roadkill in Montana involved more than 800 permits being issued.

Cold, rut should help deer hunters

Weather and biology should be beneficial for Northwest Montana hunters in the remaining weeks of the general hunting season.

Glacier seeks comments on proposed fee increases

The public is invited to comment on Glacier National Park’s proposal to increase entrance fees for the first time in nine years.

Caller was worried about screen removal

A passer-by on Corporate Drive called the

Shooting trial postponed

The jury trial has been postponed for a Columbia Falls woman who allegedly pointed a gun at law officers and was shot by a sheriff’s deputy last year.

Volunteer program provides winter items for Head Start

Thanks to the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, children at Northwest Montana Head Start might be a little bit warmer this winter.

Evergreen highway project winding down

Traffic restrictions on U.S. 2 through Evergreen should be lifted this week.

Louise Ellen (Dawson) Ness, 82

Jean (Heller) Moore, 87

Evergreen Construction

Traffic is funneled through restricted lanes on U.S. 2 heading east in Evergreen on Monday. The highway was expected to be restored to two-lane traffic on Monday night. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Hats and Mittens

Kay Morton and education assistant at Head Start in Kalispell smiles as she helps a student with his new hat and mittens on Monday, November 17. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Moving in to the new Performing Arts wing

Orchestra students used their class on Monday, November 17, to move into the new Center for Applied Media Arts and Sciences at the Whitefish High School. The Orchestra/Band room is not yet complete. One of the upgrades still to come is soundproofing. Whitefish High School physics students will be designing the acoustic treatments and then Industrial Technology students will be building them. Principal Kerry Drown is excited about the project. "Students are going to be applying the lessons they are learning to a need within the school." (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Homes November 2014

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Glacier grad receives Fulbright grant

Brianna Walling, a 2010 Glacier High School graduate, was hiking on Mount Rainier in Washington when she found out she was accepted into the Fulbright U.S. Student Program to teach English in Argentina.

Love INC

One of the walls at Love INC is decorated with photos of the local churches who are participating. They include, clockwise from top left, St. Richard's Church, First Presbyterian Church, Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Christ Lutheran Church, Hungry Horse Chapel, St. Peter Lutheran Church, Whitefish Assembly of God, United Methodist Church, Journey Church and the final spot on the wall is still waiting for a photo from Fellowship Alliance.

Brianna Walling

Brianna Walling, a political science graduate from Pacific Lutheran University, was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship and will teach English in Argentina this spring.

Three-legged dog picked up

An animal lover called the

Kidsports agreement back on Kalispell agenda

The Kalispell City Council will vote tonight on a formal agreement with Kidsports that would generate money for maintenance and improvements for the facility.

Whitefish aims to tighten helipad rules

Complaints over the summer about private helicopters landing in Whitefish residential neighborhoods has prompted the city to propose new rules regulating how heliports and helipads are handled in Whitefish.

Churches unite to help those in need

Introducing Love INC

Ten area churches have joined hands to weave a tapestry of services that are wrapped in Christian love as they’re offered to some of the Flathead Valley’s neediest citizens.

Homes November 2014

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Looms create shared artwork at ImagineIF libraries

Community tapestries are taking shape as the latest hands-on project at three ImagineIF libraries.

Tannery's customer base is out in the woods

Corey Dennis, owner of Wild Hides, doesn’t network like other business owners. 

C-Falls battles back; 2nd at state A volleyball

BOZEMAN — Sometimes even the most courageous efforts succumb to a bitter ending.

Class A football semis: Fast start, bad ending for Whitefish

WHITEFISH — Things looked promising for Whitefish after the first play against Butte Central.

Class B football semis: Red Devils stop Vikings

BIGFORK — Just like Bigfork coach Todd Emslie predicted, this game was truly trench warfare.

Meeting looks at downtown plan for Whitefish

The Heart of Whitefish downtown group will host a meeting on Wednesday to review revisions to the Whitefish Downtown Master Plan.

Columbia Falls baker guilty of work-comp fraud

HELENA — A Helena jury on Thursday found Velma Faye Irvin of Columbia Falls guilty of felony theft of workers’ compensation benefits. 

Performance the key to Glacier Bancorp's success

Through good times and bad, economic hardships and fruitful seasons, Glacier Bancorp, the parent company of Glacier Bank, has emerged as a top dog in the banking and finance industry. 

Quake intruded but not through door

Protecting lakes is serious business

Wild Hides

Corey Dennis and his wife, Jennifer, own and operate Wild Hides, a hide tanning facility in Creston. Corey leans on the tumbler he designed and built himself to soften hides. (Brianna Loper/Daily Inter Lake)

Glacier Bank

Midnight quake shakes people across Flathead

From the Soroptimist Thrift Haus to the stands at the playoff football game, an earthquake was the talk of the town Saturday in Whitefish.

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Huntley Project's Tucker Hould breaks away from Bigfork's Isaac Martel during the third quarter of the Red Devils' 27-6 victory in Bigfork on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Huntley Project's Dixon Walker fights for yards near the end zone in the second quarter in Bigfork on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake 2)

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Class B Semifinals

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Bigfork defensive back Matthew Farrier pulls in an interception near the Red Devils' goal line during the second quarter. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Bigfork's Logan Mejak (66) is consoled by Matthew Farrier after the Vikings' 27-6 loss to Huntley Project in the Class B semifinals on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Bigfork quarterback Josh Sandry is driven out of bounds during a long run to start the third quarter against Huntley Project at Bigfork on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Kalispell Aquatic Team Swim's Nate Burnham takes a breath during the 100-meter freestyle at the KATS Winter Invitational on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Health Overhaul Indiana

FILE - In this Dec. 26, 2013 file photo- Amanda Deardorff, left, a health enrollment navigator with Open Door Health Solutions, helps Valerie Kazer through the process of signing up for coverage under the Affordable Care Act in Muncie, Ind., Enrollment has begun for Indiana residents seeking health insurance through the federal health exchanges established under the Affordable Care Act, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

Mine Explosion Investigation

FILE - In this May 20, 2010 photo, Massey Energy Company Chief Executive Officer Don Blankenship pauses as he testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington. The former CEO who oversaw the West Virginia mine that exploded in 2010, killing 29 people, has been indicted on federal charges related to a mine safety investigation. U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said a federal grand jury indicted Blankenship on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

Earthquake in Whitefish

Earthquake recorded in Yellowstone

Friday night quake centered in Whitefish measures 4.5 magnitude

A magnitude 4.5 earthquake rattled homes and businesses in Northwest Montana around midnight on Friday.

Football: Glacier dumps Big Sky, advances to AA title game

Glacier knew it needed to stop the run in its Class AA semifinal football playoff game against Missoula Big Sky on Friday night at Legends Stadium.

Glacier, Flathead ousted from AA state volleyball

BOZEMAN — Heads hung low on both the Glacier and Flathead volleyball teams as they exited the Class AA state tournament in the same round at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse on Friday.

Class A volleyball: Belgrade clips C-Falls in state semis

BOZEMAN — Off to a fast start in the undefeated semifinals at the Class A state volleyball tournament, the Columbia Falls Wildkats couldn’t overcome Kylie McCree and the Belgrade Panthers, falling 21-25, 25-18, 25-21, 25-21 at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse at Montana State University on Friday.

Cindy Louise Schiltz, 54

Cindy Louise Schiltz died on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014, at her home in Bigfork, with her children surrounding her in love and care. 

Football playoffs: Tough field conditions to challenge semifinalists in Bigfork, Whitefish

Mother Nature was not very kind to the Flathead Valley this week as the first cold snap of the fall has created some testy field conditions in Bigfork and Whitefish today for semifinal football playoff action.

Gift boxes to brighten Christmas for needy youths

Stillwater Christian School students will make a brighter Christmas for 157 children around the world with gift-filled shoe boxes.

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Glacier linebacker Josh Hill runs to the end zone after picking up a fumble during the second quarter of the Wolfpack's rout of Big Sky at Legends Stadium. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Glacier's Tadan Gilman (3) and Tucker Rauthe (11) sandwich Big Sky's Cory Diaz during the Wolfpack's blowout of the Eagles in the State AA semifinals in Kalispell Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Glacier wide receiver Noah Lindsay tries to shake Big Sky's Kolton Sandau after a catch during the first quarter. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Lakeshore regulation issue still unresolved

There’s still no recommendation from the Flathead County Planning Board about how the county should handle lakeshore protection regulations for Whitefish and Lost Coon lakes.

School hits fundraising mark for arts and tech center

Fundraising for construction of the new arts and technology center at Whitefish High School has hit its goal following a blitz of major donations.

Caddy too nice a car for this crew

In what may be an example of extreme cautiousness, a man called the

Investigation continues into Lakeside fire

The woman who died at the scene of a house fire near Lakeside on Thursday has been identified as Beatrice Helen Clark, 41. 

Football: Return, kicking teams have been 'special' for Wolfpack

In a dominant season on the football field, one aspect of Glacier’s game has been accentuated in the last few weeks.

State AA volleyball: Glacier falls in quarters; Flathead loses opener

BOZEMAN — The hot start to the top-ranked Glacier Wolfpack’s first day at the Class AA state volleyball tournament was quickly ended by the Billings Senior Broncs on Thursday, who swept the quarterfinal match 25-21, 25-18, 25-20 to advance to the semifinals after the Wolfpack had swept Billings West in the first round.

State A volleyball: C-Falls beats Corvallis, Lewistown

BOZEMAN — The Columbia Falls faithful, who made the trip, rose to their feet as they watched the Wildkats advance to the undefeated semifinals at the Class A state volleyball tournament, defeating Corvallis in four sets, 25-19, 25-23, 22-25, 25-13 on Thursday.

Football: Glacier, Big Sky in semis

Entering its Class AA semifinal football game against Missoula Big Sky tonight, top-ranked Glacier (11-0) is sure of one thing: It’s going to have to stop the run.

Man pleads not guilty to assaulting police chief

A Columbia Falls man pleaded not guilty Thursday to a felony charge of assault on a peace officer for allegedly punching Whitefish Police Chief Bill Dial in the face on Halloween. 

Chamber honors Larsons' community spirit

Longtime residents Duane and Bev Larson have given a lifetime of service to the Kalispell community, through volunteer efforts as well as chosen career paths.

Bev and Duane Larson

Barking dog draws ire from neighbors

Inter Lake publishes book of law roundup reporting

‘Only in Montana’

The Daily Inter Lake has just released a new book — “Only in Montana: Tiny True Tales of Mischief, Mayhem and Mirth.”

Fire claims life of Lakeside woman

A 41-year-old woman and her dog died in a house fire near Lakeside early Thursday morning.

Lakeside Structure Fire

Firefighters were called to Conrad Point Road near Lakeside on Thursday morning when a fire reignited just as fire investigators were preparing to begin their investigation. A 41-year-old woman died in the fire.

Mystery donor boosts Beaver Lakes fundraising

After a donation of $85,000 from a “mystery donor,” Whitefish Legacy Partners has only $39,000 left to raise to fund a permanent conservation easement on 1,520 acres in the Beaver Lakes area.  

Lawrence 'Larry' D. McAtee, 73

Mr. Lawrence "Larry" D. McAtee passed away at Kalispell Regional Medical Center on Nov. 2, 2014, at the age of 73, nearly 18 years after a heart transplant.

Richard James Champoux, 83

Glacier tallies October visitors

Glacier National Park continues to add to its visitor totals during the busiest year in its history.

Fatal crash has lesson for us all

Caleb Buzzell

Montana Life: Weave It All Together

Nancy Rose weaves on the community loom at the ImagineIF Library on Monday in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Lakeside Scenic

Danielle Martin of Edmonton, Alberta takes a photograph of the steam rising from Flathead Lake on Thursday morning, November 13, in Lakeside. Martin, who previously studied at the Youth With a Mission campus, is in the valley visiting friends. She said she has always loved the sight of those mountains. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Hoist Training for the Flathead County Sheriff's Office

Undersheriff Dave Leib of the Flathead County Sheriff's Office takes part in a training exercise with Priority One Air Rescue out of Mesa Arizona on Thursday, November 13, at the Kalispell City Airport. Priority One are hoist specialists, Sheriff Chuck Curry said they will be working with the Sheriff's Office, training all aircraft crew members, for the next two weeks.  (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Ruby Zimmerman

Ruby Zimmerman, 81

Ida Christine Nielsen

Ida Christine Nielsen, 85

Katharine Lucille (Snyder) Hall, 61

Donald Joseph Benes (now)

Donald Joseph Benes (then)

Jimmy Jean Probert, 69

This Week in the Flathead | Events Calendar, Nov. 13-19

Herb Alpert

Herb Alpert has been playing trumpet since he was 8 years old. He won his ninth Grammy Award earlier this year for his 2013 album, "Steppin' Out."

'In the Mood'

Alpert released "In the Mood" on Sept. 30. The album is his fourth in five years. The album can be purchased online at www.amazon.com or www.iTunes.com.

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Semis streak no stranger to Kalispell

The run of success Glacier’s football team is on isn’t unprecedented, but it’s close.

Valley spikers ready for run at state title

As frigid temperatures arrive in Bozeman so do three teams from the Flathead Valley in search of the elusive state volleyball championship every team strives for. The Glacier Wolfpack, Flathead Bravettes and Columbia Falls Wildkats have earned their way to the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse on the campus on Montana State University for the MHSA state volleyball tournament.

Harold H. Volkman, 86

Michael Lynn McCoy, 67

Caroline Leland, 76

Hunting surprise: a doe with antlers

For one Kalispell girl, the hunting season got off to an interesting — and rare — start.

New lift, new terrain to greet skiers

Whitefish Mountain Resort is looking forward to the 2014-15 season with the new Flower Point Triple chairlift on the north side of the mountain and a renovated Base Lodge plus several other resort enhancements. 

Conservancy launches 2015 Glacier Champions Campaign

The Glacier National Park Conservancy is kicking off a seven-week Glacier Champions campaign to raise additional money for 2015 projects in Glacier National Park.

Historic school clock changes hands

A historic Sessions Regulator clock, circa 1900, changed hands Wednesday morning on the front steps of the Museum at Central School in Kalispell.

Tabitha Mary Migwi, 16

Highway work wraps up west of Whitefish

The first half of the U.S. 93 reconstruction project west of Whitefish has been completed on schedule, general contractor Schellinger Construction said Wednesday.

Clock exchange

George Sprotte today

C-Falls has three, Polson, Whitefish two all-State

Three members of the Columbia Falls girls soccer team, which finished second to Laurel in postseason play, have been named to the Class A all-state and all-conference teams from the Northern Division.

Few people turn out for Ebola forum

Whether sparse attendance at Monday night’s Ebola Community Forum in Kalispell was a sign of easing concerns about the disease or just a symptom of frigid weather isn’t clear. 

Whitefish chief hurt in Halloween altercation

Whitefish Police Chief Bill Dial was left with a pair of black eyes and a broken nose after he was allegedly assaulted by a Columbia Falls man on Halloween night.

Glacier Bancorp buying Ronan bank

Glacier Bancorp of Kalispell is buying Community Bank Inc., a community bank based in Ronan. 

Veterans Day gathering

Recount likely for county dispatch district

After a tally of Flathead County’s provisional ballots on Monday brought a county emergency services ballot measure to within 11 votes of passing, County Administrator Mike Pence said he will recommend a recount.

Tabitha Migwi

Youth remembered as a student of many talents

Family, friends, classmates and teachers remember Stillwater Christian School student Tabitha Migwi, 16, as an enthusiastic and sweet spirit, humble leader, kindhearted peacemaker, bright student and joyful servant to God.

Marion residents feel 4.0 earthquake

Marion-area residents felt a rumble Tuesday afternoon when a 4.0-magnitude earthquake hit at 3:30 p.m. 

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Brianna Walling, a political science graduate from Pacific Lutheran University, was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship and will teach English in Argentina this spring. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

South Korea Ship Sinks

Lee Joon-seok, the captain of the sunken South Korean ferry Sewol, arrives for verdicts as the ship's crew members are charged with negligence and abandonment of passengers in the disaster at Gwangju District Court in Gwangju, South Korea, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014. South Korea said Tuesday it has ended underwater searches for the remaining missing people from April's ferry disaster that killed more than 300 people in one of the country's deadliest disasters in decades. (AP Photo/Yonhap, Hyung Min-woo) KOREA OUT

Antlered doe

Herb Alpert high school

George Sprotte high school

Herb Alpert trio

Ebola update

Dr. Jeffrey Tjaden, an infectious disease specialist, gives a brief update on Ebola on Monday at Flathead Valley Community College. The Flathead City-County Health Department has created an automated information line that people can reach by calling 751-8188. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Veteran's Day at Whitefish High School

Kevin Allen-Schmid leads the audience in the singing of the National Anthem on Tuesday, November 11, at the Veteran's Day Assembly Program at the Whitefish High School. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Montana 40 accident

Whitefish teen dies in crash on Montana 40

A 16-year-old Whitefish girl died in a vehicle accident Monday. 

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State volleyball: Wolfpack vs. West; Flathead has Senior

The top-ranked Glacier Wolfpack opens Class AA state volleyball action Thursday versus Billings West at 2 p.m.

Prep football: Whitefish, Bigfork, Glacier home for semis

Fifth-ranked Bigfork, Whitefish and top-ranked Glacier (11-0) will all be hosting semifinal playoff football games this weekend.

James Edmiston

Jim Edmiston wears his old Army hat outside his home in Helena Flats on Thursday. Edmiston is the son of James Gray Edmiston, who was also an Army veteran.

Ice causes dangerous roads

Icy roads caused havoc for many drivers on Monday as winter weather conditions returned to the Flathead. In the late afternoon, the

Events honor local veterans

Veterans and those now serving in the military will be honored at a number of special events today and Wednesday.

Applications open for UM teacher degrees at FVCC

The University of Montana has set a Feb. 16, 2015, deadline to apply for its Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education offered at Flathead Valley Community College.

Father, son earn same award in same spot, but different wars

A pair of Purple Hearts

Twenty-six years apart, almost to the day, two generations of the Edmiston family earned the Purple Heart for wounds suffered while fighting for their country.

Bundle up: It's getting colder

The National Weather Service on Monday issued a wind-chill warning for Western Montana through noon Wednesday as an arctic front deepened over the area.

Drilling to test soil for new Whitefish City Hall

Contractors for the city of Whitefish today will begin drilling test holes behind City Hall to check the depth of bedrock and soil composition in preparation for the construction of a new City Hall and parking garage.

Police seek culprit in school vehicle break-in

The Kalispell Police Department and Glacier High School are seeking information about a vehicle break-in Thursday between 9:54 a.m. and 10:12 a.m.  

Ruby Zimmerman, 81

Dwight L. Shaw, 88

John R. Roberts, 73

Shawn Francis Maguire, 50

Katharine Lucille (Snyder) Hall, 61

Joel 'JB' W. Baker, 48

Parking lot break-in

This security camera image from Glacier High School depicts a vehicle that is suspected of being involved in a parking-lot break-in on Thursday.

Veterans Day celebration at Trinity Lutheran

Seventh grader Keigan Knutson plays Taps at the Veterans Day program at Trinity Lutheran on Monday, November 10, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Stroll in the snow

Bethany Kaski walks her children Kyle, 6, and Max, 3, to school on Monday, November 10, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

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Kasey Alsbury

Kasey Alsbury in his home in Somers on Nov. 3.

Whitefish Community Foundation sets record for giving

The Whitefish Community Foundation set a new record in philanthropic giving on Thursday, awarding more than $257,000 through its 2014 Community Grant Program to 74 nonprofit organizations.

Sheffels closes out 47-year education career

Marcia Monroe Sheffels is devoted to education.

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Flathead County Superintendent of Schools Marcia Sheffels outside her office on Oct. 17, in Kalispell.

Flathead takes second, Glacier third in speech tournament

The Class AA Speech and Debate rivalry between Bozeman High School and the Kalispell schools was raised anew this weekend as the Hawks took first place with 244 points at the Hawker Invitational in Bozeman.

Police take calls about stolen cars

A Spokane Avenue resident called the

Terminal patient raises awareness of Hepatitis C

No score for Hill on last ride at Canadian Finals Rodeo

EDMONTON, Alberta — Beau Hill came up empty during Sunday’s final performance of bull riding at the Canadian Finals Rodeo at Rexall Place.

On stage: Kalispell Middle School students revel in Shakespeare experience

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Kalispell Chamber to hold annual benefit Thursday

Three hunters cited after dozens shoot at herd of elk

STATE ROUNDUP: Recounts still possible in some races

Miracle Mom becomes WomenHeart Champion

Emmy Ort with her nearly two year old daughter Grace Joy at their home in Kalispell, on Friday, October 31. Ort recently became a WomenHeart Champion. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

'Women need to know:' Kalispell woman becomes champion of heart health

Two Americans freed from North Korean jail

A helping hand: Kalispell music studio opens downtown

Sarah Burdick (left) helps Vincent Meccia during a piano lesson.

Sarah Burdick, left, works with Vincent Meccia, 8, on a song he is learning on the piano. Meccia, a third grade student, is learning to play music using a method called "Simply Music," which Burdick uses to teach students how to play the piano properly before teaching them how to read sheet music. (Brianna Loper/ The Daily Inter Lake)

The crew of Resound! School of Music and Theatre

From left, Amy Zoltek, Sarah Burdick and Sally Jerde, with her son, Sawyer, 18 months, founded the Resound! School of Music and Theatre this year. The group uses the studio as a shared space to teach private and group lessons in various instruments and theater classes. (Brianna Loper/ The Daily Inter Lake)

Hockey: Wolverines rally past Butte, 6-5

WHITEFISH — The Whitefish Wolverines scored four goals in the second period to shed a three-goal deficit and beat Butte 6-5 on Saturday at Stumptown Ice Den, sweeping the weekend series with the Cobras.

Has Butte become a terror target?

Workplace Watercooler

Bullock again seeking common ground

Several local events honor military veterans

Class A football playoffs: May, Bulldogs pull through

WHITEFISH — On a picturesque Saturday afternoon, with the Whitefish Range towering over Memorial Field, the Whitefish Bulldogs capped off a come-from-behind victory that will stand in the school’s history books for the rest of time.

Volleyball: Wildkats divisional champs, again

LIBBY — Columbia Falls repeated as Northwestern A Divisional volleyball champions on Saturday, downing Frenchtown 23-25, 26-24, 25-17, 25-13 in the championship match.

Amanda Curtis is back in the classroom

Veterans get free entrance to Glacier National Park on Tuesday

Daffy man goes buggy over noise

Class B football playoffs: Bigfork manhandles Malta, 41-0

BIGFORK — Bigfork quarterback Josh Sandry rolled out left to pass, saw an opening in the Malta defense and broke through and housed it for a 71-yard touchdown run, breaking open the floodgates as Bigfork romped to a 41-0 victory in the Class B football quarterfinals on Saturday afternoon.

Maybe the nation prefers gridlock

Vet reflects on walking away from military career

A homeless vet tells of his disastrous return to Montana

Contested races likely for legislative leadership

Do the right thing and be 'one of us' - really!

Les Gapay in hospital

Les Gapay is seen recuperating in hospital after being assaulted in Missoula, Montana. Gapay lost the vision in his right eye. (Courtesy Les Gapay)

Oystein Mathias Boveng, 81

Lynn Christine Stocking, 62

Oystein Boveng

Geneva Lockhart

Lynn C. Stocking

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Brigham Hardman, 11, with the help of other Boy Scouts from Troop 1935, 1939 and 1973 rake the leaves for an elderly women living in east Kalispell on Saturday. The Boy Scouts were volunteering for United Way's Rake Up Flathead

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Jonah Wynne, 6, puts a teddy bear in his gift box during Stillwater Christian School's packing night for Operation Christmas Child. The school planned to pack and ship 100 boxes to children around the world. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Bigfork’s Matthew Farrier tackles Malta’s Allen Williamson (32) during Saturday’s Class B football playoff action in Bigfork. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Bigfork quarterback Josh Sandry sheds Malta’s Ostin Welch as he rushes for 34 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter of Saturday’s Class B football playoff game in Bigfork. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Operation Christmas Child

AA football playoffs: Glacier blasts West

It took some time for Glacier to get back in the groove.

Drop-in center aims to help those with mental-health concerns

Walking into the entrance of Sunburst Village and Drop In-Center, people are greeted by colorful mural that reads, “Welcome to the Sunburst Village!” 

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Glacier running back Logan Jones heads for the end zone and a touchdown after catching a bubble screen pass from quarterback Brady McChesney in the second quarter of Friday’s Class AA football playoff game with Billings West at Legends Stadium. The play covered 65 yards. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Glacier’s Devin Cochran heads for the end zone in the third quarter. The touchdown reception was called back on a penalty. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Snow may finally hit Sunday night

A Canadian cold front is predicted to blast into Northwest Montana Sunday evening, bringing cold air, snow and wind.

Florence falls to Loyola in Western B semifinals; Bigfork eliminated

RONAN — Missoula Loyola Sacred Heart outlasted Florence 26-24, 25-22, 20-25, 22-25, 15-8 in semifinal play at the Western B Divisional volleyball tournament on Friday evening.

Northwestern A divisional: C-Falls spikers state bound

LIBBY — Columbia Falls punched its ticket to the Class A state volleyball tournament on Friday evening by defeating Frenchtown 3-1 in the Northwestern A Divisional semifinals.

Planning board looks at Whitefish lakeshore regs

Lakeshore protection regulations for Whitefish and Lost Coon lakes are the focus of a public hearing before the Flathead County Planning Board on Nov. 12.

Bazaar season in full swing

From left, Connie Miersma, Susan Tate and Willo Harris of the Whitefish Presbyterian Women's Club prepare three different soups for their annual fall luncheon and bazaar on Friday. The money raised at the bazaar will go to missions both locally and around the world. This is one of several bazaars across the Flathead Valley this weekend. Others are at Whitefish United Methodist Church, Eidsvold Lutheran Church in Somers and Majestic Valley Arena. 

Class B football: Bigfork, Malta familiar foes in postseason play

For the third time in four years Bigfork (8-1) will play Malta (6-3) in the Class B football playoffs. The Vikings are hoping the result falls in their favor this time around.

Class A football playoffs: Whitefish ready, rested after bye week for Miles City

Whitefish is healthy, rested and ready for postseason football play.

Judy Mae Sizemore

Judy Mae Sizemore, 64

Audrey J. Boe Pemble, 86

Parents turn in young pot smokers

Montana Life: Shakespeare in the Schools

The cast of A Midsummer Night's Dream gathers together backstage just before the start of the show on Friday, November 7, at Kalispell Middle School. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Bazaar Season

Vera Burk of Whitefish completes her purchase the at the Whitefish Presbyterian Women's Club annual fall luncheon and bazaar on Friday. This weekend several bazaars are happening including ones at the First United Methodist Church of Polson, at the he Heritage Museum of Libby, the Whitefish United Methodist Church, the Eidsvold Lutheran Church and the 13th annual holiday extravaganza at the Majestic Valley Arena. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Second time for West, Glacier football

It’s tough to beat a team twice in a season, but Glacier football is getting better at it.

Class B volleyball: Florence, Loyola in semifinals; Eureka goes 1-1, Bigfork 0-1

RONAN — It will be an all-District 6B semifinal at the Western B Divisional volleyball tournament tonight at 6.

Volleyball: Bravettes rally to earn state bid

With their backs against the wall, the Flathead Bravettes (13-10) improbably punched their ticket to the Class AA state volleyball tournament for the 12th consecutive year.

C-Falls, Libby spikers top two seeds for divisional

The last two years it has been Frenchtown and Columbia Falls, Columbia Falls and Frenchtown as the 1-2 finishers at the Northwestern A volleyball divisional.

Flathead's Wilson co-MVP in AA soccer

Flathead’s Stephanie Wilson, a junior midfielder, has been named a co-Most Valuable Player in the Western AA Division for girls soccer.

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The Flathead Bravettes celebrate a point in the third set against Helena at Flathead High School on Thursday. After spotting the Bengals two sets, the Bravettes stormed back to win in five. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Flathead's Tiana Johnson smashes the ball over a Helena defender during the Bravettes' five-set win. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Daybook

Don't vote? Then don't complain!

Election night only had a few surprises locally, but one that wasn’t a pleasant surprise was voter turnout. Flathead County and the rest of the state continued a trend of declining citizen involvement, and Montana’s turnout was way better than the national rate.

Hospital revamps parking lot

A $600,000 parking project is under way on the campus of Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Home Depot: Hackers also stole email addresses

NEW YORK (AP) — Hackers stole 53 million email addresses in addition to customers’ card data, Home Depot said Thursday.

Human error ruled out in train derailment

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — Montana Rail Link says it has ruled out human error as the cause of a July train derailment along the Clark Fork River in western Montana that destroyed six Boeing 737 fuselages.

Man falls to death at Missoula County jail

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — Missoula police are investigating after a Department of Corrections inmate fell from the second-floor railing at the Missoula County jail and struck his head on the cement floor, causing fatal injuries.

Bin Laden Shooter

In this photo taken on Dec. 20, 2013, Robert O’Neill a former Navy Seal team member, poses for a photo in Butte, Mont. O'Neill, a retired Navy SEAL who says he shot bin Laden in the head, publicly identified himself Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, amid debate over whether special operators should be recounting their secret missions. One current and one former SEAL confirmed to The Associated Press that O'Neill was long known to have fired the fatal shots at the al-Qaida leader. (AP Photo/The Montana Standard, Walter Hinick)

Navy SEAL who killed bin Laden hails from Butte

WASHINGTON — The retired Navy SEAL who says he shot al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden in the forehead publicly identified himself Thursday amid a debate among special operations brethren about whether they should break silence about their secret missions.

Gathering of skeptics raises plenty of questions

Teachers, foresters, veterans, therapists and retirees: These are just some of the people who belong to the Flathead Area Secular Humanist Association.

Horses reported on the loose

The

KM Ranch Road paving project scrapped

A petition to pave KM Ranch Road using a cost-sharing Rural Special Improvement District has been withdrawn amid neighborhood opposition.

Rep.-elect Zinke ready to get to work

In the less than two months before the 114th U.S. Congress convenes, Montana Representative-elect Ryan Zinke said he has a lot to get done. And he’s anxious to get started.

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Glacier's Thomas Trefney runs up a big hole during the Wolfpack's win against Bozeman at Legends Stadium on Sept. 12, 2014. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Glacier's Jacob Janke splits two CMR defenders after a catch during the second quarter at Legends Stadium on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Martha Wilde, 75

Martha Wilde, 75, of Kalispell, “went to be with the Lord” on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014.

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Stillwater Christian first-grader Devon Hammond thumb wrestles during a Greek pentathlon at the school on Thursday. The first graders in Arlys Moser's class have been studying ancient Greece for the past five weeks. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Stillwater Christian first-grader Emma Anderson aims the javelin during the Greek Pentathlon at the school on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Veteran Profile: James Edmiston

James Gray Edmiston, who went by the name "Gray" pictured left, served in Germany in World War I. Twenty six years later his son Jim Edmiston, right, served in Germany in World War II. Both were members of the United States Army. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Michelle Gentry Hearing

Flathead County District Court Judge Ted O. Lympus listens to attorneys on Thursday, November 6, at a hearing regarding Michelle Gentry's upcoming trial. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

This Week in the Flathead | Events Calendar | Nov. 6-12

'No Time for Love'

Jim Mohn, Renee Conn and Leah Lindsay rehearse a scene for "No Time for Love," at the KM Theatre on Tuesday. The play, written by Montana playwright Kathy Witkowsky, opens tonight.

'No Time for Love' takes a humorous look at life's struggle for balance

Time versus technology

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Flathead Valley football on display

In a region of the state lauded for its tourist destinations, football hasn’t been one of the reasons many Montanans come to visit.

State bids on the line for AA, B volleyball

Postseason volleyball hits the Flathead Valley today as both the Class AA and Western B Divisional tournaments get underway in Kalispell and Ronan respectively.

Maizey Anne Zimbelman and Maddox Alan Zimbelman

Maizey Anne Zimbelman and Maddox Alan Zimbelman, daughter and son of Jon and Erin Zimbelman, were born June 9 at North Valley Hospital.

St. Ignatius man denies charge in child shooting

POLSON — A 26-year-old St. Ignatius man has denied charges filed in the shooting death of a 3-year-old boy at a residence in the Ninepipe area.

Emerson Bethards

Emerson Bethards, son of Josh Bethards and Heidi Scott of Kalispell, was born July 5 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Give Evergreen every chance to grow

It’s great to see the highway and storm-water drainage projects underway in Evergreen. Some motorists have been impacted by the improvements, but the end result of the $3.6 million upgrade will greatly benefit the community.

Lion suspected in sheep, goat kills

MISSOULA — A mountain lion is suspected of killing two sheep and three goats near a recreation area southeast of Missoula.

Yellowstone bison to be transferred to Fort Peck

BILLINGS — Montana wildlife officials say a group of about 140 bison captured from Yellowstone National Park will be relocated to the Fort Peck Indian Reservation next week.

Daybook

Obama vows to 'get the job done' with GOP Republicans

 WASHINGTON (AP) — One day after sweeping Republican election gains, President Barack Obama and incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell pledged to try to turn divided government into a force for good rather than gridlock on Wednesday, yet warned of veto showdowns as well.

Kalispell City Council puts pawn-shop plan on hold burner

The Kalispell City Council voted Monday to indefinitely table a pawn-shop and secondhand store ordinance.

Electrical fire damages home

An electrical fire damaged a house Wednesday morning on Harrison Boulevard in Kalispell.

Voter turnout 54.6 percent in Montana

 HELENA — Montana’s voter turnout for the 2014 midterm election was about 54.6 percent, comparable to the 2010 midterm turnout of 56 percent.

Noah Geames

Noah Geames, son of Jonathan Geames and Jessica Hannon of Kalispell, was born July 6 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Kail Fister

Sterling Kriss

Sterling Kriss, son of Andrew Kriss and Torree Heaton of Kalispell, was born July 17 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Ferguson protest leaders seek heads-up on decision

 ST. LOUIS (AP) — Activists asked Wednesday for advance notice before prosecutors announce whether a Ferguson police officer will face charges in the shooting death of Michael Brown, saying they can help prevent widespread violence if they have 48 hours to prepare for protests.

911 voting may be close enough for a recount

With a razor-thin margin between supporters and opponents of a special district to fund the county’s consolidated 911 dispatch center, the outcome of that ballot measure won’t be known until roughly 200 provisional ballots are counted on Monday.

Braxton Gravelle

Braxton Gravelle, son of Riley Gravelle and Sarah Kimball of Kalispell, was born July 11 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Local forum planned on Ebola virus

Flathead Valley Community College will host a Community Forum on Ebola virus on Monday, Nov. 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Lures, lore abundant at a good old fishing store

I travel a lot. Maybe not as much as some, but certainly more than others. Where I differ is that I do most of my traveling during winter …the DEAD of winter.

Terry Lee (Miller) Jannetto, 55

Election results

www.dailyinterlake.com/news/local_elections

Following are final statewide results from Tuesday’s election as well as vote tallies from Lake and Lincoln counties.

Talking to the man in the mirror

A store employee called the

Everett George Curtin, 58

Everett Curtin peacefully passed away at his home on Nov. 3, 2014, in Kalispell.

Several factors lead to House race upset

House District 3 election

A difference of 47 votes may have decided the House District 3 race in an upset win by Democrat Zac Perry.

Violet Elsie Slonaker

Violet Elsie Slonaker, daughter of Joseph and Amber Slonaker of Dayton, was born July 8 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Alexandria Neva Rose Otto

Alexandria Neva Rose Otto, daughter of Steve and Tina Otto of Fortine, was born July 8 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Virgin Galactic looks to resume tests in 2015

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The space tourism company that suffered a tragic setback when its experimental rocket-powered spaceship broke apart over the California desert could resume test flights as early as next summer if it can finish building a replacement craft, its CEO said Wednesday.

Woman abducted in Philadelphia found safe

PHILADELPHIA — A woman seen on surveillance video being abducted by a man off a Philadelphia street has been found safe outside Baltimore.

40-home subdivision planned near Kalispell

A 40-home subdivision is planned on 47 acres about six miles southeast of Kalispell off U.S. 2.

Tourism projects get state money

Tourism projects in Whitefish, Kalispell and Eureka will get a slice of funding for infrastructure from the Montana Department of Commerce.

William 'Bill' Lawrence Breen, 88

William “Bill” Lawrence Breen, 88, died at his home on Nov. 4, 2014, from natural causes.

Remington William Taylor and Jameson Michael Taylor, newborns

Remington William Taylor and Jameson Michael Taylor passed away peacefully in the presence of family on Nov. 1, 2014.

Downtown restoration

Lee Kozlowski stencils the facade of the F. Keller Building, home to Designworks and apartments on the second floor, on First Avenue East on Wednesday in downtown Kalispell. Rita Fitzsimmons of Designworks said the work was made possible by a $5,000 grant from the Kalispell Business Improvement District. Fitzsimmons said they have removed a stone veneer added to the building in the 1970s, replaced windows with ultraviolet-protected glass and added a black granite base to the window ledges and foundation walls. They retained the original second-story cornice and metal columns. The front stucco was resurfaced and painted and wood columns were stripped, oiled and painted. The final touches will include awnings and new mahogany doors incorporating original metal grillwork that was found in the basement. Fitzsimmons hopes to have everything completed by early December.

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Teauna Brosseau acts reads files for a dating service during the rehearsal of "No Time for Love," at the KM Theatre on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Jim Mohn and Renee Conn rehearse a scene for "No Time for Love," at the KM Theatre on Tuesday. The play is the first play written by Montana playwright Katy Witkowsky and explores how technology has impacted relationships. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Leah Lindsay rehearses a scene for "No Time for Love," at the KM Theatre on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Jim Mohn, from left, Renee Conn and Leah Lindsay rehearse a scene for "No Time for Love," at the KM Theatre on Tuesday. The play, written by Montana playwright Katy Witkowsky, opens tonight. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Renee Conn and Jim Mohn rehearse a scene for "No Time for Love," at the KM Theatre on Tuesday. Performances for the play are Nov. 6-8 and 13-15 at the KM Theatre. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Bike and Buck

In this panoramic photo, Mark Christensen, overlooks a valley near Ashley Lake as he takes a break from hauling the three-point mule deer he shot earlier. Christensen likes using his fat bike to hunt because it can get him to remote areas, where few people will hike into. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Weeks to live for Kasey Alsbury

Kasey Alsbury in his home in Somers on Monday, November 3. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Incumbent justices easily defeat challengers

Brad Johnson wins PSC race handily

Montana voters uphold Election Day registration

Ballot measures: Legal marijuana movements hits a new high

GOP's big election night fuels shift toward 2016

Mitchell rolls to county triumph

Two Democrats chip away at GOP dominance in Flathead

Kalispell voters reject extra taxes for EMS

Vote tight on 911 dispatch district

School land deal gets voters' OK

Zinke Wins

Ryan Zinke, a Whitefish Republican running for U.S. House, right, talks with Kalispell Mayor Mark Johnson while waiting for the results in the U.S. House race on Tuesday, November 4, in Whitefish. Zinke defeated Democrat John Lewis and Libertarian Mike Fellows to become the first Montana congressman elected from Flathead County. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Victory kiss

Ryan Zinke gets a kiss from his wife Lola, after receiving word that he had won the race for U.S. House on Tuesday at Whitefish Lake Lodge in Whitefish.

GOP takeover: Republicans surge to Senate control

Republicans dominate local legislative races; two Democrats ahead in North Valley

Two local ballot issues to improve emergency services losing on close votes

Bucking the Trend

This rodeo season was all about the family for Beau Hill.

FINAL vote totals in Montana's major races, ballot issues

GOP gains extend to key governors' races

Zinke defeats Lewis in Montana U.S. House election

GOP stays in control of House, expands majority

Man charged in hit-run Halloween deaths of 3 teens

Oil prices tumble on Saudi discount move

Afghanistan detainee brought to U.S. for trial

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Two inmates caught trying to escape jail

Neighbors are hell on wheels

Coty Wayne Piasecki, 20

Coty Wayne Piasecki, 20, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014, at his home. 

Phil Mitchell elected as county commissioner (plus all local races)

Win in Kansas puts GOP near Senate majority

Daines defeats Curtis in Montana U.S. Senate race

Exit poll: Voters unhappy with Obama and GOP

Click the red button below for full election coverage!

GOP takes W.Va. seat, aims for Senate control

McConnell wins in Kentucky

Ryan Zinke Election Day

Ryan Zinke turns in his ballot in Whitefish on Tuesday, November 4. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

Election 2014

Jeane Lindberg of Kalispell casts her vote as her four children sit at her feet, from left, Hazel, 4, Minna, 5, Tim 2, and Andy 13 months in the carrier. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

John Raymond Bradstreet, 61

Montanans go to the polls

Voters fill out their ballots in Helena, Mont., Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014. The midterm elections will decide two federal offices, 125 state legislative seats, multiple judgeships and two legislative referendums. (AP Photo/Matt Volz)

Sen. Mark Pryor on Election Day

Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark., right, talks with former Little Rock and current South Carolina resident David Pence during lunch hour at Sim's Barbecue restaurant in Little Rock, Ark., Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014, on Election Day. (AP Photo/David Quinn)

GOP pushes for 6 new Senate seats, and majority

Many holding their noses as they cast ballots across country

Ryan Zinke campaigns on Election Day

Ryan Zinke, a Whitefish Republican running for U.S. House, returned home on Election Day to cast his vote. Zinke is pictured at the intersection of U.S. 2 and Montana 40 near Columbia Falls, where he was soliciting votes in the rain Tuesday morning. Zinke is running against Democrat John Lewis and Libertarian Mike Fellows.

Richard F. P. Mullee, 77

Doris Jean Mattheisen, 89

5 things to watch for on Election Day

Key legislative races will determine party control

Several competitive races for governor nationwide

Hot races, big stakes on midterm election ballot

GOP steers toward hefty House majority

Democrats say they have good chance for gains in Legislature, but GOP thinks otherwise

Gates to coach Flathead softball

Flathead High School activities director Bryce Wilson announced Monday afternoon that Tasia Gates has been named the Bravettes head softball coach.

Volleyball: Flathead hosts Helena; Wolfpack tops coaches' poll

Area volleyball teams will be looking to qualify for the upcoming all-class state volleyball tournament with either play-in matches or divisional tournaments scheduled this week.

Football: Undefeated Glacier starts playoffs with Billings West

Top-ranked Glacier opens Class AA football playoff action Friday at Legends Stadium versus Billings West in a 7 p.m. quarterfinal matchup.

Boy Scouting instills lifelong values

As a Boy Scout executive, Levi Knight hopes to help pass on the values and skills he learned through Scouting to the next generation of young people.

Montana election races at a glance

Teenagers cause some concerns

The residents of an apartment on North Main Street were scared by two strangers banging on the door demanding their money. They had been banging on the door for a half hour. Officers from the

Whitetail deer harvest way up over last year

The hunter harvest of whitetail deer in Northwest Montana is up substantially from last year through the second weekend of the general hunting season.

Information for voters about Election Day

Polls open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Tuesday for the general election.

Della Louise Sturzen, 96

Charles A. Hanson, 70

Charles A. Hanson, 70,  passed away at home surrounded by his loved ones, on Oct. 30, 2014.

Boy Scout director

Election 2014 Preview

Election judge Sue Johnson of Whitefish and others sorting absentee ballots on Monday, November 3, at the Flathead County Fairgrounds. Residents were allowed to register to vote and pick up absentee ballots until yesterday at noon. Polls will open today at 7 a.m. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)

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Flathead wins opening speech tournament

Flathead topped Class AA schools and Hamilton won sweepstakes honors for A-B-C schools Saturday at the Kalispell Kickoff Classic Speech and Debate Tournament.

'Homespun' success

Herb Alpert and Lani Hall

Whitefish council to vote on housing project

The Whitefish City Council tonight will decide whether to approve a proposed 60-unit apartment complex on U.S. 93 South.

Discussion continues on Kalispell pawn shop law

The Kalispell City Council tonight will revisit a pawn shop and secondhand store ordinance that has been the topic of heated discussion over the past month.

Vandals pelt house with paintballs

Columbia Falls blogger finds audience for home cooking

Between her bubbly personality and excitement for cooking, it’s no surprise that Kathie Lapcevic has managed to find her way into more than 40,000 homes across the country on a weekly basis.

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Healing through horse therapy

Therapist, horse whisperer team up to offer equine therapy

Chester understands boundaries and body language. Chester can read someone’s energy and react accordingly. Chester might be just what people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder need to get on with their lives.

State's bighorn conservation strategy being evaluated

BILLINGS — Repeatedly stifled in efforts to transplant bighorn sheep in new locations in Montana over the past few years, the state’s wildlife commission chairman said it may be time to rethink the state’s conservation strategy for the popular big game species.

Greenhouse effort

Mark Winchel trims chard in his aquaponics greenhouse. (Brianna Loper photos/Daily Inter Lake)

Gardener aims for aquaponics expansion

What started as a hobby for a local landscaper has continued to grow and blossom.

Iraqi peshmerga fighters prepare for Syria battle

MURSITPINAR, Turkey (AP) — Iraqi peshmerga fighters prepared Saturday to battle Islamic State group militants in the Syrian border town of Kobani, just hours after they arrived in a town that’s become a focal point in the battle against the extremists.

Lane Macfarlane

Lane Macfarlane, son of Arliss and Elisabet Macfarlane of Kalispell, was born July 5 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Gracelynn Malley

Gracelynn Malley, daughter of James Malley and Brittney Herman of Kalispell, was born July 2 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Jaxen Reed Flores

Jaxen Reed Flores, son of Jarred and Erin Flores of Bigfork, was born Aug. 2 at North Valley Hospital.

Caiden Rain McDonald

Caiden Rain McDonald, daughter of Edward McDonald and Megan D’Orazio of Kalispell, was born July 31 at North Valley Hospital.

Wicked wizards play Halloween tricks

A teenaged wizard and a couple of other hooded teenagers were seen pulling up decorative lights and throwing them at trick-or-treaters on Halloween night on Fourth Avenue East, according to

Three girls killed in hit and run

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Authorities on Saturday tracked the owner of an SUV suspected of being used in a Halloween night hit-and-run that killed three teenage girls to a Southern California home, only to find someone else living there.

Teen's disappearance reveals Alabama sex ring

BAY MINETTE, Ala. — By most accounts, 19-year-old Brittney Wood was with uncle Donnie Holland the night of May 30, 2012, the last time anyone saw her. Holland — who was under investigation for horrific sex crimes at the time — died from a bullet within days in what was ruled a suicide.

Marine veteran out of Mexican jail, arrives home

WESTON, Fla. (AP) — A retired U.S. Marine who fought in Afghanistan returned home to Florida on Saturday after spending eight months in a Mexican jail for crossing the border with loaded guns, a case that led U.S. politicians to bring intense pressure on Mexico to release him.

Five dead in fire that followed Halloween party

PORTLAND, Maine — Fire swept through a two-apartment building near the University of Southern Maine’s commuter campus on Saturday morning, killing five people and critically injuring one, authorities said. It was unclear if any of the victims were students.

Class B football playoffs: Bigfork demolishes Deer Lodge; Eureka falls to Glasgow

BIGFORK — It didn’t take long for the Bigfork Vikings (8-1) to flex their muscles.

Class A football playoffs: Hamilton knocks off Columbia Falls

COLUMBIA FALLS — Columbia Falls’ potent offense stalled in the Hamilton red zone four times in the second half, leaving the door open for the Broncs to win 27-21 in an opening round Class A football playoff game on Saturday at Satterthwaite Field.

Volleyball: Flathead downs Big Sky; Libby dumps Polson

MISSOULA — The Flathead Bravettes (12-10 overall, 6-6 Western AA) claimed third place in the Western AA volleyball standings after defeating Missoula Big Sky in four sets on Saturday.

All systems go for voting on Tuesday

The Flathead County Election Department tested its voting systems on Friday with a check-up that was open to the public, and all systems are go for Tuesday’s general election.

Mountaintop smart home up for auction block

Housing market up locally, statewide

Despite a slow start this year, housing sales in Montana have seen a spike since July.

Patient lauds free clinic

Shepherd’s Hand Clinic, an outreach ministry of Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish, has improved the lives of hundreds in our community with its free medical and dental care.

FVCC connects with Lethbridge university

 Flathead Valley Community College and the University of Lethbridge in Alberta have established a new exchange program that provides  Flathead Valley residents the opportunity to complete transferrable college credits at the University of Lethbridge.

Thanks for electoral input; now vote!

From what the polls and common sense tell us, there won’t be very many competitive elections in Northwest Montana nor in the major races across the state when the results are tabulated Tuesday night.

Practice makes perfect

COLUMBIA FALLS freshman Jordyn King practices her speech before her presentation during the Kalispell Classic at Flathead High School on Saturday.

Hunting is a tool - and hunters are conservationists

I want to respond to Mr. Irvine’s letter regarding the glorifying of hunting and specifically his disdain for the hunting of predators. He says that we need to revisit our biology notes. Well, I thought I would do just that.

Trial attorneys power behind state's high court?

Former Montana Supreme Court Justice Jim Nelson warns readers to be wary of money spent in judicial elections due to the potential it has to corrupt judges (“Will Montana judges be for sale?” Daily Inter Lake, Sept. 28).

'Dumb old creationists' created the U.S.

For many years I have enjoyed the “Letters to the Editor” section, but until now I have abstained from active participation. However recent letters have turned my crank enough to get my motor running, so here is my first two cents worth.

Political speech, regulation and freedom: A case study

Are campaign-finance laws intended to fight corruption and inform voters, or are they really aimed at silencing political speech? Judging from the hysterical reaction of Montana officials to a recent mailer about the state Supreme Court candidates in the upcoming election, it’s the latter.

Wildkats fall short in Class A state soccer title match

COLUMBIA FALLS — Lottie Ellis gave Columbia Falls a lift and new life just as the first half ended with her shot that bounced off the left post into the right back corner of the net, but the Wildkats couldn’t follow through in the final 40 minutes, losing 2-1 to Laurel on Saturday in the Class A girls state soccer championship match at Flip Darling Field.

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Who do we believe - John Lewis or Obama?

During the recent debate between John Lewis and Ryan Zinke sponsored by the Daily Inter Lake, John Lewis was emphatic in his declaration that there had never been a $716 billion cut in Medicare to pay for the Affordable Care Act.

Class A Soccer Championship

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AA soccer: Glacier boys lose to Sentinel, finish 4th

GREAT FALLS — Todd Thayer’s first career hat trick allowed Missoula Sentinel to top Glacier 4-2 in the third/fourth place match on Saturday at the Class AA boys state soccer tournament at Siebel Fields.

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Laurel's Allie McGrath (7) holds up the championship plaque as her teammates Raquel Jimenez (4) and Kyra Elmer (3) celebrate their 2-1 win over the Wildkats in the Montana Class A Championship in Columbia Falls Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Columbia Falls' Ellie Johnson walks off the field as Laurel celebrates their 2-1 victory in the Montana Class A Soccer Championship in Columbia Falls on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Columbia Falls Katie Price slides to take the ball away from Laurel's Kyra Elmer during the first half of the Class A Championship in Montana on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Columbia Falls Haley Gemmrig and Laurel's Taylor Ludwig battle for a loose ball in the Class A Championship in Columbia Falls on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Columbia Falls' goalkeeper Alyson Gimbel puts her hands on her head after Laurel scored their second goal to take a 2-0 lead during the Montana Class A Championship in Columbia Falls Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Dynasty: It's not just a TV show

Let’s talk about Election Day.

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Bigfork's Vinny Quirk carries a Warden defender with him during a run in the third quarter in the Vikings' 44-7 victory in the opening round of the Class B playoffs in Bigfork on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Bigfork's Jonathan Landon attempts to fight off the Deer Lodge's Mitchell Odden during the Vikings' rout over the Wardens in the opening round of the Class B playoffs. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

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Columbia Falls' goalkeeper Alyson Gimbel puts her hands on her head after Laurel scored their second goal to take a 2-0 lead during the Montana Class A Championship in Columbia Falls Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)

Ruth Ann Van Luven, 78

Carolyn June Slack, 71

Michael B. 'Mike' Berman, 73

Michael B. “Mike” Berman, 73, died suddenly in a car accident Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014.