Saturday, February 28
Northwest A divisional: Two basketball titles for Columbia Falls
WHITEFISH — Make that seven straight Northwest A divisional titles for the Columbia Falls Wildcats.
Daybook
Students create art for annual Children's Exhibit
Lina Marie Donnino
Lina Marie Donnino, daughter of Gregory Donnino and Sarah Hanson of Whitefish, was born Oct. 23 at North Valley Hospital.
Yellowstone park's Boiling River running warmer
GARDINER — If you think Yellowstone National Park’s Boiling River feels hotter this winter, you’re right.
Julian Lane Veneman
Julian Lane Veneman, son of Matthew Veneman and Melanie Seefeldt of Whitefish, was born Oct. 21 at North Valley Hospital.
Tristin Zephyr-Moon Kuechmann
Tristin Zephyr-Moon Kuechmann, son of Anthony and LaSaundra Kuechmann of Bigfork, was born Nov. 1 at North Valley Hospital.
Elsa Dawn Ayers
Elsa Dawn Ayers, daughter of Davis and Kayla Ayers of Kalispell, was born Oct. 23 at North Valley Hospital.
Kaleb Robert Miskell
Kaleb Robert Miskell, son of James and Tracy Miskell of Columbia Falls, was born Nov. 2 at North Valley Hospital.
Sloane Ryan Schmit
Sloane Ryan Schmit, daughter of Craig and Jennifer Schmit of Bigfork, was born Nov. 3 at North Valley Hospital.
Megan Viola Tecca
Megan Viola Tecca, daughter of Marcus and Lauren Tecca of Kalispell, was born Oct. 15 at North Valley Hospital.
Abel Dean Kenneth O'Neil
Abel Dean Kenneth O’Neil, son of Ralph O’Neil and Tiana Beverly, was born Oct. 20 at North Valley Hospital.
Matthew Ryan Gorton
Matthew Ryan Gorton, son of Danica Gorton of Kalispell, was born Oct. 12 at North Valley Hospital.
Hazel Marie Clark
Hazel Marie Clark, daughter of Michael and Breanna Clark of Kalispell, was born Oct. 14 at North Valley Hospital.
Prescribed burns planned during March
The Tally Lake Ranger District of the Flathead National Forest is planning to conduct multiple prescribed fire projects next month.
Support raw milk
We moved to Montana from Washington state two years ago, where we were happily buying and drinking legal raw milk. We miss it!
Don't support Trans-Pacific treaty
Do not support the Trans-Pacific Partnership. It would be a devastation to the health of people and planet at all turns in addition to the financial well-being of local people’s economies.
Sen. Feinstein is 'un-American'
There have been months of conflict between the CIA and Sen. Diane Feinstein’s committee. She is mad at them because the agency had indeed searched Senate computers. She went public on a somewhat sensitive subject. Now, about 2,000 Marines have been placed on alert. The Pentagon warned combat commands around the world to take “appropriate force-protection measures” to guard the safety of American troops and installations because of sensitive information released by Feinstein’s committee..
Legislative update after the transmittal
The 64th Montana Legislature reached the midpoint of the session on Friday, Feb. 27. That was the 45th day of the 90-day session. It is also known as transmittal. This is when all general bills that have passed in each of the chambers are transmitted to the other chamber. Bills that have any revenue attached have a later transmittal date. Some bills of interest to the Flathead Valley that passed the House are HB 244, HB 322, HB 200 and HB 279.
Protect yourself from cyber nightmare
It was anyone’s worst nightmare.
Water compact benefits Montanans
The Salish and Kootenai water compact is just one of the many important negotiated agreements that our state has entered into over a long period of time with the Indian tribes of Montana.
Federal lands must not go to the states
National forests and Bureau of Land Management lands belong to all of us. They do not and should not belong to the states in which they exist. These federal lands are much too important to be managed by state agencies guided by politicians. With federal ownership, each of us has a potential say in how these great landscapes are managed, no matter their location.
Whitefish's liberal leaders building Taj-Ma-Hall?
The Taj-Ma-City Hall is back! The Whitefish City Council is about to prove yet again that liberal government far too often chooses to spend more instead of spend wisely.
Montana needs to return to tuition-free higher education
By ROBERT O’NEIL
Brazil arrests U.S. sect leader
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazilian authorities on Saturday announced the arrest of a self-professed minister on a U.S. most-wanted list for allegedly molesting two girls in a “Maidens Group” at his religious fellowship in rural Minnesota.
Crafter turns love of leather inro business
Tress Wambeke cuts leather in her Whitefish shop to make a bag. Wambeke founded T Bird Leather last year after she discovered a passion for working with leather. (Brianna Loper photos/The Daily Inter Lake)
Crafter turns love of leather into business
In a world of mass-produced clothing and assembly-line toys, some people prefer one-of-a-kind items and pieces that have a history.
Stolen chicken crosses the road
A hungry thief reportedly stole several cooked chickens and cheese from a store on Nucleus Avenue in Columbia Falls. Store clerks reporting the incident to the Columbia Falls Police Department were fairly certain they knew who the suspect was, because a chicken fell out of his coat while he fled the scene. Police were unable to locate the suspect.
State senator's aide asked to leave after becoming lobbyist
BOZEMAN (AP) — A state senator’s aide has been asked to quit after his registration as a lobbyist was revealed as a potential ethics violation.
Quake rattles Idaho silver mine, but no damage reported
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A small earthquake in northern Idaho near the Lucky Friday Mine temporarily slowed production Friday morning. But work resumed after an inspection determined the mine remained safe.
Tribes from across U.S. discuss legal marijuana
TULALIP, Wash. (AP) — The Justice Department’s announcement in December that it would allow the nation’s Indian tribes to legalize and regulate marijuana on their reservations brought notes of caution — if not silence or opposition — from many tribes.
Woman overcomes eating disorder
Mary McRae had a secret that was going to kill her.
Man sentenced for assault on baby
A Kalispell man was given a five-year sentence Thursday for beating his 5-month-old daughter.
Long-distance farm oversight is no easy task
It’s time for another conference call with my three brothers. We’ve been conducting these long-distance sessions periodically for the past couple of years as decisions need to be made about our mother’s care and what to do about various maintenance issues on the farmstead.
GOP leaders are struggling to show they really are in charge
WASHINGTON (AP) — Two months into full Republican control of Congress, GOP leaders are struggling to demonstrate they really are in charge.
What's alive, what's dead at session's midpoint
HELENA — A bill signed by Gov. Steve Bullock that increases basic entitlement funding for schools by $54 million highlights progress made by the Montana Legislature at the halfway mark of its 90-day session.
Experts share tips on home Wi-Fi security
Data defense
It’s the basic level of Internet access — the residential wireless network. And often it’s the least secure, guarded by simple passwords or none at all.
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Going to the dogs
Midge, a lead dog for Charlotte Mooney, pulls her to the finish line during the six-dog, 13-mile race of the Flathead Classic Sled Dog Race in Olney on Saturday. The West Yellowstone musher finished second in the race. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
It's not a funding crisis; it's a constitutional crisis. Got it?
When the history books are written, they won’t write about whether or not the Department of Homeland a got funding in February of 2015; they will write about whether or not there was still a homeland at all.
Crosstown Basketball February 27, 2015
Images from the crosstown basketball games at Glacier February 27, 2015.
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Flathead's Seth Adolph takes a shot over Glacier's Taden Gilman (24) as Jaxen Hashley (13) looks on during the first quarter of the crosstown game at Glacier Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Flathead's Johanna Lembke is fouled by Glacier's Nikki Krueger as she knocks the ball away during the second half of the crosstown game at Glacier. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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The Wolfpack's Cody Norberg knocks down a 3-pointer over the Brave's Bridger Johnson in front of the Glacier student section to give the Wolfpack to give 41-32 in the final seconds of the third quarter. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Laura VanBroeke and her mom Summer Peters watches a team of dogs cross the finish line at the Flathead Classic Sled Dog Race on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Midge, a lead dog for Charlotte Mooney, pulls her to the finish line during the six-dog, 13-mile race of the Flathead Classic Sled Dog Race in Olney on Sunday. The West Yellowstone musher finished second in the race. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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A ewe at the H.E. Robinson Agriculture Education Center gave birth to quadruplets. Less than 1 percent of ewe's give birth to four lambs, it's even rarer for all four to survive. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Mitchell-Nelson
Molly Mitchell and Lance Nelson were married Jan. 24 at Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish. The ceremony was performed by Pete Erickson.
C-Falls boys, girls in Northwestern A divisional finals
WHITEFISH — It was slow going for 24 minutes until Columbia Falls used a 26-point fourth quarter to pull away from Frenchtown for a 52-40 Northwestern A divisional boys semifinal basketball victory on Friday afternoon at Whitefish High School.
Bigfork girls Western B champions
Mattison McAnally, a 5-foot-5 junior guard, was a dominating force in the Western B divisional girls championship basketball game late Friday night at the Flathead High School gymnasium.
Glacier thumps Flathead
Chalk up another crosstown clash in favor of the Glacier Wolfpack.
Wolfpack holds off Braves
Rushing down the floor with 45 seconds to play, Flathead still had a chance to force overtime in its crosstown basketball matchup at Glacier on Friday.
Moore-Ware
Keith and Suzy Moore of Kalispell, together with Doug and Shelly Ann Ware of Stavanger, Norway, announce the engagement of their children, Danyelle Moore and Pierce Ware.
Brian 'Lil B' Foust, 50
Brian “went to be with his sister Ida, his brother Frank and the Lord” on Jan. 25, 2015.
Friday, February 27
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Flathead's Seth Adolph takes a shot over Glacier's Taden Gilman (24) as Jaxen Hashley (13) looks on during the first quarter of the crosstown game at Glacier Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Flathead’s Johanna Lembke is fouled by Glacier’s Nikki Krueger as she knocks the ball away during the second half of Friday’s basketball game at Glacier High School. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Glacier’s Cody Norberg (32) knocks down a 3-pointer over Flathead’s Bridger Johnson in front of the Glacier student section to give the Wolfpack a 41-32 lead in the final seconds of the third quarter Friday night at Glacier High School. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Brian 'Lil B' Foust, 50
Daybook
This relationship goes over a cliff
A woman called the
Woman guilty of hit-and-run
A Columbia Falls woman has pleaded guilty to negligent vehicular assault for a hit-and-run accident last year in Columbia Falls.
'Spock' actor Leonard Nimoy dies at age 83
Leonard Nimoy poses in 2006 in Los Angeles. Nimoy, famous for playing officer Mr. Spock in “Star Trek,” died Friday. He was 83. (AP file photo)
U.S., Liberia start first big test of Ebola virus drug
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — The U.S. and Liberian governments have just begun the first formal patient testing of an experimental Ebola virus treatment that’s previously been used only on an emergency basis.
U.S. House rejects Homeland Security funding
WASHINGTON (AP) — The rebellious Republican-controlled House unexpectedly voted down short-term funding for the Department of Homeland Security late Friday, increasing the prospect of a partial shutdown at midnight of an agency with major anti-terrorism responsibilities.
White House drafts privacy bill
WASHINGTON (AP) — Amid “rapid growth” in the collection of data on Americans, the White House has drafted legislation that calls on businesses to do more to help consumers protect their personal information.
Eight shot to death in Missouri rampage
TYRONE, Mo. — A gunman killed seven people and wounded an eighth person in an overnight house-to-house rampage in a small town in the Missouri Ozarks before apparently committing suicide in a vehicle, authorities said Friday.
Filing deadline March 26 for school trustees
Schools are gearing up for elections and districts are seeking people to serve on school boards.
Bigfork students delve into the past
Bringing history to life
Five months of research led up to Bigfork Middle School’s first National History Day Fair.
Income-tax cut headed to governor; veto looms
HELENA— The House has endorsed Senate amendments to one of the major tax reduction bills of the session, but it faces a likely veto from Gov. Steve Bullock.
Tangled-up deer gets freedom
Twine around this whitetail buck’s neck and antlers was removed Thursday by wildlife officials. (Fish, Wildlife and Parks photo)
Seniors get eviction notices at Greenwood Village Assisted Living
Owner Dennis Rasmussen is closing down Greenwood Village.
Seniors get eviction notices issued
Assisted-living residents told to move out within 30 days
Residents of Greenwood Village Assisted Living in Kalispell are in shock and disbelief after receiving an eviction notice Friday that gives them 30 days to find a new place to live.
George Darrow, 90
Seniors get eviction notices
Dorothy Gress, who has lived at Greenwood Village Assisted Living since 2011, said that she has a fear in her heart of where she's going to live. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
DIL Subscribe 2015
Greenwood Village Assisted Living Evictions
Greenwood Village Assisted Living (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Whitefish Ford
A row of Ford trucks at Whitefish Ford on Wednesday, February 25. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Busy day at the landfill
This long pile of metals to be recycled has been collecting over the past 11 months. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Profile: Eric Michael Krop
Eric Krop in the Whitefish Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, February 25. Krop has returned to Montana and will be performing locally with Erica Von Kleist and others as well as taking part in the Alpine Theatre Project summer series. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Woman overcomes eating disorder
Mary McRae with her children, from left, Maisy, 9, Olivia, 11, and Henry, 7, on Tuesday afternoon, February 24, in their home west of Kalispell.
Leonard Nimoy
In this Aug. 9, 2006, file photo, actor Leonard Nimoy poses for a photograph in Los Angeles. Nimoy, famous for playing officer Mr. Spock in “Star Trek” died Friday, Feb. 27, 2015, in Los Angeles of end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was 83. (AP Photo/Ric Francis, File)
Leonard Nimoy, famous as Spock on 'Star Trek,' dies
LOS ANGELES (AP) — In 1975, Leonard Nimoy published an autobiography with the defiant title, “I Am Not Spock.” Two decades later, he bowed to fate with “I Am Spock,” a revisionist sequel.
Crosstown 2015 Cover
Crosstown 2015
Vikings charge Chiefs
Bigfork’s speed and stellar play around the basket won out in the end as the Vikings upended Ronan 85-60 in the Western B divisional boys basketball tournament opener on Thursday at Flathead High School.
Bulldogs rally, top Polson 48-44
WHITEFISH — With one quarter to play, the Whitefish Bulldogs had some work to do while staring at a 10-point deficit in the opening round of the Northwest A divisional tournament.
Glacier gashes Hellgate
The Glacier girls were in control all game against Missoula Hellgate on Thursday night. However, the difference didn’t show on the scoreboard until the Wolfpack was able to get out of its own way.
Thursday, February 26
Daybook
Do I understand the message? Do you?
Let me get this straight.
The rest of the story about eating meat
The letter titled “Not eating meat is a good idea,” in the Inter Lake for Feb. 24,reaches the wrong conclusion. Kerry Brack refers to Genesis 1:29 where God told Adam to eat from seed-bearing plants and trees. But, later, in Genesis 3:17-19, he was required to scratch in the ground for additional food.
Medicaid expansion means spending money we don't have
If we had the money there are lots of things each of us would love to do. I, for example, would like to go to Hawaii this year, put an addition on my house, and I even wish I could pay for my two nephews to go to college.
Ban on texting could have tragic consequences
Years ago widows, next of kin, and grim-faced game wardens appeared before the Legislature to plead for a law banning loaded firearms in vehicles to prevent accidental deaths and maiming when the weapons inadvertently discharged.
Montana to Obama: OK Keystone
We were delighted to see a united front of Montana’s political leadership taking a stand against President Obama’s veto of the Keystone XL pipeline project.
Elk poaching leads to fines for 5 people
Five people have been fined in an elk poaching case decided last month in Lake County Justice Court.
Open burning starts Sunday
Spring open burning season begins Sunday and lasts until April 30.
De-icer reduction fails in Senate
A legislative change in the amount of liquid salt used on Montana roads will have to wait another two years.
Bill easing penalty for guns at school voted down
HELENA (AP) — Montana representatives have twice voted down a proposal to give school boards more discretion on the expulsion of students found with guns at school.
Spelling trio advance to state competition
There was no wavering with uncertainty when Whitefish Christian Academy seventh-grader Allison Miller spelled the winning word “fluctuation” Thursday at the Flathead County Spelling Bee.
Sex offender sentenced to five years
A Columbia Falls man has been sentenced to five years with the Montana Department of Corrections for felony sexual abuse of children.
Elna and George Darrow of Bigfork
Elna and George Darrow of Bigfork stand in 2006 under an apple tree that was part of the original homesteader’s orchard. The Darrows purchased this land and home in 1968.
'Pillar of Bigfork' dies at 90
Darrow shepherded lasting environmental laws
Longtime Bigfork civic leader and environmental policy pioneer George Darrow died Wednesday in Kalispell. He was 90.
Slain tot's family reacts to man's not-guilty plea
An Evergreen man accused of killing a toddler pleaded not guilty Thursday, drawing emotional responses from courtroom observers.
Water compact heads to House
On Thursday the state Senate’s final vote on the tribal water compact officially sent the bill to the House one day ahead of the Legislature’s transmittal deadline.
Couple debates over love and taxes
Court: Smoking shelters violate clean indoor air act
HELENA (AP) — The Montana Supreme Court has overturned a lower court ruling that had allowed Great Falls casino owners to circumvent the Clean Indoor Air Act by building a separate shack with permanent vents for its smoking customers.
Moore-Ware
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Craig Moore/Daily Inter Lake Elna and George Darrow of Bigfork stand under an apple tree that was part of the original homesteader’s orchard. The Darrows purchased this land and home in 1968 and have lived there in the farm house. They have restored the 1894 homestead house, center, as an office and reading area.
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Bigfork's Marissa Hiza fights her way through a crowd of Florence defenders to put up a shot during the Valkyries opening win in the Western B Divisional Tournament at Flathead High School on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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2015 Flathead County Spelling Bee
Allison Miller, a Whitefish Christian Academy seventh-grader, smiles after spelling “fluctuation” to win the 2015 Flathead County Spelling Bee at Glacier High School on Thursday. Behind Miller are Hope Compton, left, and Jaden Attard, who along with Miller qualified for the state spelling bee. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Woman pleads guilty in drug case
Governor's veto likely for income tax bill
HELENA — Montana’s Democratic governor is likely to veto a Republican plan to cut income taxes that is advancing through the Legislature.
Judson Napoleon Moore, 93
Judson passed away Thursday, Feb., 19, 2015, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.
James Bruce Graham, 88
Norma J 'Grams' Finberg, 84
Norma J. “Grams” Finberg passed away Feb. 23, 2015, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family.
Forrest Dale Groshelle-Juntunen, 2
John Carl Hamel, 92
John Carl Hamel, 92, son, brother, husband, musician, citizen and great friend, passed on during the early morning hours of Feb. 18, 2015, at The HealthCenter in Kalispell. He had a wonderful life.
Newberry enters not guilty plea
Brandon Lee Walter Newberry, 21, of Evergreen, enters court on Feb. 26, 2015, in Kalispell. Newberry pleaded not guilty to deliberate homicide in the death of 2-year-old Forrest Groshelle. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Julie "Julz" Marjorie Kaneen, 31
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'Echoes of Carnegie Hall'
Idara Aguinaga and Micah Hunter rehearse for their upcoming concert. "Echoes of Carnegie Hall" will take place Sunday, March 1, at Glacier High School at 3 p.m.
This Week in the Flathead Events Calendar | Feb. 26 - March 4
Local vocalist, violinist to perform
'Echoes of Carnegie Hall'
On Sunday, March 1, local vocalist and violinist Idara Aguinaga will give a performance called “Echoes of Carnegie Hall” in Kalispell, presented by Kinnor Classics International.
Wednesday, February 25
There's a lot riding on crosstown
Final night’s final crosstown basketball game of the season means a lot to the players on the court.
Glacier celebrates football title with ring ceremony
With a freshly pressed championship banner hanging at the front of the room, the 2014 Glacier football team gathered again to toast the best season in school history. This time, with something shiny to show off.
Bigfork upends Florence in Western B divisional opener
Florence hung around and refused to go away for all four quarters, but Bigfork’s balance was too much for the Falcons to match in the end as the Valkyries claimed a 68-48 victory in opening-round action Wednesday evening at the Western B divisional girls basketball tournament at Flathead High School.
Daybook
Idaho man sentenced for attacks
MISSOULA (AP) — A 28-year-old man who pleaded guilty to attacking two Missoula women last summer has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.
T.J. Maxx, Marshalls to follow Walmart in raising workers' pay
NEW YORK (AP) — The owner of T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and Home Goods stores said Wednesday that it will boost pay for its U.S. workers to at least $9 per hour.
Students to search for missing human head
POCATELLO, Idaho (AP) — Authorities have recruited Idaho State University staff and graduate students to search some large caves for a missing human head in a mysterious cold-case killing.
Three men nabbed in plot to join Islamic State
NEW YORK (AP) — Three men were arrested Wednesday on charges of plotting to travel to Syria to join the Islamic State group and wage war against the U.S., and federal officials said one of them spoke of attacking President Barack Obama or planting a bomb on Coney Island.
Gas buildup leads to explosion
STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) — Natural gas leaking from an underground main traveled into a New Jersey house, built up in its basement and exploded when it came in contact with an open flame from an appliance, investigators said.
State lawmakers unhappy with Obama veto
Montana’s top officeholders didn’t have much good to say about President Barack Obama’s veto Tuesday of a bill approving construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline — and Republicans were especially harsh.
Man pleads guilty to killing grandmother with chair
MISSOULA (AP) — A Montana man has pleaded guilty but mentally ill to beating his grandmother to death with a chair in December 2013, shortly after he was released from the state psychiatric hospital.
ImagineIF Library
Pond Hockey: A classic 2nd year
Senate panel tables bill on term limits
HELENA — A Senate committee on Tuesday tabled a proposed constitutional amendment referendum to end term limits.
Kerry grilled again, this time in House
WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State John Kerry played defense Wednesday on Capitol Hill, fielding dozens of questions from lawmakers worried about what Iran could get in a deal being negotiated to block its ability to make an atomic weapon.
House endorses bill to ban bullying in schools
HELENA — Montana has moved one step closer to joining every other state in the country in making anti-bullying policy law under a bill endorsed by the House on Wednesday.
Police don't give a hoot about this suspect
A report came into the
Cayuse Prairie camp-in
Students from three rural schools gather at Cayuse Prairie camp-in
After the rest of the students went home on Friday, Cayuse Prairie seventh- and eighth-grade girls rolled out their sleeping bags and waited for new friends to arrive.
School receives $7,000 for special music project
Cayuse Prairie School was awarded a $7,000 grant from the Montana Masonic Foundation for music and special education programs.
Glacier High speech team wins trophy
Glacier High School was awarded a district traveling trophy at the National Speech and Debate Association Regional Qualifier recently in Billings.
Salvation Army offers program after school
The Salvation Army has started an after-school program for Kalispell kindergarten through fifth-grade students.
Work resumes this fall at Many Glacier
Renovation work at Many Glacier Hotel in Glacier National Park will pick up again starting this fall.
Legislator wants state to cut back de-icer use
A proposal to impose limits on chemical de-icers used on Montana’s highways is headed to the Senate floor after getting the green light Wednesday from the Senate Finance and Claims Committee.
Senate approves Regier's tax-cut measure
HELENA — A bill to cut state individual income taxes by about $42 million a year passed the Senate Wednesday over the protests of the Democratic leader who said it was fiscally imprudent.
ImagineIF rebranding pays off for Libraries
Library participation increases 32 percent
The Flathead County Library System took the bold step of rebranding itself as ImagineIF Libraries a year ago, and the public has responded in a big way, library officials say.
Lakeside excited about festival
People in Lakeside are excited about the potential opportunity to host this year’s Montana Dragon Boat Festival, although some expressed concerns about traffic flow and parking.
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Glacier Wolfpack players were presented with their 2014 championship rings on Wednesday for winning the Class AA Montana High School Association football championship last November. Glacier finished the season 13-0. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Bigfork’s Marissa Hiza fights her way through a crowd of Florence defenders to put up a shot during opening-round action Wednesday at the Western B divisional girls basketball tournament at Flathead High School. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Water compact sails ahead
Senate approves agreement on tribal water rights
The Flathead water compact is likely headed for the Montana House of Representatives.
Janet Angstead Kauffman, 42
Our dear friend Janet Angstead Kauffman died quietly Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015, at about 1:30 p.m. at Brendan House, in Kalispell. She was 42 years old with six years sobriety.
APTOPIX American Sniper Trial
Former Marine Cpl. Eddie Ray Routh stands during his capital murder trial at the Erath County, Donald R. Jones Justice Center in Stephenville Texas, on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015. Routh, 27, of Lancaster, is charged with the 2013 deaths of Chris Kyle and his friend Chad Littlefield at a shooting range near Glen Rose, Texas. (AP Photo/The Dallas Morning News, Michael Ainsworth, Pool)
Bigfork students delve into the past
Ben Johnson, right, explains the website he created on the Sicilian Wars to his dad, Gary, and brother Jack during the National History Day Fair at Bigfork Middle School on Tuesday. Ben said it was interesting to learn how something that happened around 500 B.C. has so much impact on what is happening today. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Tuesday, February 24
Bravettes fade in Missoula
MISSOULA — The Flathead girls hung close with Missoula Hellgate for the better part of their Western AA conference game on Tuesday but faded late falling 49-42.
Hellgate burns Braves
There are plenty of statistics that can summarize Flathead’s Western AA matchup against one-loss Missoula Hellgate on Tuesday night at Flathead Gymnasium.
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Flathead's Alex Croymans drives past Missoula Hellgate's Peter Vandam during the second quarter at Flathead on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Flathead senior guard Matt Marshall
Flathead's Matt Marshall drives past Missoula Hellgate's Devin Bray during the 2014-15 season in this file photo. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Daybook
Right-to-work bill gets little support
HELENA — No one but the sponsor testified for a right-to-work bill for state employees, but more than 30 people stood up against it Monday.
Cities could ban public drunkenness under bill
HELENA — Montana cities could adopt ordinances banning public drunkenness and allowing police to take intoxicated people to jail under a bill that passed through a Senate committee Tuesday.
Columbia Falls company now recycling glass
Glacier National Park Lodges, operated by Xanterra, recently started a recycling program on its Columbia Falls property and is opening the program to the community.
Panel backs campaign-finance reform bill
HELENA — The bill to require public reporting of so-called “dark money” in Montana campaigns narrowly advanced Monday evening, as a Senate committee voted 4-3 to send the measure to the Senate floor.
College enrollment dips 5 percent
Full-time enrollment at Flathead Valley Community College fell another 5 percent for spring term, according to Brad Eldredge, the college’s director of institutional research, assessment and planning.
Businesses learn lessons in cyber security
A cyber-thief can scan thousands of Internet Protocol addresses at a time, looking for a system that handles business transactions. Once found, it can be taken over quickly.
President vetoes Keystone
Compact heads to floor of Senate
After a round of legislative maneuvering on Tuesday, the state Senate will vote today on the bill to ratify the water compact involving the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
Panel OKs coal tax bill on party-line vote
HELENA — On a party-line vote, a Senate committee on Monday endorsed a proposed constitutional amendment to change the distribution of the coal severance tax and use some of the money as a permanent source of infrastructure.
Death penalty repeal stymied
HELENA (AP) — Representatives have voted down a bill that would end capital punishment in Montana.
Darrell Dennison, 56
Dozens of Syrian Christians abducted by Islamic State
BEIRUT (AP) — The Islamic State militants struck before dawn, staging house-to-house raids in a cluster of villages nestled along the Khabur River in northeastern Syria. They abducted at least 70 Christians — many of them women and children — while thousands of others fled to safer areas.
Seller's remorse turns car deal sour
It was a case of seller’s remorse in a vehicle sale reported to
Chinese rocket
Oscar winner got his start in Bigfork
From the musical lead at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse to “Law and Order” and “Spider-Man,” J.K. Simmons’ acting career has spanned a few decades.
Daines challenges Kerry on terror strategy
Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, took the Obama administration to task on Tuesday for what he called its “lack of strategy in addressing the rising threat of extreme Islamic terrorism in the Middle East.”
Rocket lights up Glacier sky
Veteran Affairs
Veteran Affairs Secretary Robert A. McDonald speaks to reporters outside VA Headquarters in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015. McDonald said integrity and character "is part of who I am" and apologized anew for erroneously claiming he served in the military's special forces. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
This Week in the Flathead: "Echoes of Carnegie Hall"
Coloratura Soprano Idara Aguinaga and Bass/Baritone Micah Hunter, conductor of the Glacier Chorale, practice for their upcoming concert on Tuesday, February 23, in Kalispell. "Echoes of Carnegie Hall" will take place on Sunday, March 1, at Glacier High School at 3 p.m. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
One year anniversary for ImagineIF Library
Chris Cunningham organizes books on hold for patrons in the processing center of the library on Tuesday, February 24, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Angry turkey causes traffic congestion
An aggressive turkey with a penchant for chasing vehicles caused a bit of traffic congestion on Tuesday afternoon, February 24, near Woodland Park in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Defying GOP, Obama vetoes pipeline bill
Huntsman rocket
The night sky over the Fairview Cemetery was lit up by a piece of a Chinese rocket re-entering the atmosphere on Monday at around 11 p.m. (Photo courtesy of Rick Huntsman)
Health Link 022414 Cover
Health Link 022414
Monday, February 23
Western B divisional action at Flathead
Western B divisional basketball action begins Wednesday with girls on the court first for two afternoon and two evening contests at Flathead High School.
Northwestern A divisional at Whitefish
The top-ranked Columbia Falls boys and girls basketball squads will be heavy favorites this weekend to repeat as Northwestern A divisional champions.
State indoor archery at fairgrounds
Flathead Valley Archers and the Montana Archery Association are hosting the 2015 National Field Archery Association (NFAA) Montana State Indoor and Northwest Sectionals this weekend.
Bill would redistribute funding for arts and cultural tourism
HELENA — The arts, history and culture are good for Montana business — but could be even better with the help of a tax revision.
Organizers: Hockey event a success
Sponsors and organizers of the Montana Pond Hockey Classic say the weekend event was a success despite a last-minute change of venue and absence of alcohol for the event.
Strange skies reported over Kalispell
A woman called the
House rejects bill to rein in game wardens
Republican lawmaker Dale Mortenson says it’s time for the state’s game wardens to be reined in.
Special Olympics Montana State Winter Games
Abi Kurtz, 17, of Whitefish makes her way down a practice run of the slalom with Jeff Carlson of Dream Adaptive at the Special Olympics Montana State Winter Games on Monday at Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Seminars for businesses tackle data breaches
Seminars Tuesday and Thursday aim to help businesses identify and deal with data breaches, especially with credit card transactions.
Verland 'Tiny' Marquardt, 84
Verland “Tiny” Marquardt passed away on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015, peacefully at home with his loving wife by his side.
Jim J. Clouse, 53
Libby man charged for knife incident on school bus
Lincoln County authorities have arrested and charged a Libby man for allegedly bringing a knife onto a school bus last week.
Special Olympics Montana: 2015 State Winter Games
Patrick Bolken of the Whitefish Thunder gets a hug from a coach as he crossest he finish line in the snowshoe event on Monday, February 23, in Whitefish. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
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Sunday, February 22
New development unfolds in Polson
After nearly two decades of planning, the dreams of one Polson landowner are finally coming to fruition.
Lake County works to fund clinic
Citing a dire need for a secure local mental health crisis facility, several Lake County entities have been working for two years on the Lake House, a seven- or eight-bed clinic to assist people suffering from mental health issues.
Restaurants rewarded with Gold Star Program
For eateries in Flathead County, a voluntary grading system has been in place for years, handing out letter grades like schools.
Senator: U.S. Forest Service owes state money
According to state Sen. Jennifer Fielder, R-Thompson Falls, the U.S. Forest Service has been welshing on its financial obligation to Montana for sales of public land spanning more than a century.
Mother of the Year
Corinne Bludworth, the American Mothers Mother of the Year for Montana, with her children Brandon, 20, and Jordan 25, at City Beach in Whitefish on Feb. 18. As a state Mother of the Year, Bludworth is in the running for the national title which will be awarded at a conference in Washington D.C. in April.
Whitefish woman selected as Montana's Mother of the Year
A Whitefish mother of three has been named Montana’s Mother of the Year.
AmeriCorps volunteer worked with Girl Scouts, local college
Nine AmeriCorps VISTA members working with Montana Campus Compact finished a year of service on Jan. 23, 2015, raising a total of $296,426.22 in cash, grants and donations.
Ridgewater Properties
The Red Lion Hotel, left, and Valley Glass, bottom right, are currently under construction in Ridgewater Properties, located on the south side of Polson off U.S. 93. Both businesses are slated to be open for business in early summer.
Dog's defecation causes concern
The
Alvin Martin Keller, 88
Irene Mildred Klingler, 90
Irene Mildred Klingler, 90, recently passed away while surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three sisters, and one daughter. Survivors include two sons, Steven and Kenneth, and two daughters, Marilyn and Jeanene, as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.
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Saturday, February 21
Basketball roundup: Glacier girls bounce back to beat Helena
Brielle Bumgarner posted a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds and Ali Williams added 12 points as Glacier bounced back with a 56-36 Western AA girls basketball victory over Helena High on Saturday afternoon.
Bryn, Makena Morley finish 2nd at Simplot
POCATELLO, Idaho — Bryn Morley of Bigfork finished second in the 1,600 and her sister Makena Morley was the runner-up in the 3,200 at the 37th annual Simplot Games indoor track meet on Saturday.
Bigfork throttles Thompson Falls
COLUMBIA FALLS — Bigfork was scoreless for the first five minutes of the District 7B championship game against Thompson Falls on Saturday night.
Valkyries top Plains
COLUMBIA FALLS — Another year, another district title for the Bigfork Valkyries.
Daybook
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The Bigfork Valkyries celebrate after their 50-38 victory against the Plains Trotters in the District 7B tournament championship game in Columbia Falls on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Bigfork's Josh Sandry leaps through a pair of Thompson Falls defenders for a basket during the District 7B tournament championship game in Columbia Falls on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Aydrianna Alaire Beard
Aydrianna Alaire Beard, daughter of Caleb Kramme and Lisa Hanson of Kalispell. was born Sept. 15 at North Valley Hospital.
Bayden James Edward Wassam
Bayden James Edward Wassam, son of Brady and Alysha Wassam of Columbia Falls, was born Sept. 15 at North Valley Hospital.
Cohen David Javier Fansler
Cohen David Javier Fansler, son of Lindsay Fansler and Kortny Kellogg of Whitefish, was born Sept. 9 at North Valley Hospital.
Emersen Armstrong
Emersen Armstrong, daughter of Benjamin and Ashlee Armstrong of Dickinson, North Dakota, was born Sept. 13 at North Valley Hospital.
Makenna Grace Schaeffer
Makenna Grace Schaeffer, daughter of Gary Schaeffer and Samantha McAdams of Columbia Falls, was born Sept. 9 at North Valley Hospital.
Freya Courage Bucher
Freya Courage Bucher, daughter of Brandon and Nikki Bucher of Kalispell, was born Sept. 10 at North Valley Hospital.
Andrew James Ford
Andrew James Ford, son of Larry and Jamie Murdock of Kalispell, was born Sept. 8 at North Valley Hospital.
Gracyn Francine Pohlman
Gracyn Francine Pohlman, daughter of Jason and Lisa Pohlman, was born Sept. 10 at North Valley Hospital.
Potty humor reaches tipping point
Terrorism & ignorance: Naive and blind hope is true threat to world safety
It is hard, these days, to know where to start addressing the issue of global terrorism.
Water compact doesn't answer crucial questions
It is extremely important to understand and research what a “federal reserved water right” is in order to determine if the Salish and Kootenai Water Compact should be supported. Following is a basic explanation of “federally reserved water rights” based on my research:
Water compact is good for Montana
The Salish and Kootenai Water Compact under consideration by the Montana Legislature is a complex agreement that has taken years, and many changes and improvements to produce. The result is compact language that is good for all Montanans. The water interests of all irrigators are protected, and the instream flow rights of the tribes are satisfied. The tribal rights have to be defined by compact in order to prevent years of litigation in federal court.
Is it just greed?
In September 2013, I went to the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation in Kalispell to inquire about getting a water right to irrigate a small one-acre campsite (fire safety) on the Little Bitterroot River.
Daines, Tester both misleading public about logging
Sens. Daines and Tester are spreading misinformation in their bid to pump up logging of federal lands. They are doing industry’s bidding and they don’t seem to care if their rate of logging public forests violates environmental laws or not.
Daines' logging proposal does not have real balance
Recently, papers in Northwest Montana have carried articles about Sen. Steve Daines trumpeting the need for “forest reform” and a “balance” between natural resource protection and resource extraction.
Volunteers end year of service
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Americorps VISTA Program’s founding.
Digital classes pay off for students
Current Flathead Valley Community College students and recent grads talked about the harrowing jump from school to the real world Feb. 5 in the Digital Portfolio course.
Manage forests for the good of all
Will Lee
Are in-stream flow needs 'fishy'?
Sifting through all the wild claims made by our state water compact team, the one club they repeatedly beat us with is the “in-stream flow” rights of the tribes — on and off the reservation. The flows are intended to support fictitious “fisheries”.
Don't overlook the paradigm shift in oil and gas sector
I’m delighted that the Daily Inter Lake highlighted some of the local examples of new thinking and entrepreneurship that are part of the broader New American Energy Revolution that I spoke about at the recent economic outlook seminar in Kalispell. They are important in demonstrating technology and innovation to meet energy needs and challenges.
Grant sought for senior center work
Flathead County is moving forward with a $368,000 grant application aimed at making building improvements to senior centers throughout the county.
Park outlines plans for Inside Road
Glacier National Park will release alternatives for repairing the Inside North Fork Road later this year, Glacier wilderness manager Kyle Johnson told a group of North Fork residents and stakeholders recently.
Medicaid expansion is way overdue
In Montana, we have been talking about Medicaid expansion for over two years. During this time, a powerful few in our legislature refuse to do anything except say no, and it is hurting our state.
'It was a real killing field'... Remembering Iwo Jima
On Feb. 19, 1945, 20-year-old Bill Young of Mooresville, North Carolina, disembarked from an LST (Landing Ship, Tank) on a miserable hunk of black rock called Iwo Jima. He was part of a 75-mile-long convoy of ships preparing to dislodge the Japanese from this volcanic remnant of an island. The territory was formally part of Japan, meaning it was considered literal sacred ground to Japanese soldiers.
Media blitz raises new questions
Yes, we know that the Salish/Kootenai tribes are promised $1.2 billion if the tribal water compact is approved, and Montana is committed to pony up another $55 million.
College planning service projects
The Flathead Valley Community College Service Learning Office invites FVCC students, faculty, staff and alumni to participate in three spring Service Saturday projects to benefit various nonprofits in Northwest Montana.
Career switch leads to quick job find
For Will Lee, like many other high school graduates, what he was going to do after leaving high school was a mystery.
Into the wood
Pontillo fits two shaped pieces of wood together to form a dove tailed corner, which will make up two sides of a drawer. The dove tail corner is the strongest way to hold wood together, and markes the best quality woodworking. (Brianna Loper/The Daily Inter Lake)
Cyber crime and a mistaken search upend the lives of innocent Kalispell couple
Fear factor
Rodney and Margaret Stell don’t want to answer their door any more. It gives them a tinge of fear.
Why is Congress all talk, no action?
Into the wood: Whitefish craftsman's work tapped by L.L. Bean
What started as a hobby for Phil Pontillo has grown into a business with nationally sought-after products.
Ukraine: First war prisoner exchange completed
ZHOLOBOK, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian military and separatist representatives exchanged dozens of prisoners under cover of darkness at a remote frontline location Saturday evening, kicking off a process intended to usher in peace to the conflict-ridden east.
Afghanistan dialogue with Taliban could begin in March
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — After more than a decade of warfare, negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban are set to begin, officials, diplomats and experts said as President Ashraf Ghani declared that peace is closer now than at any time since the war began following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.
Zimbabwe's Mugabe marks 91st birthday as country struggles
HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — Zimbabwe’s president Robert Mugabe turns 91 on Saturday, with his supporters saying they will back him to run his full term until 2018 and beyond despite nagging questions about his health and an economy that is crumbling under his watch.
Winter storm warning for western Montana
The National Weather Service has posted a winter storm warning for areas of southern Montana and predicts a return of bitter cold temperatures throughout the state.
Arlee school shut down due to traces of meth
ARLEE (AP) — A Head Start school in Arlee has been shut down after officials found traces of a drug and drug paraphernalia.
Petroleum found in some fish near oil spill
BILLINGS (AP) — Lab tests have detected petroleum in of some of the fish taken from the Yellowstone River downstream from where a ruptured oil pipeline spilled an estimated 30,000 gallons near Glendive in January.
Highway needs rise as money runs short
Montana officials say federal highway money will cover less than a third of the state’s $15.8 billion in transportation needs over the next decade, but there are no plans to significantly boost state spending to cover the anticipated shortfall.
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The Tamarack's Barrett McDonald battle BTC's Peter Anderson for a puck during the second day of the Pond Hockey Classic at Woodland Park on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Moving Forward Assistant Director and adaptive athlete Matt Sather rips a shot during the foundation's sled hockey clinic at Woodland Ice Center on Saturday. The clinic will also take place Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be 30 sleds available for differently abled and able-body participants. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Bruins edge Wolfpack
The Daily Inter Lake
Bengals bounce Braves
The Daily Inter Lake
Bravettes finish strong in loss to Helena High
By SAM CAMPBELL
Wolfpack falls short against No. 1 Helena Capital
By JOSEPH TERRY
Virginia 'Ginger' Lucille Todd, 88
Virginia “Ginger” Lucille Todd, 88, “went to be with Jesus” on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015, at home surrounded by her kids.
Friday, February 20
Daybook
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Glacier's Hailee Bennett is fouled as she drives between two Helena Capital defenders in Friday’s Western AA girls basketball game at Glacier High School. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Flathead's Johanna Lembke is hammered by Helena High's Jenna Starke during the second quarter of Friday’s Western AA girls basketball game at Flathead High School. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Panel votes to abolish death penalty
HELENA — By a slim margin, the House Judiciary Committee has endorsed a bill to abolish the death penalty and replace it with life imprisonment without parole.
Measure would change law affecting intoxicated minors
State House passes bill to drug test some welfare applicants
HELENA (AP) — The House has passed a measure that would require certain welfare applicants to take drug tests in Montana.
Updates to Montana bicycle laws proposed
HELENA (AP) — State senators are considering a bill to allow cars to pass bicycles in certain circumstances along with other updates to Montana’s bicycle laws.
Intruder gets a case of the munchies
DECA Conference: Glacier, Whitefish students head to internationals
Glacier and Whitefish high school DECA chapters had an impressive showing at the Montana Career Development Conference in Great Falls.
Stone's will: Quadriplegic inspires Cayuse students
Joe Stone has used a wheelchair for four and a half years.
Bills aim to lower high suicide rates
HELENA — Two bills aiming to lower Montana’s extremely high suicide rate advanced in the Legislature Friday.
Film project under way off Foothill Road
Half Yard Productions is filming east of Kalispell in the Avalanche Ranch area, reportedly for a TruTV show.
Bill would set up defense fund for water rights
Should the tribal water compact fail this legislative session, a Thompson Falls representative wants to set aside $13 million to help people defending against tribal water claims.
Water compact heads to full Senate
Panel passes bill on 8-4 vote
The water compact bill passed its first legislative hurdle Friday morning and now heads to the full Senate for consideration next week.
Virginia 'Ginger' Lucille Todd, 88
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Jesse Therien protects his sons Henrik and Jax while watching a hockey game during the first day of the three-day event. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Lanny McDonald, former Stanley Cup Champion and member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, celebrates with Tamarack teammate Ryan Ulvin, during a game at the Pond Hockey Classic. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Pond hockey classic, 2015
Rodney Stell Exonerated
Rodney and Margaret Stell tell their story at the Daily Inter Lake on Friday, February 20, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Peter James Morey, 19
Joe Stone
Valkyries pull through, beat Thompson Falls
BIGFORK — The Bigfork Valkyries and Thompson Falls Blue Hawks sure know how to entertain a crowd.
Bigfork upends Plains
BIGFORK — Plains tried to slow down the pace of the District 7B tournament semifinal against No. 1 Bigfork, but was unable to slow down the Vikings’ offense as the top seed pulled away for a 57-47 victory on Thursday night.
Thursday, February 19
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Bigfork's Tyler Piazzola sails past Plains' Aaron Baker for a basket in the Vikings' semifinal win during the District 7B tournament in Bigfork on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Bigfork's Miranda Campbell floats a shot over Thompson Falls' Shey Hannum during the District 7B semifinals at Bigfork on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Daybook
Support access to raw milk in Montana
Please support HB 245. I love raw milk and so does my sensitive digestive tract, but I don’t have a large enough lot to keep a cow or goats. I must get my raw milk from local farmers, which is, of course, illegal in Montana. HB 245 will solve that problem for me. Raw milk from clean, loved dairy animals is safe and healthful. Its all we had when I was growing up in the 1950s Flathead valley, and we drank lots of it.
Comments about Obama and Islam worse than Obama's own comments
“You always become the thing you fight [hate] the most,” wrote Carl Jung, and the Feb. 8 Montana Perspectives apparently, perhaps inadvertently, set out to prove him right. The columns, opinions, and political cartoon that expressed a deep seated malice and disrespect for President Obama and Islam were, at least from my perspective, thinly veiled constructs of the very hate they were rebuking.
State workers already have enough benefits
State workers are trying to get day care in order to take their minds off their kids.
What did you mean by 'prepared to do anything'...?
While I disagree with nearly the entirety of Frank Miele’s Feb. 8 “Editor’s 2 cents” column regarding Islamic terrorism (I do agree that there are Islamic terrorists), I want to address one specific comment with some simple questions.
Fair board, county ought to acknowledge women's role
I applaud Karen Enger for exposing the disregard with which she was met by the county when she applied to be a member of the Flathead County fair board.
Call legislators about compact
My husband and I attended the last meeting about the water compact in Kalispell.
Locals quash school threat quickly
Outbreak raises questions about medical tool
Wal-Mart workers to get pay raises
Don't catch the bug going around
A software programmer called the
Bill would restrict solitary confinement
Proposed bill would expand concussion protections
HELENA (AP) — Montana senators are contemplating whether to make it easier for school trainers and coaches to bench an athlete suspected of having a concussion and if that rule should apply to school-sponsored club sports.
Common Core bill divides parents, educators
HELENA — The legislative battle over Common Core standards began Wednesday with divided testimony from more than 60 parents, teachers and education leaders during a committee hearing that lasted nearly seven hours and ended in executive action.
Health board OKs rabies program
With only a small change on the advice of a local veterinarian, the Flathead City-County Board of Health unanimously approved the county rabies program Thursday afternoon.
Land transfer measures debated in Senate, House
Dueling measures were debated in the state Senate and House this week addressing the possibility of transferring federal land to the state.
Flathead Lake island bridge work allowed to continue
Work on the controversial Dockstader Island bridge on the north shore of Flathead Lake was allowed to continue Wednesday after a brief stop-work order issued by Flathead County was lifted.
Light show
Northern Lights illuminate the North Fork horizon beyond Polebridge earlier this week.
Brandon Lee Walter Newberry, 21
Brandon Lee Walter Newberry, 21, accused of killing toddler.
Evergreen man accused of killing toddler
Man accused of killing toddler
An Evergreen man has been charged with murdering a nearly 3-year-old Evergreen boy on Tuesday.
Suspect had been gathering weapons
A Kalispell man accused of making threats on social media had several firearms, which made law officers take his threats more seriously.
Kevin Arell Coverdell, 52
Allwin Douglas Monson, 97
Shirley Marlene Gipe, 59
Preparing for the Hockaday's Children's Art Exhibit "Space Isn't Just a Place"
Drake Meeker looks over his painted mountains on Thursday, February 19, in Elaine Holmquist's class at Hedges Elementary School. This monochromatic assignment incorporated different paints and papers and reflects what the students saw on a recent trip to Glacier National Park. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Mother of the Year
Corinne Bludworth, the American Mothers, Inc., Mother of the Year for Montana with her children Brandon, 20, and Jordan 25, at City Beach in Whitefish on Wednesday, February 18. As a state Mother of the Year Bludworth is in the running for the national title which will be awarded at a conference in Washington D.C. in April. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Scrap Silver
Necklace
Pandora
Coins
Ring
Diamond Ring
Coins and Carats Store
Coins and Carats
Homes February 2015 Cover
Montana Pond Hockey Cover
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This Week in the Flathead Events Calendar | Feb. 19-25
'The Hobbit'
Logan Mercer as Gollum rehearses a scene from "The Hobbit" on Feb. 16, in Whitefish.
Whitefish Theatre Company presents 'The Hobbit'
One play to rule them all
This weekend and next, the Whitefish Theatre Company invites young and old alike to join them on a journey through Middle Earth with the children’s production of “The Hobbit.”
Wednesday, February 18
Fantastic February for golf
The Midwest is stuck in a deep freeze and there’s roughly 10 feet of snow piled atop the East coast. There are ice and wind chill warnings in Florida.
Daybook
Check your cash? Or cash your check?
Hunting-tag change zooming through Legislature
Felicity Mace
Pass Medicaid expansion for a healthy Montana
Beacon Park open for testing session on Saturday
Pond hockey back from the brink
Whitefish voters to be asked to raise tax
Sean Dillon Cox
High-tech industries leading growth boom in Montana
Jeffrey D. Beck Jr.
500 plus wild bison killed so far this winter
Helen Cynthia Sage
Hannah Sophia Richards
Bentley Plympton
Lawmaker wants bigger majority vote on compact
Titus Elijah Butler
Downtown Whitefish distillery planned
Elk foundation holds fundraiser this weekend
Myles Ridgway
Montanans need to control public lands in Montana
Sophia NouVeau Russell
Protect Whitefish water resources
Knox and Kyle Munger
Khloe Leigh Marie Bunn
Everly Rose Hull
Senator's support of water compact is questioned
Man with buried bodies gets life in prison
Lion hunter: Little girl bags a big cat
West Valley teen, 13, brings down 121-pound cougar
Shaelyn Raye Price
Hospital goes public with funding drive
Refinery explosion
A structure is damaged after an explosion in a processing facility at the ExxonMobil refinery in Torrance, Calif. on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015. A small ground fire was quickly extinguished and the facility's flare system was triggered for safety reasons. Two workers suffered minor injuries. (AP Photo/Daily Breeze, Brad Graverson)
Pond hockey gets permit - but no beer
The Kalispell City Council voted Tuesday night to ban the sale of alcohol at this weekend’s Montana Pond Hockey Classic as organizers move the event to Woodland Park.
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Books-Dr Seuss
This book cover image released by Random House shows "What Should I Get Pete," by Dr. Seuss. Random House Children’s Books announced Wednesday that “What Pet Should I Get”, a recently discovered manuscript with illustrations, is coming out July 28. (AP Photo/Random House)
New England Snow Shenanigans
Three students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology jokingly use mountaineering gear to make their way down from a massive snow pile on the MIT campus in Cambridge, Mass., Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015. The mountain of excess snow has been dubbed the "Alps of MIT" and is being used for climbing, sledding and posing. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Ukraine
Ukrainian troops ride on an armored vehicle outside Artemivsk, Ukraine, while withdrawing from Debaltseve, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015. After weeks of relentless fighting, the embattled Ukrainian rail hub of Debaltseve fell Wednesday to Russia-backed separatists, who hoisted a flag in triumph over the town. The Ukrainian president confirmed that he had ordered troops to pull out and the rebels reported taking hundreds of soldiers captive.(AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
Pond Hockey Classic ice preparation
Gianforte at Daily Inter Lake
Greg Gianforte founded RightNow Technologies, speaks at the Daily Inter Lake on Wednesday, February 18, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Gianforte
West Valley teen, 13, brings down 121-pound cougar
Frosty Mornings
Frost on a windshield in Whitefish on Wednesday, February 18. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
This Week in the Flathead: The Hobbit
Bauer Hollman as Bilbo Baggins rehearses a scene from inside Gollum's cave in dress rehearsal for The Hobbit on Monday, February 16, in Whitefish. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Montana Pond Hockey
Tuesday, February 17
Basketball: Plains, Troy win 7B play-ins
PLAINS — Plains outlasted Troy to earn its way into the postseason, topping the Trojans 48-44 in a District 7B boys basketball play-in game on Tuesday.
Taelor Avrie Jones
Miller Dawn Solberg
Malachi Meyer
Carlos Villasenor
Vanessa Leukuma
Lucas Contreras
Justelle Criswell
Ketcher Wilson
Gwen Welder
Aurora Cardoza
Court ruling puts Obama's immigration work on hold
WASHINGTON — The White House will suspend plans to begin giving more than 4 million immigrants here illegally work permits as it pursues an appeal of a Texas federal judge’s ruling that temporarily blocks President Barack Obama’s executive action on immigration.
W. Va. oil train still burning
MOUNT CARBON, W.Va. (AP) — Oil cars were still burning more than a day after a train carrying 3 million gallons of North Dakota crude derailed in a West Virginia snowstorm, shooting fireballs into the sky.
Daybook
Man says tax refund claimed already
A man called the
Many oppose proposal to restrict food stamps
HELENA — A Republican state senator’s bill to restrict eligibility for food stamps in Montana ran into a wall of opposition Monday, including the Bullock administration, Food Bank officials and other advocates for the poor and the hungry.
Moving Forward
Moving Forward founder Starla Hilliard-Barnes with the foundation assistant directors David Singleton, left, and Matt Sather. The foundation will be hosting a sled hockey clinic this weekend at Woodland Park. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Determined paraplegic woman starts adaptive sports program, foundation
A lot has happened since Starla Hilliard-Barnes was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Montana last July.
Panel grounds airplane for governor
HELENA — On a partisan vote, a budget subcommittee on Monday stripped from the state budget the money to pay for the operation of the airplane used by Gov. Steve Bullock.
Legislation aims to reauthorize federal money
Montana’s congressional delegation is pushing for legislation to reauthorize the federal Secure Rural Schools funding program that provides about $1.6 million annually for Flathead County roads and schools.
School threats: Felony charge filed
Law enforcement officials say that it was an effective system that led to the arrest on Monday of a Kalispell man suspected of making online threats.
Town turns away teen after gun incident
HARRISON — After Spencer Ore was banned from a Montana high school in 2013 for bringing two pistols to campus and was accused of making threats, his parents sought help with the hope that one day he would reintegrate into society.
Load limits imposed early on county roads
The unseasonably warm weather has prompted the Flathead County commissioners to set truck load limits close to three weeks earlier than normal.
Log supply a pressing timber issue
Daines looks for ways to improve forest output
Collaboration and reform in federal forest management were the main themes Tuesday during a roundtable discussion held in the Flathead Valley by U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont.
David Joseph Lenio
Edward H. Nelson, 72
Edward H. Nelson, 72, passed away Jan. 13, 2015, in Tucson, Arizona.
Gail Mercelle Boveng, 79
William 'Bill' Edward Highbarger, 72
William “Bill” Edward Highbarger, 72, “went home to heaven” on Feb. 14, 2015, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, after a 17-year battle with COPD.
Leland 'Bob' V. Barta, 86
SAXsational
Jazz saxophonist Rob Verdi and members of the Flathead High School symphonic and jazz bands rehearse for the concert SAXsational at Flathead High School on Tuesday afternoon, February 17. The concert part of the Flathead Valley LIVE on Stage season roster, was last night. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Pond hockey shifted to Woodland Park
Organizers of the Montana Pond Hockey Classic skated to a new venue Tuesday: This weekend’s hockey will be at Woodland Park in Kalispell.
Daines roundtable on forest management reform at F. H. Stolze Land and Lumber Company
Stoltze General Manager Chuck Roady at the roundtable on forest management with Senator Steve Daines on Tuesday, February 17, in Columbia Falls. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Daines roundtable
Susan Dianne (Thramer) Martin, 63
Susan Dianne (Thramer) Martin, 63, was born on March 21, 1951, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to James J. and Bernadette “Mae” (Thiele) Thramer.
Robert Earl Hayward, 51
Bull Riding Cover
Bull Riding
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Monday, February 16
Up to 2 dozen horses shot, dumped in Montana field
Flathead County increases planning fees
Flathead County has increased fees for planning and zoning work by about 8.4 percent to account for inflation.
Shoplifter with hatchet not welcome
The
High school students advance to national meet
Flathead High School capped its speech and debate season with a second-place finish at the National Speech Debate Association Regional Qualifier in Billings.
Fans, foes sound off on Flathead water compact
During a marathon Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Monday in Helena, a bill to ratify the water rights compact for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes drew scores of farmers, ranchers, tribal members, lawyers, Realtors and others passionately advocating for both sides of the controversial issue.
Water Compact hearing
Oregon driver survives ride in river
A man apparently spent nearly 30 minutes in the water after he drove his truck into the Swan River in Bigfork Sunday night.
School threat suspect faces felony charge
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Sunset views
Mountains northeast of the Flathead Valley catch the last rays of sunset on Sunday, February 15, as seen from Whitefish Stage Road. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Early Morning Swan River Rescue
Search and Rescue Coordinator Brian Heino, center, talks with Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry as Heino prepares to take Sam Fussell and Rich Schuster of the dive team out to the partially submerged truck in the Swan River in Bigfork. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Swan River Rescue
Rich Schuster and Sam Fussell of the Flathead County Sheriff's Office Dive Team secure a tow line to a partially submerged pickup truck in the Swan Rive early Monday morning in Bigfork. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Sunday, February 15
Teen gets first haircut on 18th birthday
Lifetime of locks
The day was finally here for Marea Kotila’s 18th birthday wish to come true: She would get her first haircut.
Caller reports pistol problems
The
Sister Judy Lund
Whitefish considers resort-tax increase
The Whitefish City Council will decide Tuesday whether to move forward with a plan to ask voters to approve a 1 percent increase in the city’s resort tax.
Sister celebrates 60 years as a teacher
Sister Judy Lund of Kalispell is celebrating 60 years as a teacher. This also marks her 60th year as a Dominican sister.
Lifetime of locks
Kalispell to consider change of venue for Pond Hockey Classic
The Kalispell City Council will vote Tuesday on a special-events permit in case the Montana Pond Hockey Classic has to be moved from Foy’s Lake to Woodland Park.
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2015 Cabin Fever Days Barstool Ski Races
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Homes February 2015
State Wrestling Results
Class AA
Rough medal round for Flathead, Glacier
BILLINGS — It was a grueling medal round for Flathead Valley grapplers at the All-Class State wrestling tournament on Saturday at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark.
Wrestling: C-Falls' Roberts drops bid for 4th title; Libby's Chapel repeats as champ
BILLINGS — As one legacy came to an end, another trudged towards glory.
Local kids make waves in state swim finals
MISSOULA — Flathead and Glacier wrapped up a season of best times and school records by adding to those achievements at the All-Class State Swim Meet over the weekend at the University of Montana Grizzly Pool.
Basketball roundup: Top-ranked Wildkats roll by Bulldogs
WHITEFISH — Top-ranked Columbia Falls easily overmatched Whitefish, routing the Bulldogs 78-22 in a Northwestern A conference girls basketball game on Saturday.
Stillwater boys MCAA state champs
HELENA — Stillwater Christian School captured the Montana Christian Athletic Association state boys basketball tournament title on Saturday at Carroll College.
Flathead's Vasquez AA mat champion
BILLINGS — Down to the wire, Trae Vasquez kept fighting.
Saturday, February 14
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Columbia Falls' Trevor Houston is fouled as he goes up for a shot between Whitefish defenders Jack Streibich (21) AND AJ Wetsch in Whitefish on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Columbia Falls' Peyton Kehr hauls in a rebound as she battles with Whitefish defenders Cevana Lawshe (30) and Cailyn Ross (43) in Whitefish on Saturday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
McBurneys celebrate 55 years
Lennard “Mac” and Bea McBurney of Columbia Falls celebrated their 55th anniversary on Feb. 6.
Rescued horse was neck-deep in mud
VICTOR (AP) — When members of the Victor Volunteer Fire Department were called out to a nearby ranch for a horse stuck in the mud, none of them could have imagined the challenge they’d soon face.
Commission has failed to explain water compact
I am neither a proponent, nor an opponent, of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Reserved Water Rights Compact, but for the past 10 years I’ve actively tried to learn “what’s going on” with respect to the compact. I’ve not yet succeeded.
Apprentice plan wins support
HELENA — Business and labor groups and others united last week behind a bill to give employers a tax credit of up to $1,000 for each apprentice enrolled in a program registered with the state.
Levitation Nation
Aerial hoop student Alexis Guier imitates instructor Mindy Cochran, left, during a group class at Levitation Nation, a new aerial fitness studio in Kalispell.
'Go Hawks!' Living with the defeat
For “Hawk” fans, Feb. 1st didn’t turn out like we wanted. The next morning, Groundhog Day, was worse. It was like the movie. The game and that last play kept playing over and over and over again — but with no hope of a happy ending whenever we awoke.
Whose land is it anyway? - It should be policy, not politics, that fuels debate
As avid sportsmen, we recognize the value of our public land in Montana. But we also recognize our responsibility as citizens to see that our public lands are properly managed. It’s simply not enough to just “keep it public.”
Barstool Ski Races
Nancy McDowell of Rollins speeds downhill on a make-shift bike with ape hangers during the Barstool Ski Races at the 37th annual Cabin Fever Days in Martin City on Saturday. It was McDowell’s first time competing in the event, but she decided to participate to celebrate her 70th birthday.
Study measures glacial flows
It’s no secret that Glacier National Park’s namesake glaciers are disappearing, posing potential problems on both sides of the Continental Divide for those dependent on meltwater during Montana’s dry summers.
Compact faces first hearing Monday
A bill that would ratify the water rights compact for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes will face its first legislative hearing Monday in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Transfer idea is folly best put behind us quickly
The 2015 Legislature has had no shortage of boondoggles since gaveling in a month ago. One of the worst is a legislative push by Sen. Jennifer Fielder, R-Thompson Falls, that at best is unconstitutional and fiscally reckless, and at worst would evict Montana families from our favorite hunting and fishing spots.
Yoga pants ban must have been a joke, right?
Yoga pants? My first thought was, is it April first already? Unfortunately, no. As Dave Barry would say, “you can’t make this stuff up.” Wow! It’s a good thing there are no important matters for our state legislators to consider. Obviously a 90-day session is way too long if this is all they have on their plate. What a bunch of buffoons.
Schools hire four social workers
Kalispell Public Schools has hired four social workers through a five-year Project Aware grant.
Levitation Nation offers aerial fitness classes
Up in the air
If you’ve ever wanted to float in the air, Mindy Cochran can make it happen.
Lincoln County GOP club opposes tribal water compact
To whomever this may concern, the Lincoln County Republican Club is quite concerned about the proposed, updated 2015 version of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Water Compact.
Lights out in Whitefish
Whitefish traffic lights and bars went dark on Friday night, leaving 2,400 electricity customers without power. Downtown Whitefish went completely black at 5:54 p.m., and the electricity was out until about 8:10 p.m., according to Wendy Ostrom-Price, public relations with Flathead Electric. The outage was caused by an equipment failure at their main Whitefish station, which feeds all distribution. The failure took two hours to repair. Several brief power outages took place in the surrounding area during the repairs.
Don't write off budget surplus
One of Brian Schweitzer’s most endearing traits as governor was his insistence on carrying forward a reasonable budget surplus each year.
Yoga pants bill made state butt of jokes
Why do we continue to elect people to the Montana House and Senate that refuse to think out the ramifications of their proposed legislative bills?
Kalispell audience enjoys ancient Chinese art form
Zhao Hong enters stage right in the David M. Hashley Theatre holding “The Drunken Beauty,” a Chinese puppet ornately dressed in yellow silk with dashes of pink and blue. The focal point of this puppet is 10-foot-long sleeves.
Daybook
Bill adds tree wells as 'risk of skiing'
A Montana law defining the risks of skiing would be amended to include tree wells under a bill sent to Gov. Steve Bullock Friday after handily passing the House.
Senator needs to rethink position on vaccinations
For Rand Paul, Republican candidate for president and a physician (ophthalmologist) to proudly declare that vaccinations should be voluntary is the height of irresponsibility.
Entrepreneur to speak in Kalispell
Greg Gianforte
The Flathead Area Young Professionals will host Greg Gianforte as the keynote speaker at their monthly luncheon on Thursday, Feb. 19.
Smart PJs no substitute for storytelling
I came across something the other day that was so appalling to me I have to tell you about it. They’re called Smart PJs, and an advertisement for these high-tech “jammies” tells parents their children now can slip into the “world’s first and only interactive pajamas.
A vote for laws that promote modesty
Soooo, yoga pants. Stretchy, tight pants for women. Some of them are basically what we used to call tights. What woman in the past would have wanted to walk around wearing tights? I guess the skinny ones might be OK with them. Certainly not one with my figure.
Let's get ready to rumble ... Zinke vs. Tester
When the Democratic Party tapped Sen. Jon Tester of Montana to chair the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, a war was sure to break out.
Jim R. Kittle, 68
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Mike Murray of Whitefish attempts to regain his balance during a heat of the Barstool Ski Races. It was Murray's seventh year competing in the event for Cabin Fever Days. Nearly 40 barstools were entered in the two-day event. The championship races will take place Sunday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Tyson Derber falls down while pushing teammate Mark McConnaughey during the Barstool Ski Races during the 37th annual Cabin Fever Days in Martin City on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Pierre Kaptanian of Whitefish glides down the hill during the Barstool Ski Races for Cabin Fever Days. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Changing Masks puppet show
The Bamboo Fairy rise from a bamboo flower during a shadow puppet show. The fairy dances to embrace spring. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Puppet show
Marjorie M. Spilis, 79
Marjorie “Marge” Spilis passed away on Jan. 5, 2015, in Kalispell.
Cindy Kaye Dittmer, 58
Paul 'Bud 'Jensen, 89
Paul “Bud” Jensen, 89, “moved on to his heavenly home” on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015, at Heritage Place in Kalispell.
Howard Dennis 'Woody' Woodworth, 60
Howard Dennis “Woody” Woodworth, 60, died Feb. 8, 2015, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Nagle-Rowe
Canadian doubles up at PBR event
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State wrestling: C-Falls, Eureka in the hunt
BILLINGS — The Columbia Falls Mat Cats and Eureka Lions continue to make a name for themselves at the All-Class State wrestling tournament.
Survive and advance; Flathead places 3, Glacier two in the state semifinals
BILLINGS — If all goes as planned, the busses may be a little heavier on the trip back from the All-Class State wrestling tournament at the Rimock Auto Arena at MetraPark.
Stillwater boys in MCAA basketball final
HELENA — Stillwater Christian hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer of regulation and outscored Billings’ Rimrock Christian 13-8 in overtime to advance to the Montana Christian Athletic Association boys state championship basketball game on Friday at Carroll College.
State swimming: Wolfpack relays strong
MISSOULA — Powered by its relay teams, Glacier put a large pack of swimmers into the finals races at the MHSA state swim meet at the University of Montana Grizzly Pool on Friday.
Eureka storms by Troy 58-53
The Daily Inter Lake
Friday, February 13
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North Dakota cowboy Zac Peterson is thrown from his bull during the Professional Bull Riders Touring Pro Division Rocky Mountain Challenge at Majestic Arena on Friday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Paul 'Bud 'Jensen, 89
Should we call the cosmos first?
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Astronomers have their own version of the single person’s dilemma: Do you wait by the phone for a call from that certain someone? Or do you make the call yourself and risk getting shot down?
Family of slain student sues killer, girlfriend
MISSOULA — The family of a 17-year-old German exchange student who was shot to death last spring in Montana has filed a lawsuit against the owners of the home where he was shot.
Daybook
Church hosting 'The Art of Marriage' event
The Church at Creston is hosting “The Art of Marriage,” a video-guided series, Feb. 20-21.
Ukraine battles persist before cease-fire deadline
ARTEMIVSK, Ukraine (AP) — Fierce fighting surged Friday in eastern Ukraine as Russian-backed separatists mounted a major, sustained offensive to capture a strategic railway hub ahead of a weekend cease-fire deadline. At least 25 people were killed across the region, officials reported.
Burned dog keeps on improving
Annie Oakley may make appearance at Kalispell dog rally
Annie Oakley, the yellow Lab who nearly perished in a fire last month in Olney, is steadily improving after an outpouring of support from the community.
GOP tax-cut plan reaches Senate
HELENA (AP) — State senators on Friday heard the first of two Republican representatives’ plans to lower income taxes.
Fortine ice fishing derby canceled
Unsafe ice conditions have forced the cancellation of the 10th Annual Ryan Wagner Memorial Ice Fishing Derby, scheduled Feb. 21 at Murphy Lake near Fortine.
Tax break linked to student loans
HELENA — A Winnett legislator wants to provide employers with tax credits if they help pay down their employees’ student loans.
Sound wizard helps tune rooms
Acoustical engineer works with Whitefish High School students
Sitting behind a laptop in one of Whitefish High School’s new music practice rooms, engineer and SnowGhost Music owner Brett Allen shows two physics students how “pink noise” he recorded earlier was translated visually into a graph.
Family of eight left homeless
Flathead Valley residents are rallying to help a Coram family of eight who lost all of their belongings in a house fire Monday morning.
Prison inmate serving murder sentence dies
DEER LODGE — A Montana State Prison inmate serving a life sentence for killing a transient near Missoula has died. Prison spokeswoman Linda Moodry says 55-year-old William Larry Weaver died Wednesday. An autopsy was planned. No foul play was suspected. Weaver had been serving a life sentence in Georgia for rape and child molestation when he escaped in 1990 and traveled to Western Montana. His roommate, Jim Fremou, was shot and killed in the fall of 1993. A hunter found his body in the woods near Missoula. Weaver was arrested by Montana authorities and returned to prison in Georgia. A cellmate there reported that Weaver bragged about killing Fremou to prevent him from disclosing that Weaver was an escapee. Weaver was charged in Fremou’s death in December 1996 and convicted in February 1998.
Lakeside man charged in Polson ATM theft
POLSON — The Lake County attorney has filed a felony theft charge against a Lakeside man suspected of stealing an automated teller machine from a Polson bank in late January. Steven Eschenbacher filed the information against 32-year-old Cory Robert Franklin on Thursday. Franklin was arrested in Flathead County on Feb. 5 on several charges, including suspicion of stealing a pickup truck that was used in the ATM theft. He remained jailed there on Friday. Court records say the ATM theft netted $24,000. The money has not been recovered. Polson police are looking for a second suspect in the ATM theft, but he has not been identified. Police said the two suspects had cased Polson area banks prior to the Jan. 30 theft.
Classic Touch
The barbershop quartet Classic Touch delivers a singing Valentine's to Sue Greskowiak from her husband Mike at Artistic Barbering in downtown Kalispell on Friday, February 13. The quartet is made of Ken Kauffman, Jeff Houston, Steve Kauffman and Duane Herriges. To book a Valentines or other event they can be reached at (406) 250-8400.
Man charged with kidnap, rape of teen 17-year-old
HAMILTON (AP) — A 32-year-old Hamilton man is charged with kidnapping, drugging and repeatedly raping a 17-year-old girl over a period of several days.
Dog allegedly goes a-fowl of the law
Kalispell man's biomass project honored
The National Forest Foundation has announced that a team led by Kalispell native Stephen Jenkins was awarded the runner-up prize in this year’s Barrett Foundation Business Concept Challenge.
Valentine song
Energy industry innovation spurs growth for Montana
Forward thinking about “old” natural resources has brought innovation to the energy industry, and local businesses have played a large part in industry advancements, according to state economists.
Oregon governor quits
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber resigned Friday, giving in to mounting pressure to abandon his office amid suspicions that his fiancee used her relationship with him to land contracts for her green-energy consulting business.
Woman gets 22 years for Lame Deer murder
Effort renewed to abolish death penalty in Montana
HELENA (AP) — Before the hearing began Friday at the Capitol on a bill that would abolish the death penalty, its sponsor Rep. Doc Moore warned the testimony would be “raw.”
acoustics
Brett Allen of Snowghost Music goes over the data of a sound test with Whitefish physics students Michael Voisin, left, and Travis Catina in a practice room in the the Center for Applied Media, Arts and Science on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Sound wizard
Cindy Kaye Dittmer, 58
Nagle-Rowe
A singing Valentine's from Classic Touch
From left, the barbershop quartet Classic Touch, featuring Ken Kauffman, Jeff Houston, Steve Kauffman and Duane Herriges, delivers a singing Valentine's to Sue Greskowiak from her husband Mike at Artistic Barbering in downtown Kalispell on Friday, February 13. To book a Valentines or other event they can be reached at (406) 250-8400. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Deitz to coach cross country at Glacier
Jacob Deitz has been selected head coach for boys and girls cross country at Glacier High School.
Flathead's Raeth a national finalist for coaching award
Bob Raeth of Flathead High School is one of eight nationwide finalists for the National High School Coaches Association Boys Assistant Coach of the Year award.
Thursday, February 12
Basketball roundup: Sentinel pulls away to beat Braves, 60-39
Missoula Sentinel broke open a tight ballgame with a strong second half, defeating Flathead 60-39 in Western AA boys basketball play.
FVCDC clinic has earned our thanks
U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke
Former Columbia Falls educator wins state honor
A former Columbia Falls teacher and principal and Glacier National Park ranger recently was honored for his outstanding career in public education.
Marjorie M. Spilis, 79
Legislators file bill to renew timber county payments
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) — A bill to renew federal subsidies to timber counties has been filed in the Senate.
City to post signs about attacking owl
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — MSNBC host Rachel Maddow inspired Oregon’s capital to post new warning signs in a park where four runners reported attacks from an angry owl likely defending its nest against perceived threats.
Talks produce Ukraine peace deal
MINSK, Belarus (AP) — The peace deal reached Thursday for Ukraine, if it holds, would be a partial win for both Moscow and Kiev: Ukraine retains the separatist eastern regions and regains control of its border with Russia, while Russia holds strong leverage to keep Ukraine from ever becoming part of NATO.
Three Kalispell skiers enjoy two decades of competition
For 20 years, Big Mountain has played host to the Special Olympics Montana Winter Games. For each of those years, three Kalispell athletes have hit the slopes, representing their home town as they try to claim medals.
Angry owl
Neal Wedum
Zinke calls for ground troops
HELENA — Disagreeing with President Barack Obama, U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Montana, said Wednesday it will take ground operations for the U.S. armed forces to defeat ISIS terrorists in the Middle East.
Missoula killer gets 70 years
Scholarship applications due by March 16
Students planning to attend Flathead Valley Community College during the 2015-16 academic year who want to be eligible for scholarships need to complete common scholarship applications by March 16.
Panel trims child abuse prevention plan
HELENA (AP) — Lawmakers have moved to help fund an effort to prevent child abuse by taking money from the governor’s office budget.
Trotting turkey targets Kalispell cars
A call to the
Obama war power plan in search of its first supporter
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans said Thursday that President Barack Obama’s request to authorize the use of force against the Islamic State group is too weak to do the job, and the House’s Democratic leader said the White House is facing a stern challenge.
McBurney
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Sara Maldonado carries the Flame of Hope with teammates Kristin Twet, left, and Jamey Herron with Kalispell Police officer Jason Parce and Whitefish Police officer Tim Schuch (not pictured) during the Special Olympics Montana Winter Games Kick-Off Celebration. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Special Olympics Montana Winter Games in Whitefish
Markus Kaarma
Markus Kaarma listens Dec. 17, 2014, as a jury pronounces him guilty of deliberate homicide for killing a German exchange student. Kaarma was sentenced Thursday to 70 years in prison. (AP photo)
Living History of Jeannette Rankin
Mary Jane Bradbury gives a living history presentation of social reformer Jeannette Rankin at Glacier High School on Thursday, February 12. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
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Flathead Valley LIVE on Stage brings Rob Verdi to Kalispell
‘SAXsational’
Flathead Valley LIVE on Stage is bringing jazz saxophonist Rob Verdi to Kalispell as the next act on their landmark 75th-season roster. “SAXsational,” featuring Verdi and the Flathead High School symphonic and jazz bands, will be Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 7:30 p.m. at the Flathead High School Performance Hall, 644 Fourth Ave. W., Kalispell.
Rob Verdi
Local swimmers dive into state meet
MISSOULA — The swim seasons for Flathead and Glacier have been record setting and filled with plenty of best times.
TERRY COLUMN: Flathead wrestling with youth
To call Flathead wrestling a young team would be an understatement.
Wrestling: Roberts aims for fourth title
Only 23 wrestlers have done what Shonn Roberts is trying to do — win four state titles in a high school career.
Marching to the Metra: Area wrestlers shooting for state titles
For the Montana wrestling community, this is the weekend when the state stands still.
Daybook
Wednesday, February 11
Anderson is new wildlife manager
Region gets new wildlife manager
As of this week, a new face is heading up the wildlife division of the local branch of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
Lakes can go bad fast with this weather
Excuse me, do you have the MONTH?
'60 Minutes' newsman Bob Simon, 73, dies in NYC crash
NEW YORK (AP) — CBS says longtime ‘60 Minutes’ correspondent Bob Simon has been killed in New York City car crash.
SpaceX launches observatory on 3rd try
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — SpaceX launched an observatory inspired by former Vice President Al Gore toward a solar-storm lookout point a million miles away Wednesday.
Driver recovers purloined beer keg
A beer thief apparently bit off more than he could chew early Tuesday morning. The
Students given 'Fifty Shades of Grey' puzzles
MONESSEN, Pa. (AP) — Parents in a Pennsylvania school district are turning 50 shades of red over word search puzzles given to middle school students based on an erotic novel and movie.
Slain wolf was from rare Arizona sighting
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A gray wolf that was shot by a hunter in Utah was the same one spotted in the Grand Canyon area last year, federal wildlife officials said Wednesday.
'American Sniper' murder trial opens
STEPHENVILLE, Texas (AP) — Shortly before he was shot to death by a troubled former Marine at a Texas gun range, legendary Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle texted a buddy, “This dude is straight-up nuts,” a defense attorney told jurors Wednesday.
President seeks war powers
WASHINGTON (AP) — Declaring the Islamic State is on the defensive and “going to lose,” President Barack Obama asked Congress on Wednesday to formally authorize military force against the militants. But he vowed not to repeat the large and costly ground wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Anchor Stewart leaving 'Daily Show'
Health deadline looms on Feb. 15
The Affordable Care Act open enrollment period ends Sunday, Feb. 15, marking the last day most people can sign up for health-care plans through the federal Marketplace without facing tax penalties.
Lawmaker wants to repeal 12-day milk rule rule
Polson grocer says regulation causes waste
HELENA — A Polson lawmaker who has been in the grocery business for 30 years wants to overturn a rule that requires milk be removed from Montana grocery store shelves 12 days after it is pasteurized.
Cabin Fever comes to Canyon towns
The Trapline Association presents the 37th Annual Cabin Fever Days Friday through Sunday in the Canyon communities of Martin City, Coram and Hungry Horse.
Highway Patrol launches Warrant Wednesdays
The Montana Highway Patrol has launched a new online tool designed to use public assistance to help law enforcement officers locate wanted fugitives.
Board gets first look at new shopping center
The Kalispell Planning Board heard plans Tuesday night for a fourth phase of commercial development in north Kalispell that would include up to 14 building pads.
Water compact needed to avoid multiple lawsuits
The Water Compact (Senate Bill 262) between the state of Montana and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes is now before our Legislature.
Send legislators your concerns about the water compact
The first public hearing for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Water Compact has been scheduled for Monday in room 303 at the Capitol Building in Helena before the Senate Judiciary Committee at 8 a.m.
It's about more than water
People on the reservation are well aware of the mind-set and objectives of certain tribal council members, water compact commissioners and key group of supporters. This same attitude, if extended beyond reservation boundaries, constitutes a real threat emanating basically from a small group of perpetrators seeking power and control.
Realtors' group voices concerns on compact process
The board of directors of the Northwest Montana Association of Realtors would like to make it known to those crafting and negotiating the Salish and Kootenai Water Compact that we, as a board, object to the lack of timely disclosure of a complete document package (including all appendices) for our review and consideration.
Set sights higher than yoga pants
GOP unveils alternatives to Medicaid expansion
HELENA — Legislative Republicans Tuesday rolled out their proposals to expand health coverage for the poor in Montana and reform health care, saying the plan is focused on “getting the right services to the right people.”
Congress clears Keystone pipeline bill, setting up veto
WASHINGTON — The Republican-controlled Congress cleared a bill Wednesday to construct the Keystone XL oil pipeline, setting up a confrontation with President Barack Obama, who has threatened to veto the measure.
Bills would expand gun laws
HELENA (AP) — Republican lawmakers have proposed three bills in the House Judiciary Committee to augment Montana gun laws.
Cold snap may boost pond hockey
Tournament with 61 teams will go on as scheduled
The Montana Pond Hockey Classic will go on as scheduled in the Flathead Valley next weekend, even if organizers have to find an alternate location because of ice conditions.
Group pursuing 'personhood' amendment
HELENA — Members of an anti-abortion group gathered Wednesday at the Montana Capitol in support of a proposed state constitutional amendment that would define human life as beginning at conception.
Bill to ban provocative clothing gets tabled
HELENA (AP) — A Montana legislative panel has moved to kill a bill that would tighten the state’s indecent exposure law and consequently ban some provocative clothing.
Abortion foes rally at state Capitol
Protesters fill the Capitol rotunda during a rally to show support in an attempt to change the Montana Constitution to define life as beginning at conception. The “personhood” initiative will have its first hearing Monday at the Legislature. (AP photo)
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Flathead's Payton Hume locks on to Missoula Sentinel's Jace Kovalicky in the 132-pound championship match. Hume lost the match 7-5 to finish second. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Glacier 138-pound wrestler Cody Decker puts Missoula Hellgate's Shawn Olson on his back during the consolation match at the Western AA Divisional Tournament at Glacier last week. Decker finished third by pinning Olson. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
This Week in the Flathead Events Calendar | Feb. 12-18
Howard Dennis 'Woody' Woodworth, 60
Preparing for Valentine's Day at Flowers by Hansen
Red Intuition Roses with their two-toned petals re a type of premium roses ordered especially for Valentine's. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
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Fog covers the valley below Herron Park on Wednesday morning. According to the National Weather Service the Flathead Valley is expected to have patchy fog through Friday morning.
TV Jon Stewart
FILE - This Nov. 30, 2011 file photo shows television host Jon Stewart during a taping of "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" in New York. Comedy Central announced Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015, that Stewart will will leave "The Daily Show" later this year. (AP Photo/Brad Barket, File)
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Footsteps
The Whitefish Winter Carnival royal court bestowed king and queen honors on Patrick Barrera and Gail Litchfield at Footsteps, the memory-care unit attached to The Springs at Whitefish.
Springs
Whitefish Winter Carnival King Ullr Lin Akey, Queen of the Snows Anita Welch, Prime Minister Luke Walrath, Duchess of Lark Linda Ray, Prince Frey Sam Stevenson and Princess Freya Peyton Twete knighted Ed Gray and Phyllis Bouton, residents of The Springs at Whitefish.
Tuesday, February 10
Bigfork blows by Mission
ST. IGNATIUS — The Bigfork boys jumped out to a huge first-quarter lead and built on it in the second half to cruise past St. Ignatius in a 72-48 nonconference basketball win on Tuesday.
Stillwater Christian, FVHS shooting for hoops titles
There will be no title for Stillwater Christian School to defend at the Montana Christian Athletic Association state girls basketball tournament this weekend in Helena.
Flathead tabs former asst. to lead boys soccer
Nate Evans, who was an assistant coach for one season in the Flathead soccer program, has been named the boys head coach.
Longtime Whitefish coach Byrd leaves for C-Falls
It was just a matter of time.
Daybook
Parker Waldenberg
Parker Waldenberg, son of Matt and Teryn Waldenberg of Kalispell, was born Sept. 20 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Liam Naldrett
Liam Naldrett, son of James and Farrah Naldrett of Kalispell, was born Sept. 16 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Greyson Reisinger
Greyson Reisinger, son of Brad and Britanny Reisinger of Kalispell, was born Sept. 19 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Trace Bardill
Trace Bardill, son of Nicholas Bardill and Brittany McDonald of Columbia Falls, was born Sept. 13 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Noah Driear
Noah Driear, son of Mat and Leslie Driear of Kalispell, was born Sept. 10 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Addilyn Mahlum
Addilyn Mahlum, daughter of Logan and Jennifer Mahlum of Kalispell, was born Sept. 9 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Kinzley Briles
Kinzley Briles, daughter of Jeremy and Kellie Briles of Kalispell, was born Sept. 4 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Trace Heinrichs
Trace Heinrichs, son of Justin and Laura Heinrichs of Kalispell, was born Sept. 8 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Sho Journey
Sho Journey, son of Rocky and Tamami Journey of Kalispell, was born Sept. 6 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Man makes 911 call from rolled truck
The
Snowpack drops, but stream-flow forecast still looks promising
Snowpack levels have dropped across much of Montana after a dry January and above average temperatures.
Hearing takes first look at federal land-transfer bill
HELENA — The contentious issue of transferring management of federal lands to the state got its first airing at the 2015 Legislature Monday, as a Republican senator presented her bill to prevent the state from selling any transferred land.
Organizers seek Kalispell dog park
A pair of public meetings have demonstrated substantial interest in an off-leash dog park in Kalispell.
Tribal chairman urges expansion of Medicaid
HELENA — The chairman of the Little Shell Chippewa Indians urged the Legislature on Monday to expand Medicaid to increase Native Americans’ access to quality health care.
Legislative panels hear opposing aid-in-dying bills
It was an emotional Tuesday morning as a state committee heard more than an hour of testimony from doctors and surviving family members on a bill that would criminalize physician-assisted suicide, or aid in dying, as homicide.
School leader Zorn bound for Longview
Kalispell Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Dan Zorn has been selected as the superintendent of Longview School District in Washington.
Schools lay out spending needs
Governor’s listening session
Gov. Steve Bullock and Department of Commerce Director Meg O’Leary visited Elrod Elementary School on Tuesday to listen to local school leaders talk about infrastructure needs and rally support for the administration’s Build Montana Plan.
Should yoga pants be banned?
Tougher indecent exposure law sought
HELENA (AP) — A Montana lawmaker is seeking to strengthen the state’s indecent exposure law, stopping just short of his wish to outlaw yoga pants.
First Hair Cut
Marea Kotila has a shocked look on her face as she holds her 29 in pony tail during her first hair cut on Friday, February 6. She will be donating the 5 pounds, 3 ounces of hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths which provides free wigs to cancer patients. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Billings coal plant shutting down
BILLINGS — The J.E. Corette coal-fired power plant in Billings will shut down in August, its owner said Tuesday, making it the latest casualty in a wave of closures across the country that have left the coal industry reeling.
Man who caused fatal crash gets 12 years in prison
BILLINGS — A 19-year-old Billings man who pleaded guilty to negligent homicide for a fiery crash that killed his passenger and seriously injured the woman’s 4-year-old daughter has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Bill aims to make online harassment a misdemeanor
HELENA — Montana could go from being the only state without a law against bullying to the 20th state to criminalize cyberbullying under a bill legislators are considering.
White House seeks authorization for military to fight Islamic State
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House circulated a proposal Tuesday that would authorize the U.S. military to fight Islamic State terrorists but assure Congress there would be no “enduring offensive combat” role, officials said. They said the ambiguous wording was designed to satisfy lawmakers with widely varying views on the need for ground operations.
Kayla Jean Mueller confirmed dead in captivity
Kayla Jean Mueller
U.S. aid worker confirmed dead in captivity
PRESCOTT, Ariz. (AP) — The small Arizona town where Kayla Jean Mueller grew up began gathering in grief Tuesday upon learning that the 26-year-old aid worker who traveled the world on a quest to help others died while in the hands of Islamic State militants.
Betty Bozarth Leslie, 77
Betty Bozarth Leslie, 77, passed away on Monday. Feb. 9, 2015, peacefully at her home in Kalispell.
Eagle Release
Detail of the two inch talons of a young bald eagle on Tuesday, February 10, near Marion before being released back into the wild. According to Kari Gabriel of the Montana Wild Wings Recovery Center the eagle talons have a 1200 pounds per square inch crushing capacity. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Wayne Delbert Schwenke, 64
June Sanders Burns, 90
A longtime resident of Montana, June Sanders Burns, 90, passed away Monday, Feb. 9, 2015, at her home in Troy.
Governor Bullock discusses infrastrucure needs of Kalispell schools
Governor Steve Bullock and Director of the Department of Commerce Meg O'Leary listen to ideas, suggestions and concerns from Flathead valley superintendents and other school officials on Tuesday, February 10, at Elrod Elementary in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Governor's listening session
Gov. Steve Bullock, left, and Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Mark Flatau discuss school infrastructure needs on Tuesday at Elrod Elementary School in Kalispell. In the foreground is the thick binder that contains a Quality Schools Grant application for $550,000 toward projects in Kalispell schools that are expected to cost just over $1 million.
The Springs at Whitefish crown senior kings, queens
At The Springs at Whitefish, residents in the assisted-living home voted for royalty for the Whitefish Winter Carnival, bestowing king and queen honors on two seniors at the center and two more at Footsteps, the memory-care unit attached to The Springs.
Monday, February 9
Kalispell store on RadioShack closure list
Four RadioShack locations in Montana, including the Kalispell store, are included on the company’s list of nearly 1,800 stores it expects to close by the end of March as the electronics retailer seeks bankruptcy reorganization.
House passes gun-rights bill
The Montana House on Monday took up two bills asserting states’ rights over the federal government, with a gun-rights bill moving forward to the Senate and a bill to give sheriffs a say over federal law offices killed after a lengthy floor debate.
Fire in the Storm
FVCC botany teacher leads jungle excursion
Mirabai McCarthy likes ferns.
Legislators OK Wild Horse Island dock
A long-awaited public dock on Wild Horse Island is closer to becoming a reality, as a bill authorizing its construction will soon head to Gov. Steve Bullock’s desk for his signature.
New shopping center goes to Planning Board
The Kalispell Planning Board begins its review of a fourth phase of commercial development in north Kalispell during a work session that follows tonight’s board meeting.
Arson was just 'unintelligent' kids
A suspected arson in Kalispell turned out to be “just kids being unintelligent in the parking lot.” A caller told the
Record warm day gives way to rain
Before the rains set in, Sunday’s balmy day set a record high temperature for the Flathead Valley.
Edward Bowen McNeil, 93
Edward Bowen McNeil, 93, passed away Feb. 8, 2015, in Kalispell.
Yvonne Dolores Hall, 94
Julia 'Judy' Eva (Trosper) Evenson, 95
Judy was born on Oct. 11, 1919, in Pomeroy, Washington, to Benjamin Carlos and Jeanne Dinkins Trosper.
Larry L. Baer, 70
Larry L. Baer passed away on Feb. 5, 2015, at the age of 70.
A Ruffed Grouse in Glacier
A Ruffed Grouse in Glacier National Park on Wednesday, February 4. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
This Week in the Flathead: Rob Verdi and the Flathead High School Band
Flathead senior Heather Fantino and members of the Jazz Band practice on Thursday, February 5, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
FVCC students in Costa Rica
Instructor Mirabai McCarthy, lower right, led 17 Flathead Valley Community College students on a botany field course in Costa Rica last month. (Photo courtesy of Mirabai McCarthy)
A curious squirrel
A curious squirrel pokes its head out from shelter during Monday's rain shower on February 9, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Rainy Day
Rain drops fall on 1st Avenue West in Kalispell on Monday morning, February 9. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Sunday, February 8
Another PBR victory for Triplett
ANAHEIM, Calif. — A perfect weekend led to another Professional Bull Riders circuit win for Matt Triplett at the Honda Center.
Uhde decisions Gonzalez for super middle weight title
Jesse Uhde of Kalispell won by unanimous decision over Daniel Gonzalez of Billings on Saturday night at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.
Winter Carnival keeps police busy
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Upbeat art teacher is mentor for students
It is very rare to see Lonnie Collinsworth without a smile.
Flathead Valley Chemical Dependency Clinic
Mike Cummins, center, and the staff of the Flathead Valley Chemical Dependency Clinic gather on Wednesday, Feb. 4, in Kalispell.
Clinic marks 40 years on front line of addiction
Two things haven’t changed for the Flathead Valley Chemical Dependency Clinic in the 40 years it has been open: alcohol is the No. 1 cause of patients going to the clinic, and resources are spread thin.
Meeting on Haskill Basin water set for Thursday
A town hall meeting focused on protecting the city of Whitefish water supply in Haskill Basin is planned at 7 p.m. Thursday at Whitefish City Hall.
Monday Profile: Lonnie Collinsworth
Art teacher Lonnie Collinsworth has taught at Whitefish High School for 15 years.
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Saturday, February 7
Planting seeds for state: Flathead, Glacier boys win individual titles at seeding meet
Glacier wound up with two individual wrestling champions and Flathead had one after a long day of mat action at the Western AA seeding tournament on Saturday at Glacier High School.
Wrestling: Columbia Falls, Eureka win divisional titles
POLSON — The Columbia Falls Mat Cats pushed 11 wrestlers through to the finals at the Northwestern A Divisional tournament, capturing seven individual championships on their way to the team title at Linderman Gym in Polson on Saturday.
Basketball roundup: C-Falls boys survive scare from Polson
COLUMBIA FALLS — With the score tied at 59, Columbia Falls’ Ty Morgan was fouled on a 3-point attempt with two seconds to play. He hit all ensuing three free throws, and the No. 1 Wildcats hung on for a 62-59 Northwestern A home victory on Saturday.
Basketball: Capital boys shoot past Flathead
A day after hitting eight 3-pointers in an emotional 54-53 loss to Helena High, the Flathead Braves got a taste of their own medicine while hosting the Helena Capital Bruins on Saturday afternoon.
Gemignani-Keister
Tina Corwin of Whitefish and Gene Gemignani of Whitefish announce the engagement of their daughter, Kelly Gemignani, to Taylor Keister, son of Tracie and Howard Keister of Whitefish.
Mager-Vernarsky
Jennifer Ellyse Mager and Dana Ric Vernarsky of Kalispell announce their engagement.
Ahead of curfew ending, bombs kill 40 in Iraq
BAGHDAD (AP) — Ahead of Baghdad ending a decade-old nightly curfew, bombs exploded across the Iraqi capital Saturday, killing at least 40 people in a stark warning of the dangers still ahead in this country torn by the Islamic State group.
Brian Williams taking himself off air temporarily
Transient may need new marketing technique
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Glacier's Quinn Barber keeps Missoula Sentinel's Chance Stacks from escaping in the 152-pound championship match at the Western AA Divisional seeding. Barber won the match 7-5. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Flathead's Payton Hume locks on to Missoula Sentinel's Jace Kovalicky in the 132-pound championship match. Hume lost the match 7-5 to finish second. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Flathead's Trae Vasquez
Flathead's Trae Vasquez flips Big Sky's Demo Koures in the 113-pound championship match of the Western AA Divisional Seeding Tournament on February 7, 2015 at Glacier High School. Vasquez won the match 9-2. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Low fuel costs drive savings for county
$158,000
Time to fight Islamofascism before it's too late
I was astounded at the Sunday talk shows, “Force the Nation” and “Meet the Depressed” on Jan. 11. The apology tour which began with Obama in 2009 declaring a new kinder, gentler, more humble America that refused to use its military might to solve problems like Islamofascism was in full swing.
Compact explained to legislators
HELENA – A bill that would ratify the water rights compact for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes was introduced last week, and a special educational session Saturday by the bill’s sponsor aimed to make the case for the controversial agreement and answer legislators’ concerns.
Compact controversy:
The Montana legislative session has begun and one of the 900-pound gorillas in the room is the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Water Compact. The negotiations have wrapped up and a bill is being sponsored by Sen. Chas Vincent, R-Libby.
Daybook
Construction still on the rebound
Making a midwinter splash
Worth the wait: Public embraces new Flathead Lake Brewing Co. pubhouse
No debate: Spoken-word domination!
Eloquence, patience, preparation, presentation.
Compact Controversy: Is 'big money' backing tribal compact?
Wow, all in the same day I was bombarded with a TV ad, radio ad and glossy mail flyer extolling the wonders of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Water Compact that is ready to be debated by our legislators in Helena.
Planning Board sets 'doughnut' work session
Young siblings growing their hair for a cause
Defense says shooter was threatened
MISSOULA (AP) — Lawyers for a Montana man convicted of killing a 17-year-old German exchange student have responded to the state’s assertion that allowing a new trial would be a miscarriage of justice.
Richard Lawrence Berg, 78
Edward Roy Duelfer, 65
Caryl Joy Empie, 82
Islam, history and the failure to recognize a world threat
If you don’t know which side the president is on, you should probably be forgiven. It often appears HE doesn’t know which side he is on.
Fight governor on Common Core
Gov. Steve Bullock is again on the move. This time personally courting children in kindergarten, asking them if they know what the job of governor is. Well of course they don’t. They are just small children.
Margaret 'Maggie' Danielson, 80
Margaret “Maggie” Danielson, 80, of Kalispell, passed away on Jan. 21, 2015, in her home with her family around her. Maggie “went peacefully from her temporary home here on Earth to her eternity home in heaven.”
Frances Irene Bekkedahl, 84
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A group of the Flying Penguins team jumps into Whitefish Lake during the Penguin Plunge on Saturday. The Flying Penguin team raised the most money for the event. They raised nearly $7,000 for the Special Olympics. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Emily Robinson is carried out of Whitefish Lake by Shawn Hennessey after jumping in for a Plum Creek. Plum Creek raised more than $2,000 for the event. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Kyler Morrison of Whitefish jumps into Whitefish Lake during the Penguin Plunge on Saturday. The event for the Whitefish Carnival raised nearly $25,000 for the Special Olympics. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Penguin Plunge
Images from the 2015 Penguin Plunge in Whitefish Lake for the Whitefish Winter Carnival on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015.
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A group of the Flying Penguins team jumps into Whitefish Lake during the Penguin Plunge on Saturday. The Flying Penguin team raised the most money for the event. They raised nearly $7,000 for the Special Olympics. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Kyler Morrison of Whitefish jumps into Whitefish Lake during the Penguin Plunge on Saturday. The event for the Whitefish Carnival raised nearly $25,000 for the Special Olympics. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Emily Robinson is carried out of Whitefish Lake by Shawn Hennessey after jumping in for a Plum Creek. Plum Creek raised more than $2,000 for the event. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Friday, February 6
Bengals tip Braves
When the Flathead Braves get hot, they can play with anybody.
No. 1 Capital downs No. 2 Glacier
HELENA — Hailee Bennett scored 17 points and the No. 2 Glacier girls nearly erased a 16-point deficit before falling to No. 1 Helena Capital 45-39 in a Western AA basketball game on Friday.
Helena Capital trips Wolfpack in OT
The No. 5 Glacier boys nearly survived a second straight overtime game, but fell 42-39 to visiting Helena Capital in Western AA conference play on Friday.
State quest starts for grapplers
Today’s high school wrestling action at Eureka, Glacier and Polson is all about two things.
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Flathead’s Trae Habel lofts a shot over a trio of Helena High defenders for a basket during Friday’s Western AA boys basketball game at Flathead High School. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Flathead’s Tyler Johnson drives past Helena High’s AJ Kanthack during the third quarter of Friday’s Western AA boys basketball game at Flathead High School. Johnson, a freshman, finished with 16 points. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Flathead Lake Brewing Company
Both plane engines lost power before Taiwan crash
Foreign-law bill gets local support
Child killed by pickup truck
Hands-on learning: Preschool lets students work at their own pace
Daybook
Obama tells colleges to cut out the frills
Revenue Department warns of fraudulent income tax returns
Mystery messages: 'Babe I did it'
Ex-county treasurer denies embezzlement charge
Benghazi panel to query top officials
Man arrested in python attack
Health info encryption not required
Professor killed in South Carolina murder-suicide
U.S. skeptical about Islamic State hostage claim
Glacier principal a trustee for FVCC
Eureka school nominated for Blue Ribbon Award
Man in custody in connectionwith theft of Polson ATM
$10,000 reward put up after arena arson fire
Stillwater Christian Montessori Preschool
Richard Lawrence Berg, 78
Winter Carnival Knight
Dr. Bruce McIntyre sings for the Whitefish Winter Carnival Royal Court and the crowd gathered for his knighting ceremony on Thursday, February 5, in Kalispell.
Frances Irene Bekkedahl, 84
An Evening of Fine Arts V
Thursday, February 5
Glacier sneaks by Helena
Glacier wing Cain Boschee made a game-saving block at the end of regulation and stole a final attempt inbounds pass to seal a narrow 34-33 overtime win over visiting Helena High (7-6 overall, 3-2 Western AA) for the fifth-ranked Wolfpack in a defense-heavy Western AA boys basketball game on Thursday.
No. 1 rematch: Vikes spill Cats
COLUMBIA FALLS — The last time Bigfork and Columbia Falls met on the hardwood as the No. 1 teams in their respective classes, the Wildcats steamrolled to a 21-point victory.
Kalispell youth wins gold in taekwondo
Standout taekwondo competitor Adam Bartlett, 13, recently won a gold medal at the U.S. Open International Taekwondo Championships.
Montana Western football lands two Flathead players
When Montana Western released it’s initial signing day class, not a single Flathead Brave was listed.
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Adam Bartlett, 13, recently won a gold medal at the U.S. Open International Taekwondo Championships. It was the second time Bartlett has placed first in his division at the U.S. Open. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Glacier's Jaxen Hashley (13) powers a shot through Helena defenders Henry Garrett (44) and AJ Kanthack during the fourth quarter of the Wolfpack's 34-33 win. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Glacier's Jaxen Hashley (13) powers a shot through Helena defenders Henry Garrett (44) and AJ Kanthack during the fourth quarter of the Wolfpack's 34-33 win. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Glacier's Truman Pisk celebrates the Wolfpack's overtime win against Helena on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Adam Bartlett warms up at Big Sky Martial Arts in Kalispell Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
RadioShack files for bankruptcy
NEW YORK — A diminished RadioShack will live on, but its future may lie with Sprint.
A well-deserved salute for vets
Whitefish Winter Carnival is always a great event for locals and visitors, but this weekend’s finale to a month of fun promises to be even more memorable.
Terror expert: 'It's their problem'
Whitefish writer provides insights about Islamic State
The solution to stopping the expanding grip of the Islamic State must come from the Middle East itself, an international terrorism expert told Kalispell Rotary Club members on Thursday.
Reappraisal bill gets mixed response
HELENA — A major bill to revise the state’s reappraisal process and reduce the reappraisal cycle to two years from the current six years drew mixed reviews Wednesday, but its sponsor was confident most issues can be worked out.
Daybook
Coast Guardsman shoots 2 colleagues
BOURNE, Mass. (AP) — A Coast Guard member shot two colleagues at a Cape Cod condo complex early Thursday, lit a car on fire to hamper police, planted fake bombs and then opened fire on officers, authorities said.
Kyle James Hibler, 30
Kyle James Hibler was born on May 13, 1984, to Ken and Becky (Batz) Hibler in Longmont, Colorado. He was an only child and was very much loved by his family and the many friends that he made during his lifetime. He was a caring and compassionate young man who loved people and animals and thrived on making people laugh.
Not so sunny on Sunshine Drive
Things weren’t sunny on Sunshine Drive in Kalispell when two men tussled each other to the ground in a case of road rage. The incident was reported to
Bills tackling mental health crisis advance
HELENA — A state House panel Wednesday strongly endorsed a package of bills to beef up local mental health services in Montana, as a key Republican lawmaker said that’s the best approach to solve the state’s mental health crisis.
Alaska governor proposes state job cuts as oil prices plunge
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Gov. Bill Walker has proposed eliminating 329 state positions as part of a spending package that is still expected to require billions of dollars to be taken from savings as Alaska struggles to meet ends amid plunging oil prices.
Jordan vows war on Islamic State
AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — Dozens of Jordanian fighter jets bombed Islamic State targets on Thursday, including training centers and weapons storage sites, the military said, pledging to keep up the attacks until the militants are defeated.
Cameroon: Extremists go on rampage
YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) — Nigerian Islamic extremists on the run from a massive, three-nation offensive took revenge Thursday on civilians in neighboring Cameroon, shooting and burning scores to death and razing mosques and churches. France’s president warned that the world is not doing enough to end the wanton killings by Boko Haram.
2 dead in university shooting
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Two people died Thursday in an apparent murder-suicide inside a building on the University of South Carolina’s campus, a shooting that authorities called “very isolated.”
2 boys drown after falling through ice on sewage lagoon
GREAT FALLS (AP) — Authorities say two young boys drowned after falling through the ice on a sewage lagoon at a Hutterite Colony near Great Falls.
Coach charged with raping players back in jail
BOZEMAN (AP) — A former high school girls’ basketball coach who is charged with raping two of his players has been returned to jail.
New bill would replace 'offensive' place names
HELENA — The words “half-breed” and “breed” are offensive, and it’s the government’s duty to remove them from the names of creeks and other places in Montana, a state lawmaker says.
Session considers law against bullying
HELENA (AP) — Montana legislators on Wednesday considered whether to join every other state in the nation in putting anti-bullying policy into law.
Expanding school gets boost from foundation
Whitefish Christian Academy has received a financial boost in its expansion efforts from the Gianforte Family Foundation.
Economic outlook to be presented Feb. 13
The annual Montana Economic Outlook Seminar will reach Kalispell on Feb. 13 to discuss the economic future for Northwest Montana and the state.
Bullock, Ankney push bills to disclose campaign money
HELENA — Montana’s Democratic governor and a Republican state senator are pushing for full disclosure of political donations under proposed legislation.
Loretta Napoleoni speaks to the Rotary Club of Kalispell
Loretta Napoleoni speaks to the Rotary Club of Kalispell on Thursday, Feb. 5.
Knighting of Dr. Bruce McIntyre as part of 2015 Whitefish Winter Carnival
King Ullr LVI Lin Akey shakes the hand of former King Ullr VI Dr. Bruce McIntyre at the knighting ceremony on Thursday morning, February 5, at Buffalo Hill Terrace in Kalispell. The entire Whitefish Winter Carnival Royal Court was in attendance including from left: Princess Freya Nikita Packard, Duches of Lark Linda Ray, Prince Frey Sam Stevenson, King Ullr Lin Akey, Queen of the Snows Anita Welch and Prime Minister Luke Walrath. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
This Week in the Flathead Events Calendar | Feb. 5-11
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Whitefish Winter Carnival
Winter Carnival brings the red, white and blue to Whitefish
Celebrating 'America the Beautiful'
One of Whitefish’s largest, longest-running and most popular annual events, Winter Carnival brings yetis and penguins, royalty and Vikings, horses, skijorers, music and always a surprise or two. This year’s Carnival, themed “America the Beautiful: Honoring Veterans,” promises to be no exception.
Building a recruit pipeline
College football recruiting is an intricate and often frustrating process.
Griz sign Sandry, Harris
MISSOULA — Bigfork safety Josh Sandry and Glacier defensive end Andrew Harris headline the Flathead Valley additions to an extremely-talented class who will play for the University of Montana next season.
Pack trio signs with Cats
BOZEMAN — Glacier linebacker Josh Hill signed a National Letter of Intent to play football at Montana State this fall, heading a class that features two other Wolfpack players as preferred walk-ons among a group heavy with transfers.
Glacier's Harrison Kauffman signs at Lehigh
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Glacier defensive lineman Harrison Kauffman signed a National Letter of Intent to play football at Lehigh University this fall, one of two Glacier High stars to sign with a NCAA Division I school on Wednesday. Kauffman is part of a 31-player class that signed to play with the Mountain Hawks, who play in the Patriot League of the Football Championship Subdivision.
Wednesday, February 4
Gemignani-Keister
Mager-Vernarsky
No delay in Kaarma sentencing
MISSOULA (AP) — A Missoula judge has denied a request to delay the sentencing of a man convicted of killing a German exchange student who broke into his garage.
Man who lived modestly leaves millions in donations
BRATTLEBORO, Vt. (AP) — A man who sometimes held his coat together with safety pins and had a long-time habit of foraging for firewood also had a knack for picking stocks — a talent that became public after his death when he bequeathed $6 million to his local library and hospital.
Daybook
Stealing candy is not child's play
It may be easy to take candy from a baby, but don’t try stealing it from the U.S. 2 business where an employee called the
Hooray for pi!
A recent Daily Inter Lake ad from Loula’s celebrates Jan. 23 as National Pie Day, a swell time to enjoy a slice of proof that God loves us.
What evolution doesn't explain...
Derek Brouwer’s article about House Bill 321 (reprinted in the Inter Lake) is proof in itself that there is controversy about the origin of life. And he presents a very one-sided argument against critical thinking on that subject.
Commissioners wrong to oppose water compact
I was disappointed to learn that the Flathead County Board of Commissioners informed the governor and legislators that it opposes the Salish and Kootenai Tribal Water Compact. I raise hay on 240 acres in Moiese Valley and support the compact because it is the best way to maintain water deliveries to all irrigators, including my farm.
Commissioner urges 'No' vote on water compact
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Water Rights Compact has been sent to the 2015 Legislature.
ISIS is cancer that must be cut out
The savage brutality exhibited by the Islamic State reached a new low this week when the terrorist group released video of a Jordanian pilot being burned alive while trapped inside a cage.
Sled dog race needs volunteers
The Flathead Classic Sled Dog Race needs volunteers. The race is scheduled Feb. 28 to March 1 in Olney, 18 miles west of Whitefish off U.S. 93.
When does 'immediately' become a violation?
Recently, a friend of mine gave me a front-page news article from the Duluth News Tribune titled, “Ticket Ticks Off Hunter.”
Veterans Home artists show their stuff at art center display
Exhibit contains projects from all artistic levels
Whitefish residents may have noticed an above-normal amount of red, white and blue around town recently.
Senate narrowly endorses guns on college campuses
HELENA (AP) — The Senate has narrowly endorsed a bill that would allow people to carry concealed weapons on college campuses.
Jordan, shaken by pilot's killing, executes 2 inmates
AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — Jordan called Wednesday for a decisive battle against the Islamic State group, declaring “this evil can and should be defeated,” after the militants burned a Jordanian pilot to death in a cage and gleefully broadcast the horrific images on outdoor screens in their stronghold.
Six die in train-vehicle crash
Investigators look over the wreckage of a Metro-North Railroad train and a sport utility vehicle in Valhalla, N.Y., on Wednesday. Five train passengers and the SUV driver were killed in Tuesday evening’s crash. (AP Photo)
Groundwater contamination increase detected at landfill
Flathead County and state officials are closely watching an increase in groundwater contamination at the county landfill to determine what kind of corrective action can best address the problem.
Court calls for hearings on abortion
HELENA (AP) — The Montana Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that court hearings must be held to determine the constitutionality of laws requiring parental notice and parental consent before minors can have abortions.
Barry Beach: Attorneys ask high court for lighter sentence
HELENA — Attorneys for a Montana State Prison inmate serving a 100-year sentence without the possibility of parole in a 1979 homicide are arguing he should be resentenced under rulings from the nation’s top court that found juveniles can’t be held to the same standards of moral culpability as adults.
Barry Beach
Homeowner holds burglar at gunpoint
BILLINGS (AP) — A Billings man is charged with breaking into his former employer’s house and trying to steal $14,000.
Family disputes stories about shooting victim
BILLINGS — A man shot and killed by federal and local law enforcement officers outside a Montana hospital had escalating legal problems during the months before his death, including breaking into his former wife’s house, court records said.
N.Y. police seek slasher
NEW YORK (AP) — New York City police are searching for a man who slashed a subway rider, a homeless man and another person in the face with a box cutter.
Crashed Taiwan plane hoisted from river
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Rescuers used a crane to hoist the fuselage of a wrecked TransAsia Airways plane from a shallow river in Taiwan’s capital late Wednesday as they searched into the night for 17 people missing in a crash that killed at least 26 others.
Low rates still a challenge for investments
Low interest rates continue to suppress Flathead County’s investments, county Treasurer Adele Krantz said as she delivered a quarterly report to the commissioners last week.
United Way tops fundraising goal
The 2014 United Way campaign exceeded its fundraising goal by 3.8 percent, raising $726,612 to benefit a variety of nonprofit agencies in Northwest Montana.
Appropriations panel passes pair of tax-cut bills
HELENA — Over the objections of Democrats, the Republican-controlled House Appropriations Committee pushed out on party-line votes two bills to reduce state taxes by $120 million over the next two years.
Low prices raise alarm in North Dakota oil patch
WATFORD CITY, N.D. — High crude prices catapulted North Dakota into the top tier of the global oil market and doubled or tripled the size of once-sleepy towns that suddenly had to accommodate a small army of petroleum workers.
Eugenia F. Morrison, 85
Eugenia F. Morrison, 85, of Bigfork, died Feb. 2, 2015, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
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Abby Baldwin laughs as she works on her worksheet at the Stillwater Christian Montessori Preschool on Wednesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Stillwater Christian Montessori Preschool
Rita Ann Almas Johnson, 95
Rita Ann Almas Johnson, 95, died Jan. 19, 2015.
Flathead Valley Chemical Dependency Clinic in its 40th year
Executive Director Mike Cummins of the Flathead Valley Chemical Dependency Clinic on Wednesday, February 4, in Kalispell. Cummins has been with the clinic for 23 years. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Honoring veterans
Robert Rales shows off his embossed foil Aztec sun. Being nearly blind with macular degeneration has not slowed him down. He is able to feel the ridges of the embossed metal to know where to add color. (Sue Cox/Stumptown Art Studio)
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Tuesday, February 3
Basketball: Stillwater sweeps Troy
Stillwater Christian held off a strong charge and hot shooting from Troy on Tuesday night to win its final home game of the season 58-56 in a nonconference girls basketball game.
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Troy, a blue heeler mix, plays with his companion Bailey at the Humane Society of Northwest Montana on Tuesday. Troy more than a year at the Humane Society before being adopted by Jake Tarver. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Troy walks away from his new family Naylynn Valencia, left, Jake Tarver and Scarlett Easton and dogs Bailey and Kahlua after posing for a picture. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Troy, center, sits with his new family Naylynn Valencia, left, Jake Tarver and Scarlett Easton and dogs Bailey and Kahula. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Jim Vashro helps Cynthia Norris, left, and Saundra Valention drill a hole with an auger at Pine Grove Pond during an ice fishing class for the Becoming an Outdoors Woman program on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015 . (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Jenn Cronk of Kalispell uses a ladle to clear out the ice in the hole. Cronk decided to take the class so she can go ice fishing with her sons. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Fishing poles are stocked in a sled. All the equipment and supplies for the class was provided. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Paula Reynolds fishes at Pine Grove Pond. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Cynthia Norris shows Jim Vashro the trout she caught ice fishing at Pine Grove Pond. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Stillwater Christian's Serena Koch lofts a shot over Troy's Aurora Becquart during the Cougars 58-56 win at Stillwater on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Stillwater Christian's Daniel Lambert and Troy's Sean Opland dive for a loose ball during the first quarter at Stillwater. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
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Stillwater Christian's BJ Bach floats a shot in a crowd of Troy defenders at Stillwater on Tuesday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Daybook
Compact bill begins legislative journey
A water rights compact for the Confederated and Salish and Kootenai Tribes has officially begun its march through the state Legislature after more than 10 years of debate and political wrangling.
Educational meeting planned for legislators
Legislators are invited to an informational session Saturday in Helena on the revised water rights compact for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
Group targeting Kalispell legislator over Medicaid
HELENA — A conservative group is targeting Republican state legislators — including Frank Garner of Kalispell — who won’t sign a pledge to oppose Medicaid expansion in Montana and is holding events this week in the lawmakers’ districts to publicize the no-pledge stance.
A happy heeler
Canada says it broke up ISIS terror recruiting cell
TORONTO (AP) — Canadian police on Tuesday arrested one man who they say was part of an Islamic State recruiting cell and charged two more men who are overseas — one of whom may be dead.
House panel tables electronic voter registration
HELENA — A House panel has voted to table a bill that would allow Montanans to register to vote online.
Juneau: Back preschool and bills to boost graduation rates
HELENA — Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau is asking lawmakers to support state-sponsored preschool and initiatives that build on efforts to increase graduation rates.
Former student pleads guilty to setting fires at Christian school
BOZEMAN — A former student at Heritage Christian School in Bozeman has acknowledged twice setting fire to the school.
Man sentenced for stomping death
GREAT FALLS (AP) — A 42-year-old Wolf Point man has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for stomping and beating a man to death.
Snowmobiler had heart attack
BUTTE (AP) — A Deer Lodge man who missed a curve and slipped off a trail while snowmobiling with his family west of Anaconda died of a heart attack.
Lawmaker wants balanced budget vote amendment
HELENA (AP) — A Republican lawmaker on Tuesday called for Montana to join 24 other states in supporting a convention that would amend the U.S. Constitution to require a balanced federal budget.
Oil-spill cleanup on Yellowstone River on hold until ice melts
BILLINGS (AP) — Cleanup work on a 30,000-gallon oil pipeline spill into the Yellowstone River near Glendive is effectively on hold for a month or more until ice on the river melts, state and pipeline company officials said Tuesday.
ISIS burned Jordanian pilot in cage
AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — Islamic State militants put to death a captured Jordanian fighter pilot by burning him alive in a cage, according to a video the group released Tuesday. The kingdom vowed a swift and lethal response to what it called a “barbaric” act.
Man with negligent homicide conviction gets prison for DUI
Parent complains about how student treated
Glacier stray finally finds a home
As the end of the 2013 tourist season approached in Glacier National Park, park rangers were concerned about some stray dogs being left in the park during the winter.
Council approves 12-unit complex
The Kalispell City Council on Monday approved a conditional use permit for Chris Sund and Cascade Professional Park for a 12-unit apartment complex on two lots at 91 and 95 Financial Drive northwest of the former Gateway West Mall.
Bill would bar foreign laws in Montana courts
On Friday, a bill that would prohibit the imposition of foreign laws in state courts will get its first hearing in the state Senate Judiciary Committee.
State House backs more tax cut bills
HELENA — The House on Monday endorsed another tax reduction, with this one cutting state property taxes across the board and reducing state revenues by about $13 million a year.
Whitefish hotel project approved
A new hotel is one step closer to opening in downtown Whitefish.
Bigfork chlorinating its drinking water
Coliform bacteria contamination in Bigfork’s drinking water supply was discovered last month, prompting the Bigfork County Water and Sewer District to alert water users.
Profile: Sister Judy Lund
Sister Judy Lund hands out papers in her class on Tuesday, February 3, at St. Matthew's in Kalispell. Lund has reached her diamond jubilee, 60 years as a teacher. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Gene Jensen, 64
Gene “Geno” Jensen passed away Jan. 14, 2015, in Whitefish.
Wendell E. Johnson, 69
Wendell E. Johnson, 69, of Whitefish, passed away from a recent stroke Jan. 29, 2015, at North Valley Hospital.
Driver dies in pickup-truck collision
A Kalispell man died Tuesday morning in a head-on collision between two pickup trucks on Montana 35 east of Kalispell.
Sheryle Lynn Boppre, 49
Glenn Weeks, 78
H. William 'Bill' Armstrong, 78
H. William "Bill" Armstrong, 78, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015, at Genesis Health Care in Whitefish.
Edward Johannes Prestegaard, 89
Edward Johannes Prestegaard, 89, of Kalispell, “went to be with his Lord” in peace on Jan. 31, 2015, at the Kalispell HealthCenter Hospice.
Robert Leslie Van Alstine, 87
The Rev. Robert Leslie Van Alstine “went to be with his Lord and Savior” on Jan. 31, 2015.
Preschool Art Adventures at the Hockaday
Director of Education for the Hockaday Museum of Art Kathy Martin hands out supplies to young children at the Preschool Art Adventures program on Tuesday, February 3, in Kalispell. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Two arrested after fatal Libby shooting
LIBBY — Two people have been arrested after a 38-year-old Libby man was shot multiple times and killed Saturday night.
Monday, February 2
County OKs plan for 'doughnut' zoning
Acknowledging there is still much work to be done before it’s finalized, the Flathead County commissioners on Monday accepted the Planning Board’s recommendations for proceeding with planning and zoning in the “doughnut” area around Whitefish.
Old jail asbestos, lead paint removal underway
Flathead County is tapping into federal cleanup money to remove lead paint and asbestos and from the historic old jail building that is scheduled for restoration.
Disputes abound on Super Bowl Sunday
At least one New England Patriots fan wasn’t especially thrilled on Super Bowl Sunday. A Whitefish man reported a domestic dispute to the
Eureka wins state drama title
With just six students competing, the Lincoln County High School drama team scored 63 points to win the Montana Class B Drama championship on Saturday.
County worries annexation bill would be 'land grab'
A bill that would allow cities to include wholly surrounded county parks in annexations is being closely tracked by Flathead County parks officials.
Randall John Peterson, 67
Randall John Peterson, 67, son of Arthur and Evelyn Peterson of Whitefish and Kalispell, “passed from this world into heaven” on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015. Death came peacefully, after seven months of battling cancer.
Ryder Wesley Mellem-Beach, 2
Ryder Wesley Mellem-Beach, 2, “earned his angel wings” on Thursday Jan, 29, 2015, due to a fall.
Charmaine Davall, 81
Glacier's friends make significant investment for 2015 park season
AA Orchestra Festival
Glacier sophomore Anna Cecil, center, and students from Flathead, Helena Capital, Helena High and Big Sky rehearse together for the 52nd AA Orchestra Festival on Monday, February 2, at Glacier High. There is a free concert tonight featuring the combined Festival Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Julian Gomez-Giraldo at 7 p.m. at the Glacier High School Performance Hall. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
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Sunday, February 1
Mechanic turns biking fanatic
Ron Cron defies easy description.
Whitefish council to review design plans
The Whitefish City Council will take a look at revised design plans for the Block 46 Hotel during tonight’s meeting.
Kalispell council to consider new apartments
The Kalispell City Council tonight will consider a request by Cascade Professional Park on behalf of Chris Sund to build a 12-unit apartment complex on two lots at 91 and 95 Financial Drive northwest of the former Gateway West Mall.
Facility offers complete birthing experience
For expectant mothers in the Flathead Valley, giving birth at the hospital is the obvious choice. For others, however, a more family oriented experience can be appealing when the stork comes calling.
Parking spot causes dispute
A man on Fifth Avenue West called the
Legislator at odds with GOP committee over compact
The Lincoln County Republicans Central Committee is not happy about their state senator’s support for the water rights compact for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
Monday Profile: Ron Cron
Ron Cron assembles a strider-type bike called a Rally Balance Bike on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at Cron Automotive in Kalispell. Cron will be giving away one bike per month to young riders who cannot afford to purchase one for themselves.
