EDITORIAL: Books reveal two sides of Montana

Hagadone Montana Publishing doesn’t just publish newspapers. The parent company that owns the Daily Inter Lake and seven weekly newspapers in Northwest Montana also publishes books, and two of them are available just in time for Christmas.

“Through Glacier Park 1915-2015” was written and brilliantly photographed by Chris Peterson, the editor of the Hungry Horse News. It tells the story of how Peterson, who is noted for his wildlife and scenic photos, re-created the journey of author Mary Roberts Rinehart through the brand new Glacier Park in 1915.

The next few days will be your last chance to order at the pre-publication price of $34.95. After the book arrives next week, it will be sold at the cover price of $39.95.

Peterson will do a free presentation on his book at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Arts and Technology Building on the FVCC campus. He is also doing a reading and book signing from 6-8 p.m. at the Hockaday Museum of Art on Thursday.

And don’t forget we also have the new volume of “Only in Montana,” the second compilation of humorous anecdotes from the Law Enforcement Roundup of the Daily Inter Lake.

Subtitled “The Birth of the Mirth,” this second volume actually highlights the origins of the witty, irreverent style that our police reporters have used for the daily police blotter since 2001. Daily Inter Lake Managing Editor Frank Miele provides the introductions and picked out his favorite silly snippets. Lots of chuckles for just $10.

Both of these new books are limited editions, so don’t wait. Stop by the Daily Inter Lake (727 East Idaho in Kalispell) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. “Only in Montana: Volume 2” is also in stock at the Book Shelf and the Hockaday Museum of Art in Kalispell.

A Christmas tradition!

Circle Saturday on your calendar: It’s the date of a big annual community gathering.

The 26th annual Christmas at Our House dinner runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Montana Army National Guard Armory north of Kalispell on U.S. 93.

This is not only the opportunity for a sumptuous holiday meal (for free!) but it’s also a warm social event.

Plenty of volunteer work and local donations go into this event. Come on out and enjoy dinner and camaraderie with your neighbors. A food drive for the Northwest Veterans Food Pantry will take place as well, and guests are asked to bring a donation of canned food.